Winx 8
On the surface of the Solaria, Stella and her father King Radius were awaiting a guest of honor within a private room.
"So exactly what is this meeting about daddy?" The Princess asked.
"Well you know how our kingdom has taken in many refugees from Domnio correct." The king questioned.
Stella nodded her head "Yes you've taken me to New Domnio before."
Radius explains "We'll be meeting the heir to their throne to discuss an upcoming cultural festival."
Stella asked "Exactly how is he the heir again, I thought the royal family didbt surive."
"He's the godson of Princess Daphne and nephew to her betrothed." Radius explained as the door to the room opened.
A slim fair skinned man with gray hair and a mustache walked up in a black jacket, a maroon vest, and a white long-sleeved shirt with a black tie.
"I'm please to announce the presence of Sir Augustus." The man announced as a boy Stella's age walked in.
He wore a two-piece black suit with the sleeves rolled up, complete with black leather shoes and a white tie and handkerchief in the breast pocket. The top half of his head was obscured by a black reptilian like mask with two pairs of eye slits and two small horns.
She heard Augustus spoke in a familiar voice "So what seems to be the issue Radius?"
"Why so straight to the point, why can't we catch up." Radius asked as he passed a chocolate croissant towards him.
"I was called away from an important assignment, so you can understand why I'm a bit in a hurry to deal with this." Augustus said while he grabbed the pastry.
"Fine then, I'm thinking of having Eraklyon join in the efforts of…"
Augustus interrupted the King's thoughts "I'm sorry but I can't allow their assistance."
Stella shouted as her hands slammed onto the table "And why not , Eraklyon is a kingdom of great history and political standing."
Radius saw Augustus tightens his fist and tried to calm the two youths down "Be reasonable Augustus , you can't let your past affect your decisions."
"I know your highness, I've meet the Prince and he seems like a solid guy. But with the civil unrest occurring on his planet, I doubt they can afford with the festival." The masked youth explained after breathing in and out to relax himself.
The king rubbed his beard "I've heard of the missing taxes too, but they can still help. Their trade network is even greater than Solaria's."
"But if they were there on the fated day, there wouldn't be any refugees and our harvest on Emberllis has plentiful." Augustus argued as he tapped his brow with his fist.
Stella sighed "Okay I'm not sure about you, but can we just drop the act."
The masked man leaned into his chair "And what act are we supposed to drop?"
"That the mysterious masked Sir Augustus is really Austin the beast tamer." Stella replied
He removed the mask to show it truly was Austin "I try to keep both identities separate but guess fate had other plans
Stella asked "Still why were you so insistent on pretending we never met?"
"Since Augustus was so young, having him take the crown was considered a poor choice. So we've allowed him to live a life where he could be a normal kid." Radius explains.
Austin corrects the king "You can call me Austin when we're in private, Augustus sounds too formal."
"That's because you're in a formal setting, master Augustus." Austin's servant chimed.
"I know Edgar, I'm just stating my personal preference." Austin replied.
Radius looked over some more paperwork "You kids can leave, let's settle these issues in the afternoon."
Stella and Austin went out the room with the latter placing his mask back on.
As the two stood at the edge of the balcony, Stella asked "So does your squad know who you truly are?"
"Nope, the only person at Red Fountain who knows is Saladin. Besides I don't even want the title." Austin said while gripping the railing.
"But why, being royalty is the best especially with the adoration and wealthy that comes with it." Stella argued.
Austin countered "But what does it matter if you've lost your family? My mom and uncle died with my dad being unable to care for me when I was younger. What I'd wish to know what life would be like with them around, especially Fiamma."
"That's right, the king and queen did have a kid our age. My dad told me she was even his godchild." Stella recalled.
Austin pondered "Though it would be weird to have an aunt my age especially when we're at school."
The two chuckled for a bit as Stella reassured Austin "Don't worry, I'll still keep quiet about your double life."
Austin nodded his head "Thanks Stella, I'll try to step forward soon. Just until I get some answers."
This peaked Stella's interest as she said "Like what?"
"Remember how the Trix tried to steal your ring? I asked a source of mines and he believes they're searching for the Dragon's Flame." Austin explained.
"But I thought it was snuffed out, isn't that why Domnio is a frozen wasteland." Stella questioned.
Austin agreed "I know but what if the flame lived and was just teleported elsewhere."
"Even if it was, I doubt it could be hidden for that long. Such an enormous amount of power is hard not to notice." Stella argued.
Austin pondered her words "Maybe, but I'll do a bit more research on this. Until then keep this info to yourself, not even your father could know."
Stella nodded her head "You're right, if news of the Dragon Flame's survival was leaked, every crook and their mother would be after it."
Several days passed as Austin returned to Raymond and Gwen's house. As he entered the living room, Riven asked "Where have you been?"
"Just some Ghost Owl stuff, they need me to investigate a case but it came up cold." Austin lied.
Curious Riven asked "Really, what happened?"
As he took a seat on the coach he explained "I was looking into an illegal weapon's factory but when I snuck in, it was empty. Like no trace of any activity."
"You sure you got the right place, either that or they moved their shipments." Riven speculated.
"Doubt it, my source was from 2 days prior and to clear house that fast and precise is impossible."Austin convincingly lied through his teeth.
Riven shrugged his shoulders "I'm sure you'll get them next time."
Austin looked at the ceiling and mutters "Yeah…next time."