Long Live The Queen

I awoke to the gentle tap of a scroll landing on my nose. I unfurled the worn scroll, which held a reply from Princess Celestia. I smiled, it was all going according to plan.

In my best, Princess-Mocking Voice, I read the scroll aloud.

"Dearest Silent Singer,

Why you are planning and what you are planning still eludes me. I do not understand or comprehend why you plan to overthrow me, or rival me, at the least. I know nothing about you, yet you seem to know much about me. Please, do not take away or corrupt any of my faithful subjects, or I will take action.

Thoroughly Worried,

Princess Celestia"

I decided to humor the poor Princess with a response. I scribbled on the page, my penmanship horrid as I usually write as a unicorn. I mail the letter and smile as I remember what I wrote.

"Dearest Princess Celestia,

You have nothing to fear, My Princess. I am simply seeing who the better pony is. Do not worry, My Princess, for you are superior to any other Princess or Queen I've ever had the pleasure to meet. Do not worry, I shan't corrupt your ponies.

Sincerest Apologies,

Silent Singer"

I strutted out of the Maneiotte, and walked into the alley way where the dumpsters lay. I changed into my Queen Form in a flash of purple, and I summoned all of my Drones.

"What have you to report, my lovelies?" I asked.

"There are now Seventy-Four Changelings in your Hive, your Highness. We've collected many, but some are still resisting." A female Drone murmured with hisses and clicks.

"Wonderful, my Changelings. Now, go back to being yourselves. I shall see these Changeling Hold-Outs myself." I smirked, changing back into Velvet Victory.

I walked around Manehatten, looking closely for the Changeling give away: their aura. Changeling aura is different from pony aura. Alicorn aura is usually calm and a pastel color, while earth ponies have a strong, circular shape, unicorns auras resembling an Alicorn's, but a different color. Finally, pegasi aura is slightly wild, and wavers between wild and calm. Changeling aura, however, is insanity itself. It is much like the flames of a fire burning around them in any color in the visible spectrum.

I spotted a particular aura that interests me. A stallion with a flaming red aura was sitting on a bench, looking aloof. I trotted up to the earth pony, and sat down next to him. He looked at me quizzically, and I smiled back. I used my telepathy to listen in on his thoughts.

'Is this the Changeling Queen so many hidden Drones have been talking about?' He asked himself.

"So, what's your name?" I asked.

"What's it to you?" He asked back rudely.

"My name is Velvet Victory. I'm just waiting for a friend to stop by and pick me up." He seemed interested.

"Metal Mix. Call me Metal. Can you lean in for a sec, miss?" He asked nervously.

I leaned in and he put his muzzle close to my ear.

"Are you the Changeling Queen asking all the Drones?" He whispered.

"Why, yes, I am. And I've been informed that you are a Hold Out, and a Rejected Hive Member." I grinned.

"What's in it for me?" He asked, his brow furrowing.

"Well, you are an excellent Alpha Drone, so you could be a guard." I replied.

He grinned. "And they get lots of pay, right?"

I nodded, smiling and levitated a Ruby over to him. "So, I take it you're in?"

"In as can be, My Queen."