It's here! I did it within my promised week! Though, I know overall, it's been a while. So I'm really sorry it's taken me so long to get to this update. I'm pretty proud of this one, though, and it's the longest chapter for Phoenix's Wil thus far! It's only the first half of the mystery ball. I hope you enjoy it! Especially this first little bit in Claude's point of view. XD You'll also get to meet more of my OCs from Noreric's nobelity, so I hope you like them.
Without further ado, please enjoy!
(A few hours later; Claude-hopper)
Miss Adele still hasn't woken up. Does she intend on staying in bed all day? I swear, His Highness goes far too easy on that commoner wench. I think as I look at the clock.
"Claude? What's with the scary face?" Prince Wilfred asks, looking up from his papers at me.
"Ah... It's just... Miss Adele hasn't woken up yet." I tell him, knowing this topic would probably get him angry; since anything I do where she's concerned angers him.
"Leave her be, Claude. I had been talking with a couple of concerned maids and they think she hasn't been sleeping well lately." Prince Wilfred returns his eyes to his papers.
"Of course." I state, not wanting to upset him. If I have anything to do about it, she'll be out of bed by noon.
(11: 50)
I knock on the girl's door, and as per her usual, no response. I sigh as I enter, and sure enough, she's still curled up under her blankets. "Miss Adele?" I call loudly.
A small noise is her response. I wait a minute, with no other signal that she was going to get up, I move closer to her.
"Miss Adele?" This time adding a shove to her shoulder.
She makes a grumbling sound, and pulls away from my hand.
"Miss Adele, it is time you got up." I say, more like demand, of the annoying freeloader.
No response.
I grit my teeth and swiftly tug on the blanket, pulling it completely off the bed. I smile as she sits up, but the feeling of victory is short lived as I see her eyes are still closed.
She turns her head towards me, and before I realize what's happening, feel her fist connect to my left temple and eye. After that, things got a little fuzzy and dark.
I woke up seeing her clock show 12:01, and feel the worst pain on the left side of my head. I get up off the floor, and as I head over to her vanity, take notice that she's curled up under her covers again.
My eyes widen as I take in the bruise forming around my left eye, the action causing it to hurt more. I clench my teeth, and turn to look at the culprit. Alright. You've won this time... But don't feel like you won't be paid back for this. It probably won't be today or tomorrow, but I swear to you, you will pay for this Adele Hendrickson.
Before I could do anything else, my phone goes off. I sigh as I see it's His Highness. Doesn't look like I'll have the chance to cover this up before he sees me.
I head to my prince's office. As soon as he takes in my appearance, his lips quirk up in the slightest of smiles and I could tell he was ready to laugh at me.
"So what happened to your face?" He asks nonchalantly.
I gulp. "I'd rather not say."
"Oh, come on, Claude. What happened? I know you're not clumsy enough to do that to yourself. So who'd you get into a fight with?" Prince Wilfred asks.
"... Miss Adele..." I says quietly.
His eyebrows raise. "You didn't hit her back did you?" He asks, with total concern... for her.
"No. I tried to get her out of bed and in her sleep, she hit me in the face." I tell him.
"I told you to let her rest." Prince Wilfred finally lets out a chuckle.
"Really, Your Highness, you're going to condone that kind of behavior of a guest?" I ask shocked.
"Yes. I told you to leave her be, and you disregarded my order. So you got what you deserved." Prince Wilfred looks down at his papers. "I'd like my lunch now, Claude."
I sigh, take his lunch request, and head to the kitchen. I give the cooks the prince's request for lunch, and something sparks in my memory about Miss Adele's food list. As I scanned the pages of her favorite foods, least favorite, and finally I saw it... The only thing she couldn't eat any form of, under any circumstances. I immediately know how and when to exact my revenge. She'll never see it coming. Mwhahahahahahahah!
~)~~~~~
(Later that afternoon; Phoenix)
"Ahhhhhh!" I yawn and stretch. Mmmmm. I feel so refreshed. I blink my eyes, as the clock's digital numbers register with my still awakening brain. "Oh no!" I hop out of bed and quickly start changing into something more presentable, the 4: 29 pm glows from the clock.
I quickly run my brush through my hair, and change out of my pjs into a simple crimson sleeveless tea length dress and black ballet flats, then rush out the door to the dining room.
"I'm soo sorry!" I hurry into the dining room to find Prince Wilfred, who stands as I enter, and a very peeved Claude-hopper; but let's face it, that seems to be his permanent facial expression when I'm around.
"You're on time, Phoenix. No need to worry." Prince Wilfred gives me a kind smile.
"Though, not extremely put together." I hear Claude say under his breathe.
I turn to send a small glare at Claude, and notice something's off about his face. Before I take a seat at the table, I approach the stoic butler.
"What is it, Miss Adele?" He asks, and I can see he's sweating a little at my approach.
As I get closer, I finally place what's different about his face. "Claude, are you wearing makeup?" I rub a finger where the foundation is obvious, and can see he's covering a bruise.
"Um..." Claude tries to come up with something.
"Do you have a black eye?" I ask, a little concerned about him. "What happened?!"
Before he can answer, I can hear Prince Wilfred's muffled laughter before he's just outright laughing. My heart beats faster at hearing the sound.
"So you recognize your own handiwork?" Prince Wilfred asks.
"Huh?" I look back at the seated Prince then back to his butler.
"You hit me when I tried to wake you up earlier." Claude says.
"Oh." I automatically say. "I'm so sorry! Does it hurt a lot?"
"I'm fine, Miss Adele." Claude says, but I can still see the annoyance in his eyes. "Please go sit down, so dinner can begin."
"Alright. But whoever did that coverup job, isn't very good. I could spot it from all the way over here." I say as I sit down. "If you want I can show you how to cover it without it being remotely noticeable." I continue to talk, feeling responsible, and not fully realizing what that could imply about myself.
"I might take you up on that." Claude says quietly.
"You do seem to be very good with makeup. I can't even tell you're wearing any at all right now." Prince Wilfred comments.
My cheeks immediately flame as I realize with the time crunch and rushing around, I hadn't put any on. "Actually... I'm not wearing any right now. I only woke up a little over fifteen minutes ago." I tell him sheepishly.
"Really?" Prince Wilfred moves to get a closer look at me from his place across from me. "You look even more beautiful without makeup."
I could tell my cheeks were burning and I probably went from pink to deep red with that comment. I shake my head. "Whatever, Prince Wilfred. Let's eat. I'm starving!" I say as I look down at the food in front of me.
(Three days later)
I'm starting to wake up and hear my door open. "Do you ever knock?" I ask, sitting up and looking at Claude as he enters with the tea cart. I made sure to actually get sleep during the normal hours, so as not to put Claude in the situation to get another black eye to match the left.
"Of course I knock, but you never hear it. I wouldn't just come in to a guest's room without knocking."
"Good. Because I don't like the idea of you coming into my without doing so." I cross my arms.
Claude actually chuckles. "Don't worry. I don't see you as a woman." He states.
My mouth opens and I contemplate giving him matching eyes. I shut my mouth, along with the thought of slugging him while conscious. "Is there anything important you need?" I ask, as I take in that he isn't leaving like he usually does.
"Yes. I need to remind you that the party is tonight. So you'll need to eat before the maids come to help you get ready." Claude goes to exit after a small bow.
"Wait." I state, and he stops.
"Yes, Miss Adele?"
I get out of bed and drag him over to the vanity. "I can't take looking at that sloppy foundation job. I know a few tricks that'll keep it covered and for quite a while too." I pull out the makeup bag full of my replacement cosmetics. I can tell I have Claude scared. Good. "It's a good thing we're close in skin color." I state as I pull out the foundations I use during winter after my tan has paled.
Claude raises an eyebrow. "Do you need your eyes checked? We're not the same skin tone." He states.
"During winter I become pretty pale." I squeeze a little out and put a little on his hand to show how close they are in color.
"Oh, I see." He sits quietly and lets me work my magic. "You weren't kidding about knowing how to hide this. How are you so good at this?"
I bite my lip, before giving him a small smile. "I guess you haven't noticed, I'm a bit of a klutz. Always have been. So I've gotten a lot of scraps and bruises that I needed to cover up."
He nods.
As I do the finishing touches, "Alright... Done. Have a look."
"Incredible. It's like it was never there." He looks surprised.
"Told you. Besides, it's the least I can do since I gave you the bruise. We don't need rumors about butler beatings getting started at the party tonight." I joke.
"Quite right. I need to get going, and you need to eat." Claude says before making a quick retreat.
I chuckle as I watch the butler leave my room, then walk over to the tea cart to eat my breakfast and drink my tea.
Just as I finish, a light tapping on my door sounds. "Come in." I call.
Three maids enter, one of them being Liz. The other two introduce themselves as Jane and Bea. They soon begin the process of getting me ready for the ball. I'm put into the emerald satin mermaid dress, that I liked from the dresses brought to my room.
Apparently, Lord Micheal had sent instructions on how they should prepare my hair and makeup. My hair was styled down with big loose curls and a black ribbon tying my hair away from my face. The make up is done very naturally with a somewhat cute youthful look to it, with light pink lip gloss. Then Jane helps me into a pair of gold strappy heels with green jewels along the straps.
"Hmm. I can't wait to know what the theme is and what or who you're supposed to be. You'll tell us tomorrow, right?" Liz asks.
"Of course! I'm curious myself." I tell them.
"I'm so excited for you Lady Phoenix, to get to go as Prince Wilfred's date!" Bea says.
"I'm sure it's not a big deal. He's taken plenty of dates before now, right?" I say nonchalantly.
"No. You're the first." Jane answers.
My eyebrows rise. "I-I'm the first?"
"Yes." They all nod and say in unison.
"You're serious right now?" I still can't fully believe that Prince Wilfred wouldn't of had taken a date before me.
"We're not joking, Miss Phoenix." Liz tells me. "You're the first girl he's ever taken as a date."
As I hear that, I recall my first morning with the Spencers, them asking me how he was at the party... I guess it's starting to make some sense... So why after all this time would he choose me to be his first date? Could that mean he... No. Phoenix, don't go there. You already spent enough sleepless nights just trying to sort the Pandora's box that is your own heart, and you aren't even a third of the way done with that. You don't need to start trying to decipher someone else's feelings for you. I sort myself out.
"So do you think Prince Wilfred will approve?" I smile and give a twirl for the maids. I see Bea and Liz cover their mouths and Jane's biting her lip.
"Yes. I very much approve." A voice says from the doorway.
I turn and freeze looking at Prince Wilfred as he smiles at me.
"H-h-how long have you been standing there?" I ask, my voice quiet.
"In time to hear your question and watch you show off. That dress looks like it was made just for you."
I couldn't help but smile at the compliment. "Oh, stop it. You're such a kidder." I shake my head at him. "Is it time to go?" I ask him.
"Yes, I assume you're ready?" He asks offering his arm to me.
I nod, walk over to him, and take his offered arm, before we head out to go to the party.
"Have fun!" The maids call after us.
I laugh a little, feeling like I did when Mom saw me off on my dates. Luckily, Prince Wilfred speaks to me, before my mind can wonder to the boyfriend of my past.
"I wasn't kidding. You look very beautiful in that dress." He says earnestly.
"Alright. I'll take your compliment. Can we please change the topic?" I smile at him.
"If that's what you want, Phoenix. What would you like to talk about?" Prince Wilfred asks with a gentle smile.
"Hmm... Well, I feel you wouldn't have any idea as to what the Mystery Ball's theme would be, right?" I ask, and he shakes his head. "Sooo..." I rack my brain for a topic we could both enjoy, and I recall Prince Wilfred sleeping with an open book laying on his chest. "Have you finished your current book yet?" I ask him.
He tilts his head questioningly at me.
"I saw you the other day, asleep in the gardens with a book. I saw it was the latest Arizona Phoenix, and I wondered what you thought of her work." I admit, and can feel my cheeks warm slightly.
"Oh. Yes, I've always enjoyed her works, and have been a fan since her first release." Prince Wilfred says. "It's probably a little silly..." He looks away, a little embarrassed. "A prince reading her works and all."
I shake my head. "Not at all. I know everyone says Arizona's books are more for girls, but she makes it so guys can enjoy them too. Plus, she does a lot of research into her books so they'll be accurate; I really admire her for that." I tell him.
"Is she a favorite author of yours as well?" He asks as we approach the black car, meant to take us to the airport.
"Yes. I can't wait for the fourth installment. It'll be a little bittersweet, having to finally end, but I'm sure the ending will be worth it." I say with a smile, though I've already read a rough draft for the book, and know what she has planned for the heroine and her love interest. We get into the car, and it drives away from the chateau.
"I hope so. I still have about a hundred pages left and hope to finish on the plane. I hope you don't mind?" He asks.
"Absolutely not! Once you finish, we can talk about it." I say happily.
"Hmm... Well, Arizona has put out a lot of different genres, so I'm curious what she's going to do next." Wilfred says thoughtfully.
"Honestly, you never know with her. She could get inspiration from anything at anytime, so even the rumors or reports about what she's planning next can't be trusted." I answer knowing how my life has influenced her several times for her books. Though, I feel when she finds out about my royal status, she'll be writing some sort of royal love story.
"You're right. I have a few friends who love her books, too, and they've been wrong when they think they know what she'll do next." Prince Wilfred says.
Friends? What other friends does he have? My curiosity wonders, since I know from Claude and Prince Wilfred's parents, he doesn't have many... Maybe the other princes?
"Yeah." I answer absentmindedly.
The car stops. We've reached the airport, so we get out of the car to board the Spencer's private plane.
Prince Wilfred does as he said, and pulls out Arizona's book and begins to read from his previous point.
~)~~~~~
The car stops in front of Castle Noble Micheal. Prince Wilfred sighs and closes the book.
"Finished?" I ask.
"Not quite. I only have four and a half pages left." He says, annoyance in his tone.
"Ah! I hate having to put a book down when I'm that close." I agree with his annoyed feelings. "We're a little early, right? Maybe you can finish before the party?" I offer.
He nods. "Possibly." He gets out of the car, and offers his hand.
I take it, since my movements are a little more restricted with the mermaid styled dress. "Thanks."
"It's my pleasure." Prince Wilfred smiles.
We make our way up the many stairs of the Castle, and again I can't help feeling a little overwhelmed at being here again. Last time... I was so nervous since it was my first time, but still it only being my second time here, I can feel my nerves getting to me. I hope this all goes well...
As soon as we enter, Lord Micheal's butler, Zain, takes me away from Prince Wilfred so I can visit with Lord Micheal.
"Princess Phoenix!" Mike smiles when I enter the room.
"Hello, Lord Micheal." I curtsy.
"I told you to call me, Mike." He says.
"I know, Mike. I just thought I should greet you properly first." I smile.
Mike smiles. "So, Phillip's rubbing off on you?" He asks.
I laugh a little. "Yeah. Well... Claude definitely makes sure to point out when I'm not behaving to Phillip's standards of etiquette."
"I'm sure." Zain says. "Claude has always been strict about rules."
I nod. "Extremely so."
"Other than that, have you been enjoying your stay at the Chateau?" Mike asks, completely serious.
I nod again. "It has it's ups and downs, but I really have been enjoying my stay there." I tell him honestly.
Mike smiles again. "Good. How's Prince Wilfred been treating you?"
"Very well. We've become good friends." I say with a somewhat forced smile at that word. Thinking there is that possibility that I might be in love with him, has made the term 'friend' where he's concerned, hurt my heart. I've never been friend zoned before. "So, how have you been?" I ask him.
"Fine, my dear. Nothing to worry about." Mike gives me a reassuring smile and pats my hand.
"That's good. Do I get to learn what this Mystery Ball is all about?" I ask.
Mike laughs. "Of course!" He motions at Zain, who retrieves a garment bag, containing my dress. My eyes widen as I look at it. It wasn't what I was expecting, but it was still beautiful. It had a lace top that was scoop necked with three-quarter length sleeves, a black bustier, and a full navy blue skirt. "The theme is fairy tales. I chose this theme with you in mind."
"You're not going to tell me any more?" I ask.
Mike shakes his head. "I want you to figure it out."
I sigh. "Alright."
"But I think this will be the biggest clue as to who your fairy tale princess is." Mike hands me a silver bracelet.
I take it and look at it closely. It's a fork?! I always thought this was a cool idea for a bracelet. What princess would have a fork be so important? … Or should I say dinglehopper! Oh I love The Little Mermaid! So wait... I look over at the dress, running through Ariel's outfits in my mind. That has to be the one for when she goes on a date with Eric in town!
"I think you know." Mike states.
I nod my head happily. "I love that movie! But the real story is really sad." I tell him.
"I though you and Ariel had a lot in common." Mike laughs a little.
"Thank you, Mike!" I hug the elderly man.
"It was my pleasure. Now go get ready, so your prince doesn't have to wait much longer." Mike shoos me.
I stopped before leaving a thought crossing my mind. "Is Prince Wilfred... coordinating with me?" I ask.
"Of course!" Mike says. "Now go get ready!"
"Okay, okay. Bye!" I follow Zain to my room to change in, where three maids are waiting to help me into the dress.
~)~~~~~
As I make my way to the ballroom's entrance, I see Prince Wilfred. Before I can say anything, he looks over at me, and his eyes widen.
"What do you think?" I ask as I approach him.
"You still look beautiful." He answers.
"Oh, come on." I look away. "We better get in there." I say taking his arm, and hoping he can't see my reddening cheeks. "Did you finish?" I ask him.
"Yes. It was quite the cliffhanger. I can't wait to see how it all ends." He says as we enter the ballroom.
I can feel all the eyes in the room on us as we descend the stairs. As soon as we reach the bottom, several men surround us, wanting to talk with Prince Wilfred about his thoughts on a current policy. Feeling like I shouldn't be listening in on all this, I slip away as easily and quickly as I can. I can see Tarmo across the room with Onni next to the small orchestra, and head over to him.
"Tarmo. Onni." I call as I approach.
"You look beautiful tonight, Pr- Phoenix." Tarmo says.
"Lord Micheal has good taste." A girl says from beside the butlers, she looks to be around my age.
"Who are you?" I ask.
"I'm Johanna Jokinen." She states with a smile. "I'm their little sister." She says pointing to my butlers.
"WHAT?!" I look incredulously at the twins. Though, now I can see the family resemblance in her face shape and blue eyes, though she actually has hazelnut brown hair. "You have a sister?" I ask. "And you're from the Jokinen family? What else haven't you told me?" I shoot question after question at the now shocked butlers.
"Thanks, Sis." Tarmo mutters.
"Your welcome." She beams at them.
"Yes. We're from the Jokinen family. And we also have an older brother who will be inheriting the title of Duke." Tarmo answers.
"Is he here too?" I ask looking out towards the hundreds of people in the ballroom.
"Yes, but-" Onni starts. "You don't want to meet him." Tarmo finishes.
"Why not?" I ask. "I'll have to meet him sometime." I say logically.
Johanna laughs. "They're worried Rian will put the moves on you." She says.
"I like her." I say, moving closer to their sister. "So, his name is Rian or is that his nickname?" I ask.
"It's short for Adrian." Johanna says.
"Did someone call my name?" A voice calls from behind me.
I turn to see a tall man, who had similar blue eyes to the Jokinen siblings, showing through his black mask. He was dressed in all blacks, grays, and purples. His hair was short and styled up, it was the same color as Johanna's. It was when I noticed the the spiral shell on a black chain around his neck, that I realized he was dressed as a male Ursula.
"As always, you know when to show up when least wanted." Tarmo sighs.
"Ah, now don't be like that, Momo." Adrian smirks, and Tarmo cringes at the name.
"Momo?" I question.
"Please don't call me that, Phoenix." Tarmo says with pleading eyes.
"So, you're Phoenix?" Adrian smiles, coming closer to get a better look at me. "Hmm... Yes. You're better than I could have imagined." Adrian says.
Oh dear. They were right about him having moves... I smile at him. "Thank you." I say before looking to Tarmo and Onni.
"Alright, enough getting a look at her. Go socialize somewhere else." Tarmo makes a shooing motion.
"That's not very nice, baby brother. You know you're both supposed to be my pets tonight." Adrian smirks.
I look to them. Taking in their black pants and vest, a gray shirt underneath, and they each had a mask that went around one eye that was gold; their masks being on a different eye from the other. Flotsam and Jetsam.
I then look to see Johanna is wearing a red dress, and her accessories having music notes. Sebastian.
"So, are all of the Noreric people, dressed as though from The Little Mermaid?" I ask.
"Just about. Though, honestly my favorite would probably be either Sebastian as Flounder or Vicki as Scuttle." Johanna laughs.
"Shhhh!" Tarmo puts his hand over his sister's face. "Don't say the V word. I've been able to stay off her radar so far. Don't jinx it!"
Johanna continues to laugh. "Oh... But Phoenix hasn't meet the Vanhanens or Sebastian yet." She looks to her eldest brother, "I think you should go get them."
"I agree." Adrian grins before bowing and leaving us.
"Uh! You... I'm going to go check on the King." Tarmo says before making a quick exit.
"So, who's got him so scared?" I ask.
"Viktoria Vanhanen. She has always had quite the crush on Tarmo and Sebastian. They're both terrified of her." Johanna says.
"Sorry. I wasn't able to find Vicki." Adrian returns with two more men.
They're both tall and look older than me. The one with brown hair, and wearing a yellow shirt and blue pants, vest, and jacket, is obviously Sebastian dressed as Flounder. The other man has auburn hair that is a few inches short of being shoulder length, green-brown hazel eyes, and appeared to be dressed as Grimsby.
"No need to apologize about that. No offense, Markus." Sebastian says to the older looking man.
"It's fine. I know how you and Tarmo feel about my sister... Where is Tarmo?" Markus looks around.
"He went to check on the King." I tell them.
"Made a retreat, while he still had the chance, hmm?" Adrian chuckles.
"Yes." Johanna and Onni answer.
"Though, the King probably will need a little supervision, since he has a trident." Onni says.
"Oh, dear." I say, scanning the crowd for Uncle.
"Anyways... Sebastian, Markus, this is Lady Phoenix." Adrian says, motioning to me.
They both bow.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Markus says and kisses my hand.
"Yes. It's nice to finally meet you." Sebastian smiles at me.
"So, how do all of you know about me?" I ask.
They all zero in on Onni. "Don't look at me. Tarmo's the one who let it slip."
"You're his look-a-like." Sebastian says.
"Well, Jo and I knew they were to be the butlers of the next royal heir, so it just took enough badgering and threatening Tarmo about Vicki to get him to at least give me a name." Adrian informs me. "Plus, I'm sure you'd want to meet Sebastian in person, so his uncle doesn't try to dethrone you before you're recognized." Adrian smirks.
"He could do that?" I ask, shocked, since it's the first time hearing any of this.
"Yes. It's one of Noreric's amendments." Markus says.
"Not that he needs to worry." Sebastian adds.
"So, Phoenix, would you like to dance?" Adrian offers.
"Actually, I'm here as Prince Wilfred's date. I should probably get back to him." I say looking around the large ballroom.
"Aw. Poor, Adrian... This is probably the first time I've seen a girl decline you." Sebastian smiles.
Johanna puts a hand to her mouth to muffle her laughter. Adrian face stays calm, though I could see a storm brewing in his light blue eyes behind his mask. "Alright, Flounder." Adrian smirks.
"Boys, behave." A familiar strong voice commands. We all turn to see King Erik with his trident.
"Uncle." I smile and approach him.
"Phoenix! There you are!" Uncle opens his arms and I walk into them for a hug. "Have all the boys been good to you?" He asks.
"Yes, Uncle." I say.
"Good. I'm mainly worried about Adrian. I know Markus is the best behaved since he's the oldest and Sebastian is just naturally more mature for his age, except when he's around Tarmo and Onni..." Uncle looks around. "Where did Tarmo go? He was right beside me a minute ago..."
The others sigh. "He's doing his best to evade my sister, I'm afraid." Markus informs the king.
"Ah..." He nods in understanding. "I heard the news from Lord Micheal; that you came as Prince Wilfred's date. You should get back to him." Uncle pushes me away from the young nobles of Noreric. "You'll have plenty of time to get better acquainted to them later."
"Alright." I say, making my way into the crowds of people.
As I'm searching for Prince Wilfred, "Would you like a truffle?" I turn to look at a waiter with a tray of different truffles.
"Sure." I take a normal chocolate one. I eat it in one bite. "Mmm... This is good. It has great texture." I say after swallowing. "Is there some kind of nut in it?" I ask.
"Yes. That one had crushed almonds inside." The waiter replies.
"Almonds?!" My eyes widen in shock.
"Can you not have them?" The waiter asks, worry on his face. "The butler told me you wanted one with almonds."
"Which butler?" I croak out.
"Prince Wilfred's." He says, at the same time I spy Claude watching me from across the room with a smug smile.
I gasp, and quickly start looking around for Tarmo.
"Will you be okay?" He asks worried, and as he's still talking, I spot Tarmo close to a tall plant. I head straight for him.
"Tarmo." I call as I get closer.
"Phoenix?" He asks and seems to pick up on my uneasiness. "What's wrong?"
"I ate almonds." I tell him.
"What?! Do I need to take you to a hospital? I can take you right now-"
"NO. I'll just lose my v-" Just as I'm explaining, I feel my vocal chords swell and cut off all sound I can make. I clutch at my throat, then I start miming the action of writing.
He quickly pulls out a small pad of paper and a pen. Claude did this to me.
"What? Why?" Tarmo asks.
I don't know. Maybe payback for giving him a black eye?
"You gave him a black eye?!" Tarmo asks. I glare at him. "Right. But you're sure I don't need to take you to the hospital? Do you need to have a shot of something?" He asks.
Once it works its way out of my body, I'll be fine, but it can take almost a day. Or else, I need a shot of epinephrine and within an hour after I'll be okay.
"Alright. Do you want me to go get you a shot? I don't want you to suffer however long it'll take to work itself out." Tarmo asks.
I nod. That would be nice. But I'm not in any pain. My reaction makes me unable to talk or make any noise.
"Well, I guess it's good thing you're dressed as Ariel, hm?" Tarmo smiles.
I raise an eyebrow at him, and lightly smack his arm. Not funny Tarmo. I scribble.
"Alright, I'll go get you a shot right n-" Tarmo says before, "MOMO!" A shrill female voice calls out.
We both turn to see a red head in a white and gray feathered dress. She immediately glomps Tarmo.
'Phoenix! Save me!' Tarmo mouths.
'Can't talk.' I mouth back, but I tap her shoulder.
"Hmm?" She looks over at me with her mint green eyes. "Who are you?" The red head asks.
"This is Phoenix." Tarmo answers for me.
The red head raises an eyebrow, and looks back to Tarmo. "Can't she speak for herself, Momo?"
"Actually no. She can't right now." Tarmo says. "She's accidentally eaten something she's allergic to, and I need to go get her some medicine." Tarmo moves himself out of her grasp.
"That sounds like one of your excuses to get away from me, Momo." She doesn't look convinced.
"I'm serious, Vicki." Tarmo says. "I'll be back as soon as possible, Phoenix." Tarmo says to me, and I nod, before he leaves on his mission.
I can't believe this has happened. To have lost my voice, dressed as Ariel, is one of the worst ironies possible! Uh! I scan the crowds for the vengeful butler, and when I finally see him, our eyes meet again. Claude, I hope you know what you've gotten yourself into, because this means war!
Well, now the war's really on between Claude and Phoenix! XD I hope the wait was worth it, because some of this I wouldn't have come up with until now. And I hope you enjoyed meeting the twins' siblings, Sebastion (again), and the Vanhanens.
I'm going to be visiting family for the next five days, so I'm not sure how much writing I'll get done, if at all, but next will be:
1. BMP in OZ
2. Pirates Fall for the Navy
***QUESTION: In Phoenix and the Beast, do you want the boa to make a reappearance in the next update?*** (Please let me know in a review for this or Phoenix and the Beast or PM me about it; I'd love to know what you think about this.)