Disclaimer: I don't own either the Princess Diaries or Nicola and the Viscount. Meg Cabot does.

Pretending not to have noticed the extremely obvious silence that ensued after she'd turned her head, Josh abruptly started walking along the beautiful pathways again. Mia, puzzled, (but glad for his behaviour anyway) decided to follow the game -of pretence- he'd chosen.

As they strolled in the gardens, Mia could no longer take delight in their beauty, and more and more often, her mind wandered to her own beautiful gardens, beaches, and haven of nature. For though his were trees of delicate and tender beauty, hers were wild with pride. They stood tall and regal, bending only to Nature's love and care. And always open to Mia's love.

Mia stole a glance at Josh, yet his face was blank, and unreadable. Mia hoped that if he was thinking about her, that those thoughts were positive.

As they turned the bend, Mia was suddenly too tired to keep walking. She'd never really been alone with a man before, except with Prince Michael. But he was different. He wore his title humbly, and did not act aloof, but treated her as a dear and loved one. Despite the alarming amount of teasing that he attacked her with, of course.

Mia wasn't very comfortable with Josh, yet she knew that it was only because of her initial ... excessive amount of love for him. Yes, she decided, once she was with him for two days or so, she'd be just as comfortable around him as she was around Prince Michael.

Prince Michael! No! She wasn't comfortable around him. One could only be comfortable around loved ones, and though he treated her well mostly, she resolved to be stiff around him, as only a Princess of Genovia would treat a Prince of Yhuria. Why, she was nearly thinking of him as a brother, (or worse- partner) to be sure! And that would not do.

No, Mia feigned excessive fatigue, and Josh turned around to help her. Forgive me, Princess! So absorbed I was in my family's welfare that I did not attune myself to your needs!... Shall we make for the Richter manor? Mia nodded, and together they turned back.

Mia wished this uncomfortable feeling would fade as quickly as possible, for she could not bear it much longer. A little more, and she might even wish to be with Prince Michael, instead of Prince Josh. But no! Prince Michael was all very well, and nearly perfect, but he detested poetry, and that fault was where Josh excelled. For not only did he carry himself as a gentleman and future King, but he spoke charmingly, and Mia could not hate him for it.

Josh's wonderful speech drew her towards him, and she felt she could have no other. It was then absolutely unnecessary to feel jealousy towards Jarre for having Michael, who had never -and would never- care for as more than a brother.

Jarre- No, Princess Jarre could have Prince Michael all to herself. See if she cared.

A/N Please feel free (but definitely not forced) not to push the review button.