Chapter 24
A/N Hey everybody... ducks I'm sorry I haven't reviewed in erm... ages? I just got a bit down but recently realised what an irresponsible fic writer I am... so for all those sweet people who reviewed, thanks so much! This chap's for u guys! (Oh yeah, and please check out my original fiction- I'm in the process of rewriting Blessed by the Zodiacs and I intend it to be a million times better than this fic... thankies guys!)

Disclaimer: I own neither TPD nor N&TV

Michael's presence earned an immediate squeal from Jarre, and Mia sought to escape his attention. Hoping to escape the dance floor, she pretended to get herself a drink. May I offer you a drink, my princess? Interjected a smooth, masculine voice. Prince Josh, Mia said flatly. He got straight to the point. Why did you leave my family's loving care? And then only to run into the house of a less fortunate family? Mia flushed. They're royal! She said, indignantly. Then, lowering her eyes, she added softly, I know what you plan... planned to do... to Genovia.

Josh didn't look impressed. I suppose that scoundrel told you, then. I wonder if it was Jarre who told him about Justin. He smirked. After all, he did travel with her for two days. And not me, Mia thought to herself. Trying to tell herself that it didn't matter, and trying to ignore that unruly hammering of her heart against her ribcage, Mia whispered, But did you ever love me? Was everything that you said a plot to get Genovia or did you... Her voice trailed off; she was incapable of continuing. Of course I loved... love you, Mia! Josh said, blue eyes piercing her soul. Me? Not my position? She continued, insisting that all had to be clear between them. Why both- Seeing her look, Josh stammered. Uh, you, You of course! Mia wasn't quite satisfied yet. She whispered to his grey tux. His pristine shirt only ruffled against his body in response. I'm sorry, I couldn't quite get that, Josh said apologetically. Mia repeated the question and waited to hear the answer that would allow her heart to soar. Erm, well... I love you.. I love you because you're really quite jolly, he answered, obviously pleased with himself. See now, there was no need to break off our engagement! I haven't declared it to anyone yet, and I'll willingly take you back now if you want.

You love me... loved me... because I'm jolly? Mia echoed in disbelief. Josh smiled helpfully at her. Quivering with anger and disappointment (at both the prince and herself), Mia turned her back curtly and distinctly cut him.

Though she had just experienced such an ordeal, Mia would not be left alone, for Michael came striding purposefully towards her. Unable to politely ignore him, Mia forced a smile. Hello, Prince Michael. She said stiffly, trying not to sniff.

Her words scored goal, for Michael seemed surprisingly shocked at her formal demeanor. However, his facial expressions relaxed, and he said, Good afternoon, Princess Mia. Not giving her a chance to make small talk, he pulled her aside, and whispered, May I have a word with you, Mia? The princess half heartedly attempted a curt nod then gave up and shrugged. What was the use in trying when she'd been swept of any dignity, anyway?

Once they were enclosed in a bubble of safety, Mia looked up at Michael, waiting for him to begin. This wasn't an easy feat, as she realised that, so close to him, he was incredibly tall. Ahm.. ah..how are you? A certain prince isn't bothering you, is he? He asked concernedly, all the while melting her heart with his warm brown eyes. Unable to control herself any longer, Mia blurted out Why did you go to Yhuria with Princess Jarre? The prince's cheeks turned slightly red. No, you see it's not like that.. umm well.. He began, then cleared his throat abruptly. Mia's heart plummeted a metre. I see, she said softly, trying to maintain a cool, light tone. She is very pretty, is she not? They were both watching the princess now, as she elegantly danced with some infatuated suitor. Elegantly, Mia thought bitterly. Why can't I ever manage an air of cool disdain? She laughed angrily at herself. Oh no, all I ever manage to be is jolly.

Feeling incredibly hurt and jealous all at once, Mia turned away from Michael. The prince automatically reached out a hand to Mia. It's not like that, He repeated to the back of her head. Turning slightly to watch him, Mia coughed. His grip tightened slightly. No. Not at all... you see, I wanted to know what Josh -Prince Josh had in mind for you She was looking intently into his eyes now, and was sure of the sincerity in those brown, sombre eyes.

But I understand if... he started, but Mia cut him off. You did it for my safely? She asked, incredulously. Michael nodded dumbly. was all Mia could manage. I'm such an idiot... and I was jealous of Jarre for no reason at all!

All of a sudden, Mia was aware of an all too familiar presence. Excuse me, she said, turning to face Prince Josh. I think that under these current circumstances, she said, enunciating every syllable clearly, and taking into account the abolishment of our engagement, she added, you have no right to come barging into private conversations between fiancé and I. She hadn't really thought about what she was saying, aiming only for effect.

Both princes turned red. You- you ungrateful wench! Josh howled, before turning on his heel and stomping off. Mia noticed that despite his enraged situation, many girls (who had undoubtedly heard that the engagement had been broken off and had been whispering furiously to each other) still flocked after his retreating back. began a very red Michael. Mia exclaimed. I, uh, well it certainly worked, didn't it? Mia said brightly.

The handsome prince didn't smile back. Gazing into her eyes, he said very slowly, I think we ought to give it a shot, then. His voice was barely audible. Mia coloured, then clumsily attempted to resume a refined tone. I don't know, anymore... But Michael, not allowing her to continue, grasped both of her gloved hands in his.

Unable to stop herself and feeling that it was incredibly unjust for a princess to go through so much drama in one day, Mia flung her arms around Michael's neck and sobbed, I was so jealous of Jarre... all this time... She hiccuped loudly and Michael patted her back gently. Hush. It's okay... I love you, Mia. Mia's tears quickly ceased and, moving back so she could stare into his eyes again (she quite enjoyed it after all), she whispered I know. before closing the distance between them with her lips.