Chapter 26

By Sunday afternoon, Ella had completed all her extra credit assignments. Maksim cheered for her as she submitted the last piece of work and collapsed on the floor of her room in exhaustion.

"I'm not getting into Columbia," Ella whined as she laid on the floor. "My grades are going to be horrible."

"You're getting at least a B-. It's not the end of the world. And you still have two more semesters to bring your overall scores up," Maksim said as he laid back with his arms folded behind his head staring up at the ceiling.

Ella turned her face to look at him as she laid with her chest pressed against the soft rug. Her eyes lingered on the sharp features of his face as sunlight coming in through the window radiated off of him.

"You think I can do it?" She asked in a small voice.

"Of course," Maksim nodded.

"What about you? What are your plans after graduation?"

"Back to St. Rieka," Maksim said. "It's family tradition."

Suddenly, Ella grew very quiet. Her chest began to hurt as she slowly realized what was waiting for them in the future. She reached out with her hand and twirled her finger in Maksim's hair.

"St. Rieka is in upstate New York, right?" She asked.

Maksim nodded as he closed his eyes and enjoyed her playing with his hair. He was so calm he could almost fall asleep.

"If you're worried about us being separated in the fall, I suggest you get that idea out of your head," he said, feeling Ella's anxiety through her fingers.

"How did you know?" Ella smiled as she moved a little closer to him.

"I just do," Maksim said. "Don't worry about fall. I got it all planned out."

"Oh really?"

"Yes."

"Please do share."

"Well," Maksim opened his eyes and turned to look at Ella. "We will get an apartment for you off campus near Columbia. I will come down every Friday and stay the whole weekend. My classes can be moved around so that I leave Monday afternoon and then we repeat the cycle all over again on Friday."

"Oh you have it all planned out, don't you?" Ella laughed.

"It's a fantastic plan," Maksim said. "My parents fell in love in New York."

"There is a huge plot hole in your plans."

"What's that?"

"What if I don't get into Columbia?"

"Then we will move this plan around wherever you are."

"How will that work if I am in Australia and you are in New York?"

"You're planning on going to college in Australia?" Maksim raised a brow.

"No," Ella shook her head. "Just an example. What if I'm not in New York?"

"Baby, you forget my family has three pixie gold rings." Maksim smiled as he closed his eyes again. Ella continued to twirl her fingers in his hair as she gazed up at him basking in the sun.

"I won't get any scholarships with my grades this semester," Ella worried.

"You don't need them. You'll be able to pay for Columbia and the apartment all by yourself."

"Am I robbing a bank or something?"

"No," Maksim laughed. "You'll be the Queen. It's only a matter of time before brands and companies start sending your endorsement deals."

"What?" Ella asked in shock.

"Yes," Maksim nodded his head. "Clare, Maya, and Adeline don't use any of the family's money. They're paid by brands and companies."

"For what?"

"For wearing their stuff," Maksim said. "Maya gets paid a large sum of money every time she wears Edsel watches outside."

"Really?"

"Yep," Maksim opened his eyes and looked at her. "I have a few endorsement deal and pretty soon you will have them too."

Ella stayed quiet as she processed the news. Maksim watched the wheels turning in the back of her mind as he stared into her eyes.

"It's part of the job, my love," he said to ease her worries. "You sign what you like."

"Okay," Ella sighed.

Maksim reached over and pulled her closer. He stretched one arm out and Ella laid her head on it. She turned her body and held him as they laid on the floor. Under her hand, Maksim's heart hummed sending out pure electric currents through her system.

"Babe?"

"Yes?" Ella tilted her head back to look at him.

"I don't mean to put any pressure on you but we kind of need to decide what we want to do about the whole announcement situation."

Ella slowly lifted herself onto her elbow and looked into Maksim's eyes, "I think we should do it."

"Yeah?" Maksim blinked in surprise.

"Yes," Ella nodded.

"Okay, I'll let Jenny know," a grin spread over the prince's face. He laid his head back as Ella placed her chin on his chest. "It will be good exposure to get those deals to come in."

"Oh," Ella said as she picked up her head. "I wasn't thinking about that. I just.....I just thought people will know so why bother not saying anything."

"I know love," Maksim looked at her and gave her a warm smile. "I know you're not the type to value material things."

"What will happen at this announcement?"

"We get dressed up, we go into the throne room where the press will be invited in. We stand together and smile and they take pictures. That's literally all."

"That doesn't sound too bad," Ella smiled.

"It's really not," Maksim laughed. "I'm just not a fan of the fundraisers."

"But you are very good with the people," Ella said as she placed her chin on his chest again. "I think you did a wonderful job at that coffee shop."

"Thank you," Maksim bowed his head. "I had a brilliant, beautiful, and amazing woman help me."

"I didn't do anything," Ella placed her head down.

"You gave me the idea to talk to the people."

Ella smiled as she felt Maksim's hands run through her hair. His body was so at ease and relaxed. It was so easy to forget about the rest of the world when he was next to her. His energy was like a bright light over all the dark memories in Ella's head. When she was with him, her mind was quiet and her heart calm.

"Max...." Ella said after a few minutes.

"Hmm?"

"Do you think the people will like me?"

"Of course," Maksim smiled. "They will love you."

"But that video," Ella frowned. "I heard what people were saying about me after they all saw the video."

"Yes, Ella," Maksim laughed. "A few jealous girls called you ungrateful because you and I fought. They don't know us and their opinion does not matter."

"But they are the people,"

"They are not all the people," Maksim reminded her. "Once you are introduced, Jenny will probably have you do press with me. Once the people get to know you more, they will love you."

"You really think so?"

"I really do," Maksim nodded his head. "I really think you are what this kingdom needs right now."

"What do you mean?"

"Well," Maksim slowly sat up as Ella moved back. "You are from this town. And I don't mean this in a negative way or anything, but you are human. To them, you are their voice. They will feel closer to us through you."

"Their voice?" Ella raised a brow. "That's a lot."

Maksim laughed as he leaned forward and kissed her, "Don't worry. You will learn slowly. We both will. We'll be a team."

"Don't you ever get scared?"

"Yes," Maksim nodded. "All the time."

Ella followed Maksim and sat up. She folded her legs in front of her and tucked her hair behind her ears.

"What happened during that car accident?" she asked timidly.

"Mercenaries," Maksim frowned. "Someone hired them."

"Who?" Ella gasped.

"We're still working on it. But all evidence is pointing to a group of protesters the Queen's guard has been watching for a while now."

"Who are they?"

Maksim sighed, "They call themselves the sons of Tovio."

"Tovio?"

"Meaning hope," Maksim explained. "They're led by a man named Roman Cosima. He's been very vocal about wanting the monarchy gone."

"Why?"

"The sons of Tovio believe we have too much power. According to them, it's going to our head. The Dorins have been on the throne for over five hundred years."

"Well it's not your fault if your ancestors and your grandfather is immortal," Ella argued.

"They don't see it that way," Maksim said as he picked at the rug. "They think we are keeping all the wealth, magic, and powers out of their reach."

"And it should be that way," Ella said. "The kind of power your family possesses should not be left for everyone to use. Access to it needs to be limited."

"Unfortunately, my dear queen, not everyone thinks that way," Maksim smiled as he pinched Ella's cheek.

"Well they're idiots then,"

"They will be your people," Maksim laughed.

"Ugh," Ella rolled her eyes. "I'll be the queen of idiots."

"Don't let them hear that," Maksim laughed even harder and he pulled Ella on top of him. "They'll want your head like my great great great grandmother."

"Queen Eila the third," Ella said.

"Yes. Eila the third."

"I can't believe the king allowed his wife to be beheaded."

"She used a magic spell to trade bodies with a prisoner," Maksim said with a smirk.

"No!" Ella gasped. She sat up in surprise and stared at Maksim with wide eyes. "Really? So she....she lived?"

"Yes," Maksim nodded laughing. "She lived a full life and when she had enough she asked her lady in waiting to smother her with a pillow in her sleep."

"Oh my god," Ella blinked in surprise.

"Of course you will never read that in any history book and after today you will forget you ever heard me say it."

"Of course," Ella nodded as she zipped her lips.

Maksim's smile grew wider as he saw the millions of questions and excitement behind Ella's blue eyes.

"Would you like to see her crown?" He asked quietly.

Ella's eyes widened, "Can we? I mean are we allowed to?"

Maksim threw his head back and laughed, "Baby, I'm a ki-"

"Yes, yes, I know." Ella rolled her eyes. "You're a king."

"Did you just roll your eyes at the king?"

"Are you really questioning your Queen?"

Maksim grinned as he watched Ella proudly. She looked so radiant in the sunlight. And that sass.... God damn. She made him want to tackle her with kisses right then and there.

"What?" Ella raised a brow as she noticed Maksim starling at her.

"Nothing," Maksim shook his head. "Come on. Let's go meet Eila the third."

Ella jumped to her feet at once as Maksim rose slowly. They picked up all their books off the floor and cleaned the room before racing down the hall to the main floor.

"This isn't fair," Ella complained as she ran after him. "Your legs are longer and you're a werewolf."

"Excuses, excuses, Ella Bella," Maksim said looking over his shoulder.

The smirk on his face only made Ella push herself even harder. She could tell he wasn't running at his full speed yet she was still winded from trying to keep up with him. They ran down the halls and around the corners as the palace staff jumped out of their way in alarm. Ella's laughter bounced off of every wall and it was sweet music to Maksim's ears.

As they passed the queen's office, Mavi and Owen poked their head out to see what was going on. They smiled as they watched goofy grin on their son's face and heard his mate's laughter.

"I think we did a good job," Owen nodded his head in approval.

"We crushed this parenting thing," Mavi fist bumped him.

________________________

Ella wasn't comfortable with the idea of missing school. But she understood it was for an important cause. As soon as Maksim had informed PR that they had the green light for an announcement, a press conference was arranged within twenty four hour.

Monday afternoon the palace buzzed with activities as everyone prepared. Layla was in charge of making sure Ella was ready for the camera. She was woken up from sleep at 8 AM sharp as a team of beauticians worked on her from head to toe.

Ella's nails were done, her eyebrows were plucked, her dresses were fitted. She spent hours on the chair as the men and woman worked on her tirelessly. When the hairstylist brought out the scissors, Ella freaked.

"Please don't cut it too short," she begged the man.

"Do not worry, princess. We have strict orders from Prince Maksim to trim only a little bit."

"Oh thank god," Ella let out a breath of relief. She chewed on her bottom lip the entire time as she watched the man in the mirror sniff off the ends of her hair.

"Ella?" Layla said as she came up to the chair with a glass of water and a cell phone. "You need to stay hydrated. It makes your skin look good."

"Thank you," Ella said as she took the glass of water.

"This is from Prince Maksim," Layla handed Ella a brand new phone.

"Oh," Ella frowned as she took the device. "Thank you."

Layla smiled before she went off to check on Ella's dress. Ella turned the phone in her hand as her hair got prepped for blow drying. She tapped on the screen and a text message lit up.

Relax, Maksim wrote. You need a phone. It's for your safety. Mom told me to tell you it's a birthday present from her. You can't refuse a gift from the queen.

Ella smiled as she read the text. She quickly checked herself in the mirror before she responded.

Are you strapped to a chair too with people poking you?

"How do you envision your makeup?" a woman asked as she applied some cream to Ellal's face.

"Something very subtle," Ella said. "Nothing too bold or bright."

"Got it," the lady nodded as she got to work.

The phone in Ella's hands pinged and she immediately checked to see what Maksim had to say.

No, I'm actually enjoying an afternoon of golf with Paws.

What? That's not fair. I feel like a science experiment right now. Do you have any idea the amount of dresses I have tried on?

"Please look up," the makeup artist said as she applied some more product on Ella's face. "You have beautiful skin. Let's not hide that."

"Thank you," Ella smiled.

"Your eyes are very blue. I'm going to be very light with the colors so it's not very harsh with all the cameras flashing."

"Okay," Ella nodded as if she knew what the lady was talking about. Her phone pinged again and she quickly brought it up to her face to check the text.

I would actually love to see that. Maybe you can do a mini fashion show for me when I come back.

Why would I do that? I don't even like you, Maksim Radacovick.

And with that, Ella put her phone away so she wouldn't irritate the makeup lady. She sat in her chair quietly like a star pupil and let the team work. After about two more hours she was finally done.

Ella stood in front of the floor length mirror as she peered at her reflection. She could hardly recognize herself. Her hair was so glossy. The soft waves feel over her shoulder like a dream. The blush pink tweed dress she wore made her look oh so youthful and lively. Her makeup accentuated her blue eyes and the light coral color on her lips made them look plump and ready to be kissed.

"Do you like it?" Layla asked as she did a few last minute touches to Ella's hair.

Ella nodded, "Yes. How can I not?"

"You look very beautiful."

"Thank you," Ella smiled.

They both looked up as there was a knock on the door. Layla went over to open it as Ella ran a hand over her hair making sure it was good.

"Is she ready?" Maksim asked from the hallway.

"Yes, your grace," Layla bowed as she took a step aside.

Ella took a deep breath as she walked up to the door. She bit down on her lip as she prepared herself for Maksim's reaction. But when she saw her prince, she was the one who was left breathless.

Maksim stood outside in a perfectly tailored black suit. His voluminous hair was combed over and freshly trimmed. Those beautiful eyes of his lit up as he saw Ella walk out of the room.

"Wow," they both said together looking each other up and down.

"I like your hair," Ella commented.

"I like your.....everything," Maksim laughed.

"Thank you, your majesty."

"You're most welcome, Ella Bella."

"Your grace," A tall woman with short black hair spoke up as she approached the couple. "We're ready for you."

"Thank you, Jenny," Maksim said as he led his hand out for Ella.

With a final deep breath, Ella took Makim's hand and stepped up next to him. Her nerves started to act up as they slowly followed Jenny down the hall. Ella's heart thumped as she heard the many voices down stairs.

"I'm right here," Maksim whispered into her ear.

"Max,"

"Yes, my love?"

"My family will see this."

Maksim's steps slowed before coming to a stop. Jenny looked over at them but Maksim asked her to give them some privacy for two minutes. Jenny bowed her head and walked ahead.

Maksim waited until she was out of ear shot to look into his mate's eyes and pulled her face up to him.

"We can still call this off," he told her. "If you're not ready, I d-"

"No, no," Ella shook her head. "I am ready. I'm just.....I'm just nervous. I don't know why I'm scared of their reaction. I know it doesn't make any sense. But I feel this anxiety inside of me as if I have to go back and face them after this."

"No, baby," Maksim shook his head. "You don't have to go anywhere. They can't hurt you anymore."

Ella nodded, "I know....."

"You need to show them you are stronger than they wanted to believe."

"How?" Ella asked with a whisper.

"We go out there. Hand in hand and we smile. You put on your biggest smile and show your family that they didn't get the best of you."

Ella thought over his words. She felt the storm inside of her start to lose speed as he took her hand and gave it a tight squeeze.

"What doesn't kill you......better run as fast as it can," Maksim whispered into Ella's ear. "You got this."

"Okay," Ella nodded. "I can do this."

"We can do this."

Ella felt her lips pull back into a smile as Maksim kissed her hand. She moved closer to him as he began to lead them towards the grand stairwell.

With each step the sounds of the voices got stronger and stronger. Maksim and Ella paused at the top of the stairwell as Jenny came the cue to the reporters at the bottom. All cameras began to flash at once as the crown prince to the Dorin throne came down with his mate and future queen.

Ella felt Maksim hold her hand tightly as they were blinded by the lights. She smiled her brightest smile and looked ahead of herself as the reporters clicked away.

And just as they had practiced the night before, Ella raised her hand, waved to the camera before she turned to Maksim and he placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

The crowd went wild.  

Any thoughts? :)