Wearing the Pants

The average day for Shining Armor and Princess Cadance goes something like this:

The two awake at sunrise. Coming from a military background, Shining Armor is used to this, and Cadance has adjusted out of necessity. For a few minutes, they cuddle, kiss each other awake, and share their affections.

It's only for a few minutes. Then their day has to begin.

One would think that Cadance, being a princess, mare, and all-around more public figure, had more work to do in the morning to prepare for her day. After all, she did have to bathe, comb her mane, style it, apply makeup, get dressed, and warm up her voice for all the speaking she would do that day. But Shining Armor's image was just as important as hers was, and even if he didn't have to fuss with dresses or his mane as much as she did, he still had to brush, scrub, and dress meticulously. If he were to look tired during a meeting, it would reflect poorly on Cadance. A hoofmaiden once suggested he even wear a little makeup.

While the couple was a very busy one on their own terms, it was no argument that Cadance's job was more important. Shining Armor, as Prince of the Crystal Empire, was more of an extension of Cadance, appearing to some of the less-important things that she didn't have time for. Really, Shining Armor was how she was able to be in two places at once. Sure, he had some more masculine duties, like overseeing the guards and sports teams, but most of his time was spent overseeing plans, approving budgets, and holding audiences when Cadance couldn't, all with her instructions in mind.

There is very little time for them to eat together. Shining Armor eats breakfast quickly, but Cadance refuses, minding her figure. Lunch is similarly eaten in a hasty manner, often while doing something else. Dinner, however, is different. The two have been adamant since coming to the Crystal Empire that work will not interfere with their marriage, and sharing at least one meal together during a day was one way they guaranteed a chance to talk and unwind.

After dinner is when things slow down. Shining Armor and Cadance go for walks together, attend plays or parties, or sometimes just stay in their royal suite and have a night in by the fire, reading books or otherwise merely enjoying each other's company.

Shining Armor is a dedicated and attentive enough husband to help Cadance relax and regain some energy before bed, and Cadance is a loving and understanding enough wife to make some extra effort for her husband. The couple usually has sex before bed. Not every night, but as a young, married couple deeply in love, they find themselves in the heat of passion most nights.

Cadance likes this routine. Shining Armor's contribution to their workday allows them both enough time in the evenings to focus on each other. Cadance knows that being a princess is important, but she wouldn't have accepted Shining Armor's proposal if she didn't understand the commitment a marriage would entail. Even when being a princess is stressful, she feels confident in her abilities to lead and improve the lives of her people, and her marriage helps her escape from the challenges and criticism. Shining Armor frees Cadance from her burdens.

Shining Armor feels trapped by the routine. While he is too kind to admit it to his wife, he wishes he had more of a say in how the country is run. So much of his time is spent appearing in Cadance's stead that he feels more like an assistant than a prince. Possibly the worst part, though, is the image. Cadance is the face of the Crystal Empire, and he senses that the public sees him as more of an accessory to her than a partner. Whenever ponies outside the palace ask them questions, they ask Cadance about being a ruler and her plans for the country and her opinions on current issues. Without fail, they ask Shining what it's like to be married to the most beautiful mare in the Empire, and what it's like to manage the Equestria Games teams. No pony seems interested in his feelings on politics, and there are some issues on which he even disagrees with Cadance! But these opinions are not heard. The only thing the Empire knows about him is that he loves Cadance, and he's proud of the athletes and guards.

All of this adds up to the sinking feeling that Shining Armor is not as important as Cadance. Not even in the eyes of their people, but in their marriage. After months of living through this routine, hearing his wife confirm that he'll say such-and-such in her stead, or hearing ponies say that he is handsome rather than capable, Shining Armor is certain of one thing:

Cadance wears the pants in this relationship. And he wishes she didn't.