Author: Third chapter! So proud of myself... hmm... this is a bit longer but I'll try to make it longer. And now a word from our heroine!

Sam Manson: DISCLAIMER: The Author does not own Danny Phantom. (bored) Can I home now?

Author: So you can snog Danny when you get home? Sure...

Sam Manson: (blush) NO, I WON'T!

Author: Riiiight...

Entering the Dragon's Den

Previously:

"Good evening," he announced, his smooth tenor voice carrying quite well in the huge room, "I am Danny Phantom, the Ghost Prince."


He was a handsome boy, Sam had to give him that. He had the brilliant glowing green eyes that seemed to look into her very being, snow-white hair that stuck out everywhere and pale skin that reflected the firelight. He wore a sort of spandex-like material jumpsuit that was entirely black except the parts around his gloves, boots, belt, neck, and cape. Multiple white belts looped around his torso, a silver gauntlet with a large jade green gem was strapped to his left wrist, and a white insignia, a D intertwined with a P was decorated on his cape and suit. The feature that stuck out most though, was the glowing malachite green crown covered with emerald flames and studded with rounded jewels.

Sam hated him the minute she heard that smug voice of his. She scoffed as the other girls squealed and pointed at him like he was a prized trophy waiting to be won. She rolled her eyes when he descended the staircase slowly on foot, when she knew very well that he could fly over to them. This gesture seemed to make the girls scream more; one even fainted from blood loss due to a severe nosebleed.

"Good evening, ladies," he announced again, bowing dramatically, "I am Danny Phantom, the Ghost Prince but you all can call me Phantom. I trust you all will enjoy your stay here." He started going down the line, asking each girl for her name and taking up her hand and kissing it.

'What a show off,' Sam resisted the urge to roll her eyes again as he came to her.

"Hello, fair maiden," he gave her a suggestive wink, "May I be bestowed the honor of knowing your name?"

"Please, flattery will get you nowhere," Sam glared at him. She expected him to get mad and kick her out but instead, he gave her an all-knowing smile before circling around her. Sam could feel glares from the girls next to hers and turned to them. All of them, especially Paulina were either growling or glaring at her for taking away their precious time with their 'Prince'. Sam herself was turning a few shades of red. She was well aware of 'Phantom' poking her waist, arms, and back like a curious child.

"It's settled," he circled his arms around Sam who took every ounce of dignity not to slap him. "You're my favorite." He whispered in her ear.

"HEY!" Sam yelled, struggling to pull his arms away from her waist. "LET GO OF ME!"

"Why did you pick the Gothic loser when you can have a girl like me?!" Paulina shrieked, her voice reaching a high pitch.

"Or me!" Star ranted. Everyone in the room started complaining and whining. Phantom let go of Sam and feigned a sincere look; years of practice made it look perfect.

"Forgive me," he floated a bit off the ground which made a few eyes pop. "I'll show you to your rooms. That long trip must have taken a lot out of you ladies."


Sam grumbled as she pushed her suitcases off her bed. It was a standard room with a dresser and a plain desk were next to the left wall, a queen-sized bed with a canopy on another, the door to the hallway on the opposite wall, and the entrance to a bathroom was next to the wall opposite of the bed. Occupants had to share the bathroom since two rooms were connected to the same bathroom. And guess who Sam was sharing her restroom with.

"Listen, loser," Paulina sneered, "I take long bathes and I do NOT like to be disturbed! You hear me? After all, I need to look my best if I am going to win the Prince's heart." Sam snorted indignantly at the Hispanic girl's confidence and ignored her. There was a knock on the door and outside was another servant, except, Sam noticed that this one was human. He had amazing azure eyes that were so innocent-looking and jet-black hair that was as unruly as Phantom's.

"Who are you?" Sam raised an eyebrow. She didn't know there was a human beside the girls here.

"I'm Danny," then sensing that Sam didn't get it, he quickly added, "Danny Fenton!" He could see her relax visibly.

"Why are you here?" she asked. Danny brightened, giving her his most brilliant smile. Unlike Phantom's smile, which was sarcastic and lazy, his smile was bright and warm.

"I'm the Phantom's servant and most trusted advisor," he gave her a bow, "I came here to tell you that dinner will be served now and you are to report to the dining room. Dress formally." Sam followed him out.

"Are you going to change into something more suitable?" Danny questioned, confused. Sam smiled for the first time since she was sent to this place.

"I already am," Sam deadpanned, pointing at her attire which comprised of a black tank top and a green-plaited black skirt that reached up to mid-thigh. A pair of purple stockings and black combat boots completed her rebel look. Danny smiled back and led her to the dining room.

"Did you already escort the other girls?" Sam asked as they walked down the stone corridors.

"No, I was asked to escort the Prince's favorite," Danny offered her a mysterious smile. Sam didn't know whether to be flattered or smack Danny upside the head. Sam was about to ask more questions when they had arrived at the dining room. She turned to see that Danny had disappeared somehow.

Unlike the throne room, it was decorated with pillars wound with exotic flowers of many kinds, a large chandelier with millions of dancing crystals that cast light across the room, a long buffet table made of birch wood lined with Victorian-style chairs, a holder on each pillar was filled with flowers and candles casting shadows flickering and dancing across the golden-colored walls and the paintings of fruit and other foods that Sam thought was supposed to promote appetite.

Girls were starting to come in. Sam noticed that they seated themselves next to the most beautiful domed plates. Then she realized that the plates were ranked from the most extravagant to the plainest. She also noticed that the most jewel-studded plates were nearest to Phantom.

'This is a trick,' Sam's eyes widened before getting up and standing next to the plainest plate she could find which was a bronze plate covered with a brass dome. Phantom made a dramatic entrance by phasing through the floor slowly; a move that made girls scream and giggle like mad. She noted that Phantom seated himself in a place where there was no plate.

"Everyone," he smirked at the girls, "Open your domes. You'll find a special surprise just for you." Sam stared at his smirk grow more mischievous by the second as he anticipated something that they didn't know. Screams elicited as domes were opened to reveal bats, bugs, scorpions, snakes, toads, and other crawly animals. Girls started running out as Phantom's laughter was heard. Sam glared at him.

"Gets them every time," he laughed, ignoring Sam for the time being.

"Hello, I'm still here, you know," Sam growled menacingly. Phantom stopped laughing and gave her his trademark smirk.

"You really are an enigma, Sammy, aren't you?" he floated lazily to her. Sam felt herself twitch.

"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!?!" Sam screamed, getting up abruptly. Nobody called her that; not even her mother or friend could call her that and certainly not a sadistic bastard like him.

"Oh, nothing," Phantom replied innocently. He sat down in the seat next to her. "Advisor?"

"Yes, My Prince?" Danny Fenton suddenly appeared between them, bowing on his knees to Phantom. Sam remembered that he had disappeared as she entered the dining room and assumed that he was lurking in the shadows or helping in the kitchens.

"Fetch us some dinner," Phantom ordered waving his hand lazily. Sam glared at Phantom before smiling at Danny.

"I'll go with you, Danny," Sam got off her chair only to be pushed back into it by Phantom.

"That won't be necessary," Phantom gave her a smile that reminded her of Danny's except it seemed... phony...

Dinner itself was quick. Sam excused herself as soon as she could and followed Danny to her room. As she lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, she would never anticipate what would happen the next few days.

Author: Ooh... Phantom got Sammy pissed... no cliffie this time... okay... as I said, I'll make it longer next time and I'll update on Saturday, hopefully...