“Finally you’re dreaming.” I looked at Luna sitting in front of me. I looked around and we were in a black room. A feeling of safety and warmth filled me.

“Hi.” I said with a shy smile.

“Care to finish what we were talking about? Why do you have such dark dreams?” I looked down contemplating an answer. It had been a day and a half since I left Ponyville. I had only really slept once on the train. The rest of the time I was too tired to dream.

“Master said it wouldn’t matter if I talked to you. So I guess it’s alright to talk to you about it, and it’s not like Master could kill you.”

“Master?”

“He’s so kind to me sometimes.”

“Really? What does he do?”

“He loves me so much.” I smiled staring at the ground. My thoughts raced with memories of him. “He doesn’t always make me bleed when we have sex. He loves me so much.” She stared at me shocked. My breathing became heavy as a feeling a confusion and fear came over me. I looked up realizing they weren’t my feelings.

“I’m sorry, I must have misunderstood you. Did you just say,” she glanced down at me with a disheartening expression causing her body to tremble. “He makes you bleed while having sex?” She had an overly strong edge to her voice. As if they in essence, she was scared to her to speak her thoughts aloud.

“Yes, Master enjoys it a lot. Though he says he doesn’t like it when I bleed. He does it so often that I sometimes think he’s lying about.” I giggled, and she stepped back startled or, something...I think. I couldn’t tell quite tell, but it looked like she had stopped breathing and her body along with the room was vibrating. It looked weird to me. I didn’t understand.

Why was she here? I looked around. Where was I? Who was I? My thoughts made no sense anymore. A feeling of love made me remember. Master was who I was. No, that wasn’t right.

“Scootaloo.” I looked at the alicorn in front of me. “Excuse me for a moment.” She disappeared, making me frown. I was Scootaloo? I gasped as my life came back to me and all that I had forgotten. My life... Dash! As well as the pony I was. I looked down remembering it was Luna which had come into my dream. How could I forget her?

A drop of something red hit my snout. I felt it and stared. Blood? I looked around as the black walls had become white. The gifts Master had seared into my flesh started forming, carving into the walls and bleeding profusely.

Panic and fear crippled my muscles greatly. Blood started running down the edges of the wounds. Then as quickly and to the best I could, I lifted up my hooves up. Trying to stay above the red tide, but it was completely pointless. The water splashed and sucked me down with a mad veracity. The walls started to constrict around me filling the room that much faster. Causing me to spit and sputter out blood. Ropes bound my legs, stopping my struggling, and I fell to the ground panicking as the blood started to go higher and higher choking me.

In mere seconds the blood started to fill my lungs with a burning iron taste. It made suffocate somewhat till I realized I could breathe just fine. In fact, the smell reminded me of how Master expressed his love. Master always smelled so good to me. I blinked and everything changed.

I was-I was now sitting in the light green room without the blood. The smell of Master was gone along with his feelings. Panic came over me. I got up and looking around. Master wasn’t here, I was alone!

“MASTER!” I shouted, looking around panicking. No I can’t be alone, Master wouldn’t leave me! A whispered filled me.

“I’m here Scootaloo.” I turned, looking around and froze seeing Master, but it wasn’t quite Master. He was made of smoke, and his form shifted like shadow. Relief filled me. I wasn’t alone. Master wasn’t going to leave me. I ran and hugged Shadow Master. He chuckled lightly, petting me. I grinned as his essence filled me, making me whole again. Then I understood without Master I wasn’t truly me.

“Master.”

“You’ve been bad Scootaloo.” I looked down.

“Yes Master.”

“You told her, didn’t you?” Tears went down my face. “Oh Scootaloo, and here I thought you had learned so much, but now I must teach you not to talk. He slapped me, sending me rolling across the room. My legs shook lightly as I got up shaking. “You’ve betrayed me, and now I’m going to have to cut out your tongue to teach you.”

“Yes Master, I love you.” He smiled seeing at the tears going down my face.

“Don’t worry, I'll only make you eat the tongue.” He appeared in front of me knife in hoof. He pushed it into my mouth and I closed my eyes as he started to cut. I gasped, inhaling blood, as he cut out my tongue smiling. He pulled it out tearing half of it as he did do.

“Gggdgg.” I said, gurgling on blood.

“Oh my, I just realized. If you don’t have a tongue then you won’t need teeth either, will you?” He punched my jaw causing it to crack painfully and send a few teeth out of my mouth bouncing across the ground. I whimpered in pain as he punched me again and again splattering blood around me.

“Vanish!” a loud booming voice shouted, echoing with power and radiance. I paused as everything went white making Master disappear. My body gave out making me fall to the floor with a smack of my jaw blood sprayed out of my mouth. My broken jaw hung loosely as I continued to bleeding out of my mouth.

I searched for what had made the feeling and stopped when I found it. I looked at Princess Celestia and Luna standing there as if nothing weighed them down; as if they were there to fill the emptiness not having Master created. I tried to speak, but that only made blood drool from my mouth, forming a puddle on the floor. Princess Celestia spread her wings sending a wave of white energy throughout the room. I gasped as everything that felt wrong went away, allowing me to get up and look at myself. I was no longer hurt.

“Do you understand why I asked you here Sister?” Luna asked. Princess Celestia yawned tired having been woken up in the middle of the night.

“Yes, very much so, Luna. Scootaloo come to me.” Half of me went to her—just my body. I went over to her and she hugged me. A feeling of warmth and peace came over me, cooling my mind. “I’m glad you awoke me sister, this little pony needs help so badly. I can feel it. Now tell me, why do you dream of being beaten?”

“I was bad, and I told some pony. Master doesn’t want me to talk about it though. He’ll be mad if I speak about it, he said... he said...” I pushed Princess Celestia away from me. “Where am I? I’m going to be late, Master will get mad.” I started to panic and the room started shifting around me in unfamiliar ways.

“This is a dream,” Luna said and I looked at her.

“A dream? But I’m not allowed to lay down. I’m in trouble! He’s going to put me back into the box for this, I’m going to drown.” I looked around and the walls started to close in on me, and water started to fill the room. “I’ve been good! I’ve been good!” I cried out, tears flowing down my cheeks. The walls started to constrict, choking me and making me cry. “Please, Master. No more! Kill me already!” I cried out.

“ENOUGH!” A faint voice shouted slowing the walls for only a moment, but then they moved faster. “Wake up!” Luna shouted. I snapped awake and sat up and breathing hard. I looked at Master asleep next to me, and Balai on my other side. I was sweating, but thankfully I hadn’t wet myself, a victory as far as I was concerned. I sat up coughing and felt my face. My body was burning up and my face still wet with tears. I needed to cool off.

Carefully, I got out of bed and went over to the bathroom. My burning body made walking hard as I weaved and stuttered with my hooves attempting to gain my balance. I reached the shower and started it. The cool running water cascading over my head felt heavenly. I stretched my wings up, washing them.

Finally I was able to let out a breath and relax. I looked up through a window. It was still night, and I was still tired. I looked at the ground thinking about my dream. I wasn’t sure if I was more afraid to be awake or asleep at this point. I laid against the shower wall letting the water fall onto me. I closed my eyes.

“Scootaloo.” Shock snapped me up. I looked at Balai who stood by the bathroom door with a concerned look. My eyes quaked as they peered out the window. It was morning? I had really only blinked, but I guess. Though it did kind of feel like I had slept.

“Yes?” I asked, looking back at her.

“Jerard will be back in an hour. He said he had to go meet some ponies, and that you should rest.”

“That’s fine. thank you for telling me.” I shakily got out of the shower, nearly slipping and causing her to catch me with her magic. My body shook as I had a coughing fit. She came over to me quickly balancing me.

Balai floated towels around my body and dried me off me off easily. Her smile repelled the bone chilling feeling creeping through my body just a tiny bit. She lifted me up and put away the towels, setting me onto her back to carry me to the freshly undone sheets on the bed to allow me to get comfortable faster. She lifted me up and set me upon the bed. My body easily softened and fit to the blob of sheets allowing me to snuggle into a large wad of cool, soft fabric. The fluffy feeling was nice as it caressed my coat comforting me.

“Is there anything you need?” Balai asked and I glanced at her.

“Have you taken a bath today?”

“Yes. I would have woken you sooner, but Jerard had me leave you.”

“Come here.” She joined me on the bed, holding me close to her. She was so soft, and so comfortable. I loved this feeling. A knock on the door made us look up.

“Excuse me,” Al said opening the door. “Rarity has arrived. Would you like if I sent her in?”

“Yes please, but get me my clothes first.” Al nodded and I laid down my head on a pillow. Al came back rather swiftly with my clothes. Balai helped me get dressed and I laid back down. Al let Rarity into the room and she rushed over to the bed. She paused when she noticed Balai. She then turned and looked at Al by the door.

“May we have a moment alone?” she asked with an edge to her voice.

“Both of you wait outside, and close the listening hole please.” Al reached over and closed a hole. Balai gave me a worried look before looking at Rarity. Balai had a fire in her eyes as she sneered at Rarity.

“She’s sick, so don’t do anything rough. She doesn’t need it,” Balai snapped, and then looked Rarity up and down.

“You don’t need to tell me that,” Rarity countered.

“Balai, please leave.” She got off the bed and left the room, closing the door. I looked at Rarity as she stared after Balai for a moment. I smiled and she turned, getting on to the bed and hugging me.

“How are you?” She felt my head. “You’re warm.”

“I have a fever. It’s nothing to worry about.”

“Oh I almost forgot.” She used magic causing the the room go white for a moment. “Now we may speak freely.” I nodded. “Tell me everything, and then we can talk.” I told her everything and she hugged me so close to her. If it wasn’t for the fact it felt nice, she would have choked me. Tears fell on to my head. “I’m so sorry.” She sighed, voice shaking.

“It’s fine, Master loves me and will take care of me.”

“Well, I have great news for you.” She went to my ear and whispered as if her spell wouldn’t work. “We haven’t give up.” I looked at her, she smiled widely. “Don’t lose hope, I know that being in Canterlot seems like all hope is gone. And I know what I said, but don’t worry. I'll save you my little pony. I promise you, just a while longer. Just six more days after today and we’ll be able to save you.” She shook and I nodded.

“How is everyone? I know I left without saying anything.”

“Once your parents came back, they explained everything. Twilight was furious that she couldn’t say goodbye.” She whispered again. “And that she learned from them what was really going on with you.” I looked at her surprised. “Everypony knows now that the letters are out. It helped me so much. Now that my plans have gone without any pony knowing, we’re that much closer,” he whispered. Rarity kissed my heart shaped earring softly and the V-shaped nick. “Actually I think Dash was the most surprised, she cried for almost three hours.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t you be sorry,” she said sternly and I looked at her. “You have nothing to be sorry about. This isn’t your fault, you couldn’t have done anything.” She kissed my head and shook with rage. “We’re all missing you so much. Sweetie just isn’t the same.” I smiled and nodded as she hugged me tight. “Anyway I have a job to do.” She lifted up a suitcase from the ground and pulled out stacks of clothes setting them into bags on the bed. “Thankfully I finished most of your clothes a bit early with Spike’s help.” I smiled.

“Thank you so much.” She rubbed my back as tears went down both of our faces. She bit her lip.

“I-I'll come back later to talk to you, once I finish of course. This manor needs a lot of work and if I don’t do my job, it’ll be bad.” She got up off the bed. I reached out not wanting her to leave me. I started to panic and she left without another word or glance at me. Balai came inside after a moment. She looked behind her and I smiled wiping tears away.

“Is everything alright?” I nodded getting up and Balai frowned as she came over to me quickly.

“When will Master be back?”

“Within the hour.”

“I need to get ready for him.”

“You need to rest.” She pushed me down and I looked at her. “He’ll understand if your resting. Al, get Sethi please.” Balai called toward the door. He nodded leaving. She kissed my head and got onto the bed with me.

I felt a lot better than I did last night, the shower probably did wonders for me. Balai comforted me as we lay together. After a while Sethi came into the room and came over to to the bed, setting her bag on the bed next to me. She did the basic doctor things and smiled at my temperature.

“Well you’re breaking your fever very fast, but you need to sleep more.” She turned toward the door. “Al will you please get me some orange juice for her to drink.” He nodded and left. Sethi eyed me for a moment before she grabbed me, hugging me tightly. Surprise went through me, but I relaxed and took in a breath. She smelled like apples, with an after scent of blueberry.

“My fever is breaking right?” I asked a bit confused at her long embrace.

“Yes, but not for a while longer.” She pulled back and let me go. “You better not tell him about this, he won’t hurt you if you’re sick.”

“Master will get mad if I lie to him.”

“Why would you tell him?”

“You don’t understand, you’re just a pony that works for him.”

“And what does that make—”

“You’re right, she does only work for me.” Master said interrupting Sethi with a command in his voice. They looked at Master as he walked into the room. “Sethi you are dismissed. Leave now.” He growled and she left, almost running. He went over to the bed and leaned forward kissing me. I smiled as he joined me on the bed and hugging me. “Balai you can leave as well. I want Scootaloo to rest.” Balai shuddered from the look he gave her as he let go of me.

“Yes sir.” She got off the bed and left. I turned over onto my back. He smiled, kissing my belly, and then licking my chest.

“You taste sweet.”

“Thanks, but I’ve been sweating.”

“I don’t care if you would be covered in piss. Nothing would stop me from enjoying my little candy.” His soft lips tickled my belly and I giggled making him smile. “Besides, you smell clean and are warmer than normal. So I don’t mind.” Then a disheartening memory washed through my mind.

“Princess Celestia went into my dream last night.” He froze sitting up. “Luna was there to. I told them you love me. I don’t know why I did. I didn’t want to tell them. I’m so sorry for telling them.” I squeaked on the edge of tears, lip trembling. He held a frown, but was trying not to laugh. “Don’t make fun of my squeaking.” I said shaking.

“But it’s so cute.” He laughed and kissed me, regaining his composure after a minute. Clearing his throat he frowned. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t stop myself. Please don’t cut out my tongue again.” He gave me an odd look for a moment. “I keep drowning in blood in my dream. Master why do I have dreams like that?” He pulled me closer to him.

“Because I love you.” He kissed me and I nuzzled him making him pull me closer to his large chest. His scent swirled inside my lungs making me tired. “However, I didn’t tell you that you could tell Princess Celestia about me.”

“I know Master, I’m sorry if I’ve upset you.” He smiled.

“I’m not upset. I’m thrilled that now I have reason to have fun. I’m going to have so much fun tonight that you’re going to go to the brink of death.”

I nodded. “My fevers gone down enough.” He frowned.

“Oh you think so?”

I smiled and nodded. “Just please be gentle at first. I want to be able to scream for you as long as possible.” He grumbled, rubbing my side. I turned away from him and coughed. He frowned and got up quickly, surprising me.

“Actually I’ve changed my mind. Rest, I'll be back shortly.” He left the room with a slight hurry.

The room felt empty without Master, I guess the only thing I could really do was rest while he was gone. I laid my head onto the pillow closing my eyes. It didn’t take me more than a minute to fall asleep.

A slight pressure woke me up. I yawned and looked up at Al pressing on my side lightly to wake me. Al motioned to a tray of fresh soup and orange juice in front of me. His hoof moved allowing me sit up to eat. He started feeding me soup and felt my head after a minute. I no longer felt warm, which meant I was better. Not that I felt that much better, but still.

“You look healthier,” Al said.

I smiled as his magic put a spoon to my lips. I drank the soup slowly, letting the warmth fill me. “Thank you, though I don’t feel that much better. Is Rarity still here?”

“Yes. Lunch will be shortly, but Master instructed you to rest and I think you should take him up on that the best you can.” I chuckled.

“Of course I'll be resting, but only while I’m with Rarity.” I sat up and shivered now cold. “Will you get Balai for me.” He nodded leaving the tray of soup and cup of orange juice. I pulled it closer as he left the room.

I finished eating and paused as an annoying thought hit me: Al had been feeding me like a foal this whole time. The nerve! I wasn’t a foal anymore! Then again. I looked down. Foals weren’t always in pain. I covered my face. Was I so stupid that I envied foals? What in Tartarus is wrong with me? A short while passed before Balai and Al came into the room. I smiled, moving the blankets.

“He told you to rest today,” Balai said coming over to me. “So you’re going to stay in—” I grabbed her face, surprising her. I had boosted my reach with a single flap of my wings. I then pulled her face close to mine.

“Say that again please.” I growled and she swallowed clearly frightened. “Good, now put me on your back and carry me. I’m not feeling well enough to walk.” I let go of her. She lifted me with her magic and set me onto her back. She sighed as she started walking. I whispered into her ear. “Thank you, by the way. I don’t know if I could walk very far right now.” She paused and frowned.

“That’s what I’m here for.” She shook and helded in tears. Balai smiled and I hugged her tightly smiling as well. “And you’re very welcome.” She went to the entrance room and Rarity’s voice filled the air.

“Yes, put the blue one over there.” My eyes went wide seeing the main entrance, it was rather stunning now. It was all white with a red carpet. It had curtains all over the walls in a battle of colors making the room shine to the eye. The colors reflected as if off crystals dancing across the room. The ceiling was lit up in a range of bright colors. It was simply breath taking.

“Whoa.” I said in awe and she looked at me smiling, but it dampened seeing me on top of Balai.

“Scootaloo.” Rarity said cheerfully. She came over to us and hugged me for a second before lifting me off Balai’s back and onto hers. I hugged Rarity. “How are you feeling? You feel better.”

“I’m feeling much better now.” She smiled.

“That’s good.” She cleared her throat. “You can—”

“Scoots!” A voice I knew better than my soul echoed through the room. We both turned our heads and my eyes went wide seeing Dash land next to Rarity and hugging us both. Shock went through Rarity as well as other emotions.

“What are you doing here?!” Both Rarity and I asked at the same time with shock in our voices, however only I had panic in my voice. Both of them looked at me with a questioning glance.

“Well Rarity brought me along to help with whatever she needs help with. Also I couldn’t exactly miss the chance to see my biggest fan after you left, without saying goodbye.” Rarity paused for a moment. “Isn’t that right Rarity?”

“Oh right. I need Dash to help me entertain my employer so she’s not to interfere with my work. Yeah that works.” She and Dash grinned as Dash took me off of Rarity’s back putting me onto hers making me groan.

“What am I? A hot potato?” I asked and they chuckled.

“How about you show me around squirt.”

“Oh?” We all turned to Master as he walked into the room. “I didn’t know you were bringing—” Master shot a venomous glance at Dash, “help.” Rarity moved in a swift second blocking Dash from moving forward, or was that to protect me? I wasn’t sure, but then I saw the flame of war burn in both of their eyes for a moment. Rarity’s posture stiffened considerably.

“Ah yes, Rainbow Dash wanted to help me for free,” Rarity said smiling with the best fake smile I had ever seen. “She wanted to see Scootaloo mostly, but since you had told me to make it to the liking of Scootaloo. I thought of no pony better than her idol.”

“I see.” Master said coming over to Dash and Dash’s joints locked. This was really the first time Dash was so close to him. “Well Ms. Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and I would love to show you around.”

“No.” Dash said interrupting him.

“Excuse me?” He asked a bit unnerved.

“Listen as much as I want to be around you. I really don’t. I heard what you did, I don’t want to be around a royal like you.” He eyed her as my blood ran cold. I didn’t know how contained Dash was, but this was over the edge! If he found out I had told her. I didn’t know what he’d do. I also wasn’t sure who got the letters, and just a day later didn’t mean that it was public knowledge.

“Is that so?” He asked. Rarity and I tensed as Master frowned.

“Yeah, I mean really who turns down Rarity.” We all lost our balance by her answer, it was anything but expected.

“Excuse me?” He asked confused.

“I heard you turned down Rarity outright. So sorry but I don’t hang out with queers, and if you don’t like that I'll just take Scootaloo and hang out elsewhere.” His jaw fell with Rarity’s and mine. It was honestly shocking to hear her say that. “Anyway Scoots, where do you want to go first?”

“I-I.” I didn’t know what to say.

“Oh come on, are you screwing with me?” Master asked and we looked at him.

“What?” Rarity asked.

“You know, I was planning on messing around until you came clean, but seriously, are you just trying to piss me off?”

“Jerard I love you.” I said quickly and he rolled his eyes.

“I know they know, they got the letter like everyone else.” I paused. “It’s practically public knowledge. You can stop playing around. I’m not going to kill them for finding out. If I had to kill everypony that now knows, I’d be at it for months.”

“Yeah I did get the letter,” Dash said showing disdain.

“I did as well, in fact Twilight and the others did as well.” Rarity said.

“And?” he asked, his smirk making Dash and Rarity frown.

“There’s nothing we can very well do to stop you,” Dash said gritting her teeth and making him smile.

“Wonderful isn’t it?” He picked me up with his magic and Dash didn’t move as I was set onto his back. “Now I can openly flaunt my activities and no pony can do anything about it. I’m so glad Balai sent out those letters.” Balai went pale standing off to the side.

“Wait what?” I asked and he grinned.

“Come now, Scootaloo, you don’t honestly think I would so easily allow those letters to be sent out without me knowing, did you?” I looked away somewhat. That seemed like a bull faced lie.“I can honestly say I didn’t care if others found out.”

“And for you to not worry is a foolish move.” A voice growled making the light seem to dim for an instant in time. Everyone in the room froze solid from Princess Celestia’s voice. We all turned to see Princess Celestia and Luna. Several royal guards swiftly filled the room by the walls as they walked through the front doors.

“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Master said bowing with everyone in the room, Dash grinned, but it was clear the piss was nearly scared out of Rarity.

“Hello Jerard,” Princess Celestia said and Master stood up straight smiling.

“Yes!” Dash shouted. “We—” Princess Celestia held up her hoof stopping Dash.

“Rainbow Dash, I do not know why you are here, but you should leave now— and that was not a question.” Dash went pale for only a moment as she grit her teeth.

“Excuse me!?” Dash shouted and Rarity’s face fell as Princess Celestia frowned. “He has been torturing Scootaloo! You—” Celestia spread her wings making everyone tremble from her fearsome might causing everyone but Master to step back.

“Leave now!” She order and Dash growled.

“Do not make this become a—”

“RAINBOW DASH!” Rarity screamed so loud that everyone folded their ears. “You are to leave this instant!” she ordered, going in front of Dash. “If you speak another word, so help me. I don’t know what I’m going to do, but it won’t be pleasant!”

“Rarity, you—”

“Shut up!” She screamed and Dash stepped back. “You-you almost said something that could cause you to be put to death! Do you have any idea what would happen if you the element of loyalty were to be put to death!?” She growled and Dash paled. “Who knows how long it would take before Equestria would be able to find another element, and if you really want to protect Scootaloo, you will leave right now, without another word!” Fear went through me. I had never seen Rarity like that, she was shaking scared.

“I.” Tears went down Dash’s face. “But.”

“Dash please leave!” I shouted, trembling, as they looked at me.

“Fine!” She shouted stomping her hoof and struggling not to burst into tears. “I'll leave.” Dash took off flying past Princess Celestia nearly clipping her face with a wing. She frowned, watching Dash fly off, then sighed in annoyance.

“Thank you Rarity.” Master said grinning and Rarity just smiled. She was on the edge of tears and panicking, but she hid it so well. If only I could act like that.

“Of course, Rainbow Dash is a bit of a hard case, but she is without a doubt the fastest and strongest thing in the skies. Of course I mean no offense Princess Celestia,” Rarity said. Princess Celestia couldn’t frown anymore than she was, it wasn’t possible.

“Rarity do not be so proud as to blind yourself.” Princess Celestia said stepping forward and Rarity shrank back slightly.

“I meant no disrespect Princess, but facts are facts.” She said smiling.

“Flash Sentry.” Princess Celestia ordered and a pegasus guard walked forward in golden armor. He had a tan coat, and blue hair.

“Yes Princess?” Flash asked.

“Please go and retrieve the elements of harmony swiftly, and then lock them inside the vault. If any refuse to give them, then arrest them.”

“Ah, but Princess Twilight.”

“Will do as I say. I will not allow for the elements to be used to circumnavigate my rule for any reason. Rarity where is yours?” Rarity frowned.

“With Twilight of course,” Rarity responded grinning. “And Princess, we would never do something like that to you. You are the ruler of Equestria, you would not need to worry about us fighting you over one silly little filly.”

“I have no time for this bickering. Jerard I need to speak with you and Scootaloo in private. Where can we do this?”

“Follow me please.”

“You all stay here and assist Rarity, but stay with her please.” Princess Celestia said and Rarity just smiled. Princess Celestia and Luna followed Master as we went to his study. He went behind his desk sitting down.

“I am sorry Princess Celestia, I was not expecting you, so sadly I have nowhere for you to sit down.” They sat down in front of the desk.

“You should have been expecting us the second the letter reached us!” Luna snapped madly, making him frown.

“Well excuse me Princess,” Master growled leaning forward. “But I’d much rather you tone down your voice rather than force me to ask you to leave.” Princess Celestia held up her hoof and frowned making Luna look away gritting her teeth.

“We are not here for a fight.” Princess Celestia said, though clearly not happy.

“Then are you here to insult me or are you here to start a war?” Master asked moving a few things around on his desk.

“You speak of war too easily.”

“I speak of war as if seven nations which I’m related to would be willing to go to war with Equestria and conquer it. Do not forget I am a prince for a reason.” He slammed his hoof onto his desk making it shake. “If I die, war will be your answer. You know very well how much I support Equestria’s military, you know what would happen to your economy and several other nations if I were to die or disappear.”

“I know that very well thank you. You’ve never been one to hold things over my head like that before. I always assumed you didn’t do that just to allow you to do this.” Princess Celestia said calmly, but her voice had a sour to it. He looked away.

“I never planned to, but some things are worth more than the world.” He expression faded and became sad.

“I came here on another note,” Princess Celestia said looking at me. “Scootaloo.”

“She is to marry me.” Master said and frowned.

“She’s a filly.”

“And I have permission from her parents, as well as diplomatic immunity. Since my property is sovereign territory, she is not leaving for any reason. Also, it wouldn’t matter if she did leave. She will not be taken or touched for any reason. You know very well what would happen if you did.”

“She is a citizen of Equestria, you have no right to her.”

“I have every right, by international treaty which you so kindly signed, diplomats are allowed to marry any age so long as consent is given. Scootaloo has given me consent to marry her, as well as her parents.”

“Is this true?” Luna asked inching forward.

“I.” I paused looking down.

“Scootaloo, you gave me consent correct?” Master asked and looked at me smiling faintly, fear passed through me.

Whether or not I said no, everyone I cared for could be faced with his wrath. Even if it wasn’t his doing, he had the money to afford it. Next to that, he would find me one way or another. I smelled him softly making me smile. He had such a wonderful scent. I mean really who could let something like him go?

“Yes, I want to marry Master. He has my consent.” Princess Celestia and Luna stared at me not believing the words I was speaking.

“She’s being coerced!” Luna shouted.

“Stop!” Princess Celestia said giving Luna a look.

“But.” Luna begged.

“She has made her decision, though I hope you know Scootaloo, that your parents, friends or family would be perfectly safe. I would ensure that in no way, shape, or form that they would come to harm.”

“Well Scootaloo?” Jerard asked smiling.

“I love Master, Princess Celestia. Master already promised me that he wouldn’t hurt my friends or family. I say yes because I love him. I’m his mare to do with as he pleases. He’s my Master and I’d die for him.”

“Sister! She’s clearly not of sound mind! We have to save her!” Luna shouted and Princess Celestia sighed.

“Wait outside.” Luna tensed and got up walking out of the room. “I am sorry for my sister’s outburst. It will not happen again, I can assure you.”

“As you can see Scootaloo fully understands that it is her choice to marry me.”

“That she can change her answer at any time.” Princess Celestia said leaning forward slightly over the desk. “Just say the word and I'll take you out of here.”

“I’d never let Master leave me, he’s just as much mine as I am his.”

“You understand that if you were to say yes to me. That I could take you right here and right now and he would never come near you again!” I chuckled lightly.

“Master, may I speak frankly?” He frowned a bit.

“Go ahead.” He said and I sighed.

“Princess Celestia you can’t protect me or my family, or even my friends. You can’t kill Master from what I can understand or it’d mean war. I know I’m not intelligent or anything like that, so I probably don’t see everything. However you don’t see everything either, you clearly don’t see the pony that’s on the ceiling above you.” She looked up and Kila dropped down next to her. “Master has wealth, even if he were not in this country. I couldn’t hide, I couldn’t run, and my friends would die.” My body trembled.

“I can help you.”

“You honestly think I could get away?” Tears started going down my face. “You honestly want that bit of hope to kill me?” My voice squeaked and she frowned. “Please, I’m begging you, don’t make promises you can’t keep. Master is my Master, I love him and he has my consent, he always did.” She looked down.

“Then, there is nothing left to say.” Her voice was sad. She looked at me as a tear went down her face and I buried my face into Master’s mane. “I am sorry Prince Jerard for interrupting you at your home and coming without warning. I will ensure that you are not bothered by any other ponies if you are to go out in the open. I just ask that you be polite when showing your love for Scootaloo in front of others while in public.” Her body trembled as she got up.

“It’s perfectly understandable Princess Celestia. I would have done the same if I was in your position. Of course I'll be discrete when I’m in public with my fiancé.” Princess Celestia looked away for a moment, then turned walking out of the room.

Kila disappeared and the door closed. Master let out a heavy breath, then looked at a few papers before looking at me on his back. I kissed his mane hiding. A brush flew into the air and he started brushing me as he pulled out some paperwork from his desk. He started working not paying any more attention to me.

“Master did I say something bad?” He stopped writing and looked at me.

“With Princess Celestia, no you said what you needed to and even more. I doubt she’ll try anything now. I’m not going to punish you for any of the things you did. So you can do anything you like today. I’m going to be extremely busy actually.”

“Really?”

“Yes, actually I should explain a bit to you so you understand. You see I own a lot of land, whether in Canterlot, Equestria or the world. That takes a lot of work to maintain. I also have other things I have to do. Such as helping to make sure the public school system is functioning well and public projects go according to plan. Things like that, for a while now I’ve been slacking off and playing around with you.”

“I’m sorry.”

“That is entirely your fault, but that’s a good thing. I’m glad that I spent the time with you and now I’m relaxed.”

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

“No, I’m fine, just I need to concentrate.”

“Yes Master.” I snuggled him and he smiled as he kept working.

Author's Note

And a great shout out to Kaidan for editing!