Chapter 4 is here! Sorry it took so long. I got busy and lost inspiration. FYI: this can and probably will happen again. To make it up to you, I made it really really long! Longest chapter to date! So please R&R and enjoy!

Hmm. Huh? What's that smell? I crack my eyes open and look towards the smell. I see Claude standing by a cart with tea and breakfast on it.

"Are you awake Miss Adele?" Claude asked quietly.

I sit up quickly; partly because I was surprised to see him in my room, and to show that I was awake.

"Yes. Are we not eating breakfast together today?" I ask looking at the lidded dish, wondering what was underneath.

"Eating brunch together on Sunday is a Spencer family tradition. For the rest of the week, they only eat supper together, because they all have different schedules for the day. Tonight, it will only be you and His Highness, because the King and Queen are away on official business, and will be so for several days." Claude informed me without emotion.

"I remember them mentioning that last night at dinner. So... What's under the lid?" I ask eying the silver lid with curiosity.

"Toast with strawberry jam, scrambled eggs, bacon, and tea to drink." Claude answered, while lifting the lid to show me.

"It looks great! Tell the cooks thank you!" I say with a grin.

Claude looked surprised by what I said. "I will. Let me know if there is anything else you need." He said with a bow and left the room.

"Mmm." It was perfect and delicious. I was wary of the tea, but it was the same as the tea he served me yesterday, so I drank it all.

Once I was done, I took a shower. I went to my closet in my robe to see what I had to wear. There are seriously only four pair of jeans in this place! Everything else is dresses and skirts! Uhhh. I really need to go shopping for some jeans. I grab a pair of dark jeans and can tell they're skinny jeans without trying them on. That's surprising. Hardly any of these clothes are tight-fitting. Then I chose a light orange flowy tank top, a white blazer to wear over it, and grab some brown and gold gladiator sandals.

Now that I'm dressed, I step outside and see the flowers along the hall. Oh, yeah! That reminds me... I get my phone out of my pocket and call Claude.

"Yes, Miss Adele? What do you need?" Claude asks sounding slightly harsh. Uh, Claude-hopper is so getting on my nerves! For being the butler of the polite country, he's really rude!

"I was wondering if I could take care of the flowers in the hall outside of my room?"

"We usually leave that sort of thing to the royal gardeners." Claude told me.

"Oh. I'm sure they do, but I just would like to water them. That's all. They look like they could use a drink. I have some knowledge of taking care of plants, and I would like to do something for the Spencers." I tell him earnestly trying to plead my case.

"Are you outside your room right now?" Claude asked.

"Yes." I say.

"I'll be there in a moment." Claude then hung up. "Alright, tell me your experience with plants." Claude pretty much commanded once he was standing in front of me.

"Well, I'm from Kansas. I grew up on a farm, and I was in charge of our garden. So, I was able to grow all the vegetables we ate. Also, I helped my grandmother with her flower garden. I ensured that it survived after she passed away. Plus, I had some plants in my apartment. They were so healthy and beautiful..." I just realized I lost my plants. They actually meant a lot to me, because pets weren't allowed in my apartment I had plants.

My plants: Sunny, a Sunflower from our fields; Cher, a cactus from a trip to Arizona; and Lilian, a Peace Lily from my grandmother's garden. I actually really miss my plants! They had so much meaning and memories tied to them. They were more than just plants to me...

Claude seemed to realize that I was getting upset. He sighed. "Let me check with the gardeners first. Once I have done that, I will contact you again. Until then, do not do anything with them, is that clear?" Claude had a hard look and tone.

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

He shook his head and walked away. I turned away from his retreating back, and was surprised to see Prince Wilfred leaning against a column. Had he been listening? How much did he hear?!

"Claude can be a bit scary at times. It's nothing to worry about." He walked over to me. "So, do you like gardening?" He asked.

"Not particularly. I just grew up in a place and in a family that it was unavoidable." I say with a smirk. "I don't know. It seems I can't get away from it. Unfortunately, I'm good at it, even though I hate messing with dirt. Though, these aren't too bad. I shouldn't have to be worried about coming across some creature." I say.

"Why have you before?" He asked interested.

"OH yeah! I hate worms. So coming across those in our gardens was not fun. Though I wore gloves just for them, so I could catch them to use for bait to fish with. Then garden snakes! Oh, I hate snakes! Those scared me to death the couple of times I came across them. Uhh." I shudder at the thought. "The mole wasn't bad. It just surprised me, when I pulled out a carrot and it was holding on to it." I tell him.

Prince Wilfred laughed at me.

"What's so funny!?" I ask shocked to see him outright laughing at me. I like hearing and seeing him laugh.

"Your facial expressions, they're so interesting and comical. I didn't know such expressions were possible. Plus, who knew gardening could be such an adventure?" He tells me with a smile, after he regained composure.

"Uh, well yeah. When you live out in the country with all those creatures its unavoidable and inevitable. And I choose to ignore the statements about my facial expressions." I say looking away slightly miffed.

"It was a compliment; you're a very interesting person, Phoenix. I apologize if I've upset you though." Prince Wilfred started to pat my head, and my heart started to pound like crazy. I turn back to him and see the sadness in his eyes, and my heart wavers. Prince Wilfred...

I give him a small smile. "It takes a lot more than that to upset me, Prince Wilfred."

"Then I hope I never do." Prince Wilfred said softly. Huh? "You were talking about having plants in your apartment. What were they?" He asks changing the subject. So he had been listening.

"I had a sunflower I took from our fields back in Kansas, before I came to Charles. It always reminded me of Kansas, since it's our state flower and with it being the state's nickname. Then I had a Queen of the Night cactus that I got when my parents and I went to Arizona; I was thirteen and had it ever since. Honestly, it's pretty hard to kill it. The other one was a Peace Lily I took from my grandparents' garden after my grandfather died. I've had it since I was fourteen. I can't believe that I lost my plants." I say the last bit more to myself.

"They must have meant a lot to you." Prince Wilfred said gently with a warm smile.

"Yeah. They were like my family representatives, for the ones who are gone, and the ones who can't be with me over here. Now the only thing I had left from my grandparents' garden is gone. My grandfather built and put together my grandmother's garden, he even put in a koi fish pond. She took care of it. It was like the proof of their love for each other and their thriving lives together. When she died, my grandfather had no idea how to keep the garden going, so I kept it alive for him. Then when he died we had to sell the house. I had taken a lot of the flowers and potted them for the funeral, because he asked me to before he passed. The Lily was the plant I took home. When the house was bought, the people who moved in let the garden die, then had all the plants taken out. It made it seem like a completely different place after that." I could feel the tears wanting to come out but closed my eyes to keep them from coming out.

I felt warm strong arms wrap around me. Huh? What? I opened my eyes and look into Prince Wilfred's blue eyes. "You look like you needed a hug." He says gently.

I was shocked by how good it felt to be held in his arms. I give him a reassuring smile. "Thank you." I say softly, and regain my composure.

Prince Wilfred slowly released me, and I was surprised by the feeling of disappointment once they were gone. Could I be falling for Prince Wilfred? I mean, I know I would love to be his friend, learn more about him, and help bring him out of his shell. Does that mean... No. I'm not even looking for a relationship right now.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Claude says as he comes over to us. "Your Highness, what are you doing here?" Claude asks looking slightly surprised.

"I heard these flowers needed some attention." Prince Wilfred says with no expression.

"Yes. I immediately contacted the gardeners and Miss Adele is now in charge of their care." Claude says with a smile. Honestly, that smile looks fake to me.

"Thank you." I say softly with a small smile.

Claude's eyes harden. "However, I ask that you not touch any of the flowerpots."

That's an odd request. I look at the pots trying to see if they are anything special. They're pretty, but they don't look like they cost very much.

"Claude, there is no need to get worked up over such trifles." Prince Wilfred says with a hard tone to his voice.

"Your Highness?" Claude looks surprised by his comment.

"Surely, it's okay for Phoenix to help out more if she wants to?" Prince Wilfred said calmly.

"Surely your joking, Your Highness. Just one of these pots alone costs several million Cruz!" Claude exclaims.

"Several million?! For one of these?!" I stoop down to get a closer look at the pots. What are they made from gold and covered in diamonds? Seriously, I don't see anything to make it worth that much. Other than they look like antique porcelain... But SEVERAL MILLION!? I'm not seeing it.

I hear laughter. I stand straight up and turn to see it's Prince Wilfred laughing at me. "Don't tell me you expect her to pay for anything she breaks?" Prince Wilfred asks.

"Of course I wouldn't. I never intended to..." Claude seems at a lost for words.

"Of course." Prince Wilfred says.

"However, I believe such things should be left to the gardeners. If Miss Adele were to say otherwise, then-" Claude says calmly.

"No, I can do it, and I want to." I cut him off. That was probably impolite of me to cut him off. He does not look happy with me.

Claude sighs.

"There's your answer." Prince Wilfred says with an amused look on his face.

"Understood." Claude said, his lip curled up. That is sooo not a good look for him. I'm surprised he would react that way in front of Prince Wilfred. Though he is facing me, so it's probably directed towards me. Guess I'm not his favorite person right now. Feelings reciprocated.

Claude returned to his smiling composure, then turned to look at Prince Wilfred. That smile makes me feel uneasy.

"I promise to take very good care of the plants." I tell them, trying to reassure Claude.

"Understood." Claude says.

"I'll leave this in your hands, Claude." Prince Wilfred says, and Claude bows. "Good-bye for now, Phoenix. I'll see you later." With that said Prince Wilfred left down the hall.

"I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble." I tell him honestly.

Claude straightens from the bow and there is no smile on his face. "If you truly felt that way, perhaps you should have shown more discretion."

"What?! I honestly wanted to do something to help out around here. My classes are giving me an extension, and won't even give me my work until I return. So, I have nothing to do!" I tell him.

"Of course, don't count this as causing any trouble." He says his smile returning.

I didn't know how to respond to that. Claude then bows and leaves. I let out a frustrated sigh, and return to my room to scream into a pillow. Seriously, could he be any more of an ass! He wouldn't treat me this way if he knew I was a princess. Oh, I would love to see his face when he finds out. He'd regret being such an ass. Ugh!

~)~~~~

I let myself calm down, which took an hour. I was now on my way to go shopping. I should probably let Claude know I am leaving to go shopping. Oh well. I'll let him know when I get there, so he won't worry.

I was walking through the hall with pictures of all the past kings and queens of Philip. 99. There were ninety-nine, not that I was counting. I just know that Prince Wilfred is supposed to be the 100th ruler. I was almost to the end of the hall when I heard my name called.

"Miss Adele?! Where are you going?" I turn to see Claude coming towards me quickly. Damn it! I really need to work on my sneaking around skills.

"I wanted to go shopping to get some things." I tell him.

"You intended to go outside? On your own?" Claude asked shocked.

"Uh, yeah." I was slightly confused. To the world currently, I am a nobody. When the world knows I'm a princess, I'll be more careful and dependent on bodyguards. But for now, I am going to enjoy the last little bit of freedom I have, which apparently Claude intends to destroy.

"We can't have you going off on your own outside of the castle. What if something were to happen to you? Just tell me what you need and I will have someone go and get it." Claude says with a smile. Maybe there's a heart in there after all.

"It's just that..." I bit my lip. He's a man, he doesn't understand shopping.

Claude seemed to realize something. "Oh. How thoughtless of me, I'm sure you would rather tell what you need to a female maid." He then dialed a number in his phone.

I didn't know what to say. Before I could come up with something, the maid walked over and asked me what I needed, and Claude took that as his cue to leave. But before he did, "Return to your room after you let the maid know what you need."

I gave her my list. This takes all the fun out of it. I could have really used a shopping trip to help relieve my stress. Plus, you can't set out knowing what color, pattern, or style of jeans you want. Or if it looks good on you without trying it on.

~)~~~~

I'm SO BORED! I was lying on my bed reading a book from the Spencer's library. It just wasn't holding my attention. I'm gonna go crazy, without more to do. I got off the bed and walked out onto my balcony to get some fresh air. The maid still hadn't come back, so it's not like I could distract myself with her purchases.

I sighed. I know I looked completely defeated with my head in my hands leaning over the railing. It's only the SECOND day, and I'm ready to throw in the towel. How can these people live like this? Oh, yeah, that's right. They actually have something to do! Unlike me.

I heard some noise and looked up. I could see Prince Wilfred coming back to the castle surrounded by bodyguards dressed in black. It must have been some royal business, because he was dressed in his royal attire, like the other night, when we first met.

Prince Wilfred looked up in my direction. Did our eyes just meet? Prince Wilfred lowered his head and continued into the castle. Nah, I'm just imagining it. I shook my head, and went back into my room.

~)~~~~

The maid came to my room an hour later. I looked through her purchases. They weren't bad, for her looking based on what I told her my likes and dislikes were. I looked over at the clock. 4:50. Shit! Dinner's at five, and I still need to get changed!

I ran over to the closet, and pulled out the first satin dress I could find. Green? Oh, well. I don't have time to be picky!

I got the dress on quickly. The dress was an emerald green color. It was floor-length, v neck, and sleeveless. I pulled my curled hair into an updo, then grabbed a pair of gold strappy heels. I took a quick look in the mirror. Wow! I would have probably never picked this, but it looks good on me. Though, it is a little more cleavage than I prefer. Oh, well. I don't have time for this! For some reason the color brought the red out in my hair, so it looked more auburn than brunette. My eyes really popped with it too.

I walked as quickly as I could. The dress didn't flare, it was straight and tight around my hips. I can't be late, I can't be late! I chanted in my head as I hurried down the hall to the dining hall.

"You're late, Miss Adele." Claude says as I walk in.

Which made me stop in my tracks. I looked over at him then to Prince Wilfred, who stood when I entered and looked surprised. "I'm so sorry! I ran a little late getting ready."

"You're barely a minute late. Really, it's no problem. Especially when you look like that, it's worth the wait." Prince Wilfred said as he helped me to my chair, which was across the table from him.

"Honestly, I didn't even have the time to choose. I just grabbed the first dress out of my closet." I tell him.

"I'm sure any of the dresses would look good on you." Prince Wilfred stated as the maids put our dishes in front of us.

"Still, Miss Adele, you must try harder to be on time." Claude chastised me.

"I promise to do better tomorrow." I tell Claude. I look over towards Prince Wilfred. "I saw you coming back to the castle earlier. Did you have some business to attend to?" I ask Prince Wilfred.

"It wasn't anything too important. Just mainly something that required my appearance." Prince Wilfred said vaguely.

"Oh." I say as I eat my fish.

"What did you do today?" Prince Wilfred asked sounding genuinely curious.

"Well, I watered the plants... I did some reading... that's pretty much it." I say feeling extremely unaccomplished.

We continued with idle chit chat as we ate our meals.

~)~~~~

It was the next day, early afternoon. I was wearing one of my new pairs of pants. They were black skinny jeans with red roses all over them. I wore a white shirt with it and red flats.

I had just finished watering the plants in the hall, when I saw Prince Wilfred further down it. He looked to be reading a book as he walked. I don't know why, but I unconsciously followed him. Somehow I lost track of him. Where did he go? I could have sworn he was... I looked down. Huh? What's this? A bookmark maybe? I picked up a chain with feathers on it. I wonder if this is Prince Wilfred's? I looked around the hall at the surrounding doors. One of them was ajar.

I walked over to the door and looked into the crack. Sure enough, there was Prince Wilfred, sitting behind a desk looking at paperwork. Is he wearing glasses? My eyesight for far away isn't too bad. Though, I do have to wear glasses to be able to really see things from far away. Prince Wilfred wasn't blurry to my vision luckily.

He must have sensed someone watching him, because Prince Wilfred looked up from his paperwork to the door. He looked surprised for a second, then gently smiled at me and motioned for me to come in. This looks like his office. I'm pretty sure Claude-hopper told me to stay out of here. But, Prince Wilfred is motioning for me to come in. Oh well, I'll take my punishment later.

"Sorry to intrude, Prince Wilfred. I'm sure you're busy right now." I say as I come in. Prince Wilfred removed his glasses, and put them in the pocket of his shirt.

"It's no problem. I was getting ready to take a break anyway. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable." Prince Wilfred motioned towards the couch in the room.

I sit on it and take a look around the room. There are so many books! Has he read all of these? There were bookcases along both walls full of books. I looked over at his desk, there was a lot of paperwork on it, along with some books, and some plants. Those plants don't look so good, either. What is with this gardening staff here?

"What is it?" Prince Wilfred asked following my line of sight as he stood next to the couch.

"The plants on your desk don't look so great." I say without putting much though into it.

"Huh?" Prince Wilfred looked at the plants. "So it appears. They don't." He appeared to be lost in thought for a moment. Then he looked over at me. "Would you like to take care of them for me?" Prince Wilfred asked with a gentle smile.

"Are you sure?" I ask. That would mean having to come in here. I don't know what Claude-hopper would think of that.

"Yes, I'm sure. I know if you care for them, they will be in very capable hands." Prince Wilfred smiled, then walked over to the intercom and hit the button.

"Yes, Your Highness?" Claude asked.

"Can you bring two cups of tea please?" Prince Wilfred asked.

"Two cups, Your Highness?" Claude asked sounding surprised.

"Yes, one for myself, and one for Phoenix." Prince Wilfred answers. Why do I feel happy at how casually he says my name?

"Understood." Claude answered. Within minutes, Claude enters with a tea tray. "Pardon my intrusion." Claude makes a quick bow. Then goes to place our cups in front of us.

Prince Wilfred was sitting next to me on the couch. Claude gave me a somewhat angry/disapproving look as he sat my cup in front of me. Then he turned to Prince Wilfred. "Have you finished your work for the day, Your Highness?"

"Not yet. I'm taking a break." Prince Wilfred states.

"Taking a break... Your Highness?" Claude looks bewildered. Does Prince Wilfred not take breaks? Uh oh. "Miss Adele, didn't I ask you to stay away from this room?" Claude turned to me.

I bit my lip. "Yes, I'm sorry... It's just that-" I was trying to think of a way to explain to Claude so he wouldn't be upset with me, when Prince Wilfred cut me off.

"I allowed her to come in." Prince Wilfred says to Claude with a frown.

"You did, Your Highness?" Claude seems slightly bewildered by this.

An uneasy silence fills the room. Oh, this is so awkward. What should I say to make this seem better?

"Prince Wilfred asked me to take care of his flowers." I say trying to lighten the mood.

Claude's eyes widen, and he looks towards the plants on the desk. "Is that so? I apologize for my rudeness." With that said he bows and leaves the room.

Damn. I actually feel bad about this. He asked me to stay away, but I disobeyed his request. I hope he isn't too mad with me. The guilt started creeping over me, and I could feel my head and shoulders droop some.

"What's the matter?" Prince Wilfred asks gently.

"Oh...I was just wondering if I upset Claude." I say.

Prince Wilfred laughs. Huh? "You shouldn't worry, Phoenix; he's only a servant."

Seriously? I thought of Tarmo and Onni. I wouldn't want to upset them. They are almost the stewards of the palace. They have a lot to do, just like Claude, and I couldn't imagine not considering their feelings when giving orders. Or ignoring their advice. "He's only a servant? He's your butler. Everything he does, he has you and your family's best interests at heart. Plus he's a person, with feelings. You should care if you hurt them." I say without thinking, completely forgetting who I'm talking to.

Prince Wilfred looks surprised. "I know that without you telling me."

Reality hit. Shit! I bowed my head. "I'm sorry. I went too far. It's just that if you feel that way... you should be more..." I was having trouble finding the right words.

"A little more...?" Prince Wilfred pushed. When I didn't reply, he started to glare. "Are you saying I should be more appreciative?"

"I guess I am. Anyone would want to be appreciated." I state.

"Anyone..." Prince Wilfred murmurs. Suddenly he looks at me. There was something in his eyes. I wasn't sure what though. "Yourself as well?"

"Well..." Where is this coming from?! And where is he going with this?! I was thrown off by the look in his eyes and the direction of his question.

I couldn't look away. It was like I was under a spell. Prince Wilfred drew closer and put his hand on my cheek. It was warm, and the touch made my heart feel like it was going to explode. I wanted to speak but didn't know what to say, and I wasn't sure I could.

"If you were to say you do too..." Prince Wilfred drew his face closer. Is he going to kiss me?! "Think about it."

I realized I was holding my breath, and felt as if my heart was going to give out. It's so loud! I wonder if he can hear it? I let out my breath, and with that the spell was broken.

Prince Wilfred let go and moved away laughing. "I'm sorry."

"I can't believe you just did that! I didn't think you could joke around." I try to play it off so we could just forget this. Though I doubt I would ever forget this.

"Of course I can joke around." Prince Wilfred says with a smile. He almost looked grateful.

"I'd better be going. I'm sure you have plenty of work to do. Thanks for the tea. I'll see you later at dinner." I say as I go to excuse myself from his office.

"Yes." He had put his glasses back on. Then he seemed to think of something. "Will you...come again?" Prince Wilfred asks quietly.

"Of course." I say quickly and see him smile. "I have to take care of the flowers." I say, then leave the room without seeing his reaction.

As I walk out of the office, I see Claude over by the stairs. I better go apologize and get the lecture out of the way.

"Excuse me, Claude? I'm sorry for disobeying your order to stay away from the prince's office." I bow my head.

Claude sighs. "If it was His Highness's will, then I have absolutely no authority to overrule him. Please, don't think any more of it."

"That's not it at all. Even if Prince Wilfred did say it was alright... I had been asked to stay away from there and forgot. I'm sorry." I say honestly.

"Well, the castle is a big place. Please forgive me for my rudeness." Claude seemed to waver.

"Oh no... You weren't really-" I try to make him feel better. Even though you actually have been really rude to me. Oh well.

"Master Wilfred asked you to care for his flowers, did he not?" Claude cut me off.

"Yes, but it wasn't so much that he asked me to care for them... It was more that he seemed to sense that I wanted to." I tell him.

"Master Wilfred doesn't let anyone touch his things, not even his flowers." Claude's eyes wavered even more.

"What? So those flowers..." I stumble my words.

"Yes, he takes care of the plants in his own chambers and office." Claude informs me.

"So, then why would he..." I'm confused.

Claude lowers his voice. "I previously asked if I may take care of the flowers in Master Wilfred's office. However... he would not allow me to." He seemed hurt about this information.

If Prince Wilfred wouldn't even let Claude care for them... Then why is he letting me? What does this mean about us?

So... Was it worth the wait? If you've read Phoenix and the Beast, you know Phoenix can sing and play guitar, which will be coming up soon. Any song ideas that would be a good example of a relationship with Prince Wilfred, would be much appreciated. Can't wait to hear any reviews or comments! See you in Chapter 5!