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

Chapter 16

Chapter 16:

The next morning I awake to find Maxon gone, which is not surprising. I knew that he’d be swept into meetings as soon as possible, and I missed having him all to myself. I roll over in bed, trying to inhale his scent. The clock says that it’s almost eight, which means I should get up soon.

“Hmmm…” I breathe. The bed feels so empty without Maxon here. I remember the days back in Italy where we would lie around in bed until midmorning at least. When I finally roll out of bed, I reach over and grab one of his shirts that are lying on the dresser and inhale his scent before returning to my own room. When I get there, I quickly strip down and go to take a shower. My maids arrive soon after that, and they help me get ready for the day. I know that in the afternoon, I am scheduled to work with Silvia and learn about the rest of my duties as queen. Since I’ve already been preparing for this for months, there is little left that I need to know, besides some of the palace’s secrets. Sometime soon I want to ask Maxon more about all of the secret rooms and passages within the palace, but for right now, I have my hands full with just being a queen.

Right before my maids are done, I pass them a small note that I want them to deliver. I know I have about an hour left of peace before I’d better be getting work done, and there’s someone that I’d like to see. Less than ten minutes later, I hear a knock on my door. I go over to open it and find a smiling and bubbly Marlee. We both embrace when we see each other.

“Oh my gosh, Ames! I’ve missed you so much! You need to tell me about your honeymoon.” She gushes.

I welcome her into my room and tell her everything that happened, more or less.

“So he really took you to Italy?”

“Yes. He did.” It’s so nice having my best friend back right next to me.

“That’s amazing.” She says. “And…how was it? I mean…with Maxon?”

I blush. “It was…well, it was the most amazing thing in my life. You were right, the first couple times was…different, but I’d say we’re pretty used to it now.” I can’t keep this stupid grin off my face.

“I’m so glad you’re happy, your majesty.” She winks. Her and I talk a little bit more about what’s been going on since I was gone. She tells me that the rebel attack wasn’t as severe as it could’ve been, and that most of the people down in the kitchens and other areas got to safety. She also noted that the guards did an exceptional job this time around, after going through the changes Aspen and Maxon had put in place. I’m still worried about this recent attack though. I feel like they were waiting for something. Afterwards, I say goodbye to Marlee, and mentally prepare myself for a day of being queen. After all of these weeks of preparing for this, I never really think of myself as that. To me, I’m just America Schreave. Not Queen America. Just America.

As I’m leaving my room, something catches my eye.

I didn’t notice this last night, but there is a small piece of crumpled paper that’s sticking out from underneath my bed. It’s sticking out in a way that most people wouldn’t notice it unless they were looking closely enough at the ground. I slowly go and pick it up.

Inside, is a list of six names…each with a number beside them. Most of them, I have no idea who they are, while others look like they are advisors or other important people. The numbers range in size from 50 to 200. What frightens me the most is the last name.

Michael Walcott 150

David Walcott 150

Elias Town 50