Love or Power? Which Will You Choose?

Chapters

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Epilogue

Chapter One

Author's Note

Hello everyone! I decided to publish my latest fanfic on this site. Some of you may have read it already on Fanfiction, but if not please enjoy! I will try and get the whole story up today since it is complete, but I can't promise...I will do my best though!

I'm using the characters, however this has NOTHING to do with the show. This is a small fairytale of sorts... So the characters may seem a bit off from their normal personalities, just think of it as a part in a play. Basically what I'm saying is no hate mail lol. Okay so I hope that you enjoy this story and I will do my best to make it as entertaining as possible! This is going to be long, I don't know if all my chapters will be this long so I'm sorry, but I want to introduce everyone in this chapter.

Enjoy and please Review! *All characters are owned by Hasbro*

Chapter One

Princess Twilight Sparkle stared out the window of her family carriage and sighed again. She heard her mother clear her throat and turned her attention back to the white alicorn. Queen Celestia was the ruler of Canterlot and considered the most beautiful mare in the land, with her smooth white coat and flowing mane. Twilight wished she had inherited more from her mother than just being an alicorn.

"We will be arriving soon Twilight. Do you know what we are to do?" Queen Celestia asked her daughter for what felt like the hundredth time. Twilight sighed again and turned to stare back out the window. She knew exactly what this trip was for and the duties expected of her.

The very recluse, King of Draconia, has finally announced that he is searching for a queen and has sent invitations to all the princesses across the lands. The kingdom was rumored to be the riches in the lands. Their mountains were supposed to be filled with jewels and other precious metals. Twilight's mother, just like all the older rulers, wanted their daughter to be the one picked as queen so those riches could be used for their own kingdoms. It felt like she was being sold off to the highest bidder, but if it meant protecting her subjects she would.

There was a happy note however, she would get to see her friends. She glanced over at Fluttershy, her lady's maid. The shy, yellow pegasus had been Twilight's best friend for years. Even though she was a servant in the castle, the two had bonded instantly and Twilight was so grateful that she would have somepony on her side. Since all the princesses had been invited she would also get to see her two cousins, Mi Amore Cadenza (even though they all called her Cadence) and Rarity. Both daughters of her Aunt Luna.

"Twilight have you heard anything I've said?" Her mother sighed and Twilight blushed. She had been so deep in thought she hadn't been paying attention. She gave a small smile and said,

"Forgive me mother...I was simply staring out at the lands, Draconia is a fascinating place. We have never been this far."

Celestia smiled at her daughter and nodded, looking out the window herself now.

"Indeed. This will be the first time for any of us. Draconia has been secluded for the last thousand years. Preferring to keep within its own bounds and relying solely on its own resources." She cleared her throat and turned back to Twilight.

"Twilight. I know this is asking a lot of you...but it is very important that you make the best impression upon the king. His wealth could do a lot of good for our subjects...and although I enjoy it when you...let's just try to keep the conversations short and sweet."

Twilight blushed again. She was a complete bookworm and her mother didn't want her startling off another suitor with her vast intelligence. Most princes didn't like to meet a mare that knew more than they did and she had scared off several with her ramblings. Celestia hadn't seen any problems with her daughter being a devoted student, until it became clear that stallions weren't looking for brains. Probably why she wasn't much sought after and was being taken to this king.

"I'll do my best to keep my rambling to a minimum, I promise." She smiled at her mother and the older alicorn chuckled. She looked up and smiled.

"Ah we're here."

Twilight turned and sure enough they were turning a corner and entering a set of iron gates. At the end of the lane was a giant castle. It was taller than any she had ever seen and it was beautiful, she could swear it was sparkling in the sunlight. Almost like her Aunt Luna's castle in the Crystal Empire, but this was clearly not made of crystal. Maybe it was just the glow about the castle that made it seem so inviting, but Twilight wasn't as nervous as she had been before.

She followed her mother down the steps, leaving the carriage, Fluttershy following close behind. She looked around and noticed several other carriages. She spotted one in particular that made her smile. It was pure crystal and out stepped a blue alicorn with a matching, flowing mane. Queen Luna, younger sister to Queen Celestia and ruler of the Crystal Empire. Following her was her older daughter, Princess Cadence and her younger daughter Princess Rarity. Behind the princesses were their lady's maids, Twilight was also fond of the two earth ponies. Applejack was kind and always gave the best advice. Pinkie Pie was so energetic and could always make those around her laugh no matter how they were feeling.

"Sister…" Luna said as she returned Celestia's bow. The princesses followed suit and bowed to each other. Then the three mares embraced, laughing. It had been far too long since they had seen one another and they began to talk in a circle while their mothers talked over other matters.

"Oh Cadence, Rarity, AJ, Pinkie...it's so good to see you again. I'm so glad we'll get to spend some time together while we're here!" Twilight smiled and the others returned her smile. Rarity flipped her mane and looked up with sparkling eyes,

"Oh I hope that my visit isn't short at all!" She sighed dreamily and the other two princesses didn't follow in her enthusiasm. Twilight noticed Cadence looked really upset by the statement and whispered to the pink alicorn,

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine...don't worry about me." Cadence smiled, but Twilight wasn't completely convinced and was about to comment when Rarity gasped and glared at something over their shoulders.

"What is she doing here?" The unicorn looked very upset and it caused all the other heads to turn and look. Stepping out of an elegant carriage, head held high was Princess Fleur de Lis. She was elegant, beautiful, sophisticated, and a complete stuck up. All of them greatly disliked the princess. She and her brother, King Blueblood, treated all those below them in status as little more than dirt.

Twilight should have known she'd also be here as she was the only other unmarried princess in Equestria. Her kingdom was little more than a few towns and had little to its name. In fact Fluttershy had come from one such town, Ponyville. She had told Twilight first hoof how bad the conditions of the kingdom were, the two siblings focused more on their appearances than the treatment of their lands.

Fleur and Blueblood walked right past them, heads in the air, without so much as a greeting. Cadence snorted at the pair and made a gagging face,

"Can you believe that made an offer for my sister Rarity?"

Rarity shivered and placed her hoof against her forehead.

"Oh please~ do not remind me of that horrid occasion! I'm so glad mother was wise enough to deny his proposal...I was so taken with his looks that I failed to see how horrible he really is…but that's what sisters are for."

The two smiled at each other and the others laughed again. Twilight noticed her mother trying to get their attentions. She sighed, it was time…

Every royal was walking into the grand entrance of the castle. Waiting for them was an orange pegasus wearing gold armor. Twilight met his bright, blue eyes and felt herself blush suddenly. She turned her gaze away first and she heard Pinkie and Applejack giggle, having noticed the blush.

The guard bowed to all of them and said,

"Greetings your royal Highnesses. If you would all be so kind as to follow me, I will escort you to the throne room." He smiled at all of them and Twilight found herself returning the smile. His eyes fell on her again and his eyes sparkled. He turned away and Twilight then noticed the two captains following him. One was Rainbow Dash, captain of Queen Celestia's royal guard and the other was Shining Armor, captain of Queen Luna's.

Twilight glanced at Cadence, who was secretly looking at Shining and it dawned on Twilight why her cousin was so upset. The princess had confessed her crush on the captain the last time they saw each other...it seems the feelings hadn't weakened over the last few years.

The large group entered the throne room and every mouth was hanging open. The room was large and made of pure marble. It was so bright and cheerful and everything was so clean in glinted in the sun's light.

The stallion leading them stopped, standing on the right of the empty throne. Twilight looked around the throne room and knew the others were as well. Why wasn't the king there to greet them? It seemed rather odd, even for such a recluse...

"Presenting…" The stallion's voice brought all their attentions to him.

"His royal highness...King of Draconia…" As he said this there was a bright glow forming in front of the throne and as it grew brighter, they had to cover their eyes.

"King Discord!"

The flash faded and standing in front of her was the most horrifying creature Twilight had ever seen. It wasn't a pony, even though his head looked like one. He smiled at all of them and showed off his sharpened teeth. Most in attendance screamed and Fleur even fainted into her brothers arms. Rarity was still screaming, Cadence and Twilight were staring stunned, and she felt her friend Fluttershy shrink down behind her in fear.

The king laughed and it shocked all of them even more. Fleur was recovering and glared at him when she realized he was laughing at her.

"Oh that was hilarious! You should have seen your faces! I'm so sorry to scare you my dear princesses, but I couldn't help it. I am the master of grand entrances...Welcome to Draconia, I look forward to getting to know all of you." Discord purred the last part and flashed himself closer to the group. He grabbed Princess Fleur's hoof and placed a gentle kiss on it. She pulled it back as if burned and glared at the creature, her snout pulled back in a sneer.

"What kind of joke is this?" She hissed. Her brother stepped between her and the creature, also glaring.

"No joke my dear. I have invited all of you in order to get to know you better and...hopefully find my queen among you." Discord said as he winked at Twilight. She blushed and frowned at him. She heard Rarity whisper to Applejack,

"I changed my mind...I don't want to stay here with this...thing…"

Discord's ear twitched and his grin faltered for a split second, however none of them noticed.

Twilight couldn't help but feel the same way. She felt Fluttershy finally stand herself up and she walked next to Twilight and looked at the king. Twilight noticed that she didn't seem as afraid as before and wondered why.

"Shall I give you a tour ladies?" He asked as he bowed to the group. He held his claw out to Cadence and smiled as he said,

"Please allow me to escort you about…"

Cadence froze, she didn't know how to respond and was saved when Luna stepped between Discord and her daughter. She looked at the king with her cold stare that was known to intimidate anypony it fell on.

"Thank you for the kind offer your highness...however the trip here was long and my daughters need to rest. Please allow us time to recover from...recent events. We shall join you for dinner."

Discord stood up again and placed his hands behind his back smiling.

"Of course, how rude of me. Please...Captain…" He said over his shoulder and the same orange pegasus walked forward and bowed.

"Yes my liege?"

"Please escort these lovely ladies to their chambers. Make sure they have whatever they need."

The captain nodded and indicated for them to follow. The group filed past a now bowing King Discord. None failed to notice that Celestia and Luna made sure to stay between him and their daughters. One yellow pegasus turned back as they left and caught the king's saddened expression and lowered ears before he disappeared in a flash.

They were being led to their individual apartments inside the castle. Which was proving to be something of a maze, it was definitely bigger than any of their castles combined. No wonder Draconia was said to be the richest kingdom, and no wonder its ruler chose to hide himself away inside these walls. They continued to follow the captain as he showed them where they would be staying.

Thankfully the first to be dropped off were Fleur and Blueblood. Both had walked past the captain, noses in the air. They had begun complaining as soon as they entered the joined apartments and slammed the door behind them.

Twilight looked over to her mother and aunt who were whispering, heads close together so none could overhear them. She sighed and wondered if they would be packing tonight or tomorrow?

"Did you see his eyes! They were yellow and red! Red!" Rarity exclaimed as they walked along the hall.

"I don't know? I think he was kinda funny looking and the way he just appeared was neat!" Pinkie said while bouncing behind the group.

"I have to admit though...he was not at all what I was expecting...and it was a bit...frightening." Cadence said as she glanced over at Shining again, who was conversing with Rainbow over safety measures.

Fluttershy said in a small voice,

"I think we hurt his feelings…"

Twilight looked over at her and frowned,

"Hurt him? How did he expect us to react when he sprung himself on us like that?"

Fluttershy turned her face away, hiding it behind her pink mane. Twilight wanted to tell her she was sorry, but it had been the truth.

"Well now that I know what he looks like...I'm not so sure I want to stay here. Imagine being married to something like that!" Rarity shivered, Cadence and Twilight nodded in response.

"Princess...if I may...it's not nice to talk about some pony behind their backs…" Applejack said. Rarity frowned and scrunched up her nose.

"That is no pony...I don't know what he is...but he looks like a-"

"These will be yours and your daughters' apartments my queen. They are all connected." The captain cut off Rarity, bowing to Queen Luna and Twilight caught the hint of annoyance in his voice. She blushed brighter as did her cousins. They had forgotten about the captain momentarily, of course he would be upset about them insulting his king. Especially since they all knew the word Rarity had been about to use.

"Thank you sir, come girls there is much to be done before dinner." Luna said as she walked into the room and the four mares followed behind. Shining Armor stood stationed outside the door nodding at the other captains.

"If you'll follow me just a little further your Highnesses, your rooms are over here." They followed him further down the hall until he stopped and bowed next to another door. Celestia nodded and walked into the room without another word. Fluttershy followed and Twilight was about to enter when she thought of something.

She turned back to see the captain walking back down the hallway. She peeked in on her mother and trotted after him calling out,

"Hold on a minute please."

The stallion stopped, turned and bowed to her.

"Yes princess?" He asked before standing back up to meet her eyes. She forgot what she had been about to say. His eyes were the deepest blue and she felt her cheeks warm.

"Uh...I...I didn't catch your name earlier…" She felt the blush deepen when his smile widened and it made his eyes sparkle. She wasn't sure if he was amused at her question or happy that she had asked.

"You didn't miss it, I never said it your highness." He bowed low again and said,

"Flash Sentry at your service...please if there is anything you need, feel free to come find me princess." He smiled and turned to walk back down the hall. Twilight found herself taking a step after him when she heard her mother call her name.

She shook her head and went back into the room. Her mother was staring out the window a slight frown on her face.

"Y-yes mother?" Twilight stuttered, still a little shaken from talking to the captain. Celestia turned to her daughter and raised an eyebrow at the shaking voice. Twilight felt a tell-tale blush creep along her cheeks.

"We have much to talk about my darling...I'm afraid that while things are not...all that we hoped…" Celestia stopped and frowned again. She sighed and walked over to her daughter and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"My darling daughter...you know I love you more than the sun's light...you are my life and my heart...but...but nothing has changed." Celestia whispered and Twilight felt herself shiver again, but this time in apprehension. Her mother tightened her hold and whispered,

"It is still vital that you marry the king...our subjects are depending on what this kingdom could do with an alliance between our realms. I'm sorry to ask this of you my daughter but…"

"I understand mother. I know what my duty is and will continue to do so...but...but what about my cousins? Will Aunt Luna also be staying?" Twilight didn't want to be left alone without her friends as support. Her mother shook her head and pulled back from the hug. She looked sadly down at her only child and felt a stab of guilt at what she was expecting the young mare to do.

"They will be staying with us at my request, we wouldn't want to offend the king in anyway...however...Luna will no longer support a match between the king and her daughters which means...if she remains as well…"

"It will only be between me and Princess Fleur…" Twiligh murmured and her mother nodded. There was no doubt to Twilight that she would stay behind, Fleur and her brother were incredibly greedy. No matter what the king looked like or how he clearly disgusted Fleur, she would do everything to catch the stallion in order to obtain his wealth.

No matter how she felt about the king, being married to Fleur de Lis was a fate she would wish on no pony. Twilight had a duty to do, a responsibility to her kingdom and to her mother. She nodded and said,

"I will make sure I do all that I can to protect the ponies of our kingdom mother...I...I won't disappoint you."

Celestia chuckled and lifted her daughter's chin,

"You could never disappoint me...no matter what you do, it always bring the utmost pride to my heart."

Twilight smiled up at her mother and threw her arms around her neck in a tight hug, which Celestia returned. However, no matter the word Twilight had said out loud...when she closed her eyes it wasn't red she saw. But a pair of bright blue staring back…

Flash didn't bother going back to the throne room knowing exactly where he would be. He walked out into the garden and made his way to the largest tree sitting in the center. The tree had purple leaves instead of green and it's trunk was red, Flash sat beneath the tree not saying anything at first. He looked around the serenity of the garden, but he could feel the sadness radiating off his friend.

"Are you okay?" Flash whispered. He heard a grunt above him and waited patiently for a real response. Finally Discord sighed and lowered himself to a branch that was right above Flash. He frowned and his ears were laid against his head.

"I guess...I'm used to those reactions by now...I shouldn't be surprised they are all terrified of the monster I am."

"I have expressed my dislike of that word old friend…" Flash said as he removed his helmet and frowned up at the draconequus. He got a snort in response and Discord's eyes turned to the castle, not responding. Flash and Discord had known each other for years and the two were more like brothers. They did not view each other as master and servant, as was their true relationship. They had grown an unlikely friendship between the two, despite being polar opposites. There was still enough similarities to keep the two glued together in kinship.

"It was your idea to jump out at them like that...I advised that it wouldn't turn out well...although I will admit. Watching that one princess faint was really funny." Flash smiled up at his friend and noticed a reluctant smile pulling at Discord's lips. He knew the chimera couldn't help but laugh, so he continued.

"I thought for sure she would do so again when you held her hoof...I was actually disappointed when she didn't." This earned him a chuckle from above. Discord looked back down to meet Flash's eyes.

"Indeed, of all the princesses she was the most fun to play with. I bet by now they have all packed their things...I'm sorry I ruined things with my games...again…" Discord once more looked saddened and Flash sighed. This was a side no pony, but him ever saw in Discord. He pretended that the words didn't bother him, but each harsh judgment cut at the stallion's heart. Discord had told Flash, right before this plan of theirs.

"This is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to mess with all those princesses!" Discord laughed.

"Just think, you may find a beautiful mare to share a love with…" Flash had said and Discord had snorted. Before getting a sad look in his eyes and whispering,

"No mare will ever love me…"

Discord truly believed it too. Nothing said to him ever changed his mind and the princesses' reactions to him hadn't helped. By now Discord would be convinced that it was hopeless for him to find love, much as Flash believed for himself…

"They haven't left yet so there is still hope to find the perfect queen...one who sees past all the jewels to the heart beneath."

"Yeah right...I bet not one of those mares said anything pleasant-"

"You'd lose that bet friend…" Flash interrupted him and smiled at the shocked look on Discord's face. He swung down, only hanging from the branch by his tail now staring at Flash. He was still looking suspicious and his voice dripped with sarcasm as he said,

"Oh really? Did one of the princesses remark about how handsome I am? Or maybe that I'm not as horrifying as I seemed...Oh I know they said they were already head over hooves in love right! That's it I bet that-" Flash placed his hoof over the others mouth glaring.

He said,

"No...and it wasn't any of the princesses...It was the little, yellow pegasus. She said that she felt bad for hurting your feelings."

This made Discord freeze and his eyes widen in shock. He had nothing to respond to that, not realizing any had noticed the hurt look cross his face before. Flash smiled and said,

"See, so not all hope is lost...there may be hope that a mare could love you…"

Discord only snorted at this again, but also found himself nodding. He sighed and slid out of the tree to sit beside Flash. He looked up at the castle and whispered,

"Do you think any of them will ever see past the power, the wealth...the looks...to see the heart that beats beneath?"

Flash looked up at his friend and thought of everything he had heard in the hallway. Although most had been unpleasant and he didn't wish to add to Discord's depression, he couldn't help but remember one set of purple eyes. How she had smiled at him and how her pretty cheeks had flushed.

"Maybe...you can't give up hope old friend."

Chapter Two

Twilight sat in front of a mirror as Fluttershy ran a brush through her hair. Although she could just use her magic to do it, Fluttershy insisted on the task. Besides, Fluttershy had such gentle hooves that Twilight never felt the knots being pulled apart.

There was a knock at the door and Fluttershy put down the brush and went to answer. She opened it slowly and then opened it all the way looking around the hallway confused.

"Who is it Flutters?" Twilight asked looking at the pegasus in the mirror a bit worried. Fluttershy shut the door and turned around holding a single rose. It was beautiful and Twilight came over to get a closer look. It was a rather odd little flower. It was a soft shade of teal and smelled sweeter than any other flower she had ever seen. There was a note tied around the stem and Twilight used her magic to bring it up to her.

"Thank you...That's all it says? No signature and no other explanation? It doesn't even say who it's for?" She said slightly annoyed, she looked at Fluttershy who was stroking the petals. Fluttershy had a strange look in her eyes then she looked up and placed the flower behind Twilight's ear.

"It must be for you...after all you are the princess. I bet King D-Discord left it here for you…"

The thought should have made her happy, but it only made Twilight cringe. Although...there was the possibility that it was from…

She shook her head and sighed. It didn't really matter who it was from, it was a beautiful gift and she appreciated it no matter what. Celestia came in and noticed the rose right away. She smiled and nodded at her daughter.

"It's time to get ready for dinner my darling. Go put on your blue dress, the one with the silver stars."

Twilight nodded and Fluttershy followed her into the room to help her into the gown. Once she was fully ready to go she started to feel sick. She knew what she was supposed to do, but how was she supposed to...to...flirtwith him? She groaned and Fluttershy gave her a comforting hug. She smiled at the pegasus and whispered,

"I wish I could have you by my side, Fluttershy how am I going to do this?" She asked in a panic and Fluttershy looked worried. Then her expression changed, she smiled softly and said,

"I don't think it'll be as bad as you think. After all, look at the rose...I think he's not as bad as we thought. Maybe...maybe he just needs a chance?" Fluttershy looked away at this as if thinking further on the subject and Twilight gave her another hug.

"This...this is why we're best friends...you always know just what to say to calm me down. Thank you." Twilight turned and followed her mother out the room.

Fluttershy looked over at herself in the mirror and sighed thinking.

You're being foolish again...why would it have been for you?

Discord stood in the dining hall waiting. He didn't know why, but he was feeling nervous.

Had she appreciated his gift? Did she even realize it was from him? To thank her for what she had said?

"The ladies will be joining you soon. You should get rid of that expression and replace it with a happier one." Flash chuckled as he watched Discord pace slightly. Seeing the king look almost, nervous, was very amusing indeed. He couldn't remember once when the king hadn't been fully confident in anything.

Discord looked over at Flash and grinned, with a slight pleading sound he said,

"Are you sure you don't wish to join? I could use with another male at the table...Blueblood does not count."

Flash laughed and shook his head walking over to the king. He lightly punched Discord in the side and said over his shoulder.

"You know why I can't. This is for you to make a good impression on the princesses...which means you don't need any competition." Flash grinned back at Discord who laughed in response as the captain left the dining hall. He shook his head and checked the time. He still had a few minutes to himself and so walked over to the window with his hands behind his back.

He had to make sure tonight was perfect. He had to apologize for scaring them before, he couldn't mess things up. He needed a queen, it was vital to his kingdom that he find the perfect mare. He would have to choose one of these mares, otherwise the only other option was...he shivered at the thought of her. He would never marry her no matter how badly he needed a queen. She would only take his throne and power from him and make his life miserable...

More so than any other loveless marriage to one of these princesses?

A small voice whispered in his head. He sighed again, he knew it was the way it was meant to be. He would simply decide which of these mares would suit him well enough, and who he could at least form a friendship with. However, despite what Flash believed, he knew love was not going to play into this. This was a game, nothing more...a way to keep his power and to do what needed to be done.

The doors opened to grant his guests into the dining hall. He turned to the group of lovely ladies. He walked closer and smiled at all of them, he snapped his fingers and a single red rose was floating in front of each mare, including the queens.

"A small gift to show my sincere regret at having caused you any fright earlier." He said as he bowed low before them. When he raised his gaze, his eyes fell on one teal rose. He frowned at it, sitting in the purple princess' hair. He stood up and met her gaze, he mentally slapped himself. He hadn't written a name for the mare because he didn't know it and was too embarrassed to ask Flash for it.

The stallion would have taken it as another meaning than a thank you gift. He would have to find another way to tell that mare he appreciated her consideration of his feelings. He shook his head realizing every pony was staring at him. He clapped his hands and indicated that they make their way to the table.

He sat himself at the head of the small table, it would change size depending on how many guests it needed to seat. This way he could be close enough to his guest tonight and be able to hear all the conversation, if there was any.

He noticed that the same princess who had fainted and sneered at him was sitting at his right. He would have thought she'd want to be as far away from him as possible, but she surprised him further by giving him a sweet smile.

He gave her a small smile back and turned to see who would be sitting on his left. It was the same purple princess...he would have to try and remember their names.

Once every pony was seated he snapped his fingers and the table filled with food. Each of them had a simple salad in front of them to begin with and he said,

"Please enjoy...so my dear…" He decided to start with the mare of his left, she was rather pretty and being Celestia's daughter would make a fine queen. He had done some research on the mares, even if he hadn't taken the time to completely learn their names…

"I've heard that you enjoy reading. Is there anything in particular you prefer to read?" He asked as he smiled at her. She swallowed and looked over at her mother who nodded. Discord bit back the growl of annoyance. Did she need permission to talk to him?

"Oh well...no. I enjoy reading for knowledge as well as entertainment. My favorite series is Daring Do...have...have you...read them?" She averted her eyes and a swallowed again. He sighed, realizing right away how uncomfortable she was being forced to talk to him. He suddenly realized how bad of an idea this had all been, but he couldn't quit now.

"I'm afraid I haven't had the pleasure my dear…"

"My daughter's name is Twilight your highness...I would appreciate it if you used it…" Celestia said before taking a sip of her wine, giving Discord a firm look. He chuckled at the older alicorn,

"Of course...I do apologize Princess Twilight. I have been without proper company for too long it seems and forgot my manners. Will you forgive me?" He decided to add a touch of heat to his eyes as he said this and the mare blushed before nodding. He smiled and wondered if perhaps she would make the best choice?

"Your majesty?" The mare on his right purred and it cause him to turn his gaze over. She was leaning slightly towards him a sweet smile on her face.

"I was hoping that tomorrow we could take a turn in your gardens. They are lovely. I remarked on it to my dear brother the minute we got here. Perhaps you can show me all the different roses you have?" She said with a small amount of heat in her eyes as they quickly flicked to the rose in Twilight's hair.

Discord chuckled again and took the mare's hoof in his paw. He felt her shiver slightly and it only made his grin widen. She couldn't fool him, he was the master of this game. He knew exactly what she was playing at, she had realized that no matter how he looked he was still very rich. He would indulge her for now, if only for his own amusements. He wondered how far she would take this charade before he had to put a stop to it? He lifted her hoof as if to kiss it again and she flinched, but he only whispered,

"If that is your wish." He dropped her hoof and returned to him meal enjoying the way she was trying not to look sick. She would prove very entertaining indeed. He turned to the other two princesses. The pink one was very pretty, possibly the prettiest of the princesses. He smiled at her, but before he could speak, Queen Luna spoke over him.

"I'm afraid tomorrow my daughters will be unable to accompany you my lord. Cadence is not feeling very well and Rarity is the only one who knows how to make her special herbal tea."

As a lie it was the worst he had ever heard...but he chose not to comment. He could read what Luna was really saying as well as her cold stare.

My daughters are off limits...I don't care how rich you are, I will not give one to a monster.

He sighed softly at the thought and turned back to Twilight.

"How about you princess? Care to take a turn in the gardens with me...we would be grateful for the extra company." He smiled and had to hold back a laugh at the face the other unicorn made, realizing her plan to get him alone had failed.

"Oh well I...I suppose I could...only um…" Twilight took a deep breath realizing she was sounding ridiculous stammering. She smiled up at him, hoping it seemed sincere.

"Could I bring my maid? She loves gardens and I know she would love a chance to take a tour of your lovely grounds."

"Of course...she is more than welcome. I shall do my best to answer any questions you ladies may have tomorrow. I am here to serve you…"

Discord looked down at the princess and smiled once again making her blush and the other fume. He realized that this dinner had been a success after all. He now had a firm idea of which princess he would most likely enjoy having around...all he had to do was win her over and they would deal well together. Yes he would grow to like this mare, he was making the right choice...

Then why did you get excited at the mention of her maid?

Twilight sighed as she rolled over again in her bed. She couldn't get her brain to shut down, thinking about dinner and what she had agreed to. She had felt bad bringing Fluttershy into it, really it had been a shielding mechanism and she had felt awful. Until Fluttershy's eyes had widened and glowed at the news, the mare really did love gardens and was really excited.

"Twilight...are you still awake? I thought I heard you groan...is everything okay?" Fluttershy's soft voice came from the other bed in the room. Twilight rolled over and used her magic to light the candle in their room.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you…" Twilight whispered, not sure if her mother was awake. That was one conversation she didn't want to have tonight. Her mother was pleased that the king seemed to be so interested in Twilight, however it still made her feel uncomfortable. She wasn't even sure she liked him, so the idea of marrying him still scared her.

"I'll go down to the kitchens and make you some tea. It will help you relax and you can get some rest." Fluttershy said, already getting out of bed to do just that. Twilight tried to stop her, but it was too late. The pegasus had made up her mind and was pulling on a light shall for the chill in the air.

"Relax Twilight, I'll go get that tea and then you can rest. After all you have a busy day tomorrow." Fluttershy smiled at her before closing the door and leaving Twilight to her confusing thoughts.

She flopped back on the bed and groaned. Tomorrow was the reason she wasn't getting any sleep. Thinking about it would only make things worse...although it might help?

She began to count off the good and bad points of the king...also of marrying him. She realized that there was an even number for both logically, but one bad point made it outweigh all the good points.

Being stuck in a loveless marriage…

Even though she was a future ruler, she had always hoped that she would still fall in love someday and marry that stallion. She wanted someone who saw her as more than a princess, a way to gain more land or power. However that wasn't how the real world worked and it depressed her. Knowing that fairy tales didn't come true, that things would play out exactly like her mother wanted...she would have to accept it.

She looked around and then at the clock realizing Fluttershy had been gone for too long.

"Oh no, I bet she got lost in this maze...I'll have to go find her." She got out of bed and lit her horn to see her way around. Thankful that her mother was a heavy sleeper and that she was able to leave without waking her.

Twilight made her way to what she hoped was the kitchens. Then after several twists and turns and still not coming across her friend she realized how foolish this had been. She sighed and lowered her head when a tap on her shoulder made her scream and fly into the air.

She looked down to see a laughing Flash Sentry, he was holding a flashlight in his mouth trying not to drop it in his laughter. She blushed and landed next to him again trying to think of a reason for being in the halls at night...alone. He put the flashlight in a saddle bag. She tried to say something to cover her reasons.

"Get lost searching for the kitchens?" Flash asked smiling and Twilight jumped. How did he?

"My king mentioned to me that you hadn't eaten much at dinner and I was to keep an eye out for you if you went searching. These halls are confusing for those that don't know them. Discord designed them that way to stop thieves."

She blinked at him, he had called his king by name without a title. Sure Fluttershy did that, but they were…

"You're his friend...not just his captain. Aren't you?" She asked what she had thought and Flash nodded. He bowed to her and said,

"Shall I escort you back to your room princess?" He asked and she started to nod then stopped.

"Actually I was looking for my maid. She went to make me some tea and I'm afraid she may have gotten lost as well."

"No worries princess I will search her out and make sure you both return to your beds...shall we?" He asked bowing and holding out his hoof. She nodded and began to walk beside him as he led the way back. She glanced over at him and wondered at the sudden increase in her heart rate. She always seemed to turn into...well sadly...Fluttershy, when she was around the stallion. She had never felt so shy before and it was a strange feeling she didn't know how to get rid of.

"Forgive me your majesty...I didn't really answer your question about me and Discord did I?" Flash looked over and smiled at her. The smile and the way it made his eyes sparkle made her blush. She wished, she wasn't lighting the way with her horn. It did a better job revealing her face than his light would have.

"Oh...well, if you don't mind telling me captain?" She asked, meeting his eyes and finding herself smiling back at him. He chuckled and said,

"Just call me Flash Sentry...or Flash, please princess. Well Discord may seem like a strange one and honestly you don't know the half of it. Ours is a strange story...and long so I'm afraid I'll only be able to tell you a small part of it."

She nodded and slightly slowed her pace, she wanted to hear this story. Maybe it would help her understand her possible, future husband…

Uh-huh keep telling yourself that's why you want to spend more time with...Flash…

"I was only a colt when my father, Midnight Sentry, started his service to Discord and…"

"Wait...what? Your father? But...how…" She stammered and stared at Flash trying to hide the horror at the realization that the king was far older than she had thought.

"Oh sorry princess...Discord is immortal, just like you and your family. Although I have a feeling he is even older than Queen Celestia...I'm not sure exactly how old he really is, never thought to ask?" He chuckled again and smiled at her. Even though she was juggling the thought of how much older Discord was, she still found herself smiling back. As if it were the most natural thing in the world, and right now...it did feel that way with Flash. He continued with his story,

"So I started coming to the castle with my father when I was finally old enough to join the reserves myself. I met Discord and unlike the other recruits I didn't flinch or scream in fear. Discord took notice to this right away and for the next week did everything he could to scare or startle me…"

"He tried to frighten you?" She asked confused, wondering why.

"I think it was because I was the first to stay calm around him. My father told me that he had nearly fainted when Discord suddenly appeared before him. So I think I confused him when I simple continued to salute to my king.

"Over that week I still didn't react except for a slight chuckle here and there. After that week ended Discord assigned me as his personal bodyguard. It was a huge honor and no pony but me knew it was just so he could try harder to frighten me away.

"After about a month he finally gave up and instead started talking to me about things he didn't share with any other pony, not even my father. I can only assume I earned his respect by showing no fear around him and he grew to trust my word and calm thinking. From there it became a friendship, we honestly enjoy each others company...he's got a good heart. Discord may be my king, but he will always be my brother first."

Twilight looked over at Flash and found that the story had changed her feelings...but unfortunately not about Discord. How could Flash have stayed so calm when a beast was purposely trying to frighten him off. She doubted even Rainbow Dash, who was the bravest pony in Canterlot, would last as long as Flash had.

Then for him to develop a friendship with the king and to sincerely call him his brother...that was so...sweet. Flash was a caring and level-headed stallion, no wonder the king valued his insights. Flash was the kind of guy that would make a beastly king feel comfortable and safe...or a princess...

"I'm happy that you two became friends...I'm sure it's made your job easier?" She asked him and he smiled, stopping in front of her door.

"Not even in the slightest...Discord may be my friend, but he is still a giant pain to deal with. He's stubborn and when he gets an idea into his head no pony can talk him out of it. Which usually leaves me to clean up after his messes...but it's an exciting life I suppose." The two of them laughed, it was the first time she had fully laughed since being there. It felt good and lifted her spirits a great deal. She opened her eyes to see Flash staring at her with a soft look in his eyes. She blushed and quickly opened the door to enter her rooms, in her haste she ran into the door frame.

"Ow...Oh! Um...if you could find my friend please...Flash...I would greatly appreciate it." She whispered and noticed how he perked up when she said his name. He bowed again and whispered,

"Of course, I'll begin searching for her at once and Rainbow Dash for that matter...why isn't she stationed at your door?" Flash asked looking around concerned. Twilight waved a hoof saying,

"There's no need to worry. She likes to go get some late night drills done at this time...she wouldn't expect us to leave our rooms now and usually there's another guard to take her place."

Flash nodded, but didn't seem to be any less worried. He bade her a quick goodnight and left in search of Fluttershy. Twilight shut the door, quickly ran to her bed and buried her burning face under the covers.

Oh Twilight! What are you thinking? You can't be doing this right now...you can't be attracted to another stallion when you're expected to marry someone else! But oh, how I'm starting to wish I wasn't...what would it be like to be loved by such a kind soul that could find a way to befriend a monster? Oh boy...did I just wish that Flash could love me? Oh no..I'm in trouble...

Discord sat at his favorite toy. He only used it when the castle was fast asleep, even Flash would be abed now and that made it the perfect time. He smiled as he ran his claw along the black surface. He lifted the lid and placed his fingers over the ivory keys. He started off slow, a smooth rhythm that seemed to make the night come alive. The grand piano made the music in his soul come to life, it was his escape from the rest of the world. It could share in his moods, whether that be joyful or sad.

He closed his eyes and thought of the day's events, the music started off sad and slow as he thought of the mares and how they had looked at him. Cold frightened stares that he had come to expect from others. The contempt in their eyes as they stared at the monster king.

The music picked up pace as his heart grew heavy with anger. Why was it that no pony ever saw anything, but his looks? He may be cursed to look like a monster, but did that really make him one? The music grew faster as he remembered all the screams in his life and all the shouts he had endured throughout his life. Many years before he had given up and created the kingdom he now ruled over. His own subjects didn't know what he looked like, he never held council meetings, except with Flash. Who was responsible for recording any problems among his kingdom. He was their shadow king...never coming into the light for them to see.

The music slowed back to a sorrowful tune. It was why he needed a queen, someone for the ponies to look to for hope. He would need a strong, kind, intelligent mare to help take care of his subjects. One who could learn to love his kingdom and who the ponies could love in return...for neither would ever love him.

He stopped playing and kept his eyes closed at the thought. He would never be loved, by a mare or even his subjects. Not real love...right now his subjects love him for he took care of them, but if they knew what he really was...All his good, kind actions would be turned into something ugly. Many would say he was only manipulating them or some other lie.

He sighed and opened his eyes as he slowly began to play again. The realization that his subjects needed a figure to love, is what had led him to finally finding a queen. He would do anything for those he was responsible for. So he would give them a queen to love...since they couldn't have him.

She felt bad for hurting your feelings...Flash's words suddenly played through his mind. Of their own accord his fingers began to change the tune. This time it slowly morphed into a song that seemed to speak of hope. His eyes closed as he tried to remember what she looked like.

The little yellow pegasus...Flash had told him her name was Fluttershy. He had grinned when Discord had asked him, however he had informed the stallion it was so he would be able to talk to her tomorrow. Neither of them actually believed that lie…

Discord opened his eyes and jumped back yelling off the bench. He landed on the floor and growled in annoyance.

"Oh my goodness! Please forgive me your majesty! I..I got lost and...I heard music and came to see...oh please forgive me I didn't mean to startle you!" Fluttershy said as she rushed to his side and helped him sit up. She was looking at him worried and Discord froze when he met her eyes. He didn't remember them being that deep a shade of teal…

"Are you okay your highness? Oh I can't believe I was so rude as to come in and not say anything...it's just that...well...um…" She blushed suddenly and hid her face behind her mane. Discord felt a small smile pull at his lips at how adorable she was. He flinched and rubbed his head drawing her attention back to him. She looked worried and without thinking about it she flew up and placed her hoof on his head.

Discord froze again at the soft touch. She was checking his head for injury, at least that's what he thought she was saying, he couldn't hear that well over the buzzing in his ears.

He cleared his throat and scooted away from her. He felt his cheeks warming as her eyes turned to stare down at him. He mumbled as he got to his feet,

"No need to worry about me my dear...I'll admit you startled me, but I assure you I'm perfectly fine."

If a heart rate of a twister is healthy...yeah you're great.

"Oh well...I'm still so sorry to have disturbed you your highness...it's just that well...like I said before I got lost...I heard the music and...and was going to come ask for directions back to my room...but...but...well...um...the music...it...it was...beautiful." She whispered in such a soft voice. It reminded him of the way a harp lulled one into peace, so smooth and caressing…

"It's no trouble my dear really...how about I take you back to your room then?" He smiled down at her and waited. She looked up at him then slowly she smiled back at him. It was such a gentle smile, one that didn't look forced at all. Her eyes seemed to sparkle in the soft light,

"Oh I would be so grateful your majesty." She bowed to him and he waved his paw as if it was nothing...and it really wasn't. He started to lift his claws to teleport them to her room and stopped. He didn't know why, but he wanted to walk her back.

He held out his arm for her to take and she looked up blushing.

"Come my dear...I shall escort you back myself." He smiled down at her and then decided to have some fun with her. He couldn't help, but mess with ponies, just to see what they did. He added some heat to his gaze and grinned wickedly.

"Unless...you would rather stay here with me longer...alone?"

He expected her to scream in anger, to flinch, to faint anything but what she did do…

"Oh could I!? I mean...I don't want to impose but...well you play so beautifully and…well it reminds me of my father to hear such beautiful music...could you...could you play something else if I stay? I promise I wont interrupt…"

For the third time in a matter of minutes this mare made him freeze in shock. She wanted to stay? He swallowed and not taking his eyes off her sat back at the piano. She looked around and he flashed in a stool for her to sit on. She smiled in thanks and sat down then stared at him expectantly. He could read the eagerness in her eyes and felt something tug inside him. He placed his fingers over the keys and decided to play a simple score. It was one he had learned shortly after discovering his love for the piano. He looked over to see her reaction and she seemed confused.

"Something wrong my dear?" He asked looking at her, still playing the score. She shook her head and hid behind her mane. She whispered so softly that he couldn't hear her over the piano so he stopped playing.

"Come again?"

She looked over and swallowed,

"Oh it's nothing...it's still pretty but...well...why aren't you playing with your heart like before?"

He flinched back and stared at her in surprise. She had understood what the music had meant? Just as she had noticed his hurt that morning. Who was this mare? What else could she see and why did he find himself wanting to know? He cleared his throat and ran his fingers over the keys lightly, looking away from her he avoided the question.

"So...your father plays?" He asked hoping to distract her. It seemed to work as her eyes lit up once more. She smiled, it was a sad, but loving smile and Discord knew what the answer was before she said it.

"He was a great musician...he would always play the piano for me when I was scared. Saying that if you let it the music could heal your heart...for it understood your pain better than any pony ever could."

"He was a wise stallion…" Discord chuckled and smiled at her. She returned the smile and nodded. He looked at the piano then back at her and asked,

"Do you play?"

She blushed and shook her head laughing. It was clear as a bell and the sound made his heart jump. He had never heard a mare laugh so pretty and so freely, at least not when they were near him.

"Oh no...I'm hopeless on the piano...or any instrument I'm afraid. Which is why I seek others who can play with such passion as you my lord...I know I have no right but...it's been a long time...since I heard my father's voice in the music…"

Her eyes started to mist with tears and he frowned. Something tugged at his heart and he found himself wanting to rid her of her sadness, he turned back to the piano and closed his eyes.

He let the emotions filling his heart flow into his fingers and slowly the music filled the room. He thought of the mare sitting next to him and chanced a peek at her, she was smiling again and her eyes were closed, lost in the music.

He closed his eyes again and found the music being played wasn't sad or angry as before, instead it was almost...happy. Peaceful, which is how he was feeling at the moment. He frowned as he opened his eyes to look at her again. She was making him feel relaxed and calm...something he rarely felt around another pony.

She was certainly a surprise and everything about her didn't make any sense. She was a pretty mare and yet she was sitting here calmly and listening to him play. She wanted to be there with him, she was just as calm and relaxed as if it didn't bother her that she was sitting next to a monster. He stopped playing and continued to stare at her a frown on his forehead. She sighed happily and opened her eyes to see him watching her. Her cheeks blushed and she smiled weakly at him, she flew off her stool and sat on the bench next to him. She reached out and placed her hoof over his claw smiling up at him.

Heavens above! This mare is determined to kill me from all these heart attacks!

"Thank you so much your majesty...that was so...it was just how he used to play...I can't thank you enough my lord."

He turned and flipped his claws over to hold her soft hoof in his palm, she didn't flinch at the touch and continued to smile up at him. He found himself returning her smile and lifted her hoof to his mouth, placing a soft kiss upon it. His smile widened when she blushed a deeper red.

"The pleasure was all mine my dear...and please...just call me Discord…"

What in high hay had possessed him to say that!? She nodded shyly and turned her face away. She whispered,

"I'm...I'm Fluttershy."

"Fluttershy...such a perfect name…" He purred and went to place another kiss on her hoof when the door opened again. Discord looked up and met Flash's eyes, he quickly jumped up and away from the mare. He cleared his throat and turned his back on them saying,

"Captain, please escort Miss Fluttershy back to her chambers…" He knew his cheeks were on fire and refused to let Flash see them. He would never hear the end of this as it was. He heard Flash say something to Fluttershy and she whispered an okay. He chanced a peek over his shoulder as she followed Flash out the door. She turned back too and their eyes met. She smiled and whispered, but still loud enough that he could hear.

"Thank you...Discord…" Then she disappeared.

He fell back on the bench and grabbed his chest. What was happening to him...his name...one word…

Yet when she had whispered it, the sound had shot straight through his chest and his heart had stopped for a second. He took in a deep breath and looked at the claw she had held. She had willingly placed her hoof on his strange hand...and she hadn't seemed disgusted? He felt his heart increase in speed again and growled in frustration and hissed at himself.

"Oh come on...what am I doing? Discord you can't be getting distracted like this...she's not what you're looking for. You need a queen for your people...something she could never be…so just forget all that happened right now. Forget everything about her!"

There was a sharp pain in his chest that made him suck in a breath.

Why did that hurt so much to say? It's not like I care about her?

He felt another sharp pain in his chest and frowned...no...it couldn't be.

Could it...could it be that...that I'm…but I just met her? How could…

He closed his eyes and instantly she was there, smiling up at him...laughing with pure joy and reaching out to take his claw in her hoof...Oh boy...

"I'm in trouble…" He said as he covered his eyes with his hands.

Chapter Three

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter Four

Author's Note

In this chapter and the others to follow is where the heated scenes come in. Like I said marked by 'XOXO' if you want to skip. Promise though, that while they are heated, it is nothing too explicit.
So please enjoy and let me know what you think!

Chapter Four

Twilight sighed as she laid on the comfortable mattress. This was the most relaxed she had been in weeks. She smiled over at her friends and her family. All the mares were sitting in Cadence's and Rarity's room talking about the past two days. They were supposed to be getting ready for dinner, but none of them seemed to be in a hurry. Especially Twilight, who knew she had to make up for the garden and running out on the king. That's what her mother would expect of her.

"Oh my gosh Twilight you missed it! Shining thought Cadence was really ill and came to check on her, it was so cute!" Rarity laughed, causing her sister to blush and glare at her.

"I'm sure he was simply being polite...it was nothing…I wasn't even sick..." Cadence said as she tried to hide her blush.

"So why did you pretend to be feeling worse so he would stay longer?" Applejack smiled at the princess who blushed deeper. They all laughed again and Twilight looked over at Fluttershy, who seemed much happier than before. Her tour through the gardens must have been refreshing for the mare. There was a knock at the door and Pinkie bounced over to it to answer. She opened it the rest of the way bowing low, the princesses frowned and then stood up and gave quick bows as well as King Discord came into the room.

He smiled at all of them and bowed to all the mares in the room, his eyes lingering on Fluttershy for a second longer than the rest. He smiled over at Cadence and snapped his fingers, he held out the single red rose to her. She blushed again and took it with a thank you.

"No need to thank me princess. I am here to inquire after your health. I wish to be the best host I can and that means lifting my guests' spirits when they are feeling low." He smiled and pointed to the rose. Cadence looked down and it burst in a shower of sparks and golden butterflies flew about the room and circled the mares. Then one landed behind each of their ears and turned back into roses.

Despite who it was in their company all the mares laughed, which made Discord grin wider. He looked over to Fluttershy again, she was looking up at her rose. It was different from the rest, the others had turned back into red roses. Hers was gold and sparkled just as the butterflies had. She blushed deeper and hid behind her mane, but Cadence could see the happy smile on her face as well as the look in the king's eyes. The princess of love looked between the king and the mare. She quietly cast her spell that showed the auras of ponies. Both had a soft pink aura surrounding them, she smiled and chuckled to herself.

So that's how it is...hmm I'll have to keep an eye on these two…

Discord bowed as the mares clapped for his gifts. He chuckled and said,

"I look forward to seeing all you ladies at dinner…"

"All of us?" Applejack asked, a bit confused at the invitation. Discord nodded at the mare and indicated the three maids, his eyes softening.

"I believe that all are welcomed at my table. I forgot to make this clear last night, and I hope you accept my sincere apology. So can I expect you three lovely ladies to join us?" He looked up and made a point of meeting Fluttershy's eyes making her current blush spread over her entire face. This time even Twilight noticed the heat in the king's eyes and frowned.

Did I miss something?

"Will there be chocolate pudding for dessert?" Pinkie asked, narrowing her eyes at the king and he laughed. It was a full, deep laugh and his eyes sparkled with his amusements…

What they didn't know was that Princess Fleur was passing by, having fixed her mane and heard the king's laugh. She had been on her way to find him and see if she could make up lost ground. So to hear his laughter accompanied by the other princess' voices bothered her. She stood outside the door and peeked in, growling to herself. King Discord was with the other three princesses and looked very happy to be there. Fleur silently cursed and tried to think of a way to fix things, it was obvious she was quickly losing ground to Princess Twilight…

Think...think...of course! He may be a king, but he's still a beast at heart and there was one thing all beasts couldn't resist.

"If that is your special request of course there will be chocolate pudding. I look forward to seeing all of you at dinner...it will brighten the night to have all these shining stars at my table…" He purred and all the mares giggled in response. They found themselves growing more comfortable with the king, maybe it was his sincere concern for Cadence; even if she wasn't really sick.

He was being so charming and kind that none of them could resist reacting to it. He bowed low and in a bright flash left the room. They all stayed there staring at the roses in their ears, none knew what to say at first. Then Rarity broke the silence,

"I suppose...that he's not as beastly as I first thought...he's actually really...sweet in his own way."

The others smiled and nodded in agreement. Twilight turned away and frowned, Rarity was right...King Discord wasn't a monster. Then why did her heart still refuse to accept him? He had proven that he wasn't a bad guy and that he could be caring and kind. He had convinced Fluttershy to take a break from her duties and then had come to check on Cadence...even though he must know she wasn't really ill.

So even after all he had done for them and the way he had treated her in the gardens...Why couldn't she feel any joy in the prospect of marrying him?

Because there's a pair of blue eyes that haunt your thoughts...

She shook the thought quickly away and turned to join the others in getting ready. Unlike before, every mare was excited about dinner. They always loved it when they were all together and Cadence even mentioned helping Pinkie prank Fleur earlier. This made them all laugh and they were still laughing when their mothers came into the room to check and see if they were ready.

"What is so amusing daughters?" Queen Luna asked raising her brow, and all six mares shouted,

"NOTHING!"

Discord once again stood in front of his mirror and went over everything. He hoped she had picked up on his clues...the different colored rose, the looks, the personal invitation. True he was also inviting the other two earth ponies, but she was the one he had looked at for a reason. He ran his paw over his face and groaned.

"Don't tell me you're planning on chickening out?" Flash asked as he came into Discord's chambers. Discord snorted and then walked over and fell back onto his bed. He crossed his arms and said,

"I'm still going to do it...don't know how I let you talk me into this. It's the stupidest…"

"Then we shouldn't go through with it. We shall simply forget the idea and…"

"Hey now! Let's not get ahead of ourselves I didn't…" Discord stopped when he saw Flash laughing at him. He growled, but found himself grinning back. He chuckled realizing what Flash had done, he knew Discord was nervous and had reminded him of his resolve. He got off the bed and went to his friend, tapping the stallion's head with his claw.

"You know, for a pony...you're pretty smart."

"I'm going to take that as a compliment for now...did you go see them?" Flash asked.

Discord nodded and put his hands behind his back thinking about the blush that had crept along her beautiful cheeks as the gold rose wound through her silken hair. He growled softly as he remembered that brief touch in the garden. That moment when he had brushed those strands back, he had felt just how soft her beautiful mane was and he desperately wanted to bury his claws in it…

"Focus lover boy." Flash laughed as he jabbed Discord in the side. Discord laughed and tried to cover the blush running along his cheeks.

"So Flash...are you sure you can distract her long enough?" Discord asked, reminding Flash of his part in their plan for the night. It was important to Discord that he be given enough time alone with the mare. Flash nodded and Discord tilted his head as he noticed a slight blush creep into his friend's cheeks. Flash rarely blushed, so what had caused it this time?

"Don't worry...I'm sure I can keep the princess busy long enough for you. Are you sure you're ready to do this? It is still rather sudden...are you sure it's the best idea?" Flash asked and it was the same concern that had been running through his own mind. No he wasn't sure about this...but he had to know. He didn't want to continue to hope if it was all pointless. He had to know if Fluttershy loved him back...and he had to know tonight.

"I'm sure…"

Dinner was going horribly for her! Everyone was smiling and laughing, as they conversed with the king. He looked really content talking to his captain who was sitting at his right. Princess Fleur was wearing a sour look on her face at being placed further down the table. She couldn't believe it when she had swept in wearing her most elegant and alluring gown...and had seen the pegasus sitting in her spot! That little, yellow nobody was already sitting at the king's left where she had planned on sitting again. Fleur had growled further when she noticed that every mare wore a red rose behind their ear, except the pegasus. Hers was gold and sparkled in the light. Fleur looked down the table not joining in the laughter. She had been too busy observing the king throughout the dinner to join in the conversations.

She didn't like how he was looking at the pegasus when he thought no one noticed. His gaze would linger for a second and a small amount of heat would enter the look. It was heat she was used to seeing in male eyes, but it was usually directed at her! She couldn't understand how the king could even notice the maid when Fleur was only a few feet away. Bad enough she had been losing ground to Princess Twilight, but now this little...

She sat there and continued to fume...this meant she would have to hurry in her plans to seduce the king. Surely it wouldn't be that hard? After all look at him! She doubted he kept female company that often. She smiled as she realized it wouldn't be difficult at all. Stallions were easy to control, all you had to do was smile and shake your flank a bit and they fell over to please you. She chuckled softly to herself and continued to eat her meal in silence as she thought about what she would have to do. Desperately trying to ignore the sick feeling in her stomach at letting that creature touch her.

Twilight was trying to hide the blush that refused to leave her face. She was seated next to Flash! Of all the ponies to be sitting next to it was the same one that had been causing her so much confusion. Although this did give her the rare opportunity to observe the two stallions next to one another. One she was meant to marry and the other she was growing fond of.

While Discord was loud and cheerful, Flash seemed more reserved and calm. Not to say he wasn't joining in the laughter. It was easier for her to see that the two were truly friends as they exchanged playful banter. They were very different, but as Flash had said they got along well, having enough in common. They clearly respected the other and it showed in the way they talked. She looked between the two and her confusing thoughts continued.

Where Discord was charming in his own way, and certainly a bit handsome...again in his own way. His laughter was contagious and he had a way of making those around him laugh, once they gave him a chance and looked beyond his strange appearance. Even with that though, she still found Flash's handsome face and reserved smiles much more alluring on her senses. She felt her heart skip a beat every time he turned that smile to her.

Flash started telling all of them a story about his king that he believed they would enjoy. Discord covered his face, a deep blush running along his snout as Flash told them about the time he had tried to scare some maids, but it hadn't turned out the way he planned.

They had all burst out laughing when Flash reached the part where one of the maids had taken her bucket and slammed it onto Discord's head screeching. Confused the king had fallen backwards and tumbled down a flight of stairs.

"You still want a job in the morning right…" Discord growled which only made the friends at the table laugh harder. He groaned again, but looked over to Fluttershy who was hiding her giggles behind her napkin. His smile widened as he watched the mare laugh, the sight caught Twilight off guard.

She had been confused when the king had held out the chair on his left for Fluttershy, making sure she was the one to take it. Throughout the dinner the king had been glancing at the mare, smiling whenever he heard her laugh. Twilight frowned and began to wonder at something she hadn't thought before.

Is the king falling in…

"Princess Twilight may I ask you a question?" Flash asked trying to distract her, however she still noticed the king jump slightly and growl under his breath. As if he had been kicked under the table...

"Of course captain." She blushed as she looked into his bright, blue eyes. She smiled slightly when she saw a matching blush in his cheeks. She wasn't the only one to notice. Two mares were frowning at the sight, Celestia and Luna...and two others were smiling mischievously at the pair, Discord and Cadence. The prior had a particular sparkle in his eyes at the sight.

"Well, King Discord has told me that you enjoy reading and I was curious if we could show you and your friend Miss Fluttershy the collection he has in his library?"

Her eyes widened and she looked over at the king who was nodding to her. He grinned and leaned against his claws smiling.

"I thought that maybe you would enjoy browsing my collection, now grant you it's nothing grand, but there are a few gems hidden. Would you care to accompany me Princess Twilight, and of course you my dear?" He turned to look at Fluttershy who blushed and looked over to Twilight for an answer. Twilight nodded smiling and Fluttershy returned the smile then whispered,

"I'd...I'd love to, your majesty…" She looked up and met the king's eyes and at the connection, his softened and there was a slight blush entering his cheeks.

"Well seeing as how the meal is over...shall we ladies?"

The king rose from his chair and the rest of them followed suit. Flash pulled out her chair and Twilight blushed further when his hoof touched her shoulder. She smiled up at him and he returned the smile. The Queens frowned at this and exchanged a quick look. Celestia cleared her throat, stopping the group from leaving.

"If you will excuse us first your highness...I would like a quick word with my daughter and her friend."

Twilight's ears fell back at the look her mother was giving her. She had a feeling she was about to be lectured. She nodded at the stallions, then followed her mother out of the dining hall, Fluttershy following when Celestia nodded at her. Twilight swallowed and looked up to meet her mother's eyes, the look she received let her know that yes, she was in trouble.

"What are you doing?" Her mother asked and Twilight flinched. She chose to feign ignorance.

"I'm going to the library with the king mother...it...it will be a good opportunity to get to know him."

Celestia frowned down at her daughter and shook her head,

"Is it really the king you want to be near? Or a certain captain?"

Twilight flinched again, as did Fluttershy who was standing next to her, at her mother's harsh tone. She stood up straight and met her mother's eyes, hoping that she displayed enough confidence behind her words.

"The king of course. I know what my duty is mother."

Celestia studied her daughter for a minute then nodded. She said in a low voice,

"Very well, go enjoy the library darling...hold on for a minute Fluttershy. I think we still need to talk." Celestia's words made the yellow pegasus freeze as she had been turning to leave with Twilight. Twilight turned back and tried to protect her friend,

"Mother please...she hasn't done..."

Celestia raised her hoof to silence her daughter and gave her a stern look, dismissing her. She left with her head lowered and hoped that her mother would be gentle with the pegasus. Fluttershy was very sensitive and even the smallest criticism could hurt her.

She walked back out into the dining room where only Flash and Discord were waiting, the others had left to return to their rooms.

Discord frowned when he noticed her come back alone, he looked back the way she had come, but didn't say anything. Flash looked up at his king then back at Twilight, he spoke in a soft tone,

"Will Miss Fluttershy be joining us?"

Twilight looked back to where her mother and Fluttershy would be and swallowed, trying to fight back her tears. She had been behaving foolishly and had gotten her best friend in trouble because of it. She had no doubt what her mother wanted to 'talk' about.

"I don't know…" She whispered.

"Well...we should go to the library and hope she can join us soon. I will inform one of the guards to show her the way." Flash said smiling and gently nudged the king who mumbled an agreement. He offered Twilight his arm and she took it. Both sent one last look behind them, before heading out of the dining hall, neither looking as excited as before.

Fluttershy stood shivering. She was a timid creature and being alone with a pony so much higher in status scared her. She looked up slowly and met the queen's cool gaze. She swallowed and continued to silently shake, not sure if she should say anything or continue to wait.

"Fluttershy, do you know what I wish to discuss with you?" Celestia finally said and Fluttershy shook her head, letting out a small whimper. Celestia took a deep breath and frowned at the pegasus.

"I think you do. I don't wish to cause you any pain my dear as you have been a good friend to my Twilight. However, I can not ignore this any further, too many depend on me. I don't know what fantasies you may have spun for yourself, but the king is not for somepony like you."

Fluttershy flinched at the blunt words, they were what she herself had been thinking. However, she had still found her heart secretly hoping for more when he had shown her extra attention earlier that night. Now she was being reminded of who she was, in a very honest and cruel way. She couldn't stop the tears forming in her eyes. Celestia felt bad at hurting the pegasus, but she had to think of what was best for her people and for her daughter.

Being married to a king as powerful as Discord would ensure her daughter's everlasting safety and Celestia would never have to worry about her daughter's welfare.

"I know you are a kind soul Fluttershy, so I am going to ask you to think of what you could cause with this silly game. An alliance between our two kingdoms is very important, with Discord's help we could defend Equestria from all future threats. However Twilight can't do that if she is being distracted, or if the king is otherwise...occupied...do you understand?"

Fluttershy swallowed and tried to talk past the lump in her throat.

"I...I'm not...sure...I'm not trying...I mean the king...he's…"

"He's going to marry my daughter...I just wanted you to remember all the ponies relying on this union happening. Canterlot needs the funds Discord can provide in order to recover from the last changeling war...Fluttershy...do you want to be the reason all those ponies don't get the help they need?" It was a low blow and Celestia knew it, but she had to make sure this mare stopped from pursuing this attraction. She didn't want the mare to be hurt either, she knew stallions in power. They saw a pretty face like hers and figured they could have it for themselves...until another pretty face came along. After all, mares of Fluttershy's status would never be seen as suitable for marriage with a stallion of power. The mare would be left heart broken when reality came back and she was left alone as Discord moved on.

Fluttershy gasped and covered her mouth as she thought of how selfish she had been. She had only been thinking about herself, but if Twilight didn't marry the king then they wouldn't get the help the kingdom needed. She whimpered again and covered her face with her hooves. She felt a soft hoof on her shoulder and looked up to see Queen Celestia looking sadly at her.

"I know it's a tough choice I'm asking you to make but...I hope you make the right one." Then she turned away and left the pegasus crying alone, going through her thoughts trying to make sense of everything that had just been said.

Discord paced like a caged animal, he tried not to look at the clock for the twentieth time. Flash was showing the princess his collection and explaining all the different sections and how it was organized, or better how it wasn't. Discord couldn't help but chuckle remembering Twilight's frustration at trying to organize his books. She had given up and Flash had taken pity on her, trying to explain how Discord sorted his books.

The two seemed to be getting along fine and Discord grinned again as he realized why Flash had been so agreeable to this plan. His captain fancied the princess...Discord secretly plotted his revenge for all the embarrassment his friend had caused him for his own feelings.

Speaking of, Discord looked to the library doors again and sighed. She still hadn't shown up and it was starting to frustrate him and his nerves were increasing. If she didn't show up soon, he was afraid he would explode. When the door opened he perked up only to deflate again as the orange pony came in.

She bowed to him then looked over at Twilight. She got the princess' attention and whispered something into the mare's ear so the other two couldn't hear. Twilight's eyes widened and she looked over to the stallions.

"I have to go I'm sorry but I-" She started to run from the library, but Discord flashed in her path stopping her.

"What's the matter princess, perhaps we can help?"

"My maid...Fluttershy. She's...she's missing."

"What do you mean missing!?" He practically shouted and Flash cleared his throat. Discord's fur smoothed down, but that didn't slow his heart any. He said in a softer tone.

"I will have all my guards and staff searching for her if she has become lost in the castle."

Twilight shook her head,

"No, she's doesn't seem to be in the castle. My captain, Rainbow Dash couldn't find her and she knows the castle enough to search it thoroughly. She said she checked everywhere and couldn't find her...please your majesty...Flash...she's...she's my best friend...what if something…" Tears started to form in her eyes and Flash placed his hoof on her shoulder. She looked up at his smiling face,

"Don't worry princess...we'll find her. No one knows the castle like me and Discord. We will make sure she's safe."

Twilight smiled at him and then threw her arms around him hugging him as she cried her thanks. Flash's cheeks were on fire and he looked up to Discord who couldn't help the teasing grin he gave his friend, before the situation hit him again.

She was lost, possibly hurt...he had to find her. A strange feeling was swirling in his chest as he thought of all the possibilities of what could happen to her. Panic began to build inside him and he realized how scared he was at the thought of losing her.

The princess and the other mare left leaving him and Flash in the library. He began to shake and tried to think of why she would just disappear like this?

A hoof on his shoulder brought him back and he looked over at this captain. Flash nodded and whispered,

"We'll find her my lord...I'm going to check the gardens to see if she's out there, but... Discord...there was one room that I didn't show Captains Rainbow and Shining...one the mare does know about."

Discord frowned, then his eyes widened.

My music room!

Fluttershy didn't know what had brought her to this room again, all she knew was she had to get away to clear her troubling thoughts. She kept going back and forth in her decision and she was so confused on what she should do. Did she follow duty and push him away so he would focus back on Twilight? Or did she follow her heart and tell him how she was falling in love with him? It had only been a few days, but she knew this feeling was more than a slight attraction...she deeply cared about him.

"Oh what am I to do? Why...why did I have to fall in love with him?" She began to cry harder as she realized just how foolish she had been. All she had been thinking about was her own selfish feelings. She hadn't once thought of all those she could be hurting if she ruined Twilight's chances with Discord. The last changeling war had hurt Canterlot's defenses and had depleted the kingdoms coffers. Twilight had told Fluttershy all about it, about how if it hadn't been for Queen Luna's assistance the kingdom would have fallen.

Now both kingdom's were in trouble and if the changelings chose to attack again, this time they might win. She sighed and wiped away her tears. She knew what she had to do...she would have to break her own heart. She would put others needs before her own, as was her nature. She never thought that would make her so miserable, helping others had never hurt this bad in the past. It was the right thing to do though...she would ignore her growing feelings.

"Fluttershy? Oh thank the heavens! You're safe!"

She turned suddenly at his voice. Discord came into the room and before she could react he scooped her into his arms and held her tightly against him. Despite everything that she had just told herself, she leaned into his embrace and even nuzzled the fur on his neck.

He sighed and tightened his hold. Still holding her he whispered,

"Why did you take off my dear? You had all of us so worried."

A pleasant warmth spread through her at the thought that he had been worried. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of being pressed against him. She wanted to stay like this forever…

But you can't!

Her eyes snapped open and she pulled out of his arms, hovering in front of him. He looked confused and a bit disappointed to lose the contact, but he quickly covered it up.

"Fluttershy...what's wrong?" He asked and she realized that her eyes were watering again. She turned from him and wiped away the incriminating tears. She had to say something, do something that would make him go away...but what?

She felt his hands on her shoulders as he gently turned her to look back at him. He looked really concerned and he reached up to brush her mane out of her eyes. The gentle touch sent a shiver through her body and she closed her eyes.

"Tell me…" He whispered. She opened her eyes and looked up into his. His eyes were so hypnotizing, the way the yellow seemed to glow in the low light and the red bore into her soul. She shook her head and whispered,

"I'm fine my lord...I just...I…" She couldn't come up with a suitable lie and silently cursed herself. She was always bad at lying, almost as bad as Applejack. She began to cry again and pulled out of his grip.

"I'm sorry your highness...I have to go…" She tried to flee, but he flashed in front of her and she slammed into his chest. He crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at her.

"Have I upset you my dear? Offended you in some way?"

"What!? No! Why would you…"

"Because you have returned to calling me by my title when I have expressed my desire for you to use my name...so I'm going to ask again and this time I want the truth. What have I done to upset you?" He asked and she swallowed at the intensity in his eyes. She took a deep breath and steeled her heart for what she would have to say...he wanted the truth…

"You've been showing me so much attention when I don't deserve it. I'm just a nobody your majesty, a regular mare who is not worthy of attention from a king like you. I have been foolish and selfish in my disregard of my duties...I...I have been distracting you...and you have been kind enough to tolerate a silly mare like me for this long. But now I remember who I am...I will let you get back to finding a queen. I'm... I'm sorry my lord...I won't waste your time any more after today...goodbye your highness."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

She flew around the king and raced towards the door. She had managed to open the door a crack when it was slammed shut again. She looked up to see a strong paw holding it closed. She turned and met his angry, flaming eyes. His other hand shot out against the door, so now she was trapped, hovering between the wood and his body. She swallowed as she continued to stare up into his eyes.

His breathing was shallow and he seemed to be trembling. He growled slightly and the sound both frightened and exhilarated her. He leaned closer and her eyes widened, his voice was low and smooth as it caressed her heightened senses.

"You're wrong...you're wrong about so many things...but mostly...you are definitely a mare worthy of my attentions."

He shot forward and before she could move his lips locked onto hers. She froze for a second before her body took over, clouding her mind. She closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss. Her arms going up to his shoulders groaning softly. He gave an answering groan and his claw moved from the door to her waist. His hand gently caressed her through her simple, blue dress as it slid down along her thigh. She tried to bite back the moan building, but it managed to escape her throat.

The sound rocked through Discord's body and fueled his desires further. He pressed his body further against hers, completely pinning her against the door and a growl rumbled in his chest. His claws moved up and he did what he had imagined doing since he brushed the soft strands. His claws buried themselves in her gorgeous hair and he bent her head back slightly allowing for easier access.

He deepened the kiss and was grateful when she opened beneath him, allowing his tongue to gently probe her sweet mouth. He ran it along the inside of hers and moaned when he felt her tongue tangle with his. His body was growing hotter by the second as was something else. He hadn't planned on this, this was not how he had imagined tonight playing out. Now that it was happening he couldn't stop, his desire for this mare was taking over his brain. He moved his paw to her back, holding her firmly against him. She let out another small moan and the sound made him shiver in anticipation. He left her lips and began to kiss along her neck as his hand moved down slightly and caressed her flank. The touch made her shiver and fired him up further. He ran his tongue along the soft fur of her neck and enjoyed the whimpering it caused.

He groaned against her neck and gave it a light nip. She jumped and it made him chuckle, her responses were setting his blood on fire and he was quickly losing control. He felt her hooves move through his mane and the gentle caress made him sigh in bliss. He needed to let her know everything, before things went any further...and considering one part of his body was taking over he had to do it now. The way she was responding to him left no doubt in his mind about her reaction to his confession. He pulled his head back and looked into her eyes, both were breathing heavily and he grinned. He leaned closer and gently nuzzled his nose in her beautiful, soft mane.

"Fluttershy...my darling Fluttershy...I have already found my queen…" He whispered into her ear and she froze.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

*Deeper in the gardens*

Flash looked around with his flashlight. He hoped that Discord would have found the mare, but since nothing had been announced he continued with his own search. He couldn't hide his growing frustration, surely they should have found her by now?

He heard some rustling in the bushes to his right and swung his light over. He slowly moved closer, ready just in case it turned out to be some type of threat. He put his flashlight away, smiling when he recognized the sound as a voice.

It was a quiet voice that was all too familiar to him, it had been plaguing his thoughts. It didn't belong to the mare he was looking for, that was obvious when he heard the deeper tone. Besides, he doubted those kinds of words would leave a soft-spoken mare like Fluttershy. Then again…

"I don't think that's proper speech for a princess." He said as he came around the bush and found Twilight tangled in some vines. She stopped struggling and blushed scarlet, her horn clearly lighting her face. She groaned and doubled her efforts, mumbling under her breath.

Flash laughed and moved closer, laying a hoof on her head so she would stop struggling.

"You can't get out of them that way...this is Discord's garden remember. Didn't he warn you about his 'special' plants?"

She looked at him confused and he chuckled again before leaning closer to the vines.

Singing softly to the strange plant,

"What's fun to eat? It's made out of meat…" He trailed off and the vines pulled away from the princess and sat up like snakes. She was shocked further to see them open mouths, tongues hanging out waiting. Flash laughed and reached into his pack. He pulled out the treats specific for these vines.

"Let there be bacon!" He shouted throwing the squares towards the vines, which started fighting over them as Twilight shot to her feet and jumped behind him.

"Those things eat meat!?" She shouted and Flash laughed shaking his head.

"No...that's tofu they're eating. I don't know why you have to sing that jingle, but nothing of Discord's ever makes sense."

He chuckled and moved away from the area, back to the path and Twilight followed him, the blush returning to her cheeks. When they reached the path Flash turned to her and frowned slightly.

"Why are you out here at night princess? I told you I would search the gardens and you were to stay inside. The garden is really dangerous at night, that's when all of his most mischievous plants are awake. There are some that are trained to stop intruders, and not all of them are harmless like those vines. You could have been..." He realized his voice had grown angrier as he continued to talk and took a deep breath to calm himself. He hadn't meant to take that tone, but he had started thinking about what could happen to her.

"I'm sorry. I was just...I didn't want to sit around and wait...not if she could be in trouble...and now that you've told me about the garden I really need to find her!" Twilight said, holding her head up. He knew there would be no point in arguing, he recognized a stubborn soul when he saw one. Living with Discord long enough taught you to pick your battles.

"Fine...but stay close to me princess." He said and she nodded. He tried to ignore the pounding of his heart as she moved closer to him. He couldn't stop the smile that broke through though. He also couldn't deny that the magic from her horn lit the path far better than his light had.

They continued to walk in silence, not wanting to miss a sound that could be the missing mare. He was about to suggest them doubling back to another path when a sound to their right got Twilight's attention. She moved away from him, despite his warnings and called out,

"Fluttershy! Fluttershy is that you?"

Flash barely pushed her out of the way in time. He wrapped his arms around her to shield her body as they fell across the path. He stood up panting and looked back to see the giant fly trap pull itself back into its hiding spot. He turned and glared down at the mare under him.

"What did I say about staying by me!? You don't know this place like I do! I was serious about this place being more dangerous at night! Dammit Twilight you could have been hurt!"

He continued to glare down at her waiting for her to apologize for her stupidity. She just stared up at him her eyes widening. He frowned further and she swallowed then whispered,

"That's...that's the first time you've called me Twilight…"

He froze. Suddenly he was very much aware that he was standing over her and their bodies were very close. He could practically feel the heat rising from her. He blushed crimson and tried to find something to say as he continued to stare into her eyes. He soon became lost in their depths, they were the deepest purple he had ever seen.

She began to raise herself from the floor bringing herself closer to him. He subconsciously moved closer until their lips were inches from each other. She closed her eyes and he started to when a voice screamed in his head.

Stop! What are you doing? She's a princess! You know better!

He pulled back quickly and moved away from her, breathing heavily. She opened her eyes and stared at him confused. He turned away from her to hide the blush on his face and cleared his throat.

"We should head back now...maybe someone has heard something."

She rose to her feet and he peeked at her out of the corner of his eyes and mentally groaned. She was glaring at him, a deep blush on her cheeks. She walked ahead of him without a word and he could feel the anger radiating off her and groaned, this time out loud.

Not how I originally saw that play out in my head…way to go Flash...

Discord was surprised when he was pushed away and tripped, landing on the floor. He sat up and groaned, rubbing his back where he had landed hard. He looked up at the mare he had just been holding and was surprised to see her glaring at him, the tears back in her eyes. He looked at her confused and opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off.

"Then why are you wasting your time with me!? Why do this to me!? If you already know who will be your queen why play these games!? Why don't you just go to your princess of choice!?"

It took his clouded brain a second to catch up and he frowned. He stood up and moved closer to her again whispering,

"You misunderstand me darling...I didn't mean...I was trying to tell you…"

He stopped unsure how to deal with her when she was still glaring at him. He had told her that he wanted her to be his queen and she had pushed him away. He had to make her see what he meant. He reached for her and was at least grateful that she didn't flinch away. He cupped her cheeks with his hands and brought his face closer to her again.

"I'm trying to tell you my dear...that I want you to be my queen." He whispered and kissed her. Expecting her to lean into the kiss as she had before, but she surprised him by pushing him away again. This time there was pure terror in her eyes and the sight made him freeze. What was she afraid of? Of being his queen? Of being with him? Panic and self-doubt started to rise within him.

"You...you want...me to be queen?" She whimpered and the tears were now falling down her cheeks. He stood there unsure of what to do, this quick change in emotions was confusing him and he had no idea what she was thinking. He wished she would just tell him!

Ever hear that phrase, be careful what you wish for?

"Discord...I can't...I'm not...y-you can't…n-not me..." She tried to say, but her voice was trembling so much she couldn't get it out. He hated to see her tears and pulled her against him, he gently stroked her mane and down her back to comfort her. He softly hushed her and whispered into her ear.

"Yes I can my darling...I want you to be my queen...I have decided that you are perfect...perfect in everyway." He pulled back and lifted her chin to make her look into his eyes. He took a deep breath and said,

"Fluttershy...I love you…"

She froze again and closed her eyes, crying harder. He waited and waited...then,

"No...don't say that…please...you can't...I can't...no...I...oh no...I'm sorry Discord but...I CAN'T BE YOUR QUEEN!" She shouted and pushed him away harder, tears streaming down her face. This time he tumbled back and landed on his piano bench. He stared up in shock as she turned and flew out of the room sobbing into her hooves, slamming the door behind her.

He sat there for what felt like hours, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. He didn't understand...she had responded to his kiss. He had been so sure...so sure that she…

Tears started to well in his eyes and he placed his face in his hands. He had told her he loved her and she had run from him...just like all the rest. He took in a shaking breath and felt the first tear break through. He had let himself hope again, for nothing...but then...then why...

Why had she let him kiss her if she didn't feel something for him? Why had she responded so completely to his touch? Why had she grown angry when she thought he had chosen another mare? The damn pegasus was making his head hurt and he growled. He stood up and began to pace, going over everything that had happened. Something wasn't sitting right, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He growled again and mentally went over everything that had just happened.

She had been upset when he found her, told him she believed she was unworthy of him. He had wanted to tell her the opposite was true, a beast like him didn't deserve a beauty like her.

She had kissed him back, there was no denying her responses had been genuine. His own body stirred remembering her soft moans when he touched her. Even now if he ran his tongue along his lips he could still taste her. He groaned and ran his claw through his mane in frustration.

Then there was when he had said he'd found his queen, she had reacted like a jealous female and shouted at him. He still didn't understand how she could have thought he meant another mare. Why would he have kissed her if he was talking about another...females?

Finally when he had told her he wanted her as his queen she had been afraid. That was it! That's what wasn't sitting right with him. At first he had thought it was fear of him, his self-doubt had clouded his senses. Now he realized she had seemed more afraid of something else than what he had said. Then what she had shouted clicked in his mind and he began to hope again.

I CAN'T BE YOUR QUEEN!

Of course Discord! How could you not see it, she had basically told you when you first found her. She doesn't believe she's good enough to be a queen, she thinks she too far beneath you! You can still have her if you can convince her otherwise!

What she had rejected wasn't his love! She hadn't said she didn't love him back...of course she hadn't said she did either. However, because she hadn't said the words didn't mean there wasn't still hope right?

He grinned wider, he was too stubborn to give up on his prize. Especially when it was a mare like her. If there was still a small amount of hope that he could have her he would do everything he could to win her! She wanted him as badly as he wanted her, there was no doubt about that. Even if she said otherwise, her body had already betrayed her to him. He groaned again thinking of her body and how it had melted against his. Yes she would submit to him completely the next time. All he had to do was show her that she was his equal and that he would do anything to have her as his queen.

She would be his soon and now that he knew she felt something, he would make her admit her feelings for him. He would get her to accept his love and he would win hers in turn. He would win back his queen! Tonight wouldn't damper his resolve to have her by his side...

Still, when he had told her he loved he had hadn't expected to be shoved, he hadn't realized he'd have to convince her to be his queen. He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck, shaking his head and sighed.

Not how I originally imagined that playing out in my head…nice going Discord...

Chapter Five

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter Six

Author's Note

Okay so Chapter Six is all Fluttercord and through Discord's POV, please enjoy!

Chapter Six

Discord took in a deep breath and lifted his claws to knock at the door. He waited for a few minutes not hearing anything. He started to frown when the door opened a crack and Pinkie stuck her head out.

"Oh no! You're earlier your majesty!" She shouted and glared at him slightly. He shook his head at the shock of finding the other maid in this room and smiled. He checked a clock on the opposite wall and grinned,

"Actually I'm right on time…"

"NO! I CHANGED MY MIND! I CAN'T DO THIS!" They heard her high voice and the sound of something crashing. Discord frowned and tried to see into the room around the mare, but she stood up and blocked his view. She smiled and said,

"Will you excuse me your highness for one teeny-tiny second?" The door slammed in his face and he scratched his head. Then he put his ear to the door and heard scuffling inside, he also heard the distinct voice of Princess Cadence.

"Flutter...you can't...get back here! Sweetie please, he's out there waiting for you!"

"HE'S WHAT!? OH NO...NO I CAN'T!"

"Applejack grab her!"

He pulled back and chuckled, it seems the mare in question was suddenly getting cold hooves to see him. Normally this would upset him, but for some reason it only amused him, he couldn't exactly explain why. He felt like giving the princess a hand and opened the door. He walked in and took two steps when a yellow blur ran into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her to keep her from falling back, instantly his body reacted to her. She looked up at him with her wide teal eyes and gasped at being held by him.

His heart began to race as he stared into her beautiful face, he brushed a few stray strands away from her face and she shivered in response. He smiled, just as he thought,

No matter how much she protests...she wants me just as much.

"Are you ready to go my dear?" He whispered and she blushed, then nodded and he let her go so she could hover next to him. He turned to see the other three mares from before panting in the doorway. Cadence then held her head high and smiled in triumph at the pair.

"Enjoy the gardens Fluttershy." The princess said as she winked and Fluttershy blushed. Discord met the princess' eyes and she winked at him too, he grinned, realizing he somehow had made another ally in this battle. Just to be sure though,

"Will Princess Twilight be okay with me stealing you away for the afternoon my dear?"

Fluttershy looked away, hiding behind her mane and didn't answer, but Cadence did.

"Oh I think she'll be okay, after all I have a feeling she'll be spending most of her time today in the library. After the last novel, all of us are anxious to read more."

Again he chuckled and took Fluttershy's hoof and tucked it into his arm, loving the way that motion just felt so right. He smiled at the pretty mare beside him, then gave a small bow of his head to the others in the room.

"Excellent...shall we be on our way then my dear?" He purred to her and she blushed deeper, but gave him a bright smile that melted his heart.

"Yes your highness…" She whispered and her soft voice caressed his already sensitive skin. He nodded and led her out of the room and towards the gardens, he only hoped that once they were alone she would say his name and not his title.

You mean like your dreams?

He mentally swatted the thought away, not needing those kinds of thoughts clouding his mind at the moment. He looked down and admired the mare on his arm, she was the most beautiful mare he had ever seen. She was a natural beauty, like the many roses in his garden. Once they were outside, he noted how true that comparison was. When she was outside, walking in the sun's light she was absolutely radiant. Her soft, yellow fur glowed and her beautiful, pink mane shimmered in the bright light. She looked like a goddess and Discord felt himself falling further under her spell. Even the simple, white dress she wore only enhanced her beautiful looks.

"Hmm the air is so refreshing…" She said and her voice brought him out of his thoughts once again. He smiled down at her and led her down one of the covered paths, planning on taking her to a secluded area that held a surprise just for her. He had added this particular area after realizing his love for her, he wanted to show her what she meant to him.

"So...Miss Fluttershy…"

"Oh...you...you can just...call me Fluttershy...if you want to…" She whispered and blushed again. His smile widened and his heart skipped a beat,

"Of course...Fluttershy...do you know much about gardens?"

She nodded and smiled up at him, her eyes shining just as they had the first night in his music room. It seems he had found her favorite interest, which would work perfectly with his surprise.

"Oh yes! I adore flowers and gardening, but I love animals even more. I love being able to help those poor creatures that are unable to help themselves. Back home, when I'm not helping at the castle I go to visit my mother. She owns this cute little cottage in Ponyville still, even with how Princess Fleur and King Blueblood treat everypony...She cares for so many animals there, I love all of them so much. It seems like some days I can actually talk to them...but that's silly...oh my...I'm sorry your highness...I didn't mean to ramble so much...I just...I…"

He stopped walking and lifted her chin with his claws to make her look at him. He smiled softly at her and chuckled.

"My darling Fluttershy...you never have to apologize to me for anything. I love to hear you speak so passionately about something so wonderful. It only shows me that I was correct in saying what a kind heart you have. You truly are perfect my dear." He leaned closer to her, his claws still holding her chin. Her eyes widened and when his lips were inches from hers, she turned away blushing. He stopped and sighed, then pulled his head back and smiled again.

"Come...I have something to show you." He whispered and started them walking again. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and noticed her frowning. He felt his chest tighten, she had pulled away from him this time. He wondered if she was trying to tell him that she wasn't interested?

Don't lose hope yet Discord. The battle's not over until the cotton candy cloud runs out of chocolate milk.

He grinned at the thought, he looked down and Fluttershy again and she looked even more upset. He wanted to see that smile again so he asked,

"So this cottage...is that where you grew up?"

She jumped as if she had been deep in thought and smiled again, not as brightly as before, but he was happy to see even a small smile once again.

"Yes...Although I didn't enjoy going into town, I love that cottage and my mother. When my father passed away...my mother worked twice as hard to keep it. It's also the reason I left to Canterlot and took a job with the princess. It was the best decision I could have made, I met Twilight and she's like a sister to me...and now my mother doesn't have to worry about keeping the cottage...unless…" She stopped and frowned again, he looked down at her waiting for her to continue. When she didn't he frowned as well and said,

"Unless what my dear? Is your mother facing financial troubles? If she is I would be happy to..."

"Oh no...I mean...well not exactly...it's nothing to trouble yourself with my lord...it's just...well Ponyville's taxes seem to be raising rapidly each month and...and even with my help...sometimes my mother has a hard time...she has her animals too and they require special items sometimes...but really your majesty it's nothing to worry about. We have always made it work." She said with a bright, optimistic smile, he frowned further.

From what he had heard Princess Fleur and Blueblood spent money as if they had an endless amount. From what Fluttershy had just told him the opposite was true, most likely the two were keeping the money they took from citizens for themselves and not putting any back into their lands. He growled low at the thought, everything he had he put back to those who relied on him. He would have to find a way to help that kingdom without it looking like direct interference. Another problem for another day though…he stopped walking and turned to face her, he placed his hands on her shoulders and said,

"Well my dear...I just want you to know that...if there is ever anything I can do for your mother...or you...all you have to do is ask."

She smiled up at him, some tears in her eyes and the sight made his chest twist. He reached up and wiped away the tears, hating to see them in her gorgeous eyes, then he rested his claws against her cheek. It was an instinctive move, one he did without thinking.

Fluttershy's eyes widened again, but this time she didn't pull away or flinch at his touch. That fact alone made his heart rate triple, she didn't seem disgusted at having his claws touching her fur. If anything, he could swear her breathing was becoming more rapid.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

"Th-thank you...Discord..." She whispered and the sound of his name on her lips sent a shiver through his body. He let out a small groan and took a step towards her, but this time she didn't pull away, instead she lifted her head up to meet him. He placed his lips over hers and sighed, he loved how they softened beneath his. She let out a small moan too, as if she had been secretly waiting for this again, just as he had. He wrapped his arms around her and brought her closer to him, feeling her small frame mold against his long one. He groaned again against her mouth and moved his claws up into her hair, tangling his talons in the long locks.

She gasped and he took the opportunity to slide his tongue along her lips. She shivered and melted in his arms, he couldn't help but grin. He deepened the kiss further, tasting all that she was offering him as she opened for him. He moaned when he felt her small tongue slide tentatively against his and along his lips.

Her hooves moved to his shoulders and then down along his chest, even that gentle touch set him on fire. He growled and swung around with her still in his arms, he then had her pressed against one of the trees lining the path. He moved his hands down along her waist, feeling her shiver under his touch. He moved to her neck, wanting to taste her sweet skin again after having dreamt of it these past few nights.

He nibbled on her neck and she let out a tiny squeak, the sound made his ear twitch and he growled again. He gently ran his tongue along the soft length and up to her soft ear, running it along the lobe. She whimpered and in the softest voice whispered,

"Discord…"

Hearing his name again spoken like that sent a fog running through his brain. He left her neck and returned to capture her lips again. She moaned in appreciation as he began to ravish her mouth. His hands were slowly moving down her waist, over her hips and down her thighs. She gasped again at the sensation and moaned his name, he felt as if his heart would explode. If she breathed his name like that once more he would definitely keel over from a heart attack. He felt himself growing more lost within the thick fog of desire. Some sane part of his brain managed to break through the fog and told him to stop.

You love this mare right? This isn't how she deserves to be treated! You're out in the open for crying out loud!

XOXOXOXOXOX

He stopped and pulled away from her lips, breathing heavily. He looked down at this beautiful mare who he intended to make his queen, to make his wife...She was also breathing heavy and her face was deeply flushed. She looked up at him with her beautiful eyes and there was no mistaking the fire burning in their depths. He chuckled, happy that she had been enjoying it just as much as he had.

"Fluttershy...this is...this is not what I meant...to happen…" He said, taking deep breaths trying to get oxygen back into his lungs. He grinned at her and reached up to stroke her cheek. She closed her eyes and sighed, the sound made his heart jump. He groaned, closing his eyes and leaned forward to rest his forehead against hers. He opened his eyes to stare into hers,

"My darling...beautiful Fluttershy...what are you doing to me?" He gave her another soft kiss which she returned earnestly. He pulled back and sighed again, he smiled down at her and then pulled away from her completely, afraid of what would happen if they stayed the way they currently were. She seemed confused at the lost contact, he cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck.

"My dear...I must apologize...I'm afraid that I...well...you may be afraid of me after hearing this but…" He stopped and looked back at her. She was staring at him completely lost, he sighed and stepped closer to her again. He took both her hooves in his hands and smiled down at her. She began to blush deeper, he didn't know how much more she could blush before her fur would remain a permanent red. The sight made him chuckled again and he bent to kiss her hooves. He looked back into her eyes and tried to explain himself,

"I hadn't planned on...um...'attacking' you my love...I'm sorry if I scared you at all...but I can't...I can't seem to control myself around you. Forgive me my dear...you deserve better than the way I've just treated you."

She frowned up at him and then surprised him when her lips twitched and she let out a full laugh. It rang through the gardens and he was sure he could hear birds answering the angelic voice. He smiled at her then bowed and said,

"So I take it my lady is not too upset with me?"

She giggled again at him and answered,

"No...not at all...I...I actually...en-enjoyed it when...you…" She stopped and hid behind her mane as her blush spread further along her face. He stood up again and smiled, he held out his arm for her to take. Which she did willingly, she seemed much more relaxed now and it made his heart warm to see her eyes shining at him.

He only hoped that soon those gorgeous orbs would be shining with love. He continued on their walk, the whole time listening to her tell him about her childhood. He found himself growing more interested in her and her past. He wanted to know as much about her as he possibly could. Never had he felt like this, he didn't even know that much about Flash before the stallion had come to the castle. He looked up as they neared his surprise for her. He stopped suddenly and she looked up at him, tilting her head to the side.

My word, she is so adorable when she does that!

He resisted the urge to kiss her again, knowing this time he may not stop. He grinned,

"Close your eyes darling…"

"Huh...my eyes? Why?"

"Because I have a surprise for you...let's just say...it's my way of telling you how I see you." He grinned at the blush that returned to her cheeks, she closed her eyes and when he was sure that she wasn't peeking he took her hooves. He pulled her forward slowly, they passed through a curtain of vines and into a secluded part of the gardens. He pulled her to the center, then turned her so her back was to him. He leaned close to her and whispered into her ear,

"Ok my love...look…"

She opened her eyes slowly and then covered her mouth with a gasp. All around them were roses, every color you could think of was present. Flying among the flowers were thousands of butterflies, all enjoying the garden's calmness. Off to the right was a small waterfall that fell into a small pond. The garden was beautiful and serene, just as his darling love was. She made him feel relaxed and happy whenever she was near him, he hoped that she would realize that with how the garden made her feel.

She looked all around and then slowly turned to face him, her eyes were shining with tears again as she smiled up at him.

"Oh Discord...this is...this is...so relaxing and...beautiful…" She whispered, he cupped her cheeks and whispered,

"Not nearly as beautiful as you are. Fluttershy...this is how you make me feel. This is why I want you so much...why I need you as my queen...tell me you understand my darling...please…" He had moved closer to her as he said this and he noticed her swallow. She looked up with large, frightened eyes. It was seeing that fear which doused the fire inside him. He dropped his hands and pulled away from her.

He turned his back and growled softly to himself, he didn't understand. She responded to him every time he touched her. She seemed so happy when she was around him, just as he was with her. So...so why was it every time he mention making her his queen she panicked?

He slammed a fist against a nearby tree and heard her whimper behind him. He turned and saw her hiding behind her mane, there were tears running down her cheeks and he felt awful for frightening her.

"Oh my dear...I'm...I'm sorry…" He went to her and pulled her into his arms, she came willingly and wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning into his embrace. He held her close and began to gently stroke her mane.

She shook her head and cried,

"You have nothing to be sorry about it's...it's...not your fault...I'm sorry Discord but...I still can't be your queen...no matter how I…" She stopped, but he understood what she was about to say.

No matter how I want it.

He frowned as he continued to stroke her mane, she still refused to accept his offer...to accept him.

He pulled back from her, but kept his arms around her. He sighed,

"Fluttershy...why...why don't you want to be my queen? What can I do to make you see that you're perfect?"

She shook her head and pulled out of his hold. She flew by the pond and sat down on the grass, her back to him. He silently moved up behind her and heard her sniffling. He knelt to the grass and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Tell me love...please...I just want to understand…" He whispered to her, hoping that she would at least give him a clue. Something for him to work with, something he could use.

"I'm not a princess…" She whispered and it shocked him so much he couldn't respond. If that was the only…

"I'm not a princess, I'm just a plain mare...Discord how...how can I rule anything? You keep telling me I'm perfect to be queen, but...but I'm not!"

She turned to face him and he was saddened to see the hurt in her eyes and she was crying harder than before. He hated to see her this upset, but at least now he knew what she was afraid of, why she was so reluctant to be his queen.

"Fluttershy...you don't have to be a princess in order to be perfect...look at me...I...I wasn't a prince before I created this kingdom. I need you because you can take care of my people, give them what they need. I need a mare that can love my people unconditionally. A queen who is kind and compassionate to all those around her...tell me...am I wrong in thinking you are that kind of mare?"

She shook her head and said,

"No...not really...but Discord...there's so much more to this...more at stake...you said that the mare you choose...she will have access to your wealth right?"

He frowned at the mention of his money, she had never mentioned it before, it was one of the reasons he found her fascinating. She seemed unfazed by his wealth, as if it didn't matter...as if he was the only thing that mattered.

He loved her for making him feel like more than his crown. Could he have been wrong before thinking that she was different? It hurt him to even consider that...

"Yes...I did say that. As incentive for the princesses to come here...but...but what does that have…"

"Everything Discord...I don't need your wealth...but...but there are those out there that do. Queen Celestia's people...Canterlot is in dire need of the funds you can give them. I can't be so selfish and expect you to give me everything when I don't need it, but they do...Discord...that's why I can't be your queen."

Her words, they meant more to him than she would ever know. If he thought he loved her before, now he was completely at her mercy. At that moment his heart pledged it's undying loyalty to her. He metaphorically fell at her feet, ready to worship the ground she stood upon. This amazing mare...he had just been doubting her and she proved him completely wrong. She was refusing him because of his wealth, because she believed there were others that deserved it more.

He chuckled at the absurdness of it, this was what had held her back. This was why she had tortured him so, if she really wanted him to help Canterlot all she had to do is ask.

Wait that's it...if I tell her that I will still help Canterlot...will she agree then?

"Fluttershy...that doesn't mean you can't be my queen." He whispered and she looked up at him shocked. He grinned at her and stroked her cheek, then he whispered the most obvious fact in the world.

"I said the mare that marries me and becomes my queen will have access to my wealth and be able to do with it as she wishes. What's to stop you from giving it to Canterlot?"

She froze again and opened her mouth, then closed it. She seemed stunned and he chuckled at how cute she looked. His spirits began to lift as he felt he was finally going to win his...she shook her head and looked up at him sadly.

"That doesn't mean I'll be a good queen...or that...or that you'll want me later on, after the...this passion goes away...I mean Discord...we've known each other for what, two days? How can you expect us to marry after such a short time."

Because I love you with my whole heart. I don't care how long we've known each other, my heart wants you and only you. I can't imagine going a day without seeing your beautiful smile or feeling you in my arms. I need you by my side forever, I can't ever let you go…

"Discord...I just don't think...I don't think I feel that way yet…"

His heart sank at her words...he had finally gotten his answer. She may feel something towards him but it wasn't...it wasn't...he turned his face away from her and whispered,

"You don't love me...do you?"

"No…"

He flinched with his eyes shut and didn't see the guilt flash across her eyes. Or the way she started to retract what she said. He stood up and turned away from her, his heart dropping to the floor, but he had to admit one thing. She was right. They didn't know each other that well, but that didn't mean what he felt for her wasn't real. He loved her, completely and truly...he'd never love another as he did her. He was starting to see that Dashing in Flash's tale wasn't just a rendering of the stallion, it was also one of Discord. Now he understood what Flash had said that morning, when Discord had been teasing him over his newest novel

You know that this story isn't just about my heart right?

He looked back at her, she was still sitting in the grass her head hung as tears silently fell down her cheeks. Even like this she was so beautiful, he had to have her. He couldn't let her slip away from him like this. He had to find a way...

He thought of another idea, something that was risky and would most likely come back to bite him, but he had to try. He went back to where she was sitting and grabbed her hooves, slowly lifting her up. She spread her wings and hovered in front of him, looking slightly confused at the soft smile he was giving her. He pulled her to him and placed his lips over her soft ones. She relaxed under his kiss and he sighed. Then he pulled back from her and reached up to wipe away her tears. He whispered,

"My darling Fluttershy...you have to know that I still want you to be my queen more than anything, but…" He placed his claw over her lips when she would have protested. His eyes softened as he said what he hoped would help him win her heart in the end.

"But...no matter how much I want you to be my queen. I also love you too much to force you into something like this so suddenly...so I want to make a deal with you...if you'll let me." He whispered and waited to see how she would react. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then she looked away from him and whispered,

"What kind of deal?"

He took in a deep breath and sent a silent prayer that this gamble of his would pay off.

"I wish to court you...the right way, over these next seven days...until the ball. I know that's still not a long time, but I'm hoping it's enough my dear. I want to get to know more about you and tell you anything you want to know about me. I want to show you my world, to show you that I want you to be a part of it, that I need you in it. Fluttershy...

"I want to prove to you that I am a stallion that can make you happy in life. So my darling...all I ask is that you give me a chance...to show you who I am, so you can better decide...then on the night of the ball. I will announce to everypony there that I have found my queen...I will announce to all in attendance that I love you and that you are the one I choose...if after these seven days you feel that maybe...just maybe...there's a chance that you could love me back...accept my offer then."

She looked up at him and swallowed, then spoke in a quiet tone.

"And...and if I don't think I can…" She looked away and he felt a stab in his heart as he said,

"If you don't think you can ever love me...then don't come to the ball, I'll take that as your answer...but Fluttershy...I want you to know something else. No matter what you choose...I will give Canterlot and the Crystal Empire the money they need to rebuild, and more in the future should they wish it."

She gasped and turned back to him surprised. He lowered his ears and whispered,

"I don't want my wealth to have any part in your choice...darling, I want you to choose me because that's what you want...not because of a sense of duty."

He let go of her hooves and started to step away from her when she surprised him by throwing her arms around him and kissed him. It was the first time she had ever initiated it and it set him on fire again. He wrapped his arms around her and returned her passionate kiss. She pulled back and placed her hooves on his cheeks as she said,

"Thank you Discord. I promise you that at the end of this week you will have my answer. I...I want you to know that...although I'm not sure about loving you...I...I do care for you...so...so once I get to know you more...well…"

She leaned in and kissed him again and his heart swelled with hope. She had basically just told him that there was a really high chance that she could love him! He groaned and pulled her fully against him.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

He didn't know what took over his brain, but he felt himself lowering to the grass and laying her on it. She didn't protest and just moaned in response, the sound made him melt. He knew that he wouldn't push too far, she was still a lady and deserved to be treated as such, but he needed to feel her against him again. Even if that meant more sleepless nights for him.

He ran his hand along her leg and felt her stiffen slightly at the touch of his claws on her ankle.

"Shh...relax love. Trust me darling...I'm not going to force anything on you...do you trust me my love?"

He looked down into her eyes and was happy to see they were slightly clouded. She nodded, her face flushed. He smiled and moved his claws up past her ankle and to her knee, her eyes closed and she shivered, but he could see it was from desire not fear. He smiled and moved his hand away from her leg up to her face, cupping her cheek. He leaned forward and captured her lips once more, fueled further by that brief touch she had allowed. He felt like he was lying with an angel and he didn't deserve it, however being the greedy stallion he was...he would take all that he could while it lasted.

He felt her small tongue run along his lips and it made him jump. He growled and opened for her. He held himself still, allowing her to explore him, as he had done before. He had to let her move at her own pace, to show her that he really did cherish her and would never do anything to hurt her.

She let out a soft moan as her tongue ran along his, encouraging it to move into her mouth. He felt a deep growl emit from his chest as he obliged her, enjoying the soft textures of her sweet mouth. He nearly exploded when he felt hers run along the roof of his mouth. Then to push him further he felt her soft hooves move to the inside of his simple tunic, which he had chosen over formal attire for the warm afternoon. When her hooves brushed the fur on his chest, he knew he wouldn't last!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

"Fluttershy…" He gasped pulling away from her suddenly, she was pushing him too far. He wasn't sure how close he was to losing control, but he didn't want to chance it. When she finally accepted his love and returned it, then he would allow his passion full range, but until then he had to behave.

"Darling stop…please...I...I can't…" He continued to rasp trying to gain a firm reign on his raging desire. She looked up at him and in that moment she looked like an earth goddess tempting him to his doom and everlasting bliss.

Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were clouded with her own desires, she was breathing rapidly and her hooves were still pressed against his chest. He gulped down a large amount of air, hoping to slow his racing heart. No go, but it was worth a try, he groaned and buried his snout in her beautiful mane.

He took a deep breath and sighed in bliss as the mixture of her and the earth filled his nostrils. He groaned and whispered to her,

"Fluttershy...I don't want to take advantage of you darling...but saying that...I still desperately want you...so...so you have to be careful how far you push me my dear. I shouldn't have laid you down in the first place, but I wasn't thinking again...I told you...I don't know what you are doing to me my love."

He pulled back to place a soft kiss against her lips again. She moaned and it almost set him off again so he closed his eyes and pulled back, throwing himself backwards away from her. He was now laying on his back in the grass staring up at the sky. He grabbed his chest hoping to use his magic to slow his heart rate down, but nothing he did could calm the pounding organ. He opened his eyes and found himself staring into her beautiful face again. She was flying above him smiling and if he wasn't mistaken, she was laughing at him. He growled at her and covered his eyes with his lion arm.

"Are you dead my lord?" She asked, giggling and the sound made him smile despite his sudden discomfort. He was suddenly happy for his mix-matched body, it had it's advantages some days...such as hiding a certain part until he chose to show it…

"Not yet, but I swear you are trying to test my immortality…" He growled and it made her giggle again. He uncovered his eyes and smiled wider at her, he sat up on his elbows and watched her as she laughed.

He chuckled himself and then lifted himself off the ground and offered her his arm. She happily took it and followed him out of their 'secret' garden. He smiled down at her as they continued to walk. She looked so much happier and Discord realized that by the end of this week she would be his.

He was fully confident that she would grow to love him, considering how she already reacted to him now. He prayed that she would realize it sooner though, he wasn't sure how much longer his self control would win out over his desire. She stiffened suddenly and he looked down at her confused. She pulled at him until he was standing in front of her, looking up at him worried.

"Discord I...I have to go...I...I'm sorry…" She started to fly away from him, but he grabbed her hoof, holding her back.

"Wait darling, what's…" He started to ask, but she cut him off by grabbing his face and giving him a quick kiss.

"I'll see you at dinner...but I have to…"

"Wait...after dinner...promise me you'll come to my music room." He asked and she smiled nodding enthusiastically, then her eyes shot to something over his shoulder and she paled slightly. Real fear flashing through her eyes before she gave him one last kiss and flew off into the gardens. He noticed she was taking the longer route to the castle, one that would make it harder to spot her.

What on earth was that all about?

"Ah your highness...what a pleasant surprise to find you out here."

He turned at the sound of her voice and gave a slight bow to Queen Celestia and Queen Luna. He stood up and looked at the queen, before looking back to where she had flown off to. He frowned, thinking about what that could mean.

"Is something wrong my lord?" Celestia asked him as she looked in the same direction he was. He didn't know what possessed him to lie, maybe it was the fear he had seen in her eyes.

"I was just trying to decide if I should let the trees change color for autumn or if I should leave them green?" He said and the two queens looked at him oddly, but shrugged it off as something he would say.

"Well, I hope you make a decision soon." Celestia said as her, Luna and their captains continued to walk through his garden. He had the sense that she wasn't referring to his trees. He frowned after the alicorn, he had planned on telling her that he would be giving them the help they needed to recover, but now...now he wanted to figure something strange out first. Something that wasn't sitting well with him and was bringing out the aggressively, protective side of him.

Why the hell did Fluttershy look terrified of Celestia? Did the alicorn threaten her in some way? Hmm...one way or another I'll get the answer tonight.

Chapter Seven

Flash walked along the hall with his head lowered, he wanted to find an excuse out of this, but knew there was no getting around it. He was just coming from Discord's chambers where the king had been teasing him about his newest novel. Flash had to grin as he remembered the king's face when he had said,

You know that this story isn't just about my heart right?

Discord had waived that statement off, but Flash had a feeling he'd soon understand. He had then been pushed out of the chambers and 'ordered' to escort the princess to the library. He reached the door to her chambers and sighed before lifting his hoof to knock at the door.

He waited and didn't hear anything for awhile, so he knocked again, this time louder. That time he heard a voice call out,

"Come in please!"

He frowned, but opened the door and stepped into the room and froze at the sight before him. Then he threw his head back laughing. Princess Cadence, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were all sitting on a struggling Fluttershy, who was pinned to the floor of the sitting room. She was desperately trying to get away from them and it made Flash wish Discord were here at the moment to see. He cleared his throat and still chuckling asked,

"Um...I have come to escort Princess Twilight to the library."

Cadence turned around at the sound of his voice, she was laying across Fluttershy's body to hold the pegasus down. Her eyes widened in shock and then she frowned in confusion.

"Flash? I thought you had already come...oof...Fluttershy stop struggling! You see captain...you are going to go see him one way or another! Twilight already left saying...Fluttershy you said not five minutes ago that you were excited! That you were here to take her, oh dear she must have gone off on her own. Typical Twilight...Fluttershy you are going to put that dress on and you are going to like it!"

Flash was laughing through this back and forth tirade from the princess, when the jumbled pieces came together. He stopped laughing and looked up at the princess,

"She left on her own? Oh no...these hallways have a tendency to change!" He turned from the pile of struggling females and ran from the room to find the princess.

Twilight walked along the shelves and used her magic to pull out another book. She currently had three that Flash had written, having been sent with specific instructions to get one for each night. The group of friends planned to read one each night between now and the ball. She smiled when she remembered how 'Chocolate' had ended. It was so sweet with Dashing charging into her father's home and demanding to see Jewel. He then threw himself at her hooves and begged her to forgive his lies, that he did truly love her even if he didn't deserve her. That he would do anything to prove that he was the stallion of her dreams and that he would make her happy for all her days. Jewel's father had been so impressed that he had given his blessing to the pair.

Twilight closed her eyes and sighed again, she wished that real life could work like those in fictional worlds. Where no matter what, true love always won out over duty and differences.

Oh...not that I mean me and Flash or anything but...oh never mind...

She shook her head and went back to looking through the books.

The door to the library slammed open and shut as a familiar and angry stallion stormed.

"What are you doing? I thought you were going to wait for me to escort you here?" Flash asked still frowning at her, having gotten control of his anger. She scowled at him and returned her attention to the shelves.

"Thank you for the offer captain, but I am perfectly capable of bringing myself to this library, after all I knew the way from before."

He snorted and she noticed him give a reluctant smile, she frowned at him as he began to chuckle. His chuckles turned into a full laugh and her cheeks pinked.

He smiled over at her, his blue eyes sparkling with knowledge, he said,

"So...you had no trouble finding this room?"

Her blush deepened and she turned away from him, he laughed again and it brought out a bout of giggles from her. He came to stand next to her and she smiled over at him, her earlier anger suddenly forgotten.

"No...I took several wrong turns and had to backtrack. I thought I knew the way, but I guess it was more complicated than I thought."

"It wasn't really your fault princess. These hallways are enchanted and they have the tendency to change. Only those that work here can navigate them because of these." He stopped and pulled down the front of his tunic, she blushed realizing this was the first time she'd seen him out of his armor. He pulled a red amulet out of the tunic and showed it to her.

"Every pony that works here has been given one of these. It counters the enchantments in this place and allows us to move about without fear of becoming lost. It's why you have always been escorted about this castle whenever you go to meals or if you wish to explore a new area."

She stared at the amulet in awe then frowned and set the books she had been levitating on a nearby table. She turned back to Flash and asked,

"Do you mind if I pick your brain about some things Captain?"

His gaze softened and he nodded, indicating one of the couches in the library. She went to sit down and watched as he moved to a cabinet. He opened the doors and stood there for a minute before turning around with a tray of tea. She raised an eyebrow and used her magic to take it from him. He smiled in thanks and went to join her on the couch.

"Discord likes to drink this spiced tea when he reads so he has a supply anywhere that there are books." Flash said answering her questioning look.

She nodded and lifted one of the cups to gently blow on the steaming tea. She looked closer at it then back at the cabinet.

"Wait, how is it hot? Is there something in…"

"No...and it's better not to question it too much Twilight. You'll give yourself a headache." He chuckled as he started to take a drink of his own tea. She blushed and turned her shocked gaze back to him.

"You called me Twilight…" She whispered and he spluttered in his cup and began to choke. She set her cup down and gently patted his back, rubbing in gentle circles as Fluttershy had taught her. His face was a bright red and he scooted away from her on the couch, still coughing slightly.

"My apologies your highness I…"

"I didn't say you couldn't…I mean...if you want to...you can call me Twilight...I...I like it when you do..." She whispered, cutting him off and blushing herself now. He stopped and turned to stare at her shocked, then his lips lifted in another dazzling smile. She smiled back and felt herself relax, almost like when she had first met him.

"Alright...Twilight...so long as you call me Flash. It's only fair right?" He chuckled and she nodded giggling. He cleared his throat and took a quick drink of his tea.

"So you said you had some questions?" He asked and she looked at him confused, she suddenly couldn't remember what she had wanted to know exactly. It had been about the king and this place, her mother had told her that she wanted Twilight to learn as much as she could. After all if she was going to rule this place someday…

"Oh...uh...what inspired you to write these books?" She asked the first thing that came to mind. Not at all surprised that it had nothing to do with the king. Flash smiled and looked at the small pile she had collected. He chuckled and turned his amazing blue eyes back to her.

"My mother...she loved to read. She would always read to me and my father before bed and her voice was as soft as angel's music when she read to us. I wanted to write something that would make her proud. Then realized I love the fictional world, plus with Discord's support I've been able to do so much more."

Twilight frowned as she noted that he was referring to it in the past tense.

"Um...Flash...is your mother...well is she…"

He turned to her and chuckled before reaching up and brushing her bangs aside. They fell right back into place, but it was the touch that set her heart at a faster pace. He smiled at her and shook his head,

"Oh no...sorry to make it sound like that but...well my mother...she went blind a year after I joined the guard. That's why my father retired and I was given his position. Discord made sure that my parents never have to work or want for anything so that they can focus solely on her health. He's also made sure that every book I write he makes a recording of it so my mother can listen to it."

She didn't realize her mouth was hanging open until he chuckled again and lifted his hoof to close it for her. She blushed and thought about what he had said,

"The king...Discord...I know you said that you two are friends but...it seems like more than that if he took such care of your parents."

"Not really. I mean it was kind of him to do that for my parents, but he does that for all of us. Discord makes sure that those in his kingdom never have to worry about anything. It's like living in a Utopia some days...he's such a kind heart...I only wish he could see that."

She thought about the king and had to admit just how wrong all of them had been about him...except Fluttershy. The pegasus had seen something else that they hadn't when she had mentioned hurting his feelings. Twilight suddenly thought about the looks the king would give her friend.

How he was going to escort her about the gardens today and about the kiss Fluttershy had mentioned. Cadence may be correct in thinking that the king was falling in love with Fluttershy. Twilight began to worry about that though, after all it was expected that the two of them should marry to unite the kingdoms.

Twilight worried that if her mother began to suspect those two had feelings for each other that she would do something to her friend. Nothing harmful, at least not physically, but she may be tempted to send her home away from the king. Something also told Twilight that King Discord wouldn't allow that to happen without a fight.

"Have I lost you princess?" Flash asked and she blushed, shaking her head to bring herself back into the present.

"Forgive me Flash, I was just thinking about what you said and it made me think about...one last question, well two actually...okay maybe more than that since I also have a theory I need you to confirm. But you have to swear to secrecy, that is if it doesn't conflict with your duties. So the first one...or the second...no the first...unless one answers the other?" She stopped and cleared her throat,

"Sorry I tend to ramble when I think out loud like that. My mother always enjoys it, but most stallions get annoyed."

He smiled at her again and then surprised both of them by lifting her hoof with his and placing a soft kiss on it, whispering.

"Then it's a good thing I'm not most stallions...I could listen to your voice for all eternity…"

She blushed crimson and he suddenly realized what he had said and dropped her hoof. He coughed and looked away, at the same time Twilight tried to calm her rapid breathing and beating heart.

"So...this question?" He asked and glanced at her, still trying to hide his blush. She smiled at him and decided which one to ask first.

"This may seem like a strange question, but um...I know this kingdom is wealthy, but I haven't heard any talking about mining?"

He frowned at her and at his confused look she elaborated.

"Well you know how there are jewels and metals in your mountains. Well I was wondering how do you mine them without it affecting the environment. Everywhere I've seen mining going on, there's always repercussions, so how come I can't see any here?"

He finally caught on to what she was saying and began to laugh. She frowned and wondered what he could find so amusing.

"Is that what outside kingdoms think happens here? Oh Twilight...there aren't any jewels in those mountains. All the wealth in this kingdom comes straight from Discord."

"What how…"

"Haven't you noticed how his magic works?" He cut her off and she looked at him as her brain tried to wrap around this. Then she thought of the few times he had used it around them, he would snap his fingers and…

"He can just create anything he wants?" She asked and Flash nodded confirming her thoughts. So the wealth of this kingdom was a result of the king being able to snap his fingers and create the jewels out of nothing. No being in history has ever been able to do what he does with his magic! Yet even with his god-like powers, he was still a kind and caring king. It was truly amazing, she couldn't name many that could claim they would behave the same way.

"You were right Flash…King Discord is definitely a kind heart...he's no monster."

Flash smiled brightly at what she said and it made her smile as well. She wondered if she should tell her mother what she had learned about the king? She would decide on it later, for now she wanted to get back to talking to the stallion beside her.

"Okay next question, I'm getting back to you now." She teased and he groaned, but continued to smile at her.

"Alright, I thought I could distract you away from those novels." He chuckled and she giggled.

"Relax, it's not about the novels...although now that you mention it…"

He nudged her in the side and she giggled again. She smiled and asked,

"I wanted to know about this Servants Ball actually...what is it for?"

"Oh. It's a tradition in the castle, every year we have one. King Discord believes in rewarding those loyal to him. You see only those of us in the castle, which between the guards and the maids, there's only about thirty of us."

"So few?" She asked and he shrugged as if it's no big deal.

"With his magic, Discord doesn't even need those of us that are here. I can't figure out if he secretly does want company or if it's to make us feel useful? I like to believe the first one though, considering how he treats all of us...well after the first week."

They laughed together at this, knowing that he was talking about Discord's habit of scaring the new ponies. She realized that she had been slowly scooting closer to him, she smiled and blushed slightly, but didn't move away.

"Well, those of us that are here...we are sworn to secrecy about our king. No pony outside the castle knows what he looks like. To the kingdom he is nothing but a shadow that overlooks their lives. No matter what I say he will never come into the light. We have shown him inside the castle that after the initial shock, we love him and accept him for who he is. Discord just refuses to see this, I'm hoping that with help from…" He stopped as if realizing he had gone too far. He cleared his throat and continued again,

"So Discord holds this grand ball for all of us to relax and enjoy, to thank us for our continued loyalty. Every mare is given a beautiful gown, that they could never purchase themselves, it's always a surprise too. The maids have been talking about nothing else this month, trying to guess what their dresses will look like. He goes all out for this ball, Discord does everything himself and orders the rest of us to stay out of the ballroom during preparations. He only allows me to read off his checklist to him, I'm forbidden to lift a hoof in anything else. He takes pride every year in creating the perfect night for all of us."

Flash looked down suddenly, his ears flattening and he had a far away, sad look in his eyes. He whispered,

"Yet he doesn't believe there will ever be another that can see beyond it all and love the heart that lies beneath the looks…"

She stared at him in wonder, the more she heard about Discord, the more she admired his leadership and felt sorry for the way he's been treated. Although she still didn't feel anything romantically towards him, she had to admit he was a great king. For somepony who looked like he did, he truly cared about those that he ruled over. Which inspired unquestioning loyalty in his subjects, even if most didn't know what he was, only who he is.

"He is something else…" She thought out loud and Flash nodded in agreement. They sat in silence for a while, neither wanting to break it. However after the tea was gone, Twilight felt she had to say something.

"Flash...do you...do you think that if I apologize to him...he'll accept it?" She whispered and Flash jumped at the sound of her voice. He frowned down at her and she laid her ears back under the gaze.

"What do you mean Twilight?" He whispered and she blushed at the way his voice caressed her skin. She looked up at him and said,

"Well. I've misjudged him so much. I thought that Discord was just a monster who forced his rule on all of you. That's what I believed when I first saw him, now I realize how ignorant that was. I'm the one always saying you can't judge a book by it's cover and yet that's exactly what I did with him. I was wrong, very wrong, about him and the way he looks out for all of you.

"Never have I heard of a ruler with so much power and yet such a caring heart. My Aunt Luna's late husband, King Sombra, he was very powerful and not very kind to his subjects. At least until he met my aunt...but my point is, that even though Discord may look evil that doesn't mean he is. I'm just so sorry that I didn't give him a chance or see it before now. He has done so much for all of you and yet expects nothing in return...he deserves to be happy and to feel loved."

She turned to say something else but was cut off by Flash's lips. She froze as she fully realized that he was kissing her! Then she closed her eyes and returned the kiss. She had been imagining this and how it would feel, but nothing compared to the reality of it. His lips were firm and yet so gentle.

He reached out with his arms and wrapped her in them, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. She sighed and leaned into him, she felt her heart lighten and a thought roared in her head. One that she couldn't deny any longer,

Oh heavens above! I'm in love with him!

He pulled away from her and took a deep breath. They were both flushed and breathing a bit heavily. He smiled at her and reached up to stroke her mane, it sent a shiver through her body.

"Twilight...you amaze me. The way you openly admit that you were wrong and wanting to make up for it...I was a fool before when I pulled away from you. I want you to know that I didn't want to…" He leaned in and kissed her again as if to emphasis that statement. She was embarrassed when a small moan escaped her throat, he gave an answering sound, but pulled away again.

"Twilight...I...I have to tell you something...but...but I'm not sure…" He stopped and her heart began to race. Was he about to tell her how he felt? She wasn't sure if she was ready to hear it, or to admit her own feelings. After all, there was so much in the way between them. How could she put her heart through that, if they could never be together?

He cleared his throat and pulled her tighter against him, he nuzzled his muzzle in her mane. She giggled at the way his warm breath tickled the back of her neck and she could feel his smile. He sighed and said,

"Twilight...I know that...that you're expected to marry the king, but...what I want to know is...do you want to?"

His question was not one she was expecting and it froze her thinking capabilities for a moment. She sat there in his arms silently, unable to form an answer. Then without conscious thought she said,

"No...like I said he deserves a mare that will love him. Although I admire him, I could never love him...no matter how hard I try, my heart won't see him that way."

Flash visibly relaxed and he let out the breath he had been holding. He pulled back and smiled at her. He reached up and gently stroked her cheek. He swallowed and suddenly looked even more nervous.

"Then...do you...do you think that...you could...Twilight I...um...geez this is harder than I thought…How did Discord do it so easily?" He muttered the last part under his breath and she frowned.

How did he do what so easily?

"Twilight I...I want you to know that I admire you. I think you are the strongest, most intelligent, most amazing mare I have ever met. You have shocked me to my roots, I never thought I would meet a mare so understanding and patient as you. I'm...I think I...I think you had one more question…" He muttered and released her from his hold. His cheeks were on fire and his ears were flat against his head, he looked angry too, but at who she didn't know.

Twilight took several deep breaths to calm her heart. She had been so sure he was about to...but it was better that he didn't...wasn't it?

"Um...well actually I don't have a question really, it's more of a theory. One I would like you to confirm for me...then if it turns out I'm correct...then I'll have something else to tell you…" She blushed, not knowing what had possessed her to say that last part.

Are you honestly planning on telling him you love him? That you want to be with him? Are you crazy!?

"What is it...Twilight…" He hesitated when saying her name and it made her frown a bit. She took a deep breath and said,

"Um...as I said...this one will require your full secrecy. I will need you to Pinkie Promise." She showed him the moves and he raised an eyebrow and then laughed before repeating it and saying,

"I thought the king had strange habits...so what happens if I happen to break this Pinkie Promise?" He chuckled and it made her flashback to several times some poor souls had been foolish enough to do that.

"Just trust me and don't…" She whispered in a completely serious tone and it stopped his laughter. She told herself that she had to know, she wasn't just thinking of herself in this...but also of Fluttershy. The mare was like a sister to her and she would hate for the poor thing to be hurt in this game of power. Taking another deep breath she asked the all important question,

"Is Discord falling in love with Fluttershy?"

It took Flash by surprise, judging from the way his eyes widened. He hesitated as if unsure how to respond. Flash cleared his throat and looked back up at her and smiled,

"No…"

"Oh I see…"

Her face fell, she had been so hopeful for her friend. After the way Fluttershy had been bouncing around the room excited this morning it was clear that the pegasus cared about the king. Flash chuckled and lifted her chin back up to bring her eyes back to him.

"You didn't let me finish. Twilight...Discord's not falling in love...he's been in love with her since he first saw her. To answer your question further, he plans on making her his queen, if she'll have him."

It was what she had been hoping, she wanted her friend to be happy and if it was with the king then Twilight would do everything in her power to help make it so. No matter her duties, her friend's happiness came first. She smiled brightly and threw her arms around Flash laughing as she hugged him tight.

"Oh this is wonderful news! Fluttershy will be so happy when he tells her…"

"He's already told her...she refused his offer…" Flash whispered and it threw a bucket of ice on Twilight elated spirits. She pulled away from him and stared at him in confusion. She tried to speak, but all that came out was,

"She...he...but she was so...when did he...but the kiss? Oh why would she...when she...I'm confused." She put her hooves to her head and Flash chuckled. He put his hoof on her shoulder and said,

"Not as confused as my poor king. Twilight maybe you can help me with this mystery. The other night, when Fluttershy went missing. That was when Discord told her he wanted her as his queen, he also...he also told her he loved her...and she ran. Do you have any clues as to why?"

Twilight looked up at him, concern written in her eyes. Fluttershy was always the shyest pony she knew, but...she couldn't see the mare running from a confession of love. Especially since Twilight had the feeling that the mare felt the same way so why...wait that night...it was also when…

"Mother…" Twilight whispered, suddenly getting angry. What had her mother said to the pegasus that had frightened her so much she would refuse the king's offer of marriage?

Flash looked down at her confused and was also remembering that night when the queen had pulled the mares aside.

"Twilight...do you think...I don't mean any disrespect but…"

"Don't worry Flash...I was just thinking the same thing."

"You think she threatened Fluttershy?"

"Or scared her enough that she would refuse the offer...it's also possible that mother manipulated her into it."

"How could she manipulate Fluttershy?"

"Fluttershy is very kind hearted and will always put another before herself...I have a feeling that mother…"

"Made the mare feel guilty for her feelings, yes that makes sense. After all we all know that she wants the funds for your kingdom…"

"Which we will only get if I marry Discord…"

"So naturally another mare getting in the way would pose a problem...Twilight that's it! We did it, we know why she's so afraid!" Flash shouted and grabbed Twilight and pulled her to him again to kiss her. It was a hard, quick kiss, but it still set her body on fire. When he pulled back his eyes were sparkling and he was smiling widely.

"I will have to tell Discord what I have learned! Thank you so much my lo...Twilight…huh...do you realize what we were just doing?" He chuckled and she thought about the conversation they just had and she blushed.

"We were just finishing each others thoughts…" She whispered and he nodded, still holding her in his arms. He smiled and leaned towards her again, whispering,

"I guess we're closer than we thought...what's that saying? Great minds think alike?"

"I have no idea right now…" She whispered back as she closed the distance between them and kissed him again. She felt him chuckle as he held her close, when they pulled apart this time Twilight was even more determined to tell him.

"Flash...about what I was going to say before...well I…"

The door to the library began to open and the two jumped apart, both red as apples.

Discord walked into the library and stopped when he saw the two sitting on the couch. The three stared at each other for a few minutes then Discord cleared his throat and sent Flash an apologetic look. He bowed to the princess and said,

"Princess Twilight...I hope you found all you're looking for with my captain's help?" She nodded and muttered a thank you, her blush deepening. Discord wanted to kick himself, he knew he had interrupted a moment between the two. He honestly thought they would be done and gone by now. He had come to think over some things from the garden.

"Well then...since you are still occupying this room…" He bowed again and started to leave, but the princess jumped off the couch. She used her magic to lift the books she had and trotted over to the door.

"Oh no your majesty. I'm all finished here, Captain Flash was very helpful…I'd like to return to my room now...could you...could you teleport me there my lord? I don't want to get lost…" She blushed further and Discord chuckled, she must have found out the hard way about his enchanted halls. He bowed low and nodded, she looked back at Flash and smiled,

"Thank you Flash...for everything…" Then in a flash of light she was gone, back to her room. Discord closed the door and cringing, turned to face his friend.

"Flash, I'm so sorry...I thought that you would be...I didn't realize…" He looked up to see his friend wasn't angry, in fact he had the biggest, goofiest grin Discord had ever seen. He walked over to the stunned stallion and waved his claws in front of the pony's eyes. He didn't move, just continued to sit there looking like an idiot. So Discord snapped his fingers and a bucket of ice water tipped over the stallion's head.

Flash yelled at the cold and shook his head quickly, he looked up at Discord and smiled again.

"I'm falling in love with her…" Flash said and the words made Discord laugh. He swept his friend up in his lion arm and pumped his eagle claw.

"Yes! I knew it! So I take it my interruption didn't ruin too much?" He asked and Flash shook his head pulling out of his friend's hold.

"No I'm pretty sure you interrupted something important...but it will come when the times right…"

Discord nodded and then remembered what he had come to think about. He looked at Flash and said...

At the same time Flash remembered his and Twilight's conversation and said...

"There's something I need to talk to you about."

The two froze then burst out laughing. Discord wiped away a tear and chuckled,

"Some things never change...alright me first...age before beauty after all."

Flash rolled his eyes, but nodded as he sat back on the couch. Discord's smile fell as he thought of what he had witnessed in the garden.

"Flash, something strange is going on...right now when we were returning from the garden Fluttershy...she reacted to something in a strange way, like she was frightened and…"

"Was it Queen Celestia?" Flash interrupted him, and thoroughly shocked him. He stared at his captain and said,

"How did you…"

"That's what I need to talk to you about my lord. Right now before you came in, me and the princess. We were talking about you and Fluttershy…"

"You told her about my wish to.."

"Well she basically guessed it herself. You are not one for subtlety my lord."

This made Discord chuckle and nod in agreement. He went to sit in one of the winged chairs and stared at his captain, he placed his chin in his claw and indicated for his friend to continue.

"Well...when I mentioned that you had asked Fluttershy to be your queen and she refused, Twilight was just as confused as we were...then she realized something we hadn't. Between the two of us we may have come up with a theory.

"That night when she disappeared, Fluttershy was kept away from us by the queen. We believe that during that time, Queen Celestia somehow convinced Fluttershy that she shouldn't be with you. Most likely, Twilight believes, that she guilted her into believing she was putting herself above others. Something that Twilight says the mare never does."

Discord was nodding at all this, what Fluttershy had told him a little while ago confirmed all this. He found himself growing angry at the thought of somepony threatening his beautiful Fluttershy. Guilt-trip or something else, that's exactly what Celestia had done and he wouldn't stand for it. He growled,

"I will have to have a little chat with Celestia…"

Flash frowned at him and said,

"I don't believe that is wise my lord. If you let her know that you are aware of what she did, there may be repercussions for the poor mare in question. After all Celestia's kingdom really needs these funds and…"

"And she will get them regardless of who I marry...I have promised Fluttershy that I will help them financially." Discord growled again and it shocked Flash. He stared at his king and whispered,

"What? Maybe you should tell me the rest."

Discord sighed and did just that. Telling him about the arrangement he made with Fluttershy. How on the night of the ball he would have his answer, he would know if he would be gaining a queen or not. If he had finally found a mare who could love him...

"Discord...what if...what if she doesn't come?" Flash whispered and it stabbed Discord in the heart to even consider that. He kept telling himself that it wouldn't happen and the constant reminder that it could hurt. It hurt more than anything he had ever felt before, he didn't want to think about losing her.

"If Fluttershy won't be mine...then I won't have a queen. I will not have any mare but her Flash...it's selfish I know, since my people need a queen...but...I can't take another mare as my wife when my heart belongs to Fluttershy."

Flash nodded, but thankfully didn't comment. Discord hated being selfish when it came to his people. Their needs should always come before his own, but this one time...just this once he couldn't do that. He would have Fluttershy or he would have no one.

"I plan on telling Celestia and Luna that I will help them financially. After I inform them of this...I think a little extra incentive will be given for the queen to leave Fluttershy alone." Discord growled again. He was usually one to keep hold of his temper, something he had learned from his friend. However in this case, he couldn't control the rising rage. He felt very protective of his darling Fluttershy, almost to the point of obsession, which frightened the hell out of him.

He would tell the alicorn that under no circumstances was she to threaten or harm the pegasus or he would do something he had never done before. Had never thought about doing. Even with the changeling kingdom…he growled again and his anger must have been apparent for Flash was looking at him with deep concern.

"Discord...don't do anything rash…"

"Too late…" Discord muttered as he snapped his fingers and a maid appeared next to him. By now the servants were used to being summoned in such a manner and didn't flinch when it happened. However the maid did cower a bit when she noticed the anger in her king's eyes.

"Y-yes my l-lord?" Her voice quivered and the sound made Discord soften. He grinned at her and said,

"Relax Jubilee...please go fetch Queen Celestia and Queen Luna and bring them to my chambers."

Jubilee nodded and left the library to complete the task. Discord rose from his chair and Flash flew in front of him, glaring at his king.

"What are you planning on doing?" Flash whispered and Discord growled as he moved the stallion out of the way.

"Something I should have done that night..."

Chapter Eight

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter Nine

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter Ten

Discord stretched as the first streams of sunlight broke through his bed curtains. He sighed and grinned at how relaxed his body felt. He tried to roll over, but a heavy weight was pressing down on his chest. He stretched his neck and looked down, smiling at the sight of her. She was so beautiful, even when she was sleeping, his wonderful Fluttershy...his queen.

She had finally agreed to be his queen, had told him she loved him! He wrapped his lion arm tighter around her and he heard her sigh in her sleep. She snuggled closer to him, burying her nose in his chest fur. His heart nearly exploded at the realization that she was fully his. She had willingly given herself to him last night and he shivered remembering all of it.

He reached up and gently ran his fingers through her soft hair. Tonight he would announce to his guests and later his kingdom that he had found his queen. He made a silent vow to always protect her and to shower her with all the love in his heart, for all eternity. He leaned forward and kissed the top of her head, then an unsettling thought crossed his mind.

She won't live for all eternity...unlike you...or did you forget that she's not immortal?

He had forgotten that, unlike him, she would grow old and eventually...He frowned further as pain sliced through his heart. He couldn't imagine a day without her, he wanted to wake up every morning like this. His arm tightened around her as he tried to find a solution. Then he did something he wasn't even sure would work. He lifted his claws over her and as they glowed with his magic he ran them over her body.

He was transferring some of his magic into her body, the magic that fueled his immortality. With this inside her, Fluttershy would now stay young and beautiful for all eternity and would be able to stay with him forever. He smiled as the glow faded from his claws, now she was truly his and always would be. For now she carried inside her a piece of him, even if she didn't realize it until later.

I think this might border on obsession? I didn't even ask…

He frowned again, worrying that she would be upset when she found out what he had done. Of course, there were ways to distract her...he shivered again as his body woke up and started to react to her. He was suddenly very much aware of the fact that she was snuggled flush against him and he could feel every inch of her soft fur. However he forced himself to stay still and to let her sleep.

His own eyes began to close as the surrealness of having her against him relaxed him back into sleep. A sharp knock at his door snapped open his eyes again. He started to sit up and Fluttershy made a protesting noise as she rolled over, now facing away from him. He chuckled and pulled the covers up over her, then letting his fingers softly caress her cheek.

The second knock turned his attention from the mare beside him and made him growl as he rose from bed. He picked up his robe and as he was tying the sashes he went to the door and threw back the lock. He opened it only a crack and looked down at the unwanted interruption.

"Morning…" Flash said as he raised an eyebrow at his friend. Discord grumbled back,

"Morning...what is it..." He felt a blush creeping into his face as he turned his gaze away. Flash snorted and tried to walk into the room, Discord quickly moved his leg, blocking the stallion's path. When his friend looked up confused, Discord cleared his throat and chanced a peek behind him, as the curtain moved he could see she was still sleeping. He muttered,

"I'm...I'm not alone…"

Flash's eyes widened and a blush even tinted his cheeks, nothing compared to the flames on Discord's though. Flash backed up and cleared his throat looking uncomfortable.

"Oh well...um...I see...can't say I completely approve, but...um...well...I guess this means we will have a queen after tonight?" Flash smiled up at him as he turned to leave Discord's chambers. Discord couldn't help but grin back and he chuckled and nodded.

"Yes...she has accepted my proposal at last...and I have you to thank for that my friend."

"Me?" Flash asked, once again looking confused. Discord snorted and moved fully into the sitting room, quietly closing the door behind him. He moved to the spot on the floor where it was still sitting and picked up the book. He turned to his friend and held it out a slight frown on his face.

"I told you to destroy this thing...but because you didn't Fluttershy came back to me...after I foolishly tried to push her away." Discord looked down at Flash who looked down guiltily.

"I know you told me to my lord but...well it was because...I'm sorry."

Discord chuckled and moved to his desk, setting the book on it. He looked back at his friend, who was still staring at the ground.

"Don't be sorry, you were right about everything. You are a wise stallion Flash, far beyond your years. I have always valued your views and opinions, and the way you look out for what's best for me." As he was saying this he had walked closer to his captain. Flash looked up at him as he stopped in front of him, Discord bent down and picked Flash up and pulled him close. Flash was shocked, although Discord had picked him up in the past, it was always in a teasing or joking way.

This time as Discord hugged him, there was pure affection radiating from the touch. Discord whispered,

"Thank you old friend...for helping me see how wrong I was. Because of you and all your advice I have found happiness and love. You are the best and truest friend I could ever have...I love you, my brother…"

Flash smiled and returned his friend's hug and then pulled away and had to wipe away a tear. Discord nodded and Flash went to leave, as he walked out he sent one last smirk at his king.

"Oh I almost forgot the reason I came to see you. I wanted you to be the first to know...I'm getting married!"

Discord's mouth fell open as Flash walked out and shut the door behind him. As he stood in the hallway, Flash smiled and had to wipe away more tears. Jubilee who was walking past noticed this and went to Flash worried.

"Flash is everything okay? Is it the king, is he feeling okay? He never left his room and didn't even show up for dinner?" She asked as she stared at the captain. Flash looked up and had the brightest smile any of them had ever seen on the captain's face. He looked back at the closed door and whispered,

"King Discord is better than ever...he's finally coming back into the light."

Twilight took a deep breath and stepped into her mother's room. Last night when she had gone to tell her the wonderful news, her mother was already asleep. She was happy to see that her mother was awake.

"Ah Twilight, good morning my dear. Have Fluttershy help you today, remember the ball will be taking place tonight and several packages arrived a short while ago. I presume they are gifts from the king…" There was a slight hint of agitation in her mother's voice and Twilight wondered what had happened between the king and queen to cause so much tension? Twilight didn't want to tell her mother that Fluttershy hadn't come back last night and although Twilight had worried at first, she soon blushed realizing where the mare most likely was.

Instead Twilight turned back to the information she had for her mother, she smiled brightly at the older alicorn. Celestia looked down at her daughter and chuckled,

"What has put such sunshine in your eyes my darling daughter?"

"Mother...I'm in love!" Twilight shouted, bouncing around and Celestia frowned. Twilight however continued not noticing her mother's distress.

"Yes! I'm in love with Flash Sentry and he loves me and he asked me to marry him…"

"He what!?"

"And I said yes! Oh mother I'm getting married! To a stallion…"

"Now wait a minute Twilight…"

"Who fully understands me and accepts all my odd quirks! Oh mother I'm so…"

"TWILIGHT!" Her mother raised her voice so that it echoed, it was the royal voice that her mother never used. Twilight stopped hopping around and looked up at her mother's frowning face. Her heart dropped as she realized that her mother was not going to be accepting of this match. Celestia sighed and walked around her daughter to move to the window.

"Twilight...I know that...that this is a difficult thing to understand but...even though you will not be marrying the king you still need to marry another royal…"

"WHY?" Twilight shouted back, she was suddenly so angry and she didn't want to hear what her mother had to say. Celestia turned surprised to stare at her daughter, Twilight had never raised her voice either and it shocked the queen to her hooves. She opened her mouth to say something, but Twilight shouted cutting her off.

"No! Don't say anything! I'm going to marry Flash one way or another, even if that means no longer being a princess! Mother I love him and I plan on being with him forever!"

Celestia frowned at this, there was one thing she wondered if her daughter understood. She just didn't want to see her little girl get hurt and this was going to happen if she didn't understand…

"Twilight...he's not an immortal…" She quietly whispered and Twilight paled, all the anger draining out of her. Twilight looked up at her mother in horror, she hadn't really thought about that before now. It was true that she was immortal since her mother was one and her father Blazing Flame had been the last male alicorn, also an immortal. She hadn't realized that in forgetting the fact she may have caused more hurt for the both of them.

She hung her head and began to softly cry to herself. Celestia tried to come over and wrap her hoof around her daughter in comfort, but Twilight slapped it away and ran from the room. She had to find Flash, she had to talk to him! He was the only one who would be able to calm her rising fear and remind her that the two of them belonged together.

Fluttershy couldn't remember the last time she had slept so peacefully. She sighed and snuggled deeper into her pillow. She wished she could remember more of the dream she'd had last night, all she knew was that it had involved Discord. She smiled as she thought of the king, then she opened her eyes slowly and looked around her surroundings. She gasped and a deep blush spread across her cheeks as she realized that she wasn't in her own bed. It was far larger than the one in her and Twilight's room and there were curtains hanging around the bed. The comforter was extremely soft as were the pillows and it screamed wealth. It was the king's bed!

But...but that means…

She thought to herself and her blush deepened. She looked at the space next to her, which was empty, but had apparently been slept in. There was definitely a hint of him there too, she placed her nose against the pillow and took a deep breath. She shivered as his scent filled her nostrils, this meant that...

Oh...my...that wasn't a dream...I...he...we…

She let out a tiny squeak, but it must have been loud enough to alert him.

"Fluttershy?" Discord's voice rang out from behind the curtain concealing her from sight. She heard what sounded like a chair scraping on the wooden floor and familiar steps move across the floor. She quickly buried herself under the covers and heard the curtain being pulled away.

"Darling? Are you awake?" He purred and the sound of his voice only sent a parade of flashbacks of last night through her mind. She shivered and in a tiny voice squeaked,

"Um...maybe…"

"Maybe? How can you be unsure if you're awake or not my love?"

He chuckled and pulled the covers up slightly so he could stare at her flaming face. She tried to cower further under the covers and he smiled softly at her, instantly understanding her discomfort. He let the covers fall back down, once again hiding her from his view, but didn't move away. She sat there waiting and when he didn't say anything she slowly inched to the edge of the comforter. She let her face slide out from under it and stared up at Discord, who was kneeling on the floor staring down at her. He smiled and reached out to stroke her cheek, she shivered again.

"You can't possibly know how cute you are right now...my darling Fluttershy...are you okay?" He whispered and the tenderness in his voice made her heart swell. He knew she was embarrassed and was trying to offer her reassurance and comfort. She gave him a small smile and whispered,

"Well...I guess...I'm just realizing that I...we…last night we..." She stopped and her face grew a bright shade of red and she pulled back under the covers, hiding her face in her hooves. He chuckled softly and in his smooth voice said,

"Oh darling...please don't hide from me. I know that this is a new sensation for you, it is for me too. My love, I couldn't be happier than I am right now knowing that you are mine...in every way."

The way he said that last part made her think back to being with him and instantly her body began to heat up. She let out a small moan and heard him growl softly in response. She refused to come out though, no matter that last night had really been her doing...and that really surprised her! Shy, little Fluttershy had begged the king last night not to stop and to love her completely. She shut her eyes tightly, and wondered if it was possible to die of embarrassment?

"Fluttershy? You...you aren't...regretting giving yourself to me...are you?" The hurt and fear in his voice pulled at her heart. She thought about his question...she moved forward again and this time sat up, keeping the sheets wrapped around her. She smiled at him and reached out touching his cheek with her hoof. He sighed and leaned into her touch, his eyes closing.

"No...I'm not regretting anything about last night. I love you Discord and I'm going to marry you so I meant it when I said I was willing. It's just...well...I'm surprised that I was the one to…" She stopped again and Discord seemed to understand what she wasn't saying. He smiled at her and she loved the way his eyes softened, he really was handsome. He chuckled and stood up off the floor, he moved to untie his robe and she turned her gaze away, blushing further if that was possible.

He scooted her over and climbed into bed next to her, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest. She happily settled against him, no longer thinking about it. She nuzzled his chest, enjoying the way the fur tickled her nose, she giggled at the sensation. He chuckled again and began to stroke her mane, then he placed his claw under her chin and lifted her face up to his.

His warm lips pressed against hers and she leaned further against him. He growled lightly and then pulled away and stared down at her, she loved to see that fire dancing in his eyes, it made them a deeper shade of red.

"Darling, I know that last night shouldn't have happened, but I'm so grateful that it did. I couldn't have stopped myself even if I wanted to, but your permission only made last night sweeter." He gave her another light kiss and she giggled.

"Discord, are you trying to make me feel better by saying last night was your doing?" He buried his snout against her neck and nuzzled the sensitive fur, causing her to giggle again. She felt him grin against her neck as he whispered,

"Is it working?"

She laughed again and snuggled closer to him, rubbing her cheek against his chest, she could hear how fast his heart was pounding. The sound made her smile and caused her own heart to speed up.

"A little, yes...let's agree that last night was...amazing and...both of our doing." She whispered and he chuckled again. He lifted his mouth away from her neck and made her look up at him again.

"Indeed...very amazing…" He purred and brought his lips down on hers again, only this time there was more fire behind it. He growled and she opened in response, however instead of deepening the kiss he pulled back. She stared up at him confused, he was breathing heavily and he swallowed, shaking his head. He looked down at her and smiled,

"No...not again...darling...my beautiful Fluttershy, the next time I want you in this bed will be our wedding night. As is proper...although it's a bit late for that…" He muttered the last part and a blush crept into his cheeks, making her giggle again. He smiled wider and sat up out of bed. He reached for his robe and she couldn't help but watch as his back muscles stretched.

As he pulled on his robe he looked over his shoulder and caught her looking at him. He groaned and ran his paw over his face, he stood up and tied up the sashes before turning to face her. He crossed his arms and smiled down at her,

"You're not going to make this easy for me are you?"

She smiled at him and decided,

No I'm not...not now that you've heated me up and are leaving me here wanting.

She stretched and let the blanket slide back further, revealing her bare back. His eyes widened and he took in a sudden breath. She smiled and whispered,

"I don't know what you mean my lord...do you have a robe I can borrow?"

He didn't say anything, only snapped his fingers and held out a small, red robe for her. He turned his gaze away as she sat up fully, letting the blanket slide off. However she could see the blush deepening and his chest was rising and falling rapidly. She grinned and took the robe, making sure to brush her hoof against his claws. He groaned again and as she swung the robe on, she glanced over her shoulder and saw him swing his head away really fast. Too late though, she had caught him watching her as well. She giggled and tied the sashes, she sighed in appreciation.

The robe was the softest she had ever felt, it was warm and yet light at the same time.

"This robe is beautiful Discord...thank you." She whispered and he turned and smiled at her. It even had holes for her wings to slip through, which meant it was specifically for her. She flew over to him and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek, he growled and his arms wrapped around her.

"You are a temptress my dear." He whispered before kissing her again. She smiled against his lips as he held her to him. He pulled away and sighed as he ran his claw along her cheek. She looked over and noticed the desk for the first time.

"Were you working?" She asked and he glanced over and chuckled.

"Trying to...it's not easy to focus when you have a beautiful mare sleeping in your bed." His words caused her to blush again. She pulled out of his hold and went to look at some of the documents littering the surface. She only glanced over a few and her head began to ache.

"You handle everything yourself?" She asked, he nodded and moved behind her, feeling him against her back made her shiver. Seems he had realized her game and wanted to take part in it. How long before one of them broke?

"I prefer to handle the affairs of my kingdom myself. I don't hold council for obvious reasons...the only other pony that has a hoof in this is Flash. Even then he mostly helps deliver my orders and bring me newer problems."

She looked at all the documents and thought that it was too much for one stallion, even a stallion like Discord. She picked up a few pieces of parchment and glanced over them, she whispered in her small voice.

"Would...would you like…" She mumbled the rest inaudibly and he chuckled.

"Say again my love? I'm afraid I didn't catch that last part."

She swallowed and placed the documents back on the desk and whispered,

"Would you like me to help...once I'm queen?" She closed her eyes tightly and waited for his response. He placed his claw under her chin and turned her face up to his again, he was smiling brightly at her.

"Nothing would make me happier my love." He whispered and kissed her gently. She sighed and turned to fully face him and placed her arms around his neck. He growled in response and crushed her against him. He pulled back and grinned at her,

"You're really not making this easy."

She grinned up at him and winked. He groaned and buried his snout in her mane again, he ran his tongue along her neck and she shivered, which caused him to chuckle.

"However this time I will maintain a hold on my willpower. So my darling as much as I want to keep you here with me. You have a ball to get ready for, plus I still have a few things to take care of for tonight...Oh which reminds me!"

He let go of her and took a step back, she stared at him confused and he only grinned wider. He snapped his fingers again and she gasped as a small, black box appeared in the palm of his lion paw, he took her hoof in his claws. He smiled softly at her and then knelt down to one knee, she covered her mouth and felt tears fill her eyes.

He cleared his throat and rasped,

"I know that I should have done this last night, but I got a bit...distracted...My darling Fluttershy, it would give me great pleasure if you would agree to be mine for all eternity. I...I have placed a spell on you love. I transferred some of my magic to you so that you could be at my side forever. You are now immortal as I am...

"I never want to go a day without you my love. You are everything to me, my joy, my laughter, my heart. I need you here with me always, I only hope that you're not too angry with me. I love you Fluttershy, with all my heart. I want to be the stallion you deserve, I promise that there will never be a day that you regret being mine. I will give you whatever your heart desires, if only to see that beautiful smile each day. Fluttershy, make me the happiest stallion there is and say you'll be mine...marry me my darling?"

The box opened on its own and inside was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. It was cut to look like a rose and it was the same shade of teal as her eyes. She couldn't talk very loud through the lump in her throat. Who knew that the king was such a romantic, and that she would be marrying him. She whispered,

"Yes...of course I will. Although I don't know how you did it, I'm not angry that you made me immortal...After all Discord, I already agreed to marry you." She laughed as she said the last part and he chuckled, rising up off the floor. He smiled at her and lifted the silver necklace which the ring was attached to and slid it over her head. He moved her hair and the ring settled against her chest. He placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her again, whispering against her lips,

"I know...but I still wanted to do this the right way." They shared several more kisses before Discord insisted that she go get ready for the ball, Fluttershy had a feeling it was because his self-control was slowly breaking. He snapped his fingers again and she was wearing a beautiful pink dress. She smiled up at him and said,

"Is this my dress for the ball?"

He was leaning against the doorframe of his chambers smiling down at her. There was so much love shining in his eyes that she didn't want to leave, but he was being stubborn. She let her eyes wander down his length, enjoying the way his body moved in the simple clothes. He growled and she brought her eyes back up to his, they were narrowed at her and he hissed,

"Stop it...this is hard enough as it is. No this is not the gown I have given you for the ball. That will be waiting for you back in your room, now I was going to escort you back to your room. However seeing the looks you are giving me I don't think that's wise, I only have so much restraint my darling." He groaned and she smiled then winked at him saying,

"That's what I was counting on." His mouth fell open and he shook his head before frowning at her.

"You are something else my love...but I supposed that's why I'm so damn attracted to you." He smiled then and she smiled brightly at him, she giggled and turned to leave.

"I promise I'll behave...for now…" She blew him a kiss and walked down the hall, laughing at the stunned look on his face as she did so.

Flash was going over his checklist once more. It would be the last time he was allowed to do anything before tonight, as was tradition all chores stopped at six. The maids were all squealing over their gowns, once again Discord had managed to impress them. He sighed and looked over to a hanging mirror, he was wearing his formal attire. Something he wasn't too comfortable in, but tonight was the one night he was forced to wear it. All the guards wore these uniforms, which were black with blue sashes. Except Flash, whose sash was silver to mark his higher position. He sighed and looked back over his checklist, the only thing left was to ensure that Fancy Pants had everything he needed to create the desserts for the ball, except that would also be done by Discord. All other food was created by Discord, but since he was so fond of the stallion's treats he was always hired to create sweets for the ball.

"Well that seems to be it…" He whispered and rolled up the scroll and began to carry it back to the king, who was currently inside the ballroom. He stopped when he heard his name, and recognizing the voice he smiled. He turned just as she crashed into him, he gasped and dropped the list as they crashed to the ground. He was laughing until he looked up into his beloved's eyes.

"Twilight what's wrong?" He whispered and sat up. She was shaking and trying not to cry. She moved against him and rested her head against his chest, she whispered.

"Tell me I'm being silly! That we do belong together no matter the obstacles between us!"

He sighed and his ears flattened, he knew that the queen wouldn't be too pleased with his offer for her daughter. He reached up and stroked her back as she began to softly cry against him. It didn't matter though, he would find a way to make her see the truth. That he loved this mare more than anything and he would always be there to make her happy.

"Twilight...what did your mother say?"

"She told me that we shouldn't be together because...because you're...you're not…" She stopped and began to cry harder. He frowned, it had to be because he wasn't royal. That was the biggest obstacle between them…

"You're not an immortal and I am…" She whispered and he froze. He had been wrong, that was the biggest obstacle between them. He knew she was an immortal, had always known, however that didn't matter to him. He lifted her face to look up at him and he hated to see the tears in her beautiful eyes.

"My love...I know that you will outlive me by many, many years...That didn't stop me from loving you, and it still won't. I love you Twilight, I still want to marry you and spend the rest of my days with you. Nothing will make me happier than to have you with me as my wife. My darling, I've always known that this stood between us, but it doesn't make a difference to me. How about you? Do you still want to marry me, even though I'm just a plain, mortal stallion?"

She smiled and began to cry harder as she threw her arms around him. He held her close and began to stroke her mane as she nodded against his shoulder and whispered,

"Yes...Flash I love you and I still want to marry you. I will treasure every moment we have together after...after you…" She tightened her hold on him and he just continued to offer her comfort.

The two alicorns watched the pair, hidden from view. The older one sighed and hung her head.

"Do not be too hard on yourself my sister. Love is a strange thing, you only wanted to protect her from hurt. It seems that she will be just fine though in the hooves of that great stallion." Luna whispered as she smiled at her niece. Celestia nodded and looked over at her daughter,

"I only wish she could remain my little girl forever...but it can never be can it?"

Luna shook her head and sighed,

"No...eventually they grow up no matter how hard you try to hold on to them. I know that my oldest is in love with Shining Armor, I will approve the match as soon as he is stallion enough to stand up for her. If he comes to me and says what Captain Flash just said, I would happily allow the two to be together."

Celestia looked at her sister surprised, the alicorn chased every suitor away from her daughters no matter their status or rank, she had disapproved of them all.

"I always thought you never wanted your daughters to marry." She whispered to her sister and Luna chuckled,

"Nonsense. I only want them to marry for love, I chase the stallions away hoping that one will come back and fight for them. I want my girls to be loved and protected by the stallions they marry. Love is the greatest thing you can feel sister...I know that your marriage was arranged, but mine…" Luna stopped and looked away sadly. Sombra hadn't been immortal and so she knew exactly the trials her young niece was facing. To marry a stallion you loved deeply, knowing you would outlive him.

"However he gave me two beautiful girls and I see some of him in each of them. Sister, I know that you want to protect Twilight, but she is a mare old enough to make her own decisions. I know you will do what's right." Luna whispered to her sister and sent the two lovers one final look, before turning and returning to her own daughters.

The mares were getting ready for the ball, all of them were excited as they were about to open their gifts from the king. He had sent each of them a package and inside wrapped in tissue was a beautiful gown. Rarity decided to open hers first and gasped as she moved the tissue away. She used her magic to pull out the gown, it was a light blue with purple sashes around the waist and arms. It sparkled in the light and Rarity's eyes widened as she smiled brightly at it.

"Oh my...he may be beastly, but he definitely has an eye for beauty!" As she said this she also looked over at Fluttershy and winked. The mare had shown them the engagement ring and announced to them that she was going to marry the king. The group had piled on top of her laughing in joy.

"Oh me next! Me next!" Pinkie Pie shouted and opened her box, she pulled away the tissue and squealed in delight. The gown she pulled out was frilly , pink and had a full skirt. The sleeves were short and round, the whole dressed screamed 'bubbly' and it seemed to fit the mare perfectly. Applejack groaned and opened hers a bit more reluctantly.

"Ah only hope he didn't get me any…" She stopped as she stared at her gown. She pulled it out and the others 'oohed'. It was a soft cream color and very simple, it had a chocolate brown sash around the waist and very subtly shimmered in the light. It was exactly something that Applejack would wear herself if given the option.

"Now how in the hay did he?" She whispered as she ran her hoof over the soft material. Cadence giggled and opened hers next, she sighed as she levitated it out of the box. It was a gown that matched her mane. The skirt was violet, the chest was pink and the sleeves were cream. However the way the colors smeared together made it so that when the material moved the colors shifted positions. It was an illusion that made Cadence laugh in joy, Rarity nudged her sister and winked,

"I think Shining is going to faint when he sees you in this." Cadence blushed and admired the gown further. Twilight opened hers and smiled at the red dress he had given her. Red was not a color she wore often, for it normally looked odd with her purple fur. However as she pulled this out she noticed that it wasn't a bright red as she had often seen, no this one was crimson. A very dark red that would actually sit well against her fur and when it was struck with light it moved, imitating the motion of waves. She stared at it open mouthed,

"How does he get it to do that? He must use his magic." She smiled and looked at Rainbow who was frowning at her unopened package. She laughed and pointed at it,

"It's not going to bite Rainbow, come on, we've all enjoyed our gowns. You will too I'm sure." Twilight giggled and the others also laughed at the pained look on Rainbow's face as she opened hers. However she began to laugh as she lifted a note out of her package. The others stared at her confused and as she wiped away a tear she read the note out loud.

"Since I do not wish to sport a black eye tonight...I have decided these will suit you better than a gown." Rainbow reached in and pulled out the formal wear of the guards, except hers had a silver sash like Flash's and Shining's. She smiled and said,

"Guess tonight won't be so bad after all." This made them all laugh, then they turned to Fluttershy expectantly waiting. The mare blushed and pulled open her own gift. She moved the tissue away and gasped, she didn't even pull the gown out at first so Rarity used her magic to lift the gown. All mouths opened as the beautiful material came out of the box. It was a gold dress that glowed in the soft light, it had sashes that fell off the shoulders leaving the fur there bare. It was stitched with golden roses along the hem and they all knew that Fluttershy would be the most beautiful mare in the world when she wore this gown.

"Oh my...this is...absolutely amazing darling." Rarity whispered and smiled at the mare as she put the gown in Fluttershy's hooves. Fluttershy smiled softly at the gown and whispered,

"It's perfect for tonight...oh girls, I've never been so happy!" They all gathered around for a group hug, then began to laugh and chatter as they got dressed. There was a quiet knock at the door as Fluttershy finished buttoning up Twilight's back. Queen Celestia came in and smiled at her daughter. She moved further in and the maids bowed, Celestia waved them up.

"There's no need for that ladies, tonight is a night to celebrate loyalty. You girls are among the most loyal I know, and have put up with much in your years of service." She looked over at Fluttershy who turned her gaze away and shrunk a bit. Celestia cleared her throat and whispered,

"Fluttershy, I would like a moment with you if I may…" Fluttershy swallowed and followed the queen out, noticing how Twilight was glaring at her mother. As the door closed behind them Fluttershy became very nervous remembering the last time they had 'talked'.

"Yes...your majesty?" She muttered and Celestia put her hoof under her chin raising her gaze up. The queen was smiling at her and it made Fluttershy even more confused,

"Fluttershy, I know I have done you a wrong and I want to apologize for this. I was wrong to make you feel guilty over your feelings for the king. He told me that it was you who convinced him to give me the funds we need. That was an amazing thing to do considering how I had treated you before...to still think about others. I am sorry I misjudged you so harshly my dear. I want you to know that I hope you and Discord have a long and happy life. Also, I want to give you an early wedding gift." She smiled and pulled out a document, from under her wing. Fluttershy tilted her head as she took it from the queen. She read over it and gasped,

"Is this...is this real?" She smiled up at the queen and Celestia nodded.

"Yes...I have set this area aside for your mother and her animals. Now she will be able to live easier without the grueling taxes to worry about. I have already sent a copy of this to her and am awaiting her response."

Fluttershy threw her arms around the queen forgetting who she was and hugged the alicorn. Celestia chuckled and returned the hug,

"Thank you for forgiving me so easily Fluttershy. Now for my second apology of the night, and the harder of the two." Celestia looked up at the closed door and frowned, Fluttershy placed her hoof against the queen's chest.

"Don't worry your highness. Twilight loves you above all and will know that you were just looking out for her."

Celestia seemed surprised at this and then smiled at the little mare,

"You really are something else Fluttershy."

She opened the door again and the two walked in. As soon as they did Twilight jumped up at glared at her mother.

"What did you say to her this time mother? Why can't you just leave her alone? Why don't you like to see others happy?"

"TWILIGHT!" Fluttershy shouted angrily and it shocked the mare into silence. Fluttershy shook her head and looked up at the queen smiling.

"Queen Celestia was just wishing me the best in my upcoming marriage and she apologized for what she said before...now...now she has something else to say." She smiled and nodded at Celestia who sighed and looked at her daughter.

"Darling daughter, I didn't mean to upset you so earlier. I just want to protect you from hurt. You are my only baby girl and I...I still have a hard time believing how grown up you are. Twilight I want you to know that I will approve the marriage between you and Flash Sentry, if it is what makes you happy. If you are sure that he's the one you want I won't stand in your way."

Twilight smiled at her mother, tears filling her eyes and she ran over and wrapped her mom in a tight hug, which the alicorn returned, tears running down her own cheeks.

"I love you Twilight…"

"I love you too mom…"

They were walking down the hallway when Fluttershy reached up and gasped.

"What's wrong darling?" Rarity asked as she noticed the mare stop and turn back. Fluttershy looked at the group and said,

"Oh I just realized I left my ring in the room. I took it off when you were doing my mane and forgot to put it back on. I'll just run back and get it!" She started to trot back and Twilight called out,

"Do you want one of us to join you?"

"No I'll only be a minute! You go on ahead and I'll see you in the ballroom! If you see Discord before I get there just let him know I am coming!"

Wouldn't want him thinking I have changed my mind!

She giggled as she made her way back to her room. She walked in and went into their room and saw the necklace sitting where she had left it. She smiled and picked it up, then she jumped when the door to her room slowly closed. She turned and gasped as Blueblood stepped out of the shadows,

"My, my, here's the little troublemaker at last, and here we thought we'd have to snatch her from the ballroom." He smiled and the coldness in his look made her shiver. Another laugh came from behind him and she recognized the voice as Fleur. Who stepped out of the shadows and grinned at Fluttershy.

"Oh yes, she certainly has made things easier for us. Now we can move forward with our plans to have the king marry me." She snickered and Fluttershy began to shake as the two moved closer to her. Blueblood jumped at her and she dodged to the side, she shouted and tried to run for the door, but Fleur stepped in her way. The princess snarled at her and hissed,

"How could he love such a pathetic thing like you?"

Fluttershy glared at the princess and was about to retort when Blueblood's arms wrapped around her body. She shrieked again and he hissed in her ear,

"Quiet or you'll regret it!"

She shivered and glared at Fleur,

"What is the point of all this Fleur? You think that if you get rid of me the king will choose you instead?"

Fleur laughed at this and walked closer to Fluttershy. She snatched the ring out of her hooves and Fluttershy shouted,

"Give that back! Fleur you can't force Discord to love you instead of me!"

Fleur laughed harder and slipped the necklace over her head. She smirked at Fluttershy and whispered,

"Who said anything about that? Oh no...If you're what he wants, you're what he'll get." Fleur stepped back and was engulfed in green flames. When the flames disappeared Fluttershy's mouth fell open and she whispered,

"Oh no…" She was staring into a mirror. Another Fluttershy was standing in front of her, now laughing at the shocked look on her face. Even Blueblood chuckled as he threw her into a chair. She struggled as he tied her to the chair, she cried out in pain as the rope dug into her fur. She looked up to see the fake her changing the gown she was wearing to also match the one Fluttershy wore. Fluttershy frowned, normal changelings couldn't change their clothing.

"Who are you. Why are you doing this?" Fluttershy shouted and cried out when Blueblood backhoofed her. She cried as the stinging remained, he hissed at her.

"Keep your voice down." She flinched away from him, now knowing that he wouldn't hesitate to hurt her. She looked over to the fake Fluttershy and glared at her.

"You won't get away with this. He'll know it's not really me…"

The changeling looked over at her and laughed.

"You honestly believe that? Please, stallions are all the same. It's the pretty face and tight flank they see not anything underneath. Your king will see what he wants to see and nothing more. He will fall under my spell and I will use his love to influence him for what I want."

"What do you want?" Fluttershy asked, hoping to distract them long enough that someone would come looking for her. Blueblood growled at her and looked to the fake her, squashing Fluttershy's hopes.

"My queen. You shouldn't waste anymore time, the king will grow suspicious is she doesn't show up soon. It will be hard enough explaining why Fleur is not there." The other Fluttershy nodded in agreement and sent her one last chilling look.

"I guess it's time for me to go say hello to my true love…"

"Black Widow...I still mean it...he doesn't…"

"SILENCE! You have served your purpose now be quiet!" She shouted at Blueblood and Fluttershy frowned at this. Black Widow...you mean that's not Chrysalis? Blueblood seemed hurt by this and stared at her shocked. He moved closer and reached for the other mare.

"But my love...I thought...you said that…"

She laughed at this and slapped his hoof away. She bared her teeth at him and hissed,

"Don't be a fool, you know that we can't love. Not really, you were a fool to think that I meant anything I said."

Blueblood reeled back and tears formed in his eyes as he glared at her. He was engulfed in green flames as his anger cracked his illusion. Another changeling was standing before her only this one was taller than most. He growled at her and even lit his horn with magic as he hissed,

"You tricked me. You vile…" He shot the magic at the changeling who flew out of the way and snarled at the other.

"That was a mistake…" Green flames engulfed her once again and she took on her true form. Fluttershy was even more confused, this changeling looked just like Queen Chrysalis except for her eyes which were green with red slits.

Her daughter maybe? Can changelings even have children like that?

Black Widow growled at the other changeling and fired a powerful shot at the male changeling, Fluttershy turned her eyes away afraid to look. However when she heard his voice still she turned back. The changeling's eyes were dull as he looked at Black Widow.

"What does my lady wish?" He asked in a monotonous voice. Black Widow grinned and once again changed to look like Fluttershy. She looked over at the mare and hissed,

"Get rid of her, the same way we did with the real Fleur and Blueblood." She grinned wider and it sent ice running through Fluttershy's blood, there was no doubt that they intended to kill her. Fluttershy opened her mouth and let out an unholy scream, before the male changeling struck her with his hoof and knocked her out. As everything went fuzzy and blackness began to creep in on her, she heard the other her laughing, and a voice she desperately needed at the moment.

"Fluttershy! Darling I heard a scream!"

She smiled realizing he would save her, she had hoped his sharp ears had heard her scream. However she panicked when she heard her voice answer him, but it wasn't coming from her own mouth.

"Oh I'm so sorry...I just thought...thought I saw a shadow move in the room...it was only a mouse...forgive me my lord."

She felt the ropes fall away and felt herself being lifted off the floor and carried to one of the windows. She was being taken away from her love and she had to tell him.

NO! Discord...it's not me...please know that's not me...DISCORD!

She tried to shout, but couldn't as the blackness enveloped her.

Chapter Eleven

Discord stood in the ballroom smiling as all his servants entered, enjoying the way their eyes widened in awe. They bowed as they passed him and he nodded at each before turning back to the doors waiting. His nerves were starting to rise, but at the same time he was excited. He couldn't wait to see her again, especially in the gown he had chosen for her.

Finally he saw Queen Celestia and Queen Luna walk through with their daughters behind them, and behind them the maids. His smile fell when one mare was missing, his heart rate increased as unease and fear began to rise inside him. The group stopped in front of him and bowed, which he reciprocated. He looked around then back at the doors before placing a smile on his face.

"Welcome guests, I hope you greatly enjoy yourselves here tonight. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Especially you two." He indicated the two earth ponies who smiled happily at him as they moved off to the buffet. He felt his smile slipping as he wondered if she had changed her mind.

Would you really be surprised?

A snide voice rang through his head and pain stabbed his heart. He felt a hoof touch his paw and he looked down to see Princess Twilight smiling up at him. She whispered,

"Don't worry she's coming, she had to run back to get the necklace with your ring."

He visibly relaxed and gave her a wide smile, silently thanking her for telling him. She nodded and moved to stand next to her mother and cousins. He placed his hands behind his back and scanned the ballroom, all were in attendance. Well all except one, still it seemed like it was time to start.

He clapped his hands and the lighting in the ballroom began to glow brighter, lighting every corner in its soft glow. All eyes turned to him and he smiled, spreading his arms wide.

"Welcome my friends and honored guests! I want to thank each of you for another fantastic year, truly all of you make life in this castle brighter each day with your presence. " Applause followed his words and he smiled.

"I also have an extra surprise for all of you that I will reveal at the end of the night. For now, please enjoy yourselves and take pride in the amazing things you've done this year." He bowed and music began to fill the room, he had decided to use his magic to create the music. Made it easier than finding outside musicians and making sure they understood the need for secrecy. Several couples began to fill the floor and once again his eyes moved to the doors.

He frowned, she should have been here by now...shouldn't she? His ears twitched as he thought he heard her voice. He turned around, but didn't see her anywhere. His frown deepened as he watched his guests. None of the others seemed to have heard anything, which meant it was his heightened senses that picked up the sound. Then his heart plummeted as he was sure this time it was her. Worse yet, she was screaming in fear.

Without a second thought he teleported into her chambers and shouted for her.

"Fluttershy! Darling I heard a scream!" He looked around the sitting room and was about to burst into the bedroom, when she walked out and gave him a sheepish smile. He froze, she was breathtakingly beautiful...the gown he had given her made her eyes glow brighter. Her mane was braided and pulled over her shoulder, with flowers woven in her hair. He shook his head to focus on what had brought him here in the first place.

"Oh I'm so sorry...I just thought...thought I saw a shadow move in the room…it was only a mouse...forgive me my lord." She whispered and blushed slightly. He began to relax then stopped.

My lord? She usually only calls me that in a teasing way…but this time...

He shook his head again and smiled down at her. He lifted her hoof and smiled at her, he placed a soft kiss on it and met her eyes. Something inside him froze, there was no heat...she was smiling at him, but there was no heat behind her eyes. His smile fell a bit, but he quickly pushed the feeling aside.

"Well, I'm just grateful that it turned out to be nothing. So my dear are you ready to make our grand entrance?" He asked as he straightened up. She giggled and nodded at him, he smiled at her as she flew up and tucked her hoof in his arm. Again, something odd pricked the back of his mind, but he couldn't place it.

He decided it was just his nerves, he snapped his fingers teleporting them to the ballroom.

She felt like she was rocking. Fluttershy groaned at the pain in her head and opened her eyes slowly. She shut them again at the pounding pain behind them. Taking a deep breath she forced them open again and looked around her. She gasped as she realized she was inside a carriage used to transport prisoners. She whimpered as she tried to rise to her hooves and was thrown to the side by the movement of the carriage.

"Discord…" She whispered and began to cry, she felt so weak and helpless. She sat there and cried harder. Then she thought of him, his smiling face and the love shining in his eyes as he looked at her. She stopped crying and glared her cage, she wouldn't give up. She had to get out of here and back to Discord, she had to protect him from that creature.

Black Widow had said she planned to use Discord for something, but not if that meant she would harm him. The idea sent panic and rage through her blood, she felt an instinctive need to protect him. She forced herself back up and this time was able to wobble to the bars on the door.

She lifted herself up to look out and was grateful for the full moon. She looked back and could still see the castle, she wasn't that far away yet.

"If I can get out of here I can get back to him...but how do I get out?" She looked down and noticed there was a keyhole on the door. She started to look around for something that she could use to pick the lock. Something that Rainbow Dash had shown her after she had accidentally locked herself in the cleaning closet. Fluttershy let out a cry of frustration when she couldn't find anything. She put her hooves over her head and gasped as her right one brushed the pin in her hair.

'Oh Princess...I can't take this from you, it belongs in beautiful hair like yours.'

'Nonsense darling, oh and call me Rarity...after all soon you will be a queen. Tonight you deserve to look and feel like a princess.'

Fluttershy quickly undid the rose pin, tears running down her cheeks at her sudden luck. She bent back the pin, silently promising to replace it for Rarity. She didn't have anything else to use, she bit her lip. Rainbow had told her it required two pins to get through the mechanisms of a lock. She sent a silent prayer that one would be enough this time.

Discord watched with great pride as Flash walked over to Queen Celestia. The stallion bowed before the alicorn.

"Queen Celestia. I know I may not be a stallion of high station, but I…"

"You can stop right there Sir Flash…" Celestia said in a cold tone. Discord glared at the queen, but before he could intervene she began to laugh. She had Flash rise and used her wing to push Twilight closer to the stallion. Both blushed as they bumped into each other, making the other mares laugh as well.

"I was wrong before to try and keep you two apart. Flash Sentry, you have proven to be a stallion of honor and pure heart. I believe you are a stallion of the highest station and perfect for my darling daughter...because you love her as she is. I know she will be safe with you."

Flash smiled brightly at the alicorn and took Twilight's hoof in his as he smiled lovingly at the mare.

"I promise my queen, I will do everything in my power to make her happy until my dying day."

Discord smiled at this and then frowned at what Flash had said...the pair faced the same problem he and Fluttershy had faced until Discord had cast that spell. The two were going to have a race against time. He wondered if he could do it again with Flash? Probably not, but he could try something else, maybe he could help Twilight do what he had done with Fluttershy. He was about to move towards them, when he felt her pull at his sleeve. He smiled down at her and felt his heart begin to swell. Heavens she had to be the most beautiful mare in the world.

Then why does something not feel right? Almost like it's not the same as before?

"Can you get me a drink my king?" She smiled at him and he returned the smile. Having figured she was simply being proper while in others company, by using his title, still he missed hearing his name come from her lips. He snapped his fingers and a glass of their favorite tea appeared in his claws. He handed it to her and saw confusion pass over her eyes before she smiled up at him and took the cup.

He smiled as she raised the glass to her soft lips, he was suddenly envious of the porcelain. He frowned in confusion when her muzzle scrunched up and she coughed out the drink.

"Is something the matter my dear? Is it too hot?" He asked worried as he took the cup back from her. She frowned at him,

"It's not too hot...it's awful tasting, what is that?"

His mouth fell open as he looked at her stunned. He tried to speak, but all that came out was,

"You...you don't like...but you...um...perhaps some...some different type of tea my dear?"

She smiled sweetly at him, but he could see it didn't reach her eyes. Warning bells rang in his head, something was wrong...

"Oh...it's okay my lord...I'll just go get a glass of wine from the drinks table...try not to miss me too much." She winked at him and flew off to the table, slightly swishing her tail at him. However that was not what he focused on...something was really wrong! Fluttershy hates wine, why is she drinking it now and refusing the tea...a tea that she had made a habit of drinking almost every night for the past week.

"It doesn't make any sense…and not in a good way..." He muttered and walked over to Flash. He placed a smile on his face as he approached the group. He wrapped his lion arm around his friend and said,

"Congratulations dear friend! I will have to give you two an early wedding present later. I'm so happy that you managed to catch such an amazing mare." He winked at Twilight who giggled and blushed before smiling at Flash. Discord leaned closer and whispered into the stallion's ear.

"I need to speak with you alone for a moment."

Flash looked up at him worried when he noticed the look in his king's eyes. He nodded and followed Discord out onto a balcony. Discord closed the glass doors behind him and frowned.

"What is it Discord?" Flash whispered, seeming to pick up on the need for secrecy. Discord turned around and looked at his friend, his instincts were kicking in and he couldn't explain why, but he was going to try.

"Something is wrong Flash. I can't put my finger on it, but Fluttershy is acting strangely."

Flash relaxed at this and smiled at Discord, which only made him frown further.

"Oh is that all? Discord, surely you're looking too deeply into this? Fluttershy is probably just nervous about tonight. She knows that you are going to announce to all that she is the new queen of Draconia. Relax friend, you worry too much." Flash smiled as he patted Discord's shoulder and re-entered the ballroom.

Discord however stayed out on the balcony and looked out over his kingdom. No, this wasn't just nerves. Something was really off, his gut was telling him that it wasn't right and his instincts were rarely wrong. He looked out and felt a sudden urge to fly off...as if to chase after something.

Tonight should be one of the happiest of my life. I have the love of my life with me tonight, but...but it doesn't feel the same. Fluttershy is acting so off tonight, she's being almost cold to me. Not once have I seen the heat in her eyes or felt her shiver at my touch. Why can't I put this feeling away, why can't I stop thinking that I shouldn't be here? Like I should be out there somewhere...looking for something...but...what? What is happening to me? Why do I feel like I've lost something without knowing it?

"Oh there you are...I was starting to think you had run off on me." She giggled behind him and he turned. She flew out to join him on the balcony and smiled brightly up at him. He smiled down at her and told himself to stop being so foolish. Fluttershy was here, she was his and after tonight they would be together forever. He moved his paw over her hoof and she flinched. It was small, but he caught it anyways. He reached up and firmly grasped her chin making her look at him.

"Darling...what's wrong? You haven't been yourself tonight? Is everything alright?"

She smiled up at him and whispered,

"Just nervous my love...after all...everything changes after tonight."

His hold softened, Flash had been correct once again. She was only nervous about his announcement. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, still enjoying the way she fit against him.

"There's nothing to be nervous about my love. After tonight we will belong to each other and nothing can come between us." He leaned forward and placed his lips against hers. He groaned at the touch, but hesitated when he started to deepen the kiss...something inside him told him to stop...he pulled back frustrated with himself suddenly.

Why did that feel wrong? What in the hell is going on!? Why just now, did I feel like I was betraying my love for Fluttershy...with Fluttershy?

He looked down at her, hoping for some sign that would put this crazy sensation to rest. She just sat in his arms smiling up at him, but again there was no fire in her eyes. She wasn't looking at him as she had that morning. He groaned again in frustration, unable to put this feeling to rest. He felt like...like…

Like this isn't MY Fluttershy…

He frowned again and as if sensing his inner thoughts she pulled out of his hold, tugging on his claws.

"Come on Discord...dance with me." She whispered and this time there was some added heat to her gaze. He brightened a bit at her invitation, he had been looking forward to holding her in his arms again. Dancing with her on the roof had felt so right, so perfect. It was exactly what he needed to put this strange feeling aside.

"It would be my honor my darling." He purred and brought her back into the ballroom. He led her to the center and all the other couples left to leave the two alone on the floor. He snapped his fingers so that the music would slow for a waltz. Now the room was filled with nothing but soft violins playing. The exact same rhythm and pace as when they had danced together on the roof. His smile brightened as he remembered the way she had rested against his chest when they had danced together for the first time.

He bowed to her and she curtsied to him before moving into his arms. He smiled down at her as he moved around the floor, pulling her along with him. He heard several mares sigh and he saw Flash smiling brightly at the two of them. He glanced to the side and noticed many of his servants eyes widening as well as their smiles. No doubt they were realizing how special the mare in his arms was and who, by the end of the night, she would be to them.

His eyes returned to hers and he felt himself relaxing with her in his arms once more. Yes, the feelings he had been experiencing before were nothing but his imagination. Now he could focus on their future together, he leaned closer and whispered into her ear.

"You look absolutely amazing my darling. You're the most beautiful, kind, and passionate mare I know."

She giggled at this and the sound made him smile. She tilted her head and looked up at him smiling, then she whispered to him.

"You look really handsome as well Discord...as does this ballroom. The music...it's all so perfect for our first dance."

He almost tripped and stopped moving as he frowned down at her.

"What...what did you just say?"

Fluttershy cried out again in frustration as the pin snapped in half. She threw it away from her and began to cry once more. She wasn't even sure how long she had been trying to pick the lock, all she knew was that she had failed. She lifted herself up again to see how far away the castle was. Her heart broke when it was nothing but a distant shadow. They were in the outskirts of the kingdom now, there was nothing around them except trees lining the path. What would normally be beautiful scenery was now an ominous setting. Fog was rolling in and settling along the ground, creating a blanket of mystery and danger across the land.

She placed her forehead against the door and began to cry harder. She had to get back to him, but her one idea had failed. She looked up and whispered into the night air,

"Discord...I'm so sorry...I'm sorry I'm so weak and can't help myself get out of this...I really am a helpless nobody…"

That's not true…

Once more she heard his voice telling her that, just as he had under his tree, when she had really begun to fall for him. She looked to the castle again and felt a surge of courage and strength. It had to be her love for Discord, never had she been very brave or strong...until she met him. This had to be coming from the need to be with him again, to stop that changeling from tricking him. She took a deep breath and turned away from the door, telling herself over and over again.

I can do this...I can do this…

She lifted her back hooves and kicked them out against the door. She bit back the cry of pain as they made contact with the heavy wood. She steadied her stance and repeated the motion several times. Sweat was building on her body and her breathing grew heavy, her legs began to shake from the effort to kick the door open. However she didn't quit, she couldn't, not if she wanted to get back to him. She lifted her hooves one last time, gathering all the leftover strength she had and...was thrown forward as the carriage came to a sudden stop.

She groaned as she slowly lifted herself back up and looked to the door. She heard a key turning in the lock and froze. The door opened and 'Blueblood' was standing there, the changeling must have changed back to make leaving easier. She glared at him and he returned the stare as he sneered at her.

"What are you doing in here? You're causing such a racket and I don't like it." He moved into the cage and levitated a rope to her.

In a rush of adrenaline Fluttershy spread her wings and charged at him. She slammed into his chest, catching him off guard and the two went tumbling out the back of the carriage. Fluttershy was fortunate to come out on top and took off, galloping away from him. She heard him rise to his hooves and follow behind her, she gathered all her courage and it pushed her to run faster. However, when she felt her hooves being lifted off the ground she cried out in fear.

She looked back to see him grinning at her as he used his magic to bring her to him. She struggled against the hold, but it was no use. He dropped her at his feet and snarled at her,

"Now listen here...I don't want anymore trouble out of you or else."

She glared at him and then tried to jump at him again, but he smacked her with his hoof throwing her to the side. She groaned and tried to stand up, but felt his body move on top of hers, holding her down. She began to shout and he chuckled at her,

"Who are you yelling for my pretty, little thing? There's no one out here but us...in fact...you may be even prettier than Princess Fleur ever was. She was a lot of fun before we had to get rid of her. Maybe I can convince Black Widow to let me keep you for a little while too. I may have been a fool to think she actually cared for me, but now that her stupid spell has worn off...I got to thinking. Being on her good side is definitely the smarter move...she'll have the king's powers on her side once she marries him...so maybe as a reward she'll let me play with you before I have to finish you off."

Fluttershy shivered and began to double her efforts to get away. She cried out,

"Please! Help me!"

'Blueblood' began to laugh again, Fluttershy felt him nuzzle her mane and she cried out again. He only chuckled and the sound made her shiver more. In desperation she twisted her body and swung her hoof. She was happy when it made contact with 'Blueblood's' muzzle, knocking him off her. She shot to her feet and learning from her mistake before avoided the path. Instead of continuing on the path she ran for the cover of the trees on the sides. She ran through the trees, still trying to head towards the castle and away from 'Blueblood'. While she was running she heard crashing behind her and ran faster, she felt tears run down her cheeks. She sent a silent prayer to her love hoping he would be smarter than Black Widow gave him credit for.

I just have to believe that I was right! She won't fool him! Discord will see through her, he will...

Discord...please...realize the truth! Come find me!

Discord let go of her and took a step away. Everything now inside of him was crying out in warning. The other things that were off he could attribute to nerves, but not this...not something that she...he must have heard wrong!

"What did you just say?" He muttered again, hoping he had heard wrong. The music stopped playing and the others were looking at him worried. All his servants could see that their king was growing more upset, even if they didn't know why.

Discord stood there staring at her, his hands balled into fists as he waited. She began to shake as she looked up at him,

"Discord...what's wrong...why did you…"

"What did you just say?" He repeated, his tone growing harsher than before. She looked up at him and swallowed then whispered,

"I was just saying how all of this is the perfect setting for our first dance and…" He shot forward and grabbed her shoulders in a harsh grip. He moved so quickly none of the others knew what was happening. He slammed her against one of the pillars, she let out a cry in pain, but it fell on deaf ears. He snarled at her and she began to cry,

"Discord stop! You're hurting me!"

"Not nearly as much as I will if you don't tell me where she is." He hissed. Fluttershy's head shot up and he saw something flash quickly through her eyes, disbelief. He growled louder, she had just given herself away further. He growled, baring his teeth at her and snarled,

"Where is she? What did you do with Fluttershy?"

"Discord please…" She cried, still holding the guise. He lifted his claws, determined to make her say the truth when he was knocked back. He was forced to release her as he fell back on the floor. He looked up to see Flash standing between him and Fluttershy.

"What the hell is wrong with you!" Flash shouted at him and Discord snarled pointing at the imposter shouting.

"That's not Fluttershy!" The others gasped and turned to look at the pegasus, who was breaking down crying.

"Please Discord...why are you doing this? It's me, please stop this...Discord…"

He rose up again and snarled at her, he took a step forward and Flash moved further between the two. Discord glared at the stallion and hissed,

"Flash move...that's an order. This is not my Fluttershy, but I intend to find out where she is, and not even you will stop me."

Flash seemed to hesitate at this, but stood his ground to the king. The two had never had a problem with each other before and Discord would hate for it to come to this. However if Fluttershy was in trouble nothing would keep him from getting to her. He would find her and go through anyone in his way...even his best friend.

"Flash...move...now…" His tone was calm, but all the more menacing for it's quiet tone. There was a stillness in the room that caused a wave of fear to spread through his servants. He could sense it, for the first time in a long time, they were afraid of him. He was truly terrifying in this moment and he didn't care if they all hated him after, his love was missing and to hell with the consequences, he would find her.

He jumped at Flash determined to knock the stallion out of his way. He was shot to the side by a sudden bolt of magic. He groaned, rising to his feet then looked over to see Twilight had moved next to Flash, her horn still smoking from the blast. He snarled at her too,

"Can't you see she's a fake! That's not Fluttershy! Dammit Twilight, you of all ponies should see this!"

She glared at him and moved to stand in front of her cowering friend. He glared at the imposter, who was crying while she looked at him with Fluttershy's big, doe eyes. She was playing the weak card to the max, trying to convince him that she was his Fluttershy.

If you wanted that you should have done your homework better...You clearly don't know about all the time me and Fluttershy spent together...wait…

He pointed at the mare and said,

"I can prove it!" This froze the two and they looked back at Fluttershy.

"Please Discord...don't do this anymore...just stop!" She shouted and buried her face in her hooves. He took a step closer and whispered,

"What instrument do I play?"

Her head shot up as she looked at him, there was no mistaking the worry in her eyes. She swallowed and stammered,

"Um...I...you…um." She was backing up as he advanced and at her hesitation even Flash was staring at her strangely.

"Fluttershy? You have to know that…"

She looked at him and then cried,

"I can't...I'm too scared to focus!"

"But that's an easy one...if you were really Fluttershy!" Discord shouted moving closer, Twilight moved to block his path, but he could see that Flash was starting to shift sides.

"Well can you answer the question?" The stallion asked looking at the mare suspiciously. She turned to look at all the servants and swallowed. She thought about it and then shouted,

"Fine! The damn violin!"

Discord growled and Flash also moved to stand at his side.

"Twilight...get away from her…" Flash whispered as he glared at the mare. Twilight looked at her friend, even she was starting to glare at the other mare. Fluttershy had told her about Discord playing the piano for her several times, there was no way Fluttershy wouldn't know that. She stepped away from the mare to stand beside Flash. Now the queens were moving to stand around the mare as all the others watched to see what would happen.

"Where is she?" Discord hissed and seeing she was caught the imposter bared her teeth at him and shouted in anger.

"NO! It's not possible! How could you see through it! No one can see through this magic, no one ever has!" Green flames engulfed the mare and in Fluttershy's place stood a tall female changeling. Celestia and Luna who were standing behind the creature growled thinking they recognized her.

"Chrysalis!" Celestia shouted and started to move forward when Discord laughed. They looked at him oddly as he grinned at the changeling.

"Chrissy wouldn't come here...we have a treaty between us, her kingdom provides us with their special honey even I can't make. She couldn't afford to lose me as a trading partner, my wealth is bringing her kingdom back after the wars. No, Chrissy has been trying, unsuccessfully, to get me to marry her the normal way...she's not foolish enough to tempt my anger. You however Black Widow...you are still too young to know better."

The queens took a closer look at the changeling and realized he was right. This one was younger looking and had red slits. The changeling snarled at Discord,

"How did you see through it? Mother said no one is powerful enough to see through it!"

"Didn't your mother teach you to know the pony you become before you try and pose as them? It's one of the most important changeling rules...no wonder she disowned you..."

He growled,

"Now I will only ask this once more...where is Fluttershy?"

She glared at him, then threw her head back and laughed. She flew into the air and before they could stop her she shouted,

"Good luck finding her before my friend takes care of her you fools!" Then in a flash of green fire she was gone.

No! Dammit how am I going to find her in time now? She could be anywhere! She could already be...dead...

Discord felt pain and fear slice through his heart. Flash moved away from the king's side and reminded Discord why he relied so heavily on the stallion for support.

"Fluttershy is in trouble, you now know what she looks like! Our future queen needs us men! We must find her and bring her home! " Flash shouted and the guards moved forward and looked to Discord for their orders. He nodded and rose to his feet, standing to his full height he shouted,

"Search the kingdom, spread out across the entire area and check every corner! Find her!" The stallions rushed from the ballroom and without a second thought Discord turned to rush out onto the balcony. He spread his wings and took to the skies, understanding his earlier feelings now. His heart had been calling out for her and he had been stupid not to listen to it sooner. He glanced to the side and noted that Flash was flying closely behind him. The stallion nodded and Discord returned the nod before flying faster towards the outskirts of his kingdom. He was trusting his gut and letting it guide him, hoping that it led him to her in time.

"Fluttershy...I will find you my darling…"

Chapter Twelve

Fluttershy felt her legs weakening as she pushed herself to run faster. She could still hear him crashing behind her and it was the fear of him catching her that kept her running. She looked up and saw the light of the moon piercing through the trees up ahead. She smiled, it was an opening, the trees were thinning.

I did it! I made it! I-

She burst through the trees and had to skid to a halt. She stared up at the mountain in horror, she was trapped! She had been running in the wrong direction! She must have gotten turned around at some point. She groaned in frustration and gasped as she heard him growl behind her. She turned and watched as the changeling came through the trees and growled at her. He had morphed back to his normal self and was glaring at her, then he grinned as he noticed the blockade.

"Nowhere to go pretty...no come over here and be a good girl. I promise I won't hurt you...much." He laughed when she flinched. She thought about her options, flying seemed pointless. He had wings and could easily catch her, or just use his magic. She would have to stand and fight...but fear began to creep in. She was already weakened from the pointless running and he was twice her size!

He jumped at her and she tried to dodge him, but he managed to wrap his arms around her. They fell to the ground with him on top of her, she cried out and he laughed.

"Come on now dear...I bet I can treat you better than that beast would…"

She gagged and tried to buck him off her, however she didn't have enough force and he only laughed as he held her down. She shivered when she felt his hoof run along her back, he grinned wider and whispered in her ear.

"Are you ready to have some fun my darling?"

His hoof moved to her flank and she cried out again in fear, tears running down her cheeks as she tried to kick him away from her. He grinned and smacked her with his hoof, almost hard enough to knock her out again. He growled at her and hissed,

"I don't care what Black Widow plans are...first I'm going to take my reward, something that is rightly owed to me for following that vile…" He growled again and Fluttershy began to cry harder, but that didn't prevent her from fighting him. She used all the strength she had to try and get him off her. However her struggles only ended in tiring her more and making him laugh harder. He ran a hoof along her back leg and feeling his twisted hoof caressing her fur made her cry out. She kicked her leg, trying to shake his touch off, but he only tsked her.

"Now is that anyway to treat your new lover? Come on darling...give us a small kiss…" He leaned towards her and she gagged, turning her head away. He used his hoof to turn her face back and glared at her.

"Come now...I thought monsters were what made you hot? After all you were all too willing to allow that beast to touch you! He put his filthy paw on your beautiful fur...so why not me?"

Her eyes widened as she realized that this creature had spied on her and Discord during their time together! That was how Black Widow had found out that the two were so close. He grinned at her again and tried to nuzzle her behind her ear.

"So come on then my pretty new toy…I think we've waited long enough for this." He laughed and she shut her eyes tight, trying to fight the panic in her heart. He reached for her flank again and a loud roar shook the earth.

The changeling was struck under his chin, sending him flying away from Fluttershy. She gasped and looked up to see his long body crouched over her as he growled at the changeling in warning.

"Discord!"

Discord's entire vision was a red haze. Never had he felt such rage and a desire to kill, but one look at this filth touching his love and he had lost all sense. He stood over her now to protect her from the other male. However he had every intention of ripping this creature apart.

"Don't you dare touch her." He snarled at the changeling who was regaining his footing. He looked over at Discord and fear briefly flashed through his eyes. Then confusion, then anger…

"Damn her! She couldn't even do this right!" He shouted and glared at the king. Discord growled again and took a step towards the changeling. In turn the other male lowered his head as his horn began to glow with his magic.

Discord snickered, this pathetic thing thought he could harm him? Discord, the most powerful magic bearer to ever live! He growled at the changeling and then lunged for him claws out. He slashed and managed to catch the changeling in the side, he cried out in pain and the sound satisfied Discord more than it should.

The changeling looked at the bleeding cut then growled at Discord and fired a burst of magic. Discord waved his claw and sent the burst towards the trees, this was too easy. He snarled at the creature again and looked over to Fluttershy who was shaking as she watched them. He thought of this male standing over her, holding her down as he touched her and Discord's blood began to boil again.

He turned his gaze back to the changeling and his anger must have been evident in his gaze for the changeling's own eyes widened in fear. He began to back away and swallow, then fired another shot at Discord. Again with the same result, Discord sent the burst in another direction, now the changeling was getting frustrated. He glanced at Fluttershy and grinned, realizing what he planned to do Discord jumped towards her. He managed to get in front of her just as the magic made contact, striking him instead. He growled in irritation and looked back towards the changeling. He had taken off into the sky trying to escape while Discord was distracted.

"Oh no you don't…" Discord hissed and took off after the changeling. He didn't hear her calling his name. His mind was too clouded with the anger raging inside him. He caught up to the changeling easily and grabbed its tail, he used all his strength to hurl it towards the mountain. The changeling flew through the air with amazing speed and crashed into the rocks. Discord grinned and went to finish the job.

Fluttershy cried out his name again, but it was no use Discord wasn't listening to her. She heard her own name being called out and looked up to see Flash flying at her.

"Flash! Please, you have to stop him!" She shouted and Flash looked up as Discord hurled the changeling into the mountain and flew after him. He was frowning and then looked at her worried.

"I don't think he'll listen to me now. He's too angry...I've never seen Discord like this, when he saw that changeling attacking you he snapped...I don't think he'll listen to anyone until he's killed that poor creature."

She gasped and looked to where the two had disappeared to. She had to stop him, the changeling may be horrible, but Discord couldn't kill him, then he would be no better. If Discord succeeded in killing the other male out of anger, he would never forgive himself. He would truly have become the monster he's worked so hard not to be.

"We have to try! Flash come on!"

They both flew towards the pair, hoping that they reached the king in time to stop him.

Discord grinned at the crumpled creature, he would make sure this thing could never hurt his love again. He walked towards it and seeing the angry king caused it to crawl away from him. Discord kicked out his leg and it struck the changeling in the side, sending it flying again. It cried out when it slammed against the rocks again. In his red haze, the cry of pain went unnoticed by Discord. He growled at the creature as he reached out and gripped its throat. He noticed that the changeling's wing was torn and he growled as he moved to the edge of the cliff. They were high enough that if he dropped the changeling at this height, there was no way it would survive.

"You never should have touched her...now you're going to pay." He hissed at the changeling who looked down and then turned its eyes back to Discord.

"Please...Don't...I was only following her orders!"

"I don't think so...you weren't following any orders. You were planning on raping her and then getting rid of her weren't you?" Discord growled, his eyes narrowing and glowing a deep shade of red. The changeling swallowed, but didn't answer. Discord shouted,

"WEREN'T YOU!?"

"I'm sorry! Please don't!" The changeling shouted and Discord growled again.

"It's too late to apologize...I won't let you hurt her ever again." His grip started to loosen from the changeling and it cried out in fear.

"DISCORD STOP!" Her shout pierced through his haze and he turned his head to look at her.

"I have to Fluttershy...I can't let him hurt you again." He whispered as his gaze returned to the scared changeling.

"Please Discord, don't do this! There's another way!"

"No...there's no other way. This brute will pay for what he tried to do…"

"If you do this you'll only prove all your old fears true! You can't become a monster!" He stopped as he had been about to open his claws again. He turned to meet her gaze and he watched as tears filled her beautiful eyes. He froze as he saw the fear in her eyes...it wasn't fear from before, from having this thing touch her. She was staring at him as he held the changeling…

She's afraid of me!

The sudden thought brought a halt to all his anger as his gaze returned to the changeling he held. He looked down and realized what he had almost done in his rage. He growled and threw his arm back, throwing the changeling on the ground behind him. Flash rushed forward and tied the criminal up.

"My king...you should teleport me back right away so I can lock him in a cell and alert the men we found the queen...Also we still need to find Black Widow…"

Discord only nodded as he continued to stare over the edge of the cliff. He snapped his fingers, but didn't turn as Flash and the changeling disappeared, too caught up in his own dark thoughts. He had almost given into his basic instincts and killed another creature. He had lost his temper more times than he could count, but he had never harmed another soul...what had happened to him?

Have I truly become a monster?

He felt a soft hoof touch his paw and he looked down.

He knelt and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to him. She happily came into his embrace and nuzzled the fur on his neck, wetting it with her tears. He pulled back and crushed her lips under his. Pouring all the fear and despair he had felt when he had lost her. He wanted her to feel how desperately he needed her and how deeply he loved her. She pulled away first, taking a deep breath. Then she moved closer to him and nuzzled him under his chin.

"I knew you would find me…" She whispered and it made him smile. His hold tightened and he whispered back,

"Nothing could have stopped me...oh darling I was so afraid. Afraid I had lost you for good...I'm so sorry. I should have realized sooner that it wasn't you."

"I'm just happy I was right...I knew you would see through her."

He chuckled and pulled back to stare into her gorgeous face. How he loved this mare,

"No pony could ever replace you my dear...not even a really good look alike." He pulled her closer and captured her lips with his own. She sighed and leaned into the kiss, he was just grateful that she was letting him touch her after what she had just witnessed. He pulled back groaning and looked to the cliff again.

"Oh darling...I don't know what came over me...I was just so angry when I saw him touching you and heard you cry out...I almost...maybe I really am a-"

"Don't you dare." She scolded him and he turned to look at her surprised.

"But...Fluttershy...you saw what I did...I had every intention of killing him...I would have without a second thought had you not...how can you still believe I'm not a…"

He stopped as pain gripped his heart. He had just proven to himself that he wasn't good enough for her. He was, at heart, exactly what he had always claimed to be...a monster. She placed her hoof under his chin and made him look at her again, he was surprised to see her smiling at him.

"Discord, you were simply trying to protect me. Yes you may have gotten out of hand, but it is understandable why...I'm sure many other males would act the same way as you did. In fact, having so much experience with animals I know they would. You were trying to protect your mate and it clouded your judgment. In the end you didn't go through with it, you didn't have to listen to me, you chose to...and I'm so proud of you." She whispered as she leaned in and kissed him again. He groaned and crushed her against him, he buried his claws in her mane and held her against him. She moaned in response and held him tighter as well.

He deepened the kiss, enjoying the way she softened beneath him. Realizing that he had come so close to losing her set his heart racing. He growled and picked her up bridal style. She squeaked, but didn't protest as she continued to smile at him. He grinned at her and snapped his fingers again taking them to the castle.

He had flashed them into the throne room, where all her friends would be waiting for news. When they saw the flash and noticed Discord standing in the center with Fluttershy in his arms they gasped.

All the mares came running towards him, shouting a million questions at once. He chuckled and spoke for his love.

"I know that you have many questions, but my darling needs to rest. I think it's best if I put her to bed and you can discuss things with her tomorrow...is that alright with you Fluttershy?" He purred the last part and she blushed at the sound of his voice. She simply buried her face in his fur and nodded against him. He smiled at the group and turned to leave the ballroom. That was when he noticed the rest of his servants standing there smiling at the pair. He grinned and spoke to them as well,

"Thank you all for your concern and men...later we will have to continue the search for Black Widow...maybe her companion can give us some clues as to where she may be hiding. The queen is tired though, so I'm afraid it will have to wait until after I get her to bed." The group smiled wider at the title he addressed to Fluttershy. They bowed as he walked past, still holding Fluttershy in his arms. He met Flash in the hall and looked at the stallion.

"The changeling is in the cell, but refuses to speak to us...I figured that once you're ready he may be more agreeable with you present…" Flash cleared his throat and muttered,

"Considering your last encounter and all...my king, my queen." He bowed to them and walked away. Discord could tell that Flash was also disappointed with the way he had behaved. Later he would have to talk to the stallion, but for now the only thing that mattered was the mare in his arms.

He continued walking and as he moved further down the hall he felt his blush deepening. Finally, Fluttershy noticed that he had walked past her chambers.

"Um Discord?" She whispered and looked up at him, he could feel her gaze on him even though he continued to stare ahead. He didn't answer her as he continued to walk towards his destination. Finally he came to his own chambers and used his magic to open the door and shut it behind him. He continued to his bedchambers and towards the bed.

Without saying anything he sat her on the edge and turned from her. She watched him curiously as he lit a fire in the hearth and kept his back to her. His heart was racing, finally allowing the fear and anger from earlier to settle inside him. He had been so close...so close to losing her. If he hadn't gotten to her in time, that thing would have...he gave a strangled cry as he imagined finding her body, cold and lifeless.

"Discord?" She whispered from his bed again and he closed his eyes. Trying desperately to fight against the current rushing through him. He snapped his fingers and a soft, satin nightgown appeared in his hands, he turned and went to her again.

"Here, change into this darling…" He rasped and it was his voice that finally gave him away. She looked up into his eyes and he knew she could read the fear in them. She stood up and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him in a tight hug.

"Hush now...It's okay my love...I'm here."

His emotions stormed through him and he let the gown fall to the floor as he wrapped his arms around her. He buried his snout in her mane and cried against her neck.

"Fluttershy...I'm so sorry darling...I should have gotten there sooner. I should have realized that she was a fake from the beginning...I should have…"

"You should stop blaming yourself for everything. None of us realized that those two were imposters...no one has for a long time…" She whispered and he pulled back to look down at her, confused by what she meant.

"For a long time?" He asked and she nodded, tears filling her eyes again.

"I think they may have...she told him to get rid of me like the real...oh Discord I was so afraid!" She shouted and buried her face against him, clinging to him tighter. He knew what she hadn't said, those two had killed the real Princess Fleur and King Blueblood to take their places. How long had they been planning this and why? He knew one creature that may have the answers, he would have to send word to her as soon as possible.

He began to stroke her mane as she cried against him, feeling her body shake. She had been comforting him and now it was his turn, she was finally realizing how close she had come to being taken away from him. He pulled back and cupped her face, gently wiping away her tears. He smiled softly at her and place a soft kiss against her lips.

"Hey, it's okay my love...like you said you're here now...you're safe. I won't ever let anything hurt you again. I promise you…" He kissed her again, this time putting more passion and fire behind it. She gave a soft moan and it sent his blood racing, he reminded himself of his vow not to touch her again until they were married, but…

"Fluttershy...darling..." He whispered against her lips and stopped, trying to gain control of his emotions, but it was a losing battle. He groaned as he moved forward, forcing her to lay back on the bed. She shivered beneath him and it made him growl in response. He pulled back and looked down at her. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen, he loved her with all his heart and he had almost lost her tonight...not just to the changelings...from his own actions.

"Fluttershy...I'm sorry you had to see...I never want to frighten you again...I'm sorry if I-" She placed her hoof over his lips stopping him. She was smiling up at him and he caught the amused glint in her eyes.

"Discord...did you think I was afraid of you?" She whispered and he froze, that's exactly what he had thought.

"But...you...I saw the fear in your eyes darling. You were afraid of me...weren't you?"

She giggled and shook her head smiling sweetly at him.

"Oh Discord...that's why you looked so upset when you started to call yourself a monster…"

He flinched, but nodded anyways, yes he had been about to call himself a monster. It seemed like each time he started to deny the fact, something would remind him otherwise. She turned his face back to her and gave him a soft kiss before continuing.

"Discord I wasn't afraid of you...I knew that if you went through with your plan you would never forgive yourself. I was afraid that you would end up hurting yourself so badly that I would still lose you in the end. My love...I was afraid of losing you."

He stared at her incredulously as her words sank in. His heart began to ache as he understood what she meant. If he had actually killed the changeling tonight, after his anger had left he would have been devastated by what he had done. He would have retreated into his own mind and shunned everyone else away. Determined to protect them from him, and yes...in the end he would have sent her away, forced her to leave if he had to. She would have lost him to his own fears and the shadows he chooses to hide in.

"Fluttershy…" He whispered as tears filled his own eyes. She smiled up at him and whispered against his lips,

"I love you Discord...I never want to lose you. To anything...even your own fears."

He groaned and kissed her deeply as he pressed his body against hers, enjoying the warmth that radiated off her. He ran his tongue along her lips and she opened for him. His tongue delved into her soft mouth as he relished how sweet she was. He buried his claws in her mane and held her still beneath him. After everything that had happened tonight, he felt a desperation like never before. He moaned again as he felt her own tongue run along his. He was lost and there was no coming back, he needed her and nothing was going to stop him.

"Fluttershy…" He groaned against her lips as his claws moved along her body and she sighed in pleasure, his claws stopped when they touched the soft fur on her exposed thigh. He swallowed and wondered if he should really be doing this...after all she had been attacked earlier by that brute. Would she really want the same thing from him right now?

Her eyes fluttered open at his hesitation and she looked up to meet his eyes. She must have read the question in his eyes, for she smiled sweetly at him and whispered in a deep husky voice that sent shivers down his spine.

"Discord...please...love me…"

He growled and kissed her again, all hesitation gone. He grinned as he caressed her soft fur, enjoying the mewling sounds she made. He chuckled and cupped her cheeks, making her open her eyes again.

"Darling...what are you doing to me? I made a promise not to touch you and yet here we are again...it seems that when I'm with you all rules fly out the window."

She smiled at him and he jumped when he felt her tail wrap around his waist and tug. He didn't even know ponies could do that, he blushed as he noticed the heat building in her eyes.

"I didn't know you were one to play by the rules Discord." She rasped and her voice sent him over the edge. He growled as he crushed her mouth with his again.

"I'm not…"

They were snuggled together in his bed, as they had been each night. Discord had told her that she had spoiled him too much, now he couldn't sleep without her near him. She was laying on her side with her back against his stomach and her head against his chest. He had his arm wrapped around her holding her against him as he slept, keeping her sheltered against the cold night. She enjoyed the feeling of his warm fur against her back and how soft he was, he was wonderful to cuddle with. She could hear his soft snoring as he slept and the sound made her smile, she knew that she should be getting some rest, but she couldn't sleep.

Although she was safe, wrapped in her lover's arms, she couldn't get her mind to shut down. Everything that had happened recently seemed like a nightmare that she couldn't wake up from.

It had been a month since Black Widow had escaped and there was still no sign of her. Discord was growing more frustrated, but had finally decided that she had simply gone into hiding again. He had sent word to Queen Chrysalis about the pair and the queen was expected to arrive sometime this week.

Fluttershy sighed softly as she worried about the future. Not only was there still this fear that Black Widow would come back, she also had her wedding coming up. As excited as she was to finally be marrying her love...she was still nervous about it as well. After all, once they were married she would officially be queen. All the servants had started addressing her as such and the title still made her feel a bit uncomfortable.

She sighed again and felt the arm holding her tighten and she heard him chuckle.

"What's wrong my love? Having trouble sleeping?" He whispered and the sound of his voice sent shivers through her. She snuggled closer to him and whispered,

"A little...just thinking about everything...about how we still can't find her and Marrow doesn't seem to know anything that would be any help."

Discord had learned the name of the changeling in a response from Queen Chrysalis when she had also informed him that she would be arriving to pick up the criminal. He was her subject after all and so her responsibility. However the queen was also unhappy to know that they still had no idea where her daughter was.

"There's nothing to worry about my love...she's gone. Probably off in a cave somewhere trying to decide where to go next. If she's smart she'll head back home, but I doubt that. However, the point is, you shouldn't be worrying about it now my darling. You should be thinking about happier things…" He ran his nose along her hair and she could sense he was grinning.

"Like our wedding…" He whispered into her ear and when she didn't respond he leaned up on his elbow and looked down at her. She turned her gaze away and tried to hide the blush in her cheeks. He turned her face to his and he was frowning at her, she hated the flash of hurt that sparked in his eyes.

"Fluttershy...you are excited about our wedding, aren't you?"

"O-of course I am...I j-just…" She stopped, realizing that her stuttering wasn't very convincing and Discord felt the same. He frowned further and turned away from her, laying on his back.

"I see...so it's not Black Widow that's keeping you up...it's becoming my wife."

She hated the hurt in his voice, so she rolled over and looked at him. However he kept his gaze averted and refused to look at her. She sighed and spoke in a soft voice, choosing her words carefully so as not to give him the wrong idea.

"Discord...it's not becoming your wife that's worrying me...I can't wait to be your wife! I love you so much and want nothing more than to be with you…"

"But?" He prompted, still not looking at her. She sighed again.

"But...but I'm still worried that I won't be a good queen...how can I be when I know nothing about it...I know that this is a conversation we've had before…"

"More times than I'd like…" He muttered, finally turning his head back to meet her eyes.

"I can't help it Discord...I love you, really I do, but...but what if you're making the wrong choice?"

"What?" He asked as he sat up fully and stared down at her as if she had lost her mind. She looked up at him, noticing the anger creeping into his gaze, so she did the only thing she could think of. She dove under the covers, hiding her face from him and although he was frustrated with her, he also chuckled.

"Discord...what if I'm a bad queen?" She whispered from under the covers. He sighed and then did something he had never done before. She looked up as his head slid under the covers with her and his nose touched hers.

"Darling, I don't know how many times I have to tell you this...but you will make a wonderful queen. Look at how my servants already adore you, they think you are the cutest thing to walk this earth. While I agree with them completely, I also know you are the kindest creature alive. Fluttershy, you will look after our subjects with that heart of gold you possess and they will love you as much as I do. Trust me my love, you could never be an awful queen, it's just not in your nature...now I would like to stop having this argument with you."

She felt slightly better at his words, but nothing could completely take away her nerves. He must have sensed that she was still worried for he sighed and pulled his head out from under the covers. She frowned and then gasped as she felt his tail curl up and push her out also. He used his tail to push her against his side as he curled around her, smiling softly at her.

"Stop worrying so much my love...everything will be alright...you know why?" He asked as he nuzzled her and she smiled at the affectionate touch. She giggled and whispered,

"Because you said so?"

He chuckled and nuzzled her behind her ear, making her sigh and relax against him, once more enjoying the texture of his soft fur.

"Close...everything will be okay because we'll face it together." He whispered into her ear and the gentle words made her eyes fill with tears as she smiled and snuggled closer to him. He curled around her in a protective circle, like a dragon protecting its treasure. She sighed and felt him gently kiss her forehead.

"Go to sleep my dear...tomorrow is going to be a busy day for you."

"Tomorrow?" She asked sleepily, slowly fading into her dreams. He chuckled as whispered,

"Yes...since you are growing more nervous by the day I can't risk you changing your mind, instead of next month...our wedding shall take place tomorrow."

"Oh okay...tomorrow then."

…...

"WHAT!"

Chapter Thirteen

If Fluttershy had thought Discord was joking the night before, she was sorely mistaken. The castle was abuzz with activity as they rushed to get the preparations ready. Discord was standing in the ballroom using his magic to set up the tables and decorations for the reception. He smiled as his heart fluttered,

"After tonight...she'll really be mine."

"My king...the queen is requesting your presence." One of his guards, Iron Shield, said as he bowed. Discord looked down and nodded, but couldn't help the frown on his face. He worried that what she had to talk to him about wouldn't be pleasant. He flashed himself into his chambers and walked to the door leading to her new room.

He had created it the night after she had been taken, wanting her close to him at all times. Of course, she hadn't slept in it once since then. He grinned again, he couldn't help it if he slept better with her by his side.

He knocked and quietly called,

"Darling? You wanted to see me…" He slowly opened the door and peeked in. She was sitting at her mirror and smiled at him through the glass. His heart melted at the sight of her, it didn't matter how long they were together, she would always affect him so. She turned to look at him fully as he entered her room.

"Discord! I didn't think you would get here so soon...what with everything you have to do to get ready…" She blushed so cutely as she thought of their upcoming wedding. He smiled, walking to her and wrapping his arms around her. He gave her a quick kiss and purred,

"Nonsense...if you need me, nothing is more important than you. Especially since…" He stopped from what he had been about to say. She looked up at him curiously and he swallowed, wondering if he should tell her or let her find out herself? He chose the latter, not wanting to give her more to be nervous about.

"Especially since you will officially be my wife tonight." He growled playfully at her and tried to distract her, he nuzzled her neck and she giggled. He gave it a light nip and whispered,

"I'm especially looking forward to our wedding night." He pulled back to grin at her as her face flamed up. She gently shoved him away giggling and he laughed in response.

"So my dear...what is it that you wanted?" He asked, trying to get back on topic, mostly to get his mind away from those images.

"Oh...well...it's nothing really but...um...it is about tonight…" She looked up at him and something in her eyes bothered him. He sat there waiting patiently, not wanting to push her to tell him. However he was worried that she was changing her mind and wouldn't go through with it. She cleared her throat and whispered,

"Discord...what if...what if she comes back?"

He couldn't help the sigh of relief at her words. He smiled softly at her and lifted her into his arms. He moved to her bed and sat on the edge with her in his lap, holding her against his chest. He gently ran his paw along her mane and down her back to comfort her.

"There's nothing to be afraid of my love. I told you, I won't let anything happen to you again."

She looked up at him, the fear still clear in her bright eyes, he could easily get lost in those delicate orbs. She whimpered slightly and whispered against his chest, muffling her voice.

"I'm so afraid...I just have this feeling that…"

"Hush now...Fluttershy everything will be okay…" He used his claw to lift her chin and make her look at him.

"Do you trust me my love?" He whispered and she frowned up at him, clearly not understanding the question. He smiled and kissed her gently, instantly her muscles relaxed against him. He pulled back and whispered again,

"Do you trust me...do you trust me to protect you?"

She looked up at him and smiled.

"Of course…"

"Then stop worrying. I won't let anything happen to you my love, I couldn't take it if I lost you. I'll keep you safe, I promise." He kissed her forehead and smiled at her. Then he sat her on the bed and grinned at her. There was a knock at her door and Flash called through,

"My lord...the...um...packages have arrived…"

Discord lit up and smiled brightly at his love, oh she was going to love this. She looked up at him curiously and he put his claw over her lips before she could ask. One of these 'packages' was for her, however the other...he didn't want her to know about it, not yet.

"Now you won't see me for a while my love. I have to finish everything for tonight and you have to start getting ready. Your friends will be here shortly to help you, well all except Twilight...I have something to give her and Flash before she can join you." He placed another quick kiss on her forehead and whispered,

"I love you so much my darling...I can't wait to see you in your wedding dress."

She blushed and then gave him a wicked grin, she leaned up and whispered something in his ear. His heart exploded! He fell to the ground and she gasped looking at him over the edge.

"FLASH!" She shouted and the stallion instantly came running into the room. He stopped as he stared down at his king and then burst out laughing.

'W-what did you do to him your majesty?" He said through his laughter. Discord growled, regaining his senses and got to his feet. He looked over at Fluttershy and snorted as he turned to leave.

"You don't want to know...come on captain, the queen needs to start relaxing for tonight." He muttered as he walked out of the room, he stopped at the door allowing Flash to precede him out. He stopped before leaving and turned his head to glance at her once more. She was smiling at him and he blushed as her words flashed through his mind.

'I thought you'd be more excited to see me out of it?'

He growled at her and shut the door behind him, but he was smiling like an idiot as he followed his captain.

Twilight sat in the throne room as she waited. She wanted to go see Fluttershy, to help her get ready for her big day, but Discord had told her he needed her first. Finally the doors opened and both Discord and Flash came in. She blushed as she smiled at her fiancé. He smiled lovingly at her too, however he seemed just as confused as she was to be there.

Discord stood to the side as the two moved next to each other. Flash gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and whispered,

"Hi sweetheart...any idea why we're here?"

"I was hoping you could answer that?" She whispered back and then jumped as suddenly Discord's head was between theirs.

"Why don't I answer that?" He chuckled and pulled back to stare at their confused faces. Twilight looked at Flash again and he was frowning at Discord.

"What are you up to this time?" He muttered and they were both surprised to see Discord look at them sadly.

"I know what you two are facing in deciding to be together. Flash...you are not immortal, a fact that has always caused me pain. However I never thought something could be done about it...that is until I met Fluttershy. I couldn't live without her so I put a piece of me into her...now, like me, she's immortal."

They both gasped at this and shared a brief look. Twilight suddenly understood why the king had called them both here. He wanted to help them past their greatest obstacle, tears filled her eyes as she looked up at Discord.

"Can...can you really do it again? For...for Flash?" She looked over and met her beloved's eyes. He didn't look as confident as she was, he turned to Discord and whispered,

"Discord...that kind of magic...it has to take a lot out of someone...could you even do it twice?"

Discord flinched and looked at her sadly. Her heart sank, if he didn't believe he could then why…

"No...I can't do it again...but not because it takes a lot of magic. It didn't take as much energy as you would think, when I cast the spell on Fluttershy."

Twilight looked up at him, even more confused than before. Then her anger got away from her, what game was he playing? Why give them hope, then take it away, and finally say that it wasn't that hard, but he still wouldn't do it?

"Why? If it's so easy, why can't you do it again!?" She shouted and Discord took a step back away from her. Flash put his hoof on her shoulder and she instantly calmed down. She leaned against his neck and quietly cried against him. She hated losing her temper, but this was a topic that caused her heart daily pain, every time she thought of losing Flash.

"Hush now baby...it'll be okay." He whispered into her ear and she nodded. Then she felt another hand on her head, it was an eagle claw. She looked up to see Discord smiling at her.

"You need to let me finish my dear...I can't cast the spell because I think it requires the love in one's heart to cast. Although I love Flash like my brother, it's not the same thing as true love. You need to be the one to cast the spell, I brought you here to show you how...if it's really what the two of you want." He looked up away from her and looked to Flash. She froze as she realized not once had she thought about what Flash would want. Immortality was as much a curse as it was a gift. You watched as those close to you grew older, while you remained forever young.

He met her eyes and she could see the uncertainty in his eyes. He wasn't completely sure, she felt more tears fill her eyes and lowered her head, admonishing herself for being so selfish.

"It has to be your decision friend...if you aren't completely sure...there's no going back once the spell is cast." Discord whispered as he stared sadly at his captain. Twilight heard the pain in the king's voice and looked up. The way he was looking at Flash...Discord wanted the stallion to accept the deal as much as she did.

Of course! Flash is Discord's best friend...naturally it would kill the king to lose someone so close to him!

Flash looked at the two of them, the two creatures who loved him more than any other. Discord counted on the stallion for so many things, he was his only true friend. Had been his quiet support for so many years, his brother in spirit and his only family until Fluttershy. Twilight love him with her whole heart, she couldn't imagine life without him. She wanted nothing more than to be with him, living happily for all eternity. She looked at him, silently pleading with him.

However, no matter how much they both wanted to keep him in their lives. Neither would force something like this on him. It really had to be his choice, if he regretted it later in life, he would come to hate the two that had cursed him.

"Flash?" She whispered and the stallion looked at her. She waited and then a slow smile spread across his face.

"Oh Twilight...come here my love." She took a step closer and he wrapped his arm around her. He kissed her forehead and smiled at her.

"I love you so much...I meant it when I said I wanted to spend as much time as we had left together. If that time can be extended...all the better."

She smiled brightly at him and he grinned back. She shouted in joy and threw her arms around him laughing and crying at the same time.

"Oh Flash! I love you so much!"

The two of them were engulfed in an even tighter hug as Discord wrapped his arms around them.

"Excellent! Alright then let's get this over with, I believe my bride is wondering where you are." He grinned at her and she nodded. He set them down and had her face Flash. Since she couldn't wave a hand over Flash as Discord had with Fluttershy, it would take more concentration.

"Alright now princess...close your eyes and focus." Discord whispered in her ear, he had his paw on her head. He was going to transfer some of his magic through her, to help fuel the spell, ensuring its strength.

"Now focus on your love for him...think about how much he means to you and how much you want him with you."

She did just that and felt a strange warmth fill her and her horn began to glow.

"Good girl...now, I want you to imagine breaking off a piece of yourself...the part that holds your immortality. Imagine taking a small piece and slowly...I want you to imagine giving it to Flash."

This took some more concentration as she had never thought of her magic in such terms. However with Discord's quiet encouragement, she soon had the image in her mind. She imagined Flash standing there and the piece floating to him and slowly entering him. She felt the warmth leave and panicked. She opened her eyes and looked at Flash, who was wiggling slightly, biting his lip hard.

"Flash? Are you…"

He couldn't hold it in any longer and started laughing. He glared at Discord and hissed through his laughter.

"You didn't say it would tickle this much!"

Discord grinned and shrugged,

"She was asleep when I cast the spell. How was I supposed to know?"

Twilight looked between the two then smiled up at the king. He smiled back and nodded, answering her unspoken question.

"You are even more powerful than your mother my dear Twilight. You will be an amazing queen."

She blushed slightly then turned to her love and squealing like a filly jumped at him. The two males laughed at her reaction and she nuzzled his chest, tears of joy running down her cheeks.

Fluttershy smiled at all her friends as she sighed in content. She was standing into her wedding dress. Rarity had tears in her eyes and she helped smooth the white material on the skirt.

"Oh my...darling you have to be the most beautiful bride I've ever seen!" She wiped her eyes with a tissue and Fluttershy blushed. She looked in the mirror and had to admit that the gown was breathtaking! It was pure white, with long sleeve and a full skirt. It had diamonds stitched into the skirt and the chest. The gown sparkled when she moved and even though it was simply, as requested by her; it actually made her feel like a princess.

One of the maids, Coco Pommel, was curling her mane, and Rarity was helping place some make up on her. The wedding was only in a few hours and Fluttershy felt butterflies settling in her stomach. She was both nervous and excited to finally be marrying him, Discord...the love of her life. She started to tear up and Rarity quickly wiped them away laughing.

"Now none of that! This is a happy day and you'll ruin your make up."

The others laughed and even Fluttershy giggled.

"These are happy tears, oh girls...I'm so glad that you're all here with me today. I love all of you so much!" They piled close for a group hug, laughing again, poor Coco was dragged into the hug and laughed as well.

"Now my queen...I have to finish your mane. Although it's beautiful, there is so much of it I'm worried I won't finish it if you don't sit still."

Fluttershy nodded, blushing and tried to hold herself still for the mare as she continued curling Fluttershy's mane.

There was a knock at the door and Fluttershy turned her head, then blushed and whispered,

"Oh sorry...um...come in."

Rainbow opened the door a crack and smiled over at all of them. Fluttershy smiled and wanted to give her friend a hug, but had just been told not to move.

"Rainbow! Where have you been? You were supposed to be here with all of us as Fluttershy got ready. You missed the hooficures!" Cadence said and Rainbow grimaced,

"That's okay...I'm glad I missed that, I don't like ponies touching my hooves. Besides I was given a very important mission by the king!" She smiled proudly as she continued to stare at them. The others looked at her curiously as she continued to grin at them.

"What mission?" Twilight finally asked and Rainbow looked at Fluttershy.

"King Discord asked me to give his future queen her wedding present from him."

Fluttershy looked at Rainbow, confused.

"Um...wasn't the pampering earlier...wasn't that my present?"

Rainbow moved further into the room, but kept her hoof on the door's edge.

"Nope...besides I think this present is much better."

"What could possibly be better than that? Or this beautiful gown? Once again Discord impresses me with his fashion taste!" Rarity said as she stroked the material of the gown.

Rainbow smiled at Fluttershy and whispered,

"Oh...I don't know...maybe this?" She swung the door open and Fluttershy's eyes widened and filled with tears.

"MOM!" She flew at the older pegasus, who was her exact copy, knocking the mare down. Her mother laughed as she wrapped her daughter in a hug.

"Oh my little Flutters...look at you. You are going to be such a beautiful bride. Oh honey I'm so happy that I could be here."

"How are you here!? Oh mom, I'm so glad you're...oh no! I'm sorry Coco I did it again!" She said as she looked back at the mare. Coco smiled at her and laughed,

"Oh that's alright your majesty. I understand your excitement at seeing you mother again...but still…" She indicated the stool and Fluttershy smiled and trotted back to sit. She smiled at her mother as Coco began to brush out the strands that had gotten tangled in Fluttershy's rush.

"Oh mom, I'm so happy! Oh...everypony this is my mother, Rosepetal, although most ponies just call her Rose. Mom these are my friends-Princess Twilight, Princess Rarity, Princess Cadence, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Coco Pommel (the mare blushed at being included), and of course you've met Rainbow!"

Her mother nodded at all the mares and turned teary eyes back to her daughter.

"Oh darling...I just can't get over how grown up you look. To think, my shy little filly is getting married and to a king! Oh if only your father…" Her mom had to stop and Fluttershy reached out a hoof, not wanting to cause poor Coco more trouble.

"I know...I wish he was here too. Do you think he would have liked Discord?" She giggled and wondered if her mother had even met her future husband, she blushed.

"For that matter...um...mom...did...did you...meet Discord?"

Her mother smiled at her and tilted her head, covering her face slightly with her mane, a habit that Fluttershy had inherited.

"I have. He introduced himself as soon as I arrived. I must say darling...you have interesting tastes. He may be an odd one, but he is so sweet and charming that I understand why you fell in love with him. I like him and I think after much convincing your father would have too. Although, no stallion would have been good enough for you to him...even a king!"

This made all the mares laugh and Fluttershy received another soft hug from her mother. She wished Discord was there so she could thank him. He couldn't know what having her mother there meant to her...or maybe he did and that's why he had done it. Something came to her mind though that made her frown. She looked at her mother as the pegasus talked with her friends, telling stories about when Fluttershy was younger.

I bet she was the 'package' Flash mentioned...but he said 'packages'...so there was more than one? What else is Discord planning?

Discord watched as all his guests filed into the room that would house the ceremony. He was growing more nervous by the minute. Everything had to go perfectly tonight, he had to make sure of it. He looked over at Flash who nodded. Discord returned the nod and took in a deep breath. Everything was in place, now it was time to start. He smiled as he imagined how she would look in her gown. He couldn't wait to make her his, then tomorrow she would be officially crowned his queen and be presented to his people...their people…

He smiled wider and then looked over and notice something that made his smile fall. Flash was talking with one of the other guards, the one who had been placed on patrol. Flash turned to meet his gaze and the look in his eyes made Discord growl…

She's here...

Fluttershy stood in her room alone, waiting for the ceremony to start. Her friends had taken their places and now they were all ready. Flash had knocked on her door, informing her that it was time to star. She took one final look at herself once more in the mirror and smiled to herself.

"Now or never…" She whispered and then froze as she felt someone behind her.

She's here...

She turned and standing behind her was Black Widow. The changeling was grinning at her.

"Heavens...look at you. Truly a more beautiful bride there has never been...Oh...I bet you're wondering why I'm here? I came to return this, so rude of me to take it in the first place." She held up Discord's engagement ring and grinned at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy looked at Black Widow, but didn't respond, which only angered the changeling further.

"You are nothing but a pathetic mare! How could he have possibly chosen you over someone as beautiful as Fleur? Oh well it doesn't matter, since now he will get neither. Marrow didn't get the job done...but you know what they say...if you want something done right…" She grinned and used her magic to levitate up a blade. She took a step towards Fluttershy, who still didn't move. She just stood there, glaring at the changeling. Black Widow stopped advancing when she noticed that the mare wasn't cowering or even looked frightened.

"What is the matter with you? You should be cowering in fear! You should be begging me to spare your life! You should-"

"You should start paying attention to my lessons…" Fluttershy whispered. Black Widow froze as those words sunk in. The blade fell to the ground and she took a step back.

"No….no...NO!" She tried to turn and run, but slammed into a solid wall...no, not a wall...a chest. Two strong hands grabbed her shoulders, pinning her in place. She recognized the paw and claw holding her and looked up to meet his glowing amber eyes.

"Got you…" Discord whispered.

She turned back as Fluttershy was engulfed in green flames and in her place stood her mother…

Discord stood in the room as the others shouted questions at him. The only ones not present were Fluttershy and her mother. He had told Fluttershy's mother of the plan after she had arrived, informing her of the danger her daughter was in. The mare had instantly agreed to help, so she had asked Fluttershy to show her his music room, placing the mare out of danger. He had placed an enchantment over the room so that the two would be safe while they set the trap for Black Widow.

"So let me get this straight! You knew that Black Widow would come after Fluttershy all along and had all of this planned from the beginning? So is there even a wedding or was that part of it too?" Twilight asked as she cast a brief glare at Queen Chrysalis, who was standing next to a tied up Black Widow.

"No...I didn't know for sure that she would come here, it was only a hunch. Then when Chrysalis showed up I knew this was our best chance to try and trap her. Marrow would never agree to help and only a changeling can completely take the form of another pony effectively enough to fool anyone. In answer to your other question, tonight I still plan on marrying Fluttershy, that hasn't changed."

Celestia glared at the changeling queen and whispered,

"Why would you even agree to this?"

Queen Chrysalis chuckled and smiled at Discord.

"Although we may be many things...changelings have some sense of honor. Discord has never shown my kind any ill will and so we have always been allies of sort. So it would be wrong to let one of my kind cause him, or someone he cares for any harm. He provides my kingdom with the money to rebuild...I have been trying desperately to get him to be my king...but alas he is a stubborn soul."

Discord rolled his eyes at this and she only chuckled again. She looked to Celestia and glared at the alicorn.

"Just because there is bad blood between the two of us...that is no excuse for others to be drawn into this. Black Widow had no right to do what she did to the Princess Fleur and King Blueblood, something will have to be done for their kingdom...King Discord...I also want to apologize for her foolishness in trying to harm your future queen. I hope that this does not hurt the treaty you and I share?"

He glared down at the younger changeling who was glaring at her mother.

"I'll let it go this time...but don't let something like this happen again Chrysalis. Or you will have an enemy far greater than Celestia."

Chrysalis took this news well and nodded at him .

"What ever you say Dissy…"

He growled under his breath,

"Don't call me that...I hate that nickname…"

"Only when I call you it...what if your pretty mare said it to you?" She whispered as she smiled at him and his blush was all the answer she needed. She then turned serious again and glared down at her daughter.

"What were you thinking you foolish girl? Angering the one ally we have, you could have cost our people everything! Discord is the only one with enough magic to restore our land to what it was! What were you thinking?"

Black Widow spat at her mother, making the others gasp.

"You are the reason it's in such turmoil in the first place! Then you have the audacity to disown me and give my throne to another!"

Discord looked at Chrysalis and raised an eyebrow at this. The queen noticed his look and sighed, she nodded at her guards who moved forward to retrieve Black Widow. The changeling was screaming curses at her mother the entire time she was carried out. Chrysalis moved to stand next to Discord and explained.

"I chose Mothball to succeed me...he is far kinder than me or my daughter. He is what the kingdom needs to truly bring it back. Once he is old enough I will hand over reign to him and watch as he brings our kind back to the glory we once were, before I foolishly destroyed us...Widow couldn't accept the fact that I had chosen her younger brother. She took it as a betrayal, I never disowned her officially. I just realized she was too much like me to ever make the changes that need to be made."

He looked at her surprised, he always believed she was too prideful to ever admit that her kingdom's turmoil was her own fault.

"That's very big of you Chrissy…" He whispered, using his own nickname for her and she smiled when she heard it. Then she nodded at him and started to leave.

"I know…"

He rolled his eyes, seems she would never truly change and for some reason that fact made him glad. She stopped as she reached the door and smiled back at him.

"Oh I never did congratulate you on your marriage. I know you may not feel the same, but I do consider us friends. She is a pretty thing...even for a normal pegasus...I'm still very jealous that I lost such a prize...but...but if I can't have you then...then I'm glad that you're at least marrying for love…" She looked at Celestia as she whispered,

"Not power…"

Fluttershy looked at her mother oddly, they were still standing in Discord's music room. They should have been heading to the ceremony already, but every time she tried to bring it up her mother would interrupt and ask another question about Discord.

"So he really plays as beautifully as your father did…"

"Mom…"

"Hmm I will have to be sure to…"

"Mom…"

"Ask him to play something for me before I…"

"MOM!" Fluttershy shouted and then blushed, turning her gaze away. Her mother looked at her and frowned.

"Mom...I know what you're doing. Why are you keeping me here instead of getting to the ceremony...do you...do you secretly not want me to marry him?" She whispered and tears started to fill her eyes.

"Oh honey...no...I'm sorry that I've kept you here, but...well…" Her mother moved closer and hugged her.

"Darling...it was at his request that I've kept you here...out of danger."

"Danger? What's going on?" Fluttershy asked, her heart quickened as panic set in. Her mother looked away guiltily and whispered,

"Discord told me about the creature that wanted to cause you harm. He believed she would strike tonight and has set up a trap to catch her...but he didn't want to chance you getting hurt so he hid it from you...I agreed to keep you out of the way until word came that…"

"That all is safe now my queen." Flash said as he came in smiling. Fluttershy and her mom turned to stare at the stallion. Fluttershy's eyes widened,

"Black Widow?"

"Captured and on her way back where she belongs. Don't worry your majesty...you're safe now."

Fluttershy sighed in relief, although she was upset that Discord had hidden his plans from her, she was happy that it was over.

"Now my lady...I believe you have a wedding to get to." Flash whispered and her heart began to pound in her chest as she smiled at the captain.

"Come on honey...it's not nice to keep the groom waiting...they tend to turn into nervous wrecks the longer they stand there." Her mother whispered in her ear and Fluttershy giggled as she left to head to her wedding.

Discord stood there waiting for her. He was standing with his hands clasped behind his back, mostly to keep them from shaking. He had sent Flash to retrieve her a short while ago. He had wanted to go himself, however he was fearful that she would be angry with him. He had kept his plans from her so she wouldn't be worrying about tonight.

Still he would find a way to make it up to her, later. His ears perked up when the music started, indicating that the bride was entering the room.

His heart began to race inside his chest as he waited, then his mouth almost fell to the ground. She was absolutely beautiful, the gown she wore sparkled as she walked down the aisle. Despite what she thought the gown wasn't from him, it was a secret gift from Queen Celestia, so he hadn't been allowed to see it until now.

His smile widened as she looked up and met his eyes. His heart nearly exploded again, as he read the love in her eyes. She was the most amazing creature on this planet and she would be all his, just as he was hers. As she reached him he held out his claws and she placed her hoof in it.

He gave it a tight squeeze and smiled at her, a warm smile that she returned. So many mares were already wiping their eyes at the sight of the handsome pair. Even though Discord looked as he did there was no mistaking that the two of them were very much in love. It radiated off of them and encased those in attendance.

"Let's begin…" Celestia whispered, she was performing the ceremony since a royal had to proceed over a union. She smiled at the pair and addressed the crowd.

"These two have come together under the oddest of circumstances. None could have guessed the love that would blossom between these two, however none can deny that it is the purest to be witnessed. We must remember that nothing can stand in the way of true love…" She smiled at her daughter briefly.

"That is something that is easy to forget, but we can't let ourselves do so. Love can conquer all obstacles in it's way and bring those that feel its touch together. Discord and Fluttershy are evidence that no matter the differences in ranking, looks, or even species...love will find a way and nothing can stand in its way...not even our own stubbornness…" She glanced at Discord who grinned and chuckled. He smiled at his lovely bride and she winked at him, making his smile widen. He gave her hooves a gentle squeeze and watched her as Celestia continued.

"Fluttershy...do you take this draconequus to be your lawfully wedded husband, through sickness and in health, for all the good and the bad times you will face together? From now and for all eternity?"

Discord had told Celestia to change the ending and she had agreed, even though she had given him an odd look. Fluttershy turned back to him and smiled,

"I do…" There were tears in her eyes and he reached up to wipe them away.

"Discord...do you take this mare to be your lawfully wedded wife…"

"I do!" He said cutting her off and his servants laughed at his eagerness, even Fluttershy giggled. Celestia rolled her eyes and used her magic to bring the rings to her.

"Well then...since someone seems ready to finish…" Again many laughed. She placed the chain over Fluttershy's head and slipped the matching ring onto Discord's paw.

"By the power vested in me...I now pronounce you, now and forever, husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Discord wrapped his arms around her and grinned,

"Like I need permission." He crushed her lips under his, dipping her back as the crowd cheered loudly for their king and new queen. He pulled away and was pleased to see her face was flushed, he grinned at her and nuzzled her behind her ear as the crowd continued to shout in joy.

Fluttershy was in Discord's arms as they spun around the dance floor. She smiled happily up at her husband. She couldn't believe it! She was actually married to him, it was official, they belonged to each other.

"I love you so much darling." He whispered as he held her against him. She smiled up at him and whispered back,

"I love you too...my dearest husband."

He brightened when she called him her husband and his eyes softened. As if he too couldn't believe that the day had finally come. After everything they had gone through, they had still ended up together in the end. Guess destiny knows what it's doing after all, she giggled at the thought and Discord looked at her strangely.

"Nothing...so Discord...why didn't you tell me about the trap? I could have helped."

"That's exactly why I didn't tell you. Darling, Black Widow is unstable, I couldn't chance her actually getting to you. Chrysalis knows enough to defend herself from Widow's magic...you...you wouldn't have stood a chance. I'm sorry I lied to you, but I did it to protect you."

She frowned for a moment and then smiled and rested her head against his chest. She could feel his heart pounding under her ear, which made her smile more. He sighed and placed his nose against her head, rubbing against her mane.

"That's why you asked me if I trusted you isn't it?" She whispered and he chuckled.

"Yes, I needed you to trust me. I won't let anything harm you darling...and now we can all live happily ever after." She giggled and then stopped and looked up at him oddly when he tripped. As if realizing something, he flinched and stopped dancing.

"Come on let's go see our friends." He whispered and left the dance floor with her on his arm. She looked up at him curiously and then shrugged and followed him. She smiled at her friends and flew to give all of them a hug. They all crowded together in a big group hug, most were tearing up again and it caused them to giggle.

She looked to her husband who was sharing a small hug with Flash. The two smiled at one another and nodded, some unspoken acknowledgement passing between them. Discord looked over and her and smiled, holding out his arm. Without hesitation she flew over and placed her hoof in the crook of him arm and leaned her head against him.

"A toast to the happy couple!" Cadence shouted as a tray with champagne glasses levitated over and each pony took one.

When Fluttershy reached for one Discord placed his claw over her hoof and stopped her.

"Oh I don't think Fluttershy would want that...she doesn't like to drink...isn't that right darling? How about some nice herbal tea instead?" He smiled down and her and she giggled.

"It's okay Discord...I don't mind a small drink every now and then." She reached out and took the glass again and didn't notice Discord flinch again. She raised her glass along with the others and closed her eyes, missing the flash that encased her drink before she could sip it.

She pulled away, a confused look on her face.

"Apple cider?" She asked and the others looked at her oddly.

"What was that sugar cube? Something wrong with your champagne?" Applejack asked and Fluttershy looked at her and tilted her head.

"Yeah...it's not…" She trailed off and looked up at Discord who had his gaze turned away.

"Discord...what's going on?" She whispered and he cleared his throat. He looked at her then at the others and a blush crept into his cheeks.

"Darling...let's talk about this later...when we're alone…" He whispered into her ear and she frowned further. Then she looked at the glass and thought about his reaction to her trying to drink alcohol. He had stopped her from reaching for it and changed the drink before she could taste it. As if he didn't want her to drink it at all, not just because she didn't like the taste usually…

Her eyes widened and she dropped her glass, but Discord used his magic to make it disappear before it could hit the floor. She turned to look at him and he grinned sheepishly at her.

"Now darling...try and stay calm…" He whispered and her breathing quickened as the truth set in. She glared at him and then grabbed his arm and dragged him away from the group. Honestly she was so much smaller than him that the thought that she could actually move him forcefully was laughable. However, he did willingly follow her until they were standing out on a balcony away from the party. She shut the doors behind her and then turned to face him.

He was leaning against the railing and smiling at her, his hands held up in defense.

"Now my dearest...let's take a calm breath and relax for one teeny-tiny second! I was planning on telling you...eventually…"

"How...how do even know that…" She trailed off and blushed again. He chuckled and moved towards her again. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, despite being upset, she leaned into the kiss. He groaned and buried his claws in her mane as he bent her back. His tongue ran along her lips and slowly gained entry into her mouth, her mind began to cloud with desire. Then she pushed him back realizing that was his intentions. She glared at him and he chuckled, he held up his fingers.

"That close...I'm sorry my love...but I didn't want to worry you. You were already so nervous about the wedding and the threat of Black Widow that I didn't want to put more on you. I should have told you what I was suspecting, but I didn't realize my hunch was correct until last night when you were lying beside me and I used magic to check for sure. That's part of the reason I changed our wedding to today."

"But...but how could you tell...tell that I...I…"

"That you're carrying my child? Remember darling, I am a very powerful being. I could sense the little one as soon as it was created...and I couldn't be happier. Now not only do I have a wonderful wife to shower with love, but also a little one. Please don't be too upset my love...I know this is a shock, but it's just one more way to prove how much we love each other...we've created a child Fluttershy...a part of both of us…" He whispered and tears filled his eyes as he pulled her against him again. He nuzzled the side of her neck and she shivered at the touch.

Then she thought fully about it and smiled again. A child, she was carrying Discord's child! She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face against his fur, crying happy tears.

"Oh Discord...this is wonderful news! I'm sorry if I seemed upset, I was just shocked! I love you so much...a baby…"

His arms tightened and he chuckled as he nuzzled her further, she felt his tongue run along her neck and she giggled.

"Discord...we should return to the party…"

"No...They'll be fine if we sneak away…" He growled and began to nibble on her neck. She shivered and laughed. He moved his snout up and began to nibble on her earlobe. She melted in his arms and moaned. He grinned and moved back to her lips, he captured them with his own and began to force a reaction from her. She moaned again as his arms tightened and his claws massaged the back of her head. His tongue twisted with her own and he groaned. He pulled back just enough to whisper against her lips,

"I'm taking my wife to my bed and to hell what they think...if any of those ponies have a problem with it they can tell me tomorrow." He returned to her lips before she could say anything and she sighed as he held her and lifted his fingers.

The balcony doors opened just in time for Flash and Twilight to see the two clinging to each other in desperation. Then they watched as Discord quickly snapped his fingers and the two disappeared. Flash looked at Twilight and smiled,

"Well, I guess that answers the question whether or not they're okay."

Epilogue

"I can't do this!" She shouted and held onto the bed post as Cadence and Rarity pulled on her back legs. However, no matter how hard they pulled nothing could budge the mare. Cadence sighed and released her grip, she glared at the mare, then smirked.

"Alright...I didn't want to do this to you but you've left me no choice."

Rarity looked at Cadence puzzled and then smiled as she realized what her sister was going to do.

"DISCORD!"

"NO!"

"You called ladies, how can...um…" He stopped as he looked at the mess the room was in. Then he grinned down at his wife. Fluttershy looked up at him with her big eyes, silently begging him to save her.

"Can you two give me a moment alone with my wife? I think she needs some encouragement." He whispered and the other two mares nodded, both looking relieved at having the stubborn mare off their hooves. Once they shut the door, Discord turned back to her and Fluttershy hung her head.

"I can't do this Discord...I just can't…" She felt tears fill her eyes, she hated to disappoint him so, but this was one thing she couldn't go through with. He moved closer to her and lifted her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face against his neck.

"Hush now my love...What's wrong? You can tell me." He whispered into her ear and his gentle voice instantly calmed her down. It was amazing how much he affected her with just a simple word. She sighed and keeping her face hidden, whispered,

"I can't go out there and face all those ponies alone! Discord...they're all going to be watching me! What if I trip, what if I faint, what if I-"

"What if the sky catches on fire and your muzzle falls off?" He interrupted her and the absurdness of his sentence made her giggle. She continued to laugh and he pulled her away from his shoulder to smile down at her.

"That's better. Fluttershy, you will be fine. It's just a simple ceremony with the servants and then all you have to do is go out onto the balcony and wave. It's just a formality to let the kingdom know you're here. We'll have to do the same thing when little one is born…" His eyes softened as he gently laid his paw over her stomach, she rested her own hoof over his paw and smiled.

It still felt like a dream, being married to him and starting a family, she was so afraid that at some point she would wake up. What she didn't know was that Discord felt the exact same way.

"Now darling...please calm down and I'll take you to the ceremony."

She started to panic again and struggled out of his hold. He sighed as she dove under the bed. She covered her eyes and whimpered to herself, when she heard the bed creak, she knew he had sat on the edge.

"I can't have all those eyes looking at me...Discord please!" She pleaded with him and heard him groan. She could just imagine him running his paw over his face in frustration and the image made her giggle.

"Now what are you laughing at under there?" He grumbled and his voice only made her laugh harder. She didn't know what was wrong with her, but for some reason she couldn't stop laughing. She heard him snap and squeaked as she felt his arms around her again. She opened her eyes and looked up into his grinning face, she frowned.

"That's cheating…" She whispered and he chuckled. He nuzzled her neck and gave it a gentle nip, she shivered at the touch.

"So is acting absolutely adorable when I'm trying to be firm with you...darling everything will be fine. You can do this, I know you can, and you know why?" He whispered against her fur. She sighed and looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

"But that's just it Discord…" She pulled out of his grip and flew to her window. She sat down on the seat and stared outside, she could see ponies walking towards the castle. She could feel his eyes on her as she continued to look out the window.

"That's the problem...we won't be doing this together...I'll have to face all those ponies on my own because you won't be beside me." She whispered and waited. He didn't respond so she turned to look at him, he was still sitting on the edge of her bed. His head was down, as were his ears and his arms were crossed over his chest.

"Darling...you...you know why I can't…"

"I know...but that doesn't make it any easier on me Discord. I know that you can't face them...it's just...it's going to be hard facing one of my biggest fears...alone…" She began to softly cry and hated showing this weakness in front of him. After everything she had faced with Black Widow and Marrow, you would think this would be a piece of cake. Not for her though, she was so shy and timid that the idea of all those unknown ponies looking at her was more frightening than a changeling horde.

She felt his hands on her shoulders and she turned to lean her head against his chest. He held her against him, not saying anything, just being there to offer her his strength. She sniffled and pulled away, wiping her tears and hiding behind her mane.

"I'm sorry...I know I shouldn't be acting this way…"

"Nonsense, you're the queen. You can act however you want and no pony here would say anything about it...just look at me!"

She looked up again and couldn't help the giggle that escaped as she watched Discord juggle on the ceiling. He smiled and floated back down to her, he brushed her mane out of her eyes and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

"There now...I'm the one who needs to be sorry anyways. I know that I should be by your side through this...and I will be...just...just not where any pony can see me."

She looked up surprised by this, her eyes widening and seeing her shock made Discord laugh. He cupped her face and wiped away the rest of her tears,

"Oh my love, did you think I would leave you completely alone during this? No I will be off to the side watching you from my shadows...but I will be there for you my dearest."

She smiled, feeling better knowing that he would still be close enough that if she needed him, she could count on him. She hugged him again and whispered,

"Okay...I love you Discord...I'll do this...for you."

He sighed and hugged her tight again and rubbed his snout against her mane. He whispered back,

"I love you too darling Fluttershy...I don't know what I would do without you…you bring light into my life." He pulled back and kissed her. She sighed and he groaned in response, deepening the kiss. She giggled and tried to push him away, however he was very persistent. When his hands began to run along her body she knew where this was heading.

"Discord...honey...I just agreed to go and now...you're the one keeping me from going!" She laughed as his tongue ran along the side of her neck. He growled lightly at her and whispered,

"Well I can't help it if my wife is too irresistible! They've waited this long for a queen, they can wait a few more minutes."

The crowd cheered as the small crown was placed upon her head by Discord. She smiled up at him and he smiled down at her lovingly as he took her hoof in his claws, helping her rise. It felt strange to have the weight sitting on her head, even though the crown was small and delicate it was still odd to have it sitting in her hair. The crown was silver with different gems adorning the sides. She had to admit, it was beautiful, very elegant and yet simple. She smiled as she thought that Discord must have designed it for her.

Discord spoke, bringing her out of her observations and reminding her of what was coming next.

"Everypony, may I present to you, Queen Fluttershy of Draconia!" He bowed to her and all in attendance shouted,

"All hail Queen Fluttershy!" As they too bowed. Fluttershy felt her cheeks burning from all the attention. Especially since her friends and the other queens were also bowing to her. She gulped and gave all of them a weak smile, then she jumped when she felt his paw on her shoulder.

"Come love, it's time…" He whispered in her ear and she began to shiver as she looked to the balcony doors being pulled open. She moved closer to them, the whole time her legs were wobbling, threatening to give out on her.

"Relax darling...it'll be over before you know it. I love you...you can do this." He whispered into her ear and his voice did something towards her nerves. She took a deep breath and looked up into his deep red eyes, seeing the love shining in them made her heart swell. She nodded and decided she could do this...for him. She waited until Flash announced to all the ponies below the castle,

"Citizens of Draconia! It is my great honor to present to you, our queen, Queen Fluttershy of Draconia!"

She held her head high and walked out into the sunlight, hearing the cheering below and thought to herself.

I can do this...I have to...for him...no more shadows…

Discord felt his heart swell with pride as he watched her, she was so beautiful. He stood to the side, hidden in his shadows as he watched her, his brave wife. She was standing at the edge, looking down over their kingdom and waving at all the ponies below. He chanced a peek below and watched as the crowd took in the beauty of their new queen. He could see many stallions turn to stone at the sight of her and couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him, he had felt close to the same that night in his music room.

His eyes moved to Flash next, who was smiling at Fluttershy as well. Discord felt a small pain in his heart knowing that soon his friend would be leaving him. Princess Twilight had been given the kingdom that Blueblood used to rule and Flash would be going with her to be by her side. The two would do wonders for the dying kingdom, still, he would miss the stallion.

Of course, he wouldn't be too lonely, he smiled as his gaze returned to his darling wife. She seemed to be doing better in the spotlight than she thought she would. She was smiling brightly at all the ponies below and waving much more enthusiastically than before. He leaned his arm against the stone wall and rested his head against it as he smiled at her.

The citizens were already falling in love with her, he could feel it radiating through the air. In turn Fluttershy seemed to be softening towards her new role, he felt that they would be fine...too bad neither needed him. He turned away suddenly as the thought brought him unwanted pain.

Today was not a day to be thinking like this, he turned back to her. Today was for her, to show her that this was where she belonged, that he hadn't made a mistake in choosing her. She would make a wonderful queen, their subjects would love her for all eternity, just as he would.

She turned her head and met his eyes, although he was hidden in the shadows, he knew she could still see him. She smiled at him and he returned her smile, then she surprised him by flying to him. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a gentle kiss.

"There, that wasn't so bad now was it?" He whispered into her ear and she giggled, but didn't answer him. She pulled out of his hold and had a strange look in her eyes. He raised an eyebrow, wondering what she was planning. She reached out her hooves and took his claws in them. She lifted them up and placed a gentle kiss on them and smiled up at him. He felt a blush warm his cheeks, amazing that even now she could make him blush. He heard giggling behind him and turned his gaze to see his servants watching the pair. He growled lightly, but she turned his face back to her and whispered,

"Do you trust me?"

"What?" He asked even more confused than before. She smiled and kissed him gently, his body relaxed at the touch of her lips. She pulled back and repeated herself,

"Do you trust me?"

He swallowed and narrowed his eyes at her,

"Yes...of course I do...but why…"

She shook her head, cutting him off and began to tug on his claws as she slowly flew backwards. It took him a minute until his eyes flicked past her and he realized what she was doing. He dug his claws/hoof into the ground and halted them, he looked down at her in horror.

"Honey I can't...I told you I can't let them see me."

"Discord...you said you trusted me right?" She looked up at him and he groaned.

"Yes, but Fluttershy...this is something that you can't fix...this is just the way it has to be."

"No it doesn't...Discord, you've kept yourself hidden for so long because you believed you were a monster. You are not a monster and I need to show you why…" She pulled on his claws again and even though fear was gripping his heart in its hot talons he felt his legs slowly following her.

Around him, his servants were holding their breaths, hoping that this time their king would come into the light. None looked more hopeful than Flash who was still out on the balcony, his eyes widening as he realized what Fluttershy was doing. He turned to the crowd which was starting to leave, he shouted again.

"Citizens of Draconia! May I present to you the king and queen of Draconia!" Hearing that their king was going to make an appearance sent a wave of excitement and apprehension through the crowd.

Discord stopped again, just on the edge of the shadows, one more step and all would be able to look upon him. He shut his eyes tight and ground his teeth, he could already hear the screams of fear ringing through his head. He couldn't do this, not again, he could never face that kind of rejection again. He started to pull back away from the light, but the grip on his claws held firm.

He opened his eyes and met her teal ones. She was looking at him with so much faith and love that it made his heart melt. He hung his head and whispered,

"Fluttershy...I can't…"

"Yes you can, I know you can...and you know why?" She whispered and moved closer to him, he groaned and looked back up at her. She smiled softly at him and reached out with one of her hooves to caress his cheek. She leaned forward and kissed him quickly before pulling away again. She smiled at him and let go of his claws, she flew backwards until she was against the railing again. She looked down over the crowd then back to him.

"Because we'll do it together." She whispered and held out her hoof to him. He looked into her eyes and something inside them pulled at him. He took a deep breath and took the step to move into the light. His sharp hearing picked up the mumbles in the crowd below, they were growing anxious to see their 'shadow king'.

Soon they'll be wishing they never laid eyes on me...

He took another deep breath and when he would have turned and run he looked into her beautiful eyes, shining with all the love in her heart and it pushed him further. He moved next to her and placed her hoof in the crook of his arm, then let out a shaky breath. He shut his eyes and waited, waited for the shouts and the screams that were sure to follow once the shock wore off.

He opened his eyes slowly and looked down at the ponies that for years he had taken care of. In a strange way, they had become like a family to him...and now...he would lose them to fear...fear of the monster he was. They all stared at him in shock, then slowly a noise filled the air. One that made his ears buzz and he was sure he was imagining it, until it grew louder.

"They're...they're applauding…" He whispered, awe in his voice. Soon the whole crowd was applauding and cheering at their rulers. Flash spoke up behind them and shouted,

"All hail King Discord! All hail Queen Fluttershy! Long live the king, long live the queen!"

The crowd repeated what he said and shouted in joy. Discord looked down at all the ponies in shock and awe. None of them were running in fear, not one of them was shouting in anger. They all looked...happy to finally meet the king that had hidden from them for so long.

"See...no monster could inspire this kind of loyalty and love...Discord...you never were a monster...not to them and not to me." She whispered and he looked down at the amazing mare on his arm. He felt tears fill his eyes as he turned to face her fully. He caressed her cheek with his paw and smiled down at her.

"Oh my love, what did I do to deserve an amazing mare like you? I love you with all my heart Fluttershy. You've changed my life so much since you came here. I don't know how you did it...you truly have changed everything. You've succeeded in doing what no one else has...you've brought light back into my life, and chased away the shadows for good. Fluttershy...how could you have ever thought you were a nobody? You are a goddess that deserves to be worshipped by all my love." He pulled her to him and kissed her deeply, in full view of the crowd below. Which only made the citizens cheer louder, as well as his servants, who were standing behind them. Discord pulled away from the kiss, but kept her in his arms as he turned to look over his kingdom. The ponies below were still chanting,

"All hail King Discord, all hail Queen Fluttershy!"

Everything was going to change and it was all for the better.

All because I finally found the one...the one to see past it all to the heart that lies beneath. She saw what even I couldn't, she managed to change how I see everything, even myself.

"I love you Fluttershy."

"I love you Discord."

THE END…

Author's Note

Well this is the end of this lovely tale. I hope that everyone enjoyed it and continues to show this happy couple lots of support! For truly there isn't another couple that shows so much potential as a sign of true love conquering all obstacles... thanks to all that took the time to read this story. Goodbye until next time!