A/N- This took a while. I promised that this chapter would be longer than the last, and I wanted to get the next elimination round over with, so I had two group dates and two dinner dates with Michael. That means this should actually be two chapters, but it's all in one, so be happy!

Chapter 7: Embrassez le Cuisinier

I was sitting in the middle of my date with Victor, Ryan, and David still thinking about my virginal status.

God, this sucks. What if I never find anyone that I fall in love with? What if I don't really love Michael after all? What if I die a virgin?

Well technically that can't happen, since I have to produce heirs and all, but that's not the point.

Victor and Ryan were debating over politics and I was carefully listening in. I asked a few questions here and there, and David's eyes began wandering off.

After lunch was over, we went to an arcade where David and I played a little Dance Dance Revolution and started attracting a lot of attention. (A/N- DDR effing RULES!)

On the ride home, I thought, those guys were fun too. I should keep them around, even if they might like me as more than just a friend. We'll see where this goes.

When I got back, I found Julia running around the palace looking rather harassed. Her hair was flying every which way off her head and her clothes were wrinkled. I had never seen my efficient personal assistant look so…inefficient. "Julia, what's wrong?"

"Cookie quit!" She cried. "Cookie quit, and now we've lost our head chef! We can't find anyone to cook dinner tonight, all the other assistant chefs are off!"

"I can cook dinner tonight, don't worry." I heard a deep voice behind me say.

I turned around and found Michael smiling at us. I saw Julia nearly collapse from relief. "You will? Oh thank God!" She cried out as she ran off to tell someone else the news.

I smiled playfully at Michael. "I didn't know you could cook."

"I've learned to be a lot more domestic since I graduated college." He replied with a sexy grin as he walked closer to me and wrapped an arm around my waist.

"Or more like Lilly forced you to learn to be a lot more domestic because she was sick of cooking your meals every night."

He grimaced, but it quickly melted into another heart stopping smile. "How do you see right through me?"

"I've known you too long, Michael."

He leaned down to kiss me when I heard Julia call from another room. I sighed, pecked him on the cheek and pulled out of his hold. "I'm sorry, I have to go. I'll see you tonight, alright?"

Hee, hee! Now I get to impress her with my manly cooking skills tonight.

Julia showed me the kitchen and said, "If you need anything else, then please don't be afraid to ask."

I nodded and looked around to see what I had to work with.

I had just tied an apron around my waist and pulled out a cutting board and knife when Lori and her camera crew came into the kitchen. With a big smile she cried, "Oh this is rich! America is going to love this! The perfect guy: he can cook!"

I grimaced at the camera and began chopping onions.

"So where did you learn how to cook?"

"I picked it up from my grandmother," I said as I found some fresh squeezed pineapple juice. "Then I started looking up recipes on the Internet and cooked those, and after a while, I guess cooking just became another hobby."

She nodded, impressed. "So what are you going to cook for Mia?"

"Well, she's a vegetarian, so I'm making sautéed vegetables in a sweet pineapple sauce and red peppers." (A/N- I'm totally making this up. I thought I had once tried it at this fancy restaurant, but I could be wrong)

"What are you making for yourself?"

"Ravioli and marinara sauce."

"Appetizers?"

"Stuffed mushroom caps."

"Soup?"

"Cream of Asparagus."

"Salad?"

"Tossed lettuce greens with a French Vinaigrette."

"Desert?"

I gave a big smile. "Mint chocolate chip ice cream."

She raised her eyebrows. "That seems kind of a let down after all the other fancy shmancy European stuff."

"It's her favorite."

Lori watched me in amazement. "Wow. You must really love her to still remember all of this."

I nodded solemnly. "I do."

I finished up my interview and walked downstairs for dinner. Michael was standing there in an adorable, pink frilly apron with a big red lip imprint. Underneath it read, "Embrassez le Cuisinier."

I smirked. "I like the apron."

He grinned at me. "So do I. Are you gonna do what it says or not?"

I laughed and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "So what are we starting out with, le Cuisinier?"

"We are starting out with," He gave a dramatic flourish of his hand and lifted the plate cover off my dish. "Stuffed mushroom caps."

I had to say it smelled delicious. He seated me and I quickly dug in. "Mmm…" I sighed as I savored the softness of the mushroom and the creaminess of the cheese. "This is delicious."

"I'm glad you like it."

We made some small talk and he brought out dish after dish. I was sold as soon as we got to the main course. Mine was sautéed vegetables in a sweet pineapple sauce with a hint of spicy red pepper. The sweet 'n spicy was delightful to the taste buds.

"Michael, I just might hire you as the new cook."

He wrinkled his nose. "I have other qualifications, you know."

I grinned playfully. "Like what?"

"I can play guitar."

"What use would I have for a guitar player in the palace?"

"I can fluently speak French, Spanish, and Portuguese."

"So can I."

He gave me a sexy grin that made my heart stop. "I'm a good kisser."

"Says you."

"Wanna interview me?"

I smirked. "After desert."

He pulled it out and I squealed. "Mint chocolate chip ice cream!"

"I know it's your favorite."

I eagerly began shoveling it into my mouth. He watched as his jaw dropped to the ground. "God, I thought princesses were supposed to eat slowly."

"Maybe I'm just eager to interview you."

At that, he started shoveling the ice cream in his mouth too.

After dinner, I ordered the limo and we went out to the beach. We took off our shoes and walked down the beach barefoot, hand in hand and watching the distant lights of downtown Genovia wink at us.

We were walking close to the surf and Mia lost balance, stumbling into my arms. She giggled and got up. "I'm still a total klutz."

"Yeah. I know."

She looked me defiantly in the eyes, then her look softened. "I missed you, you know? I cried every night for the first few months."

I hated hearing about her unhappiness. "I know. Lilly told me." I caressed her cheek and leaned closer towards her. "I'm here now."

Her eyes started to well up and she looked away. "How do I know you're going to stay?"

I kissed her on the lips. "You could hire me as the new cook, like you said earlier."

She smiled sexily that made my crotch light on fire. "Only if you promise to wear that apron everyday."

I chuckled and kissed her again. "We'll see."

We stood there kissing for a little while, then I swept her off her feet and waded into the shallows. I beamed at her mischievously and dropped her into the water.

She came up gasping and started cursing at me in a steady stream of French. I un-tucked my shirt and dived into the salty water. I started splashing Mia and she doubled over laughing as she splashed me back.

After about an hour, we collapsed on the beach soaking wet. We dried off and lay on the sand, our fingers loosely intertwined, gazing at the stars. I hadn't seen stars in a long time, having lived in Manhattan all my life and only leaving for major holidays. Here, the air was so clean, so fresh. No doubt because of Mia's work.

I turned my head to look at her and she was gazing at the stars so peacefully. "I love looking at the stars at night. They remind me of how big the world is. How insignificant we all are. It makes me feel better about being a princess, you know?"

"Yeah."

She closed her eyes and snuggled against my chest. "I like sharing these moments with you, Michael." She sighed. "I wish we could make this last forever."

My heart was beating wildly. Now was the time to tell her. "Mia?" I asked tentatively.

"Hmm?" She asked softly.

"I…I…"

She didn't say anything. I listened to her steady breathing.

"I love you."

I looked down to see her reaction, but she had fallen asleep.

I sighed as I held her closer to me. I'd find another time when I could tell her. She'd know.

I was going to stay. One way or another, I was going to find a way to stay with her forever.

I woke up the next day snuggled tightly under my rose print linen comforter. The sunshine was streaming through my lacy curtains. I jumped out of bed and pulled the curtains back playfully. I put on some music and started dancing around.

Julia walked in with my usual blueberry muffin and orange juice. "Mia…?" She looked at me like I had lost my mind. "What are you doing?"

I took the tray out of her hands and set it down on my desk. I laughed as I grabbed her hands and started dancing around the room with her. She laughed nervously. "Wow, you've got it bad."

I hadn't heard her. I was too lost in my own happiness.

Of course I had to stop dancing, eat my breakfast and have my makeup done. "Who's today?" I asked Julia.

She looked down at her clipboard and replied, "Jeff, Patrick, and Mark."

I nodded and dressed. Truthfully, I didn't want to go on this date. I wanted to be back on that beach with Michael, under the starlight.

We went to Putt Putt and had a lot of fun. We also went on the bumper cars, and let me tell you, the boys suck. I mean, seriously, I would not want to be anywhere near them when out on the highways or something.

When we got back the palace, I took a quick nap before dinner. Julia had managed to put an ad in the newspaper last night and she was interviewing a whole slew of aspiring royal cooks, therefore I had to explain to some maid that I did not like people interrupting me while I slept.

While I was having my makeup done, Julia walked in with a scowl on her face. Considering that this was very uncommon, she must not have been having a good day.

"Were they ugly?" I asked.

"No, they were just obnoxious. I swear, if I ever have to interview another chef—oh sorry, 'culinary artist', I will completely fly off the handle."

I smiled. "I hope you remembered to tell them thank you for coming."

"Oh, you know I think I forgot one of them. You know, Mia, don't underestimate the power of idiots in large groups to make your normally sane personal assistants lose their freaking minds."

"Okay."

"Okay."

"What am I wearing?"

"…oh shit." And she ran into my closet.

I started pacing the room, racking my brains for something that I could do to make tonight especially romantic. I already took her to the gardens…I took her to the beach…I cooked her dinner, what the hell was I gonna do?

Roses? No, too cliché.

Chocolates? Same as above.

I don't think she's too open to the idea of me ravishing her on the antique sofa in the parlor that happens to have a frame made of mother of pearl.

Oh hell.

I looked around my stuff for something that might help me. I threw my sheets of the bed, the clothes out of the dresser, searching every bit of the room that might help me.

Dennis looked up from his book. "What the hell are you doing?"

"None of your goddamn business," I snapped.

"Fine, Jesus. Who shoved the stick up your ass?"

"Hey, you know what, fuck off."

"God what the hell is your problem?"

"Nothing you could relate to." After that I ran out of the room and looked around the palace for something that would make tonight memorable.

I decided that I needed to get out of the palace. So I called the limo, and went walking around downtown to clear my head a little. Then I found the perfect thing.

I walked downstairs ready for a nice, at home formal dinner when I saw Michael in a jacket and jeans. He had a smile on his face and he was flushed with excitement. "Come on, hurry up!" He called as he held out my jacket.

I looked at him, puzzled. I was in a turquoise sequined gown that stopped just below my knees with silver Jimmy Choos and dangly silver earrings. We really clashed.

"Where are we going?" I asked as I slipped into the coat.

"You'll see."

"Are we going to eat?"

"Yes, we'll grab something."

"Grab something? Michael, I'm not dressed for some casual dinner."

"It'll be worth it. Trust me."

I raised my eyebrows, but let him lead me into the limo waiting for us outside. We first stopped at my favorite salad place. While we were eating in the limo, Michael was telling me about the time he and Lilly tried to make their own s'mores when their parents took them out on a camping trip because it might instill a sense of "family unity."

I smiled as I ate my salad. I loved chewing on the red peppers and letting the spice explode in my mouth.

After we finished eating, he took my hand and pulled me out of the limo and threw away our trash. He turned to me with a huge grin and said softly, "Close your eyes."

Still in the dark, I cried out, "What is going on? Could you please just tell me?"

"Just close your eyes. Please?"

I huffed and closed my eyes, slipping my hands into his. He led me cautiously down the sidewalk for ten minutes until he stopped. "Okay. Now crouch down."

"What?"

"Crouch down."

"Michael, I'm in a dress."

"Crouch down with your legs closed."

With some difficulty, I managed to do as he requested without toppling over. He held onto my shoulders and steadied me. Once I was situated, he whispered in my ear, "Now, put your arms like your holding a baby."

This was getting weirder by the second. I held out my arms and felt Michael place something small and soft in them. "Okay, you can open your eyes now."

I opened my eyes and looked down. I gasped as I realized what I was holding.

Cradled in my arms was a small, orange kitten with soft gold stripes and big green eyes. "Oh my god, Michael!" I whispered. "She's beautiful!"

"I know," He said as he scratched behind the kitten's ears fondly. "When I saw her today, I knew you two belonged together."

I stroked her warm fur and she nuzzled my hand. I felt like my heart was going to explode with emotion. "You know, Fat Louie died two years ago."

"Yeah," He said looking me straight in the eyes. "Lilly told me how heart broken you were."

I held the kitten to my face and rubbed my nose in her fur. "Is she mine?"

He nodded. "Yeah. I bought her for you."

"Michael…"

"Yes?"

I couldn't find any words to tell him what I was feeling. So instead of trying to tell him, I kissed him on the lips.

When we separated, he gave me a soft smile and said, "I'll take that for a thank you."

When we got back to the palace, Julia found a small box and put a pillow and a soft blanket inside of it. The new chef looked at us like we were crazy when we said that we wanted him to make some cat chow, but he complied, whipping up some wonderful gourmet cat chow. We put that and a bowl of water in my bathroom and placed the box in the corner of my bedroom. As soon as she was situated and eating to her heart's content, Julia squealed. "Oh my god, Mia! A KITTEN?"

"I know," I sighed as I slipped off my shoes. "She's perfect isn't she?"

"She? Try Michael. If you don't choose him, can I have him?"

I laughed and pulled down my hair. "I dunno Julia. The guy's a keeper if you ask me."

"No kidding."

"So tomorrow's your luncheon."

"Yeah."

"Where everyone's gonna try and impress you."

"I know."

"Does this little stunt give Michael brownie points?"

"Of course! Although tomorrow you need to go shopping for this little one."

Immediately she pulled out a pen and her clipboard. "Alright, shoot."

"Cat chow, soft and hard food. Uh, a collar, preferably blue, because blue goes well with orange. You need to get her registered, and try and find her some toys that you think she'll like."

"Sure thing. So what are you gonna name her?"

I took a good look at her and said thoughtfully, "I don't know."

"How about you name her Michaela? You know, after Michael."

"She doesn't look like a Michaela."

"Well what does she look like?"

I picked her up and held her in my arms for a little while. "She looks like a Jewel. A fuzzy Jewel."

"And best boyfriend of the year goes to…Michael Moscovitz!" I announced as I burst through the door of my room.

Dennis had his eyebrows raised. "What in the world are you talking about?"

"Dude…if you wanna beat me, you're gonna have a long way to go."

"Good thing I have a chance tomorrow, don't I?"

I paused midway of unbuttoning my shirt. "What are you talking about?"

"The escort luncheon is tomorrow. Oh, don't tell me you'd forgotten."

"Oh yeah…" I said as a glimmer of recognition flashed in the recesses of my brain. With all the excitement that had been going on for the past couple of days, I had forgotten about the lunch we were having with her before elimination.

"Will you still be best boyfriend tomorrow?" He chuckled as he rolled over and turned off his lamp.

I frowned. I didn't like his tone. What was he planning? Should I warn Mia?

The next morning I woke up and got camera ready again. Paolo told me that Julia had already started to go shopping for Jewel, that's why neither of them were there.

I tugged at the dress I was wearing and went downstairs. "Lunch is going to be outside in the gardens, Your Highness," Lori informed me. "The boys are waiting for you."

I nodded, clipped on my microphone and walked out.

As soon as I greeted them, I sat down just as Dennis pulled out my chair for me. I grinned at him as the servers gave us our menus. After we ordered, Dennis immediately grabbed my attention and started talking about photography. I always thought that it was an interesting subject and he helped explain some of the concepts to me with a few interjections from the other guys at the table.

As soon as our food came, I looked around for Michael and found him smiling at me two chairs away. I smiled back and mouthed, "I need to talk to you later."

He nodded and picked up his salad fork.

I had fun conversations with several of the guys. Chris made me laugh a lot. His crazy stories had everyone else laughing too.

After the last of the plates were cleared away, Jacques served us some drinks and we got up and walked around the garden. I normally didn't like being in the spotlight, but this was fun. The guys were fun. And Dennis was especially sweet, helping me step over hedges and stuff.

After lunch, and all the guys were gone, I pulled Michael aside and kissed him. "I never got to say thank you for the kitten."

He held my hands and touched his forehead to mine. "I never got to say your welcome."

"So thanks."

"So your welcome."

I gave him another kiss and said, "I've gotta go. I'll see you tonight, okay?"

"Okay."

At five o'clock, I took a quick shower and changed into my tuxedo. "Need help with your bowtie, Dennis?" I smirked.

"Ha, ha," He rolled his eyes.

When we were finished getting ready, we walked downstairs and took a seat in the parlor, waiting for another individual interview. When it was my turn, I found Tim behind the camera. "Okay, so Michael…how do you feel your chances are of making it through this elimination round?"

"I think I've got pretty good chances. I don't think she's gonna get rid of me tonight."

He nodded. "From what I've seen, you've certainly made a place for yourself here."

"Well, yeah. I do know her better than everyone else here. Maybe with the exception of Julia. But then again they spend practically every waking moment with each other so…"

Holy crap, I'm rambling. I don't ramble. That's Mia's deal.

After I was done, I was handed a champagne flute and placed outside on the staircase. I stood there waiting next to Dennis and Mark for nearly twenty minutes, tapping my foot impatiently and shifting my weight from one foot to the other.

Then Mia walked out with the kitten in her arms and a big smile on her face.

I decided that Jewel needed more time with mommy. So I brought her with me to the interview and the elimination round. I stood there holding my tiny kitten in my arm and a champagne bottle in my free hand. "Lights! Camera! Action!" Lori called out.

I flashed a smile at everyone and said sweetly, "Boys, I would like for you to meet a new addition to the palace and by new baby…Jewel." I flashed Michael and especially big smile. "Say hi to Jewel, everyone."

"Hi," They all replied. Some with big, amused grins, some with softened eyes.

I cleared my throat and said, "I would like to say before we start, that it has been my greatest pleasure to spend time with you all. You guys have given me the best five days I've spent in a really long time." I took a deep breath and continued. "So with that being said, let's get on with the show."

Robert Samson came out from the shadows and said, "Boys, you know the drill. When Mia calls your name, she will ask if you would like to get to know her. If you say yes, she will fill your champagne flute and you will walk back to take your place with the other contestants. If you choose not to get to know her, then you will immediately go back to the palace and pack. If she does not call your name, you will have your chance to say goodbye to your friends, then you must go back to your room and pack." He turned to me and touched my arm affectionately. "Good luck, Your Highness." He turned and gave a quick bow to the line of potential escorts. "Boys." And he walked off.

I closed my eyes and sent up a quick prayer to God, asking him to give me strength. Then I took a deep breath, opened my eyes and smiled. "Liam."

Liam stepped off the staircase and walked up to me with a huge smile on his face. He gave Jewel a tentative pat and laughed nervously. "Liam, would you like to get to know me?"

He nodded eagerly and said, "Yes."

I filled his champagne flute and let him walk away.

After Liam, I called Tom, Ben, Victor, Chris, Ryan, David, Jeff, Patrick, and Mark.

"Dennis," I called next.

He walked up to the gazebo slowly, paralyzing me with his deep green stare. He never took his eyes away from mine and I felt like I was being glued to the spot. I struggled to find my voice. "Dennis, would you like to get to know me?"

He replied in a sexy rumble, "I would love to get to know you."

I gave a nervous laugh and slightly shakily filled his champagne flute. He gave me a quick peck on the cheek and walked away.

I needed a little while to settle myself after such an unsettling encounter.

I stroked Jewel for a little while, took a deep breath, then called out with a shaky smile, "Michael."

I hate that bastard. He kissed Mia.

No one kisses Mia other than me.

When she called my name, I tried to steady my heartbeat which was beating crazily, partly because of nerves, partly because of anger, and partly because of the anxiety I felt whenever I saw Mia.

She was truly amazing. I still couldn't get over how much she had grown.

So basically, by the time I had gotten to the gazebo, all my anger had vanished. She gave me a sexy smile and whispered, "Michael, would you like to get to know me?"

"Yes," I whispered back huskily. I wanted to get to know the girl that had changed so much. The girl that I had fallen in love with all over again.

She filled my champagne flute and she got up on tiptoe to kiss me on the cheek. I scratched little Jewel behind her ears, gave her mommy an affectionate grin and walked back to the staircase.

Robert Samson appeared back in front of the gazebo and gave a sympathetic smile to the losers. "Alex, Scott, Vincent, and Trevor. Please say your goodbyes now."

I gave them a few handshakes, a small smile and a soft "Good luck," and watched them walk back dejectedly into the palace.

Mia walked out of the gazebo so she was a few feet in front of us. She held up her champagne flute and said, "To love."

We raised our flutes and replied, "To love."

We all took a swig and Mia smiled at us. "Goodnight boys. Don't stay up too late." And she stalked back inside with a sexy swagger in her hips.

A/N- So I hope you liked this chapter. Trying to come up with romantic scenarios is way harder than you think. I think I might have the next chapter of this up by next Wednesday, because I can't really get anything done tomorrow or on Monday...so okay.

Please review! I live on them.