To begin: SORRY! I was doing so good on writing for this one on and off for like a week, then I just didn't get back to it until now... But this one has quite a bit in length so that should make up for it, at least a little... So without further ado, here's the next chapter!

(Claude)

As the King and Queen are talking to Prince Wilfred and the girl, I can't help but remember what happened the night before.

~)~~~~

"Hey, Claude," Tarmo waved me over as he neared.

"Yes? What is it, Tarmo?"

"Come with me. Prince Wilfred needs you." Tarmo said, and I quickly followed him out of the ballroom and down the hall. As soon as we turned a corner, I felt a swift tug on my lapels, and was pushed roughly up against the wall.

The usual smiling Tarmo was gone, and in his place was the glare of a man ready to kill. I can honestly say I've never feared for my life more than in this moment.

"I'm only going to say this once, so you better listen, and listen good."

After a moment I nodded in response before he continued, "You need to stop treating Phoenix the way you've done since she was placed in your care. You're a grown man, act like it and treat your special guest with the respect she deserves as such, got it? Cause if I hear about you bullying her in any way, or make her upset again, I will make your life a living hell. … And as for the stunt you pulled tonight? If she comes within a hundred-yard radius of almonds again while still in your care, I will end you. You're lucky that this time it was a mild reaction, but she's had reactions so bad that she was hospitalized for several days. You don't play with someone's life like that. Is that clear?"

This time I quickly nodded my response.

"Good." Tarmo smoothed down my lapels and smiled again. "Then go get the car, because your prince is ready to leave." Satisfied that my jacket was no longer wrinkled, he left with those words.

Who is Tarmo Jokinen really? And why is that girl so important to him? These are my main thoughts as I quickly go to retrieve the car and bodyguards.

~)~~~~

Prince Wilfred and the girl had just left the throne room, with the King and Queen looking dissatisfied. I couldn't keep quiet any longer. Why didn't she blame me for everything? She knew I made it so she'd eat the almonds, but she didn't try to pass the blame off onto me. As I step forward, both the King and Queen set their eyes on me.

"What is it, Claude?" Her Majesty quietly asks.

"Your Majesties, I feel that you shouldn't blame Miss Adele or His Highness for this situation. I was nearby and could have stopped her from eating the allergen, but I didn't. It was also my slow response time in getting the car to them, that the reporters got those pictures." I bow as lowly as I am able without ruining my posture.

I don't dare to look up at the King and Queen, awaiting to hear their judgment on the issue.

"Hmm. Well, if you feel this strongly as to claim the blame for this situation, I feel we should hold you responsible." The King says thoughtfully.

"Though, I feel we should not be the ones to decide your punishment, since your inabilities didn't affect us most. Wilfred and Phoenix will be the ones to decide your punishment." The Queen declares. "You shall deliver this information to them and let them know that they are in charge of deciding your punishment."

"Yes, Your Majesties." I make a bowing motion, since I'm still keeping my head low.

~)~~~~

(Phoenix)

As soon as I sit on my bed, my phone goes off. I pull it out of my pocket and look at the number in confusion for a moment, before tentatively answering it.

"Hello, Phoenix?" A familiar female voice asks.

"Professor V? Hey. What's going on?"

"Well, I know your situation has been difficult, but your other professors and I were talking with the dean, and we at least need some work turned in from you. Is there any way you would be able to come to campus tomorrow and show us some of your work? I know it's a bit last minute, but we all want you to be able to pass your classes, since you've been such an exemplary student."

"I-" I immediately want to say yes, but stop myself. I'll have to arrange a ride with Claude, and then with the current scandal, with those pictures… Though I was lucky that Prince Wilfred shielded me well enough that no one got a good shot of my face… Maybe it will be possible if I'm allowed to leave the castle…

"Phoenix, you there?" Professor V asks bringing me back from my thoughts.

"I'll have to talk with the people I'm staying with, but I think it could be possible."

"Good. And you have been working on stuff, right? Because I want you to actually have things to show us."

"Of course. I've been doing a lot of sketching and painting this past week." I answer. "And I'm sorry I had to ask for another week off, after being granted permission for the first week."

"Don't worry about it, Phoenix. We understand. Your apartment burned down and the closest friends you could stay with were in Philip. Just the stress alone of dealing with that situation… Believe me, we understand and want to help in any way we can. And if that means giving you more time off from school, it's okay." Professor V sighs before continuing, "You're lucky that most of your classes are studios and mainly just require that you're working on the assignments. Though I believe you have an upcoming exam next Monday so you better study for that." Professor V warns.

I laugh, "Yeah, art history does have a couple of tests, but luckily that's all I have to worry about doing in that class."

"Good. Then we'll plan on seeing you tomorrow. Email us what time you think you'll be able to meet with each of us."

"I will. Thanks, Prof. V. Bye."

"Bye, Phoenix," with that she hangs up.

As I lay back on my bed, ready to rest my weary body, there's a knock at my door. I sit up and call, "Yes. Come in."

Claude makes his way into the room, and quickly bows to me. "Miss Adele, I would like to have a word with you and His Highness together. If you would come with me?"

~)~~~~

I'm now sitting in Prince Wilfred's office on the couch and feeling shocked by what Claude has told us. He felt so guilty about it that he told the King and Queen and is claiming the fault for everything… I was not expecting that.

"Their Majesties wish that you two would decide my punishment," Claude concludes, bowing deeply to us.

I glance at Prince Wilfred who now has a firm resolve on his face. "Actually, Phoenix will be the only one to decide your fate, Claude. You knew she was allergic and did nothing to stop it from happening. What if her reaction had been more severe and she collapsed or worse?"

"I realize that, Your Highness. And I am sorry for it happening, Miss Adele. I shall accept whatever punishment you deem necessary." Claude hasn't raised his head once since he started telling us everything.

"Do I have to decide this right now? Could I have a little time?" I ask Prince Wilfred, my thoughts already colliding and disagreeing with each other.

"Of course, you can have time. How about you tell us at dinner what you've decided?" Prince Wilfred asks.

I nod my head. "That should be enough time. Thank you."

Claude bows his head again, then stands, readying to leave.

"Claude." I call out and stop him before he can take a few steps away.

"Yes, Miss Adele?" He doesn't look at me.

"I need to go to my university in Charles tomorrow. Could you arrange for a car to take me?"

"Yes, Miss Adele. I'll do that right away." Is it just me, or does he sound more emotionless than usual.

"Claude, also arrange for a bodyguard to accompany her. With the pictures out there, I'd feel safer knowing she had someone with her." Prince Wilfred orders.

"Yes, Your Highness." With that he leaves the room.

I put my head in my hands. How am I supposed to decide what happens to Claude on my own?

"Phoenix, you'll do fine. I know you'll be able to decide on a just punishment. I have faith in you." Prince Wilfred says quietly while placing a hand on my shoulder.

"You really believe in me that much?" I remove my head from my hands and look into his clear blue eyes.

"I do. Never doubt that." Prince Wilfred gives me a reassuring smile.

"I won't. I'll let you get back to work, Prince Wilfred." I stand from the couch and as I reach for the door Prince Wilfred says, "If you want any advice, don't be afraid to ask though. I'll help in any way I can."

I turn to look at Prince Wilfred. With a small smile, "Of course. Thank you for letting me know." I then walk out of his office and back to my room, where I resume my position of laying down on my bed.

I hold a pillow to my chest as I think about what I should choose for Claude's punishment. My gut reaction is to fire him, but I know that would be wrong. He's the Spencer's head butler. That would take forever to find a replacement. So if I fire him, I'd be causing the Spencers a problem in needing to hire someone new. Plus, Claude loves them, and has probably been raised to be their butler. It seems way too cruel to have him fired.

I roll onto my stomach, pillow under my chest, and rake my hands through my hair. Well, thinking in business terms, if you don't want to fire the employee, you might demote them, but then again, who would take Claude's place, and then if he were replaced, would he ever be able to get the position back… I sigh and lay my head onto the mattress. Why is this so hard? I don't have any idea how to deal with a butler… wait a minute! That's it!

I grab my phone and dial Onni's phone.

"Princess, is something wrong?" Onni immediately asks.

"Nothing too major. I just have a question and I was hoping you could help me."

"Sure. What is it?" In the background I hear Tarmo, "Why did she call you?"

"Well, I have a small predicament…" I go on and explain everything to Onni.

"Hmm. Well, you're right in thinking it would cause some issues for the Spencers to find a proper replacement, especially when Claude's been a part of the palace staff since his childhood."

"I know!" I hear Tarmo in the background.

"What?" I ask.

"I don't know if I should tell you since you didn't call me for advice."

"Tarmo. Quit pouting. I knew you'd both be together so it didn't matter which one of you I called, but I thought Onni would think of something before you. Sorry I doubted you."

"I suppose I'll forgive you, Princess. Since you didn't know us in our youth, you aren't aware of our pranking history."

"Honestly, I'm not surprised to hear you were a prankster, Tarmo. Though I assume Onni was stuck as an accomplice."

"You'd be surprised by some of the pranks he thought up… But that's beside the point. Revenge was always what we did best. So I know exactly how you should punish Claude."

"What should I do?" I ask and listen to Tarmo's idea. "It's not a bad plan… I like it."

"Good to know I could be of some assistance."

"Thanks, guys. You're the best butlers a girl could ever ask for."

"Stop it. You're making me blush." Tarmo jokes.

"Really though. Thank you. I wouldn't have been able to think of this on my own."

"Princess, shouldn't you be getting ready for dinner? It's four o'clock in Philip." Onni responds calmly.

"Oh my gosh, you're right! Bye, guys!"

"Bye, Princess." They chorus.

After hanging up the phone, I go to my wardrobe and look at the dresses hanging in the closet. I pull out a cream colored dress with red, orange, blue, and pink flowers with golden leaves on it. It has a Bardot neckline, and looks like it should hit right around my knees.

Since I still haven't changed from cleaning, I take a quick shower. I blow dry my hair and let it naturally curl. Next, I do my makeup before putting the dress on. I pull on a pair of strappy gold heels.

I leave my room with plenty of time to walk to the dining room with some time to spare. The Spencers are all already there. I bow to the King and Queen, and Wilfred helps me with my chair. As I'm scooting to the table, I realize how much I've become accustomed to all the manners here at the Chateau. When did this happen?

The maids bring out the different dishes and place a silver platter in front of each of us, before removing the lid. As always, each of us have a different meal. At the realization, I start to feel a little homesick, at the thought of a shared family meal. Have they ever done something like that? Surely they have, right?

"Miss Phoenix?" The Queen calm, quiet voice interrupts my thoughts.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Is your meal not to your liking?"

"No, it's fine. I'm sorry, I got lost in my thoughts for a moment." I say before I cut into the filet of fish set before me.

"It's quite all right, Dear." The Queen smiles at me.

"Claude tells us that you will be going to Charles tomorrow?" The King asks, and our meal continues in simple conversation, not once broaching the topic of Claude's punishment.

As we all finish our meal, and the plates are removed, the Spencers, Claude, and I are left in the room. Unlike normal, the King and Queen make no move to leave once supper is over.

"Miss Phoenix, Wilfred told us that he's give you the sole responsibility of deciding Claude's punishment, since his lack of actions have affected you the most. Have you come to a decision?" The King begins.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I have."

"And what have you come up with, my dear?" The Queen asks.

"I feel that since Claude seems to have made mistakes any head butlers should know better not to let happen, perhaps he should take a week off and refresh himself in the ways of being a great butler."

"Interesting idea. Did you have a specific teacher in mind?" The King asks as he strokes his chin.

"Actually I do. Though I'm not sure exactly how to get into contact with him."

"Who is it?"

"Yuma Akagi. I hear he's considered the best of all butlers. He works for the Ichijo family, who live in Oriens."

"Claude, you now know your punishment. We expect you to get into contact with Mr. Akagi and see if he'll be your teacher for a week. If not, well, then we'll have to decide on a different punishment." The King looks to Claude, who bows to the King and Queen.

"I'll do what I've been ordered, and I won't disappoint you again." With that said Claude leaves the room.

"Well done, Miss Phoenix. That was very kind of you. You could have chosen to fire Claude for his inability to keep you safe." The Queen says.

"I felt it was the most fitting. Claude shouldn't be fired for his mistake. He's a good butler, and I felt that this would be the best option."

"We'll be retiring for the evening. Miss Phoenix, we hope that you have a safe trip to Charles tomorrow." The King says before he and the Queen leave.

Left alone with Prince Wilfred, I look across the table at him. He's looking at me with a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Were you also surprised, Prince Wilfred?" I ask, wanting to know his opinion on my choice of punishment.

"Not really. I knew you would come up with something that would still allow Claude to keep his position as our butler." Prince Wilfred stands. "If you'll excuse me, I have to prepare for tomorrow."

"No, that's quite all right. Have a good day tomorrow."

"You too, Phoenix. I'm sorry I won't be able to go with you." I can see the sincerity in Prince Wilfred's blue eyes.

"It's fine. Besides I'm sure you would be nothing but bored, since I'll be in meetings with my professors for most of the day." I tell him honestly, though I'm touched that he would want to go with me.

Prince Wilfred gives a slight laugh. "Good night, Phoenix. And good luck for tomorrow."

"Thank you, and good night, Prince Wilfred." With that, we part ways.

~)~~~~

It was a quiet two-hour drive from the Chateau to Charles University. I was alone in the backseat, while my assigned driver and bodyguard sat in the front seats. Neither did much talking beyond introducing themselves to me. Claude wasn't even there to see me off. I was told by Liz, who made sure I was ready to leave, that Claude had already left for the airport; apparently Mr. Akagi had accepted to teach him for the week.

Though after the first thirty minutes of complete silence I pulled out my headphones and listened to my iPod. I thought about what I should say about each piece I present to my professors. I was lucky that I had been drawing so much this last week, so I had a good array of choices to present, but I was still a little worried that they might not be good enough.

It isn't until my door is opened for me that I realize we are parked in front of the university. I quickly gather my portfolio and get out, leaving instructions with the driver where I would meet him. My bodyguard, Rex, is more like a shadow, following about ten feet behind me.

~)~~~~

I get through my meetings with ease. All my professors seem happy with my progress. I only have one meeting left for the day, and it's with Professor V. I poke my head into her door after knocking. She smiles then motions for me to come in.

"Phoenix, it's so good to see you! You look well. How's everything going?"

"Good. It's been nice to be able to have the time off and adjust to everything. Though I do miss school."

Prof. V nods. "Losing your home away from home like that, anyone would need a chance to adjust. I'm just so happy that you were unharmed."

"Yeah. That's something that kept replaying in my mind. 'What if I had been home?' It's definitely something that keeps me awake some nights."

"If you ever need someone to talk with, I'm always willing to listen." I nod, and she continues, "So let's see what you've got for me!"

I pull out the picture I had done of the iris with Prince Wilfred's eyes, though I had changed it a bit, adding more to it and coloring it. I made it have a more surrealist feel to it, which is a movement I know Prof. V likes a lot.

"Wow, this is really interesting. I really love the eyes in this piece. They look like their hiding so much pain, or secrets, or maybe a little bit of both. Very nice detail, Phoenix."

I tilt my head at this observation. I guess I never really looked at the eyes that closely, since I knew that they were Prince Wilfred's eyes, maybe that kept me from taking a closer look.

~)~~~~

Professor V and I had talked about my piece for another 15-ish minutes before I left her office. Rex was waiting outside the door, down the hall a little ways. I walked past him, and he silently followed behind me by several feet; so as not to draw too much attention. When we exited the building, I noticed someone familiar across the street at the university coffee shop. I go straight over to him.

"Stephen?" I call as make it safely across the street to my neighbor.

The tall brunette turns around, and his eyes widen, "Phoenix?! How have you been?" He pulls me into a quick hug.

I return his hug as I answer, "I'm doing good, for the most part. I've been staying with friends in Philip. You're originally from there, right?"

"That's good. Yeah, I am. I hope you're enjoying your stay there."

"I am. What about you? Where are you staying?"

"I'm staying on a friend's couch for now. I really hope they get the apartment building rebuilt soon. I was meaning to call you and check in with you."

"Well, now you don't have to. What are you doing here at the coffee shop? You're usually at the library." I can't help my curiosity. Stephen has been my neighbor directly across the hall from me in our apartment complex. He's a medical student, and always busy studying. Yet, I somehow managed to get to know him early on into moving to Charles, and we always made time to eat a dinner with each other and talk; since we don't like eating all our meals alone and enjoy each other's company it became a weekly tradition.

"I'm waiting on an old friend from Philip actually." Stephen gives a soft smile.

"Oh?" I raise my eyebrows. "And does this old friend happen to be a girl?" I smile conspiratorially.

"As a matter of fact, yes, she is. But I don't like that you're suggesting there's something more to it than that."

"Oh, really? Because the face you made when you mentioned her, is a face I've never seen you make before. Almost like a man in love." I wiggle my eyebrows.

Stephen gently pushes on my shoulder. "Phoenix, quit joking around."

We're both laughing when a soft feminine voice calls out, "Stephen?"

We both turn to see a willowy young woman with short ash blonde hair in a stylish wavy bob. She's in a pastel pink dress, tan cardigan over the dress, a sun hat, and white heels. She's so pretty!

"Hello, I'm Phoenix. I'm Stephen's neighbor." I hold out my hand to her, wanting to clear up any misunderstandings she might have about seeing us laughing together.

She takes my hand with a gentle yet firm grip, "I'm Cecille. It's a pleasure to meet a new friend of Stephen's. He wouldn't be smiling so much if you weren't friends." Cecille must have seen the confusion on my face when she called me his friend.

"Well, I'll let you two catch up. I need to be getting back to Philip," I say, not wanting to be a third wheel.

"You're living in Philip? I thought-" Cecille is cut off by Stephen explaining, "She's staying with friends there since our apartment building burnt down." Cecille nods in understanding.

"It was nice meeting you. I hope I see you again." I shake Cecille's hand again. "And hopefully we can catch up properly next time." I quickly hug Stephen.

"It was nice meeting you also. I'm sure we'll meet again." Cecille gives me a sweet smile.

"Until next time, Phoenix." Stephen nods to me.

I walk away from them, and quickly cross the street, I look over my shoulder and see them embrace. Stephen kisses her forehead. Totally more than friends. They make a cute couple. I'm glad to know Stephen has something other than studying going on in his life.

It isn't until I make it safely to the other side of the street, that I realize that Rex wasn't close to me anymore. I glance around and notice him standing close behind a nearby tree. He was probably trying to give me some space while I talked with my friend. Though I notice that he's hanging up his cell phone, so maybe he had to make a call or someone called him?

"Ready to go, Miss Phoenix?" Rex asks as I approach him.

"Yes. I've done everything I needed to do here."

Rex nods, before dialing a number and begins talking with our driver on where to meet us. We walk a couple blocks away from the university before meeting up with our car.

As we begin driving I realize I'd like to see the apartment building before heading back to Philip. I ask the driver and he says it would be alright.

He parks the car a block away from my apartment building. I walk to the location of my apartment, and see that they're already building up the frame of a new apartment building. Before I realize it, a man in a suit walks over to me.

"Miss Adele Hendrickson?" He asks, his voice sounds oddly familiar.

"Yes… Who are you?"

"We've only talked on the phone; I'm Detective Belrose." He holds out his hand to me.

I shake his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet the detective on the case. How's it going?"

"We actually just found the culprit this morning. He was your neighbor's ex-boyfriend. He was drunk that night, and mistook your window for hers. So you have nothing to fear in that you were being targeted. I'm sorry for any unease and worry that might have caused you."

"It's all right. I'm just glad you got the guy. Now I can put this somewhat behind me. Thank you for your hard work on this case." I shake Detective Belrose's hand again.

"It's my job, but it was my pleasure." The detective smiles at me.

We say our goodbyes before heading our separate ways. Rex walks beside me as we make our way back to the car. "I talked with the contractor and apparently they should have the apartment rebuilt in the next four months."

"That's good to hear." Though I don't know if the Spencers will be willing to continue housing me through this whole ordeal. I might need to start looking into new living arrangements…

As I mentioned earlier I was doing really well with writing this one until I started my internship; which kept me busy during the week, then since I've been living at home, my mom's managed to drag me into a lot of busy weekend plans. But I've finished my internship! So now I'm waiting on my diploma to be mailed to me and currently searching for a job. (^.^)'''

I'd like to thank the review from Cakedecorator. Her review helped me decide to put in the little part with Tarmo and Claude, because I knew Phoenix wouldn't rat Claude out, but I knew who would have put the fear of God into Claude for his mistake. So I hope you all enjoyed that bit because I had myself laughing some while writing it. Also I hope you enjoy the little connection to Butler Until Midnight. I felt it was just a perfect add in. Also let me know if you'd like to have a short part in the next chapter with Claude studying under Yuma.

So please review letting me know what you think, what you'd like to see next. I'm always open to your opinions. I love to hear your thoughts. For now I make no more promises on when things will be updated next, because I fail at pulling through on those. (T.T) Though based on how long its been, I'll probably update Phoenix and the Beast next. So look forward to it!