Guest-Delores: Helia will appear soon. Like real soon, as in next chapter soon.

Florix: I will.

Jayboogie1604: Yeah, it's too soon. Even though it's part of her duty to have one, I won't make it happen for quite some time. They haven't even been together for a year yet.

Winx flora: I have had such a block with Vanity. I will update it as soon as I can. I'll probably have this one finished before Vanity.

Guest- I might not be able to throw in Helia/Stella. I love that pairing. I'm just not sure how I can squeeze it in. I can barely get in Helia. We'll see.

Chapter Ten: The Flower and the Flame (Part Two)

Sky smiled brightly as everyone he cared about sat around the table. Today wasn't a holiday or anything special, but it was the first time he had the full family for dinner. Dafne was eating without dropping anything. She appeared to have better control of her body. He laughed every time she tried a new dish. She wasn't used to Eraklyonese cuisine and appeared to be in ecstasy with each bite. Tastes were new to her so she was now what Bloom called a foodie. Oritel and Mariam contributed to the conversation, but conveniently made excuses to go to the kids' table to talk see their grandson, Miele and Bloom's foster siblings. Vanessa and Mike were also making grandparent excuses. Miele wasn't pleased with being at the kids' table, but Bloom's little sister started looking at her with adoration. The delight she had asking about Linphea and fairy training made Miele stay. She wondered if this is what it was like to be a big sister. Flora's mother didn't say much, but he could tell by her geniality in her smile that she was happy. He was glad to meet her. She was just as beautiful and peaceful as her daughter. The lecherous side of him was also please. If Flora was to look like her when she was her mom's age, the future looked amazing.

"That was amazing! I couldn't eat another bite," Dafne said wiping her mouth.

"Are you sure? We still have dessert left." Bloom teased.

Dafne's eyes widened. "I guess I could take another few bites..."

Her parents laughed. "We'll be sure to incorporate more Eraklyonese food in our dishes at home."

"Yes, I'd like that. I must say I'm curious about Linphean cuisine as well," Dafne mused.

Surprisingly, Flora didn't say anything. They looked over to see Flora with her head in her hand, sleeping. Belladonna gave her a sharp look. Brandon flicked a bean on her forehead, waking her up. "Psssttt, Linphean ambassador, this is your cue."

Belladonna gave that same look to Brandon. "Honestly, Brandon, throwing food? Have I taught you," she looked at Flora, "either of you, nothing?"

Flora blushed. "I'm sorry everyone. I was in South Eraklyon all day looking at a new school for impoverished girls. Plus, the Ge'dians have been hounding me all week for my permission." She also had Linphean lessons. "Luckily we have the best chef on Linphea right here."

Flora's mother smiled and hugged her daughter. "You're so sweet. I'd be happy to cook for you any time, Princess Dafne, though my place isn't nearly as grand."

"That's alright. Food from the heart always tastes better."

Samera dabbed her mouth and looked at Flora. "How are your lessons going?"

Flora perked in surprise. These were the first words Samera ever said to her. "They're going well. My tutor is excellent though not as skilled as my previous mistress." Flora gave Belladonna a sweet smile. Belladonna gave her a dazzling smile in return. "However I'm very grateful that there aren't as many pop quizzes." Samera cut her eyes at Belladonna and went back to her meal.

Bloom looked at Flora with some concern. "I could take some of your meetings off your hands if it's getting to be too much."

Flora beamed. "Thank you, Bloom. I, as you say, bit off more than I could chew today, but together we've got this."

Sky felt like he was dreaming. This was perfection. Never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined this. Bloom and Flora, friends again, his family happy and together. He wasn't blind to the daggers his mother and Belladonna were glaring at each other, but it was still a great day. He only wished his father was alive to see this. 'Don't worry, father. I'll be a good leader and a good man.'

After dinner everyone retired to the garden. Bloom saw Sky pensive and went to see what was on his mind. He put his arm around her. "Are you okay, Sky?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. More than okay, actually. I'm happier than any man could ever be." He looked into her eyes and ran his free hand into her flaming, ginger locks. "Thank you for this." Sky kissed her. Bloom held on to him and laid her head on his chest when the kiss ended. He gave her a quick kiss on the head and smiled. "Let's go join the others."

Bloom and Sky walked to the garden hand-in-hand. They didn't notice someone hiding in the hallway. Flora watched their backs with her back pressed to the wall. She was waiting back so she'd be the one to walk with Sky. She'd seen more than she wanted. Her stomach began to quake. She tried to shake the image out of her head. She thought Sky only looked at her that way. She was used to being the only one he touched. Wasn't she the one he slept next to? Unfortunately, they rarely woke up together. Now she started to question if he went from one room to the next. "Stop it, you know they're married. You know they love each other." But who did he love more?

Flora returned to see the children chasing Miele in her fairy form. Mike was the opposite, taking a nap. Flora's mother and Vanessa studied a bouquet given to her by Brandon. Dafne looked at everything in a distance. Samera, Oritel and Mariam were talking. Belladonna was reading a book, but stopped once Flora arrived. She watched her protegé carefully. Flora was inconspicuously looking at the king and queen. They looked so perfect and happy with their son. Flora tried to keep the thoughts and emotions inside and sat with Belladonna. The older concubine handed her a book. "Your mother gave me this book of Linphean poetry. I must say, it's very captivating. I must see to it that your tutor incorporates these poems into her studies." Flora was barely listening. Her eyes were on Belladonna, but all she could hear were the delighted coos from the young prince and carefree laughter from his parents. Belladonna waved her out of her trance. "Straighten up, Lady Flora."

Flora shook her head. "Sorry."

"It's alright because it's the two of us." Belladonna turned to look at the cause of Flora's distress. She turned back and placed her hands on the book she gave Flora. "Today is a perfect day for reading. Don't you think?" Flora nodded and started reading with Belladonna. After a brief silence Belladonna spoke again, "Another amazing sonnet. I must get more. Your people have created amazing literature. I can tell Linpheans have great passion and feel intensely, but you shouldn't feel jealous. Not from a wife, Flora."

"I know. I should have been prepared for this. I knew what I was getting myself into, I just.. I just... How did you deal with jealousy?"

Belladonna gave a petty laugh. "Now why would I have been jealous of her?"

Flora thought about what Bloom said. Those two were long time rivals. It seemed Belladonna dealt with things by hating Erendor's wife. Flora didn't want to do that. She didn't want any ill feelings towards Bloom. That included envy. She stared at her longtime friend and soon realized that Bloom was absolutely gorgeous! She had ivory skin, the color of milk and cream; vibrant red hair that captured every sun ray and beam of light. Not only was Bloom beautiful, she was strong. She had the power of a god and was an intergalactic hero. She was nobility; she was a queen. Most of all, she was the mother of Sky's son. Flora started comparing herself and found nothing. Sure, she was pretty, but other than lightening Sky's schedule, she wasn't much of mate. She was just an ordinary fairy that was lucky enough to get a decent education.

The setting sun began to disappear behind clouds. The was a low warning rumble of thunder. The festivities in the garden stopped. Belladonna pursed her lips. "Odd, there were supposed to be clear skies today."

They all started to go inside. While walking, Flora was stopped by a strong hand. She looked to see Sky. The wind blew his hair. Even with her mixed emotions, Sky still looked majestic and regal. She wanted to hate him. Unfortunately her body betrayed her. Flora wanted him to pull her into his arms and stay there forever. She wanted to forget about her doubts and be with him. She hated her weakness. "I'm glad you and Bloom are friends again. She was so worried about apologizing to you, but I knew you'd accept. My generous, Flora... You've made me the happiest man in the galaxy."

'Why? Because I made your precious Bloom happy?' Flora thought. She berated herself for thinking that way. Instead she said, "I'm glad you're happy Sky." Lightning split the sky.

Sky held Flora closer and looked up. "It is going to storm mercilessly; I can tell. Let's get inside." The moment they did, it started to rain.

The family played games inside as it began to storm more. The winds had picked up. It was still thundering and lightening. Bloom and Sky were partners until she left to cheer up a frightened Elliott. The storm had him crying. The guests soon dispersed for the night. She put her mother in one of her guest rooms. Even though she had another, Miele was going to sleep with her. She figured Sky wasn't going to come to her that night based on his interaction with Bloom. She couldn't find Miele at first, but knew she was probably in the nursery. She loved babies! She wanted to see Elliott her first visit, but didn't get the chance then. Flora sighed and headed to Bloom's corridor. Sure enough, she found Miele. To her surprise, Sky was there too.

Bloom was walking around and bouncing her son. When she saw Flora she gave her a tired half-smile. "I should have sound-proofed this room."

"Will you let me try?" Sky asked.

"I hope you have better luck with him than me."

Sky took Elliott in his arms and started humming to him. Bloom gasped realizing it was the same tune he'd hum when she was pregnant. Elliott seemed to recognize it too. He stopped crying and listened to his father. Moments later he was fast asleep. Bloom swooned. Flora was impressed as well. He had good parental skills. She couldn't believe he was worried about not being a good father to their child. Sky put a blanket on Elliott's legs and looked at him with love and amazement. "Wow... Just look at him."

"I know; isn't he perfect?"

"Sooo cute!" Miele whispered with the proud parents. Flora just stood by. She waited until everyone left the nursery before telling Miele it was her bedtime too. Miele talked about Elliott the entire time. "When it wasn't thundering and Elliott was quiet, Bloom let me hold him!"

"That's sounds fun." Flora tried to keep glee in her voice.

"So am I his aunty?" Miele asked.

Flora stopped walking before answering. "No. It doesn't work like that unfortunately."

"Oh, well I can't wait for you to have babies too, Flora. Especially, if they turn out as cute as Elliott!" She giggled. Flora sighed. She probably would have a child for a while. She had too many lessons and too much work. Flora opened her bedroom door and gasped. Her eyes widened. Her room was overgrown with the blue flowers Sky gave her. "Flora what's going on?" Miele fear they were under attack again.

Flora calmed Miele down and transformed. She knew that there wasn't any evil being behind those flowers. She recognized her own magic. She'd created them. She couldn't believe her powers have gotten out of control! After taking a deep breath, she fixed the overgrowth in her room. Once that was over she realized her magic had probably set something else off. She sent Miele to the other guest room and went outside. Flora flew into the large storm cloud that had previously blocked the sun. She was surrounded by her own energy. She groaned and drew the cloud back inside her. The storm faded. Now there was only rain.

Flora returned returned to the ground soaking wet. She looked up at the sky. "I ruined everyone's day. Why?" Misery loved company.

Flora was so embarrassed. It was extremely rare that a Linphean could change the weather. That was the territory of witches and dark fairies. She couldn't believe her jealousy was that strong. "How selfish and bad can I be?" Flora didn't want to go inside. How could she face them knowing what she had done? She let rain pour on her. She thought about her actions and berated herself more.

Suddenly she felt the rain stop. The quiet storm was still going. She looked up to see her knight with an umbrella. She tried to smile at him, but couldn't. For a moment, she'd convinced herself that it was Sky. "Let's get you inside," Himaru mumbled.

Flora and Himaru walked into her bedroom. She was exhausted and cold. She rubbed her arms and looked towards the ground. Himaru offered her his cap. She took it with a thank you and looked away. She could hear herself dripping along the floors of the castle. She'd apologize to Marmasette and the staff the next day. When they arrived at her bedroom, she almost expected to see it overgrown with flowers again. Instead she made another gasp. Sky was there.

He looked at Flora with concern. "What's going on?"

Flora couldn't look at him. "It's nothing."

"Flora," Sky embraced her. He didn't care that she was soaked to the bone. She needed him. She was sad; all he wanted was her happiness. "You haven't been yourself all day."

Flora started shaking from both his embrace and the cold. For a brief moment, the ground shook too. "I'm sorry."

He looked into her eyes. "Flora, tell me what's going on."

Flora's heart started to race. Her lip trembled. "I-I'm too embarrassed to tell you."

"You can tell me anything."

"No... I can't." Flora whispered.

"Did I do something wrong?" When Flora didn't answer he assumed she meant yes. "What did I do?"

"...It's not you, it's me. I have no right to be upset. No right... Especially since Bloom told about the way she felt. I never took it seriously. I don't think I care about her feelings. That's how bad I am."

"The last thing you are is a bad person. You're the kindest, most selfless person I know."

"I'm not. I'm- I'm... ...I'm jealous of Bloom, Sky."

"..."

Flora looked away. "I guess because we were separated I never got to see you two interact. Now that I do, I'm ...jealous..." She swallowed. "I'm jealous of the love, but most of all I'm jealous of Elliott." After she said it, Flora was disgusted. "What's the matter with me? I'm horrible."

Sky turned her head to him. He kissed her lips. "Sorry." He kissed her again. "I'm so sorry." He kissed her deeply. "You're not horrible. I am. I'm a selfish, selfish man. I asked two amazing women, friends to give their all to me when I don't take their feelings into consideration." Sky pulled her closer. "I love you so much Flora, I love everything about you. I love your family too. I promise I'll be more mindful of your feelings." He kissed her forehead. "Your feelings are normal. I can't even imagine. If I get upset just thinking of the possibility that you'd fall out of love with me and with another man, but yet I ask you to look past my wife? This isn't fair to either of you."

"I knew from the start though. I should have been prepared."

"You didn't love me then."

"Did you love me?" Flora asked.

Sky thought about that and nodded, "I've been in love with you the moment you noticed I was distressed about the necklace. Seeing you care about me, my customs and feelings, I loved you then and I love you now." He looked at his lover. Her cheeks were flushed. Her dress clung to her perfect caramel skin. Her hair clung to her frame. Droplets danced along her body. Sky's eyes burned in love and desire. "You're perfect. Don't you ever think that I'd not love you." He leaned for another kiss and stopped short of her lips. "And when we have children, I'll love them just as much as I do Elliott."

Flora looked into his eyes. The emotion Sky had for her was real. His words were genuine. The passion he had for her wasn't fake. He loved her. It didn't devalue their relationship nor the one he had with Bloom. She'd probably always feel spikes of jealousy unfortunately. Flora decided that she'd stop comparing and focus on her duties and relationship. "Thank you. I'm glad we talked." Flora realized how cold she was. "Now I must get out of these clothes before I get sick."

"...Would you like help?" Flora blushed. Sky gave her a dazzling smile. "If you're jealous, I must not be showing you how much I love you. So I plan on showing you my love thoroughly." He looked at her hungrily.

Flora swallowed and felt desire consume her as well. "Yes."

(A/N) Ending got pretty racy, but I still kept it T. LOL

Next Chapter: Samera hires someone from Flora's past to paint the family portrait.