Chapter 10 is finally here! Sorry for the wait. I was right around two months. It just took me a while to get in the mood to reread what happened next (Because when I played Wilfred's route I got the happily ever after ending on the first try and remember next to nothing about what happened) to be motivated to write how Phoenix would react. And boy does she! Get ready for some 'fireworks'! (You'll get the pun when you see who's song she sings)

If you saw the chapter title, you'll see she's finally going to sing in this one! And I feel it's a good one to sum up their relationship, and she'll mention it when it's time, because I don't want to give it away now. But I don't own any songs she sings, she's just using them so 1) you'll (hopefully) easily know it, or else can look it up and 2) I don't have to come up with original lyrics and a way to describe the instrumental part.

So without further ado, please enjoy chapter 10!

"Would you like to accompany me to the party?" Prince Wilfred asks.

"Huh?" I was still dumbfounded by the fact that he was asking me to the ball as his date.

"You can say no if you don't want to..." Prince Wilfred says, and I can detect a slight tone of sadness in his voice.

"No! I would love to go with you!" I say without fully processing what was coming out of my mouth.

Prince Wilfred smiles at my response. "Oh... That's good."

That's good? What is that supposed to mean?! He seems happy I said yes, yet I'm not sure if he's just asking me because he needs someone to accompany him... Uhhhh! This is all so irritating! I open my mouth to say something but the phone rings, and Prince Wilfred finally looks away from me.

"Before I forget, here's your special invitation for the ball from Lord Micheal." Prince Wilfred hands me an unopened envelope with a seal on the back. "And I'll need to arrange some dresses for you to try on." He then turns to the phone and begins talking.

I was too concerned with my invitation to even bother listening in. Hmm. So this is what an official invitation looks like... Well. I guess I better open it... I look up to see Prince Wilfred has his back to me. He's busy. I should probably leave... I slip quietly outside his office and shut the door behind me.

Once out in the hall, I go over to the window, and try to open the envelope nicely. Ahhh! Stupid envelope! I need one of those letter openers if I want it to not look like Wolverine got a hold of it...hmmm. It's just the envelope, right? I sigh as I just rip into it. Luckily for me, I didn't rip the contents!

Hmm... okay. Let's see what it says... The invitation was elegant and something I'm sure everyone got. What was more interesting was that there was a handwritten note from Mike. I couldn't help but smile, thinking of Lord Micheal. Who knew I'd be one first name, actually nickname, basis with Lord Micheal. I'm pretty sure not even the princes can claim that.

I look down at the elegant handwriting. It was as follows:

Dear Phoenix,

I hope this letter finds you well at Chateau Philip, and to answer your question, I am doing fine also. As I'm sure you're reading this, you've received your invitation to my mystery ball. It's actually my birthday party. I just love to give them a good theme, and surprise everyone with it! Since this is your first mystery ball, I've had a designer friend of mine create something special just for you! It's really the least I could do for the girl who saved my life, and a future princess. I know you'll look amazing in it! And it will definitely be 'fit for a princess'. I can't wait to see you in the dress and get to talk to you again in person.

Until then,

Mike

I smiled down at the letter. Why do I have a feeling there's something about him getting a dress made for me that means something big is going on? I shake my head still with a smile on my face. Oh well. It's Mike after all. So I should just go along with it.

Well, I'll be attending the ball with Prince Wilfred. I wonder what Claude-hopper is gonna say about that? Uhhh. I don't even want to think about it. I still haven't forgiven him for yesterday.

I sigh, and continue down the hall, when I see Claude on the stairwell checking over a portrait. I make an involuntarily sound at seeing him, causing him to look in my direction. His face is tense and serious and there was something about it that just made me feel weird. He quickly forced a smile at me. You think you were so quick, but I still saw that look. You're about as happy to see me as I am to see you.

"Miss Adele. How may I help?" Claude asks. I open my mouth, but have no idea what to say, because let's be honest: I really didn't want to talk to him. "Is there something the matter? Or were you wanting to help out again today?"

I had to bite my lip to keep from saying a quick 'no.' I already know whatever he has planned is going to be diabolical and difficult for me to do on my own. I hold in the growl that wanted to come out at him. "...Yes... Is there anything I can do?" I ask, not looking at him. Instead I look at the portrait he was repositioning. It was one of a beautiful and dignified looking woman.

Claude followed my gaze. "This is of our 96th Sovereign, Her Royal Highness, Queen Sylvia."

"Yes. I've heard about her. She was quite loved by all the people, and was very popular, even in America, people talk about her still today." I answer.

Claude nods, before continuing, "Prince Wilfred is her great grandson on the direct line of succession. He is set to become a much celebrated 100th sovereign of the kingdom."

Now that I really look at her, I can see a resemblance. I smile as I look at the queen. "It's wonderful that she was queen. There aren't many countries who allow female rulers." I speak wistfully. Just like Sylvia, I'll be queen of my country. I'm lucky that Noreric isn't concerned with the sex of their ruler.

Claude smiles and I can catch a gleam in his eyes. "Isn't that because most women are inferior to men?"

"WHAT?!" I bite down on my lip to keep myself in check. There was no one here to hold me back if I decided to attack him, and I'm sure it's what he's trying to do: Provoke me.

Claude continues before I can muster anything to say. "Of course there are some women who are as judicious and beautiful as Queen Sylvia. Just as there are women who do not know their own place and do not own proper manners. Perhaps it is women like that who degrade the sex as a whole?"

I breath in deeply through my nose to keep from cracking. All my warning bells were going off in my head. HOW DARE HE SAY THAT ABOUT ME! I KNOW he's directing this towards me! THAT ******* *******...! Every curse word and mean name in my vocabulary was going off through my head at this time. I could feel my hands going numb from clenching them so tightly. Even my teeth were hurting because I had them clenched shut to keep from shouting profanities at him; which would have proven him right.

"Oh, and about your wish to help..." That damned Claude-hopper continued with a smug smile.

I forced my lips to part, and I'm pretty sure it was probably one of the creepiest/murderous smiles of my life, yet he continued telling me what he wanted done. You wanna play it that way, huh? Well, get ready to lose!

"Does that sound easy enough for you?" Claude-hopper asks.

"Yes. I just need to go put something in my room. So I'll be down in five minutes." I say politely.

"Of course." Claude bows and goes down the stairs.

I turn around and stride into my room. I let the door slam a little because I can barely control myself. I set the letter and invitation on my nightstand, then grab a pillow off my bed and put it to my face. I scream out all my anger at that arrogant butler, which were all smothered and quieted by the pillow.

Once I'm feeling better I walk out of the room like nothing is wrong and go done to the garden to get my broom from Claude. After handing me the broom, he made his leave.

Clean off all the pathways in the garden of dust and leaves. Yeah, sure. It doesn't help that the castle gardens cover about half an acre of land! I know, he thinks I won't be able to finish this, but I WILL prove him wrong!

With my absolute focus on all the pathways, I ignore everything else, until all of them are clean. Once I finish, I realize how trying all the sweeping was on my body and laid down on a nearby bench. As my breathing started to even out someone calls out my name, "Miss Phoenix!" I sit up to see the maid who did my clothes shopping. She had something that looked like a guitar case with a bow on it, in her hands.

"Oh, hi. What do you have?" I get up and walk over to her.

"This came for you. It's from the King of Noreric." The maid hands me the guitar case.

"Thanks for bringing it to me. You could have put it in my room." I say wondering what type of guitar is in the case.

"There was a note that said to bring it straight to you." She replies.

"Hmm... You know, I've seen you around a lot, and I've never gotten your name. What is it?" I ask her.

"It's Elizabeth, Miss Phoenix. You can just call me Liz though." Liz bows her head to me.

"Alright, Liz. And please continue calling me Miss Phoenix. I prefer it to my first name." I answer.

Her eyes widen with the realization of her mistake. "Oh, I'm so sorry! It's just it's addresses to 'Phoenix' so that's what I called you without thinking! Please don't tell Master Claude! He would give me such the lecture!" Liz bows profusely.

"It's really fine, Liz. And I know what you mean with Claude. So you're safe." I smile at her.

"Oh, thank you Miss Phoenix! You're so kind!" Liz says with her head down.

"Please stop bowing. You're making me feel uncomfortable." I say with one hand behind my head.

"As you wish, Miss Phoenix." Liz raises her head and smiles at me. "I'll leave you alone now, so you can open the case." She makes a quick curtsey, before leaving back into the Chateau.

"Bye!" I call after her, waving.

Liz waves back.

I return to the bench with more energy, excited to see what Uncle had sent me. I set the case on one side of the bench, then pop open the lid to see a beautiful acoustic guitar. It didn't have a brand name I was familiar with, though I could tell it was expensive. What really caught my eye was that there was an intricate flamed phoenix carved into the body under the saddle and bridge, to the right. I smiled as I looked at it. As I took in the whole thing, I noticed there was a little package and envelope attached to the inside of the case's lid.

I took it out and opened the envelope.

Dearest Phoenix,

I thought you could use a little pick-me-up. Tarmo's report of his visit to give you your things made me feel like you were feeling sad. So I called your mother and asked her what would be the thing to make you happiest and she told me music and a guitar., because apparently a piano is asking too much of the delivery people. But your mother assured me you'd rather have a guitar, because it means more to you. Also, I got you an Ipod and headphones, so you can learn to play some more songs. I had Tarmo and Onni select the music, so if you don't like the playlist, blame them.

Also, I hope you received your invitation to the mystery ball at Noble Micheal Castle. Otherwise, bring it up with Claude or Prince Wilfred, one of them should have it. So, I'll see you then.

Love,

Uncle

I smile and shake my head at Uncle's words. It's so like him. Though, Tarmo was only here a few days ago... so how could he have had this done so quickly? Because all the carvings would have taken weeks.

I open the box and turn on the Ipod. As it wakes up, I take out the guitar, and inspect it. There was an even bigger carving on the back, and it was the family crest. And all around the sides of the guitar, when carved Norerican symbols. After taking in all the woodwork, I finally noticed the strap when I was ready to put it around me. It was black leather with gold pieces and jewels spelling my name down it and feathers both above and below my name. "Okay. Wow." Well, this is a gift from Uncle. So of course it's gonna be a bit extravagant.

I just put the guitar strap around me so it will keep the guitar in my lap. Then I check the playlist to see how Tarmo and Onni did. I raise my eyebrows. I guess they actually do pay a lot of attention to what I say I like. I wonder if they put … They DID!

I start listening to a song I was wanting to learn to play. It was a current favorite of mine and by one of my many favorite artists. I listened with one earbud in to listen to the song while I used my other ear to listen to myself practice strumming and hummed the melody. After about five practice run-throughs, I took the earbud out, and played Unconditionally by Katy Perry, only at a slightly slower pace than the actual song.

"Oh no, did I get too close? Oh, did I almost see what's really on the inside? All your insecurities All the dirty laundry Never made me blink one time
Unconditional, unconditionally I will love you unconditionally There is no fear now Let go and just be free I will love you unconditionally
Come just as you are to me Don't need apologies Know that you are worthy I'll take your bad days with your good Walk through the storm I would I do it all because I love you, I love you
Unconditional, unconditionally I will love you unconditionally There is no fear now Let go and just be free I will love you unconditionally
So open up your heart and just let it begin Open up your heart and just let it begin Open up your heart and just let it begin Open up your heart
Acceptance is the key to be To be truly free Will you do the same for me?
Unconditional, unconditionally I will love you unconditionally And there is no fear now Let go and just be free 'Cause I will love you unconditionally, oh yeah I will love you unconditionally I will love you I will love you unconditionally."

I really need to thank Uncle for this. It really helped me feel better about everything. I let out a happy sigh, pack up the guitar and Ipod, and walk back towards the Chateau. As I'm walking, I notice someone is lying down on a bench. Getting closer, I could tell it was Prince Wilfred.

His eyes were closed, and he had a book lying open on his chest. Is he asleep? I get closer, to try to tell, and before I knew it I was standing right over him. "Prince Wilfred?" I call quietly, wanting to see if he was just laying with his eyes closed or really asleep.

His eyes shoot open, and I jump a little from the sudden action. He looked right into my eyes, but it was like he was looking through me. A sweet sincere smile came to his lips as he asks, "Phoenix?"

"Yes. I'm here." I say quietly.

Prince Wilfred closes his eyes again, and he is soon snoring softly. Did he just fall asleep? Or did he just have a moment of waking up, then going back to sleep? Prince Wilfred still has the smile on his face, and he says my name again, "Phoenix." Why am I feeling so happy to have him say my name when he's sleeping? Is he dreaming about me? I lean over and watch him sleep a little. Wait a minute... I straighten. This is the second time I've watched him when he's sleeping... Would this be considered tendencies of a creeper/stalker?! I've never done this sort of thing before! What is going on with me?!

Before I could decide what I was going to do. My phone suddenly started to ring. I quickly get away from Prince Wilfred, not wanting to wake him up. Though I saw that he stirred a little from the sound.

"Hello?" I answer as I walk back towards the Chateau.

"Miss Adele. I would be much obliged if you would return to your room." Claude's cold voice says on the other end.

"Um... okay. I've finished the sweeping all of the garden pathways, and I was already on my way back." I answer, not letting him think I was doing it because he asked.

"You finished?" I could hear the surprise in his voice. OH! I wish I could see his expression right now! Dammit!

"Yes, actually, I finished a while ago." I say triumphantly.

"Oh. If you finished that quickly, you must not have done it right." Claude says easily; which was like poking my balloon of triumph with a needle. "Anyways, I need you to come to your room right now."

"I'm on my way." I say emotionlessly. Before I get too far, I look back at Prince Wilfred, still sleeping peacefully on the bench. Uh. Why must he be so cute when he's asleep? I shake my head, as I continue to the Chateau.

So what did you think? And what is going to happen next? Let me know in a review. Again, I'm sorry for the long time inbetween updates for this one.

Prince Wilfred: It's because she doesn't like me that much.

TA: WILFRED!? Where did you come from?! And it's not that! I really do like you! Just personally, you're not my type, except for how protective you are. That, the fact that you love to read, are kind, and I love your blue eyes!

Prince Wilfred: *blushes* You sure know how to kindly dump a guy. And are you sure you're trying to tell me that you don't like me?

TA: I'm not dumping you! I swear! I'll see this to the end, I promise! Plus, most of the readers tell me how you're their favorite! So just because you aren't my type, doesn't mean you aren't someone else's!

Prince Wilfred: Okay. I suppose you have a point. *looks away*

TA: AWE! I can't take it! *hugs Wilfred* Don't look so sad, or the lovely readers will get upset. So smile for them! Plus we can be great friends!

Prince Wilfred: Alright. *smiles his kind, natural smile*

TA: Okay! Until next time!

Prince Wilfred: And please review for TA.

I'm just curious to see what you, my lovely readers think of me talking with the princes and trying it out, because someone (Wilfred) wanted to say what he was worried about. So love it? Hate it? Want more? Let me know in a review.

***Also, if you like Pirates in Love (another voltage game) I have started one called, "Pirates Fall for the Navy". So check it out if you want to!***