Thank you all for the supportive comments and to those who have been looking for an update here it is. I am so sorry it took so long. 2016 was something else... So this chapter was going to be super long and I think it is still but I broke it up. The next chapter should be up sooner this time.

As always comments, questions, and criticisms are always welcomed. Enjoy.

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Michonne hummed softly to herself as she threw open the balcony doors to her room. The early, morning sun was making its ascension into the sky, its rays of light poured into her room. Michonne inhaled deeply, breathing in the fresh tropical air, a hint of the sea and exotic flowers scenting the pleasant morning breeze. Michonne turned away from the balcony to finish getting dressed. She had already bathed with warm water provided by her lady's maid and now she needed to find something to wear.

Michonne finally decided on a rose colored, flowing skirt, and an off the shoulder flowy, white top that barely covered her flat stomach. After Michonne was dressed she sat at her vanity and starred at her reflection in the mirror, wondering what she should do with her long dreads this morning. Humming to herself still, she gathered her hair up and began to fashion it into a side braid. As she worked on her task, humming happily, her eyes fell on a slender little vase she that sat on her vanity.

Michonne had crafted it herself several years ago, during an art lesson at her boarding school. The little vase wasn't that well-crafted, but this particular morning it held a single red blossom, its middle a sweet yellow, that was already slightly wilting. It was one of the many Rick had given her over the past month during which the appraisal process had taken place. Today Rick was bringing over the final draft of the documents for her approval.

Another warm breeze swept through Michonne's room, this time rustling the flower and Michonne smiled again, lost in her thoughts.

XXXXXXXX

Michonne opened the balcony doors of her room as she did every morning, surveying the land of her given when she spotted Rick. He sat tall atop a beautiful, reddish-brown stead as he galloped closer to her home. Michonne glanced over at the clock on the fire place mantel. It was only a quarter past 7. Rick was early for their 8am meeting.

Rick arrived in front of the mansion and dismounted his horse.

Rick lovingly stroked the horse's flank. "Good job, Flame." Rick spoke to the creature who enjoyed the praise. Rick stood tall, leaning closer to the horse. "Listen Flame. There is a very lovely horse in the stables called, Nellie." Rick caressed a spot between the horse's eyes and nose. "Perhaps you should put in a good word for me." Rick said and laughed at the creatures uninterested look.

From her view point on the balcony Michonne nearly laughed at Rick's conversation with his horse.

Noah came from the direction of the stables, already informed that Rick would be at The Kingdom most mornings.

"Good Morning, Sir." Noah said with a smile. "I can take your horse for you.

"Good Morning." Rick said returning the smile. "I am sorry I couldn't introduce myself last time we met. I am Rick." Gesturing toward his stead. "And this is Flame."

Noah and Rick exchanged firm hand shakes. "I am Noah. Yea, Michonne didn't think it was a good idea at the time." Noah paused. "She said you were here to help?" Noah said, more question than statement, eyeing Rick.

"I am." Rick said.

Noah and Rick looked at one another for a moment, a silent agreement of trust passed between them, before Noah nodded. Rick handed him the reigns and Noah began to walk away with Flame.

"Good morning, Michonne!" Noah suddenly called out. Rick frowned, looking around for where Michonne could be.

"Good morning Noah! Good morning Rick!" Michonne called down from the balcony. It was then Rick looked up the tall structure and noticed Michonne leaning against her balcony railing. Rick could feel the heat under his skin.

How long has she been there? Rick wondered in a panic. "Good Morning Michonne!" Rick called up to her, running his fingers through his brown hair nervously. "I'm a little early."

"That's good, that means we have time for Granny's breakfast." Michonne said with a smile. "Noah I will bring you some as well."

A huge grin broke on Noah's face and he waved. "See ya later then." Noah said as he led Flame away to the stables.

"Oscar, will you see in Rick." Michonne said "I will be down in a moment."

Michonne grabbed the flower Rick had given her the night before in her garden, arranged it in her hair, and made her way down the stairs where Rick was in conversation with Oscar. Rick's eyes found her immediately and they seemed to light up. Michonne felt a slight flutter in her heart.

Stop being foolish Michonne. She thought, admonishing herself.

Michonne and Oscar exchanged pleasantries before he excused himself, leaving the two alone. Michonne watched as Oscar walked away, turning to Rick, Michonne watched as his soft blue eyes traveled over her form, observing the flower he had given her the night before.

"You look beautiful." Rick spoke softly, a smile on face.

"You're too kind, Rick." Michonne said, smiling back. "Come on, breakfast, then we have work to do."

The two had a delicious breakfast courtesy of granny Jacqui, and headed to the stables where they dropped off some food for Noah. They mounted their respective steads and took a path through the cottages to land Rick would be appraising for the day.

Michonne was explaining harvesting practices when the two came across children heading to the schoolhouse located on The Kingdom property.

"Good morning everyone" Michonne said with a smile, dismounting Nellie. They all hugged Michonne, full of chatter. Rick dismounted Flame and stood watching Michonne with the children. They all clearly adored her. Rick looked at Michonne's glowing face. She clearly adored them too.

"Who's that, Ms. Michonne?" A little boy asked pointing at Rick.

Michonne looked at Rick. "This is Mr. Rick Grimes." Michonne smiled at Rick as she turned back to the children. "Can you all say hello to Mr. Rick?"

A cheerful chorus of "Hello Mr. Rick" rang out. Nellie nervously moved back. Rick couldn't help but smile.

"Why hello there." Rick said smiling at the children, waving.

"Is that a royalty seal on your ring?" A little girl in a bright pink dress asked Rick, pointing to the signet ring that adorned his finger.

Rick looked down quickly at the ring then back to the child who asked.

"Yes, it is. It just means I have a title." Rick answered as he smiled at her. "How did you know?" Rick asked as he absent mindedly twisted the ring on his finger.

"We're learning about the English monarch and hierarchy in our history lessons." A little boy in a green tank top and blue shorts said, a frown on his face.

Rick couldn't help but laugh. "Not a favorite lesson I gather."

The boy vigorously shook his head no which caused Michonne and Rick to laugh.

"I get good marks on all my lessons though." The boy said quickly.

"Yes! Ms. Michonne gives a schilling if we do well on all our lessons." The little girl in the bright pink sundress added.

"Yea! So, I work very hard in school." The young boy in the bright green tank and blue shorts said.

"I do too, mon." A child next to him said.

"I get higher marks than you!"

"Nah mon, Mrs. Becquet says I am her best student."

The children were soon in an uproar, debating who was the better student or who their beloved teacher liked the best. Michonne looked at Rick, a small smile on her face, shaking her head. He smiled in return as she turned back toward the children.

"Now, now, now!" Michonne said loudly, the children immediately quieted down. Nellie neighed nervously and moved away from the commotion. "I remember getting a report that you all did well and giving all of you schillings."

"Well is that so?" Rick said as he comforted Nellie, caressing the horse's nose. A gesture not unnoticed by Michonne, who smiled at him. He gave her a wink as he kneeled in front of the children. "I tell you all what, if Michonne gets another good report from…Mrs. Becquet?" Rick paused and the children nodded affirming he had indeed said their teacher's name correctly. "…I will give a schilling in addition to the one Michonne gives you."

A chatter arose from the children. As Rick stood grinning at them and he looked over to Michonne who smiled at the children's excitement.

Rick had an effortless charm and it was infectious as the children smiled up at Rick.

"So, we would get two whole schillings?" The young boy in a bright green tank and shorts asked Rick.

"Yes, sir Mr…" Rick confirmed, pausing so the child could say his name.

"I am Omar." The boy said then pointing to the little girl in the pink sundress. "This is my sister, Deisha." She waved at Rick, smiling, and one by one the children introduced themselves to Rick.

A bell rang out in the distance. The chatter among the children stopped.

"That's the school bell. We better get going." Omar said. "Bye Ms. Michonne, bye Mr. Rick." The children all said their good byes and waved, running toward the schoolhouse.

"Have a good day in school!" Rick and Michonne called out in unison. They looked at each other smiling.

Michonne mounted Nellie again.

"Well you've certainly made their day." Michonne said, as she watched Rick mount Flame.

Rick simply smiled "Learning about the monarch was my least favorite lesson as a child. I sympathize." He replied, settling on flame.

"Come on. We have a long day ahead of us." Michonne said laughing.

That first day was spent exploring a few of The Kingdom's fruit fields. Rick observed the production process and spoke with many of the farmers. He even held the soil the fruit was grown in, in his hands, observing its's texture and moisture. The day was hot and long, they had barely even covered a 1/10 of The Kingdom property. Rick had arrived in normal English attire, his thick brown curls coifed perfectly, and polished boots. However, by lunch the jacket was gone, the sleeves of his pressed white shirt were rolled up to his elbows, his brown curls dripped with sweat, and the shine of his boots was gone.

They arrived back at the white mansion an hour before dinner. Oscar showed Rick where he could freshen up, having been invited by Jacqui the night before. After the meal, Rick and Michonne decided on another evening walk, this time adjourning to the beach just beyond the dining hall. Rick and Michonne left their shoes on the veranda. They each enjoyed the soft sand under their feet, together they took in the sounds of the island. The sea against the beach, the birds singing, tree frogs croaking, and the crickets created a soothing lullaby to the end of a long day.

Reaching the halfway point of the beach, they sat in the sand side by side and watched the waves against the shore. Rick breathed in the air and exhaled slowly.

"What a beautiful night." Rick said

Michonne looked over at Rick. It was so hard not smile looking at him. He looked so young, his legs pulled up, his forearms resting on his knees, his head resting against them, his mess of brown curls grazing his forehead, as he gazed out to the sea. It's surface glittered as the starlight danced on its surface.

"It really is." Michonne said, still looking over at Rick.

Rick could feel her eyes were on him, no longer on the sea in front of them. He turned to look at her and struggled against the involuntary feeling of his breath being taken away. Michonne lay against the sand, propped up on her elbows, her form long and lean, her rich brown skin glowed against the sand, the moonlight made her skin shimmer in its light.

Her beauty literally took his breath away. Rick took a deep breath as he looked at the flower in her hair. The little flower Rich had gotten from the garden hadn't survived the long day. Rick reached over without thinking and caressed the wane petals.

I can't believe she kept this since last night. Maybe… Rick thought, allowing his mind to wonder.

Michonne's breath hitched when she saw Rick reach for her. She couldn't move, anticipating his touch, his skin upon hers, but he merely caressed the flower still in her hair. Then his eyes found hers and they couldn't look away from each other. Michonne reached up to pull the flower out of her hair, their fingers touching fleetingly, sent a current of energy through them. Their mouths opened in a silent gasp and they broke eye contact, Rick took his hand away, as Michonne pulled the flower from her locs.

"This flower has seen better days." Michonne mused, holding the flower gently in her hands.

"I will bring you more." Rick said, as he sat up straighter, stretching his legs in front of him, his body tilting towards her in the sand. "I quite like the look of flowers in your hair." His blue eyes shone bright against the glowing night sky.

Michonne looked at him, captivated, she could feel her heart beginning to beat faster in her chest.

I'm surrounded by flowers. Every morning there is fresh cut flowers in the vases around my home. I could go to the garden right now and pick entire bouquet of flowers for my hair if I wanted.

Michonne ignored her thoughts. He already knows that.

Michonne's eyes searched the face of the man beside her. She smiled.

"I would like that. Thank you, Rick."

XXXXXXXX

Michonne smiled at the flower in the vase as she finished her braid. Rick kept his word and brought her flowers for her hair every day. Since today Rick was only bringing documents for Michonne to make her final assessments and sign them, he would arrive after lunch. Michonne felt an ache in her chest but it went away just as suddenly as she had felt it.

Michonne stood from her vanity and reached for the blossom.

I love our evening walks, he said as he reached over and plucked the red blossom from a bush in her garden. It will be strange not to see you every day, he said handing her the flower.

Michonne closed her eyes, forcing the memory away and arranging the flower in her locs. She observed herself in the mirror one last time before heading about her morning activities.

...

Rick stood in Paul's study at Hilltop as Paul and Gregory looked over the contract he had been working on for a month. Paul nodded. "This is very good Rick. Everything appears to be in order." Paul said looking from the document. Gregory frowned to himself before standing up. He opened his mouth to speak but he caught sight of Rick.

Rick stood rigid like a tiger ready to pounce. Since that evening in his billiard room Gregory did his best to avoid Rick. Obeying Rick's command that when Michonne was present for her assessment of the Hilltop that he be out of sight. It was a blessing that working on the appraisal had kept him busy and away from his home. Rick was usually gone before breakfast and returned well after dinner which suited Gregory just fine. Gregory quietly lamented bringing the Grimes family into his business. Gregory still wanted The Kingdom land but with Rick acting as their personal guard dog he was uncertain as to how that would happen.

"Is everything ok, Gregory?" Rick asked, his voice polite and concerned but when Gregory looked in Rick's eyes they were cold. Gregory nervously cleared his throat.

"Yes Rick. You did a fine job. Everything appears to be in order, I am going to take my leave." Gregory nodded to his son and Rick, quickly leaving the room.

Paul was busy blowing the ink dry on the documents. "He's still afraid of you." Paul said not looking up from his task.

Rick sighed as began preparing his attaché for the documents. "I try to imagine what kind of man he would be if more people challenged him." Rick said as he walked over to the desk. Paul looked at Rick then, handing him the documents.

"I can only imagine. You're the only one brave enough to do that." Paul laughed as he watched Rick arrange the documents in the protective leather satchel. "Please do send Ms. Moreau my regards. I certainly hope and her father accept our dinner invitation."

Rick swallowed. I was planning to forget all about such an invitation, He thought.

Michonne and Paul got along quite well whenever she visited for her assessment. Rick supposed they, being the children of merchants and then running their family businesses they did share a great deal in common. However, he couldn't imagine subjecting her and her father to an entire evening of his family and the Rovias.

"I'll be sure to ask." Rick said as he turned from Paul heading toward the door.

Rick inhaled the afternoon air and smiled as he rode Flame. Rick was ecstatic to be away from the Hilltop estate and on his way to The Kingdom. He gotten used to being there every morning well late into the night but as his appraisals were coming to a close he no longer had any plausible reasons to be there as often.

Rick loved every second he got to be there. Rick loved how happy everyone was. Everyone who worked for the Moreaus did nothing but praise them. Ezekiel was revered for his hard work. Rick was told he was born with nothing but ambition and he turned it into The Kingdom. Rick found that especially inspiring considering what Jamaica had gone through to earn its independence.

Rick more than anything loved being around Michonne. He had never known a woman more brilliant. He could listen to her plans and dreams for hours. Michonne is patient, kind, and stern when she needed to be. Rick smiled recalling her playful nature. Sometimes they greeted the children after school and when the day's appraising was done. They would all play games, running and laughing. Oh, how she laughed and made silly faces with the children. God, he loved her laugh, her smile. Rick sighed softly to himself as he tried to refrain his self from thinking of her beauty, her gorgeous figure. He longed to touch her and hold her. To press his lips against hers.

Rick desperately wanted to declare his romantic intentions, he wanted to court Michonne properly. He observed no other suitors which would have surprised him if he didn't witness for himself just how little Michonne socialized with anyone outside of her family and friends who worked with the Kingdom.

As Rick continued down the path to the Kingdom he came upon a single white flower in a patch of tall grass. Rick halted Flame and dismounted. Rick plucked the little flower from the earth, an exquisite, exotic blossom with a rich, floral scent. Rick smiled as he inhaled its fragrance, his thoughts of Michonne.

...

Michonne sat in her study waiting for Rick's arrival, suddenly feeling forlorn. She tried to busy her mind. Throughout the day, it raced with intrusive sad thoughts, she simply didn't understand why she was so sad. Michonne sighed as she tried to review a map of the Kingdom. It detailed every single piece of land her family owned.

I was perfectly happy this morning.

Well, yes of course, when you remember how much you enjoy Rick's company. Michonne frowned at her thoughts.

You're going to miss him

The realization made Michonne gasp.

Knock, Knock

A knock sounded at her study door then, startling her. Michonne rose quickly from her sit. "Please come in." She called out. Marie opened the door. "Lord Grimes to see you ma'am."

"Oh, Marie you know by now you can call me Rick." Rick jested as he walked into the room. He looked at Marie with a grin on his face an eyebrow raised, his blue eyes sparkled playfully.

"My apologies Lor- Rick" Marie said as she giggled. "It's hard a habit to break."

Rick smiled at Marie. "Well try harder, young lady." At this Marie giggled harder, amused at being called young being twice his age.

Michonne watched Rick effortlessly charm the housekeeper. Marie giggled more as she shook her head. "You need to watch this one" Marie said as she pointed a finger at Rick. He made a face if to suggest "Who me?" It was Michonne's turn to laugh.

"I will keep an eye on him don't worry Marie." Michonne said as Rick gazed into her eyes.

Marie took her leave and Rick approached Michonne's desk, pulling the paper work from his attaché. Michonne's study was a cozy little room. Cherry wood furniture, mahogany wood floors, two book shelves filled with books, a little fireplace, and a white settee adorned with soft pink pillows with beautiful embroidery. There were fresh cut flowers in vases, elegantly arranged around the room. Rick had grown quite familiar with space, on some long days they would retire to her cozy study, their conversations changing from business affairs to their favorite pastimes and their dreams for the future.

Michonne gestured toward a chair across from her desk. Rick took a sit placing the paper work on her desk as he sat. As Michonne sat, Rick seemingly pulled a flower from nowhere, offering it to her, smiling sweetly at her. Michonne laughed as she settled into her cushy chair. She reached for the flower and their fingertips brushed ever so slightly against each other. Rick's skin reddened and Michonne suppressed a gasp because as usual something powerful flowed between them.

"Thank you, Rick." Michonne smiled at him before she gazed at the little white flower, she began to place the flower in her hair just near the red blossom he gave her yesterday. "It's beautiful."

Rick simply smiled back, basking in her beauty was a privilege he felt he didn't deserved. Incidentally the two flowers matched her attire perfectly. The white top that she wore revealing her luscious brown shoulders, he marveled at the slope of her neck, the strength of her arms. Her smile was so captivating he sat mesmerized.

"Michonne it's your exquisiteness that truly enhances the beauty of that flower." Rick spoke softly his voice deep and husky.

He had always wanted to speak these kinds of words to her but could never find the courage. Perhaps because Rick knew that instead of seeing Michonne everyday their time was limited. It pained him deeply.

Michonne's eyes grew wide at his words. Her heart began to beat faster. "Rick…" Michonne began to speak, breathlessly.

Knock Knock

A knock at the door startled them both and the door began to open Michonne sat up straight in her sit to observe who it was as Rick turned his body toward the door. Ezekiel entered the room.

"Hello papa." Michonne said smiling, trying to calm her rapidly beating heartbeat. Rick stood to greet Ezekiel and the two men shook hands. Rick resumed seating in his seat and Ezekiel towered over his daughter's desk. "Papa, Rick is just showing me the final contract." Michonne said as she gestured to the papers Rick placed on her desk. "Would you care to review them with me?" she asked.

"No, no baby girl. The Kingdom is in very good hands." Ezekiel smiled at his child. His gaze fell upon the flowers in her hair as Rick busied himself arranging the papers over her desk. "So, once we sign this contract we'll not have any further…complications with Hilltop?" Ezekiel asked Rick.

"Yes, sir. The Hilltop and The Kingdom will be partners." Rick said flashing a quick nervous smile to Ezekiel.

"Excellent. I bet it will be nice to finally settle into your life there and not have to be here so often." Ezekiel said, smiling down at Rick. Over the past month, Ezekiel had begrudgingly accepted Rick's presence in his home and around his child for the sake of getting rid of the Rovias, but it had pleased him none.

"Why my boy, I saw you more in my home then my own child. You were at my dinner table more than me!" Ezekiel said as he chuckled. "Your family will be so relieved to have suppers with you again." Rick and Michonne glanced at one another, the sadness palpable between them, not at all lost on Ezekiel.

"Yes sir, but they know that I am working. My absences haven't troubled them at all." Rick lied, remembering a conversation he had once with his mother.

XXXXXXXX

Rick arrived back to the Hilltop from another late evening at The Kingdom, he had had supper, and then Michonne and he wondered aimlessly on the beach. To his surprise his mother had been up waiting for him in the sitting room, the fireplace roared in front of her.

"My dear son, you're working far too hard." Georgina Grimes fussed at her child, as she sat swinging her lace fan about her face.

"The Moreau's have been kind to let me have supper with them after a long day's work, mother." Rick said thinking about his now routine nightly walks with Michonne after dinner.

Tonight, it had been the beach and he regaled her with a tale of eating the spiciest pepper in the world while he was in India. The enthusiasm with which he told the tale made her laugh aloud, the musicality of the sound made his heart race, he so delighted in being the one to elicit the sweet melody.

His mother wanted him to become more acquainted with the other European settlers living on the island. Something he couldn't do if he was always away when his mother and Mrs. Rovia held dinner parties.

"Darling, it seems we will be here for some time and we need to maintain our good name in society." Georgina Grimes said as she stood, walking over to her son, looking up at him as she caressed his face. "Who knows my darling, perhaps you may meet the next Lady Grimes here. There are so many families from home here. I know more than one of them has a daughter-"

"I understand, mother." Rick said quickly, he leaned over and kissed her check. "It's late. You should get some rest."

Georgina Grimes smiled at her son. "Stop avoiding my dinner parties, Rick." She said pointing at him as she walked away.

XXXXXXXX

"In fact, to celebrate our new partnership The Rovias are having a small dinner with some partners and friends," Rick said, looking back and forth between Ezekiel and Michonne, trying to gauge their reaction. "They would be most honored if you'd both attend."

Ezekiel began to frown.

"I am sure they believe since Mr. Rovia apologized for his appalling remarks, and you both accepted his apology, you would be more inclined to join the dinner," Rick said, he swallowed nervously "but I know that apologies don't always guarantee forgiveness."

The room was silent was for quite awhile. During their past month working together and before Michonne was to go to Hilltop to assess their operations, she explained to Rick the reason for her intense dislike of Gregory Rovia.

XXXXXXXX

During a meeting between the Rovias and Moreaus that had taken place at the Hilltop settlement, the group had once again been unsuccessful to agree upon an arrangement between their two businesses. Michonne and Ezekiel departed Gregory's study, escorted out by their housekeeper.

On this particular day, Michonne wore a garment she worn a great deal while she was in Paris. An airy, flowy day dress that was often worn with long gloves. Michonne had taken them off once they were deep in negotiations and on her and her father's hasty departure she had forgotten them. They were a present from her schoolmate Maggie and Michonne wanted to retrieve them. The housekeeper, who was quite elderly, had merely shown them the door and hobbled away. So Michonne headed back to Gregory's study on her own.

At this precise moment, Gregory Rovia was lamenting to his son how he detested doing business with the Moreaus. "My Goodness in my day…we wouldn't have this…complication with these darkies!" Gregory said pacing back and forth.

"Well father according to my historical lessons the way things would have happened in your day ended with the Jamaicans and French defeating us." Paul said, amused seeing his father so frustrated as he paced back and forth.

"Blasted French, cowards!" Gregory huffed angrily. "If I had still been in service to the crown during that, believe me we would've won. We'd-"

"Murdered innocent families and enslaved the good people of this island!"

Gregory and Paul's head snapped up, looking toward the doorway. Michonne stood there, head high, shoulders back, her breathing quickening in the midst of her rage.

"You would have murdered mother." Michonne spoke the words quietly but loud enough for them both to hear. Paul's eyes widened in horror at her statement as he watched her.

Michonne walked into the room, quickly locating her gloves on the table. Michonne leaned over to retrieve them and then she turned to the now silent men. "I am afraid The Kingdom has no interest in doing business with Hilltop Trading Inc." Michonne said as she stared at the Rovias, Gregory's eyes faltered and he looked away from her. Paul opened his mouth to speak but Michonne then turned on her heel and walked out of the study.

Michonne's vision began to blur but she wouldn't allow a single tear to spill over Gregory Rovia's callowness. Michonne moved quickly to the front door but Paul managed to catch up with her.

"Please, Ms. Moreau, I am deeply sorry for your lose and my father's ignorance." Paul said "I do not share in his way of thinking, I give you my word on that as gentleman."

Michonne blinked back her tears and turned to face Paul. "Unfortunately, Mr. Rovia we can't do business. I despise your father." Michonne said as she turned to leave but Paul ran to block her path.

"Please, forgive me, Madam." Paul said as Michonne gawked at his attempt to block her exit. "Michonne, my father is an insufferable bigot and I won't pretend he is otherwise but Hilltop will not be under his management forever. It barely is now." Paul took a deep breath as spoke again and Michonne relaxed her shoulders as she listened to Paul's reasoning's.

"Ever since I was a little boy my dream has been to run The Hilltop. The key to us making it here is the Kingdom, I know it. A partnership with your company will open up an entire new world for us." Paul said as he searched Michonne's eyes eagerly "Please reconsider."

Michonne had reconsidered as Rick had learned. Well of course she had or he wouldn't be here "We both want the betterment of our family's businesses and in truth I've wanted European partnership for the Kingdom, it would mean more buyers, I had hoped with the French but they're in no position for new trade business at the moment." Michonne revealed to Rick when she had told him of Gregory's misdeed.

XXXXXXXX

"I am not one for these sort of dinner parties." Ezekiel snarled, stroking his beard.

Rick nodded despondently, as he looked at the papers on Michonne's desk.

"Well then, I must attend on the Kingdom's behalf." Michonne said looking up at her papa. Rick's eyes shot up to look at Michonne, wide with surprise and glee.

Ezekiel frowned but Michonne continued. "It's important to know more about new business partners, papa."

Ezekiel looked into his child's eyes. This was a battle he would not win and he sighed. "You'll need a chaperone."

"Papa," Michonne said as she now sighed.

"I will be in attendance. I will be certain that Michonne is looked after…uh that everything goes well." Rick spoke up quickly, easily.

Ezekiel's frowned deepened, his entire demeanor cloudy but Michonne turned to Rick, smiling brightly.

"See papa, Rick will be sure that I am well looked after." Michonne said as the two stared into each other's eyes. Rick couldn't help but smile. Michonne returned his smile and then looked at the papers on her desk. "Now it's time to finalize this deal." Michonne continued just as Ezekiel opened his mouth to protest.

"Papa, I think you should still go over these with me." She said turning to look at him. "This a big change for the Kingdom."

Ezekiel looked at his child and nodded, taking the seat next to Rick in front of her desk. Michonne went through all the important details of the contract with her father. Michonne paused waiting for her father to ask any questions once she finished but Ezekiel only gave a somber nod. Michonne dipped her quill into the inkwell situated on her desk and signed the document just below the signatures of the Rovias. Then Ezekiel did the same. It was done.

The trio sat in silence again for a long moment. Then Rick turned in his seat to partially face Ezekiel, his hand out stretched to shake Ezekiel's. "Welcome to Hilltop/Grimes inc" Rick said looking up at the tall man beside him. Ezekiel eyed Rick's hand for a moment before he shook it.

"Thank you." Ezekiel said, as the two released hands and he stood. "Well I am going for a walk. You take care, Rick."

"Michonne I would like you to join me." Ezekiel said, as he reached the door to her study.

"Yes, papa. Just let me file these papers, show Rick out, and I will be right with you." Michonne said smiling at her father.

Ezekiel laughed loudly. "Busy girl, eh." He said as he opened the door to her study. "In the garden, yea?"

"Yes, papa." Michonne said smiling at her father before her eyes returned to the papers she signed. She blew softly on the ink to ensure it was dry.

Ezekiel lingered a moment at her door watching his child who was no longer a child and his eyes then fell on the Englishman who pretended to be interested in the time on his pocket watch. Ezekiel sighed softly to his self and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Michonne and Rick listened to him walk down the hall. Rick put his pocket watch away and Michonne no longer paid attention to the paperwork. The ink had long since dried and she quickly put the contracts away in a protective sleeve. She took a deep breath and looked at Rick.

Immediately their eyes found one another. "So, this is our last time working together?" Rick asked, a sad smile on his face.

"It doesn't have to be." Michonne replied, sliding a map across the desk to Rick.

He raised an eyebrow, his blue eyes suddenly alight as he leaned over the desk to observe it closer. He recognized it as the one Michonne used to keep track of how much land the Kingdom owned, where it was located, and how to get to each location. Rick eyed the map and then looked at Michonne, quizzically.

"Do you remember when you first dined with my family and my papa mentioned a cottage?" She asked starring into his eyes before her own fell back unto the map.

"Yes." Rick said following the gaze of her eyes.

"I believe it's here." Michonne said as her fingers ran over a hand drawn image of thick trees against the back drop of a mountain, located several yards from the white mansion. "I want to find it and I want you to go with me." She said looking up at Rick, trapped in the spell of his blue eyes, her eyes exploring his, his eyes searching the sweet brown eyes she possessed.

Without thought or preamble Rick spoke. "I am with you."

XXXXXXXX

Thank you for reading!