AN: Thank you everyone for reviewing and asking for another chapter.

I sincerely apologise for making you wait for so long, usually I like to update my stories at least once a month but difficult studying circumstances have prevented any updates and some of my fic's are really overdue; but I'm here now and, hopefully, you're still interested in reading this series *crosses fingers* :)

Thank you for sticking with me so far and putting up with the delay, I hope it was worth it. All errors are mine, I apologise for any that you may see, I edited this late at night so a couple probably slipped in.


Chapter 2

The New Life

When the bright light of Stella's spell disappeared Anne opened her eyes and looked at the now vacant room before releasing a sigh and walking outside. She pulled the door behind her and it gave a satisfying click. Restless first year students raced past her with their bags, all of them super eager to return home. She too felt excited at the prospect of having a real home again; Alfea had been the only thing closest to it since the others had found her, now she and her brother had a new chance at life…at a real life.

Kylar stood to attention as his sister arrived, neither of them had any belongings to bring with them, just the clothes they had arrived in and a spirit in their hearts.

"So are you ready to go?" He asked as they began walking back to the bus stop to go to Transportus Station.

"As I'll ever be," she smiled back to Kylar who laughed.

"I wonder what it is going to be like when we have a real home again."

"And a nice comfortable bed to sleep in every night."

"And proper food!" Kylar said rubbing his stomach which made Anne giggle. "It would be so good to eat something that actually had taste and a drink that wasn't frozen solid." She smiled before they reached the bus driver, paid for their tickets and started their long journey home.

Musa arrived in Melody but instead of feeling happy about it she felt a little dejected and sad. She normally returned home with love in her heart and the sound of new music already pulsing through her ears but this time it was different. The last time she had been here she had been here her father had died. And this time she was expected to forget about the war, forget about the destruction that still filled many of the streets with rubble, and become the princess of the realm.

It wasn't going to be easy.

She turned and could see the city trying to rebuild itself, trying to repair the final pieces of the puzzle and get everything back to the way that it used to be. But Musa knew it would never be the same for her again… nothing would ever be the same.

"Princess Musa," a tentative voice broke her train of thought, making Musa turn to see a tall young man with spiky short black hair and sparkling green eyes. He wore a black suit covered with red music notes and wore red converse shoes that matched. He knelt before her and kept his head down and one arm over his chest, fist clenched. "My name is Jet and I will be your personal butler, if there is anything that you need please do not hesitate to ask." He lifted his head and noticed the bag in her hand. "Would you like me to carry your bag for you?"

"No thank you," Musa replied, remembering the name and trying it on for size. He stood to attention and wiped his suit down. "Well then follow me please Princess."

"Can you just call me Musa?" She asked and noticed the way that his eyebrows furrowed slightly to the centre. He had never heard of a princess who didn't like being called by her title, it felt a little foreign for him to be on a first name basis with someone as important as she was.

"If that is what you wish, though I might slip up every now and then without realising it prin…Musa." He corrected making her smile. His hand motioned for her to follow and she did, carefully entering the palace. The black and white titles on the bottom stairs, large grand piano at the gates and golden staircase were all immaculate and her neck strained to see the ceiling with a crown painted on it.

"Welcome home."

'This isn't my home' Musa thought to herself, but she knew that it would soon become it. She felt like an alien entering this world of luxury and glamour though understood why Stella was the way she was because of it. Constant pampering, everything that you could possibly want, a large house and family, what more could a girl ask for. Though one part of that equation was missing, her family were dead to the world and she was the last remaining survivor… at least she thought she was.

"Princess Musa," Jet paused, stopping in his tracks as another woman approached. She stood tall and saluted, her fingers brushing against her short black hair and drawing Musa's attention to her dark blue eyes and fair skin. Her hair was straight which reminded Musa of Tecna and the soldier's uniform looked brilliant on her. She wore a light red blouse that disappeared into her metal golden arm guards with treble clef insignia on them. Across her shoulders were traditionally curved shoulder guards, black in colour with gold trimming which lead Musa's eyes down further to her chest guard. It looked incredibly heavy and was black and golden once again with her side's silver. She wore black leggings that disappeared into the dark boots she wore, golden metal plates build specifically in them to protect her shins and she wore fingerless black gloves to protect her hands.

"This is Lyon," Jet introduced and the knight knelt before her, bowing her head. Lyon, the name made Musa already feel sick. The last person she knew named Leon tried to kill her and actually succeeded. But she swallowed her pride and tried to put that past her. This Lyon wasn't the one she knew… she wasn't.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness."

"There is no need to be so formal," Musa replied and Lyon stood to her feet once more and smiled.

"I'm afraid I must be, Princess, I am your personal body guard, your safety is my top priority at all times." Musa felt both flattered and annoyed at the same time. Though the idea of having a guard to protect her was comforting, especially with their discovery of her nemesis not actually being dead after their last confrontation, but it also limited her freedom. It made her feel like a child again that always needed supervision but she supposed that was just how things had to be, for now at least.

"Allow me to escort you to your room." She bent down and picked up Musa's luggage, prying it from her fingers and started up the stairs.

"Don't worry," Jet smiled. "It will all work out okay, Musa." She smiled before following Lyon upstairs, her metal clanging softly with every step she took.

"Lyon," she started.

"Yes Princess," Lyon responded, continuing on their path.

"Will you always be with me? I mean supervising me?"

"That is the plan," Lyon replied. "My room is across from yours so at night if you have any problems I'll be there for you. During most meal times and formal occasions I will be escorting you personally, especially at your coronation."

"Coronation?" Musa asked before realising that she still wasn't technically the princess just yet. "When will that be?"

"You will need to talk to your events manager for that, he will be meeting you in your room shortly." She stopped walking and entered a nearby corridor. Musa stopped behind her and turned to see just how far they had walked up, the giant chandelier infront of her was glistening with its beauty, another reminder of an uncomfortable life that she was expected to live. Turning around she tripped over. "Ow," she groaned, looking up to see a worried maid looking down to her.

Lyon's feet pounded against the carpet instantly and she bent down to pick her up. "Are you alright Princess?" She asked and Musa nodded.

"P-princess, I-I-I'm so sorry," the innocent maid replied. "Please forgive me, please forgive me."

"Hey, it's okay," Musa replied, taking a hold of her by the shoulders. "Stop this forgiveness stuff; I should have been watching where I was going… we all make mistakes."

"Just be more careful next time, Elena," Lyon added and she nodded quickly before Lyon took Musa by the arm and lead her back to her room.

"Nice to meet you, Elena." Musa replied, turning to face her before disappearing out of sight.

"Wow," Elena sighed softly, leaning against the banister in surprise when Jet stood next to her.

"Isn't what you were expecting is she?" He smiled.

"Nowhere near," Elena replied, turning to look in his eyes. "She's so much better!"

"I know. I was expecting someone like the last royal we had, you remember, that snobby show off who flaunted how rich she was every two seconds and treated all of us like trash." Jet reminded and she nodded. "This Princess is something new," he smiled.

"I know. It's like she's normal."

"She is not normal," a voice boomed from their side making the two jump suddenly. They turned to see the stern and tall event manager Garrett standing behind them. He had medium short brown hair that sleeked back against his scalp, rectangular framed glasses over his smoky blue eyes and wore a black suit from neck to toe with boots that gleamed they were so polished. "She is the last biological princess of melody and she needs a clean home and someone to serve her needs so you have some work to do maid!" He snapped and with a polite curtsey she picked up her bucket and broom and trudged down the stairs. "And you too butler."

"Yes sir," Jet replied.


Flora arrived home and breathed the sweet smell of freedom into her lungs. Returning home was always the most joyous thing that she could ever experience. Her home was surrounded by one of the most immaculate gardens in all of Linphea and the cobble stone pathway to the front door added another level of cosy. Flora couldn't help but smile when the door suddenly burst open. "Flora!" Miele yelled, racing down the path as Flora dropped her bags and picked her up and swung her through the air. "How are you, Flora?" Miele asked.

"I'm good honey," Flora smiled, supporting her sister on her hip before she saw her mother in the doorway. She jogged toward her as quickly as she could and was met by a warm embrace. "How has everything been, Mum?"

"It's been pretty quiet," she replied, taking Miele from Flora so she could retrieve her bags.

"What about you? How was Alfea over the last few weeks? How are the girls?"

"It was great, busy but great and they are good too, Musa's getting ready for her coronation and the others are all waiting for the invites to party."

"I bet Stella is excited," she laughed and Flora nodded before they both walked inside and Miele raced off to her room to show Flora her latest drawing. She brought it back to Flora and saw the intricately and detailed lines of the flower on the page. It was beautiful, something far more established than other children her age would be producing. "Did you draw this?" Flora checked, looking to her mum for confirmation and she nodded her head. "It's amazing, it looks like something that Helia would be able to draw."

"Maybe I can show it to him one day!" Miele beamed, the prospect of spending time with Helia too good to miss. She loved it when he would sit down with her and have drawing competitions or when the two would try and think of ways to surprise Flora. Lily, Flora's mother, was always grateful that Helia was treating Flora well and that he legitimately devoted time to her and to her family.

"Maybe," Flora smiled when her mother stood and walked to the window, checking the outdoor sundial for the time.

"What's wrong, mum?"

"Nothing, there's a community meeting that I have to leave for. I'll be gone for a couple of days; you'll be okay with Miele right?"

"Yeah!" Miele yelled, running into her mother's legs and giving them a squeeze. "It will be lots of fun!"

"I think we'll manage," Flora explained. "You be careful too, the king tree winds can be horrendous at this time of the season."

"I know and I will be," Lily smiled, giving her two daughter's one last embrace before picking up her small backpack and threading her arms through its handles. An oversized lady bug arrived at the door, blowing Flora and Miele's hair in all directions as its wings beat against the surrounding air. "See you in a little while Flora, look after your sister Miele." They both waved until she disappeared from sight.

Flora looked down to Miele and her smile began to fade.

"What's wrong, Flora?" Her sister's innocent voice asked.

"It's nothing sweetie," she replied, pivoting on her heel to start the task of unpacking for the next two month break away from school. "If there is anything you can tell me," Miele persisted, running behind her. "After all I will be an Alfea fairy soon too."

"It's just complicated," Flora replied. "Just for grownups."

"Okay," the little girl sighed with defeat before Flora entered the house and closed the door.


Musa stood in the middle of her room and inhaled a deep breath before releasing it, hearing Lyon put her bag down on the bed. She stood back and straight and tall. "Is there anything else you require Princess Musa?"

"No," she shook her head. "Just some time alone would be nice."

"Of course, dinner will be served at 7pm sharp, I will be back to collect you."

"Thank you." The door clicked shut and Musa turned to make sure that there was no one before she walked back to her suitcase and opened the lid. Sitting carefully folded among her clothes was a single photograph, the one that she loved of her mother and father the most, the one that she used to look at on those long nights when sleep just wouldn't come to her.

She picked it up, wiping a tear from her eye. "I understand why you quit now dad," Musa replied. "I'm just not used to this; I don't know what to do."

There was a knock on the door and Musa turned, putting the photo under her pillow. "Yes?"

"Princess, it's your Event Manager, may I come in?"

"Yes." The door opened and the tall and immaculately dressed man entered. He kept the door slightly ajar behind him and bowed at the waist to greet her, though she didn't seem too interested and most of her attention was on the floor.

"My name is Garrett; I am your Event Manager, Personal Assistant and Secretary. If there is anything that you need then I am who to come to." Musa nodded before he opened a daily planner made of black leather. It was covered with various sticky notes in different colours and well written notes. He moved a seat from the far corner of the room and sat straight as Musa sat slumped on the bed.

"I just have a few things to discuss with you about your new title. Your official title at engagements will be Princess of Melody, is that okay with you?"

"Yes," she nodded and he wrote something with his pen.

"That name will appear on all guest lists and invitations to the palace both for and from you; it is also how you will be introduced at particular events including your coronation. I am assuming that Lyon has already discussed security detail with you."

"Sort of," Musa replied. "She said that she'd be watching over me at special events."

"True, a few house security rules though, you must be within the palace grounds by 10pm at the very latest, it's for your own safety and the palace must know where you are at all times, whether accompanied or not by Lyon or someone else. I understand that you still have one more year of studies at Alfea until you graduate." Musa nodded. "We will need to arrange a way for you to visit the palace for special events regardless of your studies. Lyon, also, has the option of accompanying you at school."

"Really?" Musa groaned, before clapping her hands over her mouth. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude, I'm just not used to that idea and I can look after myself."

"We know that you can Princess."

"Please call me Musa."

"Musa it is," Garrett noted before adjusting his glasses and looking back up to her eyes. "Are you happy with your room?"

"Yes," Musa replied, "though I was wondering if I could use the closet space to store my instruments. I don't really need that much space for clothes."

"I will have that amended," another note and Musa started to feel like this was more of an interview than a consultation. "Just one more thing," he paused. "Any and all social activities must be run by me or through Lyon for your own safety."

"I understand."

"Is there anything that you'd like to ask?" Garrett questioned, his eyebrows rising slightly in preparation but the music fairy just shook her head softly from side to side. "I understand that this will be quite a change for you from your ordinary life, that is to be expected, but I know that you will rise to the challenge."

"You really think so?" Musa mumbled softly, amazed that he actually heard what she said.

"Yes," he nodded, standing to his feet and closing his folder. "Do try and get some rest, it's been a long day, I am sure that you are eager for some sleep."

"I will once I get all my stuff sorted," Musa smiled and he reflected the same in his own features. "Thank you Garrett."

"You're welcome, Musa," he turned and placed a hand on the door before stopping. "Oh and I forgot to ask, when would you like your coronation?"

"I'm not sure, when do you think?"

"As soon as possible, but what about in two weeks time, that gives you plenty of time to get yourself settled and to give you a break from your studies." Musa nodded.

"Sounds good."

"And I also wanted to note just one more thing down," he removed the pen from his pocket and another sticky note. "Because you're father is…" he didn't want to say it, and Musa understood why. She still hadn't really come to terms with her father's passing after all, her own was imminent at the same time and trying to fight off the virus of a lifetime wasn't exactly good for giving her time to grieve. "Well because he won't be there for the big day I wanted to ask whether you had someone to officially escort you, other than Lyon that is."

Musa's cheeks blushed ever so slightly as she smiled and parted her lips. "Riven," she replied, "Riven of Quantum."

"Riven of Quantum it is," Garrett smiled before leaving the music fairy to her own devices again.


AN: I know that this story is Flora based but because of Musa's coronation there will be a fair bit of her in the first few chapters until Flora's story really picks up. Just like the other two fic's I like to build up to the main action/adventure of the fic and give you a balance of the drama/romance/friendship at the same time while giving you a few different character sub-plots that work with the main idea or tie each story into one another so they aren't simply stand alone fic's. Hope that made sense.

Thanks for reading and please review :) you have no idea how encouraging they are. Plus I have an exam in two days time, wish me luck! :)