Locked.
Gentle silence.
Eyes misty with tears shed.
He held her softly. A silent kiss upon her tear-streaked face. On a bed made of the finest silk and feather.
It was night, the thin veils that cover the windows hardly held the baleful gaze of the moon at bay.
Breathing with halted, soft gasps.
"Shh...I'm here.."
Yet comfort seemed close. Pain and joy fought for her heart.
"How could they? How could she?"
Pain won, for now.
"I...I wish I could give you an answer but.."
Pillow stained with wet, pained replays of fresh wounds. But the tears are relentless.
"What did Ah ever do to them folk? Or her?"
His ears folded against his skull. Her murmur was veiled in distraught confusion.
It hurt.
"Please dear, it's alright now...I...I'll protect you."
He held her closer, she buried her face against his neck.
"Gosh darn it Blueblood...I'm trying to cry here."
Joy seems to have pulled through.
"Applejack..."
"Ah'm just...This Gala was gon' be the best ah would have with you hon.."
Sadness was seeping away. He could feel it.
He feared what was replacing it.
"But instead, Ah have myself an star-forsaken clan war brewin'! And ah'm locked in a room the next day!"
She bristled in his hooves. He closed his eyes.
She needed this.
"An' All because Ah happen t' like them oranges from the big city?"
"It is an rather weak argument to...Ah....divide the house.."
Her eyes connect with his.
"Blueblood. They took our farm. That ain't no dividin' no more, It's a direct attack on the main branch!"
She shook her head as she slowly sat up. Stetson laying in her front hooves.
"And what about you, Bluey?"
he blinked.
"Me?"
"Yeah. With all that Celestia has been going through last night.."
He sighed deeply. And turned onto his back.
"Unless she wants an riot amongst the elite, she should take a step back from the throne."
Her eyes widened. An soft gasped escaped her.
"Are you sayin' that if she wants no trouble she's gotta..?"
"No, not entirely."
He was not sure whom the sigh of relief belonged to.
"But she is still compromised in the eyes of the great houses." He scoffed. "At least these still are blindly loyal to her. But for all their power and age, they still need an figurehead as Aunty is forced to repent. So to say."
She shook her head slowly. Eyes cast down.
"'T'aint fair Blueblood. Th' Princess got feelings too. Heck, She's been at the top for at least a thousand years, and this is gonna be the one thing that stops her?"
He rubbed his muzzle.
"Yes. It is. The head of state, Especially immortal, must be pure in both heart and lap."
She snorted, sadness forgotten.
"Some folk really need to get with th' times, It ain't no sin to love another mare anymore."
He chuckled softly. An hollow kind of mirth.
"That may be, but aunty is not above the ancient laws that bind equestria together."
She settled back down against him, laying on the satin covered bed.
"But..What about...her?"
This time she was surprised by his pained sigh.
"If she's lucky, they simply maim her."
His eyes, laced softly with tears.
"In the case of rotten luck..."
She understood.
She held him softly, nuzzling against his chest.
He attempts to ward off his own tears.
"Applejack..."
"Blueblood..."
Their lips connect, albeit briefly.
Cheeks ablaze for far longer.
"Sugarcube...Ah wish we had shared that on better times.."
Their foreheads touch. Prince and Commoner. Enjoying their moment together.
"My pomme chérie, A wise mare once told me, that love should be enjoyed." he smiled at her dispite his own tears. "..And not for time.."
He needed this.
"She won't be lucky?"
She bit her lip. he shook his head slowly. And took a deep breath.
"But what about your family?"
Air filled her lungs aswell. Eyes closed.
"Twi has room in her castle. Housing ain't no problem. It's just.."
His gaze softened. Both now felt sadness slowly seeping away with their words.
They needed this.
"As you would say..'Taint fair'..."
"Yeah..."
They both enjoyed an warm embrace, tangled together, his soft kisses to her forehead seemed to soothe her more than any heart-to-heart would.
She chuckled.
"Would'ya look at us? rainbow would probably never let me life mah 'Moment of Mush' down fer the comin' five years."
He snorted, mirthfully.
"Ha, she would yes..I do believe that Princess Twilight would perish in the event 'us' becomes 'Here we are' into 'Care to do the honors, Princess?'."
She snickered.
"Oh sugarcube, She'd first bury us under books on law n' courtship. While tryin' to study our 'Advanced Friendship' in progress." She depicted with her hooves. "That gal puts death on hold fer th' 'Science of friendship'."
Blueblood hummed in agreement, stroking her back softly.
His demeanor shifted. Fear.
"Applejack...D-do you feel that?"
"Sugarcube..?"
The door to Blueblood's bedchambers unlocked loudly. Before being roughly send ajar.
In the blinding light of the marble hallway. A figure stood regal and imposing.
"Prince Blueblood. Madam Applejack."
Both Applejack and Blueblood were long since separated, standing in-front of the bed. The normally husk, tone had shifted. Bringing an unearthly chill to her voice.
"It would perhaps please you to hear that you may leave now."
Long since, had the archaic lessened.
"And perhaps, think about what I have offered you both." She confidently strode into the room. "For unlike my sister, You will find me much less...Forgiving."
"Princess Luna..."
Her stern look fell upon the orange earth-pony.
"..Why?"
"Why? Why?! My sister loved a mare. And my foolish nephew-" He wilted slightly under Luna's glare. "-loves a peasant!"
Her voice thunders throughout the room. Mane crackling with power.
"And now, Equestria will suffer through the actions of the first two!" she struck her hoof down. "I will not see the two of you contribute to that!"
"Aunty Luna, We're keeping our rela-"
"And so hoped Celestia! Now look what has happened.." Her voice dropped to more sedated tones. "..She steps back, and into wings of her dear sister."
She sauntered around Blueblood and Applejack.
"And..Oh! The throne is unattended, she lamented." Luna threw a hoof up in an dramatic flourish. "Why dear Celestia, I said. You have your nephew lazing around her castle, with his little muse~"
Blueblood felt his blood run ice cold. A feeling of dread settled within.
"Oh, she was positively livid! That he held the heart of an element...did lessen her wrath. As do most anesthetics, when employed at the right moment."
Applejack gasped at the prospect. Something that caused Luna to chuckle.
"Mmm, She will not remember anything my dear lovers. Thus your secret is safe...as long as you two do agree to certain..ah..Terms we had discussed prior your..."
She thought for a moment.
"...Little lockdown."
This time Applejack recovered.
"Ah can't believe you stooped to this level Luna! What did we ever do to you?"
The Alicorn smiled wryly. "Why madam Applejack. It is very simple.." She produced an scroll, and pushed it against Blueblood. "..All those years ago, you asked for my silence. And I kept it."
Blueblood read the scroll carefully. As Applejack trained her glare on Luna.
"A-and? We kept low n' secret like about our whole affair! What gives you any reason for all 'a this?"
"Why, Nopony knows about your relation as of yet. T'would be very unfortunate if somepony were to talk, would it not?" She shot Applejack an predatory grin. " And thus the two of you will work for me. If you wish to keep your reputation, and her neck, intact. That is."
The mare in question fell silent, eyes wide. Staring down.
"Oh Applejack.." a hoof at her chin pushed her tearful eyes to those stern orbs of Luna. "..I simply act in the interest of whole Equestria. And that of my Sister's happiness." Her glare softened. "Perhaps a bit extreme to employ blackmail for those goals...But being a good pawn...Could find your Clan related problems, easier resolved.."
Anger and shame ebbed away from Applejack at that. if slightly so. Perhaps it was a bit extreme...but...
"Aunty Luna....What is this?"
Blueblood had managed to look even paler as he lifted his eyes from the scroll.
"Ah, yes. That."
The midnight Alicorn turned around, a more genuine smile on her face.
"Congratulations, You're the first Blueblood to succeed Princess Celestia."
She actually hugged the two for a short moment as the stunned silence settled in.
"Now, I must take my leave my dear little ponies. And so should you." He stood at the entrance of Blueblood's chambers. Turning her head to view the two ponies in question one last time. "Return to your respective lives. Your assignment starts tomorrow."
Her gaze adapted to an more friendly demeanor.
"I know the two of you will make me proud."
Applejack and Blueblood stood beside one another silently. Staring back at Luna as she continued into the hallway.
"I am not my sister." Her horn lit up. and she turned to face the two once more. "Please, it would behoove you to remember that."
Ancient Alicorn magic discharged. And the Princess of Shadows was gone.
Leaving two, troubled ponies behind.
Author's Note
Speak of a long time coming!
Fillies and gentlecolts, The sequel to Balcony Love. And this time, it's gonna be a ride.
And as always, enjoy! perhaps comment!
P.S. I am looking for an editor and/or a few able minded ponies fer brainstorming.
Cold.
Continuation of reality.
For the Alicorn, teleporting into the dungeons was merely a show of force.
"Luna."
"Cadence."
A brief nuzzle between related.
"How are thy holding, dear niece?"
The one in question sighed deeply.
"I've contacted Shiny a few hours ago. Things in the Empire are picking up."
"Good or bad?"
The pink alicorn shot her an uncertain smile.
"I...don't know. Primarily, Imperial nobles are taking an keen interest in being 'better' then their royal counter-parts."
She chuckled weakly. Luna raised an eyebrow. Useful information, for later perhaps.
"But, I guess it's alright for the most part...But are you sure about the...Arrangement? It seems a bit...Uhm...Convoluted. And I don't see how this wou-"
"Of course all will be clear in the end. As long as Lord Sandshifter honors his end of the bargain..."
She shuffled on her hooves, then trotted briskly over to conviently placed map. In an converted cell they had occupied in the far reaches of this deserted dungeon.
"...His industrialization could proof a boon to crown and country! I have his latest report somewhere over.." She quickly filtered through a stack of various forms. "Forsooth! Were be this blaste-Aha! Success! Here it is!"
Princess Cadence frowned at the document. "But this...Luna!" She quickly glanced at Luna, whom held her even stare. "Y-you can't be serious, right?"
"Oh dear Cadenza, I am! Our nation has prospered and grown immensely yes, However innovation and industrialization have been nearly untouched!" She stomped a hoof. "All that has advanced are the wood of which the noble coffers are made of and magic theorem!"
The Imperial Princess shied away from her other's outburst.
"I...Guess you are right, Aunt Luna, but still. We have known peace for so long....Is this entire, wild conspiracy all for this?" The pink alicorn frowned. "I know I..... used my abilities to confirm your sister's crush, And I know it was not...what we expected but...Industrialization and progress...Is that what all this rampant change of rule is about?"
Luna sighed deeply. She must keep Mi Amore on her side. She's young, she's naive...And she knows ponies of power. Celestia must have put her in an political position earlier than Luna dared to admit. Clever.
But unfortunately indoctrinated to include Celestia's ideals.
"No."
"Then why are we even doing this? And don't tell me that this is 'for the good of Equestria'! Please Luna! What warrants such drastic actions against our own family?"
"Sister dearest believed in the good of ponies. She believed in the good of her vision, and the respect of her rule." Luna turned to Cadence, her mane billowing slightly. "But immortals in power...dislike change. It brings too much to learn with it. Ideas without any other purpose but for those of mortal qualms." He narrowed her eyes. "And yet, even as the violent past fades away into more peaceful...Harmonious times...Some feel that their limited life...Should be spend better, more exciting ways. It undermines our authority, so to say."
Luna chuckled darkly.
"Celestia's idea of government...As ideals..Stem from the fallout of the banishment. The mortals after my banishment refused to see an Alicorn in power that could suffer...my episode...Thus, they crubbed her power. Little by little, they reduced her to an mere figurehead in 600 years. "
Luna started to pace around the small room.
"And she watched as the Equestria she knew slowly tore itself in two: One part into an mortal-ran empire known as 'Iron Heart'...Ran by an oligarchy. The other part...Harmonists, loyal to the 'Divine' Alicorns and tired of the nobility and their ways..She could only watch. As they eventually spiralled into war and battle. Her words fell on deaf ears. And the mortals decided to exile her proper, via ship."
And a grin marred her features.
"But she returned soon after, and took Fort Manehatten with the help of pirates. From there she would crush both empire and unite the Harmonist. She declared herself Empress-princess Lady sol of Equestria and took complete control over her newly formed nation."
She circled Cadence as she continued.
"Power, which she carefully re-instated across the 'Seven Houses' and commoner cities and perfectures alike. And peace returned to Equestria for the coming 300 years."
Cadence closed her eyes
"She was their perfect goddess..and they her loyal mortals."
"..And now, now she shows that all that she is...Is a big mare with both wings and a horn. Failable."
Cadence gulped, as she stared up at Luna.
"She told you this, didn't she?"
Luna nodded. "She did, mostly."
Cadence sighed and rubbed her temples.
"With Her abdicating, and Blueblood ascending the throne..." Luna sighed softly. "...We fear that sister forgot that mortal minds...hardly forget injustice."
"Your point being?" Cadence calm demeanor was giving way to irritation. "They are mortals Luna! What do they know, but what is best for their own ends and meager gains?" She snorted and raised her head high. "We should be as Alicorns are born for: to support the ideals of peace and prosperity, not the qualms of pett-"
"The Griffon Consulates recently build airships without balloons. Byzebratine scientists are on the verge of harnessing elements that we have never heard about, in order to replace an dwindling number of magic devices in their new model vessels. The Changeling Empire is the first to apply modern weapons amongst entire brigades."
She stepped closer to Cadence. Towering over the glaring Alicorn.
"And with all this knocking on our doors, what would an modern Iron Heart Empire look like...Dear Cadenza?"
Both Alicorns were but an inch apart.
"And where would it stop?"
Cadence shook her head slowly. And gulped.
"Then let us take steps to make sure it will not re-emerge." Luna made about face and strode over to the map.
She was incarcerated.
Ironic, seeing as where she was held.
She sighed.
How could this have gone so terribly wrong? A few hours ago, she was enjoying a Gala which should have ended, tangled in her hooves. Instead, she was exposed. And her significant other, parted from her crown on demands of her own people.
Of course, she could expect the same treatment back at her home. Unless home comes, armed and ferocious, around first. Or even better, home would conviently forget about her, dividing up whatever she had once owned. A stupid tear made its way down her cheek, but the magic suppressor on her horn did not even allow her the dignity to vaporize it.
These crystal caverns are so cold...Dusty and silent. Are these truly the dungeons? Or are they new additions for the latest regime that had taken place? No. Far too early to make such drastic changes, converting natural formations takes months, even years. If she even knew where she was in this cold, cursed cell. And this dress was not making things anything easier. Even if it was a lushious black gown for the Gala occasion, she was more happy what it was hiding underneath. Oh, if only she could have suprised-
"Chrysalis?"
The voice was faint. But her hopes heightened once she heard it. It's owner was distinctive to her. Dear, even.
She scrambled for the bars of iron, To meet her eyes once more.
"Celestia! Thank the stars.." Chrysalis sighed softly. "...I was worried about you."
Her counterpart smirked.
"Worried about me? That's a new one." her mirth made place for an more grim expression. "But I am concerned too, no doubt."
"About the mess this Gala was, no?" She flicked one of her bangs with an idle hoof.
Celestia nodded in agreement to the Queen of Changelings. Eyes meeting with a little smile of hers.
"...And I'm not alone in being scruntized over?" Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. "What happened after I was detained?"
This time, the Princess sighed. Long and suffering.
"It's...A long story." Her eyes closed. "And it boils down to my nobility starting a little riot about my..choice of lover...Mostly" She slumps against the bars. Leaning against them as she feels Chrysalis's hoof trailing carefully along her jawline.
"..So you stepped down to calm them..ah..down?"
A sad nod.
"I should have limited their influence by adding the lower classes as an easy buffer, I know, but having an more self-sufficient ruling body based on crown regulations gives me the better position to keep them in check..." She chuckled darkly. "..Looks like I have been outmanouvered. Once again."
"I doubt you wish to spend the time I have left with politics. And what ifs." Celestia gazed into Chrysalis's eyes. A fanged smirk plastered on her face. "I think I'm pretty much done with that for a long time."
Celestia matched her smirk with a wink. "And what would my bugbutt prefer to pass the time with, then?"
At which Chrysalis hummed softly, hoof planted against her chin in thought. "Oh, Perhaps a bit of pampering? I'd want to look good before the verdict falls on my neck." She flicked her tail.
Celestia laughed softly, carelessly and mirthfully. She motioned Chrysalis to move closer, a faint blush on her features.
Perhaps she could still suprise her dear princess, afterall.
The Antechamber of reflection is the only chamber that connects to the fourth courtroom. House Varietee's personal territory within the palace, offering a view of Canterlot City. The chamber it self was another perstine white addition to the palace, it was sparesly decorated with any other colour but white, purple and gold. An maghony floor, complete with marble walls and granite pillars posted on both sides at both doors.
All in all, it reflected a more spartan approach. A silent room offering only a set of hoof-crafted velvet chairs and a simple table in the middle of it. Seemly carved from the floor itself.
"Lord Sandshifter?" Upon hearing his name, The earth-pony stallion simply looked up at the attendant entering the room. His brown eyes following the servant as she strode in.
"Lord Many will see you as requested." He bowed slightly, and turned to the door, opening it wide to allow an middle-aged stallion to trot in. After that, she left the two alone.
The blue stallion strode confidently towards the vacant chair. His grey tail swishing ever so slighty, and his mane betrayed a faint darker highlight from his younger days. No Doubt.
"No courtroom session today, my lord?" The tan-ish stallion questioned, his dark-blonde mane and tail bobbed slightly as he bowed to his superiour. After recieving an quick nod, both stallions seated themselves.
"I assume you know why I have summoned you, Sandshifter?" Many's piercing, hazel gaze fell upon the other' s rather odd sense of noble fashion: A messy, windswept-backwards mane held in place with mane-gel. No doubt. Along with his black-and-purple embroided long-coat. Conviently covering his cutie-mark.
"I assume you are talking about my assignment, my lord?"
"Yes. Your progress...Baron Double."
The tan stallion narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.
"She believed me, confirming my assumptions that she has only begun establishing her connections after her banishment. And most remain wary of her.." The earth-pony reclined casually and sighed, his superiour scowling lightly. "Forgive me, my lord...I just simply do not see how an relationship between two mares causes such an political upheaval? I mean, sure this is unusual but to-"
"More then three hundered years ago. A group of nobles formed the most powerful empire on equus, without Alicorns that would destroy for petty ends!" The aged stallion rose to his hooves. And trotted over to the door. "And in response she destroyed them for what they had created!"
The doors swung open, as Lord Many turned back.
"My ancestors swore revenge. And a new era for those have earned their life."
He was joined by his own guards as he turned back. "Return to your duties, ensure that we gain the factories we need."
And with that, the old stallion left Double alone in the room.
He took a sip from an conviently placed bottle of rum. And smirked.
"Sure thing."
Author's Note
Fillies and gentlecolts!
I am still looking for either editors or Proofies!
Feel free to leave a comment on it.