A/N: This is shorter than most chapters...but I figured that a little bite would be nice, especially now. The next chapter will be longer and we will get something from Bruce's perspective soon, I promise.

With that said, enjoy and destroy!

Rosy Invitations

Cicero was waiting for me when I arrived at the embassy the next morning. From his firm face and the folded-up newspaper in his hand, I knew he was not happy about the little stunt Bruce and I used for the cameras.

I looked at him and gestured with my head towards the office door. The sooner he finished reaming me, the better it would be for everyone.

I hadn't even closed the door behind me when Cicero held the paper up to my face.

The photo of Bruce dipping me into a kiss took up the front page in bright color. The headline screamed from the top of the page: WEDDING BELLS FOR GOTHAM'S PLAYBOY?!

I looked at Cicero, his face beet red and his lips pressed together so tight that I feared that he'd break his jaw.

I shrugged my shoulders. "What else did you want from me? If I'm to get married, I had to get out on the dating scene."

"I said 'Find a husband' not 'Embarrass yourself in front of your people'." Cicero said, throwing the paper on the desk.

"Actually you didn't say that. You just said I'd have to get engaged." I said, my lips cracking upwards in a smile. "You'll give yourself a nosebleed if you don't calm down…"

Cicero grabbed my hand. "This is not a game, Your Highness. You know your people are looking to you. You know that they expect you to carry on with dignity and your namesake. Set an example for them."

"Enough." I snapped. "Everything I do, you criticize. If you're so focused on me presenting myself with a man who might have as much personality as cardboard, then find me a list of acceptable men by your standards."

At this, Cicero smiled. I didn't like it. "You can expect a list of acceptable suitors on your desk by tomorrow morning."

"Thank you for finding more reasons for wasting my time." I grumbled as I watched Cicero leave.

I sat at my desk, rubbing my forehead as a throbbing pain thumped behind it. I pressed a button on the intercom.

"Annette? Is Dr. Elliot in?" I asked, pain sharpening my voice more than I intended.

"No, Your Highness. He's off today. Are you having a migraine?"

I nodded, then remembered she couldn't see me. "Yes."

"I'll send Dr. Benign. Oh! And there's a delivery for you." She said. I could hear a smile in her voice.

"Send it in." I said, rubbing my forehead.

I expected more paperwork in response to the treasury funds we had sent off to Mr. Lau…instead, there was a small bouquet of red rosebuds. The blooms were still closed but would last a long time. They sat inside a crystal vase edged with gold and trimmed with a red ribbon around the vase's neck. Attached was a small card.

~Grace,

These are from Wayne Manor's greenhouse. I hope you enjoy them and will humor me with a visit to the manor sometime next week to oversee the construction.

Regards,

Bruce~

I smiled. He had remembered how to cut the thorns off and how to pick the ones that would guarantee the biggest blooms.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I opened it to see a message from Bruce.

"Did you get my gift?"

"Yes. It was really kind of you, Bruce." I texted back.

"You're welcome. So do you want to pay a visit?"

I thought for a moment. Cicero wouldn't be happy with that.

Especially considering Bruce burned down his own house after getting drunk at his own birthday party.

"Will there be press?" I asked.

"No. They're not allowed on the grounds. Especially after the fire. Alfred, my butler, will be there and you can bring your mom too if you want."

I wanted to go. I wanted to experience life outside of the concrete jungle that is Gotham.

And I wanted to spend a fun afternoon with Mom.

"I think I'm free this Saturday."

"And I will be too. Thank you, Grace."