Diplomatic Relations

Dear Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,
Head of State, Crystal Empire,

Your immediate presence is requested in Canterlot for the following proceedings: (1) to officially recognize the kingdom of the Crystal Empire as a state of Equestria and (2) the induction of its leader as an ally. As Princess and chief ranking officer of your nation, we hope to encourage a showing of good faith for the benefit of our states as well as the other provinces of Equestria. In this, trust, as always, should be the common bond that can help our friendship last in the decades to come.

We appreciate your attendance and anticipate your visit,

Princess Celestia

Princess Luna

She can’t be serious…

Cadance crumpled the letter. Royal parchment shearing, ink smearing until the characters became illegible: a deluded sense of rebellion. Satisfaction from such action could never outweigh the duties now constantly being piled upon her. Worse, each time she read it, the date kept getting closer. A constant reminder the responsibilities of a ‘Princess’ would inevitably be forced upon her, if they hadn’t already.

Just a few more days, that’s all I ask, she pleaded with no-one.

Fluffing the silk sheets of the bed, she draped their soft embrace back over her, a futile attempt to hide from day and duty. A train whistle punctuated the otherwise quiet morning, compelling Cadance to stay awake. Her own train-ride to the Capitol only hours away, any hope for a respite must have fallen on deaf ears.

“How’s my crystal heart princess doing today?”

Cadance registered the voice, but chose to ignore it. There was too much to worry about. Talking to diplomats, royal ceremonies, being paraded around with the expectation everything would go off without a hitch...

“Hello?”

And it had only been a few days since the ‘King Sombra incident.’ Citizens of the Crystal Empire were still trying to put the pieces back together. Before that, a wedding: secretly turned invasion thanks to a power-hungry, shape-shifting, changeling queen. Where was the honeymoon? Enjoying the lap of luxury? Couldn’t royalty afford a break once in a while?

“What’s the matter, babe?” Shining Armor interrupted Cadance’s train of thought with a hoof wave. Not receiving a response after his first few attempts to engage her. He climbed onto the bed and proceeded to nuzzle the back of his wife’s mane, hot breath rustling the delicate hairs on the nape of her neck. “C’mon you’ll feel a lot better if you tell me.”

That’s more like it, the alicorn thought, reveling in his attentiveness. How a princess should be treated.

“This,” Cadance sighed, floating the balled letter over to him. One look at the royal seal and Shining knew what to expect, but he read it anyway.

“So they’re shipping you off again, huh?” he said cracking a smile, “Guess it was about time.”

“It’s not funny Shining. It’s been what? Two days? I know I’m responsible for certain duties, and this certainly qualifies, but we just arrived here.”

“Hey, look on the bright side– at least you get to go home for a little while…”

“This is home now, silly,” Cadance reprimanded, “And right now there’s nothing I’d rather do than spend one week, with my husband. Alone. No changeling invasion, no return of some thousand-year-old dictator, no duties or obligations- well, except to each other…”

Cadance took the opportunity to turn over, laying herself out on display. Chest arched out, she slid her hooves painstakingly down her slender frame until they came to a rest above her privates, shelved atop two supple, jiggling mounds of flesh.

Shining Armor took the invitation, sliding into position overtop her. His strong frame nudging her as it passed, she marveled at it. Protective fore legs like iron bars boxing her in, a subtle musk coming off his coat, dissipating her preoccupations: an alcove to make her feel safe. She wished they could stay like that. It was the first time the Crystal Empire felt like home. Cadance pawed across her mate’s broad chest, matting his fur and trying to egg-on the so desired promiscuous behavior.

“Wherever you are is home.”

Cadance felt her throat tighten at his words. Tears pooled, on the verge of spilling over, the emotional distress built up over the past few days finally coming to a head.

“Oh stop it, you’re terrible,” Cadance shot back, playfully hitting Shining with a pillow. He tumbled to the sheets beside her. She used the opportunity to climb atop him this time, “And that’s why I love you. Luckily, I didn’t just marry you for that sharp wit of yours...”

Leaning over she pushed into him, spreading lips apart as tongue followed saliva into her lover’s waiting maw. She felt something stiffen against her belly as they continued to relieve stress. Breaking away from the kiss, the Crystal Heart Princess prepared to enjoy something that had been a long time coming. Her marehood slicked in agreement, pooling juices out onto the downy comforter, as she slid down her mate. Mouth inching closer… closer… eager to swallow the stallion’s surging pride. Its smell alone intoxicating.

“Princess!”

A shout came at the door. Words not accompanied by a spouse, the lovers separated. Cadance dove under the sheets, red with embarrassment. Surely the Crystal Heart ponies knew what went on in the bedroom. The Empire had only been missing for a thousand years. Ponies had natural urges after all. Still, she didn’t want to get caught ‘in the act.’ She’d definitely have to look into getting better locks so her more intimate affairs could remain private. Gulping, the princess’s worries returned: what if it had been Celestia or Luna? Thank goodness the two lovers no longer had to share a suite at Canterlot castle like they did for the wedding.

Cadance pushed her husband off the bed to go and take care of the issue. Shoo the guard away or whatever, as long as there were no more disruptions. He was already trying, and failing, to cover his shame.

“What? What is it? Is something wrong?” Shining tried desperately to compose himself long enough to address the waiting soldier, who didn’t seem to mind interrupting the couple.

Apparently remembering some formalities, the guard corrected his slack-jawed appearance and offered a hasty apology. “I’m terribly sorry to have disturbed you, but I was ordered to tell you right away if we found any more of those black crystals.”

“So I take it you have?” Shining concluded.

“Yes your grace. There are still a few shards scattered across the east side.”

Shining illuminated a comb, running it once through his hair to regain some semblance of regal bearing. Leaving the side of the bed, he joined the soldier at the door, much to Cadance’s disappointment. How apt, another interruption, leaving her hindquarters flush with expectation. Emergencies were becoming something of a habit lately.

“Don’t worry,” Shining reassured his bride, “You just get ready for your trip. I can take care of this.”

Always playing the hero, he put on a brave face any chance he could get. But then again he wouldn’t be her knight in shining armor if he wasn’t always galloping off to save somepony. Most of the time her. Maybe another reason she married him.

“Oh, you know those ponies can handle it,” Cadance complained, trying one last time to coax him back to bed. “I think we’ve earned fifteen minutes to ourselves.” She was very needy. He couldn’t leave now. He just couldn’t. She had already promised her winking sex a hot, thick…

“Apparently not,” Shining said giving his mare a kiss, one more appropriate for present company. “And besides, being royalty is a twenty-four seven job. Can’t just ignore our responsibilities.” Levitated by magic, Shining returned the discarded letter to Cadance’s hooves. He always knew how to make a point.

“Alright Shining, if you’re going to go, go. No lectures. You’ve ruined the mood enough as it is- teasing a Princess like that…” Cadance reprimanded, sliding away from the mattress. She wiggled her hindquarters seductively and flicked her tail out of the way to let him know what he was missing. “I fully expect you to make up for this when I get back.”

A train ride? How silly it must have looked: the Princess of the Crystal Empire standing in line at the train station, waiting for a ticket.

Isn’t there princess exclusive transportation? Like flying carriages or something? She silently reminded herself these were exactly the types of things she shouldn’t be doing anymore, but she couldn’t help it. Even though Cadence was used to being royalty, it never really registered that she was now in charge of her own nation. Days before when she strolled along the avenues of the crystalline capitol, ponies simply acknowledged her as an equal. Well, technically they barely even did that, stuck in the doldrums of not having the Crystal Heart around. But still, everypony’s reaction had been on a similar metric of excitement. Fast forward to today and ponies prostrated themselves before her, cries of ‘princess’ being offered up as she passed. It was a jarring difference. She still wanted to be treated like everypony else, creating the illusion that her subjects’ actions stemmed from a misguided sense of formality. Once they got to know her, they would eventually get used to the idea she was normal. For an alicon anyway. In truth, maybe the ‘like eveypony else’ approach wouldn’t work, but she could still be a benevolent leader, somepony who was accessible, and most of all, open to change.

The window beside her seat offered a reprieve from her troubles. Watching the snow drifts of the outer-lands melt into rolling green hills and meadows of flowers. Eventually, the rising spires of Canterlot coming into view as the ground started to incline. At least the day was cooperating. So far not a cloud in the sky, the best day in weeks. A quick prayer was offered up for the weather ponies to keep it that way. Two days. That was all she had to put up with. Then it was back to Shining, a well-deserved rest, and maybe even a hot bath.

Shining… she really, really needed to scratch that ‘itch.’ Of course being pressed for time did not afford her that luxury. Once or twice she caught herself pawing her posterior. Nothing indiscreet, but definitely not how a lady should conduct herself in public. The simple action of brushing around the puffy paunch enough to temporarily satisfy the heat. Repositioning her tail, she knew it was best to forget. The last thing she needed was to be caught openly masturbating. Celestia would have a fit. Reporters- a field day

Pulling into the train station in Canterlot, Cadance saw a multitude ponies gathered on the platform. News of royalty visiting must have preceded her arrival.

Oh Tartarus, she hoped this wasn’t going to be some big spectacle. Though, it looked like it might be already too late for that wish. Might as well get used to it. I hope this wasn’t my aunts’ idea…

The Canterlot ponies cheered as the Princess from the Crystal Empire stepped off the train and boarded the platform. Cadance smiled and waved back politely. A positive attitude was the first step to making a good impression. Looking around, it was rather heartening to note such a large turnout. As if the ponies in Canterlot sympathized with the plight of their Crystal brethren: the ponies here having experienced their own turmoil at the hooves of the changeling invasion week or so earlier. It also crossed her mind the size of the gathering might have more to do with her relation to their sovereigns than it did with the interests she represented.

“Identify yourself,” a commanding voice boomed from out of the crowd.

“What?” Cadance said, taken aback by the sudden demand. Not normally the way a princess was greeted. At least, it never happened to her before.

“Please acknowledge thou art in fact the pony Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,” the voice clarified.

“Umm, yes,” Cadance confirmed, unsure why this was necessary, “I am…”

“No, use the password.”

“Password?”

“The one which involves clapping of thine hooves and the wiggling of thy posterior. Otherwise, how can one know if thou art a changeling?”

“Ugh, fine,” Cadance groaned, having figured out what this was all about, but deciding to go along with it anyway. “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake.” At the last words of the lyric, ass waving embarrassingly in the air, Cadance felt a pair of hooves wrap around her body and pull forward. Entrapping her in a tight hug.

“CADEY!” It could only be one pony.

“Lulu,” Cadance responded, trying to match her aunt’s enthusiasm, but failing to muster even a fifth of the gusto. She squirmed in the vice-grip, attempting to wrestle free. Or get somewhat comfortable.

“It is heart-warming to see you in such fine spirits- it has been at least fortnight... perchance you have grown taller?” Luna reveled in the opportunity ‘play’ aunt. Though, in reality, she treated Cadance more like a second sibling.

One thing of note was speaking casually had definitely gotten easier for her aunt. A thousand years in a lunar prison certainly hadn’t done many favors in keeping the mare in the moon up-to-date: linguistically or otherwise. At the wedding, her interaction with common pony-folk resulted in grasping some of the present-day Equestrian dialect. But sometimes her baroque mannerisms still got the better of her. “Look who has come to see us sister!”

A little further down the platform, a wave of translucent rainbow hair fluttered over the heads of other ponies. The crowd bisected to let the regal figure pass. She did not run to Cadance’s side like her sister, but nonetheless appeared there almost instantaneously, as if by teleportation. Likely the result of long strides and an inherently deceptive figure.

Must take a lot of practice, admired Cadance, witness to the display of royal finesse.

“Indeed, it’s been some time since we last saw you, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,” Celestia added, making sure to announce Cadance’s official title for the benefit of the other ponies around. Or pandering to Luna. It was hard to tell, Celestia’s public face cloaked with diplomatic reserve, not over-committing to any single emotion. “I trust everything is well?”

“Of course Aunt Celly. Shining’s been busy with the reconstruction, finding all those leftover black crystal fragments, and there hasn’t been time to establish any formal sort of hierarchy for the Crystal Empire. But I guess that’s to be expected. At least for a little while, right?”

The crowd around the three alicorns began to chatter. Cadance overheard one pony say “Crystal Empire?” as though they weren’t quite familiar with the term. The gabby newly crowned princess looked up, expecting her eldest aunt’s warm, radiant smile. However Celestia’s face stayed static. Perhaps even a hint of disappointment. Oops.

“While I certainly appreciate your open candor Princess, I believe it may be best for us to talk on such matters in private.”

There it was. The tone confirmed it: disapproval. Something Twilight feared, Luna ignored, and Cadance, presently, grew annoyed over.

Five minutes and already getting chewed out… A record by anypony’s standards, present company, Luna, excepted.

As quick as it came the stern look flickered out, replaced by a cordial smile, perhaps deceptive. Again it was hard to tell. A ruler who was always in control: calm, cool, collected. Something Cadance secretly admired, but would be loath to admit. Frustration boiling within her, the tingling between her legs resurged. So many feelings brewed within the fledgling princess: more evidence of Celestia’s superiority.

Calm down, Cadance told herself, willing her mind into compliance.

Celestia motioned to two guards who accompanied the sisters to the platform. The few bags Cadance packed levitated by their magic.

“Join us for dinner?” Celestia inquired, as if Cadance had a choice. Luna stood over the shoulder of her sister nodding excitedly over the invitation. It must’ve been awhile since they’d had guests.

“Lead on,” Cadance confirmed begrudgingly.

“Is all this really necessary?”

Cadance sat at the far end of a massive dinner table. Miles of silverware and fine china flocked the silk tablecloth, laden with fine delicacies from the furthest reaches of Equestria. Garlands of fresh pine wove between pillars of wax, the candles serving to light the way to her juror’s eyes: Celestia. She sat opposite, indicating with silence she was less than pleased.

Judging me like always, Cadance fumed.

“Of course it’s necessary,” Celestia stated simply, trying to keep up the charade of infallibility by dismissing such a foolish question. She did a good job. Her voice echoed through the empty dining hall, save a few draconian pillars and princess ponies. Then she levitated one of about twenty forks set before her, piercing a few stalks of asparagus, “We can’t afford to show any favoritism to any heads of state, even if they are family.”

“But Aunt Celly-“

“Especially if they’re family,” amended Celestia, cutting her niece off from whatever excuse she was about to give, “and please- it's Princess Celestia. Remember to announce formal titles.”

“Ugh, fine,” muttered Cadance, clearing her throat before putting on fake airs. “Princess Celestia,” she mocked, causing Luna to lose a bite of her meal in a fit of laughter, “aren’t we going to be doing all that fancy royal stuff tomorrow? Can’t we just relax tonight?”

“Yea sister,” agreed Luna, recovering, “would it not be best if we took the opportunity to ‘hang out’?”

Normal ponies would have raised hoof in disgust at the childish provisos, but Celestia, the seasoned politician, barely furrowed a brow. “Are either of you taking this seriously? Cadance, you do realize the position you’re in now, correct?”

“Sure, I’m the head of the Crystal Empire and I’m here-“

“Yes, Princess of the Crystal Empire,” Celestia highlighted, stopping Cadance after the newly cononated alicorn revealed she did indeed know her position, “and therefore somepony who should be worried about the ponies that you represent.”

“What do you mea-”

“No guards, on a train, hardly any luggage- this isn’t a vacation. It’s business, very important business.” Celestia paused to take a sip of water and clear her throat. Cadance jumped at the opportunity to defend herself, tired of being interrupted.

“What’s wrong with going on a train? And besides, the guards were busy. And I don’t need that much stuff for two days.” Cadance’s reply came as mishmash, trying to address all her aunt’s concerns at once.

“What if somepony held you hostage, or threatened your life?” countered Celestia, “Do you have a royal seal with you in case you need to sign official documents? A way to contact your kingdom in a time of emergency? These are all things you need to consider. The way you conduced yourself today is clearly not indicative of that level of concern.” It was apparent hear actions spoke louder than her words. Cadance never considered any of those contingencies when leaving the Crystal Empire. Now she realized perhaps she had been a little naïve and there was still a lot she could learn. “Tomorrow there are going to be a lot of foreign dignitaries anxious to meet the newly crowned ruler of the Crystal Empire. First impressions will be everything.”

“Well I’m confident they’ll like me,” Cadance reassured Celestia, trying to make up for her previous misconduct by shifting the subject to future events she hadn’t botched. “After all-” she pointed to herself, “I’ve got plenty of experience thanks to the two of you.”

“I pray they will,” conceded Celestia, “But certain things- like discussing domestic policy in front of common pony folk, should be handled with a little decorum. Not result in you shaking your rear in everypony’s face,” Cadance blushed in embarrassment. “This event will be a test of everything you’ve come to know up to this point. What you think, what you do, what you say, all will be on trial tomorrow. To be fit to rule, you must demonstrate balance, diplomacy, and,” she paused for dramatic effect, “when to put others before yourself.”

There it was again. That tone which infuriated Cadance, as it would any pony. Condescending, assuring she was being talked down to. For a moment her mouth opened to retort, but she stuffed it full of potatoes so that she couldn't embarrass herself further. An outburst now would be the worst indiscretion. Showing Cadance was more concerned with being right than searching for ways to improve. And likely result in further lecturing.

Why does Celestia think she’s so perfect? At least in her head she could express disdain.

Splat. A dollop of mashed potato landed in the middle of the table, catapulted there by Luna’s magic. The midnight mare made a face, puffing out her cheeks in a childish attempt to lighten the mood. “Have you forgotten all work and no play makes a pony dull? Perhaps it is not best to force such trivialities of conduct on her. We have grown accustomed to our positions, she is just getting used to hers.”

“And you,” Celestia turned, continuing where she left off in that same lecturing tone, “Please set a better example for your niece. I don’t want to have to treat the two of you like giggling little school fillies.”

“Oh come, what is the worst that could occur?” Luna mocked in her own unusual way, “Besides, if the nobles are disagreeable, she can always use that horn of hers…” Luna indicated what she meant by tracing a heart shape in the air with her hooves.

“That’s another thing,” Celestia said, “Absolutely no magic. It wouldn’t do have an international incident on my hooves over something as simple as a meeting the new princess.”

Having addressed the pressing issues, the ponies sat and attended their meals for a while. An uncomfortable silence settled over them, the perfect setting for the argument stew. Cadance bit her lip, determined not to say anything she might regret.

Celestia, being the bigger pony, both figuratively and literally, apologized first, “I’m sorry I have been short with the both of you. It must be apparent I’ve been rather stressed lately. It’s my job to make you feel welcome here Cadance and this must feel nothing like the home-away-from-home you’ve grown accustom to. But with all the recent incidents happening across Equestria, I just can’t emphasize the importance of this meeting enough.” Celestia nodded to Cadance, “Particularly because this will be the first time many ponies get to meet you.”

“It’s okay,” Cadance readily accepted the apology, feeling vindicated, “I know your concerns are justified.”

Really, she didn’t have to be so bossy. It fact it made Cadance more incensed her aunt deemed an apology necessary. The gesture smacked of ‘I’m better than you,’ even if sincere. The two ponies exchanged a glance over their temporary cease-fire. Celestia’s intended to forgive, Cadance’s intended to reject. Luna intent on clearing her plate.

“Then I’d say that’s probably enough for one night. I wouldn’t want to overtire you your first night here.” Celestia’s smile returned once again as she gestured for the empty dishes to be cleared.

“Guard, would you please accompany Princess Cadance to her quarters?” The regal white alicorn got up, dabbing at the corners of her mouth with a silk napkin. Typically Cadance would have stayed with one of her aunts. But now, in the role of a princess from a foreign land, she needed to be quarantined to a guest room? "I'm sure she'll want to get a good night's sleep."

“Nonsense,” Luna argued, picking her battles wisely “our niece may sleep in my room.” She knew her sister wouldn’t refuse this small request. “Well, that is- if she so chooses.” Luna offered bashfully, glancing to her niece. “It’s just that, as I patrol the night, the room will be mostly her own. It could be… a sleepover.” The reasoning was unnecessary. Celestia could indeed forgive this one imposition. Ponies should get to have fun sometimes. Even the most powerful ones. And if the solar princess did have a weakness, it was not being able to resist Luna's ‘puppy dog’ eyes.

“Fair enough, Cadance may stay with you if she wants,” Celestia consented.

“That sounds delightful,” accented Cadance, already at the point where she couldn't care less.

“Good, then we shall commence the slumber party!” Luna shouted in glee. Rushing ahead to the bedroom to prepare for the guest.

Celestia gave a trite chuckle at her sister’s antics, bidding Cadance adieu, “I hope I haven’t worried you too much with all the formality. I’m sure you’ll make a fine princess.” Last words comforting, even if they were a false vote of confidence.