It's So Much More Than That (A Selection Story)

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The wedding flowed effortlessly into the coronation. Before I knew it, the Archbishop (although he didn't really play a major role in the Illean government, he did perform duties such as this) came up to the alter and asked the audience to be seated. I glanced over at Maxon who gave me a reassuring smile. I was ready for this. The Archbishop said some words and then asked a bearer to bring up the scepter and the orb, which I gently took into my hands. Soon it was time for me to take my oath to Illea and officially become their queen.

"Through her marriage to Maxon Calix Schreave, America Magda Schreave will now take up the oath of coronation." I small smile played across my lips at my new name. He then went into a long speech about the history of this tradition, dating back to Gregory Illea. I recognized some of the names he mentioned, including Maxon's grandparents, who never lived that long to see Maxon grow older. I knew there was a lot of drama surrounding the royal family over the years, and had been briefed on the history of that earlier. It surprised me that until Amberly's selection, there hadn't been a girl from the lower caste to win. The two selections before hers had not gone very well either. (For a complete history, read The Selection stories) Finally, it was time for me to take my vows again.

"America Magda Schreave, do you promise to govern and uphold the law of the people of Illea and all it's future sovereign nations?

"I will."

"Will you promise to use your power to promote justice and mercy as you bear witness to your judgments?"

"I will."

"Will you serve your people to the best of your ability; will you promise to produce a heir in this marriage to educate to uphold this position in future years? Will you promise to maintain this position as long as the country deems you fit to?

"I solemnly promise to do so." The last vow was the hardest; I really didn't want to force this life upon any of my children, and yet for now, I had to. I knew Maxon and I really wanted to try to eradicate the castes...but the royal line? Was that too drastic a change? Hopefully someday I could give my family the choice. Someday I would change this.

"Then bring forth the scepter and orb." I turned towards the alter with both pieces in my hands. A young boy came forward balancing an extravagant diadem on the pillow he was holding. It was larger than anything a princess would wear, and still upheld its very feminine look. It was simple in design, yet still stunning in every way. I knew that this one had been passed down ever since Illea was instated as a country. The Archbishop took the crown from the boy and I stepped forward, lowering my head.

After he replaced my other tiara with it, he stepped back so people could have a look at their new queen. "People of Illea, I now give you your new Queen! Queen America!" There was a smattering of applause. Cameras were flashing everywhere, but somehow I managed to find Maxon's hand amidst it all. I smiled, but in my head all I was thinking about was the heavy burden I had now. It wasn't just the heaviness of the crown, it was everything that we had to fix. However, today was my day and I didn't want to ruin it by worrying about anything else. We would have years to fix this, and with a little luck, we might be able to accomplish something. Problems are not fixed overnight. They are not fixed in a decade. Some things will linger for years, but every small step you take is one more step towards the ultimate goal.

I was now the Queen of Illea, and I wouldn't give up on my people. Ever.

After the coronation ended, we were swept aside into another room to await the cars that would be taking us back to the palace. The guests were already swarming outside the doors and I'm sure the footage of the coronation was already being shown around the world. I was still holding Maxon's hand when we were escorted back into the cars. Luckily, we had one to ourselves, so I could sneak into the backseat with my husband. I think we were both smiling like idiots when the car finally pulled into the traffic. I rested my head against Maxon's shoulder while I curled up my legs on the seat, wedding dress and all.