AN: I kinda gave up on this story, but since JE gave me a prod with his/her review, I suppose I might write now, just because I'm bored.

Disclaimer: I can't remember this… pls refer to previous disclaimers.

Chapter, uh, 23- Flowers

Staring around the room, an awe-struck expression slapped roughly in position, Mia must've been quite a startling figure. Startling enough to jerk Michael out of his semi-tranquil trance, anyway. "Michael! I, uh, didn't notice you were here" Mia stammered. Trying to come up with an excuse to leave the room as awkwardly as she had entered it, she did not notice Michael's now grim expression. "They're all for you, you know" he told her. "For… for me?" Mia was surprised and slightly pleased. "But how? Why, I mean?" The response was flat. "I believe he still wants you, Mia. This entire shop's worth of flowers is all from one man. Josh." Mia was furious. "I'll never go back! He has ruined my reputation and I refuse to let my decision be swayed by a bunch of flowers."

Mia wanted to turn sharply on her heel and leave, but she did not have the strength for it. All of a sudden she was weary, and she let Michael lead her to a sofa in the midst of the bouquets. Numbly, she sat next to Michael. "So… what will you do?" Michael had absent-mindedly plucked a nearby rose-stalk, and began the process of removing it many thorns. "Nothing" Mia said dejectedly. Michael did not look at her. His fingers continued their work as he asked, "The dances- you should not attend them until the gossip has died down. You may not be able to cope with all the harsh rumors." Mia frowned. She'd grown up. She was no longer a child, and she was not afraid of rumors. "I'm going to the dance this evening, and that's final. Let him come if he wants, but I assure you I shall stick to my word." Mia trembled slightly. She had given a rather confident speech, but she didn't feel nearly as brave as she had made out to be. "Of course you will," Michael assured her.

Too tired and sick of the subject, Mia asked abruptly, "what ARE you doing to that rose, Michael?" His head snapped up, as he cupped the rose tenderly in his palms. "I'm giving it to you," He whispered. Mia beamed. "Really? Wow, thank you!" Saying that, she flung her arms around him in a rather un-mia-like gesture.

It was only too bad their touching moment was ruined, for Josh had chosen that very moment to drive past the flower- packed window in his Mercedes. "Mia, my love" he called out to her through the thin glass. "Mia, my fiancee… why did you run away from me?" Mia, enraged, shouted "I'm not your fiancee anymore! Let Prince Michael of Yhuria be our witness- this engagement is hereby to be called off, along with any of the other strings attached!" The last bit came out in a low growl, for this very man had attempted to marry her only to steal her kingdom and all that she loved! Realising that the dramatic walkout was extremely appropriate right then, she flung her hair back, and walked out the window.

Glaring coldly at Michael, Josh threatened in a low, menacing voice, "watch out, Moscovitz. No one steals my bride, and kingdom to be without paying for it." Michael coolly matched his glare. "And no one tries to harm my love without paying for it"

If anyone had listened hard enough, they would have heard a tiny, barely audible gasp. It had come from Mia, who was eavesdropping from behind the door she'd flung shut.

Michael continued, "You're just like your sister, you know- you both want to marry for money. Isn't your wealth already great enough? Be content with what you already have- and definitely don't deserve." Michael then stormed out the door, barely looking behind his shoulder, for if he had, he'd surely have seen a very wide-eyed Mia.

So, Mia thought. He loves me. I'd normally be glad… for I think I'm beginning to love him too, but he mentioned Jarre again. Princess Jarre… why DID Michael take you on a tour of Yhuria and not me? He he truly loves me, then I'd have been the one learning about my potentially future home. Mia's face fell. No, surely Michael had not meant it when he said the "l" word. He "l"ed Jarre, and not her. That much should have been clear.