Mia:

We returned home to the adults crouched over the radio. "Shall we tell them?" I whispered.

He shook his head. "No. Not tonight. Tomorrow is the third anniversary of…well, of when we got into the war. We can tell them at dinner tomorrow night."

I remembered when the United States had gotten involved with the war. Grandmama always said that they stuck their noses into a problem that wasn't their own, and she couldn't respect anyone who did that. But then they were attacked and I swear I saw her cry.

We went to his room, unnoticed by his parents. "I should be estatic right now," he mumbled, sitting on the edge of his bed, his face in his hands, "But I can't be."

I sat next to him and rubbed his back, "What do you remember of the attack?"

MICHAEL:

"It was a Monday afternoon when word came onto the radio that Pearl Harbor, where my cousin Jeremy was stationed, had been attacked by the Japanese air force early Sunday morning.... We didn't get the confirmed reports in New York...not until we heard the President on the radio..... There had been talk about a peace agreement between us and the Japanese.... but their representatives in Washington D.C. had left only days before, abruptly cutting off talks.

This should have warned us, but it didn't. The words that Mr. Roosevelt said the next day to Congress are....are engraved in my memory forever." I took out a newspaper clipping of the President's speech to COngress. Where we'd declared war.

Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that Nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya

Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands

Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our Nation.

As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole Nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces- with the unbounding determination of our people- we will gain the inevitable triumph- so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

"From there on nothing was the same," I said biting my lip. "My cousin was dead…stuck in the Arizona. They say that some of the guys were banging on the side of the ship that was sticking up out of the water. It took hours for the banging to stop…"

I turned to her and saw tears coming out of her eyes. "Don't cry Mia…"

"No…It's just, I've always thought of myself being a victim of the war, never really considered that you've have to suffer as well. That everyone has. I never knew…"

"I had never told."

She laid back onto my bed."I'm a very selfish girl, you know."

"No you are not."

"Yes I am. I am here, very happy with a perfect boy. Meanwhile poor people in Germany and Poland and...well, where ever, are being persecuted. My own people are being persecuted. ANd I'm here in the lap of luxuary."

"I wouldn't say luxuary," I teased.

"We're engaged, Michael," she said suddenly.

I laid on my side next to her, "Yes?"

"I am lying here with a ring on my finger while some poor girl...someone I bet your parents would rather you marry, is suffering in some camp over in Germany."

"We don't know any of that for sure. Yes, there are rumors but...Mia, let's not dwell on this, okay?" I asked. I didn't want to think about my family in Europe. The guilt was almost too much. The letters from my cousin Samantha had abruptly ended that summer, and I can only imagine why.

"When will we marry?" she said. She was good at changing subjects.

"Once you graduate high school," I replied, pushing hair out of her face.

"I don't want to wait that long," she replied with wide eyes. "I will be going back to Genovia a few months after the war is over."

"Mia, can we figure this out later?" I asked, nuzzling her neck. "There are more fun things to think about."

"Oh?" she asked, half turning to me. " Such as?"

I tickled her belly and made my way on top of her. "Don't giggle, Mom and Dad will come in if they hear noise," I whispered.

She smirked then put her hands through my hair. "You know…I haven't much experience with boys…" she said, acting rather innocent. Only I knew she was not that innocent. Not that we'd done very much since that night before Thanksgiving but still....

I made a face, "Good. Neither do I."

She smiled her million dollar smile, "I should hope not."

"Well?"

"What arewe to do as our first act as an engaged couple?" she asked innocently.

I wouldn't be surprised if my heart pumped right out of my chest. "Oh? Wh-What do you want to dothen?" I whispered, my forehead resting on hers. Please body, don't do anything to scare her. Please.

"I don't know very much about….well, any of that stuff.I do know that you make me feel...I dunno,funny. A good funny," she assured me I could tell this was very difficult for her to talk about, her cheeks were as red as an apple. "How do I make you feel?"

"Well, I can't tell you for sure," I said softly, "But I'm sure you couldn't tell me for sure about what makes you feel good, right?"

I rolled off of her so we could have this serious discussion.

"Well, no. But I do get a funny feeling here," she said taking my hand and placing it on her lower belly, "When we kiss. And when we pull apart it feels like…well, like part of me is being ripped out…I am being too for-"

"No, it's good we can talk about this," I promised. My parents were always saying that a successful partnership is one with good communication. "I do know a little bit…from you know…the guys telling me about it. And from my one night with this girl I know....But I only know one other that has actually done anything."

She smirked, "Oh? Only one?"

I pushed her hair away from her face. "But see...it's not the act of love making that makes a boy feel...well...you know..."

She nodded, confused about the sway in conversation. "I don't follow."

"Sometimes there are thoughts...and stuff..."

She looked confused for a minute, then realized what I meant. "Oh…I see then."

"Well, it feels good there…uhm, when we uh…kiss and stuff."

"So that needs to be touched?" she guessed slowly.

"Well…" I was so not going to admit that I masturbate. She'd think I was a total freak. I mean, I think I'm a total freak right now. What guy says this stuff to a girl?

"'Cuz I think I'd feel better if that um…area was touched too…on me I mean."

I smiled at her honesty. I love that she was never too embarrassed to be honest with me."I do like being touched there," I admitted.

"You've been touched there? Other than that time..." she asked, hurt. Of course she'd automatically assume someone else had touched me there. She hadn't when we had made love.

Great. I've backed myself into a corner. "Well….I uh…no one other than me," Ireplied, praying she'd understand.

"I -", she started.

I nodded. "I think it would be best for you to go to bed now," I mumbled. Okay, so maybe I didn't have the best of intentions that night, but who would in my circumstance? My girl- my fiancée was lying in my bed telling me about how curious she was about my private area?

"Why are you following me?" she asked as we walked into the hallway.

"I'm going to take a shower."

MIA:

That had to be one of the strangest conversations I have ever been part of.All I did was ask about his private area so I wouldn't feel like an ignorant naive little thing when I finally...you know, saw things.And all he can say is that he needs to take a shower? I suppose we should hold off on any moreexplorations until our wedding night.

AHHH! Our wedding night! Girls dream their whole lives of their wedding…of meeting that man they would wed. How little I knew that day back in August that I had met that man. The man I would spend my life loving.

"Hey, where were you?" Lilly asked, reading her magazine.

I smiled, "No where."

"With Michael I guess?"

I turned on the light, "You could say so," I said smiling ear to ear and showing her my ring.

"Oh good God!" she said excitedly. "He actually did it!" she said grabbing my left hand.

"I know. I was still surprised though."

"Have you told my parents?"

"Tomorrow," I replied.

"They already know about the two of you."

"Well, I figured that much."

"They told your parents."

"I already told my Mama. She thinks he's wonderful, from my description. See, here's the last letter she wrote me," I taking out the letter that smelt like my mother. I started reading out loud, reminding myself to censor it,

Dearest Daughter-

I can hardly believe it has been nearly six months since I last saw your precious face. Your father keeps telling me to stay strong and that we will all be together soon. Do you suppose that is true? That all of us, Simon included, will be together?

Papa hardly speaks of him, but who can blame him? I will not mention him again, as not to upset you.

But I can imagine that it would be difficult to upset you these days. With a new beau and whatnot. It must be rather exciting, an older, handsome boy. You must find a picture to send of him. I cannot believe my little girl is in love. It seems that only yesterday you were toddling around and begging to ride Papa's horse, Gulliver. I do wish sometimes that we could go back to such innocent days, but I also am happy to see what a perfect young lady you have become.

But I also understand that when a young girl is in love there are certain feelings that come with it. Like the little feeling in the pit of your belly when he kisses you…eventually you will figure out how to fulfill that feeling and make it be even stronger. I hope, however, that you will wait.

Okay, I'll be honest with you dearest, that was just the 'royal' me talking before. As the regular old girl from Indiana I want you to go with your feelings. Explore. It's only natural. And your father and I did the same. It would be rather hypocritical if I did not tell you to do the same.

But I will give this warning. You must remember that he is leaving soon. I do not want your heart to be crushed. Keep remembering that life after the war is going to be very different. That you will be returning to your duties as our daughter. That we will oversee a reconstruction of our home. And that we will be a family once again.

This will be my letter for Christmas for you as well darling. I can only send my best wishes this year. And for you to be happy with your Michael.

Love, Mama.

Lilly smiled weakly, "Your home was ruined?"

"Oh, uh, well, we assume that it was." Thank God I had remembered to not read aloud that I was the princess of my home country. "Everything will have to be re-built."

"I was reading about that princess and prince over there. Remember how I told you that they were in another country?"

I played with my ring nervously. "Yes?"

"Well, how unfair is that? I mean, my people in Germany are hiding out like animals from the Nazis while those two are living it up. There was an article in LIFE about it....God...."

"Maybe they didn't have a choice?" I asked. "I mean, if you had to choose between hiding out in an attic or basement or something, or a nice apartment in America, what would you choose?"

She looked at me oddly. "Well, obviously-"

"And besides, they are kids! It's not like they can simply defy their elders."

"Mia, I know why you are so upset."

My breath caught in the back of my throat. "You do?"

"Yeah. I mean, you got to come here just because your dad was a politician. I'm not saying anything against you....I am not a supporter of monarchies."

"Why not?"

"Because...well, what's the point of them?"

"They unify countries."

"They take tax money and buy more jewels with it."

"Not true."

"Mia, you are blinded by how you were raised. The longer you are in America, the more you will appreciate democracy-"

"I am in full support of monarchy. Just because it doesn't work for one country does not mean that it doesn't work for another."

She made a face. "Sorry, didn't think you would be so defensive about it," she said looking at the article she was telling me about.

I glanced down at it and realized my picture was there. I was fair haired in the picture, but my smile. It was the smile I had arrived with. Polite, but cool and reserved. Has she noticed and was playing a game with me?

"What was it exactly that your father did over there?"

She had me.

"Stuff," I said, pulling the pins from my hair.

"Mia, tell me the truth. If we are going to be sisters then you have to tell the truth. Sisters tell."

I licked my lips nervously. "I think we both know the truth," I said softly. "There is no need for me to tell you-"

"Mia are you or are you not the Princess of Genovia?"

I turned slowly, in a very princessy way. "Yes. I am a princess. Of um...Genovia." Saying out loud made me feel kind of foolish.

Her hand shot to cover her open, gaping mouth. "Why didn't you...does Michael know?"

I sighed heavily, "Of course he does. Would I agree to marry the boy if he didn't?"

She let all the information sink into her brain. "So...how much are you worth...exactly. Money wise that is."

I blushed at the rudeness of her question. "About two million dollars."

"Holy...Gosh. Wow. This must seem like a shack to you," she replied, looking embarrassed.

"A shack?" I asked.

"You know, like nothing. What is your home like?"

"You mean, where I used to live?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Quite large. Old. My ancestors built it as a fortress to fight the French armies. Eventually it became a Palace. I haven't even seen most of the rooms. Only the necessary ones. But my home is now in New York. I'm going to stay here, with Michael."

"Give all that up for him?"

"I'm leaving that life behind for a better one here. Michael is what makes me happy. I want to spend my life being happy with him. And as a princess I could never do fun things. I need to be all prim and proper as a princess. I do envy your freedom...your naivtee. I've been forced to grow up too fast. That's probably why I'm not afraid of marrying Michael...a grown up thing. I'm ready right this minute."

"But when will you? Have you told your parents?"

I thought about it. "After we marry we'll tell them."

Her jaw dropped in shock, "What? Don't you want your parents-"

"It'll be easier if it is something small here in the city. Trust me. Michael wouldn't want to deal with Genovia. If we told them then we'd have to wait until way after the war and he'd have to have lessons with my grandmother."

"Lessons?"

"On how to be a proper prince consort."

"What the heck is that?"

"It's...well, I might be the sovereign of Genovia one day...you know, a long time from now...after both my grandfather and my father pass on."

"Might?"

"My brother," I said, pointing to his picture in her magazine. "He is the heir. I'm the spare one. But I must be trained just as he is. Just in case."

"Oh God...you never mentioned a brother...that was to throw me off, right?"

I shrugged, "Right."

"You won't lie to me anymore, right?"

"Right."

She looked at me skeptically. "Well, Hannukah starts tomorrow, just so you know."

"It…tomorrow?" I asked. "What do you do…on Hanukah?" Michael explained it a little bit, but never went into details.

She smiled, "We'll show you tomorrow night."

I went to sleep that night, rubbing the new piece of jewelry on my left ring finger. Knowing my life will never be what I had once imagined.