I'm finally finished with my class! So, new chapter! Yay! I hope you guys enjoy this, so R&R!

Disclaimer: I don't own Be My Princess, the princes or their butlers. Only Phoenix, her butlers, King Eric, and the country of Noreric belong to me.

What am I thinking?! I tense up, which Prince Wilfred notices and freezes for a second. He then continues to kiss my cheek.Did I really think he would kiss me on the mouth? Wow, I must still be drunk. Though, why am I so disappointed by this?!

"Don't people kiss in greeting in your country, Phoenix?" Wilfred asks as he looks as me, a little confused and hurt.

"It depends. I only do with close friends and family. ...Though, this isn't really a greeting, Prince Wilfred." I point out.

"Oh? Is it not?" Prince Wilfred starts to blush.

"No, it's not." I smile.

Prince Wilfred smiles also. He then brings his hand to the cheek he kissed, a serious look in his eyes. What now?! My heart can't take much more of this! Unless...Am I dreaming? If so, then this is a weird, cruel dream!

"I apologize." Prince Wilfred says, looking me in the eyes.

"For what?" I'm completely confused.

"For causing you to drink too much wine. I am sorry." Prince Wilfred says.

"You don't need to apologize for that. If anything it's my own fault." I tell him.

"No, if I hadn't continued to refill your glass as I was then..." Prince Wilfred seems troubled by this.

"But, I was the one drinking it. I could have stopped and I didn't. You have no reason to apologize." I say firmly.

"No, I should. I could have ensured you didn't drink more." Prince Wilfred says as he removes his hand from my face.

"No, it's all my fault. I am in charge of my own actions." I say getting upset.

"Still, I feel I should apologize for not realizing how drunk you were getting." Prince Wilfred is not giving up.

We both become silent, and stare each other down for a few minutes. Then we both smile and start laughing.

"You're quite stubborn." Prince Wilfred says still smiling.

"Only because it's true!" I laugh. It feels so good to laugh with Prince Wilfred like this.

"Either way, it was lucky that I was there with you." I tilt my head at what Prince Wilfred was saying. "To catch you when you collapsed." Prince Wilfred finishes quietly.

"Thanks, again for that. And sorry, again." I say looking down, a blush forming on my cheeks.

"Phoenix, you really don't need to apologize. Can we just agree it was both of us at fault?" Prince Wilfred says as he makes me look up at his kind smile and gentle eyes.

I nod. As we make eye contact, I can feel myself being drawn to him.

Prince Wilfred leans in again, but this time I stop us before I get completely lost in his eyes.

"Wait! We can't!" I put my hands up on his chest to stop him. Whoa! He actually feels pretty built... I never would have thought that he was... he just doesn't seem the type to work out. Yet... Okay, NEED to stop this train of thought! I realized I was staring intently at my hands on his chest. I slowly removed my hands.

"...Sorry. It seems that I've had too much to drink myself, excuse me. Goodnight, Phoenix." Prince Wilfred says as he walks away.

"Goodnight." I call after him. I bite my lip as I watch him walk away.

I turn to my bedroom door, and gently hit my head against it. Why do I have to be so bad with guys?! An image of an unwanted, familiar face forces its way into my thoughts. Oh, yeah. THAT'S why.

I slowly go into my room and crawl into the bed. My last thought before drifting off to sleep: I am NEVER drinking again!

~)~~~~

(Four days later)

Uhhh. Why is it so noisy? I get out of bed and peek my head out of my door. I see servants moving quickly up and down the hall.Hmm. I wonder what's going on?

I get ready for the day, and reflect on the past few days. Prince Wilfred had had a business trip that required him to leave during the morning after our drunk night. So I hadn't seen him since, though I know he got back today.

Luckily, the King and Queen had returned that first day, so I didn't have to eat supper alone. They were very kind and gracious hosts. We talked about all sorts of things. From, what they could say, their business trips, to clothing, to the meals, and anything else we could think of. It was weird that they didn't talk too much about Prince Wilfred, though. They mainly asked whether he had been a good host to me while they were away, but not much else. I have a feeling there's some reason behind it. But what?

I was now clean, dressed, and ready for the day. I decided to wear some black skinny jeans with a yellow, orange, and red ombre flowy tank top, with a white blazer over it. I finished the look with some black ankle boots. My curly hair was just loosely pulled into a side ponytail.

As I finished watering the plants, I saw Claude walking past me down the hall. He's been completely avoiding me, and barely talking to me when we encounter each other.

"Hey, Claude?" I call as I stand up from watering the plants.

"Yes, Miss Adele?" Claude stops and looks in my direction, but not at me.

"What's going on today? Everyone seems so busy." I ask.

"Today is the monthly press day here at the castle." Claude answers.

"So, this place is going to be swarming with reporters and other paparazzi?" I ask. A feeling of worry engulfs me.

I think Claude took it the wrong face as he frowned. "Yes, and I would greatly appreciate it if you would stay in your room for the duration of the press conference. The last thing we need is for one of them to see you and spin it into a scandal." The sour look has yet to leave his face.

"Okay. I can do that. What time?" I ask, nodding. Believe me, it's the last thing I want too.

"You'll have two hours. But, I suggest you be in your room in an hour and a half. There are those who will come early. I'll text you when the last press member leaves the grounds."

I nod. Claude then walks away.

Hmm. Well, I better get some fresh air while I can.

I walk out into the garden. As I sit on the bench, I hear a familiar voice call to me.

"Princ- I mean, Phoenix!" I turn to see Tarmo, he is pulling a suitcase in one hand and holding a clothing bag in the other.

"Tarmo!" I dash over to him and wrap my arms around his neck, since his hands are full. "What are you doing here?" I smile up at one of my two butlers.

"Well, the King thought you might like to have your suitcase of school stuff that you left in the car, and I got your jacket from the dry-cleaners." Tarmo says with a smile.

"My stuff?! I completely forgot! THANK YOU!" I squeeze him tightly around the neck.

"Princess... Can't...Breathe!" Tarmo lets out gasping quietly.

"Oh! Sorry!" I let go of him. "I can finally do something! And I have one piece of clothing to my name!" I can't remember a time I've been happier. Honestly, being put in a situation where all your personal belongings are gone, and you only have things people give you...Even though it is really nice stuff...it's still not mine. So this really was nice.

"Yes. Phoenix, how have you been? Your Uncle wanted me to make sure that you weren't lying to him on his daily check-up calls." Tarmo asks concern in his eyes.

"It's been okay. Claude's been a little difficult, and I keep getting mixed signals from Prince Wilfred. By the way, would you happen to know why the Spencers seem so weird about Prince Wilfred?" I ask.

"What do you mean by 'weird'?"

"Well, like mainly it seems that they don't seem to care about him that much. I know that sounds weird and mean, and I'm not trying to be disrespectful, but I can't think of a better way of explaining it." I say looking down at the ground.

"That's proof that you're an only child. Parents tend to have a favorite when there's two or more." Tarmo says gently.

"Prince Wilfred has a sibling?! Why haven't I met him or her before?" I ask.

"An older brother." Tarmo answers, and doesn't say any more.

"Wait...older brother? Then why is Prince Wilfred the next to take the throne?"Now I'm confused.

"He gave up his birthright to become a doctor." Tarmo answers.

"Oh. So, then the Spencers were used to the idea of the brother being the one to take the throne?" I ask.

Tarmo nods. "Yes. It happened about two years ago. They are still trying to get him to reconsider." Tarmo says.

"That's terrible. Poor Wilfred." I answer, looking down at the ground. No wonder Prince Wilfred is so quiet and shy. He grew up living in his older brother's shadow, then is suddenly thrust into the spotlight when he gives up his crown, and his parents don't even try to encourage him but show that they think his brother is better for the position by constantly asking him to reconsider.

"Yes, it is a sad situation. Though, in my opinion, I think Prince Wilfred will do a better job." Tarmo says.

"You do?" I ask.

"Yes. His brother showed that he'd rather be selfish and follow his own interests, than do as a king should do, by putting his country before his own desires." Tarmo says.

I nod my head in agreement. "Yeah, I never thought about that actually." I say thinking about my own situation. I'm going to have to give up on my dreams; which luckily, what I love, I can still do as queen, but just as a hobby …when I have time. Wait a minute! My parents knew since the day I was born that I was to be a princess. Yet, they lied to me and told me I could be anything I wanted! Oooohhh, they're in for this later when I call.

"Prin- Phoenix. You look extremely mad." Tarmo says with worry in his voice.

"It's directed at my parents." I say. Allowing myself a chance to calm down.

"Your parents?" Tarmo seems surprised.

"Yeah, I just realized they've been encouraging me to be whatever I wanted, when I had no future to do it." I say crossing my arms.

Tarmo laughs.

"What's so funny?!" I ask shocked.

"You. You're always surprising us." He says with a smile.

"Us?" I ask.

"The King, Onni, and I." Tarmo replies.

"Yeah. Count on me for the big laugh." I say walking back to the bench.

"No, Pri- Phoenix, it's not that. You always think so differently than expected. It's a good thing. Especially being in your position. You need to think and see things differently." Tarmo smiles.

"Really?" I ask, looking at him, hopeful.

"Yes. I believe you'll be great. I better get going." Tarmo says looking at his watch.

"But you just got here." I somewhat whine. I hadn't realized how much I missed seeing someone who really knows me.

"Sorry. I'm just glad I was the one to get to come and see you." Tarmo smiles.

I tilt my head, "Did you and Onni rock, paper, scissors over me?" I ask.

Tarmo starts to blush. "Umm... Well... yes." Tarmo admits sheepishly.

I laugh. "It's sad how well I know you two after so little time together." I say with a smirk.

"Yes, but it was to be expected. In our situation, it happens eventually. Though, we didn't expect it to happen so soon." Tarmo answers truthfully. "I'll go take these to your room. I'll be back momentarily." Tarmo smiles as he walks into the chateau.

I stand looking after him with a smile on my face. I look up at the chateau, and notice a door open to one of the balconies. Hmmm... That would be... Prince Wilfred's office. I wonder if he's in there? A feeling of dread washed over me. If he's in there... could he hear our conversation? How much of the conversation? I don't know what would be worse... Him hearing enough to figure out my secret... or hearing me talk with Tarmo about him? I bite my lip.

"Phoenix?" Tarmo calls as he exits the chateau.

I smile and walk over to him. I hug him and he returns it.

"Keep that smile on your face. It's an order. You look so much better with it on." Tarmo smiles at me.

"Was I looking worse?" I ask.

"You looked troubled. I couldn't leave if I thought you were unhappy about something." Tarmo says.

"I'm fine. Just getting lost in my thoughts. Not the best idea for me." I say still smiling. "I'm gonna miss you. Please come back again, and stay for longer?" I look up at him with pleading sad face I know works on almost everyone.

"Of course. As soon as I can. Goodbye for now, Phoenix."

"Bye." I wave after my butler.

Hmm. I have over an hour. I should go get my sketchbook and work out here in the garden.

I go into my room and look through the suitcase I had packed before I left for Noreric, the day before the ball. I can't believe it's only been over a week. I see my textbooks, laptop and charger, phone charger (I had gotten a replacement), sketchbooks, pencils, paints, and other art supplies.

I grab one sketchbook, the one that has nature scenes in it, and some graphite pencils, then go back out to the garden. I find a place and sit. Before I start, I set an alarm on my phone to go off five minutes before the time Claude said I should be in my room by. Otherwise, I would get lost in my work and stay outside until someone bothered me.

I saw some purple irises, that caught my attention. I'm surprised they would have irises here. They remind me of home. I sit close-by and start sketching. The sun was hitting them perfectly.

I let myself get completely absorbed and lost in drawing. When I finished, I took a look and was shocked to see a pair of familiar eyes within the sketch. How... Why...?!

I stood and turned to go back inside when I walked right into someone. "Oh, sorry!" I say looking to see who I walked into. It was a well dressed young man, maybe four years older than me. There was something about him that automatically put me on edge. What is it?

"It's alright. What I want to know is who are you, and why are you here at the castle?" The man asked.

I took in his suit and saw a "press" pass hanging around his neck. Shit! What time is it?!

"Umm..." What should I say that would sound believable. "I'm a college student." Guess I can go with the truth, somewhat. That's usually the best way to go about this sort of thing. "I'm here, because I was given permission, and it's for a project." I say.

"Really? You have the whole castle, and you choose to sketch some common flowers? You could see these anywhere." He states looking at me skeptically.

Shit. He's totally right. "Well, since they're busy getting ready for the press conference, they asked me to enjoy the garden, since it's out of the way. I'll be given another day to work inside the castle." I don't know where that came from, but... it's good.

"That's very kind of the King and Queen to allow that." The reporter says.

"Yes. They are supporters of the arts, and students being allowed to sketch within the castle grounds is very generous of them." I say, trying to get away from him.

"Why aren't there any other students here, then?" The reporter wasn't giving up.

"They only allow one or two at a time. It's less of a distraction for them here." I say shrugging. "Anyways, since you're here, that must mean the conference is getting ready to start. So I better go find the castle steward, so he knows I'm leaving." I say walking away.

"Wait! What's your name?"

"Why?" I ask.

"I want to know."

"For what reason? To look me up?" I ask trying to be as mysterious yet believable as possible. There's no way in hell I'm telling him my name.

"Will you tell me your name if the answer is yes?" The reporter looks hopeful. I don't know if he's interested in me as a person or a story!

"Oh! I think I see him now! Claude!" I walk quickly towards the doors where a group of servants are. They see me coming and the reporter behind me.

"Wait!" The reporter grabs my wrist.

"Unhand her." A commanding voice says in front of me.

"Sorry." The reporter lets go.

I turn to see none other than, Claude-hopper. He's actually saving me. Well, actually that would be in his duties; to protect from the press, to prevent a scandal.

"Thank you." I say.

He nods. "On your way." He motions for me to go inside. I follow automatically. "I'll have a word with you later." I hear him say. I thought he was talking to me, but it turned out to be the reporter. "Freeze." Claude orders when the doors close behind him.

I freeze and turn to look at him, frightened. So far, I haven't done anything to bring forth the Claude-hopper's wrath. So I'm worried how he'll handle this, since Prince Wilfred's order.

"What did you tell him?" Claude asks, he's unreadable. I think he's waiting to hear what excuse I gave, before he decides I deserve the Claude-hopper wrath.

"I-I- I told him I am a college student, given permission by the King and Queen to sketch for an art project for a class. Though, he took it as in the whole class is allowed here, and I just agreed for believability's sake. Plus, I didn't give him my name." I say quickly, readying myself to bow for forgiveness.

Claude blinks, then lets out his breath. "That is actually, …quite smart of you. I'll let the college here know that they are allowed to send a class over to sketch. That will be an easy fix."

"I also said, only one or two come at a time, to be less of a distraction for everyone here at the castle to explain why I was here alone." I bite my lip.

Claude actually smiled. "Very well. You're a quick thinker. It's surprising to see you actually aren't so helpless after all."

I think that's supposed to be a compliment... I'll take it. It's probably the closest thing I'll ever get from Claude.

I give a small smile. My alarm goes off at that moment. "Wait?! He's this early?!"

"What was that?" Claude asked.

"I set an alarm to go off, five minutes before you told me to be in my room, so that way I could get there early." I say not looking at him.

"Again, smart choice." Claude nods in approval.

"Thanks. I'll be getting back to my room, now." I walk away, but I hear Claude mutter, "Tarmo was right."

I stop for a second, but decide to keep moving. Neither of us have time for that conversation.

I make it into my room. I decide to turn the TV on and see that some reporters are already streaming from outside the palace's gates. I watch for over thirty minutes, then decide to turn it off. Too bad I couldn't watch this going on in person, but that would require being seen, most likely. I wonder what it's like to have to have all those cameras pointed at you, knowing a whole country is watching, plus other countries. It gives me the creeps just thinking about it. I would probably freeze under that pressure and all those eyes on me.

Sure, I can act, on a stage with a spotlight on me, and over a hundred people in the audience. No sweat. Yet, public speaking... barely live through it. I get so freaked out by it. It's one of my biggest weaknesses.

I hear noise outside my room. What the-? I move towards my balcony door, and can see the mob of reporters outside. They're in front of a stage, put together this morning, with Prince Wilfred talking in front of a podium. Oh, why do I have to be so curious?! This is killing me!

I crack open my door, and crawl out onto the balcony. Surely no one will see me. I'll only stay out for a minute. I pop my head up enough for my eyes to see over the railing. The balconies have it set up with holes throughout the railing system, but the stone is thick enough to hide behind between the holes.

Prince Wilfred doesn't even look bothered by them. He's smiling, but it's not like the warm one I see when he laughs and smiles at me. This must be his public smile for the world to see. Plus, he sounds so sincere when answering the presses questions… I can see what Tarmo was talking about. Prince Wilfred will make a good king. … I just wish his parents would see that, too.

I better go, before someone notices. I crawl back into my room and shut my door quietly. I sit on my bed, with a different sketchbook, this one full of whatever is on my mind at the time. So this one has quite the variety. I wasn't even focusing on what I was drawing, I just let my mind wander about different things.

I actually was coloring this drawing. So it took longer than the sketch of the irises. I didn't know how much time had gone by until my stomach started growling.

"Man, I'm starving." I look at the clock. 4:36. "Wow. Why hasn't Claude texted me yet?" I look at my phone. No texts or missed calls.

I was getting ready to leave, when I actually look at what I was working on. I dropped the sketchbook. I had drawn Prince Wilfred standing in front of the podium in his royal attire. The only difference was that his smile was more like the one I saw and I had put a crown on his head.

I hear a knock at my door, and I quickly grab the sketchbook and close it before answering. "Come in."

Claude comes storming in, looking madder than the other night. I was frightened. "Miss Adele, what have you done?!"

I could feel myself going into the deer-in-headlights mode. Which is wide eyes and frozen to the spot as the oncoming car, in this case, Claude, comes to hit you head on. Though, he stopped barely a foot in front of me.

"Wh-What do you mean?" I ask completely unaware of what was going on.

Claude seems to take a moment to calm himself down before he speaks next.

I was not ready for what he told me.

So what trouble have I gotten Phoenix into now? I finally had her getting on Claude's good side, but that didn't last long. Sorry for not really having Prince Wilfred in this chapter. Also sorry, for not letting them kiss. I didn't want them to do it with alcohol in their systems.

So what did you think? Please leave a review! I'd love to hear what you think, any questions, or ideas you want to see happen next! Until chapter 7!