Hopefully I didn't make you guys wait too long! Please R&R, I'd love to hear from you! Now presenting...da dada DA! Ch.2!
"Please, drink your tea. I believe it will help clear your head." Claude said, then added with, if you can call it that, a smirk. "I heard you aren't big on teas, but I think you'll enjoy this one."
I took a tentative sip. "Mm, this is good." I said in disbelief. "How did you know I would like this?" I ask.
"I called Tarmo and Onni, to get a list of your likes and dislikes. I was surprised at the list they gave me. It was quite ... extensive. When I thought they were done, they would come up with something else to add." He ran a hand through his hair in irritation. "There are some clothes in this closet. I suggest wearing one of the dresses for brunch. Once you are dressed, call me on the intercom." With that he left the room.
Okay. What to wear? I went through the closet. Most of the clothes were dresses. Great, lots and lots of all looks to be my size. How did they get me clothes this fast? Probably Uncle, though I know none of these were in my closet at the palace.
I chose a knee-length, yellow chiffon dress. It really brought my eyes out, and it helped make me feel happy in this current situation. I decided I should call the university then, to let them know what happened. They told me to take a week off and that they understood.
I decided to put my hair in a half-up/half-down do and put on some white ballet flats to wear, then hit the call button on the intercom. Minutes later there was a knock at my door. "Come in." I call, and Claude enters.
"That choice will suffice for now." Claude said looking at my dress, and opened the door motioning for me to leave.
"Thank you. Where are we going?" I ask as I walk through the door.
"His Highness wanted to see you before breakfast." Claude replied emotionlessly.
"Oh, okay." I said with a small smile. Prince Wilfred wants to see me?
I followed Claude to a sitting room with some blue chairs and white couches. There was another door. I would assume it goes to a bedroom. I sat in the chair with my back to the door. I than heard the door open, and craned my neck to look behind me.
Prince Wilfred came out, running his hands down his shirt, as if to smooth out the wrinkles. He was wearing a white T-shirt underneath a blue button-up dress shirt which he left unbuttoned, some khaki pants, and black dress shoes. He stopped when he saw me sitting there, a brief look of surprise on his face that he quickly got under control.
"Miss Phoenix, you're here already." Prince Wilfred spoke evenly.
"Just as you asked, I've brought Miss Adele." Claude said with a bow.
"It's good to see you again, Your Highness. Though, I didn't expect it to be so soon." My smile faltered when thinking about last night.
"Good morning. I had heard about what happened last night. It must have been rough." I could see the concern in his clear blue eyes.
"It was, but I'm trying not dwell on it. Otherwise, it will just bring me down." I say trying to smile. "By the way, thank you for allowing me to stay here." I say looking Prince Wilfred in the face. I saw the surprise come onto his face.
"It was not my call. If you want to thank someone, you should thank my father. He was the one to say yes to the request." Prince Wilfred turned away from my stare.
"Oh." That was unexpected. "Okay, I will if I see him." I say cautiously.
"You will at brunch." Claude finally speaks, "Which reminds me... It's that time. Shall we go?" Claude motions towards the door.
"Yes. Miss Phoenix?" Prince Wilfred offered me his hand, which I took, to help me out of the seat, and escorted me to the dining room.
We walked into the dining room. The king and queen were sitting at the heads of the table, dressed casually. The King was wearing khakis, a white button up, and a navy sports jacket with their family crest on the pocket. He was tall and had brown hair and eyes. The Queen was in a navy knee-length dress. She was tall and slender, with blonde hair and blue eyes. It was easy to see who Prince Wilfred took after in looks. They both rose when we entered, and Prince Wilfred helped me to my seat, and went to sit across from me.
"What a horrible thing to have gone through last night. I hope you find our home relaxing as you recover." The king told me.
"Yes, your home is very lovely, Your Majesty. Thank you for allowing me to stay here." I say, and he nods in response.
I look down at the food being placed in front of me. Two chocolate chip pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage links all on a plate. A glass of chocolate milk was placed next to my water glass. What the-? This is my favorite breakfast! How did they...Claude mentioned getting a list of my food preferences. Maybe Tarmo and Onni mentioned it was my favorite? I looked around the table. The King was eating a stuffed omelet, the Queen was eating a parfait, and Wilfred was eating a croissant breakfast sandwich. Compared to me, they were barely eating anything. I'm killing those butlers later. I must look like a cow! This is terrible! I've never been a conscious eater before, but this is definitely making me self-conscious.Should I only eat half? Or clear the plate? I have no idea what wouldn't be offending to them! This wasn't a part of the etiquette class Mom made me take! Clearing the plate is good in my country, hopefully its the same here. Finally coming to a decision, I began to eat.
"How is it, dear?" The Queen asked. I realized they were all watching me as I had my internal debate.
"It's delicious. It reminds me of home, actually." I say with a smile.
"That's good to hear. Claude made sure to find out your preferences from Erik's butlers." The Queen smiled in return.
"We were actually surprised when Lord Noble called asking if you could stay with us." The King stated.
"Lord Noble?" That must have been who Uncle was talking to last night.
"Have you not meet him before, dear?" The Queen asked, looking shocked.
"I don't believe so." I say trying to recall if I had meet him last night.
"He seemed to know you. He said you were a lovely girl, who he owed his life to." The King said narrowing his eyes.
OH! He was the old man I met the day before Tarmo and Onni showed up calling me Princess.
"Oh! That was nothing major, he's exaggerating. When we met, I never got his name. So that's why I was confused." I explain to the King and Queen.
"Really?" The King seemed okay with this answer.
Wilfred hasn't said a word this whole time. I look up at him. Our eyes connect for a second, then he looks down and continues to eat his sandwich. Is he following the rule: Children should be seen, but not heard? Is that a rule here?
"Erik mentioned that you were at the ball last night. Did you have a good time?" The Queen asked.
That's right. I was at the ball. What would have happened if I hadn't been there? If I would have been in the apartment when it caught fire? Would I even be here now?
"It was fun. I've never been to a party like that before, and I was very nervous about dancing." I tell her honestly.
"Did you dance with anyone?" Her Majesty's eyes shined with happiness. She might have recalled her earlier days when dancing with her husband before they were married.
"Yes. Actually, I danced with His Highness, Prince Wilfred." I say and turn my gaze to Prince Wilfred. His cheeks looked pinker than usual.
"You danced with her, Wilfred?" The Queen also turned to her son. He looked like he wanted to disappear with this line of questioning.
"Yes." Wilfred looked emotionless as he spoke.
"How was he last night, Miss Adele? He's not very good at communicating, so the Queen and I are worried about how he fares at those events." The King looked at me.
"I thought he was a perfect gentleman. He really helped me feel at ease while dancing." I smiled kindly at the King and Queen. They really aren't that bad. They're actually really nice. Prince Wilfred didn't have any emotion on his face as I commented on how he was. Did I say something wrong?
"Good! Wilfred, please assist her whenever you can." The King looked at his son seriously.
"Of course." Again emotionless.
"We're sorry. He's not a very affectionate young man." The Queen says looking sad.
"I'm sorry." Prince Wilfred says looking down at his empty plate. "I'm finished eating, and have some work that needs my attention. So, if you will please excuse me?" The King nods his assent, and Prince Wilfred left the room.
Are Prince Wilfred and his parents always like this? I'm glad that I was raised thinking I was a normal girl. Growing up, surrounded by love and fun at all times. I'm sure they love one another, but I know that my parents would never be so reserved about their true feelings. Its like I get glimpses into how they truly feel and then before I can really investigate, they return to hiding how they feel.
I looked back down at my plate, I had finished everything. Is it bad, that I'm such a mindless eater? I shook my head to rid myself of my thoughts.
"We are finished as well and have some duties to attend to today. So we will be leaving also." The King said, as he and the Queen rise.
"We look forward to seeing you at dinner, dear." The Queen said with a smile as they exited the dining room.
I sat in my seat, not quite sure what to do with myself. That's when I heard a throat clearing. I turned to see Claude. "Are you finished, Miss Adele?" Claude asked calmly.
"Yes." I stand before Claude can get to my chair to assist me. I feel that's one thing I'm never going to get used to. Having someone move my chair for me as I stand up. It's ridiculous! I can do it myself. I could tell Claude was displeased with my actions. Oh well.
"Now it's time for the tour. There are rooms that you can and cannot go into. Which I shall explain as we visit them..." With that our tour started. There were so many rooms! Half of which, I wasn't supposed to go into. How does he expect me to keep all this straight?
He ended the tour at my bedroom door. "Now I would like to have your phone number and email, so that I can get a hold of you and you of me." He held out his hand, his phone in it.
"Of course! Here." I entered my information, and Claude texted and emailed me in return so I had his information.
"I'm sure you would rather rest now. You've had quite the eventful day." He replied.
"Yes. One wouldn't think a tour would be so exhausting." I say as I go towards my door. "Thank you, Claude, for everything." I look behind me. Claude looks surprised, before quickly composing the look off his face.
"No need to thank me. I was only doing my duty." With that he turned and walked down the hall.
So what did you guys think? Any comments or ideas would be appreciated!