Well, I'm back after a very long time with an unfortunately short chapter. After seeing the live action version 3 times, I would like to try and incorporate aspects into this story but am not sure if it will work Let me know what you think- whether there should be a new story or aspects into this one. Rest assured, I will finish this story but it may take a while as I don't know where I want it to end.

Anyway, to some thank yous:

DragonEmperor999: thank you for your support!

puppyface1000: thank you- hope you enjoy this short chapter!

The rest of the ball went smoothly and Irena managed to escape from dancing with Prince Raoul for the rest of the evening.

She spent the evening talking and dancing with Chip and the other guests, as well as dancing for the first time with her father. When the music stopped, Irena curtsied to her father with a smile and glanced at him to gauge his reaction. To her delight, Adam seemed as pleased as she was and when he offered her his arm, she happily accepted it.

"You dance well, my dear." Adam said in a low voice so as not to be heard by the other guests present.

Irena blushed before she replied with a smile, "Thank you father, Lumiere taught me much of what I know, however it was a little hard to practice for he was a lot taller than I was when he first began teaching me."

Adam laughed, earning a few stares from the guests however they soon returned to their conversation, marvelling at the obvious affection that existed between father and daughter.

Irena had enjoyed dancing with her father and felt happy and content, having had to endure less than pleasant dancing partners during the course of the evening, with the exception of Chip.

Adam had enjoyed the evening too. Simply being able to be in the company of others besides Belle and his daughter was refreshing, causing him to feel even more indebted to Irena for what she had done in order to secure his humanity. He wondered how he could repay her for her kindness, however he was not sure that he would, such was the magnitude of the gift that his daughter had bestowed on him.

As Adam gazed around him at the guests and the merry sight of people gliding around the ballroom, he was glad to finally be able to open the doors of the castle to his subjects and other dignitaries that had travelled from neighbouring kingdoms.

Though it was difficult, Adam believed that he was able to conceal his frustration with Cogsworth's meddling with his daughter's happiness by inviting the young Prince Raoul. Adam did not feel that this young man would be the most appropriate choice of husband for Irena, for he was reminded of himself when he was the young prince's age. He would hate for his daughter to end up married to such a man. With a resigned sigh, Adam went in search of Belle. He soon found her and went to her side.

Belle was speaking with some of the village women about the possibility of beginning a service by which the village children could be educated to read and write. Adam smiled as he knew his wife was especially passionate about these subjects and felt that everyone should be able to read and write. Belle felt her husband come to her side and turned her head to smile at him. She excused herself from the conversation and walked away from the women in order to speak to Adam more privately.

"Have you enjoyed yourself this evening, darling?" Belle asked.

Adam smiled and nodded, his attention caught by Irena once more dancing with Chip, a smile on her face.

Irena circled the ballroom once more. She could not remember the last time she had had so much fun as when she danced the last dance of the evening with Chip who had stayed with her since her disastrous dance with the arrogant Prince Raoul.

Despite the peace of the castle, Belle and Adam knew that all would not remain so for long, especially in relation to their daughter's budding friendship with Chip.