Warning: This chapter contains a lot of plot, and not the fun, squishy, wiggle-it-in-my-face kind, either. There are miniscule amounts of very soft sado/masochism and almost some public humiliation. I'm sorry, if you're here to clop, you will probably be disappointed. If you're here for the plot (the wordy, pay attention kind) you will be pleased.

Twilight Sparkle woke just as the light of dawn began to fill her bedroom. As majestic as it would be to have been roused from her slumber by the light inching across her, she was actually torn from sleeps embrace by her alarm clock. She allowed Spike to sleep a while longer as she put on a small pot of coffee, had a brief shower and prepared some oatmeal.

While she sipped on her first cup of Coltombian blend, Twilight collected her thoughts regarding the recent and coming days. Celestia and Luna will leave on their sabbatical in a few days; I'll have to travel to Canterlot to maintain royal presence in the capital. They'll leave on the twenty-eighth and return on the fourth next month, so I'll need to be there for one full week and a night. I doubt the length of their trip and Polly Tessa's deadline are a mere coincidence. Not that it matters, after being passed in Parliament every bill needs to pass Royal Review as well. I am starting to wonder when she will send me a copy of this secret bill. It occurred to her that she had begun to think of Polly Tessa as the face of the Club Elite, discounting the others as her subordinates.

Twilight poured herself a second cup and considered more lighthearted things. I still can't believe Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie are dating, she marveled at the announcement they gave their close friends yesterday. I'm glad I let them settle their problems on their own, though they must be unsure of themselves if they don't want everypony to know about it yet. I wonder if Rarity and I should say something about our... relationship for lack of a more specific term. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash probably already have some idea, but AJ and Fluttershy are completely in the dark. After I finish my chores, I should pay her a visit and discuss it with her; maybe she'll want to come along to Canterlot as well. Once she had finished with her coffee, it was time to give her assistant a wake up call and review the day's to-do list.

“Spi~ke!” she called up to the loft, “it's time to wake up. I need some help getting organized this morning.” She paused and listened, but didn't hear anything. “I've already made breakfast!” This time she could hear the rustling of fabric. “I bought diamond dust yesterday; you can sprinkle some into your cereal!” Finally, she could make out the sound of clawed feet dragging across the floor. I'll need to remember to place a scratch-resistance charm on the floor of our room in the castle. Twilight chuckled as she made the mental note, remembering what happened to her parents hardwood floors the first time Spike had stayed there. It had been less funny at the time. She watched Spike descend the stairs and make for the kitchen.

“Good morning!” she chirped, to which he responded with a wave and a grunt. She just stifled a laugh. He's never been a morning person. While she waited for Spike to eat and finish waking up, Twilight used her magic to float the to-do list over to the table and perused it. One section, in particular:

Monday July 25th

Prepare for week long stay in Canterlot

1. Compose checklist of items to pack

2. Compose itinerary of royal duties and recreational activities

3. Review and revise checklist of items to pack based on completed itinerary

4. Schedule appointments in Canterlot based on itinerary

5. Review and revise itinerary based on availability of appointments

6. Make arrangements for Golden Oaks Library to be managed in my absence

The only other section of the list, daily chores, was short since she would be leaving town soon. Only a week at home before being recalled to Canterlot, she thought. Well, only a week away before coming back home again as well. It could be worse. I could be involved in a political scheme that is unfolding even now. Twilight grimaced and tried to think of more pleasant things. I guess I should add 'Invite Rarity to accompany me to Canterlot' to this list. Spike joined her as she squeezed the small addition into the blank space left between the sections. She tried to ignore his bad manners when he began reading over her shoulder.

“We're asking Rarity to come along?” he enthusiastically blurted out.

“Um, yes. I wanted some extra company in Canterlot, and I thought Rarity would be happy to-”

“Oh boy! While you're busy with official royal duties, we can go out and I'll show her all of the best stuff she missed when she didn't have a local guide!”

“I think she made some friends when she went right around my birthday last year. Not to mention the days leading up to Shining and Cadance's wedding.”

“Yeah, she met a bunch of stuffed shirt types. I mean all the really fun places in Canterlot where the big wigs and upper crust snobs don't bother going. When we were planning the wedding, there wasn't much time to show our friends around.”

“When we were planning the wedding?” Twilight teased. “I don't remember you doing much.”

“I was lending a claw the whole time. Ask anypony, all of our friends asked me for help at one point or another.”

“Heheheh, I know, I'm just picking on you. I'm sure she'll love seeing another side of Canterlot.”

Twilight was able to write her intended inventory and itinerary quickly with Spike's help. They were also able to successfully redirect his fire-breath spell to send correspondence to other recipients than Princess Celestia, and received confirmations for Twilight's appointments and secured a temporary librarian with the help of special stationary enchanted to return upon being burned.

“Yay! Now that we've proven my theory, we can potentially communicate nigh instantaneously with anypony!”

“Yay, now I get to be your mailbox all the time.”

“I won't use it very often, I promise.”

“Okay, what next? Can we go see Rarity now?”

Twilight hadn't actually considered that Spike would want to invite her himself. That should have been obvious, she reminded herself. “Um, sure. We'll take care of some other things while we're out, but we can go see her first.” I can just send him out on another errand after inviting her.

The bell above the door to the Carousel Boutique rang merrily as Twilight and Spike entered. The young dragon impatiently rushed in, eager to speak to his crush. “Rarity! Are you here?”

“Of course, darling,” she called from behind a rack of dresses on the far side of the room. “I've just been taking stock. Is Twilight with you?”

“Yes, I'm here-” Twilight began.

“Rarity, do you want to come with us to Canterlot for a week?” Spike interrupted.

“You just couldn't wait to ask, hmm?”

Spike blushed and chuckled softly. “S-so, what do ya say, Rarity?”

“Hm. I'll need to make some arrangements,” their fashion forward friend told them, “but I admit I was hoping to be invited along.”

“I'll help with anything you need, Rarity,” Spike gushed, practically jumping at the chance to do any little favor possible.

“I might need a little something done. Why don't you two come back into the stockroom with me?” Rarity gave Spike a simple task that seemed distracting enough without being particularly taxing. “Alright,” she whispered to Twilight as the two of them made their way back towards the showroom, “can I assume that you're inviting me for a specific reason?”

“I thought I'd need some support for what's coming. Have you heard from the Club Elite yet?”

“I'm expecting them soon. It's possible that they may not send word until after you've left for Canterlot, in which case I'll wait to join you until I've received word from them.” Rarity glanced back at Spike to be sure he was out of earshot. “You aren't addressing me with the respect I'm due. Do I need to punish you?”

“Spike's right there!” Twilight whispered. “Do you really want me to do it now?”

“Whenever we aren't likely to be overheard, and at all times during Club functions, you are to submit. It's your duty to me.” Rarity smirked before adding, “I can see how much you like it. You're blushing madly even now. Tell me so, my princess.”

“Y-yes, I do love it, M-mistress,” Twilight was forced to admit. “Although, I do want to ask you a few things about our relationship, my Lady.”

“Oh? What's on your mind, my dear?”

“W-well, I'm still not sure what to call us, Your Highness. I've begun to wonder if we should tell-”

The bell over the front door chimed and Rarity glanced around the doorway separating the two rooms. Her eyes went wide as she cut Twilight off. “SST! Shush, wait. Stay back here!” Rarity rushed over towards the visitor, while Twilight tried to watch without being seen.

Oh my gosh, it's her, Bell! The azure pegasus from the party had just come in, dressed in a flowy olive green dress and royal purple ascot. Her blonde mane was drawn back in a braid and her hazel eyes hidden by broad sunglasses. I can't believe she showed up while I was visiting. Is it a coincidence?

“Hello~? Ra~rity? Don't keep me waiting!”

“I'm right here, Radiance. No need to shout.”

“Ugh, don't ca~ll me that. A~ll of my friends use Radey these days. It's much cuter. And don't bother copying me; Rarey just sounds a~wful. It's the two 'r' sounds back to back.”

“I don't know whether to be more offended by the implication that my name sounds bad because of its consonants, or the notion that I would ever be inclined to imitate you. After all, you seem to be trying to resuscitate a long dead accessory with grotesque results.”

“Oh, hon,” Bell quipped with mock sympathy, “you don't need to be afraid of taking tips from others mo~re fashionably gifted than yourself, but when you try to drag ponies down to your o~wn level, well... it's unbecoming. Besides,” she added, “I don't kno~w what a constinant or a resustince is anyway.”

Oh goodness, Twilight observed, she's a complete imbecile.

“Who is this moron?” Spike whispered in Twilight's ear.

“AH-mmm,” Twilight covered her mouth and hoped Bell hadn't heard her cry out.

“Sorry. Feeling kinda jumpy?”

“I guess. This is somepony Rarity knows, she asked me to stay back here while she deals with it.”

“Can we please just get this over with?” Rarity pleaded with the air-headed paparazzi bait.

“Fine.” Bell revealed a manilla envelope that had been tucked under one of her wings. “He~re's the bill. You need to invite us to ano~ther Club thing if you want to discuss it or whatever.”

Rarity accepted the papers and told Bell that she'd receive an invitation through Club channels before long. It seemed to Twilight as though Rarity was struggling to be courteous. “Well, it's been... tolerable having you here. Now, I'd appreciate-”

“No~w, no~w. Don't chase me out just yet. I've go~t to pay you back.”

“Pardon?”

“For this little fa~vor. I'm going to make a spectacle of myself in one of your less tired garments.”

“I hardly-”

“Can you belie~ve that Ms. Rarity kicked me out of her shop without letting me buy a~nything? I'm not ever shopping there again and neither should anypony else!”

Rarity was absolutely seething. She trembled with anger for a moment before sighing and gesturing around the shop. “By all means,” she forced herself to say with strained pleasant tones, “browse to your hearts content, and let me know if you find anything to your liking.”

Twilight was fuming quietly as well. That horrible mare! How can she threaten anypony she likes without remorse? She doesn't even have her own periodical; she just spouts her nonsense and others do her dirty work for her! She wished she could do something to help. Bell was obviously hurting Rarity's pride, if not her business. Suddenly the smell of smoke reached Twilight's nose. She turned to look at Spike who was snorting small puffs of soot and smoke. She put a hoof on his shoulder and they exchanged meaningful glances; he looked down and crossed his arms in frustration.

After a few moments of Bell trotting around and making haughty noises, she settled on a tight white dress that came without sleeves, had a short skirt and was available with slits for wings. Rarity bagged it for her, she paid the normal price, and she left. Immediately after the door closed, Rarity magically pulled a throw pillow from nearby to her face and let out a muffled shout of pent up rage.

Twilight walked over to her and hugged her. “At least she's out of our manes.”

“For now, yes. It is going to be very satisfying if we can find something that will stick to her as well as Polly and Agit.”

“Um, guys?” Spike was standing at the window watching something that had apparently disconcerted him. Twilight and Rarity cantered over and looked out. Standing just outside the door, Bell Weather was shimmying out of her green dress in the most ridiculous way possible. Rather than undo the straps she had simply tugged it over her head and was now fighting her way out of it with her rump in the air. Photographers were snapping pictures as she did this.

Twilight could clearly see Bell's cutie mark of a magazine or tabloid. “Is she dumb, or just shameless?” Twilight pondered aloud.

“Both,” Rarity supplied.

“Wow. Why does she have her tail so high up?” Twilight tried to push Spike down where he couldn't see while Rarity rushed to cover his eyes with her hooves. “Aw, what? C'mon!”

Twilight wanted to explain properly, but the words eluded her. “Sorry Spike, but... just don't look.”

Aware of her own hypocrisy, Twilight looked back out at Bell. The spectacle continued as she reared up and placed her hoof against the wall. Once she was steady, she pulled her new dress out of the bag and stuffed the old one in. She tugged the garb over her head and began working it over her wings, swaying her backside as she did so. Finally dressed, she smoothed out the wrinkles and creases, adjusted her wings and straightened her ascot. Then she turned to the photographers and flirted briefly before flying away. She actually left her old dress here in the bag, Twilight noticed, bemused by what had just happened.

She was about to say something to Rarity, but the words caught in her throat when she saw her friend's expression. “Are you okay?” she asked instead, unsure how to read the odd mix of anger and sadness.

“It's not fair,” Rarity said calmly before she began wailing. “That awful ascot actually looked... looked... good with my dress!”

“Um, I'm sorry?”

“Just... just come back a little later so we can discuss things. I need some time to come to terms with this!” With that, Rarity collapsed on her fainting couch, and Twilight simply left with Spike in tow.

Twilight diligently went about finishing her chores and took Spike out to lunch. She then decided to head back so that she and Rarity would have time to go over the contents of the soon to be proposed bill. She gave Spike some spending money so he could amuse himself for the rest of the day and headed straight for her mistress' home.

“Hello, Rarity?” she called as she entered. “Are you busy?”

“In the back, my pet,” Rarity announced. “Why don't you head upstairs and I'll join you shortly. Would you like some tea?”

“Yes, please. Don't forget, we need to review the contents of the papers Bell delivered.”

“Of course,” Rarity agreed as she made her way into the main room. “And really, we can use her real name at this point. I'm sure... did I ever show you who she was?”

“I thought you couldn't?” Twilight bit her lip as she admitted to herself, I could probably have figured it out if I'd flipped through a few seedy magazines.

“Hm.” Rarity seemed agitated all of a sudden. She quickly sifted through a small stack of magazines left on a coffee table for customers to look at while waiting for service or accompanying friends to fittings. “This will do,” she muttered to herself when she selected a thick periodical titled The Manehatten Missive.

Twilight couldn't be sure, but it didn't seem the type to have scandalous pictures in it. “Are you sure there will be an article about her in this?” she asked when Rarity approached.

“Of course not!” Rarity declared rather defensively. “I wouldn't carry such trash in my boutique in any case.” She rolled the Missive up tightly and lifted Twilight's chin with it. “I chose this journal because it uses high-quality, dense paper and always produces thick volumes each month. It is ideal for disciplining subs who continue to neglect addressing their doms appropriately.”

Twilight's ears folded back and her cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I'm sorry, Mistress,” she squeaked. “I was distracted by our business with the Club Elite.”

“Mm, even so. Here, the folder Bell Weather delivered is behind the counter. Why don't you fetch it for me, like a good filly?”

Twilight walked behind the counter and knelt on her front legs to look for it, fully expecting what came next. The rolled up paper made contact with her bottom and produced a satisfying clap. “MM-HM,” she grunted. “I can't seem to find it, Mistress.” Another sharp tap on her rump. “OH, mm. My Lady, I'm not certain, but it doesn't seem to be here.” Rarity struck her again. “A~hn. Are you quite sure it is here, Your Highness?”

Rarity gasped with melodramatic zeal. “Are you questioning your dom? You are such” *smack* “a naughty” *slap* “mare!” *whap*

“AH-HA! Oh, yes, Mistress. I'm very bad! OH! OH! Make me respect you, My Queen!”

“I suppose the tea will have to wait. However,” Rarity teased with a slightly malicious tone, “I'm going to have to deny you your fun as well, as we really must attend to the task at hand.” Rarity lowered her head to look under the counter. “Oh. Um, it seems the folder isn't here.”

“That's okay, Mistress. I hadn't really looked yet.”

“Naughty.” Rarity lightly tapped Twilight on the forehead with the paper.

They quickly located the papers in Rarity's back room and proceeded upstairs. Twilight settled into the armchair to read, but Rarity clicked her tongue at her and started tapping a hoof when Twilight looked up. “Um, yes, Mistress?”

“Are you going to come in, sit in my chair and just ignore me?”

“Er, I thought we were going to read this? T-together, I mean, Mistress.”

“Yes, but that's the only chair in here.”

“Did you want to read in bed?”

Rarity abruptly levitated the folder away from Twilight and put the crimson collar she had chosen on her sub's neck. “Down. Sit.” Twilight slipped from the chair and sat on her haunches beside it. She watched as Rarity made herself comfortable in the chair and opened the document. “You may get a cushion to sit on from the closet.”

Twilight set about collecting a pillow when she heard Rarity let out an exasperated sigh. “What's wrong, Lady Rarity?”

“It's these legislative papers. The wording is nigh impossible to comprehend. I fear that we may be trying to make sense of it for the rest of the day.”

Twilight took her place beside Rarity and rested her forehooves on the arm of the chair. She looked over the front of the bill.

Bill No.: 1002.12.4

Draft Contributors: Al Truist, Plmt. HoC; Florence Blossomworth, Plmt. HoN;

Fresh Ink, Plmt. HoC; Gilded Lilac, Plmt. HoN; High Born, Plmt. HoN;

Honor Bound, Plmt. HoC; Lasting Will, Plmt. HoN; Lacy Silk, Plmt. HoN;

Maverick Heart, Plmt. HoC

New Equestrian Weather Zoning Protocol

A Bill to be entitled an Act for

the instauration of Equestrian Weather Services on the basis and merit of locally

determined need.

Preface: The current state of Equestrian Weather Services is based on the oversight

of a central authority which has shewn to be capable of maintaining stability through

carefully orchestrated operations on a national level. This system is inherently limited

to the foresight and judgment of its administrators who, in the majority of cases,

have conceived of only sustained cyclical patterns of growth and remission. It is the

opinion of this committee that the continued growth of Equestrian resources through

controlled weather conditions is desirable at rates to be determined by those individuals

in closest proximity to the resources in question.

The following sections consisted of lengthy, jargon heavy explanations of the intended effect of the bill, methods of implementation and enforcement, budget considerations and the schedule for putting it into effect. Existing laws which contradicted with it were listed and decreed to be null and void in the event that the bill passed.

“So... they want to decentralize Equestria's weather? Why is Polly Tessa so interested in this?”

“Well...” Rarity fidgeted for a moment, seemingly grappling with something she wanted to say. “The most straightforward way I can put it- erm, if you already knew who she was, you would be able to tell that...” Rarity furrowed her brow as she trailed off.

“Let me guess. One of these names is either hers or the name of somepony close to her.”

Rarity paused briefly. “I can't say anymore about that. What I will say is that her motivations for dipping her hooves into this matter aren't clear to me either. She, or somepony who is doing something for her in exchange, must expect to benefit from this bill.”

“Before we get too far into this, there are a few things I want to ask you about, Mistress.” Rarity cocked her head and looked intently at Twilight. “I'm just not sure where we're headed. I mean, are we going to let our friends know about our relationship? And what exactly are we to each other at this point anyway?”

“We're two very good friends who enjoy each others company more intimately when in private. More specifically, we are mistress and – let's say servant. I don't see the need to advertise any of this.”

“My Queen, with all due respect, you can't still expect 'friends with benefits' to be accurate when we have such a strong dominate and submissive dynamic going. I love doing this. It's weird and humiliating and a little scary, but it makes me so excited and I feel like-” Twilight struggled to find the words; she'd been trying to understand why it made her so happy since it started and until now the exact reason had eluded her. “It just feels right having somepony else give me direction. I never expected to be thrust into the position I've been given, I had always assumed that I'd be a professor – researching and teaching, or a royally appointed mage. I'm honored and proud to be given more responsibility than that, but it's a daunting prospect. Taking instructions like I used to when I was just a student really helps me escape all the stress and have fun.” Twilight could feel how hot her face had become as she spoke and realized that she'd looked away from Rarity. She forced herself to make eye contact again. “You don't have to be shy about using a word like slave,” she whispered.

Rarity was also blushing and biting her lip as well. “You don't know how wonderful it is to hear you say these things, my perfect princess. Come closer.” Rarity leaned forward as Twilight stood, and they exchanged a passionate kiss. Rarity stroked Twilight's cheek and pressed her hoof into her sub's mane. They broke their kiss, but Rarity held Twilight's face close to her own. “Perhaps there is room for more passion than I first thought, but it's still too early to say.”

“Mistress, I'm concerned about our friends finding out before we tell them. Celestia forbid Spike discovers it, he'd-”

“Please,” Rarity said forcefully, “we can't decide on this right now. I need a little time to figure out my own feelings and besides...” Rarity let go and sat back. She levitated the discarded papers in front of herself. “We have much more pressing concerns at the moment.”

Twilight was disappointed. Is she trying to avoid talking about this, or is she just concerned with what we're trying to accomplish? Is she embarrassed to admit that there's something between us? She was the one who wanted me in the first place! I can tell she wants more than just sex and flattering wordplay. What if the only reason she's been doing this is to string me along so I'll help her – NO! I won't let myself doubt her like that. She's one of my best friends and... maybe more. Though she was still upset, Twilight decided to focus on the task at hand.

The two mares began to carefully comb the bill, occasionally stopping to look up the meaning of certain words and attempt to determine how some phrases were meant to be interpreted. Twilight began to feel discouraged when she checked the time and found that it was almost dusk. “I don't know if we'll get anywhere like this. I can't find any kind of irrelevant passages that were included to benefit a single individual or group.”

“Which must mean that Polly somehow expects to gain something from the new law itself.”

“I don't see how. Let's sum up what the bill is saying.”

“Alright, a quick review of what we've learned can't hurt, I suppose.”

“It never does, Mistress. The bill wants to eliminate central authority over Equestria's weather. Instead, it is trying to define 'Weather Zones' based on population and local government.”

“Which might mean that Polly is trying to take control of the weather in her home, although I doubt it.”

“Same here. First of all, each zone is required to take a simple majority vote to determine whether or not to continue using federal weather services or privatize it. Those that opt out of privatizing it will carry on as though nothing had changed, but the others will receive a tax cut so they can pay contractors to manage the weather.”

“So it might be that she wants to make a profit from owning a new company that handles weather, but that isn't really her style. She's not a businessmare.”

“Not to mention there isn't an infrastructure for private weather management yet. Nor are there any laws governing it. It just hasn't ever been done before. The bill almost literally says that such laws should be written in response to itself passing first.”

“Doesn't this seem entirely unnecessary to you?” Rarity wondered aloud. “I mean, why would any city want its weather relegated to the private sector? To save money?”

“The bill suggests that a town or city could make more independent decisions. I guess that makes some sense. It would be up to the ponies living there if they wanted to change and how to do things differently. Presumably, they wouldn't want to change unless they knew what they were doing.”

“You might be putting too much faith in the average pony. Earth ponies and unicorns can't affect weather at all and most pegasi aren't involved in weather.”

“True, but communities in which agriculture is important, such as Ponyville, often involve as many ponies as possible in big events like Winter Wrap Up. Those are the sort of places this law is written for.”

“Maybe so. Although, it's not the community as a whole, but the local representatives that will make these decisions. For Ponyville, that would essentially be the Mayor's office. Ponies like us and our friends wouldn't have any direct say.”

Twilight furrowed her brow and tried to fit the puzzle pieces together. “Rarity, my Queen,” Twilight added with a blush, “why do you think Polly Tessa would want to change weather in any part of Equestria? Regardless of whether or not it was a good change.”

“I don't think she would care. There must be an ulterior motive. Something less direct.”

“A favor?” Twilight posited, remembering the vague offer Polly had given her.

“Possibly, though Polly is more often in the business of collecting favors than repaying them. I'd sooner expect she's doing this to gain something than pay somepony back.”

“So if we want to understand what's going on, we'll need more information.”

“I'm afraid it seems that way. We do have a few good leads, though.”

“The contributors on the bill?”

“As well as anyone involved in making private weather contractors a profitable venture. I'll ask around and see if anyone knows about such a thing.”

“Meanwhile, I can interact with these legislators as Princess.”

“Before we can proceed, we must decide: will we help this bill pass? Since Bell Weather delivered it before you have to leave, we can make arrangements to meet the Club Elite here in Ponyville again. It will be better for us than meeting in Canterlot; there they have certain advantages. Spies, privately owned Club venues, and even corrupt officials within and without The Club.”

“They really do make use of The Club regularly, don't they?”

“Club Elite is not just a cute nickname. Registrars and enforcers are well aware of their activities. They simply have not done anything that is against Club rules. Rather, there is no evidence that they have broken the rules.”

“Wait, I need to leave in three days – less, now that it's so late. I can't wait past Thursday morning. When are we going to have them come here?”

“It will have to be tomorrow or the next day. Believe me, it will be far better for us if we meet them before you go. It shouldn't be too troublesome to convince Pinkie to host another event.”

“I guess we can't really wait till tomorrow to ask her?”

Rarity telekinetically put the bill away and gave Twilight a coy look. “Why, my darling princess, whatever did you have in mind this evening?”

“My Lady, we've been alone all these hours and haven't relieved one another's most basic needs. I'll need to return home at some point; I'd much prefer to do so after attending to you, Your Highness.”

Rarity bit her lip and fidgeted for a moment before kicking her hooves in frustration. “Oh, curse your seductive ways! When did my demure, bookish friend become this wicked, tempting thing?”

“You really like it when I talk that way, don't you, Mistress?”

“Ah, don't start again. We really must make haste – I mean we need to see Pinkie right away! If we still have time after, we can play.”

*Sigh* “Very well, Lady Rarity,” Twilight conceded as she used her magic to find the clasp on her collar. “Lead the way.”

“Hold a moment.” Rarity placed her hoof over the collar as she spoke. “Suppose, for a moment, that I wanted you to wear this in the meanwhile?”

“Outside?” Twilight squeaked.

Rarity blushed a bit and smiled a tad shamelessly. “Just briefly. It won't take long to get there and back.”

“But-”

“It's getting late, most ponies have gone home.”

“Anypony who saw us – even one lonesome mare or stallion – would recognize me, and if they saw this collar...”

“On our way back it will be dark and besides, it could just be a bold fashion statement.” Rarity's breathing was becoming a bit heavy as she considered it. Twilight's was as well, but she assumed that was for a different reason.

“What if Mr. and Mrs. Cake see it? I don't want to have that conversation. Or lack thereof. What if they don't say anything just to be polite, but later they ask each other, 'Did you see it? That wasn't very appropriate. I never thought she was that kind of mare.'”

“That's just silly, darling. I'm sure that married couples do all sorts of things to keep their love lives fresh.”

“I-” Twilight inadvertently pictured Mrs. Cake licking frosting off of intimate places on Mr. Cake's body. “Agh, ah!” I'm never going to get this image out of my head am I?

“What's wrong?”

“N-nevermind.”

“Well, I get final say in any case. I demand that you wear the collar.”

Twilight pressed her lips together and gave a pleading look, but Rarity only raised an eyebrow and inclined her head towards her. “Mistress, you know I want to obey-”

“Then do as I say.”

“It's just that... My Queen, please don't make me do this.”

“Do you deny that you want to?”

“It's so risky.”

“I don't think so. It's not a collar meant for pets. It's an accessory.”

“It's humiliating.”

“You love that, don't you? Being forced to embarrass yourself. Being humbled and debased for my pleasure.”

Twilight's heart raced and her marehood began to flow and throb. “I... I do,” she admitted softly.

Pinkie Pie perked up when she heard the bell ring and waved her friends over. “Hiya, Rarity, heyo, Twilight!”

“Good evening, Pinkie Pie.”

Twilight panted and shuffled over, with her head bowed forward and her tail between her legs. “H-hi, Pinkie.”

“Oh no, are you okay, Twi? You look really sweaty. And red.”

“Um, are the Cakes around?”

“Upstairs. They're tucking Pound and Pumpkin in. I'm a~ll alone down here for like, another 15 minutes, at least. Or I was. Now you girls are here! Boy, am I glad, too. I've been kinda down today-”

“Darling, I'm afraid we've come to ask you a favor.”

“O~H,” Pinkie loudly exclaimed as though she'd just understood a joke. “Does Twi need the restroom? You shoulda just asked when you came in, silly filly.”

“Um, th-that's-”

“She's just a bit worked up since I made her come here wearing a collar that signifies her as my sub,” Rarity interjected, causing Twilight's face to turn an even more vibrant shade and making Pinkie giggle. “Actually, we need you to throw another party.” Pinkie's face fell suddenly. “That is, if it's not too much trouble... I mean, we need it in the next two days, but I'll make it up to you.”

The practically perpetually pert party pony surprised both Rarity and Twilight by tearing up and putting her head in her hooves. “Oh, girls. I don't think I can do that.”

Recovering from her arduous walk at the sight of Pinkie being so forlorn, Twilight winked behind the counter and put her foreleg across Pinkie's shoulders. “Pinkie, what's wrong? It's not the end of the world if you can't put it together in time.”

“It... it's not that.”

“Darling,” Rarity said in soothing tones, while she leaned over the counter and placed her hoof on one of Pinkie's, “if it's to do with the awful ponies we've been in contact with, I can assure they won't-”

“No, no. It's not the party itself, or who's coming. It's... it's...”

“You can tell us, Pinkie.”

“Whatever is troubling you, we can help.”

“It's who won't be there.”

“Er, I don't know what you mean.” Twilight looked to Rarity, but she only shrugged.

“Rainbow Dash, she doesn't want me to throw these parties or do other Club stuff. It's 'cause she wants me to herself, and I totally get that, it's fine. But, I promised her that I wouldn't do anything intimate with other ponies at Club parties and she still said no. I told her that if she signed up she wouldn't have to do anything with anypony else and she could keep an eye on me, but that just turned into an argument about trying to get her into The Club and she left all mad, and, and...” Pinkie trailed off and choked back a sob. “I need some time to figure this out. I'm sorry girls, but Dashie and I just need to do this on our own.”

“We understand,” Rarity assured. “Don't worry about a thing. I can host an event myself, most likely Wednesday night. If you and Rainbow Dash sort this out before then, you are both welcome. Depending on what agreement you come to, of course.”

Twilight and Rarity both wished Pinkie Pie good luck before leaving. They started back towards Rarity's home, troubled by the unexpected turmoil. Twilight was the first to speak: “I'm a little surprised that they're already fighting. Then again, Dash was avoiding Pinkie for a while there. Maybe this was inevitable, since she doesn't want anything to do with The Club.”

“I'm sure it's not as simple as that. Pinkie is often less than careful with her words. I suspect that neither one of them is very good at defusing rising emotions before an argument breaks out.”

Twilight decided to change the subject. “So, now I get to see what one of your parties is like, hm?”

“Yes. I'll need to put together a soirée in time. The events will be far more subdued, and may require more of my attention. I will be certain not to leave you alone in our adversaries' presence, however.”

“Is there anypony who can help host for you?”

“I'm sure one of my guests would be more than willing to relieve me for a few minutes. I'll ask a few ahead of time, to be sure.”

“Do you need any help setting up?”

“Not right away. I'll ask Play Date to distribute invitations and purchase a few simple essentials tomorrow. I hope you weren't asking because you intend to slip away just yet this night. At the very least, walk me home so I can admire your collar in the moonlight for a spell.”

Twilight's cheeks were nearly the color of the collar itself upon realizing that she was wearing it out in public again. Her tail raised for a second before she caught herself and tucked it over her marehood. “I-I forgot.” Her ears flattened, she tilted her neck forward and one of her hooves shot up to the small strap.

Rarity chuckled at the adorably shy display. “Oh, do have more confidence than that, my dear.” Rarity pressed against Twilight's side and crooked her head under the blushing alicorn's chin. She forced Twilight to straighten up and nuzzled her for a moment before they continued walking. “There's not a soul around, and even if there were, you've nothing to fear. Only those who know of our relationship would understand the significance.”

“Why did you have to mention it to Pinkie Pie?”

“Don't be silly, my princess. Pinkie is a fellow Club member and would have discovered in short order that we had formally declared that aspect of our relationship within The Club.”

“Still, you didn't have to bring it up then. Or do it so bluntly.”

“Don't deny you enjoyed the attention. Just be glad Pinkie is the only pony who saw it the first time you wore it in front of others.”

“First time?”

“You'll be wearing it at the party in two days' time.” Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but Rarity cut her off. “Don't bother objecting or complaining. You know full well that you want it. More importantly, I want it. Also, we don't have time to fully enjoy ourselves this evening, but I need to discipline you for being lax in your decorum.”

“My decorum?”

“You've been resistant and haven't been addressing me properly all evening. There will be no further discussion regarding the collar, and you will come inside my home to receive your punishment.”

Twilight remained quiet while they walked the rest of the way to the boutique. This is ridiculous. Taking orders is one thing, but this embarrassment? Why am I subjecting myself to this? The soft patter of her own liquid arousal dripping on the ground reached her ears for the second time that evening, reminding her of the answer. Sweet Celestia, I must be a masochist. Well, obviously. I allowed myself to be spanked earlier and invited more of it. How can a pony that often finds herself in the role of a leader be so submissive? Is it just escapism, or do most powerful ponies get off on feeling powerless? They rounded a corner and the front of the Carousel Boutique came into view; Twilight felt her excitement grow in anticipation of what was about to come. Despite herself, she swished her tail back and forth, fanning the scent of her privates in the lukewarm night air. Oh, it doesn't matter. It works. I can't apply a better understanding of it any more effectively than what Rarity already does to me. I should just enjoy it. Twilight knew full well that wouldn't stop her curiosity, but it was enough for now. Enough to let herself have tonight, anyway.

Things happened much more quickly once they were inside. Rarity had her bent over a mannequin and tied her front hooves to the back ones, trailing the cords under the dummy. Twilight bit down hard on a cloth gag and braced herself for impact. Her mistress started intimately, roughly caressing the backs of her thighs and buttocks between striking with bare hooves. Twilight's voice rumbled up from her chest and was muffled by the gag. Her throat was already sore by the time Rarity began biting her labia and clit, tormenting her pussy while continuing to smack her bum. Each slap made her jump, causing her Queen's teeth to pinch or slip off of her cunny. It was tender torture of the most wonderful kind.

Twilight was drowning in pain and pleasure by the time her mistress stopped to get some toys. The short reprieve barely allowed Twilight to collect her thoughts before Rarity set in again, more relentless than before. A small paddle, just large enough to harass one cheek of her rump at a time, began beating out a rhythm. A pair of cold, metal clamps bit into her lower lips, which Rarity tugged on without mercy. Her dom gripped the base of her tail and pulled up, forcing her to stretch her legs. A slick, magically-heated plug assailed her asshole, stuffing her and making her twitch and dance from the deliciously uncomfortable sensations. Twilight was quickly approaching her limit when it suddenly stopped. The clamps were removed, the gag and plug came free of her mouth and posterior. There was no more spanking, nibbling or coarse strokes. She opened her eyes to look at Rarity. “Please.”

“What are you pleading for, my pet?”

“Mistress, please don't stop.”

“I was afraid you might be enjoying it.”

“Please, Your Highness.”

“You really are quite the masochist, Twilight Sparkle. I'll have to find something better. Perhaps sensory deprivation? More restrictive bondage? How can I impress upon you the importance of respecting me?”

“Oh, I do, Mistress. I respect you and love you more than-”

Rarity pressed her hoof over her sub's mouth. It was a long moment before she spoke, and when she did her voice was quiet and emotional. “Don't say that. I'm not sure I'm ready to be... Ready to hear that, or to say it.” In spite of her words, she was smiling and tearing up just slightly. “Besides, I need to send you home now. It's too late for you to be away. Spike will worry about you.” The binding ropes came loose and fell to the floor.

Twilight clambered higher on the model to wrap her forelegs around Rarity's neck and kiss her deeply. “Okay, we'll save this for later. I do want to talk about it, though. It's important.”

“I know, and I want to as well. Although, I think it may have to wait until we have dealt with our current predicament. I don't want this political business to spoil it.”

“Promise me, my Queen. Promise to your princess that once our enemies lay in ruin, we shall declare the love we already consummate.”

“Mn! You minx!” Rarity squealed with unashamed delight. “Of course, I promise. Ah, I love it when you talk like that. I've read too many classical era romance novellas, haven't I?”

“Who hasn't?” Twilight observed before pressing her lips to Rarity's once more.

Author's Note

I'm not sure what to even say in my defense. This took much longer than I had anticipated. I seem to be incapable of writing short chapters, except for when I am.

I'd like to ask my audience another question this time around: How many of you are here for clop with context, and how many are here for a story and just aren't bothered by clop or consider it a bonus?

On another note, look it's everyone's favorite thing: an obnoxious OC! Also, speculation about how the Equestrian government works! Those are things people like to read about, right? If anyone's wondering, I will explain what the shorthand in the bill meant when it said HoN and HoC soon. Plmt is just short for parliament, but that was probably a bit obvious. Aw, what the heck, why not give it away now? Hall of Nobility and Hall of Commons are the two major sections of parliament in this story. A more thorough explanation is forthcoming. Oh, BTW, the bill number signifies that this is the 1002nd parliament, it is meeting for the twelfth time, and this is the fourth bill to be approved for proposal this session.

As always, please let me know what you think and help me catch technical errors. I know it's tempting to lurk and treat likes or favorites as the main means of giving feedback; I'm bad at expressing my opinions all the time. However, any comment means a lot to me, because it helps me understand what my readers think and want. So please, feel free to chat me up. I'm only a tad creepy, I swear!