I do not own Ever After or Austin and Ally. Any mistakes are all mine.

Austin closed the door behind him slowly, and even he couldn't hear a sound. However, when he turned, Val was standing in front of him. Her arms were crossed and her arms were filled with fury. "Of all of the horrible things that you've done, turning yourself into a count has to be the worst." She snapped. Austin could hear the fury trembling underneath her statement. When Austin only stared at her, she continued. "It's almost as absurd as a princess courting a servant boy that sleeps with the pigs!"

Austin took a deep, calming breath. "I'm not sure what it is that bothers you more, stepmother. Is it that I am common, or that I am competition?"

Val glared at him, as though there were beams of fire coming out of her eyes. Trent walked up next to his mother, though he didn't look nearly as murderous as she did. "Where is the dress, Austin?" He asked. Austin shook his head, moving to shrug past him. Val held up her arm, pushing the slender boy back. "I don't know what you're talking about," Austin shook his head.

"The dress that Brooke is going to wear? The shoes? I had them on the bed in my chambers and now they've disappeared. Where are they?" Trent asked. Brooke wasn't anywhere to be seen, but Paulette and Trish started to creep up in the doorway. "You hid them, and I know it!" Trent snapped at Austin's silence.

"Where did you put the gown, Austin?" Val questioned, taking a step closer to the boy, enclosing him into the corner. "I don't know, where are the candlesticks and the tapestries and my father's books?" Austin spat in Val's face. "Perhaps my mother's dress is with them."

"You produce that gown, you worthless bastard!" Val snapped. Trent visibly recoiled, while Paulette had to hold Trish back from running at the woman. Austin didn't seem fazed by the insult.

"I would rather die a thousand deaths than to let that spoiled, selfish cow marry the princess." Austin fired back, pointing in Trent's direction. His voice was even, and he fixed Val with a steely gaze. He was taller than the woman, but she narrowed her eyes and knew that her stepson was no match for her. She gave him a small smile. "Perhaps that can be arranged." Val gripped Austin's shoulder, making him cry out in pain, and pulled him out of the room.

"Let me go!" Austin protested as Val's nails dug into his skin. Trent followed with eager eyes as Val dragged Austin towards the staircase that led to the cellar, while the handful of servants followed as well. "Ally will find out about this, and-"

"How dare you address the future ruler of out kingdom so informally?" Val pushed Austin's body down the stairs when he was caught off guard, and the servants watched in horror as the boy's body tumbled down the stairs, his body crumbling into a heap at the bottom. In no time, they were following him down the stairs, but Val and Trent followed. Val pulled Austin up by his hair, making the boy hiss in pain. He was barely conscious.

"I'll give you one last chance to tell me where you put that dress." Val hissed. Austin shook his head, and Val dragged him to the storage room, throwing him in like he was nothing. The servants followed behind. Paulette's face was a mask of horror, while the De La Rosa's trembled in anger.

"Mother, it is just a ball!" Brooke cried as she hurried down the stairs, taking in the scene. Val rolled her eyes as she locked Austin in the closet with one of the keys that hung around her neck. "Yes, and you're only going for the food."

Brooke bit her lip. She wanted to say more, to more to help her step brother, but she wasn't sure what she could do. Val whirled around to face the rest of the servants. "Open this door, and I have your head on a silver platter." She announced before making her way back up the stairs. Trent hesitated for a moment, but was soon following his mother while Brooke stayed.

Mr. De La Rosa was quick to start pulling at the door, but it wouldn't budge. Mrs. De La Rosa started to mutter curses under her breath, and turned to face her daughter. "Run and fetch Dez," She commanded. "Perhaps he has some contraption that we can use."

Normally, Trish would've protested, but she hurried up the stairs this time, with Brooke hot on her heels. Paulette continued to pull at the door, but Austin barely noticed as he blinked to try and keep himself awake.

"Don't worry, Austin. We'll get you out of there."

"What have you been out doing, Allyson?" Queen Penny called from her study as she heard her daughter enter the palace. Ally practically skipped into her mother's study, making the Queen eye her daughter through her reading glasses. Ally shrugged, but couldn't keep the smile off of her face as she wandered around the room.

"Have you found a young man to marry, or will your father have to decide for you? Remember, my dear, almost anything is better than Tampa." The Queen shuddered and closed her eyes, but Ally didn't notice.

"I've decided who I am to marry," Ally grinned. Her mother looked up at her, expecting more details, but Ally's mouth was sealed. She didn't want to tell her mother about Austin just yet. Queen Penny's eyebrows rose for a moment, before she shook her head and returned to her book. She wouldn't say anything, because her daughter seemed happy enough with the fiancée that she had seemingly chosen.

"I had tea with Valerie Moon and her son, Trent, this afternoon, since you didn't bother to grace us with your presence," The Queen mentioned. "I was told about his news. I'm sorry to hear about it; I've heard that the two of you were close."

Ally whirled around to face her mother, the smile on her face faltering. "What? He hasn't told me of any news."

The Queen frowned at her daughter, patting the chair next to her. Ally didn't move to sit next to her, and the Queen let out a sigh. "Count Austin left for New York today. He's getting married to a young lady that lives there."

"You must run to the Princess, and tell him what has happened." Paulette commanded, making Dez's eyes widen. He started to shake his head as Mr. De La Rosa pulled at the door handle for what had to be the millionth time.

"But I'm nobody. The Princess would never see me." Dez shook his head, trembling slightly. Trish let out a groan, making Austin jump away from the door. He had been pushing his body against the door, but it wouldn't budge.

"You're his best friend, Dez!" Trish exclaimed. "For once in your life, man, be bold!" Dez was silent, and bent down to examine the hinges of the door. He slipped the bolts in the hinges out before standing up and removing the door away from the doorway. Austin's jaw dropped, her eyes widening in surprise. Dez pressed a hand on Austin's shoulder. "I think that you have somewhere to be, buddy."

Paulette clapped her hands in excitement while Mr. De La Rosa ran to prepare the horses and Mrs. De La Rosa cut to the chase. "I'm sure that we can find one of your father's suits hidden away somewhere-"

"This has been very nice of all of you, but I don't think that will be necessary." Austin cut in, his eyes glued to the stone ground. Everyone stared at him with surprised eyes, but their heads whipped around towards the staircase when someone cleared their throat behind them. Austin's eyebrows flew up in surprise when he saw Kira staring at him.

"It is my understanding that the Princess is expecting you," She piped up in a small voice. Trish didn't know who the girl was, but she wore the dress of a noblewoman. Austin shook his head, a frown on his face.

"She is expecting someone that doesn't exist. I let her believe that I was Count Austin Lynch, when I am just Austin Moon." Austin's voice was soft as he spoke. Kira shook her head. "Why should class have to matter when it comes to love? Princess Allyson will soon be Queen, and if you love her the way that she loves you, then I do not see why this would be a problem."

Austin shook his head. "But I lied to her!"

Kira sighed. "And she deserves to hear the truth from the one that she loves."

Trish nodded. "The Princess will understand."

Austin shook his head, backing up against the wall. "I can't go."

Brooke bit her lip. "But if you stay… my mother will win."

Austin was silent, and Paulette gently gripped his arm and led him up the staircase. "We still have time to ready you for the ball." She spoke gently. Austin didn't resist, but looked at the servant with worried eyes. "Don't you fret. You'll have the time of your life."

"Hurry, Austin!" Trish called as she and Dez adjusted the harness on the horses of the carriage. All of the servants were lined up outside as Austin walked towards the carriage. His hair was slicked back, and he wore the suit that his father wore to his wedding. The material was dark and crisp, and Austin truly looked like a Lord as he stepped into the carriage.

"Thank you," Austin breathed as he looked at all of his friends. Paulette had tears rolling down her face at the sight of him. She had cared for Austin ever since he was an infant, and it brought her endless joy to see the young man that he had grown into. Mrs. De La Rosa clapped her hands, and her husband ushered Austin into the carriage. "Hurry now, before you're late!'

Dez and Trish sat on the driver's bench, and waved at the remaining servants as they urged the horses forward and towards the palace.

Meanwhile, Ally stood off towards the side of the grand ballroom as the festivities continued. The room was decorated in bright reds and yellows. There were flowers in every corner of the room, and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. People danced around with smiles and laughter on their faces. King Lester noticed the way that his daughter moped around as he took a step towards her. "I understand that you wanted to see me." He said. His voice rumbled the way that it often did, but his eyes held certain softness.

Ally nodded, straightening at the sound of her father's voice. "Yes, I did." She was about to continue, but her father cut her off. "Allyson, perhaps it was unfair of me to place so much pressure on you the way that I did." He cleared his throat, but didn't meet her eyes. "I only want what is best for you, and it seemed as though a marriage would put you on the correct path before your coronation." He paused as Ally's brow furrowed. "A-and this university idea, i-it's brilliant." His voice softened. He placed a hand on Ally's shoulder. "We don't have to announce anything tonight."

Ally cleared her own throat, averting her eyes. "Father…" She started. "I have made my decision." She said, completely disregarding her father's little speech. King Lester blinked, taking in Ally's red rimmed eyes. "Oh," He mumbled to himself.

Ally nodded, wiping at her eyes though there weren't any tears falling. "I shall marry the Prince of Tampa, as you wanted."

King Lester stared at his daughter with concern. True, he had wanted her to marry the prince of his choice, but he never would've imagined that she would look so unhappy when she did. He himself had an arranged marriage, and things turned out fine. He stared at Ally in silence for a moment, before walking up to the podium. Trumpets blew at the King stood, and everyone turned to face him, eager for his announcement.

"Honored guests," He started. "It gives me great pleasure not only to honor Sir Jimmy Moon, who seems to have disappeared," Lester cleared his voice, glancing at his daughter, who seemed to be wilting more and more with each passing moment. "But to announce a long-awaited decision," He continued. "It is my great privilege to announce the engagement of our daughter, Princess Allyson,"

Ally held up a hand as the ballroom doors opened. King Lester frowned and followed her eyes to see Austin standing at the end of the room. Ally could barely believe her eyes when she saw him dressed up in the nicest suit that she had ever seen. All eyes were on Austin as he made his way towards Ally, including the eyes of Val and Trent.

Without a second thought, Ally took off running towards Austin, her curls flying into her face. She wore a long red dress, but hitched up her skirts to allow herself to run faster. Austin gave her a shy smile, and she launched herself into his arms. There were a few audible gasps from the crowd, but Ally ignored them. She could feel the hope and joy rising back into her chest. She pulled away to take in his perfect hazel eyes.

"My mother told me that you were getting married," She breathed out. Her voice was soft, hoping that no one else would be able to hear her words. Austin shook his head, a small smile still on his face as he tried to contain his happiness at seeing Ally so excited to see him.

"She was misinformed," Austin replied. The Queen walked out on the stage just in time to see her daughter's bright smile, making a smile of her own grow across her face. Ally stared at Austin like he was a Christmas present, before pulling him towards the stage. "Come, there are some people that I want you to meet." She commanded, eager to introduce him to her parents. Austin started to shake his head.

"But there is something that I must tell you now, before another word is spoken." Austin pleaded, urgency lacing his voice. Val stared at him with narrowed eyes, forming a plan inside of her head. Ally looked at him expectantly, though the smile wouldn't leave her lips.

"But you are not engaged?" She clarified. Austin shook his head, gripping Ally's hand. "No, I'm not."

Ally shook her head to herself. "My God, I was about to make the worst mistake of my life."

King Lester watched the exchange from the podium, and leaned over to whisper in Queen Penny's ear. "Who is he?" He asked in a hushed voice. Queen Penny watched with a dazzling smile. "My guess would be the Count Austin Lynch."

King Lester's eyebrows pulled in together. "Who?"

"I have to speak with you." Austin pleaded as Ally started to drag him to the stage once again. She flashed Austin a dazzling smile. "Whatever it is, the answer is yes."

"No, wait, please." Austin tried to resist, but Ally continued to pull him forward. "Oh, see, I invited the Gypsies!" She exclaimed, pointing out the same men that had ambushed them before. They gave Austin small waves, toothless smiles on their faces. Val rushed forward, making Trent pull her back.

"What are you doing?" He hissed. Val rolled her eyes, slightly startled at the way Trent was acting.

"I'm making you a King." She declared, snatching her arm out of Trent's grip. She walked forward and ripped the sleeve of Austin's suit jacket, making the boy cry out and Ally whirl around to face the woman.

"How dare you!" Ally hissed, irritation clear in her voice. "Madam, you will contain yourself." She commanded, squeezing Austin's hand in her own. Austin stared at his stepmother with wide eyes, knowing that she would reveal him if he didn't do it himself.

"He is an imposter, Your Highness!" She announced, her voice rising for the whole ballroom to hear. Austin began to shake his head frantically. "No, no, it isn't like that." He started. Val ignored him. "His name is Austin Moon, and he has been a servant in my home for more than ten years." Austin wished that there were somewhere for him to hide, so that he wouldn't have to face this confrontation.

King Lester started to walk towards the scene, his eyebrows furrowed in agitation. "A servant, Allyson? Is this some sort of joke?" Queen Penny followed behind him, hitching up her skirts for the first time in her life so that she could hurry.

"Baroness, you are treading on dangerous ground!" Ally hissed, anger boiling in her chest. Val's nostrils flared in anger, and she gestured towards Austin. "Ask him yourself!" She commanded. "He's a devious little pretender, and it is my duty to expose him as the covetous hoax that he is."

Ally rolled her eyes as she turned towards Austin, noticing the way that the boy shook as though he were ill. "Tell them who you are," She commanded, though her voice was soft. Her face fell as a tear rolled down Austin's cheek.

"Bow before royalty, you insolent fraud!" Val snapped as Ally let go out Austin's hand.

"Austin?" Her voice was soft as she remembered the name from her childhood. "Austin Moon?" She repeated as her eyes grew wide in disbelief. "So that boy in the orchard that day, that was you?" Her mind reeled as she took a step away from him. "First you were engaged, and now you are a servant?" She shook her head, her brain not functioning.

"Ally, please, I can explain," Austin begged as he took a step towards her. Ally felt rage boiling in her chest. "You will not address me so informally!" She snapped. "I am the crown Princess of Miami and you are…" She took another step away from him. "You're just like everyone else."

Austin's face flushed red as he stared at the Princess through blurry eyes, feeling broken on the inside and out. He turned and sprinted out of the ballroom and disappeared into the stormy night, holding his torso to keep himself together as sobs racked his body.

"Allyson? Allyson, what have you done?"

Ally was startled when she saw Kira walk over to her, a frown on her face. Ally was quick to wipe her tears away at the sight of her friend. "Don't you have a poem or something to write?" She spat, trying to hide the trembling of her voice. Kira was silent for a moment, and Ally dug her teeth into her lower lip.

"What was that out there?" Kira asked, her voice soft.

"I was born to privilege and with that comes specific obligations." Ally spat. Kira rolled her eyes at her friend's act.

"That's bullshit, and we both know it." She answered, her tone harsh. Ally's eyes cut over to Kira, surprised at her normally gentle friend's harsh language.

"You're out of line, Kira."

Kira shook her head, tired of her friend's stubbornness. "No, you're the one that's out of line. Do you have any idea what he went through to get here tonight? He only wanted to tell you the truth."

Ally shook her head. "He lied to me."

"He came to tell you the truth!" Kira exclaimed. "He tried to tell you the truth, and you fed him to the wolves."

Ally whirled on her friend. "What do you know? You spout sonnets and speak about love, but know nothing about life."

"I know that a life without love is no life at all." Kira fired back.

"And love without trust? What is that?" Ally replied without missing a beat. "I have made my decision." She declared. Kira stared at her friend in silence, disappointed in her behavior.

"Then you do not deserve him."

So this definitely isn't my favorite chapter, but it was between long and short. There are about three or four more chapters left after this.

Thanks to:

SummerRain200: I know! It's... my second favorite chapter.

LoveShipper: Isn't it so sweet? That was my favorite part.

Trying2StayHopeful: They really should get married, but it'll be harder after this chapter...

launi9: lol, Val is very evil. I don't like her at all. But they are cute ;)

raeganb123: Brooke just doesn't know how to stand up to her family and wants to be accepted by them. And Ally...oh, dear Ally...

marteey: Auslly is just the best of the best. And that was my favorite part of that episode! But um, yeah... And I'm so glad that you love reading this story! This was somewhat long, so I hope that you still like it.

Thank you guys so much for your reviews! They are so awesome :)