Happy Belated Birthday to Akela Victoire. I tried to have this done earlier, but I had classes! I hope your day was amazing and you like what you read. -Midnights-AM-Child

Affairs of Eraklyon

Chapter One: A Royal Proposal

Flora woke up to the smell of fresh bloomed flowers. Although her home had no floral plants inside, the tree itself was washed in an array of light pinks and white. Flora breathed in and sighed with contentment. She eased out of bed and opened her window to let in the sunlight. She stretched and watched the outdoors until she was ready to start her day.

She was just one of many guardian fairies on Linphea. If it wasn't for her second job there would be no way Flora could make ends meet; but, her lifestyle suited her. She rarely indulged in frivolities. All her free money was spent paying off her student loans. She hadn't done much after graduating from Alfea compared to the other Winx. She was happy for her friends. She always loved to hear their stories. Just recently, she had purchased a magazine featuring Stella's designs. King Radius remarried and had another child. That freed Stella from the burden of being his only heir and she could fulfill her dream. Aisha wasn't so lucky. She had become so busy that she and Flora could only communicate with letters! Aisha wasn't the only Winx who sent Flora mail. Musa was always sending Flora postcards from the places she toured. Everything was very fast-paced and exciting for the music fairy now. Things were also exciting for Bloom and Sky; they just had their first child. Tecna was expecting too.

The sound of trumpets snapped Flora out of her thoughts. She was still wearing her night gown, but it was long enough for her not to be embarrassed when she opened her door. After the instrumental ended, a man in uniform stepped forward holding parchment. "Flora of Linphea, his majesty, Schuyler The First of Eraklyon has formally requested an audience with you. We are here to inform and transport you safely to the palace."

A sleek ship landed in front of her home. It was bright gold and made no noise as it hovered in the air. On the door was the emblem of Eraklyon. Flora started to feel out of place. If she was being summoned instead of a personal call it must have been something pertaining to Eraklyon's affairs. Perhaps an important gala or maybe another baby. Flora assisted with the delivery of their firstborn. Even that required formal wear! Flora blushed and looked at her attire. She definitely felt silly for answering in pajamas. "Um, may I have a moment to prepare for the trip?"

"Certainly. Will you need help with your luggage?"

"Luggage?" Flora repeated in confusion. Why would she need to carry bags? "No, no thank you."

The messenger nodded and waited stoically for Flora's return. She went inside and opened her closet and drawers. After a couple of minutes she put on a long tan skirt, a pink top and white sandals. It wasn't extravagant, but one of the more business appropriate outfits she owned. She only took her phone and went with the messenger. A footman helped her inside. Flora sat comfortably in the spacious carrier. She was offered drinks, snacks and entertainment. Flora respectful declined all of it and continued to sit in quiet. She wondered what was going on. She was very excited. She missed her friends and couldn't wait to reunite. This summoning would also allow her to see baby Elliott.

When the craft landed, Flora was escorted to a conference room. She sat patiently and contemplated the reasons she was summoned. She was genuinely perplexed, but tried not to let it get to her. The more she waited, the more scenarios wracked her mind. She started to play with her skirt. She was still doing so when the door opened. Sky entered, silently. He didn't want to startle her with a sudden intrusion and was glad he chose to do so. He hadn't seen her in a while and it took a few seconds to take her in. She hadn't changed from their days in college; it was very refreshing.

"Flora."

She looked up and gave him a small smile; her eyes were dancing in excitement. "Sky...! I-I mean King Schuyler, it's so good to see you again."

"No need for any titles, Flora, not ever." Sky walked to her and hugged her. He couldn't help, but blush. She smelled of honeysuckles. "How have you been?"

"I've been good. I'm almost done paying my loans from Alfea."

Sky chuckled. "Well that's good."

"How have you been?"

"Things have been... stressful, but I'm doing my best to lead Eraklyon wisely. I really miss being able to talk to you. It's actually the reason I had you summoned."

Flora's eyes widened. Advice? Sure, she helped him with his issues with Bloom, but did that really qualify her to help him with his issues with his realm. She looked at Sky. His once perfect blonde hair was lightening; he was beginning to grey. His eyes were tired and sad. She could practically feel his anxiety and sorrow. There was no way she could walk away from Sky while he was in need. "I'll help you however I can," Flora held his hand and promised.

Sky held her hand and looked into her eyes. "Flora, would you consider moving to Eraklyon? I know you have a life in Linphea and I wouldn't want to make you unhappy."

"...I'll have to talk with Princess Krystal. My work on Linphea isn't very significant, but I can't abandon it."

Sky nodded. "I spoke with your king and queen months ago about propositioning you. I will pay off your loans and give your planet and family a large boon, but it's only if you want this. ...I'm asking you to become my concubine." Flora instinctively pulled her hands back. She almost jumped back as well. "You don't have to answer now, Flora." She still couldn't speak. "I'd never make you do anything you don't want to do. I understand that this is sudden; you've probably never even considered me in such a way. I apologize."

"..."

"You'd become a lady of high status. You'd attend galas, functions, and wherever else I needed you. You could do so much good here and you'd never want for anything. Your family, they'd never want for anything either. All I ask is for your companionship. I'm quite fond of you, Flora."

"What about Bloom?"

Sky looked genuinely perplexed. "What about her? Bloom is my wife."

"Don't you love her?" Flora sat and waited for his answer.

"Yes, I love Bloom. The moment I saw her I knew she would give me strong heirs and she has."

"Sky-"

Flora was interrupted by Brandon abrupt entrance. He looked at Flora with a quick smile before becoming serious. He whispered something in Sky's ear which made the blonde king frown. "Alright. Will you take Flora to her quarters?"

"Of course, my king."

"Brandon, not you too." Sky sighed and looked at Flora. She squirmed under his gaze. "Take all the time you need to think about it." He gave her a reassuring smile and left.

There was an awkward silence until Brandon offered his arm to Flora. She swallowed before taking it. Brandon laughed at how shaken she was. "I told Sky it would have been better to ask you formally, but he wanted to do it himself."

"You know?"

Brandon nodded. "Yep. I didn't think you'd be this shaken though. I'm never going to let you live it down." Flora blushed and looked away. The palace was massive. She kept walking by portraits and large windows. She wanted to stop to look at each new thing. She never had the chance in her other visits. Plus, she wanted her mind somewhere other than Sky's proposal. "I think you'll like it here. It's quite an adjustment. My mother told me she felt the same way when she was in your shoes."

Flora looked at him with wide eyes. "Your mother was a concubine?"

"Yep."

She frowned and thought about what he just revealed. "Then that would make you, are you and Sky?"

"Yes, Sky and I are brothers. I gave up my title when I was young because I hated everything that came along with it. All the classes, and events, diplomacy, all the crap you get for your decisions... Even though it caused a rift between my father, the late, great Erendor, I have no regrets. Do you remember the Diaspro thing?" Flora nodded. "The reason it was so easy for us to assume each other's identities was because people were used to seeing us together. People knew one of us gave up the title, but I guess they weren't sure which one. I can't believe that charade lasted that long! It was the least I could do. I left the entire realm on his shoulders, you know."

"But you haven't left his side." Flora reminded him.

"Yeah. Sometimes I think Sky wanted me to marry Diaspro for him. The idea of marrying her grossed him out. They're technically cousins, through his mom. That's exactly why I'm glad I renounced my title; blue blood is thin and asks for too much sacrifice. If you agree to become his concubine, you might have to make sacrifices too... There are perks though, like your chambers. We're here, my lady."

Brandon opened her doors; she was beyond amazed. She was instantly enchanted by the sound of a waterfall; it was to her left. Her floors were made of polished stones; they seemed to capture the light of the sunset. It was large like the rest of the palace, but somehow her pink furniture didn't seem out of place. She looked up, but noticed there was no ceiling. She was also missing a wall; it led to a garden. She looked to Brandon. "It's gorgeous; thank you."

"No problem. Oh, if you get too chilly, this button makes the room, a room," he laughed.

Flora pushed it and watched in amazement when her ceiling and wall materialized. "Oh."

"Cool huh?"

Flora laughed. "Yes, it's very cool."

Bloom ignored the pleas of her assistant and ran to where she heard Flora was. She was so overjoyed! She hadn't seen Flora in a while and couldn't wait to catch her up on everything that had been going on. She regretted not bringing Elliott with her, but she figured they could see him later. She wondered why Flora was there, but figured Sky had her there to surprise her. She found out Flora was staying because of a gossiping chambermaid complaining about the dirt the nature fairy accumulated in her clothes.

"My queen, I'm begging you to please start the briefing."

"I do briefings everyday. It's probably just the same information and can wait. Tell them to start without me! I haven't seen Flora in so long," Bloom complained. She didn't know why her assistant was so set on keeping her from Flora. Bloom knew that the information they desperately wanted her to read and listen to was probably the same from eight hours ago. She was much more responsible with her duties while pregnant with Elliott. A few hours with Flora wouldn't hurt. She knocked on the door and waited anxiously. She was so excited; she wanted to run inside. Flora eventually answered. Her eyes went from surprise to apprehension. Bloom noticed, but didn't ask. She gave Flora a warm hug. "Oh Flora, I missed you."

"I missed you too, Bloom."

Bloom took her hand. "Is everything alright? You seem out of it."

"Nothing! I'm fine really." Flora's heart began to race.

"Well, alright. I have so much to tell you."

Bloom's assistant interrupted her before she could start. "I'm begging your pardon my queen, but please, the briefing."

Bloom sighed. "I have so much to tell you after these briefings. Go see Elliott. I'll meet you in the nursery later." Bloom followed her assistant into a room where Brandon, Sky and other officials stood waiting. To her surprise, Princess Krystal was there. They had started without her; she was interrupting. She sat and tried to ignore the looks she received. They continued. Nothing in particular sparked her interest. As usual it was disputes on territories, rebels either gaining or losing traction, an upcoming function, but her interest perked when she heard 'Linphea accepts your arrangement with Flora'. "Arrangement?"

Krystal nodded, unaware that Bloom didn't know about Flora. "Yes, if Flora agrees, she has full Linphean support to become King Schuyler's concubine. Along with it should come a stronger alliance."

"You want Flora as what?!"

Sky tried to calm his wife down. "Bloom please-"

"No!"

"It's not up to you. This is between Flora and I."

Bloom's face was twisted with hurt. "But Sky why do you feel the need for a whore?"

Everyone's face fell. Krystal turned her nose and stood. She had all she could take from the Winx. She was never properly thanked for helping King Sky in their college days; they practically blamed her when Helia didn't claim Flora as his girlfriend. Now, her subject was dismissed as a whore to her face! "Well, I will take my leave. I think it's fair to say all Linphean ties will end when Flora returns home."

"Princess Krystal, please stay."

"I'm afraid I have to refuse. Good day, King Schuyler, all."

After she left, Sky frowned at Bloom. "I realize you're upset, but there's a time and a place for those things."

"Was I supposed to smile?!" Bloom stood herself. She couldn't believe him. "Why Flora? She's my friend!"

"Flora helps me work through problems. She calms me, gives me reassurance, I think she can do good here on Eraklyon."

"What about me, Sky?"

Flora asked the same thing. "Bloom, this has absolutely nothing to do with you. I love you dearly, but Flora has to stay."

Her assistant filled in for the Eraklyonese king. "If Flora returns, our alliance with Linphea will crumble."

"Perfect." Bloom left the room and ran to the nursery. She just wanted to take her son and go to Mike and Vanessa's. She needed time to clear her head and breathe. When she got there, she saw Flora there. She was holding Elliott in her arms and soothing him. Bloom walked up to her and took her baby from the tan fairy. She rocked her fussy baby and looked away from her friend. "You already have my husband; I'm not going to let you take my son!"

"Bloom," the fire fairy ignored her. It hurt Flora deeply. Slow tears rolled down her face. "I'm not- I-I wasn't going to accept! I'm not going to accept. Bloom...!" The redhead queen stormed from her. "I don't want to lose you."

Bloom stopped and turned to Flora with her own eyes full of tears. "And I don't want to lose Sky."

Later...

Flora spent the rest of the night in her room with her thoughts. So much happened. They explained what happened with Bloom and Krystal to her. If she left, then the alliance between Linphea and Eraklyon would fall. She couldn't just walk away with so much at stake. Eraklyon needed Linphea. They needed its army and medicinal herbs. Without such a strong ally, war could spring again. She didn't want innocent blood spilled because she was scared. Even though she hated what it would do to her friendship with Bloom, she accepted Sky's offer. Bloom immediately left for Earth. Flora didn't just accept for global peace, she also did it for Miele. She wanted Miele to have a great life and the possibility to do whatever she wanted. She didn't want her to have the mediocre life she once had. Maybe on a deeper level, she didn't want it either. She never thought of anything more, but now it was given to her.

After a brief knock. Sky entered her room. Flora pulled her pale red dress closer to her. She now felt self conscience around him. The two of them alone together made her nervous. Sky noticed and frowned. This wasn't what he wanted. "You don't have to do this. Bloom can apologize to Krystal. There are other ways. ...I never wanted to make you, anyone unhappy." Flora looked at the ground. "Just know, you are welcome to leave at anytime. This isn't your prison. I'm upset it happened this way, but part of me is very happy that you're here."

"I'm scared," she finally said.

"Me too," he admitted.

They looked at each other and prepared for what was to come next.

(A/N) Man, I really wanted to be the first Sky/Flora. Serves me right for dragging my feet. Review to tell me what you think.

A concubine is not a whore. It's basically like a marriage except it's done between people of different statuses. Unlike wives it's voluntary. You shouldn't be too surprised that Krystal, Sky and Brandon don't view concubinage as out of the norm. They had arranged marriages. Royalty also has a habit of inbreeding that's why I said Sky was Diaspro's cousin. I think she slightly resembles Semira and it's easy to pull off because they're both blondes. I also think Sky and Brandon look a like so I made them brothers. I wear glasses so I could be wrong. REVIEW!

Next Chapter: Flora realizes her title demands more the its "physical aspects".