Chapter 9

As Bloom approached the palace she started facing more resistance with Templar forces. She cut her way through the groups expertly, never getting hit. She approached the front gate where the guard was being overrun by the enemy. Bloom was about to jump into the battle, but a large ball of light exploded in the middle of the group.

"Welcome back Victoria." Flora greeted as the remaining Winx landed near her.

"Thanks for the help." Bloom replied, making sure none of her hair was showing since the disguise spell was gone.

"King Oritel wants to speak to you. Something about the appearance of Baltor." Musa stated flatly. Bloom could tell she was upset about the split of the group.

"Then lead the way please. No need to keep the good King waiting." Bloom said.

"So? Is he gone?" Stella asked worryingly.

"He has been... taken care of." Bloom said cryptically. The girls exchanged glances then went back to helping the guard.

"We'll stay here to help secure the gate. Flora you go with Victoria and take her to the King." Stella said.

"Be careful." Flora said as she started towards the palace with Bloom in tow. Bloom would catch Flora glancing at her every during their walk.

"Am I that interesting to look at Flora? You took care of me for a few weeks, but I guess I couldn't see you staring then." Bloom asked. Flora turned away; her face beat red of embarrassment.

"I'm sorry. It's just that you remind me of my roommate so much that I somewhat wonder if you're secretly Bloom. You have a walk of confidence like she does. The same height, same type of combat boots, even same hair style: wild and free." Flora admitted. Bloom wanted to hit herself. 'Of course your roommate of SIX YEARS could see past the disguise!'

"I'm sorry. I must sound like a luna..." Flora was cut off as Bloom pulled her into a side corridor. Bloom somewhat roughly pushed Flora's back into the wall and held her there with her hand over Flora's mouth.

"Stay calm. I won't hurt you, I just need you to be quiet." Bloom said in hushed tones. Flora visibly relaxed at her statement.

"Promise to keep a secret?" Bloom asked. Flora nodded in response since her mouth was covered. Bloom let go of Flora's mouth and used her now free hand to lower her hood. Flora audibly gasped in shock.

"It is you Bloom." Flora was befuddled. Bloom let go of Flora completely and raised her hood again.

"Yes, it's me. My adoptive parents are part of the Assassin Order and I was raised in it. When they learned of the Templar's dealings in Magix the only person they could send was me." Bloom explained. "Now you can't let anyone else know. I'm afraid that if Layla finds out that I'm the assassin that it could hurt the Winx permanently." Bloom said as she motioned Flora to continue guiding her.

"Of course. That's the last thing any of us want. Do your parents know? They seemed overly protective of what we thought was a stranger when we arrived." Flora asked.

"Yes they know. In the fight to save Oritel, he hit me with the wide side of his sword. I was knocked out for a minute, I think. I awoke to Miriam rushing in to make sure Oritel was alright. When I started to stand my hood fell and I noticed that my disguise spell must have ended when his sword hit me. I didn't try to hide from them at that point. So where is dear daddy?" Bloom asked.

"He's in his personal study since the Throne Room is still wrecked." Flora answered. They turned around a corner and Bloom noticed that the hall was filled with not only the Royal Guard, but the Specialists too. As they walked by, Bloom could tell they were all watching her every move. That confused her a little. "Surely Oritel told them I was friendly.'

Flora ran up and hugged Helia as they approached the doors to Oritel's study. "I'm glad you're safe Flora" Helia whispered into her ear. Flora giggled in response and pulled herself away from her love. Helia then opened the door to the study and Flora entered. As Bloom was entering Riven stopped her by grabbing her shoulder.

"If you do anything out of line I will run my sword through you." Riven almost growled. Bloom glanced towards his hand and then looked up at Riven.

"I just cut my way through dozens of Templar bastards. Do you really think you are a match for me?" Bloom mocked as she shrugged his hand off and walked inside. She heard the door shut behind her.

Bloom looked and noticed that there were no guard in the study. The only ones in the room were Flora, Oritel, Miriam, and herself. Oritel stood behind his desk and Miriam was sitting in his chair. Bloom noticed that they both were looking at her. Bloom could tell Oritel was aggravated, but what was intriguing was that Miriam seemed nervous.

"Flora, thank you for finding her. If you would please leave now." Oritel said in a low tone, never moving his eyes off of Bloom. Bloom had only heard him talk like that when they argued over trying to find her a fiance after Sky left her.

"If you're trying to protect me it's alright. She know's who I am." Bloom said as she lowered her hood and made her way towards her father.

"Oh but I bet you have quite a few skeletons in your closet that we don't know about. I think we may have stumbled onto another one." Oritel said, rage seeping into his voice.

'If this is what I think it is I'm going to beat Baltor later.' Bloom thought to herself as she waited for Oritel to continue.

"Oritel!" Miriam chided her husband. Bloom could tell she was trying to keep Oritel calm. "Bloom, sweetie, we need the truth from you."

"Okay. Since it seems to be 'Reveal all of Bloom's dirty little secrets week' I promise I'll answer everything honestly." Bloom said. Miriam had a look of sympathy.

"Did you kill Baltor today?" Miriam asked.

"No." Bloom answered. Flora was confused. 'Didn't she just say at the gate that she did?'

"Did you ever actually kill him?" Oritel asked. Flora was shocked that they would ask that.

After a few moments Bloom answered, "No."

"Why not? Why wouldn't you kill him?" Oritel yelled. Miriam stood up and firmly placed her hand on her husband's shoulder, trying to calm him.

"You want the truth?" Bloom asked.

"Yes Bloom, the whole truth please." Miriam replied.

"Because we were lovers." Bloom answered. The room fell silent.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Cliff hanger! How will Flora & Bloom's parents react? I hope to hear your idea's in the comments.

"Bloom had only heard him talk like that when they argued over trying to find her a fiance after Sky left her." I'm referring to the second Winx Club movie, Magical Adventure.

On a side note, I know I'm not very good at updating often, and I apologize for that. I am OCD though, so there's no way I'll leave a story incomplete. Don't worry, I'll always be coming back, just at random intervals for the suspense. :)