The Crystal empire has begun to recover in the time since Sombra was believed to be obliterated by the power of the Crystal Heart. Crystal ponies the empire over are beginning to settle into new lifestyles, trying to adapt to a completely alien time.

The young lord of the Slate Ridge region of the Crystal empire has finally finished tying up loose ends after the funerals of his two parents before he's called to the capital to suffer through the suspicions of his fellow (he uses that word hesitatingly) nobles.

Though he seems like a well-meaning stallion despite a few...physical oddities, H.R.H. Princess Cadenza is soon to learn a secret about our young lord's bloodline that could have a few thousand of her loyal ponies shaking in their crystalline horseshoes.

And not to mention what the stallion in question will hear about in his father's final words.

I mean really! Who leaves that sort of outrageous announcement in one's will anyway?!

(( This is my first story everyone! I got this idea while mourning King Sombra's distinct lack of any sort of back-story whatsoever. I would -deeply- appreciate any constructive criticism, as this project is mostly to assist with my writing. I'm not so much interested in spelling corrections, but any clearing up you can do for my grammar and sentence structure will be welcomed with open arms. Tell me what you think of this first chapter and if it could warrant further updates. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy! ))

(( Featured !? *faints* ))