Age of False Innocence
Part 1: Save Us
By MagnetBolt
Life in the Crystal Empire was perfect. It was stable. Everypony was pleasant. There weren't any crises. Cadence had a loving husband. Everything was structured. Everything was orderly. Like a crystal.
It was stable. The seasons barely even touched the land. Every morning Cadence could count on it being the same temperature to within a tolerance of a few degrees. The same crops were in season all year-round thanks to the magic that let them grow in the first place.
Everypony was pleasant. Cadence could walk down the street and despite being installed as ruler only a short time ago, the crystal ponies all loved her. She hadn't seen a frown ever since Sombra had been defeated. They just basked in her light like sunflowers watching Celestia's plot.
There weren't any crises. The Crystal Heart seemed to keep all of the danger and excitement that plagued the rest of Equestria away from the Empire. The worst thing Cadence had had to deal with so far as a ruler was that there had been a minor outbreak of ponypox, but that just made ponies itchy for a few days before they'd gotten a poultice in from Ponyville to cure it.
Cadence had a loving husband. Shining Armor was completely devoted to her and doting. Half the time when she wanted to do something, she'd find that he'd already taken care of it for her so she wouldn't be troubled by it. She could feel just how much he loved her every day, the power of it almost blinding, enhancing her own magic, not that she ever needed to use it.
Everything was structured. Breakfast at 8am sharp. Lunch at noon. Tea at 3 in the afternoon. Dinner at 6. All of the meals were from a short list of the food she loved most, prepared exactly the way she wanted it. Every egg was perfect. Every tea sandwich had the cucumber sliced the same way. Every salad had her favorite dressing. They always made the same small talk, discussed the same things every day as if they were new.
Everything was orderly. Cadence could literally set her clock to the weather. Every flower was exactly like the others of its ilk. Every leaf on every tree was fully formed without a blemish or a discoloration. No pony was ever late, no pony slacked off at their job. It was one giant structure, rigid and inflexible and cold and impersonal.
Like a crystal.
***
It bored Cadence to death. She thought being a ruler would mean making tough decisions, and running from one danger to another in the name of her people. She didn't think it would mean that she had to sit on her plot and watch as the Crystal Empire ran itself. The people didn't need her. They didn't even need her love magic. The Crystal Heart was the only ruler they needed, and she was just its caretaker.
Was that really what she'd been reduced to? She knew she should have been happy. She'd dreamed of being a Princess since she was a mere pegasus foal. Now she really was the equal of Celestia or Luna. She'd defeated two great evils (with help from her step-sister and her friends) and now she was reaping the rewards.
Everything she asked for was at her hooves. Every meal was the same as every other meal, but that was because she had favorite foods. Of course she'd eat those all the time. If she asked the cooks, she could get anything she wanted. Maybe she'd go down and ask for carrot soup instead of crystal potato chowder. Or maybe she'd skip lunch and go get hayburgers at some greasy spoon – though she'd have to go halfway to Canterlot to find something like that.
She couldn't complain too much. Things were like this because they didn't need to change. Why would somepony want to change perfection? It was better that it was boring instead of disappointing. Or at least that's what part of her wanted to believe. She'd been happier before she'd gone to see her step-sister. Discord had tried to ruin the visit but it had been the most exciting thing – the only exciting thing – she'd done since Twilight's coronation.
Had she really become so disillusioned so quickly? Fighting bad guys was great in stories, but in the real word, ponies got hurt whenever some maniac showed up. It was better for everypony if things were stable and nice and pleasant. Among the Griffon Tribes, the phrase 'living in interesting times' was a curse. It was just hard to get used to settling down and living a quiet life after everything that hand happened. That was all.
Ever since that visit, though, Cadence found her attention wandering. She'd sit in her Crystal Court and hear, well, not complaints, really. But the crystal ponies would come in and give reports about crop yields and the market value of crystal corn and the trade negotiations that Cadence's experienced and skilled advisors had taken off her hooves and politely asked her to leave to them. They were, she had to admit, doing a far better job than she would have.
Wanted criminals had more freedom than she did. She was trapped by routine and traditions she didn't understand. Part of her just wanted to run away from her kingdom and Shining Armor and all of the responsibilities that she had. It would probably take the crystal ponies a week to realize anything was wrong. They'd just set out plates at the same time and give reports to an empty throne like a bunch of automatons.
***
The heart shone like a beacon. She could sense it from almost all the way across Equestria. It smelled like hope and a new beginning. It was something the traveler needed after everything that had happened to her. She pulled her cloak tighter against the wind rushing across the northern plains and walked into the city along with the rest of the ponies, though her sheer size drew attention as she stood head and shoulders taller than any of the crystal ponies. Thankfully they were too absorbed in their own affairs and the monotony of their lives to say anything about it.
Princess Cadence. That was an all-too familiar image, staring back at her from here and there, tasteful posters and banners. Not on the money, she was too newly installed as a figurehead for that. The bits were still marked with the sign of the old Crystal Empire from a thousand years ago, which to most of the ponies here had been the Crystal Empire they lived in only a short time ago. It had been a strong land, built on the back of magic that didn't really exist in the modern world.
Would she be thrown out as soon as she got to the palace? The traveler hadn't even expected to get this far without screaming and ponies cowering away from her. In many towns just being a little different would send ponies fleeing into their homes to hide away. Here, though, being outside of their little system just meant that they were ignoring her. Pretending she didn't exist. In some ways it was almost comforting. She didn't want to get noticed, really. But part of her hated that she wasn't even acknowledged.
Never before had she felt as low and alone as she did now. She'd left everyone behind to go on this vital mission, something she had to do alone. But if she was successful, it would mean that the time of troubles and disaster for her people would be over. The famine that she had caused with her own actions would be fixed by her hooves and her hooves alone, even if she had to beg.
Expect only disaster. That's what her instincts told her. She'd probably end up locked away and thrown into exile while her people slept and eventually slipped away into extinction. It would be a quiet way to die out, peaceful. It wasn't what they deserved. Her people deserved to live, but they were just paying for her mistake now.
Her heart, or rather, what she had instead of a heart, fluttered in her chest as she walked towards the Crystal Palace, and her destiny.
***
“Ma'am, you're going to have to wait your turn.” two crystal guards crossed their spears in front of the cloaked visitor, preventing her from entering. “The Crystal Court is in session. You can't just shove your way to the front of the line.”
“I'm here on important business,” the visitor said. “Whatever you peasants are doing isn't nearly as weighty as the burden I carry. Get out of my way. Princess Cadence will probably be so excited to see me she'll want to end Court early.”
“She doesn't even get that excited for her husband. Please wait your turn in line.”
“Well of course not. Who would? He's got a big heart and no talent, and that doesn't even count when he's having his little headaches.”
The guards looked at each other, confused. “What?”
“Oh never mind. You wouldn't understand. Just step aside.” The visitor removed her hood. She revealed slim features, a black carapace, a long crooked horn. She was certainly no pony. “Or at least pass along a message that Queen Chrysalis is here to visit.”
***
The screaming was loud enough that people outside the castle actually broke from their daily routine and went to look. They were turned away by the guard and told to go about their business, and that everything was perfectly normal.
***
“I thought you'd be smart enough not to show your face around here,” Cadence said, once the court had been cleared out except for every guard she could muster, except for her husband. She didn't want Chrysalis to be in the same room as her love, just in case she tried something again.
“Clearly you were prepared for me. Which explains why I had to get your guards to announce me even though I came here openly and without even a disguise.” Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “Really, even my most pathetic grubs could have done a better job.”
“Why did you come here?” Cadence demanded, not responding to her jibe. She had a spell ready to fry the changeling queen where she stood.
“Isn't it obvious? I'm here to talk.” Chrysalis looked around. “Though I'd rather do it in private. I am a Queen, after all. I should be treated with the same respect you'd show any other foreign dignitary.”
“You foalnapped me, impersonated me, put a spell on my Husband, and tried to both marry him and take over Canterlot!” Cadence snapped. “I don't owe you anything, especially not respect!”
“I see you're still sore about that.” Chrysalis sighed. “This is going to be more difficult than I thought.”
“I'm not going to let you manipulate me. I don't know what you're planning, but I'm going to have you locked in the dungeon until we've done a complete sweep of the city for changelings and once we've gotten rid of them we'll banish you too.”
“You won't find any.” Chrysalis said, looking down. “I came alone.”
“Excuse me if I don't take a liar and a thief at her word.”
“It's a sign of good will,” Chrysalis said, raising her head to look Cadence in the eye. “On behalf of my people, I throw myself on your mercy and must... ask for aid.”
“Aid.” Cadence deadpanned. Then she started laughing. “You're joking! Of all the ponies you could have asked for help, why me?”
“You're the princess of love. My people need love to survive.” Chrysalis tilted her head. “Do I need to add two and two together for you?”
“I think so, because I'm not going to help you.”
Chrysalis was quiet for a few long moments. “Even if you won't help me, my people need to feed. They're starving to death.” The Queen growled and forced herself to kneel. “Please.” She was humiliated. She hadn't expected that she would have to go this far. Reports from the few rouges to return to her hive said that ponies were giving of their love and practically fell over themselves to show friendship to someone.
“There's nothing for your people here,” Cadence said. “Guards, take her to a holding cell.” She rolled her eyes. “Make it one of the nice ones. Once she is secure, start sweeping the Empire for changelings. If she's telling the truth and none of her minions are lurking in our borders she will be escorted safely away. Chrysalis, for your sake, I'd recommend not resisting.”
“You're not even going to talk about it?!” Chrysalis demanded.
“I don't have anything to say to you.”
***
“The crystal wine is lovely tonight,” Cadence said. Every bottle was lovely, of course. They were all hoof-crafted with care in a process that took months to finish. Of course they took so much care in such carefully controlled conditions that every bottle was exactly the same.
“Not as lovely as you are,” Shining Armor said, with a smile. He'd used some variation of that line every time Cadence had commented on the wine. He was just as predictable as the crystal ponies in his own way. She smiled slightly. The line was already getting a little old.
“So, how many changelings have the guards found so far?” Cadence took another sip of the wine. “There are probably a lot if she's already making a move like this.”
“Actually so far, um. Zero.” Shining gave her a sheepish smile. “We've checked everypony in important positions and started a random screening before a detailed search, but nopony seems to be a changeling so far.”
“That just means she found a way to defeat the spell you're using!” Cadence said, slamming her glass down. “I can just tell she has something she's plotting! Something evil! She's probably going to try and steal you away from me again.”
“Did you try just asking her?” Shining offered.
“Oh yes, like she's just going to tell me how to stop her evil plan.”
“Sergeant Ironhide told me that she said she just came here to talk,” Shining pointed out. “Isn't it possible that really is what she came here to do?”
“Sergeant Ironhide is an idiot if he thinks that's true.” She carefully took a sip from her glass of wine, the taste bitter now. “Chrysalis is a monster. Whatever she's doing it's just some strategy to get under my skin and hurt ponies. Wait, did you check the guards?! What if they've been replaced!”
“I checked them myself,” Shining Armor said, with a frown. “You're really acting strange, honey. Are you feeling okay?”
“Feeling okay?! My arch-nemesis is sitting in the dungeon and is probably trying to overthrow me!” Cadence started hyperventilating and had to close her eyes for a few seconds to calm down before she passed out. “We were so close to losing everything last time. If it wasn't for Twilight, right now Canterlot would be one big changeling hive.”
“Look, honey, why don't you relax and finish up dinner, and I'll go see if I can get Chrysalis to tell me why she's here?”
Cadence shot him a look. “No. You're going to keep away from her. I don't want the two of you to even be in the same room together.”
“What? But-”
“She had her hooks in you so deep last time that we barely got you back. There could be some part of that spell just lying in wait to come back. Even if there isn't, you're vulnerable to her magic.”
“And you aren't?”
“Love magic is my specialty. If she tries anything I'll be able to stop it. Besides, this is my Empire and I can protect it.” Cadence couldn't help but feel excited. She could take care of this myself and protect her people instead of feeling like a useless figurehead. And unlike Shining Armor, she wouldn't fell victim to Chrysalis' charms, magical or otherwise.
***
“And the wards are in place?” Cadence asked, looking at the door to Chrysalis' cell. There were symbols carved into the crystal of the door, and a line across the ground just outside the doorway itself. Cadence looked down the hallway. A dozen guards here alone, and more outside as everypony had been called up for duty until the crisis was over.
“Yes, Ma'am,” the guard said. “The designs are direct from Canterlot.”
“And Twilight's alterations?”
“We've put them in place, Ma'am, but I'm not sure what Princess Twilight Sparkle's additions to the wards actually do.” The unicorn guard looked unsure of himself. “Is it wise to use those spells without testing them first?”
“They're supposed to keep changelings from disguising themselves. Unless you'd like to admit to being a changeling we can't really test them.” Cadence tapped a hoof against the ground. “Assume they don't function. Every time I leave, check to make sure it isn't Chrysalis impersonating me, even if I tell you not to. Especially if I tell you not to.”
“Yes, Ma'am.”
“Good. For now, I'm the only one allowed into this cell, understood? There's no telling what she might be plotting.”
“Yes Ma'am. We'll watch for plots.”
“Just don't watch my plot too closely or Shining Armor will put you on latrine duty.” She smiled. The guards laughed. It was honest laughter. A joke she hadn't told a hundred times before. It felt good. Cadence felt in control, instead of just being swept along with a current. She unlocked the door and pushed it open with a hoof, closing it behind her.
“Well, this is a much less flattering room than I'm used to,” Chrysalis said, as Cadence turned to look at her. The Queen had an iron band around one forelimb, chaining her to the wall. Without her cloak it was obvious that she was in a somewhat worse state than when they'd last met. A plate of bread and water sat untouched, pushed against the wall.
“The food and water aren't poisoned,” Cadence commented. “You're the evil queen, not me. We treat prisoners fairly.”
“Changelings don't eat bread,” Chrysalis said, rolling her eyes. “Even when we do eat food we just consume the love that went into making it, and this smells like it was made in a factory.”
“I assure you it was hoof-made by one of the finest bakers in the Empire. It's the same bread I have with dinner every night.” Cadence stood across the room from Chrysalis, too far away for the changeling to reach her with a lunge.
“You have a strange definition of 'finest', then.” Chrysalis shrugged. “Even that orange pony at the wedding had better-”
“You are not going to speak about the wedding!” Cadence snapped. “I should have them build a darker and less comfortable cell just for you after everything you've done!” She took a breath to calm herself. “Besides, I have it on good authority that you didn't even eat her food. You just threw it out.”
“It would have gone to waste one way or another,” Chrysalis stuck out her tongue. “I was already full thanks to your husband anyway.”
“Are you trying to make me upset?!” Cadence yelled.
Chrysalis laughed. “If I was, I'd be doing a very good job at it. Even with my magic being blocked I can feel how angry you are. But I'd rather get you being angry out of the way so we can negotiate more honestly, without all this pent-up rage.”
“There aren't going to be negotiations. I want you and all of your kind out of my Empire.”
“Why, so you can kill the rest of us?” Chrysalis asked. Cadence hesitated, and the queen used the pause to expand on the question. “After your little display almost half of my people were killed. Some by the guard, some by rather vicious wildlife, some by starvation, and a lot of them by impact against hard surfaces.”
Chrysalis raised a hoof. “Wooosh.” She brought it down sharply on the stone. “Splat. Just like that. At least it was instant for most of them.” She didn't look amused.
“I didn't know- it doesn't matter.” Cadence tried to regain her confidence. “You were attacking us and we defended ourselves. You forced our hoof.”
“I'm not accusing you of anything,” Chrysalis said, with a shrug. “I mean sure, they were all people, unique individuals whose lives you snuffed out in an instant with an unnecessary display of strength, but that's just details since we're all monsters right?”
“Stop it!” Cadence stomped her hoof. “I'm going to find out what you're really up to.”
“I already told you,” Chrysalis said, lounging on the thin mattress they'd put on the floor. “You could try taking me at my word.”
“Please. You're even less trustworthy than Discord.”
“That wounds me,” Chrysalis said, laughing.
“This discussion is over. If you feel like talking, alert one of the guards and they'll let me know. If I have time, I might come to see if you're more cooperative.”
“Oh yes, really putting me in my place.” Chrysalis smiled. “Why don't you just come down once you actually feel like talking instead of accusing me of evil plots?” Chrysalis turned around and wiggled her tail. “Most people compliment my plot instead of getting so mad about it.”
Cadence's eyebrow twitched. Now Chrysalis was even stealing her puns!
***
“She probably wants to steal the Crystal Heart,” Cadence said, poking her breakfast with a fork and not really eating it. The eggs were, well, lovely, like everything else. She just didn't have much of an appetite. “It would explain why she's in the palace and why she's trying to get me to lower my guard. In fact, double the guard on the Heart. I don't want to take any chances.”
“We can't,” Shining Armor said, frowning. “With the increased guard in the cells and everypony else sweeping the city for changelings we just don't have the manpower.”
“Then just... make sure your best people are on it. I'm sorry, honey. I'm just worried.”
“I know you are.” Shining Armor smiled. “I could ask my sister and her friends to come up. Maybe they could help.”
“Let's consider that a last resort,” Cadence said, with a smile. “If something does happen, they'll probably have to be the ones to pull our flanks out of the fire, so I'd like to keep them out of danger in case things blow up.”
“If you say so,” Shining Armor agreed. He always agreed with her. She could ask him to jump off a bridge and he'd ask her if she'd prefer if he landed face-first.
“I've given her a few hours to sit and think, so maybe she'll be more cooperative now. Any luck finding her minions?” Cadence took a bite of her food. Even if she wasn't hungry she did need to eat something.
“Not yet. I'm starting to think there really aren't any changelings in the city.”
“Hmm... maybe you're right.” Cadence drained her glass of juice. “She was pretty much the only one in Canterlot when she was busy ruining our wedding. Maybe she's doing the same thing here, and all her minions are lying in wait in some hidden lair.”
“Or-” Shining Armor started.
Cadence cut him off. “Or she's afraid her minions would mess up her plans! They can't be as reliable as ponies, after all. She's probably keeping them away so they don't interfere. Maybe they'd even try to steal the Heart themselves. Changelings are all greedy thieves.”
“Honey, isn't that a little-” Shining stopped and smiled at the glare he got. “Never mind.”
***
Cadence shoved the door open and walked inside. Chrysalis was, almost surprisingly, still there. She hadn't managed to replace anypony yet. The Queen looked a little more drab than usual this morning, her patchy mane grayed. She had bags under her eyes like she hadn't slept.
“Good morning,” Chrysalis said, yawning. “Did you tell Shining Armor hi for me? I do miss him dearly sometimes, even if he is worthless in bed.”
“Wh- you-” Cadence sputtered. She turned and almost stormed out the door at that.
“Oh please. You know it's true better than anyone.” Cadence glared at the Queen. “I was replacing you for days. It would have seemed strange if we weren't, well...” Chrysalis smiled, showing fangs.
“You really are just trying to upset me. It's not going to work.” Cadence steadied herself. “Shining Armor is none of your concern, but he is perfect in every way.”
“You should thank me, you know. That thing he does with his tongue?” Cadence's eyes went wide. “Yeah, I taught him how to do that so he'd at least have one trick in his book.” Chrysalis winked. Cadence's eye twitched. She knew exactly what Chrysalis was talking about and it was, well, the only thing Shining Armor was any good at in that way that she hadn't taught him herself.
“You're just- argh!” Cadence rubbed her temples. “I've already figured out your plan, and I'm not going to let you anywhere near the Crystal Heart. They should be done sweeping the city by tomorrow and then you'll be escorted away.”
“So I've only got until tomorrow to get you to listen to me.” Chrysalis said. “I guess that's going to be a challenge since you're determined to be racist.”
“I'm not racist!”
“You'd listen to me if I was a pegasus or a unicorn.”
“If you were a pegasus or a unicorn you wouldn't be a monster.”
“See? Racist.” Chrysalis shrugged weakly.
“Fine, if you have something to say, say it now. I don't have time to sit here and be insulted. I have an Empire to run.” Cadence frowned. She wasn't racist. She really wasn't! If some other changeling had shown up to beg mercy she would have at least considered listening to them. Probably. She had to admit she was still upset.
“I want your help. My people are dying. They're literally starving to death. You want to know why I attacked Canterlot? Because I thought I'd be able to harvest enough love to keep us going for years on end. And I was wrong, and we lost, and half of us are dead, and we've used almost everything we have left just licking our wounds.” Chrysalis narrowed her eyes. “If I go back with empty hooves there won't be any changelings left by the spring.”
“This sounds a lot like it's your own fault,” Cadence said.
“It is.” Chrysalis deflated, lying down on the floor. “I made a terrible mistake. That's why I'm trying to do the right thing. I'm grovelling on my knees, Cadence. I'm begging you for help. I'd apologize if it mattered to you. If you want to throw me in the dungeon, that's fine, as long as you find a way to help my people.”
“I...” Cadence was suddenly uncomfortable. Even more than when Chrysalis had mentioned the tongue thing (which she'd never be able to enjoy again). Chrysalis sounded like she was actually telling the truth. Cadence could her it in her shaking voice. And part of her was trying very hard not to think about all the changelings she'd apparently killed. She knew that some had been killed trying to flee from the guard, and that others had died in captivity, but not the sheer scale of it.
“Please,” Chrysalis said. “I don't have anywhere else to go. I know you hate me, but you're the only one I could think of who knows enough about love and love magic and... it felt appropriate. With how much power you showed in Canterlot maybe there's something you can do.”
“I don't know,” Cadence said. “I don't know anything about changelings. I'm sorry.”
“We can work something out!” Chrysalis said. “There has to be a way!”
“No,” Cadence said, more firmly. “I'm sorry. I won't help you.” She pulled the door to the cell open, trying to ignore Chrysalis' gaze as she walked out.
***
“You just left her?” Shining Armor asked. Cadence frowned and poured herself a cup of tea, the pale green liquid steeped to perfection. She preferred to handle teatime herself. Princess Celestia had taught her the finer points of brewing tea long ago, and she found the ceremony of it to be calming. It usually helped her think. Today it was just forcing her to dwell more on the monster sitting in her dungeon.
“I can't help her,” Cadence said. “And even if I could, I wouldn't. She doesn't deserve it. If she wants sympathy she's going to have to find somewhere else to get it.”
“But what about all the other changelings? I can understand why you don't like Chryssi, but-”
“Chryssi?” Cadence's eye twitched.
“It's just a nickname!”
“She's a monster!” Cadence snapped. “And if her whole race dies out that's because it's her mistake and not mine! Don't give a creature like her a nickname!”
“Just because she's a monster doesn't mean you need to act like one,” Shining Armor mumbled. Cadence's teacup shattered. She bolted to her feet, eyes wide, and her horn started glowing. A wave rushed over Shining Armor, a sweeping beam illuminating his form.
Shining Armor blinked. “What- did you just changeling check me?!”
“What other explanation do I have for why my husband is suddenly taking the side of an evil monster?!” Cadence wailed, her eyes starting to fill with tears.
“Cadence, calm down!” Shining Armor stood and started walking towards her. She took a step back.
“Why are you doing this?” She asked. Demanded. “She's evil!”
“She's desperate! And you two have a lot in common.” Shining Armor regretted saying that almost instantly when Cadence's face fell even further.
“A lot in common?!” She threw her chair across the room. “What you really mean is that we have you in common!”
“No!” Shining Armor backed up. “Sweetie I just meant that you're both-”
“I don't want to hear it! We're nothing alike! She even told me about how you and her- how you-” Cadence started to tear up. “And now you're taking her side! What am I supposed to think?”
“Please, Cadence. I love you.”
“I just- I need some time alone.” Cadence walked away, head hung.
***
“Empress!” A guard saluted as she ran up.
“The prisoner collapsed?” Cadence asked. She didn't bother correcting him on the title.
“Yes, Ma'am. We were giving her more food and water, though she hasn't taken any, and the guards found her unconscious. We alerted you immediately, as per your instructions.”
“I see. Thank you.” Cadence walked to the door and opened it. Two guards were in the room, watching Chrysalis. The changeling queen was curled up on herself, barely breathing. Her mane was almost entirely gray.
“What's wrong with you?” She asked, under her breath. She wasn't sure if she meant Chrysalis or herself. Between yelling at Shining Armor and the pang of worry she felt for the monster in front of her, she wasn't feeling like herself. Then again, why wouldn't she be worried? Cadence knew she should care about every life, even Chrysalis'.
“She hasn't been eating, your Majesty,” replied one of the guards. “Is it some kind of hunger strike?”
“No, she...” Cadence sighed. “She can't eat normal food. Have the wards deactivated.”
“Your majesty? Are you sure? If we deactivate the wards-”
“Then she'll be able to change shape and use her magic, I know. But I can't let a prisoner under my watch die like this. Please.”
“By your command,” The said, nodding. They left the room to turn them off from outside. Cadence stood in the room and waited as the wards flared up with light as they deactivated. She felt more at ease, her magic flowing back to her.
“It is done, your highness,” The guard reported, from the doorway.
“Good. Leave us. Make sure to scan me twice when I leave, just in case this is a trick.” They nodded and left her alone with Chrysalis. Cadence walked closer, within the changeling's reach. If she was going to try something it would be now, with her alone and the wards broken. The Queen didn't react. She just... laid there, broken and weak. Cadence hadn't noticed how thin she was until now. Her chitin was faded and dull, her wings were tattered around the edges. Had she always been like this? Had Cadence just not noticed because of how much she hated the changeling?
Cadence knelt down and tried to figure out what to do. Chrysalis was a monster, and she was starving to death. And only love was going to feed her. Cadence felt, well, icky. She tried to focus. She just had to think about Shining Armor and... and nothing came. After that fight she had her feelings were confused and she wasn't sure if she wanted to cry into his chest or buck him in the flank so hard he ended up on the moon for a thousand years.
That was just temporary. She was angry because she'd had a fight with him. She knew she still loved him. It was just hard to feel it right now, especially while she was looking at someone he'd … been with. Then another memory forced its way to the fore of her thoughts and she blushed as she remembered a night not long after her wedding. Her horn welled with magic, and a sky-blue aura flashed down over Chrysalis, color starting to return to the Queen's body.
“Ughhh...” Chrysalis moaned, uncurling. Cadence backed up out of her reach as the changeling stood up on shaking legs.
“Are you alright?” Cadence asked.
“Better than I was. I only took enough love from the hive to last a few days. I didn't think that it would take this long to get you to talk to me.” Chrysalis' voice was rough and dry. “And something's been draining everything I had stored.”
“That... might be the experimental sigils in place,” Cadence admitted.
“That love you fed me...” Chrysalis licked her lips. “Hm. Interesting. You weren't thinking about Shining Armor.” She seemed to be savoring the flavour.
“What?” Cadence blushed. “How can you say that?”
“I'm a changeling, Princess.” Chrysalis rolled her eyes, saying Cadence's title mockingly. “We're empathic. And I can taste the flavor of your love. It wasn't love for a husband. It was love for... an illicit lover.” She smiled widely. “My favorite flavor.”
Cadence looked away, not able to meet Chrysalis' gaze. “Don't judge me like that.”
“Oh, I'm not judging.” Chrysalis sat down. “I think it's cute. I wonder who it was with. Maybe one of the guards? No, they're too stuffy. Maybe it was one of the Princesses.”
“I'd never-” Cadence was turning more red than pink.
“It wasn't Twilight Sparkle was it?” Chrysalis asked. Cadence was left gasping, unable to find words. “Hah! Wow. I didn't think you were the type. That's quite amusing. I'm guessing Shiny doesn't know about that little tryst. With his sister of all things.”
“That's none of your business! Don't go around spreading rumors!” Cadence backed up.
“Oh, I won't tell him anything. Not that you'd give me a chance.” Chrysalis laughed. “Maybe I have a chance then, since you managed to have a little fun back then.”
“You don't have any kind of chance with me!” Cadence said, quickly. “What happened between me and Twilight was private and none of your business!”
“I meant with the negotiations. Not with your frustrations. I mean, I wouldn't mind exactly. You'd probably be a little more friendly if you weren't so pent-up, and I could use the snack.” Chrysalis licked her lips again. “If you ask nicely I could pretend to be Twilight for you.”
“Stop it!” Cadence yelled.
“It was only a joke,” Chrysalis said, waving a hoof. “You're sure sensitive about it. I mean it's not like Shiny doesn't keep secrets from you.”
“Stop calling him that.”
“I got used to calling him that while I was pretending to be you.” Chrysalis grinned. “It's just a pet name.”
“You don't get to call him pet names!” Cadence stamped her hoof again. “Stop talking about him! Don't you have more to worry about?”
“You're right,” Chrysalis said, nodding her head. “I want to find a way for my people to live. I don't know if you can feel it, but this whole place is charged with love. I think my changelings could learn to feed passively from it. Even if they had to feed it wouldn't be much.”
“What?!” Cadence blinked. “You're talking about having them just... just move in! That's impossible. I won't have changelings just invading like that.”
“They wouldn't be invading. They'd be refugees. Starving ones.” Chrysalis sighed. “We'd have to come as beggars instead of conquerors.”
“That's not the point. Even if they agreed to keep out of trouble, they'd just be... leeches. There's no way the Empire can support hundreds of changelings.” Cadence started pacing. “We're still working on trade agreements! If we start harboring monsters ponies will think we're insane! Celestia would-”
“Would what?” Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. “I mean, it's obvious that you're just a puppet ruler that she installed to keep control of the Crystal Empire.”
“That's not true,” Cadence said, quietly. “I'm the protector of the Empire.”
“Oh really? Then why are you so worried about what she thinks? Make your own decisions. Or ask your advisers.” Chrysalis snorted. “Though they'll probably tell you to run me out of town.”
“...I'll ask them,” Cadence said. “You're evil, but you're right. They're the ones really running this Empire and they should know what's going on.”
“Just like that?” Chrysalis raised an eyebrow.
“I realize I'm letting my personal feelings interfere,” Cadence said, turning away. “They know their people and their laws better than I do. I'm not a dictator handing down decrees. I'll inform them about what you are and what you've done, and they can decide if they're going to listen or not.”
“I can live with that.” Chrysalis swallowed. “But I'm going to need more love soon. These wards almost drained me dry. Unless you'd like me to die in your care. You could just leave them turned off...”
“No. I'll come down after meeting with them to feed you myself,” Cadence said, with a sigh. “I won't let you feed on my subjects, and I know enough about your tricks that they won't work on me.”
“How romantic,” Chrysalis said, voice dripping with irony.
***
“...and that's all there is to it. She's a monster, there's probably some plan in place to take over the Empire, but if she's telling the truth we could be causing the deaths of hundreds if we don't act.” Cadence sighed. “I realize it is a difficult position to be in.” She looked across the table to her three advisers. Minister Quartz was an aging Earth Pony who managed crops and legal affairs, all the minutiae of the Empire. Secretary Geode was charged with the social constraints, in charge of education, internal affairs, and diplomatic matters. Captain Cirrus was a pegasus who'd lost a wing in some war before the Empire had disappeared, and now only flew a desk, but was better than anypony else in the Empire at large-scale strategic thinking.
“The decision may well be out of our hooves,” noted Minister Quartz. “I know you are not well-versed in our local laws, your highness, despite the urgings of your personal assistants.” Cadence smiled meekly. “But the Empire has a standing law that states we must accept any honest requests for asylum or shelter.”
“That's just it, Minister,” Secretary Geode noted. “The Empress is stating that this request for asylum may well not be genuine. It could be prelude to an invasion. And if I'm understanding it correctly, then even if they really are refugees, they could become an invading force after they've fed on the fat of our land.
“That's my concern exactly,” Cadence said, with a sigh. “And we don't even know their numbers. If it was just a few of them they'd be a danger but hardly unmanageable. There's no way our guards can possibly watch an entire hive of changelings.”
“Isn't there some way you can... I don't know, magically compel them?” Asked Captain Cirrus. “I admit I don't know much about magic myself, but it would provide an easy option to keep them under control.”
“It's not so easy,” Cadence replied. “I don't know enough about changelings for that. No pony does. It's possible that geas spells could be used, but they're illegal to use on ponies.”
“And if we treat them as refugees they'll have to be given the same rights as any other pony,” Quartz put in. “Which means magically compelling them is out of the question. I am glad you at least knew about that law, your highness.”
“Could we just bring in a few as a kind of... trial run?” Geode asked.
“Chrysalis implied that they'd starve to death by the time we did that,” Cadence said, frowning. “It's starting to look like it's all or nothing.”
“Why did she come here?” Cirrus asked.
Cadence looked up. They were directly below the chamber where the Crystal Heart was held. “Chrysalis seems to think they can feed from the energy of the Crystal Heart that keeps the Empire safe. I'm not sure if she's right. She's certainly not feeding now, but it's possible that's because of the anti-changeling sigils that are on her cell.”
“So we're also the only nation equipped to feed them,” Geode noted.
“And without using much of our crops,” Quartz said, flipping pages of reports. “Which is for the best.”
“We need exact numbers,” Cirrus said. “And I want to know just what their feeding would do to the Heart. Until we have answers to both we can't possibly have an answer. We can't support a million changelings swarming us, and we can't even support one if it means that the Heart would be damaged by having it among us. The Heart is the lynchpin to our Empire's safety and I won't have it endangered.”
“I must agree,” Quartz said. “Empress, I will search for any precedent on this situation. While the decision is ultimately up to you, I am glad you have consulted us on this.”
Cadence nodded and made pleasantries with them as the meeting concluded. She was disappointed that they hadn't dismissed it out of hand. It would have made things simpler. At the same time she was motivated, focused. Ever since Chrysalis had appeared on her doorstep she'd felt like she mattered.
***
“Two hundred and sixteen,” Chrysalis said, her voice barely above a whisper. She was reduced to lying on the ground again, too weak to stand for long. “That's all that we have left. I don't know how many of them are fit to travel.”
“But there were so many in Canterlot...” Candence frowned.
“I told you. Most of them are gone now. Even with them in hibernation, it'll be half that in a few weeks. Then half of that, then again, until we're all gone.” Chrysalis rolled onto her side. “I'd invite you to the hive so you could see for yourself, but I somehow doubt you'd want to go.” The queen was barely awake, her eyes clouded over with hunger and exhaustion.
“It would be stupid to go,” Cadence said, quietly.
“It would be a really stupid trap to walk into,” Chrysalis agreed. “I wouldn't trust it either. But we're a lot alike, aren't we?”
“What? No we aren't.”
“We're both rulers of our own little empires. We both specialize in love magic. We even have Shining Armor in common.” Chrysalis laughed. Cadence frowned. The Queen was almost delirious. “I bet you'd be a great changeling queen if you wanted. This place even feels like a hive already.”
“You're just confused,” Cadence said. “I'm going to feed you and...” She sighed. “After I talk to my cabinet again I'll make my recommendation.” She stepped towards the changeling. Chrysalis shied away, backing into a corner.
“Not until you tell me what you're going to tell them,” Chrysalis said, some clarity returning to her voice. “If you're going to condemn my people there's no point in feeding me your love. I'd rather go before they did so I didn't have to be the last one left.”
“I'm going to recommend they be allowed refugee status,” Cadence admitted. “Let me make this clear: I don't trust you. I don't like you. But I won't let you all die. Shining Armor was right that I don't have to act like a monster just because you do.”
“That's all I wanted,” Chrysalis said, relaxing and smiling. Cadence sighed and got closer. It was hard to have any real anger at her when the Queen was hours away from starving to death. Part of Cadence was also very aware that this would be a prime time for Chrysalis to try something stupid.
Cadence cast her spell, pulling at the love inside her and letting it expand over the changeling. Chrysalis blinked, her eyes clearing and her breath coming without wheezing now. She didn't get up, just letting Cadence feed her.
“You know, there's a much more interesting way you could be doing that,” Chrysalis pointed out. Cadence rolled her eyes and stopped.
“Now I know you're feeling better. Why do you say things like that?”
“I can't help it. You make it too easy.” Chrysalis smiled, her fangs gleaming. “Still thinking about Twilight Sparkle, too. I can tell by the taste. How did that little tryst happen?”
“That's not important.”
“Tell me. I like knowing the... vintage of the love I feed on. It makes things much more satisfying when you know where the feelings came from. If you do, I'll tell you a few things about Shining Armor that even you don't know.”
“I-” Cadence frowned, thinking back to the fight they'd had. “You're just saying that to upset me.”
“Well what I have to say would probably be more upsetting. But it's fine if you don't want to know. I can understand that. A stallion has to have his secrets, after all. It makes them more interesting, doesn't it?”
Cadence girded herself. She had to know. “It was after Shining Armor and I were married. Things were fine for a few weeks, then Twilight wanted to ask me some very personal questions.” Cadence shifted uneasily. “It was something she didn't want to ask her brother, and she didn't want to tell Celestia either because she was afraid of how she'd react.”
“And you're the princess of love... let me guess, Twilight Sparkle realized she liked mares and started panicking.” Chrysalis laughed as Cadence nodded. “How wonderful. I wonder if she thought it was some grand conspiracy against her.”
“Anyway,” Cadence continued, “She confessed that she, well, liked mares. And I had to explain to her that it was perfectly normal, despite all of the romance stories she'd read. She never experimented in school and she's kind of... sheltered. So she didn't know it was hardly unusual.”
“Never experimented in school. Unlike you, I bet.”
“I specialize in love magic!” Cadence said, defensively. “I... had a lot of fun in school. But it all stopped after I got together with Shining Armor. I promised him that I'd be exclusive with him.”
“That's one broken promise then.”
“Twilight was hurt and didn't know what her feelings meant! I told her a few stories about the mares I had been with, and we had a few drinks to try and cheer her up, and then one thing led to another and, well...” Cadence blushed. “Look, you said it yourself. Shining Armor is devoted, but he has exactly one move, which I am never going to be able to enjoy again thanks to you. Twilight, on the other hand, was creative and a quick learner.”
“Hmm... so how many times, exactly...?”
“Once a month or so, when I have time away from my official functions,” Cadence admitted. “It's nothing serious. She's just an exception.”
Chrysalis laughed. “You're more interesting than I thought. I really did play your part poorly.”
“Now tell me what you know about Shining Armor!” Cadence demanded, already aware that she'd gotten the worse part of this deal. On the other hand, Chrysalis was probably the ideal pony to tell. Who'd believe her if she started rumors? And it wasn't like the changeling had any grounds to judge her.
“Before your wedding, when I was impersonating you?” Chrysalis smirked. “Well, you already know that I had him every night, to keep my energy topped up. But what you don't know is, sometimes I didn't use a disguise.”
***
“I can't believe you,” Cadence said, sighing.
“I was under her spell!” Shining Armor said, sheepishly. He smiled weakly.
“Look, I'm not angry. It was a long time ago,” Cadence rubbed her nose. Also since then she'd been having an affair herself. She could hardly be that mad. “But still, a changeling?! She's not even a pony! She has fangs and bug wings!”
“She... is very experienced,” Shining Armor admitted. “While I was under her spell I knew it was her, and not you. But I couldn't say anything about it. If she knew we were going to be alone, she'd drop the disguise and...” He shrugged, looking away.
“And that's when she taught you the tongue thing.”
“She was kind of upset about how little I knew,” Shining Armor said. “I was really expecting more screaming when you found out.”
“I'm a little upset you never told me, but I don't like how I've been acting the last few days. To you or Chrysalis. You were right when you said I was acting like a monster. I talked to everypony and we're going to allow the changelings to come into the Empire. We're going to keep the guard around the Heart increased, but there isn't much more we can do except hope they stay on their best behavior.”
“That's good,” Shining Armor said, with a smile.
“Chrysalis is going to be taking personal responsibility for keeping them in line,” Cadence continued. “I don't know how we're going to manage housing them or finding them work, but that's a problem for Geode and Quartz, not me.” She sighed.
***
“It feels nice to have that chain off of my hoof,” Chrysalis said, as she and Cadence walked down the corridor, trailing guards. “My chitin was starting to crack.”
“When you get back, we'll discuss how to keep your people in line. I know we talked about you taking personal responsibility, but it's going to be complicated getting all the laws in place. There isn't even any precedent for shapechanging in the lawbooks, so we might have to write new laws as we go along.”
“Don't worry about that. My people will follow my direction. If you have to change a few laws, they won't complain unless I order them to.” Chrysalis waved a hoof.
“The laws are going to apply to you, too,” Cadence pointed out.
“As long as they're fair, then I won't order my swarm to turn into copies of Twilight Sparkle and tell everyone in the city-”
“That's enough, I get the idea!” Cadence blushed brightly. “How long is it going to take you to get back? A few days? A week? More? I know you're going to have injured to carry, and I want to make sure we have appropriate hospice facilities set up to receive them.”
“We should be back in a week, so you should make sure to pack enough food.”
“I didn't think you ate food,” Cadence said, frowning. Had the starvation act in the cell been a hunger strike after all?
“We don't. But you do. And you're coming with me.” Chrysalis stopped to look at her. “I told you, if I come back empty-hooved a lot of them will die. With your magic you could provide enough love to wake my changelings out of hibernation and heal their wounds.”
“What?! But- I can't! And it's obviously a trap!”
“Why would I set a trap when I'm already getting what I want?” Chrysalis smiled.
“I can't. I have to protect the Empire.”
“They can go without you for a few days. I need you in case I collapse of hunger.” Chrysalis smirked. “And if you're with me you're keeping a close eye on what you thought was the greatest threat to your Empire only a few days ago.”
“I... suppose,” Cadence admitted. “It would be bad if I granted you asylum and then you died going back to get the rest of the changelings...” Cadence still looked unsure.
Chrysalis leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I can tell how bored you are here. These ponies don't even need a figurehead like you. I need someone to wake up my changelings and you need to get away from this dull place for a while.”
Cadence's ears folded back as she considered.
Chrysalis bumped her flank. Cadence blushed.
“Fine. Guards, pack my things. Chrysalis, if this is a trap, you're a fool for making it one. I'm going to trust you for now, but at the first sign you're up to no good I'm turning back and you can try and get your people here yourself.”
“Don't worry, Princess,” Chrysalis said, her eyes glowing. “You won't regret it.”
Author's Note
I got an idea for a Cadence and Chrysalis story stuck in my head and had to get it out. I'm also trying to clean up my formatting a bit for this story from what I used before.
