"The Merits of Flying"

By LadyCleo

AU – How the movie should have gone. Andrew interrupts the moment before Mia and Nicholas kiss. Mia/Andrew all the way and inspired by frankiebaby's "A Royal Duty." If you like – review as encouragement.

Chapter Four

"And so, gentlemen," Mia declared, "the children from the shelter will be housed at the winter castle in the mountains of Libbet."

One of the parliamentary members shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he smiled politely explaining, "The use of the castle as a resort is sort of a perk for parliament members and dignitaries."

Mia nodded calmly, "Well, I'm going to de-perk it, and convert it into a children's shelter until money can be raised for one of their own. I feel guilty having two homes while they have none."

Sitting beside Mia, Andrew covertly covered a grin with one hand as the group of parliament members across from them reacted. To his left, Lilly nudged him and winked while she whispered, "Watch what she does next to speed up construction."

"Lord Crawley, how is your brother doing?"

"I don't speak to my brother."

"Oh. Well, I've hired him to be the architect on the project." Mia answered as the second man entered the room.

"That's bloody brilliant." Andrew whispered back.

Lilly nodded, "Oh, she's not done. We came up with this last night- after talking about you of course."

Andrew turned slowly towards Lilly, "Talking about me? Any interesting tidbit you'd wish to share?"

"No, not particularly."

In the course of their brief conversation Mia had started in on the two Crawleys, who were now arguing. Knocking on the wood to get their attention, Mia continued "The queen approves of the plan, and I intend to see it through. Now, gentlemen, I don't think it'll take too long to raise the money. Do you?"

"Of course not, your majesty. We shall do our utmost to ensure this project is completed quickly." Lord Crawly answered back.

"Excellent," pushing back her chair Mia stood. "If you'll excuse me, I have a bachelorette party to see to. I leave this project in your capable hands." Andrew stood, offering his arm to Mia as Lilly followed after the pair into the hallway.

"If you don't mind a bit of abject flattery," Andrew began as the three of them continued down the hall, Brigitte and Brigitta following two steps behind. "That was masterfully done, very well played."

"He means it was awesome." Lilly supplied from Mia's other arm. "Also if we take it a step further and look at the subtitles of this picture, he's developing a-"

"We're setting up the ramp in the ballroom." Charlotte interrupted, scurrying past the threesome.

Mia grinned almost thankfully as she called after the harried woman, "Ok, thanks Charlotte, and great timing."

Lilly smirked over at Mia, "Don't you want to hear the rest of my sentence?"

Mia shook her head, "That's quite alright Lilly."

"Are you sure-"

"Hello." Nicholas interrupted, forcing the three to a halt as he walked up.

"Hello." Mia greeted back quietly as Andrew nodded his own greeting.

"My hello's insignificant." Lilly quipped, "Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, come with me." Unhooking her arm from Mia's Lilly motioned towards the two quiet maids, leading the pair off down the hallway.

"So," Mia began, "Are you crashing my bridal shower?"

Nicholas shifted from foot to the other, shaking his head, "Sadly, no. I wanted to tell you that I was very impressed by what you did at the parade."

Andrew's brow knotted together, not sure how to handle the scene. This conversation was not going in the direction he would have liked it to. At this point, Nicholas should have been moving on and they should have been rejoining Lilly. Instead the three remained in place.

"The helmet and horse were a nice touch."

"Thank you, Andrew did look rather dashing. It's a Genovian custom- I'm sure you are well aware of that." Mia answered, her arm tightening on Andrews.

"Must have been uncomfortable."

'Not as damn uncomfortable as this conversation,' Andrew thought to himself before replying, "Not at all, it's an honor to be a part of any Genovian custom. Besides, I understand I will get to wear that uniform quite often in the future." It was a low stab, Andrew admitted to himself, but well worth the look Mia directed up at him.

"Right," Nicholas nodded, a wince of a smile crossing his face before turning back to Mia, "Congratulations on the children's center."

"Thank you." Mia smiled gently, turning slightly to glance at Andrew, "We're very proud of what we've accomplished, aren't we Andrew?"

"Yes, of course."

Charlotte suddenly darted back in the other direction, "The princesses are arriving."

"I should go and get changed. Excuse me, gentlemen." Standing on her tiptoes she placed a soft kiss on Andrew's cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow morning at practice, have fun tonight." Mia whispered before turning and following after Charlotte.

Andrew grimaced as he turned slowly back to where Nicholas remained standing, "If you don't mind my being perfectly frank with you-"

"Not at all," Nicholas answered as he steeled his shoulder, giving Andrew what could have been a kin to a curious glance.

"I don't trust you," Andrew ignored the somewhat startled look Nicholas sent him. Folding his hands behind his back he continued, "You appear to have this infuriating habit of appearing randomly about the place and standing infernally close to my fiancée."

"Hm-" Nicholas nodded tensely, "Well, it is a small palace."

"Not that small," Andrew answered back. Taking a step closer, Andrew frowned at the other man. "In fact if I'm going to be perfectly honest, I find that I rather seem to despise you."

"That's to be expected with the throne issue."

"No, I have no issue with your somewhat blotched attempt at the throne." Andrew shook his head, "I don't trust your intentions when it comes to Mia."

"Really-"

"Yes."

"Okay than, I'm glad that we can be up front with each other," Nicholas answered back, shifting uncomfortable. "Well, I should go and read my book."

"Certainly," Andrew nodded as civilly as possible to the other man. Nicholas turned and wandered down the hallway. Unfolding his hands, Andrew crossed his arms across his chest as he watched the other man turn the corner. "I really don't trust that fellow."

"Yeah, that was a tense moment there." Lilly declared as she wandered back over to his side. "I think it would be better if next time you just sock him one."