One morning at Spike's and the girls place, Twilight was on the sofa looking through a magical photo album pad while smiling fondly. She did not get much time to look back at the past since she had her responsibilities to the land of Equestria as well as her college studies. In fact, the pad was an older model she had received as a wedding gift from Princess Celestia herself, complete with an engraving of a silhouette of herself and Spike at the center of a heart. Since then, she had taken many photos of herself, her husband, and the rest of the harem over the years. Twilight had cherished every memory the album pad contained, flipping through every image with her finger.

Suddenly Spike came up behind his wife and massaged her shoulders a bit. Twilight gasped and looked behind and smiled softly, moaning at Spike’s touch.

“Morning, my love,” Spike whispered into her ear, “Taking a little trip down memory lane?”

“Morning, Spike,” Twilight greeted back happily, as she flipped through the album, finally landing on a picture of her and Spike at the altar, “Yes. One of the best memories. The happiest day of my life.”

“Ah, yes. How could I ever forget? The day you and I became husband and wife,” Spike smiled, as he put an arm around Twilight, “You looked great in that wedding dress. Rarity really outdid herself.”

“You didn’t look so bad yourself, my king,” Twilight added, “Before our friends, family and Equestria itself came to celebrate the two of us. It doesn’t feel all that long ago.”

“I know what you mean,” Spike agreed, “I still look back on how this all started. Princess Celestia had sent Fleur and I to the mining colony of Ribot to take care of an orc problem. To tell you the truth, I had been meaning to go there for a time because the mine had some of the best gems in the world. I had something special in mind and I wanted it to be just right.”

“Things changed that day,” Twilight sighed as she looked at the wedding picture. “For me, for you…our friends…the road wasn’t easy.”

Spike nodded as he flashed back a couple years back, sometime after he and the girls defeated Tirek, the last member of the Legion of Doom.

In the mining colony of Ribot, not far from the land of Equestria, Spike and Fleur had entered the mountains inside a mine with gems embedded into the walls. Spike and Fleur along with several Canterlot Guards were called in to deal with a gang of orcs that not only invaded the mining village below the mountains, but also took over the mountains gem mines which were precious to the miner ponies of the village. As it turned out, however, the orcs that held the village hostage were no match for Spike, Fleur and the Equestrian guards and made simple work of them. Though the village was free, the mayor informed spike and Fleur that the orc’s ringleader, along with a few more orcs, were still in the mines. Fleur had ordered the guards to keep watch over village until she and Spike had dealt with the problem.

By the time both harem masters had traveled deeper inside the mine, they were going up against the gang of orcs who were a bit stronger than the ones in the village. These orcs wielded battle axes and clubs that were enhanced by magic and it took Spike and Fleur to use much of their own magical potential to battle them. Spike, in his dragon armor, was punching orc after orc and made sure that none of them had any strength to fight back. When one tried dropping a battle ax down on him, the dragon hero created a magical shield to block the attack. The shield emitted a blast of magic forcing the orc back. Fleur herself was nimbly dodging the orcs attacks while throwing a few strikes of her own, using her magic to enhance her strength.

As Fleur herself was dodging strikes from the orcs wielding clubs, she noticed the one Spike repelled back almost hit the wall.

“Be careful, Spike, or you'll bring the house down on all of us!” Fleur called to warn him.

“I can barely hold myself back with these guys!” Spike reminded her, “We really shouldn’t mess around with them too much anyway!”

“Took the words right out of me.” Fleur agreed, as the two worked together, taking out the rest of the orc gang that stood no chance against their combined strengths and magics.

It really didn’t take Spike and Fleur long to fight the rest of the orcs. Being careful not to use too much force, they managed to knock out the rest and were standing victorious. The orc horde was lying on the ground in pain, bones broken as they showed no signs of any further resistance. Fleur smirked as she pumped her fist proudly while Spike used his foot to check for any signs of movement from an orc.

“Man these chumps are weaksauce.” Spike told Fleur with a laugh.

“Maybe them!” came a big voice deep within one of the tunnels, “But I'll show you what it means to mess with an orc boss!”

From the tunnel emerged a giant orc that towered over Spike and Fleur. He wore shoulder pads and a loincloth and was armed with a ball and chain, which he swung effortlessly. He grinned maliciously at Spike and Fleur, letting out a chuckle.

“Guess that's their boss.” Fleur guessed.

“Indeed I am, Equestrian,” the orc boss confirmed, “The riches of this mine belong to me and no unicorn bitch and her pet dragon are going to take what I have rightfully pillaged!”

“Last warning, orc!” shouted Fleur, “In the name of Princess Celestia herself, you are to lay down your arms and surrender peacefully or you will force us to make you surrender! What we did to your underlings is nothing compared to what we will do to you if you don’t!”

Pretending to give it some thought, the orc boss responded lecherously, “How about this? Why don’t you lay yourself down, spread your thighs and take my big one like a good little mare?”

Instead of feeling disgusted, Fleur smirked and responded, “I doubt your big one could satisfy a flea, tall, dark, and boneless!”

The orc roared in outrage as he charged towards Spike and Fleur, swinging his ball and chain furiously.

“Shall we, cara mia?” Spike offered.

“After you, mon cher.” Fleur replied, as the two harem masters charged the orc boss coming at him from all sides throwing their strongest hits at him.

Though the boss orc was big and strong he was still slow and not quick enough to block both Spike and Fleur, taking one hit from the other while he tried taking out one of them. He swung his ball and chain madly and failed to land a single hit on his two opponents. It got to the point where the orc boss didn’t have the strength to attack and was breathing heavily while Spike and Fleur didn’t look like they were breaking a sweat.

“Let's bind this punk.” Spike suggested, as he and Fleur conjured ropes from magical energy and linked them up.

The two went circles around the orc boss binding him with their magic ropes, and eventually the boss was completely bounded and helpless.

“You'll pay for this, I ought to-” The orc boss was cut off by Spike.

“You ought to shut your yap!” Spike clonked him on the head hard knocking him out.

Soon enough all the orcs were defeated and bound together with their boss as the two harem masters stood side by side victoriously.

“And that takes care of that.” Spike told Fleur.

“Yes!” Fleur agreed excitedly, as the two high fived and kissed, “We better brings these fools back down the mountain and check in with the rest of the guards on the clean up of the village.”

“Think you can handle that yourself? I wanna check this mine out for a bit.” Spike said looking down the mine at all the gems in the walls.

Fleur smirked smugly, “Looking to find some gems to snack on or you just wanna collect some for Rarity in hopes she'll award you with something special?”

Spike chuckled sheepishly, “Something like that.”

“Alright, but don't be too long.” Fleur said.

“If the clean up finishes faster feel free to go back to the inn and freshen up.” Spike suggested.

“As you wish.” Fleur said, as she used her magic to levitate the orc gang out of the mine.

Now by himself, Spike had the whole mine to himself to inspect. He walked along the tunnels, checking out several gemstones embedded into the walls. He carefully plucked one gemstone from the wall and tasted them, which was a technique he learned from Ember the Dragon Lord about how to differentiate between the good gems and the dud gems.

Spike gently touched his tongue to the gemstone and smiled, which he then dropped it into a pouch he had on his belt he had on him. He gently plucked another gem from the wall. When he tasted it he looked disgusted, “Blech!” and he flicked the dud of a gem away. He continued inspecting more gemstones that caught his attention, and with every good gem he'd drop in his sack, and for every dud he would toss it away.

Soon Spike had a pouch filled with perfectly good gemstones and made his way out of the mine, “Yes. These will do just fine. And now that this is over, it's time I get down to my true reason for taking this job in the first place.”

Spike left the mines and headed back to the village below as it started getting dark. He went to the local village jeweler where he and the jeweler unicorn pony were looking through the gemstones he collected from the cave. Finally Spike picked out a purple alexandrite stone and observed it carefully with the jeweler and both nodded and picked the perfect one.

Spike watched as the unicorn jeweler was starting to carefully merge the gem into a gold ring and it was soon presented before Spike who smiled in joy before paying the pony in some of the other good gems he collected from the mine.

A little later, Spike headed back to the inn and entered the room he rented for him and Fleur. The other guards had remained guarding the village in turns just in case any problems had come up. He found Fleur on the bed of their room wearing only a translucent pink negligee looking rather comfy.

“Welcome back, Spike.” Fleur winked flirtatiously.

“Hope I didn't keep you waiting long.” Spike said.

“It was worth it,” Fleur replied, “After a hard days work, I think a little fun is in order, my king.”

“As much as I want to have fun, you won't mind waiting a little bit longer while I shower?” Spike teased.

“Don't make me wait too long.” Fleur said in faux worry.

Spike smiled, as he went for the bathroom to wash up. As Fleur waited, she laid down on the bed and thought of the fun she and Spike were about to share. She giggled at the thought of maybe taking the lead first or maybe letting Spike have his way. So many possibilities entered her mind as she waited for Spike to finish his shower.

As she waited, Fleur spotted Spike's bag in the corner and saw poking out through a pocket of it was a small velvet box. Curiously, she lifted the box using her magic and levitated it towards her

“Wait, is that a…?” Fleur inspected the box and saw that it was indeed a box used to hold a ring. She opened it to see a beautiful alexandrite gemstone on a ring and gasped, blushing, “Oh, my Faust. This ring is a...” Fleur looked in the direction of the bathroom where Spike was showering and her eyes started to glisten, a smile forming on his face.

Later, Spike came out of the bathroom washed up and in his boxers before looking over at Fleur still on the bed smiling his way.

“Enjoy your shower?” Fleur asked with half lidded eyes.

“You know it,” Spike answered, “Can’t go to bed all sweaty before the main event.”

“Good. So, Spike, why did you decide on taking this job of clearing out orcs from the gem mines all the way out here?” Fleur questioned mischievously, “And don’t tell me it was because the Princess asked you to. I could have handled the problem myself, not that I minded your help.”

“Why?” Spike asked in confusion, “Because It was my duty to crown and I thought maybe you and your guards needed some additional support.”

“So you say that, but I know you had ulterior motives.”

“What ulterior motives could I possible have?” Spike continued.

“Perhaps you saw an opportunity, my king. Ribot’s mine has the finest stones in all Equestria and jewelers from around the world treasure these stones to make the finest jewelry. Ribot also has a jeweler close by maybe…just maybe… you took some stones to make something special and with it, ask me something just about any woman longs to hear from their special someone.” Fleur questioned which kept confusing Spike more.

Spike tried to process Fleur's behavior and what she was trying to hint at to him. Then suddenly it dawned on him what she was trying to say, “Wait a minute... Fleur, do you think?”

Fleur levitated the ring up in front of Spike and said, “You really should take better care hiding something like this from your fiance before you pop the question. So finally decided to propose? Sorry if my finding it ruined any big plans you had, but honestly at this point who needs a super grand gesture to propose?”

“Right,” Spike said nervously, “Look, Fleur there seems to be-.”

“It will be a big, military wedding,” Fleur said happily, as she placed the ring on her finger, “I’ll have my staff decorate my mansion, invite my squadron, my harem, my family, and Princess Celestia will marry us before the sun goes down! Oh, Spike, yes…yes, of course I’ll marry you! The harem king and queen united at last!”

“Fleur, I…,” Spike tried to get out. He sighed and said, “Fleur…this ring isn’t for you.”

Fleur suddenly looked confused, “What do you mean?”

“It's true I had another reason to take this particular job with you,” Spike said as he removed the ring from Fleur’s finger and put it back in the box, “I inspected the mines for the perfect gemstone I could have made into an engagement ring with the help of the village jeweler. But this ring…it’s for someone else…someone who means the world to me.”

Fleur blinked before her eyes widened, “Then that ring is….”

“I intend to propose to Twilight,” Spike explained himself, “There’s a celebration coming in Canterlot, the Fall Formal, and I want to do it there.”

“To-to Twilight?” Fleur asked, stuttering in disbelief.

“I'm sorry, Fleur. You weren't supposed to see the ring, until after I proposed to Twilight,” Spike said in guilt, “I wanted-”

“I see,” said Fleur, still stunned. She then looked over at Spike said, “I know she means a lot to you, given your history with her. But truly…have you given this a lot of thought, my king? There are so many women in your harem, so many to chose from to be your bride…your queen. Is Princess Twilight truly the one?”

“Yes, Fleur,” Spike answered with determination, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.”

Undeterred, Fleur’s horn began to glow and suddenly, Spike was levitated to the bed. Before the Dragon King could react, the guardsmare was on top of him, having taken off her negligee and sporting a very determined and amorous look on her face.

“Tell me truly, my king…,” Fleur began as she inched closer to Spike’s face, “Have you truly chosen your queen…or do you need more time to think about it?”

Before Spike could respond, Fleur instantly claimed his lips in a deep kiss. He could feel the dominance in the guardsmare’s intent and just went along, responding to her by kissing her back. Feeling Fleur’s breasts on his chest, Spike tried to embrace Fleur but the mare managed to use her strength to hold his wrists above his head with one hand while using her other hand to dig inside his boxer shorts. He had become erect, his member hard as a rock and he started moaning as Fleur started stroking it aggressively. Spike’s eyes widened as he let out a gasp when he felt Fleur tighten her grip on his cock, making him let go of the kiss.

“Fleur, you’re…ahh!” Spike yelped as he felt Fleur’s grip on his erection tighten, “You’re very…oh, Fleur…it feels so…”

“Don’t fight it,” Fleur said huskily, “I’ll show you…let your queen show you how much you mean to her!”

Letting go of Spike’s wrists and erection, Fleur used her hands to feel his chest, feeling every muscle. Her grin widened as she began to chuckle, seeing how adorable the Dragon King was behaving under her touch. She gave his nipples a hard pinch, making him yelp again. A feeling of power coursed through Fleur’s body as she had Spike at her mercy. In the past, there were times she would show a more dominant side to all her lovers in her harem, but she was surprising herself at the moment with how aggressive she was behaving towards Spike, but she didn’t want to stop. Aside from the power surge she was feeling, Fleur was feeling desperate.

Fleur then pulled Spike’s hands towards her breasts and urged him to fondle them. He obliged as she felt him squeeze them, letting out a moan as her body temperature rose from the stimulation. Fleur then felt Spike sit up and take one of her breasts into his mouth, feeling his hot breath as he tasted her with his dragon tongue. She growled as she held his head tightly, not wanting Spike to stop what he was doing. Fleur then let out a groan as she arched her, her grip on Spike’s head somehow getting stronger.

It was at this point that Spike managed to dislodge himself from Fleur’s breasts, trying to catch his breath. He had never experienced the guardsmare act so aggressively towards him as she would act more seductive towards him when it came to lovemaking. Granted, he had experienced Twilight and some other members of his harem act like this, but it felt different with Fleur. It wasn’t that he disliked her behavior, but it felt alien. Spike then looked at her face and saw that tears were forming.

“What’s wrong, my king?” Fleur asked, her voice starting to break, “Am I not good enough for you!? Am I not fit to be your queen!?”

Fleur pushed Spike down on the bed again, this time managing to sit on his face, her pussy already very wet. She made sure that her entrance was very close, making him smell her arousal as she swayed her hips. Fleur got a response when she felt Spike’s tongue lick her pussy, making her moan as she started to play with her breasts, pinching her nipples as she did. Eventually, Fleur felt Spike’s dragon tongue go deep inside her, making her scream as it felt very phallic. Her eyes then spotted Spike’s erection and immediately was on it, taking it in her mouth and deep throating it. Fleur bobbed her head up and down, using her tongue to taste the length of the member and sped up her efforts as she massaged Spike’s balls. All the while, she felt herself coming from Spike’s tongue as she was letting out juices. Wanting to please the Dragon King even more, Fleur used her breasts for extra stimulation, feeling the slick hard member between them. Her tongue began to swirl around the tip of Spike’s dick and could practically taste his cum, pleased that she was getting close to making him climax. Fleur opened her mouth and engulfed Spike’s member again, her head bobbing even faster.

His tongue leaving Fleur’s pussy, Spike shouted in ecstasy, “Fleur…I’m…oh, shit, so fast…I’m bursting! Fleur, I’m coming!”

As soon as Spike shouted it, Fleur felt him unleash his load into her mouth. To her, it felt like a geyser as she tried to swallow it all, not wanting to spare a single drop. She sucked on it, wanting to drink it all in. Once she felt Spike wasn’t letting out anymore, Fleur let go of her lover’s erection and saw that it was still rock hard. As much as she wanted to admire it, Fleur felt that she couldn’t waste any time. While she felt that Spike was able to hold an erection longer than a normal stallion, Fleur wanted to show him what she was made of.

Fleur moved so she could straddle Spike, looking down on him with desperate eyes. She then got a hold of Spike’s erection and guided towards her anus. Fleur saw how surprised Spike looked but didn’t allow him to react as she pushed herself down, feeling the Dragon King’s length enter her backdoor. She let out a satisfied moan, moving herself up and down, feeling the rhythm. It didn’t take her long to speed up her movements and felt that Spike was matching hers, feeling him thrust inside her. She was beginning to scream in ecstasy when she began playing with herself with one hand fondling her breasts while her other hand was on her slit, fingering it wildly. Fleur was so lost in her lust that she shut her eyes, a few stray tear drops escaping her eyes. Her screams were getting louder and louder, uncaring if any other hotel guests were hearing her or not. She felt herself orgasm, but kept playing with herself, feeling Spike was ready to burst again.

“Fleur…so tight, I…,” Spike grunted, “Fleur, you're moving too fast…”

“My king…every one of my holes…,” Fleur cried, “They’re yours…anytime you wish. They belong to you…oh, Spike!”

Fleur arched her back and let out a scream, feeling herself orgasm. She held on to her breast tightly as she let out her juice, staining Spike’s chest. Fleur could also feel Spike coming inside her anus, overflowing it. She felt breathless, but felt that it was only the beginning. Lifting herself up, Fleur grabbed Spike’s still erect member and guided it towards her entrance. Feeling the tip, Fleur practically slammed herself down, feeling the length inside her. Unlike what she did before, she moved hard fast as she used her hands to feel Spike’s juiced stained chest. Fleur tears flowed more freely as she began to sob. Despite seeing Spike’s look of concern, she wanted to keep going. A scowl formed on her face and immediately bent down, embracing the Dragon King’s neck. Though she wanted to hide the pain in her heart, she was still crying as she moved her hips and felt every bit of Spike’s length. Again, Fleur felt Spike move with her and felt his arms embrace her. Fleur wanted to press herself even further, wanting Spike to feel every inch of her body. Anything so Spike would love her as much as any other mare in his harem.

For Spike’s part, he couldn’t believe Fleur was behaving more emotionally than usual. Usually, she would tease him and entice him and even speak dirty to him, letting him know how much of a perverted dragon that he is. Hearing her crying into his ear meant that this time it was different. It was a side of Fleur he never saw before and he wondered what was going on. Considering that stopping would only cause her to be angry, Spike kept going as he felt himself getting close, moaning loudly.

Finally, the two lovers climaxed, their screams of ecstasy filling the room. Fleur could feel Spike’s go off on her again, his cum filling her womb and overflowing as it seemed like this was one of his more stronger climaxes. As much as she wanted to feel satisfied that she caused, she continued to hold him tightly, crying and sobbing as a torrent of tears continued to come from her eyes. Fleur felt her heart break as her mind went back to Spike's intention to propose to Twilight. She felt that no matter what she did, it wouldn’t change Spike’s mind. Twilight was still going to be Spike’s queen.

“It hurts,” wept Fleur, “Why does it hurt so much?”

“Fleur, I’m so sorry,” Spike said emotionally, trying to comfort Fleur, “I didn’t want to hurt you like this. I’ll try not to be such a beast next time. Your harem wouldn’t forgive me if their queen was harmed in any way.”

“But my king…I wanted to be…,”

“Hush, cara mia. It'll be all right, I promise.”

“My king…mon cher…”

Fleur continued to weep, holding onto Spike, telling herself that things won’t change but kept doubting it.

A few days have passed and it was the night of the big event at the Canterlot Castle; The Fall Formal.

At Spike and the girls’ place, Spike was in his room wearing his tuxedo suit while looking at himself in the mirror making sure he looked perfect. The tuxedo itself was made up of a black coat, slacks with a white shirt and black tie. The material was also made to accommodate his dragon form. He posed for a bit and whistled, impressed how good he looked. He really wanted to look his best, especially for his eight dates.

“Looking sharp, Spike, looking real sharp,” Spike chuckled. He then picked up the engagement ring box that held the ring he planned to propose to Twilight with from the nearby counter, “Can't forget this.” he pocketed the ring making sure it did not stick out or fall out.

Spike exited his room and upon doing so met Twilight and the rest of the girls all dressed up lovely for the dance. The sight of each of them all gussied up made Spike blush. As beautiful as they all looked in their regular clothes, he really loved it when each of them got dressed up for some big important event. Even girls like Applejack and Rainbow who would never be caught dressed in anything frilly or froufrou still looked lovely in the eyes of Spike when they'd get all gussied up.

“Hey, Spike.” Twilight greeted with a radiant smile.

“Hi, Twilight. Hi, girls. You all look lovely tonight.” Spike said honestly.

“Thank you, darling. Just my latest in my line of outfits for each of us.” Rarity boasted, while doing a twirl for Spike.

Spike smiled and nodded, as Fluttershy walked up to Spike observing him, “You look very handsome yourself.”

Spike blushed as the shy girl brushed her shoulder against his, before collecting himself, “Thank you, Fluttershy. So shall we get going?”

“Not so fast, Spike!” Pinkie spoke up, as she walked up to Spike suspiciously.

“What's up, Pinkie?” Spike asked, while getting nervous as she approached.

“Don't think I haven't noticed, Spike.” Pinkie continued to eye Spike while pacing around him much to the girls confusion.

Spike started to sweat fearing Pinkie might be onto his plans to propose to Twilight. When Pinkie finally came back around and stood before Spike squinting at him suspiciously, she switched to a smile, “You thought I wouldn't notice your tie's crooked.” she said before fixing Spike's tie.

Spike mentally sighed in relief, before answering, “Dang, I can't believe you noticed.”

“Well, it's a good thing she did,” Rarity agreed, “We can't have our lover go to a party with some part of his attire out of place.”

"Think of how that would reflect on you." Starlight joked.

“Right. So, come on. Let's get going.” Spike said.

Twilight opened a portal for them, and one by one they stepped inside. Before Spike walked in he glanced back down at his pocket where the ring he was going to propose to Twilight with was still in there safe and secure. With no turning back he entered the portal that closed behind him.

Later in Equestria at Canterlot's castle, the royal ballroom was filled with guests of all three classes, the earth, the Pegasus and unicorn ponies from all walks of life. The Fall Formal wasn't just for the rich and elite, but for everyone. Spike and the girls had entered the ballroom not long after arriving in the city of Canterlot in their Equestrian forms and looked around, seeing the guests enjoying the party.

“Now this is jumping!” Pinkie cheered.

“So awesome!” Rainbow looked excited.

“Hey, guys!” came two voices.

The group looked over seeing Bonbon and Lyra all dressed up approach them, holding hands.

“Hey, there's my fave pair of besties!” Spike said, as he hugged the two and kissed them.

“It's great to see you guys.” Lyra told them.

“Glad you could make it.” Bonbon added.

“We wouldn't miss it for anything.” Sunset answered.

“So how’s the security detail, Bonbon?” asked Spike.

“Secure as it could ever be,” Bonbon responded, “I got few undercover agents dressed up as guests and Princess Celestia herself chose the best of the best royal guards to keep a look out.”

“Even when we’re on date, you’re still on duty.” Lyra said, rolling her eyes up.

“I’m sure Bonbon will make time for you, Lyra,” Spike assured, winking at Lyra, “In fact, I think nothing will spoil the festivities as long as we all have fun.”

“Well, that's a good to hear.” came a new voice, as they saw Stone Edge with Octavia.

“Good evening, everyone.” Octavia greeted them.

“Good evening, Octavia, darling.” Rarity greeted back.

“Hey, Stone, how's it going?” Spike asked, as the two fist bumped.

“All good, Spike. How's the harem life treating ya?”

“Hey, I got no complaints,” Spike answered confidently, “We’re just as tight as ever.

“Hey, I ain’t complaining,” Applejack added, “So long as Spike treats us as equals, we’re not leaving his side.”

“Yo, dudes!” Coming over was Vinyl Scratch.

“Hey, Vinyl, working the music?” Spike asked, before kissing the DJ of his harem.

“Yeah. But I'm letting the records spin for now while I get a drink. And hoping to score a dance with my dragon man.” she nudged him.

“So are we.” Bonbon spoke on behalf of herself and Lyra who nodded.

“Don't worry, there's plenty of me to go around here.” Spike assured his present harem members.

“Hopefully enough for us too.”

The group saw Celestia approach with Luna along with Cadence and Shining Armor who agreed to attend the party not just for the sake of appearance but to see Twilight and the others as well.

“I wouldn't think of not giving a dance to the great monarchs.” Spike said, as he kissed Celestia and Luna.

“Good, because this princess is in need to move her feet.” Luna said.

“It's good to see you, Twily.” Shining said, as she and Cadence hugged her.

“Good to see the both of you as well.” she replied.

“Flurry Heart wanted to come, but she still had some studying to do.” Cadence explained.

“She asked us to give you her love though.” Shining said.

“Love received.” Twilight answered with a smile.

“Well, come on, everyone, let's party!” Pinkie declared, as she and her friends headed to the dance floor.

And so the party was underway with Spike and his girls dancing it out on the dance floor. The music, provided Vinyl, started fast and everyone was getting into. Things did get awkward when Twilight did her ridiculous dance on all fours, which many of the other guests looked at her strangely though they didn’t want to say anything. Not wanting her to do this alone, Spike joined in with Twilight so she wouldn't feel awkward alone.

As the evening went on, it came time for slow dances and Spike was able to save a dance for each of his girls, including ones he promised for Lyra, Bonbon, and Vinyl when she decided to let the record spin on its own again. He even got to dance with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Spike did notice that some of the stallions were looking at him with envy but he didn’t care. In his mind, he was having the time of his life.

Soon Spike was slow dancing with Twilight. He couldn’t help but smile at her and was glad she returned it with her own. To him, Twilight Sparkle was many things. She was his savior, friend, lover and the smartest and most understanding girl she had ever known. In many ways, he really didn’t feel worthy of her and still couldn’t believe how lucky he was.

Spike spoke, “This almost feels like prom, doesn't it?”

“It sure does,” Twilight agreed, “Makes me think though how things will be different when the girls and I graduate from high school before you.”

“I know. The school won't feel the same knowing you girls won't be around. But hey, we'll always have our home together at the end of the day.” Spike reminded her.

“Yeah. We sure will.” Twilight threw her arms around Spike, as they continued to dance.

When the slow dance ended, Celestia, who stood with Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor addressed everyone.

“Before we continue with the party, I would like us all to give a big applause to two of Canterlot's finest soldiers. Guardsmare Fleur De Lis, and our very own Spike Drake, the Dragon King!”

The guests applauded as Spike was nudged forward by Twilight and Sunset to go up to the Princesses, which he did along with Fleur who had been doing her rounds of patrolling the Fall Formal while Bonbon was on her break. The two walked up to the Royal monarchs, as Celestia stood by them.

“We congratulate these two on their brave efforts of liberating the mining colony of Ribot from a gang of orcs who were aiming to take control of their gem mines.” Celestia continued.

Luna spoke up, “But thanks to their efforts the orcs were defeated and Ribot is safe to continue to mine for gems which we also benefit from.”

“And for their bravery, we award them with the medal of honor.” Celestia said putting medals around Spike and Fleur’s necks, and the guests applauded and cheered for them.

Spike and Fleur smiled at one another, as Cadence approached them with her husband and spoke, “The both of you must be very proud.”

“Well, we just did what anyone in service to the crown would do to help the innocent.” Spike answered modestly.

“Quite right,” Fleur nodded as she agreed, “We thank you for this honor your majesties. Honestly, I have no words to say... but I'm sure Spike might have something he wants to say.” Fleur looked to Spike, giving him the hint.

Spike looked to Fleur and realized what he had to do, 'She's giving me an opening. Bahamut, it is time.' he thought.

'Good luck.'

Spike straightened himself out and spoke, “Yes, Guardsmare Fleur, indeed I have something to say.”

“Well, Spike, we are all ears here. ” Celestia said.

Spike nodded and started speaking up so everyone can hear, “First of all I am proud to do my part in protecting Equestria not just from threats like the recent Legion of Doom, or dangerous monsters that need to be contained, even against a gang of troublemakers stirring up mischief elsewhere. But I'm always glad I never have to do it alone. I'm always grateful to have someone by my side to help me. Like Fleur was there with me when fighting off the orc gang.”

Fleur smiled feeling appreciated, though it was a bit strained.

Spike started to walk away from the monarchs and back to the dance floor in the direction of his girls, “But I'm especially grateful whenever I'm fighting alongside my closest girls, the elements of harmony.”

“Oh, Spike, darling.” Rarity said with a blush.

“Gosh, yer makin' me blush, sugarcube.” Applejack said blushing as well.

“It's kinda embarrassing, but in a good way.” Fluttershy said sheepishly.

“And we like fighting alongside you as well.” Pinkie smiled happily.

“Trust me it's a lot better than being forced to fight against you.” Sunset admitted.

"I may not officially be an element of harmony, but it's nice to be included like that." Starlight said gratefully.

“We do make an awesome team together.” Rainbow added.

“That we do,” Twilight agreed, before speaking up to her lover, “Ever since you joined our team, Spike, we've been more successful than ever in not just fighting and missions, but also have gotten closer as well.”

“I agree,” Spike confirmed before he chuckled, “Before I met you, Twilight, I was just a simple high school student desperate for a date. And now look at me, part dragon, a hero of Equestria, and I'm constantly surrounded by many lovers. I'm living the guy's ideal wet dream.”

“I can believe it.” Twilight replied, rolling her eyes with a smile.

“And yet, despite how many lovers I take in my harem you still stick by me. Any other girl would've left a long time ago. But seeing you stick around gives me joy knowing you'd never leave no matter how many times I may act like a goofball or do something stupid.”

Twilight shook her head, “You do have your faults, but it's better to have someone with faults than someone who is too perfect.”

“Yeah, well….,” Spike nodded, rubbing the back of his head, “And you, Twilight, are the most extraordinary person or pony I ever met. You're the kind of girl I thought only existed in my dreams. And I love you with all my being,”

Twilight started to blush, as the other girls giggled to themselves.

Spike continued, “And that's why I wanted to tell you that these last couple of adventures in Equestria, taking on the Legion of Doom and barely coming out of it, especially when I lost it that time I went berserk. It gave me something I never had before. Perspective. It showed me that all these times we've fought so many enemies, Nightmare Moon, Chrysalis, Sombra, the Umbrum, Grogar, and even Tirek. Even though we came out of it alive, we couldn't be sure we would make it out in one piece. They've all shown me life is too short and it shouldn't be wasted. Otherwise, you may end up not getting the chance to do something you've wanted to do but waited too long to act upon it.”

Twilight, who was starting to get concerned by Spike's words, as was everyone else, asked, “Spike, what're you saying?”

“I'm saying, Twilight, that I want to continue to be at your side not just fighting monsters and villains in Equestria, but every day for the rest of my life even after high school,” Spike continued, as he was slowly reaching into his pocket and moving downward until he was down on one knee, presenting her the engagement ring with the ring box lid opened to reveal the engagement ring. “Which is why I want to ask. Twilight Sparkle... Princess of Friendship…will you marry me?”

Twilight looked down at Spike and gasped, shocked while processing what he just asked her while looking at the beautiful engagement ring he presented to her. Even the rest of her friends and the guests were in complete shock and surprised at Spike's proposal out in the open like this.

“Spike, are you...” Twilight asked, her voice breaking.

“I am serious, Twilight. I even checked the Equestrian Law and there is no law that prevents us from marrying in this land. I really mean this, Twilight. I want to be there with you forever, morning, noon, and night. I wanna make you the happiest girl there is both Equestria and my world.”

Twilight's confused look started to shift into a smile, as tears were slowly escaping his eyes, “Oh, Spike. Yes... Yes! I'll marry you!” she cheered.

Spike got up and cheered, “Yes!”

Hearing the answer, the guests started cheering and applauded the new couple.

Watching with the monarchs was Fleur who despite not being the one getting proposed like she hoped and tears threatening to escape her eyes, smiled for her Harem King and started to clap. “Well, Spike….congratulations.”

Spike had just placed the engagement ring on Twilight's finger, as the girl marveled at it.

“It's so beautiful,” Twilight said, her eyes shining, “It must've cost a fortune.”

“Not when you pick the best gems in a mine and have it converted into a ring.” Spike answered.

The two saw the Royal sisters, Cadence, and Shining approach with them looking excited.

Celestia spoke first, “Well, this is indeed not something I could've foreseen happening here. But all the same, I am overjoyed. My star pupil settling down with someone close to her. Someone she has come to see more than just an ordinary friend. I wish you both much happiness in your future life together as husband and wife.”

“You have my support as well.” Luna added.

“Mine too.” Shining Armor said.

“Really, Shining Armor? You're not going to go all over protective big brother on Spike for proposing to me?” Twilight teased.

“What do you take me for, Twilight? I'm more mature than that,” Shining whispered to Spike, “But if you ever do make my sister cry, you'll have me to deal with.”

Spike did a mock salute, “Yes, sir!”

Cadence approached them, “I for one am happy for both of you. I had always wondered when Twilight would find a special guy in her life just like I did.” Cadence motioned to Shining Armor who blushed.

“Thanks, Cadence.” Twilight smiled happily.

“Coming from you that means so much.” Spike added.

“And here. This is from me to the both of you in hopes your marriage will be filled with love and happiness like my own.” Cadence said, as she cupped Twilight's cheeks and kissed her forehead.

Spike watched, as Cadence went to him, and thought to himself, 'Oh, this is it,' Cadence cupped Spike's cheeks and kissed his forehead, 'Not on the lips, but I'll take it!'

‘You’re unbelievable.’ said Bahamut disapprovingly.

Spike and Twilight looked at each other, until they saw their friends approach with Sunset stepping forward with a smile on her face.

“Congratulations, both of you!” Sunset began before hugging the two, “I really wish you both the best of luck in your future.”

“Thanks, Sunset.” Twilight smiled.

“We really appreciate it.” Spike added, as they saw Applejack approaching.

“Well, by golly. If this ain't the biggest news I heard since my brother started dating Sugar Belle,” the honest girl began, her voice shaking, “I'm…just over the moon for the both of ya. Especially for you, Twilight. I really am hoping nothing but the best for you.”

Though Applejack words rang true, Twilight could sense a hurt tone from her.

Rarity approached, mustering a big smile putting on a brave face, “Twilight, Spike, darlings…I am….just deeply happy for the both of you. And as a close friend I would be honored to design for you your wedding gown, Twilight.”

“I'd really appreciate that, Rarity,” Twilight said gratefully, “I’m sure it will be your finest work.”

“And I'm sure Starstreak would be more than willing to assist you in your tuxedo fitting, Spike.” Rarity told the groom-to-be.

“I'm sure he will,” Spike answered and thought, 'And hopefully won't be ticked I decided to marry Twilight before Fleur.'

Starlight spoke up smiling, "This definitely is the highlight of tonight. You really chose the best time to propose, Spike."

"I know." Spike replied.

Pinkie Pie bounced over, but her bounce didn't have as much a spring in it as it would normally have, even Twilight noticed that despite Pinkie's smile, she could see her mane style was looking a tad less poofy than it normally did, which concerned her.

“I'm so…so….excited for the two of you!” cheered Pinkie a little too forcibly, “And as the best party planner, I would be overjoyed to offer my services in the reception.”

Spike looked at Fluttershy and noticed tears in her eyes, “Fluttershy, are you ok?”

“Oh, I'm fine, Spike,” Fluttershy assured, as she wiped the tears out of her eyes, “I'm just so happy for you and Twilight. And I hope you'll have nothing but happiness.”

“Well, thank you.” Spike said gratefully. As Spike looked back at Twilight Fluttershy's smile shifted to a slight sad look.

Suddenly Spike and the rest heard a sonic rainboom explosion, and they looked around the ballroom, seeing no sign of Rainbow Dash anywhere. For Twilight’s part, she felt concerned for her as did the rest of her friends, though they suspected why.

“Where'd Rainbow Dash go?” Spike asked in concern.

Applejack, knowing why Rainbow took off covered for her, “She was probably just so happy for ya'll she had to high tail it out. Ya know how she is when expressing her feelings about this kind of stuff.”

“Yeah, that must be it,” Twilight said, though she looked unsure, “She wouldn't want us to see her all sappy and everything.”

Spike nodded, “And I know this proposal is just the start. Now we got to start wedding preparations and all that.”

Twilight nodded and smiled, “I know, Spike. But we'll worry about that later. Right now. Let's just enjoy the moment.”

Spike smiled at his bride-to-be as the two hugged and kissed making the guests cheer once again, while their friends watched bearing smiles with some of them deep down feeling heartbroken.

Princess Celestia, along with Princess Luna, couldn’t help but feel dread. While they were happy for Spike and Twilight, they knew that their friends were hiding their heartbreak and devastation.

‘Hopefully the bonds of the Elements of Harmony are strong enough to bear this storm.’ Princess Celestia thought as she prayed.

Meanwhile, outside and above the castle, Rainbow Dash was on a cloud, on her knees, crying and sobbing, covering her face as she did. She couldn’t believe what was happening and felt her world crashing around her. The fact her friends were going along with Spike’s proposal to Twilight was tearing her heart to shreds. When she removed her hands from her face, Rainbow looked downwards towards the castle and scowled, her tears never receding.

“WHY?! WHY?! WHY?!” Rainbow screamed.

Author's Note

And this begins the flashback arc surrounding the marriage between Spike and Twilight. Since this is a flashback arc the events of Harem Legion from the beginning have yet to occur. Duke Moon II will be helping me in this arc that should be divided up into 5-6 chapters. And if you're concerned about Rainbow's behavior at the end as well as the others deep down feeling heartbroken don't take it so seriously. After all despite knowing how closer Twilight is to Spike they themselves still wish it could've been either of them Spike could've proposed to.