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

Chapter 21

Chapter 21:

Before I knew it, it was almost Christmas. The last couple months had been the busiest but happiest months of my life. Even though I was drowning in work to be done, I was also improving the country and helping the people who worked in the palace too. It was days before Christmas when Maxon told me about a small trip that one of us would have to take.

I remember the conversation from the other day.

I was finally getting back to our room after a full day of working and planning in my study. Lately I've been trying to get the palace ready for Christmas; making sure the ballroom was set up and the decorations hung. One of my favorite things to do was decorate the huge Christmas tree that probably had hundreds of ornaments on it. As I was daydreaming in my room, Maxon finally came in. 

"Hello love." I say, taking down my hair. Maxon takes off his coat and runs his fingers through his hair. When he doesn't reply at first I ask him "is something wrong?" 

He sighs. "I'm sorry, but the advisors are pushing me to attend the international summit soon…you know, the one that's right after Christmas. I don't want to go, and I was going to tell them to count me out, but one of the advisors brought up the possibility of using this as a platform to help our allies and us get a head start in the war in New Asia. I never really liked attending these things, but I know it might benefit the country, so I agreed." 

I look down, pretending to play with my hair. "What…what about me?" I don't want Maxon to leave, even if it's something important. Last time we were apart, it was like missing the other half of me. I don't want to admit that it really bothers me and be selfish, but I wasn't going to let him go that easily. 

"They said that someone needed to stay here. I'm sorry America, but I think it's better if I go so that I can try to bargain with our allies. If I could get them to send more support, it could drastically change the outcome of the war." I nod my head. "I'm sorry Ames. I don't want to leave right after Christmas, but I have to." 

I find my voice. "But…can't I come too?" I can tell from his face that he wants it, but we can't really leave Illea without its rulers. 

"I'll ask them about it." Is all he says, and we both go to bed, hoping that we don't have to let go. 

Today, it's Christmas Eve. There is a ball tonight, with some of the mayors from each of the provinces. Typically, the ones that live closer come, or others fly in, and then fly out the next day so that they can be with their families. The ball is later this afternoon, which gives me time to prepare. Our families and close friends will be here too, as well as August and Georgia (probably). I know that May will most likely steal the show today at the ball. She already told me that she already made plans with some of my maids to design a gown that was "extra gorgeous" or however she put it. I was still thinking about how Maxon would have to leave the day after Christmas and how it felt so unsettling being here when he got to deal with all of the other royals by himself when I heard our door open and Maxon waltzed in. Surprisingly, he had a smile on his face.

"I have great news." I turn and look up hopefully.

"Is it that I get to eat all of the strawberry tarts today or is that too much to hope for?" I joke.

He shakes his head excitedly. "No. Something even better. I kept nagging Stavros about letting you go to the International Summit with me and he finally said yes."

I blink a couple times. "Really?"

"Really." Maxon beamed.

"Thank you." I get up and hug him. "But who will take care of the country?" I ask.