Disclaimer: I do not own Austin and Ally, or Ever After, which this is based on.

"Ally Dawson!"

Lord Austin Monica Moon saw no problem with shortening Princess Allyson Danielle Marie Dawson's name, even though he was scolded every time that he did. Ally was the only one that didn't mind as much as the others. Like today, all that she did was turn around and stomp her foot at him. Her cheeks lit up with a dark red color that reminded Austin of the apples on the trees outside of the manor.

"That's not my given name, Austin. And we were told not to play today." Ally said with an eye roll, even though the blush wouldn't leave her face. That was Ally, always following the rules.

"But it's my birthday, and your name is Ally if I want it to be." Austin said while sticking out his lower lip. Ally shook her head back and forth, her freshly curled hair flying into her face along with the two red ribbons.

"I'm afraid that you're mistaken, Lord Austin." She grinned.

"It can be my name for the day, if I win against you in a running race." Austin bartered, rocking back and forth on his heels. Ally shook her head at him again. They both knew that Austin was the fastest out of the two, and he would surely win. The girl was adorned in a full gown, with soft silk that matched the blush on her cheeks. The servant girls at Moon Manor frequently commented that she looked like a china doll, though she wasn't nearly as delicate as one.

"But you look like a Lord right now. It wouldn't be fair of me to beat a Lord on the day that he was born." Ally teased. Austin was wearing a freshly pressed suit and tie, along with black shoes that one of the servants had sat with and polished until they shined. His playmate was a bit shocked by his appearance, but Austin was even more shocked by hers. It usually took four chambermaids to dress the girl in fancy dresses whenever there was a special event.

"But I am a Lord!" Austin protested, though he wanted to laugh. Ally shook her head. Austin enjoyed the way that her curls tussled even more each time that she did. She stuck her tongue out at her friend, which made Austin huff. "Lord or boy, I can still whip you!" He announced as he took off sprinting.

Ally was startled, but hitched up her skirt and followed, hot on his heels. "Never!" She exclaimed just as the head maid of Moon Manor, Paulette, caught side of the children. She almost fainted at she saw the state of their clothing.

"Mister Austin! Your Highness!" She called, hiking up her own skirts and running out onto the field to chase after the children. The cook's eyebrows rose from inside of the kitchen, but she didn't say anything. Everyone who worked and lived in the manor was used to the children's crazy antics by now.

"You'll never catch us, Paulette!" Ally shrieked, her face red with laughter.

"Your name is Ally for the day!" Austin exclaimed as he reached the usual finish line, the last two apple trees in the orchard. He punched the air, and jumped up.

Paulette couldn't help but smile as Austin gathered the princess into his arms for a hug. "Your fathers will be here any minute." She scolded, taking in both of their disgruntled appearances. "What will we do now? It took us hours to prepare you!" She began to mutter to herself. Ally's eyes grew wide with guilt, while Austin only stared at her.

"My father won't mind." He remarked, though he took Paulette's hand and followed her back into the manor at the mention of his father. He turned around to wave at Ally while she was whisked away by another servant, her face still red as she stuck her tongue out at him. He shook his head at her, knowing that he had won. It didn't matter much, though. He would continue to call her Ally even tomorrow, and the both knew that she wouldn't mind.

"You see how quick he came when he heard that?" The cook shook her head as she stirred a pot of soup. "That is what you should've started with. You would've saved time." She muttered, and continued to speak about discipline under her breath while hiding the smile on her face.

Paulette shook her head and began to brush Austin's golden hair back into place. "The boy is excited. Let him have his fun." She commanded. The cook continued to mutter, but it didn't bother Austin. He began to bounce in his seat.

"Why wouldn't I be excited? Father's coming back, and he's bringing me a new step-sister, step-mother and step-brother!" He exclaimed. Paulette placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, and he stopped bouncing for a few moments. "That has to be the best birthday present… ever!"

Austin was just an infant when his mother passed away, which in turn caused him to want a mother figure in his life even more. He didn't have any memory of his mother, but liked to pretend that he knew her every time that his father or one of the servants told him a story about her.

The cook shook her head. "What about the fact that the Princess has allowed you to address her as 'Ally'," She rolled her eyes as she chopped carrots. "Ridiculous," She muttered.

Paulette's eyebrows rose, but she said nothing when she noticed the young boy's blush. She grabbed a wash cloth from the bowl in the corner and started to wash the boy's face, making him shrug away. Servants passed through the room with cleaning supplies to make sure that the manor was spotless before Lord Michael Tobias Moon, and the rest of his family arrived. Everyone at the manor knew how easy going the elder Lord was, but the fact that King Lester Edward Dawson would be making an appearance was what had the manor buzzing with activity.

Austin idolized his father, even though Michael's duties as Lord of Moon Manor sent him on nations all over the world, and Austin didn't see him for long periods at a time. The boy has never met the woman who was now his step-mother, or her two children. He bit his lip as Paulette ran the wash cloth over the child's hands.

"What if they don't like me?" He asked in a small voice. Mrs. De La Rosa, one of the other maids, paused as she heard the boy's words.

"There's absolutely no reason at all for them not to!" She exclaimed, dropping her tub of water and sponge on the ground. Paulette winced at the thud, but Austin's eyes widened with hope.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"If she loves your father, then there's no doubt in my mind that she won't love you as much as we all do." Mrs. De La Rosa assured him with a thousand watt smile. Austin jumped out his seat, making Paulette groan in frustration. She opened her mouth to scold the boy, but was silenced by the sound of horseshoes tapping.

"Father!" Austin exclaimed, running towards the front of the house with his mud stained shoes. He ran out onto the porch of the manor, catching sight of a carriage making its way down the long road. Ally heard his cries and ran after him. She was wearing a blue dress this time, but the bottom of it was stained with mud as she ran through a mud puddle.

"Is he back? Has he brought presents?" Ally asked, her head whipping in Austin's direction. Her hair was now tied into a long braid that ran down her back, but it whacked Austin's arm. He shook his head, his eyes glued to the carriage that halted at the front of the manor. The servants lined up against the front wall, their expressions matching Austin's excited one.

Lord Michael wasn't in the carriage, but rode up in front of the house on a horse the color of the midnight sky.

"Dad!" Austin exclaimed as he rushed forward, jumping into the man's arms just as he was dismounting the horse. The man chuckled, pulling his son into a hug.

"Hello, son," He spoke fondly as he took in his son's dirty shoes, and Ally's dirty dress. "I must apologize for the actions of my son, Princess. I know that it is only he who could be the culprit here." He paused as he looked at Austin's dirty shoes again. "Though I suspect that he is not the only culprit here," He chuckled as he placed Austin back onto the ground.

Ally blushed and ducked her head, suddenly shy, even in the presence of the man who was like an uncle to her.

"She got the worst of it, Dad." Austin rushed to assure him, looking up at his father with adoration in his eyes. Lord Moon shook his head with another chuckle, patting his son on his back as he took a step towards his staff. He gave a quick glance down the entryway. Austin followed his father's eyes, and remembered the rest of his new family. The carriage that has arrived before started to move forward a bit more, and Austin noticed that his father's horse started to grow nervous.

"Steady, Midnight. It's alright," Austin cooed while turning his head towards the open door of the carriage.

"I was hoping to present a young man, but I suppose that you'll do." Michael joked with a hearty laugh. He cleared his throat, becoming serious. "Austin, allow me to present Baroness Valerie Moon, and her children, Trent and Brooke."

Austin watched as first a boy much taller than he with curly hair and dark skin stepped out of the carriage. Trent looked at the manor with his nose turned up towards the sky. He was dressed like a proper young man in a suit and shoes without so much as a speck of dust on them, making Austin look down at his own muddy attire.

Next, a girl with lighter skin stepped out, wearing a dress that she looked like she was drowning in. Brooke's hair was curled almost like Ally's, except Austin didn't think that she looked nearly as pretty as Ally did. Trent held out a hand for her, and she stepped onto the ground with daintily. Ally's eyebrows rose at the girl's behavior. Austin felt comforted by his friend, because she was what he was used to.

Finally, Trent held out his hand again to help an older looking woman get out of the carriage. Her dress was a deep purple, a color that only the upper-class wore with their gowns. Her dark hair was curly, and she wore it in a bun on top of her head. She wore multiple diamond bracelets on both arms, while her neck adorned the biggest stone of all. Austin wanted to shield his eyes, but thought that it wouldn't be polite.

She also looked around the manor with her nose up in the air as she stepped towards Lord Moon. "Michael," She greeted him with a small smile. She looked like she couldn't move her face into a real smile, Austin noted.

"Val," Lord Moon answered, smiling warmly. He took her by the hand and led her towards Austin. "I would like you all to meet my son, Austin Monica Moon." He said, puffing out his chest proudly while pushing Austin forward. Trent looked as though he wanted to laugh, and stuffed his fist in his mouth. Austin's eyes narrowed. Ally didn't laugh when she found out his middle name, and didn't laugh now.

"Hello," He said, his voice softer than usual. Three pairs of eyes roamed over her like he was something for sale, no doubt taking in his mud-stained appearance.

"Please to meet you, Austin. Your father speaks of nothing else." Val acknowledged, barely nodding in Austin's direction. Her children stood beside her in silence, until she snapped at them. "Say hello to Austin," She snapped, reminding Austin of a witch in the stories that he read with Ally. Instantly, Trent swooped into a short bow while Brooke curtseyed.

"Monsieur," They chorused, making Austin's eyebrows fly up. He looked up at his father with confusion in his eyes, but his father just chuckled. Val stared at Austin for another moment, her eyes flickering between him and Ally, who stood still without making a sound. Val couldn't tell that the mud stained child was supposed to be the princess, and would've acted differently if she had. She made her way inside of the manor, her children filing behind her as she called out for servants to get her settled.

Austin stared after them with creased eyebrows.

"I think that everyone's a bit more relaxed, since the King did not stop by as expected."

"What does it say?" Austin asked, not able to understand the word on the cover of the book. Lord Moon chuckled. It wasn't unlike his son to be more interested in gifts.

"It says Utopia, my boy. It means paradise." He tilted his head to the side. "It may be a tough read for you at your age-"

"I'm nine, papa. I can do it." Austin argued, jutting out his chin. Lord Moon grinned, shaking his head at the boy.

"I know that you can Austin. I was thinking that we could add it to our library while I was on my trip." He stared at the boy fondly as he flipped through some of the pages. Austin held the book out towards his father.

"Will you read some? Please?" He pleaded. Lord Moon shook his head and let out a sigh.

"You know, Austin, it has been a very long day." He leaned his head back on the boy's bed, throwing an arm around his small body while Austin tried to hide his disappointment. A lot had happened, and his father deserved a day of rest after his long trip.

"You're a husband again," He mumbled, turning to the first page of the book. Lord Moon stared at his son with concern, ruffling his hair. Austin was quick to push his father's hands away and smooth his hair back into place.

"I may be a husband, but I'm a father first and foremost." He squeezed Austin towards his body, but the boy still didn't look up at his father. He let out another sigh. "I knew that this would take some getting used to." He muttered, speaking to himself more than Austin.

Austin looked up at his father, seeing the way that his forehead wrinkled. It only did that when his father was stressed about something. "I suppose that I like them." He offered. Lord Moon gave him a tentative smile.

"Do you really?"

Austin nodded, feeling his father's happiness radiate onto him. "Very much," He lied. This was the first and last time that he lied to his father.

Lord Moon stared at Austin for a moment longer than usual before nodding to himself. "Good, very good," He paused. "I have to go on another adventure." He didn't look at his son to see his reaction, because he already knew what it was going to be. Austin shot up, almost falling out of the bed.

"Already? But you just got back a few hours ago…" Austin burst out incredulously. Michael nodded. "I know, I know. But-"

"How long?" Austin asked, his body now completely turned in his father's direction. Michael bit his lip.
"Well, that's the good thing, you see. I'll only be gone for… three weeks."

Austin shook his head. "That's too long. One week," He commanded.

Michael turned his head. "Two weeks."

"One week!" Austin argued.

"T…two?" Michael offered. Austin folded his arms and shook his head, making Michael frown in defeat. "Alright, one," He pulled the covers up to Austin's chin. "Now come on, go to sleep. You've stalled enough." He rose to his feet. "You wouldn't want to be sluggish while roughhousing around with Princess Allyson, now would you?"

Austin shook his head. "Never. Then I'd lose to a girl.'

Michael chuckled. "This girl might someday end up becoming your wife. King Lester and I see it already."
Austin looked like he was going to be sick.

"Ugh, never ever," He moaned. He couldn't imagine ever marrying Ally. She was his best friend, and you don't get married to best friends and have babies and run manors. It just wasn't culture.

Michael shook his head. "Never say never," He smiled as he blew out the candle next to the door. "Sweet dreams."

The next morning was similar to the one before, except that the servants lined up at the front of the manor without cleaning anything. Austin stood in the center of them, a frown on his face. Paulette felt bad that the child was going to be left yet again, but hoped that his birthday was still pleasant. It was still earlier, and Princess Allyson was in her lessons. Austin would've been too, if his father wasn't set to leave on another adventure.

"My, my, would you look at all of the gloomy faces that we have here." Lord Moon shook his head as he made his way to his son. Midnight was already saddled and Lord Moon's bags had already been packed. Austin's new stepfamily stood next to him, but didn't offer any sort of comfort.

Lord Moon bent down in front of Austin, pressing a kiss to his son's forehead. "I shall be back in a week's time." He promised. He stood up and pressed a kiss to Val's cheek, and Austin couldn't help but feel like she was shooting daggers at him with her eyes. He ruffled Trent's hair, but all he got was a blank stare in return. Lastly, he placed a hand on Brooke's shoulder before turning to Austin. "Send the Princess my regards." He said softly. Austin gave a short nod, before attacking his father with a hug.

"I'll miss you." He whispered, blinking back tears. He didn't want to cry in front of his new family. They already thought that he was dirty. Michael nodded. "As I will miss you."

He looked at Val and her children. "Perhaps by the time that I return, the four of you will have become better acquainted." He declared, sending a blink towards his son. Austin couldn't help but give a small smile.

"I love you." Austin said again as Lord Moon mounted Midnight. He could see Trent rolling his eyes out of the corner of his eyes.

"I love you, too." Lord Moon called. He went to grab the reins, but his left arm froze up. He shook his head at Austin's look of concern, and pushed Midnight forward. The sooner that he finished his business, the sooner that he would be home with his family.

Austin stared after his father with tears in his eyes. He knew that Trent was chuckling behind him, but didn't mind. He noticed something moving out of the corner of his eye, and was horrified when He saw Val, Trent, and Brooke moving towards the door. "Wait!" He called, making them turn around. "He always waves at the gate, it's tradition!" He declared while pointed towards his father, who was halfway through the long rode that was their driveway.

Val stared at Austin as though she couldn't believe he even dared to speak to her, before pushing her children back through the door. Austin looked down at the ground, very much like a wilting flower. Paulette looked at him with concern, but the other staff members were all staring at Lord Moon as he trotted off.

Suddenly, there was a loud grunt. It looked like the Lord fell forward and off Midnight, a cloud of dust forming around his body. Austin didn't even remember running, he was just next to his father in an instant. "Dad!" He exclaimed, crouching over his father's body.

Austin didn't look up as Paulette, Val, and the rest of the servants came running after him. "Dad, wake up."

"Michael!" Val shrieked, falling down next to Austin. The boy didn't realize that tears were running down his cheeks until his father grunted and reached up to wipe them away with one hand while clutching his chest with the other. His eyes darted around, before pausing on Val for a moment.

"Michael?" Val repeated, her voice a whisper. Michael ignored her, his eyes darting over to Austin. A small smile appeared on his face at the sight of his son.

"I love you Austin…"

"Daddy, don't leave me." Austin pleaded in between his sobs. He gripped his father's hand in his own, holding on for dear life. Michael reached for the wedding ring on the chain around his neck, the one that belonged to his wife nine years ago, and held it out towards Austin. The boy didn't let go of his father's hand, but reached out for the ring with his other. Val watched the interaction with narrowed, beady eyes.

"Love," Michael gasped with his last breath.

Austin shook his head frantically. "Wake up!" He screamed, shaking his father's body as his sobs overtook his body and he fell next to his father, his tears making him sick.

"You cannot leave me here!" Val gasped in between sobs of her own.

Austin shook his head.

"Daddy, please come back."

It would take ten years for someone to love Austin with the same intensity that his father and mother had loved each other with. It started with a young woman. A woman who was still just a girl in many, many ways.