…

"YOU'RE WHAT?!"

Everybody clapped their hands over their ears as Ran shrieked at Amu, who looked genuinely terrified. After the ball, Amu decided to tell the rest of her friends so they didn't feel bad once the rest of the kingdom found out. So all of them were gathered on the Seven Seas Treasure.

"I…am engaged," she repeated, jumping when her childhood friend shrieked loudly once more. "Please, Ran, stop doing that!"

"Sorry," exclaimed the magenta haired girl. "It's just…Amu! I never expected you to get engaged so suddenly! Don't get me wrong; I'm happy for you, but it's just…so unexpected!"

"Wait until you find out who she's engaged to," remarked Rima, exchanging looks with Nagihiko. Everybody turned to her curiously while Amu gave her friend a dirty look.

"Yeah, who's the lucky guy?" Daichi asked. "Did you give in to Tadase's pleas?" Dia turned to him, rolling her eyes.

"It's more likely to see Ran become a mellow housewife than for Amu to accept Tadase's offer," she remarked.

"I could become…" Ran stopped short, seeing her friends' expressions. "Hm, I suppose you're right."

"So, who are you engaged to?" Temari asked. "Do you parents even know?" She took a sip of her tea.

"No, they don't know yet," replied Amu nervously. "I planned on telling them right after I told you…and I'm engaged to Prince Ikuto," she added very quickly, worried about their reactions.

Rima wished there was some way to capture moments forever because their expressions were utterly priceless. Temari spit out her tea in the most unladylike fashion, Rhythm and Daichi fell off their chairs, Ran fainted, Dia had to sit down, Miki dropped her sketchbook as she looked up in shock, Su looked dizzy, Yaya had to grab onto her husband's arm, Kairi's jaw dropped, and Nagi was simply shaking his head.

"What?!" They all exclaimed, minus those who already knew.

Yaya placed a hand over her chest, sitting in the chair. "For once, I feel my age. Amu, when did this happen?" Kairi placed a hand on her shoulder, but looked no better, while Temari tried to wake up Ran with her fan.

The pink haired seamstress didn't want to lie to her friends. "Well, actually…it's a funny story…"

Suddenly, Ran bolted up, making Temari shriek in surprise. "Hinamori Amu, are you pregnant?!" Everybody turned to her before looking back at Amu, whose face had turned so red and hot she felt like she was going to explode.

"W-What?! No way! No, I'm not pregnant," She exclaimed, sounding shocked and offended. "What kind of person do you think I am, Ran?"

"Well, excuse me for thinking the obvious," muttered the magenta haired girl as her fiancé helped her up, accepting the cup of tea from her older sister. "I mean, two days ago, you were as single as an old nun! The only man in your life was Tadase, who bothered you with betrothal offers. And now, you tell us you're suddenly engaged to the prince! No offense, Amu, but I never expected you to be the kind of person to be involved in the royal family."

"That makes two of us," murmured Amu. "Look, I'm not pregnant, alright? I know I'm fully eligible to be married, but I don't plan on having children for a while. Now, I know you're expecting some sort of dramatic and romantic story like 'we met when we were children and fell in love, but got separated and only met a few weeks ago to reconcile our old flame' or 'he rescued me from a gang of robbers and I tended to his wounds and we got lost in each other's eyes' or some sort of thing like that…but that's not what happened."

"Of course, it didn't," assured Dia, smiling kindly at her friend.

"Yeah," agreed Miki. "She would probably make the wounds worse, not help them." Her childhood friend glared at her, making her smirk.

"Ah, let's not forget," warned Amu. "You got engaged as well." This made all eyes turn to the blue haired artist, who was shooting daggers at the pinkette. Her sisters looked surprised, but also hurt. They knew she was involved with somebody, but didn't think Miki would get engaged so soon. And not tell her own sisters?

"You're engaged?" Su repeated, blinking her long lashes as she stared at her older sister in surprise. She sounded hurt. "Why didn't you tell us?" Then her green eyes widened in shock. "Oh! Are you pregnant, Miki?" A rosy blush blossomed over the artist's face.

"No, do you really see me being a mother?" Miki exclaimed nervously, looking over at her smug employee frantically. "A-Amu, weren't you telling us how you became engaged?"

Amu gave her friend a triumphant look. "Yes…but don't think anyone, nevermind Ran, will forget about this." She turned back to the others. "Long story short, I ran into Ikuto in the market and fainted, he brought me back to the castle where I met Daichi's cousin, Kukai, along with Miki's fiancé, Yoru. We talked for a bit, just introducing each other, before the boys got into an argument about who would walk me home. I declined their offers, including the one from the prince, and jumped off the balcony before walking out the palace.

Soon, I was visited by a maid I had befriended who gave me extra invitations to the ball. When we got there, I was ditched by her, Rima, and Nagi and forced to fend off on my own. I was eventually approached by Tadase, who immediately recognized who I was despite wearing a mask. He kept insisting that I dance with him, but I continued to decline. I was about to give up and give in, when Ikuto suddenly swooped in and shooed him away while asking me to dance.

I mentioned that Tadase wouldn't give up on me and was mostly likely planning to offer a betrothal to my parents so that Ami could be cared for. Then he asked me to marry him, which left me shell shocked. He complained that his parents were making him find a wife but that all of the bachelorettes in the kingdom were snobs who only wanted him for his looks and money. If I married him, it would solve both of our problems. Girls would stop chasing after him with his parents being satisfied that he's being married, and Tadase would leave me alone while Ami is cared for."

"Wow, that's…" Rhythm started, only to be cut off.

"Nu uh, let her finish," said Rima, smirking at her friend. "Tell them the rest."

Amu sighed, rolling her eyes. "I rejected his proposal." That statement received wide eyes, jaw drops, chuckles, and looks of disbelief. "I told him it was basically because he proposed so weakly and half heartedly. He then dragged me to meet his parents, where I talked with Kukai shortly, while he disappeared. A few minutes later, he returned and took me to a beautiful garden. He told me it was a special place to him, and then got down on one knee to give me the most beautiful ring so he could properly propose. I agreed, only because he wouldn't give up…and then he told his parents we were engaged which made Kukai shout it in shock and announced it to everybody in the room…and here we are."

Several moments of silence passed by before Daichi finally spoke. "I didn't realize Kukai was that much of an idiot…" He shook his head as he thought about his cousin.

"Well, I think it does sound like a romantic love story even if the marriage isn't one hundred percent love," remarked Temari. "May I see your ring?" This got the attention of all the females, looking expectantly at Amu.

She scratched the back of her neck nervously before pulling a chain out from her dress's neckline. "I didn't want to make it a big deal, so I wear it as a necklace. Here." She passed it to Yaya, who was the closest, and stepped aside as the girls crowded around the elderly woman.

The aging brunette held up the ring to the light, examining it. "What a marvelous ring, Amu." It was a simple gold band with a large sapphire on it, surrounded by smaller zircon stones with rubies around the band.

"Oh, it's gorgeous," gushed Dia, grinning at the ring. She loved her simple white band with the topaz stone, but ring in front of her was so beautiful. A bit much, but that was expected considering it came from royalty. Not even the wealth of a sea captain like Rhythm could afford such a thing, not that money was extremely important to her.

"He proposed in a garden? How romantic," exclaimed Ran, swooning. "Oh, Daichi, why didn't you get anything this beautiful for me?" Her fiancé knew she was just star struck by the ring, which outshined the diamond ring he had gotten her, so he didn't take her comment to heart. He knew she loved him as much as she loved him.

"The ring is a bit much," said Miki flatly. She was slightly jealous, but couldn't deny that she loved the ring Yoru had given her. It was a white band with a simple aquamarine stone on it, representing her desire to be simple.

Amu blushed. "Well, Ikuto had originally gotten me just a simple diamond ring but he decided I should pick which ring I wanted…so he took me to the jewel room and asked me to pick whichever ring I liked. He wouldn't let me leave until I picked one so I just decided to go with the first ring I saw. It really didn't matter that much to me…"

"Well, you certainly picked an extravagant ring," remarked Temari, admiring it with an impressed expression. "It's certainly befitting for a young woman who is going to become queen."

"That's right," exclaimed Rhythm, who wasn't as interested in looking at the jewelry as the girls. He stood off in the corner with Daichi and Kairi. "You're going to become queen, Amu. Aren't you nervous at all?"

"…should I be?"

"Considering there is a bunch of stuff she has to learn about the royal life, then yes, she should be nervous," said Daichi, who had grown up learning proper etiquette with his cousin. "Amu, you know I love you like a sister, but you are barely knowledgeable on basic manners…never mind the material a proper queen should know."

"Actually, Ikuto and Kukai were going to help me with that," replied Amu as she took her ring back from Temari. "I'm supposed to meet them soon to start. In fact, I should be going now if I want to tell my family and make it back to the castle in time."

"Tell Yoru I said hello," called Miki as the others waved to the pinkette as she swept out of the room.

"Why, aren't you seeing him tonight?" Amu's response came, making her employer blush brightly as their friends chuckled while the other three Amulet sisters jumped on their sister.

…

Ami covered her mouth as she entered her family parlor, muffling her cough. Her mother, who had been sweeping the floor, looked up.

"Ami, you shouldn't be out of bed," she scolded lightly. "Your fever might come back."

"Mama, I'm fine," insisted the eight-year-old stubbornly as she began to rummage through the cupboards, her stomach growling. "I don't need rest; I need food." Not seeing anything edible in sight, Ami closed the cupboard with a frustrated expression as she turned back to her mother. "There's nothing to eat…where's Papa?"

Midori sighed. "Your father said he wanted to surprise you with some fresh meat so he's been overworking lately. He and your sister are too alike at times."

At the mention of the eldest Hinamori daughter, Ami's shoulders slumped in an unladylike fashion as she plopped down at the kitchen table. "I miss Amu; she hasn't visited in a while."

"Well, Amu-chan works very hard with Miki and doesn't have a lot of free time," said the older woman, though she wouldn't hesitate to admit that she missed her eldest daughter as well. "Plus, she must be very busy trying to find a suitor since she is of age."

Ami coughed again before she snorted. "Yes, because Amu is the kind of girl to chase after boys and not run away from them. Mama, she barely knows how to act in front of the toddlers in the village-nevermind a boy!"

"What's this about a boy?!"

Midori and Ami turned to see the head of the house enter the parlor, a stricken expression on his face as he stared at his daughter. "Ami-chan, you're too young for boys!"

"I was talking about Amu," replied the eight-year-old, giggling at her father's reaction.

"No, Amu-chan is too young for boys too," he exclaimed, looking ready to burst into tears as he clung to Ami desperately. "Neither of my sparrows can leave the nest!"

"…am I interrupting something?"

The three of them turned to the doorway where Amu stood, eyeing her family suspiciously. Midori smiled at her daughter, leading her inside, while Tsumugu released Ami to hug his other daughter.

"Amu-chan, you're too young for boys," he repeated, holding her close. The pink haired seamstress squirmed out of his embrace, looking highly uncomfortable.

"Darling, she's perfectly of age," pointed out Midori as she watched her two daughters hug each other. "Amu-chan, how are you? We haven't seen you in a while."

"Busy at the shop," explained Amu apologetically. "I actually can't stay too long because I have to attend to something…but I wanted to tell you before anybody else that I've gotten engaged."

Tsumugu let out a horrified shriek, looking ready to faint. Midori blinked in surprise, staring at her daughter with slight disbelief. Ami squealed happily, hugging her older sister.

Amu looked at her family nervously, rubbing her arm absently. "You see, through several odd events, I got engaged to Prince Ikuto at the ball the other night." This time, her father really did faint while his wife had to sit down.

Her sister looked stunned for a second but then squealed again as she fired several questions at the seamstress, bouncing with excitement. "Amu, was he as dreamy as everyone says he is? How did you two meet? When's the wedding? Was it love at first sight? Did Tadase blow up? Does this mean you're going to become queen? Wow, all of this is so sudden!" Ami suddenly stopped, looking wide eyed at her sister. "Amu, are you pregnant?" She demanded, peering at the blushing pinkette.

Amu looked highly offended. "Why does everybody assume I'm pregnant?!"

"Well, you do look a little bloated…" Ami pointed out, eyeing her sister's stomach. Said sister swatted her on the shoulder, glaring. "And you didn't answer the question."

"No, I'm not pregnant," replied the fifteen-year-old, crossing her arms. "Anyways, I just wanted to tell you before you heard it from the town crier or some other source." She glanced over at her parents. "I have to go now but I promise to visit again soon. And if Tadase comes by, please don't give me away. I really don't want to deal with him."

"We promise," replied Ami, hugging her sister again. Midori smiled at her eldest daughter, trying to wake her unconscious husband. "See you soon, Amu-chan!"

The seamstress waved goodbye to her family before leaving the house, careful to avoid confrontation with anyone. She soon approached the castle, where the guards immediately opened the door, having been informed that she was the prince's fiancée.

She was led down the corridors by Yoru, who had greeted her cheerfully, and took the time to examine the designs on the walls. She noted how there were portraits of past rulers hanging, along with priceless artworks.

Finally, Yoru opened a door to a cozy study and led her inside. "The prince will be with you in a moment. Make yourself comfortable." Amu smiled appreciatively, settling on the sofa awkwardly. "Um…Amu?"

She looked up. "Hm?"

The advisor shifted nervously. "May I ask you something?"

"You just did," teased the pink haired seamstress. "But of course you can."

Yoru rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I'm sure you know that I proposed to Miki the other day…but I messed up badly and looked like a fool, so I want to take her out on a date to make up for it. Do you have any advice?"

"You're asking the wrong person for love advice," deadpanned Amu before her expression softened. "I think you should just do what you believe is right. Miki really loves you and will appreciate anything you do for her. However, I do know that she adores anything artistic."

His golden eyes lit up. "I'm not bad at painting; do you think she would like me to do a portrait of her? You know, as a surprise?"

Amu smiled sweetly. "I think she would love it, Yoru."

The blue haired male thanked her, bowing, before he left the room just as somebody else entered. Her smile vanished as a confused expression formed on her face, eyeing the person curiously.

"Um…who are you?" She asked politely. The stranger didn't look at her, pacing the study impatiently. It was a young girl around her age with crimson red hair and dark violet eyes, wearing a plain powder blue dress. She was very beautiful, and Amu felt slightly jealous. "Excuse me?"

Finally, the girl looked up in surprise as if noticing Amu for the first time. "Oh, my apologies; I did not see you there." Her tone was light and airy. "Who are you?" Her eyes narrowed accusingly. "Are you part of this set-up?"

Amu looked startled. "I'm not sure what you mean. My name is Hinamori Amu…I was simply told to wait here. And you?"

The girl peered at her suspiciously. "I am Momoka Emiko. I was sent here by my parents against my will."

The name sounded familiar to the seamstress. "That name…that accent…could it be? Are you Princess Emiko of the Lunar Kingdom?"

Emiko nodded once. "Yes, I was sent here by parents because my brother is taking the crown and they expect me to find the perfect wife for him, as well as find the perfect husband for myself. In fact, they have already selected somebody and want me to meet him here since this kingdom serves as a bridge between ours." She rolled her eyes. "I have no intentions to marry anybody, however, nevermind a stuck up snob like everybody else in the higher classes."

"Some are snobbier than others," agreed Amu. "But why are you here, in the castle?"

The redheaded princess shrugged. "It is said the best looking people are living in the castle and while I may want to remain single, there is no need to avoid delicious eye candy." She glanced at the pink haired teenager. "But the question is…why are you here? Your name does not sound familiar. Are you from a faraway kingdom? A maid?"

"Hm, no," replied the seamstress. "I live in this kingdom as a mere commoner. However, I am Prince Ikuto's fiancée."

Emiko's eyes lit up in recognition. "Yes, I remember now. Some maids were talking about the prince's announcement at the ball the other night. They looked awfully jealous, but you act as if you would rather not be here."

Amu sighed. "It's a long story. I don't really want to be here, but only because he is making me attend these lessons to seem more 'proper'. However, he has yet to show up."

"I may not be your teacher, but I will tell you that it is frowned upon to use contractions in front of other royals," remarked Emiko, taking a seat in the chair across the room as she examined the pink haired girl. "You may only use them when in familiar company, such as close friends and direct family members, and avoid as much slang as possible. It is also best not to slouch like you are doing now."

Amu was suddenly conscious of everything she was doing, straightening. "Thank you for your lesson…do you know who you are marrying, milady?"

The princess rolled her eyes once more. "Please, just call me Emiko. I honestly despise those overly polite titles given. And no, I do not know who I am marrying." She looked over at Amu once more. "You know…you are not bad looking. With the right wardrobe and attitude, you could pass off as any other princess."

A light blush spread over the seamstress's face. "Ah, well, thank you." She glanced out the window and frowned when she noticed how dark it had become. "I understand he is the prince and must be very busy, but it's rather rude to leave somebody waiting for so long."

"It is rather rude," corrected Emiko, while agreeing at the same time. "You are not like other girls, Amu; I would like to know you more. Please tell me about yourself." Amu looked up at her, seeing genuine curiosity in those violet eyes. They were similar to Utau's, but were much warmer and more inviting.

"You are not like other girls either," she replied softly, smiling kindly. "If it is alright, I would like to be your friend."

Emiko looked touched, a shy smile forming as she nodded. "I would like that."

It was hours later when Prince Ikuto finally appeared, having been caught in a meeting with the Hoshina family to discuss why he had not chosen Utau to be his bride, and could not help but stare at the scene he was greeted by.

Amu was fast asleep on the couch, her head resting on the shoulder of Princess Emiko, who was also fast asleep. Both had content expressions on their normally guarded faces.

Kukai spotted his best friend standing in the doorway with a stunned expression. "Hey, is something wrong?"

The blue haired prince was jarred from his trance, gesturing to the scene in front of him for the duke to see. The brunette glanced into the room and grinned. "Is that Princess Emiko?" Ikuto asked.

The duke nodded as they gently closed the doors, careful not to wake them. "She was sent here by her parents to find a husband and also a wife for her brother." His best friend had a pensive expression. "You know, Ikuto, she has never opened up to anybody or gotten close to somebody unless she had to. She's considered a wild card in the royal family. Amu must have done something incredible to even get her to speak to her. She really is special."

Ikuto didn't notice the small smile on his face. "Yes…she is."

…

I don't own Shugo Chara!

Firstly, I would like to apologize for not updating sooner. I had writer's block. In fact, I still do…well, at least, for my other stories.

Secondly, this chapter isn't very important to the story but it does build up on the plot. We see the others' reactions to the engagement and finally see Amu's family, even though it is a brief encounter.

Now, I had planned on using my typical OC, Rosalyn, but decided I've used her a lot and wanted to create a new original character. Emiko will probably end up being either Tadase or Kukai's wife since I don't like Utau or ship Kutau and well, Tadase is desperate for a wife even though he mainly chases after Amu.

Anyways, I know absolutely nothing about the "proper etiquette" so I'm going to make stuff up for the lessons. Or just steal stuff from the Princess Diaries, which is an awesome movie. I love Anne Hathaway!

Okay, that's enough rambling from me…you know the drill. Don't hesitate to tell me about any mistakes you found or what you really thought about the chapter!