Sister Slaves

Chapter 4: The Calm before the Storm

A young stallion walked up the dirt path leading up to his home. His body was sore from work, his military uniform dirty from a long day of training. He never really liked to sleep at the barracks at his camp. He preferred home and the comfort of his own bed and the food. He knew that purchasing the earth pony stallion would be a return on his investment. Nearing the door he used his magic, opening it.

Walking into the home he saw his father messing with a bowtie at the dining room’s mirror. Puzzled he walked up to his father.

“What’s the occasion father?”

Hearing his son, Diamond let a smile grace his lips.

“My boy, glade you made it home on time, and perfect timing too.” Walking up to his son Diamond wrapped an arm around his son’s shoulder. “Your mother and I are going out to spend some quality time with one another.”

Star Dust looked at his dad and raised his brow.

“And what does this have to do with me and my perfect timing?”

Diamond rustled of his mane.

“You’re watching the slaves tonight. Your sister will be leaving around six for her classes, so you’ll have some help for an hour…”

Star Dust had stopped listening to his father and instead thought about the evening ahead, but mostly he thought of a peculiar grey teenage filly. A smile formed on his face, he was going to be alone with her tonight. He dreamt of this, for the past two months he kept his charades a secret from his parents and did them only when he knew no one was looking. With a clap of his hooves, he began planning out his night.

Why did the fibers of wood look like veins? Octavia thought over that thought multiple times. It was a good question her sister brought up. Why did they? More so how did her sister know what veins were? ‘Oh that’s right.’ Octavia gave herself a mental face hoof for that. Of course mother would have told her since they were homeschooled. Looking at the wood planks lining the roof, she raised her brow. ‘They really did look like veins.’

Hearing the latch on the door make a sound, Octavia moved her head to see the door was opening.

‘Was it really supper time already.’ She thought.

Getting up on all fours, Octavia moved her gaze back to the door to greet Diamond. She froze when she saw who was standing at the door. Star Dust gave as smile as he walked down the small step and walked up too Octavia. ‘Of course how could I forget?’ Octavia thought watching Star Dust give her a sly grin. Getting in her face, he rested his nose against hers, Octavia blushed at the contact.

“So” Star Dust spoke up. “I have something special planed for us tonight, come follow me.”

Octavia stood in place not wanting to move from her spot. What plans was he was talking about? What did he want to do with her? Sweat rolled down her face, her mind running wild with possibilities. By this time Pinkie had awaken from her rest. Her gaze was on her sister, seeing her so nervous she spoke up.

“Sis what’s the matter?” Getting up she walked to her side.

“Um…” Looking down at her sister, Octavia tried coming up with words to describe the situation they were in.

“It’s time for supper, come lets go.” Star Dust called out motioning to the sisters to follow.

Hearing this Pinkie took off at a steady pace while her sister walked slowly into the house. Stepping into the kitchen, Octavia looked up to see Mac was already near the island cooking a meal, a small proportioned one at that. Walking up to Mac, Octavia was about to help him when she felt a tug coming from her collar. Looking down she saw a blue glow around the leash clip. Looking up she saw the same blue glow around Star Dust’s horn.

“You’re coming with me.” He called out to her, tilting his head towards the dining room. Mac gave Star Dust a strange look at his statement.

Seeing the red stallion staring at him, Star Dust gave a slight frown. “Get back to work!”

Mac tensed and quickly went back to his task. Octavia felt sorry for Mac, he was a kind stallion who shouldn’t have been treated like that. With a frown she held her stance as she glared at the young unicorn. Seeing this, Star Dust gave a sly smirk and began pulling on her collar a lot harder. Slowly Octavia moved in his direction thanks to his magical strength. Pinkie seeing her sister moving towards the dining room began to follow. Seeing the pink filly following her sister, Star Dust summoned a small barrier with simple ease. A blue wall stopped the filly’s movements. Stunned she glanced up at Star Dust and her sister with confusion.

“You stay here and help the other slave with supper tonight…” Star Dust spoke to Pinkie before turning his glare towards Octavia, “Shall we sit down?”

Looking at the Star Dust, Octavia slowly took her seat that was presented to her. Scooting her closer to the table, Star Dust made his way to his seat on the opposite side of Octavia. Octavia stared at the stallion that sat across from her with confusion and anger. He shouldn’t of have treated her sister like that.

“Why am I sitting at the table?” Octavia asked looking at Star Dust with a raised brow.

Star Dust looked at Octavia with a sly grin.

“Well I thought we could have a little date.” He spoke. Seeing something pink poking out from the doorway, he glanced at the form and saw Pinkie staring at them. With a frown he sent a glaring eye towards Pinkie making her cringe and sink back into the kitchen. Octavia caught his acted and gave a frown.

“I'm going to help them.” She hissed, getting up from her seat.

Star Dust frowned at her actions and used his magic to sit her back down. Stunned, Octavia looked up to see Star Dust shaking his head.

“Now, now, now, we’re gonna have a fun time you and I. I want you to enjoy this evening. I want to enjoy this evening. You try anything, and then I don’t know… maybe I might convince my father to send your sister away.” He smiled.

Octavia frowned for a short while before she smirked herself.

“Well then if you do that, then I won’t do a thing. I already told your father…”

“Well then…” Star Dust interrupted her. “I might have to take you away from her. I’m planning on getting my own place soon and there is always room for one more.”

Octavia stared at him and began sulking into her chair. She began to worry that he wasn’t fibbing. Hearing grunting she looked and saw that her sister was bring a tray of a hot pot of water and two cups with tea bags in each to the table. Pinkie used all the strength she had in her not to spill the items. Getting to the table she began setting them on its surface, as she did her task she would glance up at her older sister and give a solemn look to her, like she wished she was sitting next to her as well. Octavia felt terrible that she was sitting at the table with Star Dust but his threat of taking her away from Pinkie kept her from testing the waters. Looking back at her sister, she mounted a sorry too her before turning her gaze at Star Dust.

“Now...” Began Star Dust looking back at Octavia, “Our first meal is a small salad then it’s a cabbage roast with a red wine glaze and lastly a small Georgiou cake for desert…”

“Star Dust! What the hay?”

Both Octavia and Star Dust looked towards Star Light standing under the hallway arc way. She wore a simple blue school outfit and a saddle bag was draped over her back. She stared at the duo with a confused expression.

“Yes?” Star Dust asked, taking a sip of his tea.

“Why is our slave sitting at the table with you?” She asked

Star Dust gave a sigh before smiling at Octavia. This act caused her to blush. Motioning to Octavia too take a drink of her tea, she reluctantly took a sip and then another. It was amazing to her. She started to feel guilty that she was consuming this tea and Pinkie couldn’t have any part of it. She began to slow down her drinking but a raised brow from Star Dust stopped her from setting it down, worried she began to sip her tea once again.

“Star Dust I said why is our slave sitting at the table, when father finds out…”

With a raised hoof he silenced his sister and gave her a knowing glare.

“Say a word to our parents and I’ll ruin your precious art carrier.” He spoke with venom.

Star Light was shocked by her brother’s hurtful comment. Her mouth hung open, her mind trying to form words.

“How can y-you…”

“Because I can, you have your desirers and I have mine.” Star Dust spoke interrupting his sister, his gaze looking upon Octavia, his gaze making Octavia fidget under his soft glare. “You let me have my desires and I’ll let you keep yours and this will be our little secret. Say anything and I’ll ruin you. The same goes for you.” He spoke looking at the both of them. Both teenagers stared at the young stallion with worry. Slowly Star Light nodded to her brother stepping away from the duo.

“I guess I’ll be going… I w-won’t be home tonight so I-I’ll be staying at a friend’s h-house…” She spoke nearing the door. Star Dust gave a knowing smirk to his sister, causing her to blush. “I-It’s not like that.” She hissed before shutting the door behind her with force.

“Sure it is.” Star Dust mumbled to himself.

Octavia looked at the scene not knowing what to do. Why would Star Dust threaten his own sister? The more she stared at him she began to wonder how he was like this. Was it his military career that made him like this or was it his parents. There was no way he could pick up these traits from Holly; she was to kind and caring. Her hooves began to shake as she looked into her half empty tea cup, her shaky reflection staring back at her. Her eyes became wide.

‘His father…’

“So…”

Looking up, Octavia saw that Star Dust was looking at her with lust in his golden eyes. She began to fear the worst until the sounds of plates being prepared in the kitchen graced her ears.

“So…” Star Dust spoke. “Ready to eat?”

Soft elegant music played across the dining hall of an elaborate restaurant near the upscale neighborhood of Lombard District near the Royal Castle. Dark oak tables covered in a silky red cloth laid out across the marble floor of the room in deliberate random fashion. In the center of the establishment hung and ornate obsidian and diamond incrusted chandelier. Sounds of ponies talking could be heard but the way the building was built, caused the noise to be lessened, making any crowed event tolerable in the noise department.

“Well honey, I have to say you picked a wonderful location to enjoy the evening, and on such short notice.” Holly complemented her husband, jabbing some lettuce with her fork.

Diamond looked at his wife and smiled, he knew the Flame’bue was a great location to spend time with his wife. It was what he needed to bring the spark back into his marriage.

“Well, I picked the best place for you dear.” He spoke taking a sip of his port wine. Holly blushed at his comment and gave a sigh.

“We’ve been busy haven’t we dear?”

Diamond gave a nod to his wife.

“Ever since I got orders from the empire to create a new shipment of trains it’s been hard balancing funds. I hate to layoff hard working stallions, I need the manpower if we’re going to make quota but if I don’t get those investments next month, then who knows.” Diamond sighed, twirling his fork around on his plate. “And the papers been keeping you busy with your stories, I guess that’s what happens when you’ve become popular.”

Holly looked at her husband with a small smile.

“At least we’ve finally got time to ourselves. We’ve better enjoy it before too long, as soon as we get home a lot more is going to be on our plates.”

Diamond looked up at his wife with a raised brow.

“What do you mean by that dear?”

She glanced up at her husband with a soft smile.

“Well those slaves you’ve bought dear. They’re going to have to be taught to become proper mares when they get older. We got to make sure their well-fed as well; I don’t want thin weak servants…”

“But dear…” Diamond began to speak but was cut off by his wife.

“And we got to make sure they respect us and are loyal as well. I plan on trying some new things that might get them to warm up to us, hopefully one day they are loyal enough to take to dinner parties and a few other things…”

“Sweetheart!” Diamond hissed frowning at his wife. Holly stopped her rambling and stared at her husband. “Sweetheart,” Began Diamond, “We don’t have to do anything with the new slaves, we’ll just do the same thing we’ve done with our other one, they’ll turn out just fine.” He sighed taking a bite out of his salad.

Holly gave a frown of her own to her husband as well.

“And make them a nervous wreck.”

Diamond looked up at his wife and raised a brow.

“A nervous wreck?”

“Yes a nervous wreck, ever since our son gotten us that slave, he’s always been nervous around you and our son. It’s hard trying to get that slave to do things or help me around the house. Every time I talk to him, he thinks I’m going to beat him any second.” Holly huffed, giving her husband a glare.

Diamond just huffed at her statement.

“You’re doing it wrong.”

Holly gave another frown.

“Oh so your ways better, always needing to establish an iron grip over everything you do.”

Diamond gave a sigh.

“That’s the only way a slave should be treated dear and that’s how it’s going to be done, MY House My rules!” He hissed, taking another bite of his salad, be it a little rougher than normal.

“Don’t you mean our house?” Holly hissed back. “One day you’re going to need to understand it’s a team effort; I hope you hadn’t forgotten that?”

Diamond stared at his wife for a short while. Taking a deep sigh he glanced into his bowl.

“Yes dear.” His plans for a romantic night were slipping away. He hoped that his wife wouldn’t bring up the slaves, their differences on the matter always made the conversations on the topic heated. He hoped he could turn the evening around before it ended. Maybe buying those slaves were a bad idea after all. ‘If they mess up my dinner with those investors next month, they’re going to regret that they even lived!’ Looking up at his wife he gave a sigh.

“Sorry dear.”

Holly looked at her husband and gave a sigh of her own.

“Same here, let’s just forget about it and enjoy our evening, we’ll discuss it later on when it becomes relevant.”

Diamond just nodded to her statement.

A light breeze hit the couple as they walked the streets of Canterlot. Diamond gave a hum at his surroundings as they passed some shops and homes that lined the streets. Holly wanted to go shopping for some small minor things. So they decided to prolong their evening by walking to their destination instead of taking a cab. They enjoyed the 15 minute walk to the shop. It was a quiet evening. The streets were barely noisy. There were only a few unicorns that were out and about getting some last minute tasked done before heading home for the night. The large tower clock that stood tall over the district Diamond and his wife were in, read 8:50pm; the stores would be closing within the hour. Coming up to their destination Diamond saw that his wife was heading to a small hobby store that shared space with a lawyers’ office that occupied the second and third stories of the building.

‘Interesting place for a store.’ Diamonds mused to himself.

Walking into the building the couple split-up as Holly went for the item she was looking for. Diamond stood by the door and waited patiently for his wife. He took the time to gaze around at the knick-knacks that littered the store. Crafting items, planks of wood, dolls, wooded action figures, picture frames, sporting gear and painting canvases all flooded his field of view. He sat there wondering what his wife could be getting at this time of night. Was it some new colored yarn for her kitting or was it some more drawing supplies for their daughter. Whatever it was, he merely let it sink to the back of his mind, taking this time to close his eyes and let them rest, it was welcoming. Several minutes passed by and the soft sounds of the fans spinning became Diamond’s personal space of peace.

“Got what I needed dear.”

Hearing his wife’s voice and hearing her hoof steps, stepping out the door, he gave a hum and followed after. Stepping up to her side he gave a hum as he brought out a cigar from his coat’s pouch.

“What did you get dear?” He asked lighting his cigar.

His wife gave a hum and only a hum as she continued walking. This action made Diamond a little frustrated with her. Grunting he asked again but got the same response. With a drawn out sight he gave a grunt and stepped in front of his wife.

“What’s in the bag dear?” He spoke with authority.

Holly looked up at her husband and gave a slight sigh.

“It’s a doll for one of our slaves’ dear, the little one.” She answered before continuing her walk to the taxi station but a hoof stopped her in her tracks. Diamond looked down at his wife and gave a frown.

“What for?” He hissed.

Holly gave a frown of her own.

“Too show thanks for their service dear.”

This statement only made Diamond more frustrated with her.

“You don’t reward slaves for doing their jobs dear, it what they do, you only punish them when they misbehave.” Diamond told his wife, his voice taking on a tone of anger.

Holly just frowned at her husband.

“What’s wrong with my way of doing things?” She hissed.

Diamond gave a small laugh.

“Like I said earlier dear, your way makes a slave to soft.”

“And what’s wrong with them being a little soft?” She asked looking into his golden blue eyes.

Diamond lifted a brow.

“If they become too soft they start to slack off, become lazy and more klutzy like those damn winged freaks. Fear is what works, makes them better workers, they fear of disappointing you…”

“Fear is not the only way dear!” Holly interrupted her husband’s rant. “If you treat them nice, then they are worried about disappointing you even more than fear. They’ll find you as a ‘friend’ a ‘friend’ they do not want to lose.” She concluded her statement getting in her husband’s face.

Diamond gave a huff at her statement and looked away. Holly stepping away from her husband continued with her walking.

“Let’s head home before it gets too late.” She spoke looking back at her husband.

Diamond gave a huff and trotted up along her side. Stopping her with a hoof once again he lowered his lips to her ear.

“I’ll let you have your way but when those investors come over and those slaves fuck it up, I’m going to enjoy your misery when your way of doing things is proven wrong…” Looking into her eyes he gave a smirk. “Because dear, when a stallion makes the rules, a mare follows them, Unicorpian law dear, don’t test the waters again!” Giving her a kiss on the lips he lifted his head and continued along the dimly lit road towards the taxi station. Behind him his wife was having a hard time processing his words. When his words finally made sense too her, she began to tremble and slowly followed after her husband.

Octavia was full from her meal. She looked down at her belly and let out a sigh. She felt guilty. She let herself go when she tasted the meal Mac made for her and Star Dust. It was good, better than the meal Mac was allowed to make for themselves. She looked up at Star Dust wiggling a tooth pick with his magic. Cleaning the dirty gap between his teeth, Star Dust glanced at Octavia and gave a suggestive grin. Blushing from his smile Octavia sunk slowly in her chair. Laughing at her actions he looked up at the clock. Seeing the time was 9:30 He gave a hum and got up from his seat and walked up to Octavia’s.

“Looks like supper is over with,” Resting his head on hers, he gave a hum to her shivering reaction. “Did you have fun?” He asked.’ Wrapping his arms over her shoulders.

Octavia looked at the hooves that lay over her chest and gave out a shuttered sigh. The evening with him was awkward. He talked about his yearly childhood and how it was like. He mentioned it was a little awkward. Ever since he turned 12 his parent’s attitude towards each other was interesting to say the least. He talked about his dislikes and likes, one of them being her, that made her shiver when he mentioned it. Then he asked her about hers. That stumped her to say the least but in the end she obliged to his question. She told him she was a coal miner’s daughter, and lived in the small town of Coma-ke near Ponyville and the Victor Dagger mountain range. We she said were she lived, he gave a whistle. He told her that the blimp he was stationed on attacked that region a year ago. These words stunned her and Octavia couldn’t help but let some anger fill her mind at that statement. Here was someone who was working on the same ship that brought chaos to her small town. Causing her and her family and a lot of the town’s locals to flee to the coal mines to wait out the bombardment, which lead them straight to being captured by Unicorpian forces. It didn’t help they were all stuck in-between the walls of the mine and the entrance blocked by a multitude of Unicorpian soldiers.

“You haven’t answered my question dear, how was supper? Did you enjoy it?” Star Dust spoke up, interrupting Octavia’s train of thought. Looking up at the stallion she gave out a shaky reply.

“Y-Yes.”

Star Dust gave a smile.

“That’s good,” Looking back at the clock he saw that the time was 9:35, with another hum he got up from his position and released his grip on Octavia. “I’ll walk you back to your room; mother and father will be home soon.” Gripping her collar with his magic he began to lead her to her room.

Walking into the kitchen Octavia saw that her sister was putting the last of the dishes away small forks, knives and some small plates. Next to her was a small bowl of oats that Mac must of have made before heading to his shed a couple of feet way from theirs. Seeing her sister walk into the kitchen, Pinkie gave a smile to her, Octavia returned it. Pinkie still waving, watched her sister and Star Dust near the door to their room with slight confusion, usually they went together. Stepping up from her place she began to walk towards her sister. Seeing Pinkie making her way to them, Star Dust lifted a hoof to stop the pink filly. Stopping in her tracks, she saw him motioning to her, too return to her task. Reluctant she stood her ground. See this Star Dust gave a frown.

“I’ll get to you in a little bit slave!” He hissed. “Get back to work!”

Fear coating her mind Pinkie quickly went back to her task. Liking what he saw he turned his gaze and saw an angry Octavia looking back at him. Stepping closer to her face, he gave her a smile.

“I wasn’t going to do anything bad to her, cheer up or do you want me to do something?” He asked to the grey teenage filly.

Hearing his words, Octavia gazed at the ground and frowned. Smiling he opened the door to her room. Seeing it opened she stepped in. A sturdy click graced her ears and she heard the door close behind her as a hoof stoked her backside. A blush adored her cheeks and she felt the hoof slide up her back, up her neck and under her chin. Seeing golden eyes move in front of her vision she became nervous at what Star Dust was about to do. Then like a flash of lighting his lips pressed against hers. Shock swam through her mind as she backed away from his kiss but he was quick and swiftly pinned her to one of the walls of her room. For a long minute, his tongue explored her mouth as she tried using hers to push his out. Finally what felt like an eternity to her ended and he finally pulled away from her lips, only to dive back down for another round. Tears coated her eyes as she wanted it to end. Finally he ended it and pulled away from her and gazed lustfully into her soft purple eyes.

“What’s your name beautiful?” Star Dust asked looking into her soul.

Stunned and with tears in her eyes, she shakily replied to his question.

“O-Octavia-a!” She moaned.

Tilting his head he moved a hoof up to her eyes.

“Now, now Octavia, don’t cry dear, I would never hurt you. Just giving you a taste of what’s to come. When the time is right I’ll truly show you my love but like a fine wine I want to let you age, tease you a bit more let you marinate.” He hummed stroking her dark mane.

Octavia shook under his embrace.

“Now don’t say a thing to mother and father you hear or you’ll be saying bye, bye to little sis.” Star Dust hummed, moving away from Octavia’s form. Stepping to the door her looked to his left to see the shaking teenager looking at him with fear. “Sleep tight.” He smiled before opening the door and closing it soon after he stepped into the kitchen. Octavia looked at the door for some time; finally she began to breakdown as her floodgates finally opened.

Pinkie was putting the last dish away when Star Dust came from her room. Pinkie looked back and watched him walk up to her with a sinister grin plastered on his face. Scared, Pinkie backed up against the counter drawers. Finally standing over her, Star Dust bent his head down and looked into her eyes. Nervous, Pinkie spoke up.

“Y-Yes master?”

With a smirk Star Dust spoke up.

“Well little filly, you did a good job tonight serving me and your sister.”

Pinkie looked at him and slowly nodded.

“I’m trying to do my best, especially for my sister; do you think Holly would be proud? Maybe I should tell her….”

“No!”

Cut off by his harsh voice, Pinkie’s mood soured once again and she sunk back down towards the ground.

“You will not tell my mother or father about this you hear! Say anything and I’ll take you from your sister!” Star Dust spoke with venom coating his words.

Pinkie stared at him with tears starting to form in her eyes.

“N-No don’t do t-that please!” She shouted, shooting up shoving her face into his.

With a hoof he pushed her away from his face and looked back down upon her.

“I will as long as you keep tonight and every other night like it a secret.”

Pinkie looked up at him and gave a frown.

“But secretes are not a nice… Ah!”

With a hoof he shoved her face into the tile floor, pinning her to the ground.

“You’ll keep a secret you got it!” Star Dust hissed, pushing his hoof down harder on her skull to emphasis his point.

Fear swam through her mind, her limbs moved about sporadically as she screamed.

“OK! OK! OK!” Pinkie cried out.

“Stop!” Star Dust spoke with authority. Pinkie stopped her movements and looked up towards him the best she could.

“I’ll give you some advice kid. Keeping secrets is not a bad thing; it just might just come in handy one day.” Star Dust told her as he lifted his hoof from her skull.

Now free, she quickly got up a scooted to the door of her room, keeping a good distance from him. Hearing the front door open. Both Pinkie and Star Dust looked towards the dining room to see Holly and Diamond walk through the door. With a quick glance to the pink filly, Star Dust called out to his parents.

“Hey mother, father, perfect timing I just got done eating supper and I was just taking this here little one to her room.”

“That’s good son.” Diamond spoke up stepping in-between the doorway of the hallway. “Where are the other slaves?”

Star Dust gave a hum as he went for the door knob.

“The grey one was not needed so she did chores and the red one finished early and did most of the dishes. This one served and finished the rest.” He replied.

“Mmm, where is your sister?” Diamond asked.

Star Dust looked back at his father.

“She’s staying at a friend’s house; she was going to be late and decided that it would be best to say there.” He replied turning back to the door knob. Pinkie was looking in-between Star Dust and Diamond with curious eyes.

Watching Pinkie and her antics for a short while, he gave a sigh as he spoke. “Well then, I’ll be in the study if you need me, got to do some quick paper work before going to bed.” With that Diamond walked down the hall.

Holly came up with a bag in tow to her son and Pinkie. A smile was on her lips as she finally approached.

“You can head to bed dear I’ll take over from here.” Holly spoke.

Star Dust raised a brow and looked at his mother.

“Mother I’m capable of taking care of…” A hoof stopped his speech.

“I said get to bed; you need to get up early remember. Don’t be like your father, listen to your mother.” She spoke giving him a stern but loving glare.

With a slow nod, he listened to his mother; he said good night and headed for his room. With her son gone, Holly looked down at Pinkie with a smile.

“Shall we get you to your bed as well?”

Looking up at the older mare, Pinkie gave a happy smile, finally glade that she was around the calming presence of Holly.

Octavia sat on the mattress and looked at the door with a solemn look in her eyes. She had heard Star Dust conversation with her sister. She despised him and the things he said to her. How dare he do such a thing? She was young. She must have been scared but one thought nagged at her thoughts, it was a part of his conversation he had with Pinkie. One she didn’t hear well. His voice got lower near the end. What did he say to her? What did he do to her? Theories swam through her mind until they were shattered when the door opened.

A pink blur rushed towards her and slammed into her. Octavia was stunned for a second before she realized that her sister was hugging her chest. With a smile she returned the hug. Hearing a giggle, Octavia and Pinkie both looked up to see Holly looking down upon them with a smile.

“Seems light she missed you? You’ve must have been busy with the house even though it was pretty clean when we left?” Holly asked looking at the sisters with a raised brow.

Octavia looked around before nervously replying to Holly’s answer.

“Uh… Y-Yeah I was very busy.”

Holly looked down at them and just gave a shrug.

“Well anyways I came in here to give you a gift, more so a certain pink filly a gift.”

Hearing this, Pinkie shot up her head and looked up at Holly with wide eyes.

“R-Really!” Pinkie asked with wonder.

Holly gave a nod.

“A gift from your sister and I.” Holly replied looking at Octavia with a smile, causing her to blush.

Pinkie jumped up and down, waiting for her gift. With a smile Holly produce a small doll from her saddle bag and handed it to Pinkie. Pinkie graciously took the doll and held it close. She looked over the features of the doll. It had black hair and tail. Its eyes were blue buttons and the color of the fabric was a light tan. The doll looked like a filly and it wore a light green dress and a horn was sown on it forehead. Pinkie stared at the doll and a large smile adored her lips as she held the doll close to her chest.

“Oh thank you! Thank you!” Pinkie yelled out hugging her sister then hugging Holly.

Quickly as she hugged Holly she quickly released her grip and sulked low to the ground.

“Sorry Ma’am I didn’t mean to I-I…” A hoof silenced her woes. With wide eyes, Pinkie looked up at Holly.

Looking down upon Pinkie, Holly smiled and spoke.

“No need to be sorry. Enjoy the gift; your sister wanted you to have something for your birthday.” Holly pointed to Octavia, who was smiling with happy tears forming in her eyes.

Pinkie looked at her sister and gave her a long and strong hug.

“Thank you sis.”

Octavia looked down at her sister and let out a small chuckle. The night for gotten thanks to Holly, she looked up at the mare and gave her a smile.

“Thank you…” One of Holly’s hooves lay over her lips, looking at the hoof then looking at Holly, Octavia raised a brow.

Holly looked into Octavia’s purple eyes with a kind demeanor.

“No need to thank me.”

All Octavia could do was slowly nod her head. Maybe Holly was the key to making her and her sister life here pleasant.

After putting the sister to bed, Holly made her way to her room. Stepping into her room she saw that her husband was already in bed and was quickly glancing over a small book. With a sigh she when to her drawers and took out a night gown and headed into the bathroom. Diamond hearing his wife’s movements, looked up to see the shadow of her form getting undressed. Glancing down at the bed sheets, he gave a sigh.

“Dear?” She asked.

“Yes?” Holly replied.

Diamond took a deep breath.

“What I said to you earlier… I’m sorry I acted that way.”

Hearing these words Holly glanced from the doorway and looked at her husband with a longing stare. Making eye contact with his wife, Diamond gave a sigh.

“I was buzzed, and not thinking straight I guess the stress of work was getting to me and I took it out on you.” He spoke as he set down his book. “Do you forgive me?”

Holly looked at her husband for several minutes. Diamond became nervous at his wife’s action. Since the ride home he realized what a mistake he made. He messed up big time and if he wanted to save this romantic night he needed to apologize now. Finally she spoke.

“Yes dear I do.” With a sigh she lifted a toothbrush with her magic and dipped her head back into the bathroom. “We all make mistakes, were just ponies after all.” She called out.

“You…” Diamond stopped himself. He was going to correct her wording from ponies too unicorns but decided not to. Lying in his bed he began listening to the sounds of his wife brushing her teeth. With the sounds of the sink turning on and then off, he watched his wife make her way to her side of the bed and crawl into it.

Lying down, Diamond took the opportunity to wrap a loving arm over his wife and bring her close to his form. With soft kisses along her neck he began to show her that he was sorry. Holly let him have his fun before stopping him with a hoof.

“Not tonight dear.” She spoke and with that she turned off her light, bring the room into complete darkness.

Snuggling into the covers, Holly began to doze off into sleep leaving Diamond staring at her sleeping form. Looking down at his wife he looked at her outline. A frown came upon his face. His night didn’t turn out the way he planned. Why were his views and opinions different from his wife’s? He guessed marring a writer was starting too not turn out to be the best thing after all. ‘To independent.’ He thought, ‘Never listens to authority.’ Again he stared down at his wife and instead of seeing the outline of his wife’s average form; he started to see the thin form of a younger mare. This one replacing the wavy mane of his wife’s with a silky long mane. This new mare lying next to him was one who would be obedient to him and his every word. Not one that saw the new laws of Unicorpia as an invitation to go against nature itself and defy her husband or stallions in general. The more he thought and fantasied about this mare the more he like the idea but this future mare was not old enough and the laws prevented him from achieving his goals. With a frown the image of the perfect mare faded away and the form of his wife filled his eyes once again. With a sigh he turned over and fell asleep.