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

Chapter 28

Chapter 28:

It was an hour before our interview and Marlee and Mary were already fussing over me.

"Are you done yet?"

Marlee chuckles, pinning up a piece of my hair. "No, not yet, America. No peeking."

I sigh. As much as I enjoy my friend's company, I'm really not in the mood for all of this dress-up. All day, my feet have been aching, and I sometimes get random occurrences of morning sickness. Not to mention, that I've tried to keep up with my normal schedule even with the advisors knowing.

Last week when we told the advisors, they took it much better than I ever could've thought. The mood in our meetings has lightened considerably since the news, and I no doubt that the country's tone will lighten as well. Maxon has already given me a couple stern warnings about working overtime, and of course, I often try to ignore them. It didn't really hit me until a few days ago that my body was changing – all due to a small bump that now protruded from my stomach. Marlee, Mary and Lucy had of course, all gushed when I told them that I was beginning to show. I remember also telling Aspen about the twins too, and he seemed genuinely happy for Maxon and I.

"Okay, America. We're done now." Marlee says. She takes away the eye mask that I'm wearing and holds her hands out to present her and Mary's masterpiece.

"It's beautiful ladies." I say, admiring their work, as much as it begrudged me to go through all that pampering. My hair is pinned up in an intricate low up do, and my make up is done to perfection, as always, with a little heavier color for the stage. I smile at the cream and gold ensemble they've picked out for me to wear. It's a long gown that has a high neckline and a long, but comfortable skirt that juts out so that you can't really see my bump. Intertwined between the layers is a gold shimmery mesh that perfectly matches the gold jeweled tiara I'm wearing and my other jewelry.

"Alright, you'd better go and get ready for the interview! We'll be watching!" Mary says excitingly.

"Okay, but first someone's go to get my husband" I say.

"Get who?" Maxon pokes his head around the corner.

"Speak of the devil! We were just helping Mer finish up. You two have some great news to share with the country."

Maxon smiles and takes my hand. "That we do, and we'd better get going, least someone in the palace lets the world know before we do." I don't know how many people know – besides my family and our closest friends, but I suspect that someone – has let it slip that I am expecting. Lately some of the maids and cooks have been giving me strange looks, like they know a secret that no one else does.

At last, we make our way down to the room where the interviews are filmed and meet Gavril.

"Your Majesties, I hear a congratulations is in order." He shakes our hands and bows slightly as we enter.

"Indeed, Gavril, I'm sure the country will be as excited as the advisors are." I look over and see a couple of them chuckling across the room.

"Why of course! This is wonderful news! And twins too! Wow. Her Majesty and yourself will have quite the handful for the next many years.

"I sure hope so, Gavril." I smile, as he gently kisses my hand.

"And my, Queen America, you look particularly stunning tonight as well, my dear."

We all take our places, and discuss the various questions that we are going to go over. Even after all this time, I still enjoy going into these interviews more prepared – well then I was, that one time.