Maxerica

Queen in Progress

"Will you please put on a dress?" Maxon asks.
"But it's Saturday. You promised today specifically I'd get a break. Which means jeans," I demand.
"Plans change dear."
"They shouldn't. I want a day to relax Maxon."
I cross my arms.
"You can relax tomorrow. We can have a day together ok?"
I hesitate.
"Fine."
"Queens don't wear jeans to meetings."
"I'm still learning to accept that."
"You're a queen in progress."
He smiles and kisses my cheek. I huff and get a dress.
"Someone's grumpy," he says.
"Thanks to somebody."
"Oh I'm sorry."
I look at him. He's smiling at me.
"Help me get dressed handsome," I flirt.
"Gladly," he replies, rushing over.
Once he undresses then dresses me, we head to the meeting room to speak to our not-so-wanted guests.

"Now that all the boring talk is over, we have a proposal," Jeanine says.
"Proposal?" Maxon asks.
"Yes. As you know, we have children about the same again as Princess Eadlyn and Prince Ahren. Our son is a year older and our daughter is a year younger," Austin continues for her.
Jeanine and Austin are big business owners in Illea, from Angeles. They have two children as he said. They're very well know because of this business that's been passed down for generations. Every now and then we'll set up meetings with the business owners all across Illea, but this one was requested by them.
We both nod, wondering where this is going.
"We were wondering if you'd be interested in an arranged marriage for your son since yesterday ur daughter has her selection," Jeanine says, grabbing her tea cup.
I stare at her in shock. Maxon clears his throat.
"I'm not sure if we want to do that," Maxon tells them.
"We don't," I say.
"I beg you to reconsider," Jeanine says.
"No. Eadlyn will go through her selection and Ahren will marry who he pleases," I insist.
"We will gladly give one of our warehouses to your son when the marriage is complete. It will be under the Schreave name forever," Jeanine assures.
"Well the marriage won't be complete," I reply.
Maxon looks at me.
"Your majesty. If I may say-" Austin starts.
"No. You may not. I want to speak nothing more of the matter."
"If you're sure your majesty."
"I am."
"We'll talk about it later," Maxon adds.
I look at him. He's looking at Jeanine who smiles. I huff and ignore the rest of the conversation.

We stand together by the stairs as the guests leave.
As soon as the doors are closed I turn around and start walking up the stairs.
"America."
I just keep walking. He jogs up next to me and grabs my arm.
I yank my arm away.
"What is your problem?" he asks.
"My problem is you wagering our kids lives!"
"I did nothing of the sort!"
"You did!"
"I said we'd talk about it. Nothing is official."
"And nothing will be."
"I never said that we'll make a deal."
"I can't stand that you're even considering it!"
"Who said I was!?"
"You! We'll talk about it later means you'll think about it!"
"No it doesn't. There is a fine line between pleasing business members and considering options."
"You're just going to throw away our children's lives!"
"No I'm not!"
"Just don't talk to me!"
"Gladly!"
At that he walks away. I go the other way, heading to the kids room.