Empire of Two Heirs

"What?!" Shining exclaimed, "What do you mean you're here for the throne?!"

"Exactly what I said, I'm here to take the throne back." Chrysalis explained.

"You're crazy! Guards seize her!" In spite of Shining's order the guards maintained their position. "What are you doing?! I said to seize her!"

"I'm sorry," apologized one of the higher ranking guards, "But we will not go against our queen."

Shining Armor grit his teeth. "What did you do to my guards Chrysalis?!" he demanded.

"Nothing, they just know who their ruler is. Guards, if you would be so kind as to escort these two out of my kingdom." At Chrysalis' command the guards stationed in the throne room surrounded the two rulers. A high ranking guard trotted out of line and saluted the two.

"Princess Cadance, Prince Shining Armor," he addressed them, "We thank you for what you have done for the Crystal Empire, but now our Queen is back, and as per her request you will be escorted out of the Crystal Empire." The guard turned to the other guards before speaking again, "Take them to get some supplies and then send them on their way." The other guards saluted and closed in on the royals.

"This way please." a guard said, trotting towards the exit. Shining Armor grit his teeth and followed, knowing that he wouldn't be able to take them all on, while Cadance followed silently both flanked by a group of guards. As Shining trotted out he noticed a large collection of changelings next to the door, and bared his teeth. "Changelings." he hissed before once again turning his attention forwards as he walked.

Back in the throne room Chrysalis let out a small sigh as she trotted over and sat down on the throne. "Ah, it's been such a long time since I last sat here." she spoke, "Guard, there is a group of changelings waiting outside, if you could please see them in." The remaining guard saluted before trotting out only to return with the group of changelings a few moments later. "Thank you, you may return to your station." With that the guard saluted and trotted back to the right side of the room.

"Now my subjects, I have a very important mission for you." Chrysalis said, turning to face the group of changelings. Upon hearing this some of them puffed out their chests in pride. "Your job, my subjects, is to go inform the hive that they may now start to re-integrate into the Crystal Empire." All the changelings snapped off a quick salute, and Chrysalis smiled as she watched them go.

"First thing's first." she said to herself, "I need to let the kingdom know I'm back." With her next course of action decided she stood up and made for the doors which led to a balcony that overlooked the city. "Guard I wish to make an announcement," she called back, "Please let them know."

"Ma'am!" he said before marching off. With that done she trotted through the doors and onto the balcony, her eyes scanning the large city that contained her subjects.

"It's been over 1000 years since I last stood here." she whispered to herself, "1000 years of hardships and hiding, but finally we've returned home." Chrysalis fell into silence as she waited for the signal that there was an announcement. A few minutes later the sound of trumpets rang out over the Crystal Empire and crystal ponies everywhere stopped in place and turned towards the balcony. Chrysalis took this as her cue and trotted into sight, her appearance causing several gasps.

Chrysalis waited for a few seconds before speaking, "Citizens of the Crystal Empire I, Queen Chrysalis, have returned!" With this declaration almost everypony in the city burst out into cheers. Chrysalis waited for a few moments for the cheers to die down before continuing, "I have contacted my changelings and they will soon be integrating back into the Crystal Empire." This information created another round of cheers and Chrysalis raised her foreleg to signal for them to quiet down.

"Now I know it may only seem like a while ago for you, but for us it has been 1000 years. Most of my changelings have never heard of a crystal pony, let alone seen one so I ask of you to help them in any way possible, and in return they will help you adjust to the world that has been lost to you. We will certainly face a few hardships along the way, but do not let that discourage you. I know all of you will be able to do this, and I will be there every step of the way. For now go back to your daily lives, I expect my changelings to arrive in three days, and when everything is finally said and done I will be arranging for the biggest festival since the Crystal Fair."

With that Chrysalis turned around and trotted back into the throne room, the cheers from the crystal ponies almost deafining. "It will be a lot of work," Chrysalis said to herself as she sat back on the throne, "But it will be worth it to finally be home."