This is just a little feel-good (or bad) chapter that explains why I chose Ken to be Mimi's arranged husband. Enjoy!

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Prince Ken stood on a pedestal in his chamber, several women clambering all over him. Contorting his limbs this way and that; they took every measurement imaginable and checked colour combinations against his skin tone. He blew some hair out of his eyes as he was hopelessly dragged around. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the sound of running feet could be heard. Moments later, a breathless Miyako was at the doorway. She looked both distraught and uncertain at the prospect of all the dressmakers in the room.

Prince Ken noticed. "Please," he addressed his attendants. "That is enough for now. I wish to see this maid in private."

Nodding at his wishes, the dressmakers put down their work and left, dipping low as they did so. They dared not disobey a direct order from the royal family. Even if it did seem odd that a prince would want a private audience with a lowly maid. Still, they reasoned, perhaps she brought news of some sort. And, most importantly, it wasn't their place to question why. After the room was completely empty, and the last servant had clicked the door shut behind her, Miyako spoke.

"So it's true then!" She cried. "You are getting married?"

Ken desperately wanted to calm her, but there could be no denying this. "Yes." He replied softly.

"But… but… you don't even know this princess! How can you love her?" Miyako continued hysterically. Tears were beginning to roll down her face, but she did nothing to stop them. Her hands were balled into nervous fists by her sides, and all colour had gone from her face as she pleaded with him.

"I do not," he answered simply. "But it is my duty to marry her. I must do it for my family, and for my town." He sounded as if he didn't even believe himself.

Miyako left her place at the door, running towards him at full speed. Throwing her arms around him, she looked up into his deep blue eyes. "But… I love you. How can you ignore that? We are in love! Doesn't that count for anything?"

Ken looked away. He couldn't lose himself in her violet eyes. Not now. There would be no turning back. He had to stay strong, stay away from temptation. "Miyako…" There was such yearning in his voice, it was almost a groan. "I… I can not give you false hope. It would be doing both you and I an injustice. We both knew this would happen one day. We both know this could not work. We both knew this would not work."

Miyako dropped her gaze to the clothes she was wearing. Old. Worn. With a messy apron tied clumsily over the top. Flour marks dusted the back of her skirt from where she had been cooking. She was a servant. She knew that. Of the lower working class. And he was a prince. She may not be well educated, but she was not stupid. She knew what that meant.

Oh, but she would never forget the first time they had met. She had been rushing around on her fist day on the job, trying to get the queen's breakfast up to her. She had been running up the stairs, taking them three at a time, when she had tripped. She would have fallen if it had not been for Ken. He had been descending the flight of stairs, on his way to a private lesson, and he had seen her predicament. With his famed fast reflexes, he had caught her. It was love at first sight. From there, it hadn't been terribly difficult to conduct a secret romance. He was the prince. Whatever he said had to be obeyed. And believed. There had been a few close calls, but they only added to the excitement.

And now she was going to have to let all that go. It would be as if nothing had ever happened.

"Maybe… we could make it work…?" She sounded doubtful even to herself.

"No, my darling." Ken took each of her hands in one of his own and gave them a light squeeze. "We must accept our fate. However, will you please do me one last favour and honour?"

"Anything." Miyako breathed.

Ken looked down at her with sadness heavy in his soul. "Just remember how sweet it was while it lasted."

Miyako leaned in and gave him one last, soft kiss on the lips. Tears continued to fall slowly down her face, and it gave her a kind of tragic beauty. "It was wonderful while it lasted."

"And… never forget that no matter where I go, or who my body is tied to, my heart and soul shall always belong to you."

Miyako tried not to weep. Her words came out all choked and thick. "And mine to you, my dear, sweet prince."

Ken pulled away from her, leaving only his fingertips touching hers. He too now had tears in his eyes. "Farewell, my love."

And then all physical contact was abruptly ended as Miyako ran from the room.

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See, only little. Still, please review so that I can find the motivation to tell you what's been happening with Matt and Mimi. I promise the next chapter will be a Matt chapter. If y'all review, that is.

Emma's useless facts about nothing in particular

Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.