Hi guys! I'm back! I am so, so, so, SO sorry that I haven't updated in literally forever. I've been really busy and I haven't really had that much creativeness inside of me. But I promise that since it's nearly summer, I will be updating much more frequently. Maybe I can finish this story by December, hmm? In the meantime... chapter 8.

Blake1bella: I'm glad you like this story. I don't plan on stopping it anytime soon. Sorry for the wait!

Ur1reader747929: I'm so glad you like it! I'm glad you imagined it like this as well.

Disclaimer: If I owned these books, I'd be working on Happily Ever After right now.

Chapter 8:

AMERICA POV:

It's been three weeks since Daddy was hospitalized at the palace. Thank goodness the doctors here are the best in Illea or he may not have lived. Thankfully, he pulled through a week ago, and they determined him healthy again. I'm just glad to have my dad back, even if he is currently still under bed rest.

"America, the meeting will start in ten minutes," May says from my side, jolting me from my thoughts. I smile at my sister next to me in my room.

"Oh, yes," I nod. "Thanks, May. I owe you one." When Amberly heard that I was going to regular meetings with all the advisors, Maxon, and Clarkson, she pulled me in for a few sessions on proper etiquette and ways to handle these meetings to get your point across. One main one was to dress so that you are businesslike and professional but still feminine.

Today is the final meeting before Maxon and I leave for the provinces in two days. My maids had come up with a fabulous cream colored dress falling to my knees. On top, they let me pair it with a cropped navy blouse. My hair is pinned back, the curls falling down my shoulders. My outfit is bold but not too extravagant, drawing attention to my face.

As I walk down the hall, I spot Maxon waiting for me at the corner. "Hello, my prince," I kiss his cheek.

"My future princess," he kisses my forehead. Scrutinizing me, he frowns. "You can't go in like that. They will steal you from me."

Rolling my eyes, I smile at him. "Relax, Maxon. They're pretty much all married."

"Pretty much. Terry is not married and neither is Nickerson."

I sigh and open the door. "Lady America," Stavros is there, along with a handful of advisors. "You're early today. Ah – Prince Maxon. Your father is not here yet."

Maxon waves his hand lightly. "Not an issue, Stavros. We will just ready ourselves for the impending meeting."

King Clarkson walks in a minute later and the meeting promptly begins. "Is everyone clear on the trip to be held?" Stavros asks immediately. When that is clear, he proceeds, "Does everyone know the schedule of the trip? And, have you already decided on which guards and maids and butlers to take with you?" he asks us.

"All done, Stavros," Maxon says. "We will be back around the beginning of December. Perfect to begin planning for Elise's departure as well as the Christmas festivities. Speaking of Elise, let's move on to New Asia matters."

Clarkson nods. I see the sparkle of pride in his eye for his son. "Are there any updates on the suggestion of a Selection for the prince?"

"Yes," Markson speaks up. "In fact, they have sent a reply just this morning. I believe… yes, here it is." Clearing his throat, he reads, "'The most honorable King Clarkson, I would like to thank you for your suggestion. New Asia would highly benefit from a Selection made of Illean girls. I have spoken to my son and he agrees that this will be a fine way for him to find his wife. We ask that you supply one hundred possible Illean girls – preferably of higher nobility and caste – and we shall supply one hundred New Asian girls. I have received word that Lady Elise will be arriving as an ambassador to us in early January. She is most welcome here and hopefully with her you can send the names and pictures of the one hundred girls. Regards, the Emperor of New Asia."'

"So… the prince is going to find a match with two hundred ladies?" Maxon looks shocked. "I could barely manage four!"

I smile slightly. "I presume the prince is hoping to self-select from a pool of girls. My guess is that he will end up with forty girls, similar to the number you had, Maxon. But… which girls would be willing to do this?"

"Leave it all to us, ma'am," Stavros says. "We will ask for an extended deadline. Currently, we have Illea still recovering from one Selection. Do you think you can relay this to Elise, my lady? Perhaps she may join this Selection as well? I think we will ask her to stay there for the duration of this Selection."

"That may be asking too much," I counter. Obedient as Elise is, no one would like to be in a foreign country for so long. "We don't know how long the prince will take."

"Let's leave it to Elise to decide how long she wishes to remain in New Asia. Next… Stavros, the ratings for this week, please?" Clarkson effortlessly changes the conversation.

"Yes, sir," Stavros shuffles his papers. Clearing his throat, he reads, "King Clarkson currently stands at 58%, Queen Amberly at 78%, Prince Maxon at 72% and Lady America at 87%."

Dead silence falls over the room. Stavros looks at his paper again, clearly not believing his eyes. "Oh! I'm sorry. Queen Amberly is at 88%."

The room is still silent. "That is… the highest ratings approval in history," Clarkson sounds awed. "The average, Stavros?"

"The royal family – soon to be family – average ratings approval is 75.25%. Another record, your highness."

"Amazing," Maxon seems awed. "Well then… it looks like our plans are going in the right direction."

Just then, the door opens and Queen Amberly hurries in. "Pardon me, gentlemen," she says quickly, smiling slightly. "I have a newly sent message for the king." After handing Clarkson the paper, she kisses Maxon's head, squeezes my shoulder, and excuses herself back to her own work.

"Ah…" Clarkson looks up. "The French royalty will be arriving in three days to help with a treaty as well as Queen Amberly's birthday ball. The Italians will be coming back as well."

"We cannot miss that," Maxon says firmly. "Look, we haven't yet announced this trip to the public, so why not push it back to January? As a new year, it will be time for new beginnings – we can leave around the same time as Elise sets off for New Asia."

Stavros scratches his head. "Very well, then. Lady America, any thoughts?"

Personally, I'm surprised that none of them are too surprised by this. Then again, they are probably used to it. I shrug, smoothing my skirt. "If it is possible, I think that would be the better way."

"It's settled, then," Clarkson sighs, shuffling his papers. "Well, then… gentlemen and lady, meeting adjourned? Shall we pick up back here tomorrow at eight thirty?"

A chorus of murmured agreement sound with the scraping of chairs, and next I know, Maxon and I are out in the gardens. "Hmm, it's nice out here," he stretches out leisurely upon our bench.

"I do have good taste," I smirk at him.

"Huh…" Maxon grins at me. "Maybe it was over-reacting to being claustrophobic to the palace that led you out here that night."

I smack his arm. "Shut up. You know it wasn't."

"Fine…fine…" We're quiet for a moment before he speaks again. "Hey, Ames… you know that Daphne will be here, right?"

"That's great, isn't it?" I ask quietly. "Maxon, I trust you more than I've trusted almost anyone. I don't mind her coming, really." After a pause, I can't resist the urge. "Is she seeing anyone?"

Maxon grinned. "I knew that was in you somewhere. To answer your question, no. I don't think so, at least. Girls do get stuck on me for a while. A very lucky one will be suck with me their whole life." He pulls me down onto his lap, kissing my nose. "Well, she will be queen someday, so… maybe she will have a Selection of her own. I don't know. I don't really care that much."

"Good," I reply, snuggling into his chest. "Because America Singer has a lot of jealousy hidden inside her beautiful exterior." I feel his laughter as he presses his lips to my head.

"Your highness!" a guard comes out.

"Yes, Officer Avery?" Maxon answers and I look up.

"There has been a revolt in a province and the king and queen demand to see you and Lady America immediately."

Sorry guys. I had to leave you hanging. Anyways, thanks so much for reading. Who else loved the Heir? I know I did!

Again, please review, follow, and fave. ANY SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME - HOW DO YOU GUYS WANT DAPHNE PORTRAYED (she'll be here in Ch. 9), do you think America will get jealous? Will everything go smoothly with New Asia?

Love you guys.

Keep reading!

~Bookworm4life2001