Our Shining Light

Lapis trotted down the Crystal Castle’s halls, his spirits higher than ever. The skies were perfectly clear on this Saturday morning, and all of the crystal ponies were chattering away outside the castle. The Grand Galloping Gala was scheduled for that evening, and everything was going swimmingly. Lapis made a slight detour from his usual route, and entered the guards’ barracks. He picked out his sleeping target, and nudged him awake.

“Good morning, Second Lieutenant.” Lapis greeted him. “Today is the day of the Gala. Could you bring… ‘that’… around to the throne room?”

The Second Lieutenant gave him an annoyed stare when he woke up, but then his eyes widened with understanding. “At once, sir!” He declared, a little too loudly.

“Excellent. See that you do.” Lapis ordered him, and then resumed walking towards the throne room.

This Gala is going to be perfect. He chanted in his mind. All those snobs from Canterlot will see the Empire for the glorious land that it is.

Lapis reached the throne room, and threw open the large crystal doors. “Good morning, Your Majesty!” He greeted as he usually did.

Cadence was sitting atop her throne as she usually did, but she didn’t have a pleasant air about her today. Her eyes were swollen and puffy, and her mouth was curled into a neutral frown. “Hello, Lapis.” She greeted him humorlessly.

Lapis was bewildered by her demeanor, and he approached her slowly. “Is something troubling you, Princess?” He questioned, visibly concerned.

“No. Nothing at all. What’s my schedule for today?” Cadence changed the topic.

“Nothing. All you need to do is prepare for the Gala.” Lapis informed her, and she scowled. “Your Majesty, something troubles you. Please, feel free to confide in me. I am your bodyguard, you can trust in me.” Lapis pleaded.

Cadence sighed, and her expression became gloomy. “I assure you, it is not of importance. Please abandon this pursuit.” She discouraged.

“I insist. Please grace my ears, Empress.” Lapis persisted.

Cadence glared at him, and then, after seeing his determination, hung her head. “It is nothing you should concern yourself with.” She began. “It’s just… my husband forgot our anniversary last night.”

Lapis’ eyes widened. Oh no… He thought fearfully.

Cadence chuckled halfheartedly. “Yeah, I thought he would remember too. I guess… it just slipped his mind.” Lapis searched his mind desperately for something to say, but he found nothing. Then, Cadence narrowed her eyes, and put on a forced smile. “You know what’s funny?” Lapis turned back to her. “How my own husband forgot the most important day of our lives… And yet, you remembered, Lapis.”

Time froze after Cadence’s statement. Lapis’ mind was flooded with questions, and possible paths of action.

What is she saying?

She looks so vulnerable…

Comfort her!

Just confess already.

“Cadence, I… I…” Lapis stammered, unsure of himself. He took a deep breath to steady himself, and looked her in the eyes. “I’m sure there’s a reason Shining Armor forgot your anniversary.” Cadence was visibly shocked by his answer, and he carried on, “I’m sorry that he forgot, it must have stung. But Princess, Shining has been incredibly busy lately. I’m surprised he can remember his own name with all of the work he’s been doing. Your Majesty, Shining Armor loves you, more than anything in the world. There must be a reason he forgot. Give him a chance to explain himself, he will make this right.”

Cadence was positively stunned by Lapis’ speech. As he finished, all of her suppressed emotions came back like a flood, and tears began welling in her eyes. “Lapis…” She whispered, and then jumped out of her throne, and threw her forelegs around him. “Thank you… Thank you…” She blubbered into her sapphire shoulder.

Lapis returned the embrace, and sighed quietly. She gave you the perfect opportunity, and you ignored it. His inner voice berated him.

Like I said… He shut himself up. I won’t desire what I can’t have.

“Your Majesty…” He whispered. “I doubt it will help much, but I have something to show you.” He let go of Cadence, and began leading her toward the throne room doors. He opened them for her, and held his left hoof in front of himself. Cadence’s mouth hung open when she took in the sight in front of her.

In front of Cadence was a small clothes rack, with only one article of clothing hanging on it: a crystalline, violet dress, clearly designed for her. The dress was long enough to completely cover her, and was littered with gold and pink hearts along its base. The entire dress sparkled in the same fashion as a crystal pony. In addition to the dress were four identical crystal shoes, the same color as the dress, and each sporting two hearts on them, one gold, and one pink.

“It’s your Gala dress.” Lapis explained timidly. “All of the best designers in the Empire designed it for you. It’s kind of a late thank you, for two years back.”

Cadence began to get choked up. “I… don’t know what to say.” Cadence thanked him, her words failing her.

“There’s one more thing.” Lapis informed her, and then lit up his horn. He levitated a diamond necklace from inside of Cadence’s dress, and hung it around her neck. At the end of the necklace was a jade replica of the Crystal Heart, which shined even brighter than the diamonds that accompanied it.

“It’s… gorgeous. All of it is breathtaking.” Cadence stammered, completely star-struck.

“It sure is, isn’t it?” Lapis agreed. “I just made the inscription.”

Cadence tilted her head at him. She turned over the jade heart, and found that there was indeed an inscription on the back of it: To our shining light, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.

Cadence’s pink cheeks began burning a bright shade of red, and she smiled lovingly at Lapis. “You’ve left me absolutely speechless. I can’t thank you enough for this.”

“It was nothing, My Empress.” Lapis told her humbly.

“You’ve definitely saved me the trouble of picking out a dress.” Cadence jested blissfully. She took in the dress for a moment, and then beamed at Lapis. “I suppose we should both get ready, then.”

Lapis nodded in understanding, and bowed. “In that case, I shall meet you at the Gala, My Empress.”

“Dismissed, Lapis.” Cadence allowed him to leave.

Lapis rose to his hooves, and walked in the direction of the guards’ barracks. Time to tidy up. He thought elatedly, as he entered the barracks, and began preparation for the coming evening.

*******

Night had descended upon the Crystal Empire, yet it was more active than ever. Trainloads of ponies from all across Equestria were arriving, and many pegasi were touching down in the Empire. The waves of multi-colored ponies were all flooding into the Crystal Castle, where multiple bouncers were taking their tickets.

The interior of the castle had been completely transformed; ponies were in every hallway, and every room. The decorations and artworks now shined radiantly, much like gemstones. The orchestra and refreshments had arrived on time, and were set up in the ballroom, where a majority of the ponies found themselves.

All of the V.I.P. ponies had received their invitations, and were all in attendance, save for Prince Blueblood, who was mysteriously absent. The Princesses were all in attendance as well; Princess Luna was assaulting the refreshments table, while Princess Celestia greeted all of the ponies attending the Gala. Everything was going perfectly.

Cadence sat by herself in the ballroom, idly watching the other ponies socialize. She was wearing the purple crystalline dress Lapis had presented to her, as well as the necklace, and the shoes. Her mane had been put up into the ceremonial headdress, complimenting her regal outfit perfectly. Her mouth was curled into a welcoming smile, so that all of the ponies could feel a sense of joy and security.

And yet, despite the success of the Gala, Cadence was brewing in a feeling of uncertainty. Behind her façade of radiant bliss was a mess of questions, which she was attempting to answer. Where is Shining Armor? She thought impatiently. I know where Lapis is… She looked across the ballroom, and caught sight of Lapis.

Lapis was no longer donning his crystal armor, and his lapis-blue mane hung down to his torso. His sapphire torso was covered in a light-gray crystalline suit, which shined as he did. His quill cutie mark was now visible, half-concealed by his suit. He didn’t notice Cadence, and was currently wrapped up in a conversation with the two ambassadors from earlier. Judging from their demeanors, Lapis was currently telling them off.

Lapis… My bodyguard… Cadence thought dreamily. He’s really become more than that lately, hasn’t he? Complimenting me, comforting me… He’s been treating me better than Shining Armor… She sighed wearily. Why is this happening to me? Why do I feel this way towards another stallion? And why has Shining become so distant?

Cadence sat in silence, listening to the sounds of the orchestra. Her smile wouldn’t return, as much as she willed it to. Shining’s been busy… Busy. She hissed internally. Everpony keeps saying that to me. Busy. Lapis distributed the tickets, Lapis helped me decorate, Lapis remembered my anniversary, Lapis got me this outfit… What’s his excuse?

After a few minutes, Cadence heard hoofsteps behind her. She turned around, and standing behind her was Shining Armor, wearing his red suit from their wedding. He had his anniversary gift pinned to his suit, and it was shining radiantly.

“Uh… hey, Cadence.” He awkwardly greeted her.

Cadence stood up, and glared daggers into his eyes. “Hey.” She snarled.

Shining Armor flinched, but then his face became apologetic. “Cadence… I’m sorry.” Cadence icily raised an eyebrow at him. “I didn’t mean to forget, I mean, I would have remembered, I’ve just been so busy-”

“Busy.” Cadence hissed. “Everypony keeps saying that. Busy. With what?” She stepped forward, and stared straight into his eyes. “Answer me. What is so important to you that you would forget our anniversary?”

Shining Armor’s resolve crumbled under her gaze. “Uhm… I…”

“What have you been doing for the past week?!” Cadence yelled, causing a commotion around her.

“I… I…” Shining Armor stuttered.

“He was distributing the tickets for the Gala.” A third voice intervened. Cadence and Shining Armor both turned toward the source of the voice, and saw Lapis standing a few feet from them.

“What did you say?” Cadence asked, completely baffled.

“I said he was distributing tickets for the Gala. Your Majesty… I didn’t distribute the tickets. He did.” Lapis explained. “He took the job from me so that I could focus on helping you decorate, so that you had less work to do. He ordered me to keep quiet about it because he wanted to surprise you.” Lapis glared at his two superiors. “He forgot your anniversary because he was juggling both the duties of being Captain of the guard, and the duties of distributing the tickets. That’s what he’s been busy with.”

Cadence’s mouth hung open in surprise, and then Lapis pointed to her necklace. “Also, that necklace you’re wearing. It was  his idea, not mine. I said I merely wrote the inscription, and I meant it.” Cadence’s mouth curled into a guilty frown. “As you can see, Shining has only been trying to help you.”

Cadence hung her head, ashamed of herself. “That is all, have a nice night.” Lapis dismissed himself, and then walked away.

Cadence looked up at Shining Armor, guilt overwhelming her. “Shining, was all that… true?” She asked in a hushed voice.

Shining Armor grinned sheepishly. “Would you believe me if I said yes?” He replied humbly.

Tears of joy appeared in Cadence’s eyes. She wrapped her forelegs around his neck, and kissed him passionately. He returned the kiss full force. After a few seconds, Cadence broke the kiss, and smiled euphorically.

“So, does this mean that you forgive me?” Shining Armor asked cautiously.

Cadence giggled, and embraced him. “Yes, I do.”

Cadence held him for a few more seconds, and then sighed. I wish I could just stay like this… But I have one more thing I must do tonight. She promptly broke the embrace, and began walking out of the ballroom.

“Cadence!” Shining Armor called after her.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon. Please just be patient.” Cadence reassured him, and then exited the ballroom. I’m sorry, Shining. But my heart is still torn. I know what I have to do. Cadence apologized in her head. Finally, she entered the throne room, and sent a message to a certain somepony.

*******

Lapis jogged down the castle’s corridors, his lapis-blue mane flowing behind him. He had been informed by one of the castle’s messengers that Cadence had requested his presence. The messenger had sounded urgent, so he had taken off immediately.

You defended Shining against the Empress herself. Not only that, you just threw away everything you had gained in this past week. Good job, hero. His inner voice twisted the metaphorical knife, and Lapis sighed despondently. I'm gonna get fired, aren't I? He thought sadly, as he entered the throne room.

Lapis looked around the throne room, but he couldn’t find Cadence anywhere. He was thinking of going back and questioning the messenger, when he found her. She was standing on the castle’s large balcony, completely by herself. Lapis hesitated for a few seconds, and then gingerly opened the balcony’s door.

“You called for me, Your Majesty?” Lapis addressed Cadence.

Cadence’s ears perked up, and she slowly turned around. Her lavender eyes locked with his ruby ones, and she gave him an unreadable stare. “Lapis…” She whispered. “Come over here.”

Lapis was surprised, but he trotted over to her regardless. He stood a few paces away from her, and urged, “Yes?”

Cadence took a deep breath, and shut her eyes. “I have a question for you. You must answer honestly, all right?” Lapis nodded anxiously. Cadence opened her eyes, and asked him softly,

“Lapis Lazuli, do you love me?”

Lapis heart stopped beating. His thoughts broke down into anarchy; he couldn’t think straight.

Wha…What?

That’s why she brought me here?

Oh no…

Avoid the Question!

What did I do wrong?

“Heh, of course I do, Princess!” He answered jokingly.

Cadence narrowed her eyes. “Don’t be coy with me.” She replied humorlessly.

Lapis bit his lip, trying to think. “Empress…” He muttered. His heart started pounding as he reached his decision, and he looked straight at her.

“…Yes. I do. I… I love you, Mi Amore Cadenza.” He forced through his choked up throat.

Cadence’s expression didn’t change, and Lapis’ heart sank. Idiot. His eyes dropped to the floor. “I’m sorry! I just… I thought…”

Lapis’ apology was interrupted by a pair of warm lips connecting with his own. Lapis’ cheeks erupted into flame as he realized what was happening. His Empress was kissing him.

Then, just as quickly as it had happened, Cadence pulled away from him, and smiled lovingly. “That was for everything you’ve done for me.” She explained happily.

…Huh? Lapis questioned internally.

“You’ve shown me so much kindness this past week…” Cadence carried on. “You helped me decorate the castle… you handed over your chance to impress me to my husband… you comforted me when I was hurt… you went out of your way to send for this dress…” Lapis’ eyes shot open, and Cadence smiled knowingly. “And most importantly… you resolved my issues with my husband.”

Cadence turned away from him, and looked out over the Crystal Empire. “Even loving me as much as you do, you threw away your perfect chance to woo me, not once, but twice, just so that I could be happy. That is the most selfless thing I have seen in quite some time.”

Lapis was completely speechless, and Cadence slowly turned back towards him. A faint blush appeared next to her loving smile as she spoke. “I… I love you too, Lapis Lazuli.”

This is impossible… Lapis thought to himself. “Cadence…”

Cadence continued to smile, as her eyes began filling with tears. “I’m sorry, Lapis. But… I can’t be with you.”

Lapis deflated, understanding dawning on him. There it is… The realized sadly.

“I do love you, Lapis.” Cadence continued. “But… I love Shining Armor as well. I can’t… I can’t leave him for you. I wish I didn't have to hurt you like this... Please… try to understand….”

Lapis watched as Cadence began to cry, and he forced himself to put on an understanding smile. “Your Majesty, I understand.” Cadence looked up at him. “I didn’t expect you to return my feelings at all. I’d never ask you to leave your husband for me.” Cadence’s smile returned, stronger than ever before. “My only question is… What happens now?”

Cadence wiped her eyes, and gave him a reassuring smile. “Now, we go back to the way we were. I go back to being your Empress, and you go back to being my bodyguard. This encounter will not have happened.”

Lapis nodded sadly. “I see… in that case…” He turned away, and started to trot away.

“Wait, Lapis!” Cadence called to him, and placed a hoof on his shoulder. Lapis tuned back around, and looked at her curiously. Cadence smiled lovingly at him, and then leaned in, and pressed her lips against his. Lapis' eyes shot open again, but he  was more prepared this time, and he returned her kiss, all of his desires and emotions flowing out of him. They held their lips together for half of a minute, and then broke away. “Thank you, Lapis. For all you’ve done.” Cadence finished.

Lapis smiled lovingly at her, and then got down on his knees. “Good night, Mi Amore Cadenza.” He concluded, and then turned around, and returned to the castle.

As he was returning to the ballroom, Lapis heard a large noise outside of the castle. He ran over to the window, and gazed up at the sky. The Crystal Heart had shot its beams of light into the sky once again, but this time, the streams were rose, gold, pink, and a deep, deep, shade of blue.

As he gazed upon the beams of light, a genuine smile appeared on Lapis’ face, and tears of joy began falling down his cheeks. “I never knew…” He whispered, his voice dripping with awe. “I never knew these lights could be this beautiful…”

Lapis stopped to stare at the lights, and unbeknownst to him, Cadence did as well. The two watched in awe as their shared light spread across the sky, and then all across Equestria. They both smiled blissfully, as the Crystal Heart spread its light and love once again, knowing in their hearts whose light had caused it to shine so brightly that night.