The Beauty And The Beast - All Magic Comes With A Price

  Star Swirl paced in a hall just outside the throne room, muttering to himself and looking most distressed. He had just received news that the Ogres were attacking the northern villages, near the great fields, and his daughter had disappeared just recently after saying she was going on a walk but no one had seen her since, and dread was starting to fill Star Swirl at the possibility that she walked to town when the ogres attacked. After word that the Ogres left, he sent Rarity and a few others to look for her, not telling them of the dangers yet, as to not cause panic.

  The guest would be arriving in the carriages soon, and he prayed that they would be safe on they're trip here. He would hate it if anyone got hurt when trying to come to his daughters ball. He had to make sure those savage beasts didn't attack today. He wouldn't have ogres storming through the place on a day as special as this day, Fluttershy's birth-day and expected proposal to the Prince Sombra.

  Thinking of which, Sombra had just arrived minutes ago, saying he wanted to be here early to prepare. Star Swirl had grown fond of Sombra with the time he has spent with him, although he didn't know him long, he could tell from what he saw that he was definitely good for the kingdom, and good for his daughter. He new that Sombra could make his little filly happy, and that's all he wanted in life, was that she was happy and the kingdom was taken care of.

  He was an old stallion now, and there was no doubt he would have to retire soon and give up the crown to Sombra. It was time he started preparing for it. He loved being King, ever since he was young he was wise and his subjects loved him, for he took care of them and loved them as if they were his own children. But he new every pony had their time. He only hoped that Sombra was the right choice...

  Star Swirl was brought out of his thoughts as he heard a soft knock on the throne rooms doors.

  "Enter..." He called and the large doors opened and he could see two guards pushing them and he felt great relief at the sight that greeted him.

  "Papa..." Fluttershy called as she entered, now wearing a simple white dress that she had changed into after Rarity brought her back to the castle.

  "Oh Fluttershy..." He sighed and ran over to her and engulfed her in a loving hug. "I'm so glad your safe...."

  Fluttershy blinked in confusion and pushed him away. "What do you mean papa? Your glad I'm safe?....what's wrong?" She asked, feeling worry fill her at what could possibly be wrong.

  "It's nothing my dear...where were you?" He asked. He knew he should tell her, but he knew his daughter feared the ogres more than anything in the world, and he wanted her to be happy and have a good time instead of worrying every single minute that something would go wrong.

  "I was just out near the fields..." She mumbled as she watched his face carefully as he let out another sigh of relief.

  "Papa...is there something your not telling me?" She whispered and grasped his face in her cheeks. She could tell he was trying hard not to tell her something, and she wasn't letting him get away with it until he told her, she hated it when he kept secrets from her.

  "I told you my dear it's nothing, you were just gone for so long that I got worried. Is it wrong for a father to feel protective of his daughter?" He smirked and stroked her cheek.

  Fluttershy opened her mouth to respond but another knock was heard against the giant doors of the throne room.

  "Enter...." Star Swirl called and the doors opened again.

  Star Swirl felt a smile pull at his lips, but missed his daughters look of fear and dread on her face as the one and only Prince Sombra entered. He was dressed in a fancy and elegant suit and cape, his hair black as night swept back and shining in the light, and his bright smile showed off his bright white teeth and immediately his red eyes caught those of the young pegasus princess.

  Fluttershy gulped as the prince came closer, and unconsciously she took a couple small steps back.

  "Ah! Sombra! it's nice to see you! I missed you when you arrived, please forgive me for my absence. I had many things to tend to." Star Swirl greeted and reached out for him and his hoof met Sombra's in a firm hoof shake.

  "It is no problem my King, It is expected when I decided to come early." He murmured, his voice extremely deep like base making Fluttershy's skin tingle slightly.

  Sombra was indeed handsome, his voice and eyes were...slightly mesmerizing, but that's all he was. She didn't feel an attraction to him cause he wasn't her type, from what she knew about him.

  After Sombra greeted her father he turned to her and a strange gleam entered his eyes and she felt herself stiffen as those eyes ran up and down her body.

  "And greetings to you Fluttershy. I must say my dear, you look absolutely beautiful..." He whispered in a warm voice and came up to her and grabbed her gloved hoof in his as he bent down and placed a slow kiss upon it while his eyes burned in hers. "I look forward to a dance later on this evening..." He smiled as he let go of her hoof and rose.

  "I...I-I would be delighted Prince-" She started when he interrupted her.

  "Sombra...please...call me Sombra." He purred and she felt a blush enter her cheeks, out of embarrassment for sure.

  "Sombra..." She whispered, trying out the name alone. "I'd be delighted to dance with you Sombra." She said and he seemed to beam. She looked for something inside as she said his name...she searched for a spell, for a sign that she could be attracted to him in any romantic way, but she didn't feel anything, only nervousness.

  "I'm glad..." He smiled slightly before turning back to her father.

  "I hope you enjoy your stay here Sombra, would you like to walk with me and my daughter before it's time for us to get ready?" He offered and Sombra smiled and bowed his head slightly.

  "I would enjoy that Star Swirl, I could use a good walk to stretch my legs after the trip." He replied and Star Swirl smiled before walking away and glancing at his daughter as the prince turned to her again.

  "My lady..." He purred and offered his arm to her and she inwardly groaned inside before she gave a polite, and sweet smile before placing her hoof in his arm.

  "Thank you...Sombra." She whispered and he bowed his head as he lead her away and out of the throne room to walk with her father through the gardens.

  Fluttershy sighed in relief and plopped down on her bed in a pout. Her father had walked with her and Sombra for a whole hour, and the whole time she had been uncomfortable and panicky. She felt as if she and Sombra were alone, especially since her father seemed to keep wandering off, saying he had to look at something. She could tell he was trying to get them to talk and have some private time by the glances and the winks, but not much at all was said the whole time they were out there.

  Sombra had talked about his family, and how his great grand father was a great warrior who won many battles, and all sorts of small stories about his family. He asked a couple questions about her but they were small and the rest was directed towards him. Despite his on going about himself, he was a perfect gentelcolt, always being polite and apologizing when he realized that he had been talking about himself the entire time.

  The rest of their walk was okay, since her father decided to stop leaving them and joined in with the talks. Fluttershy enjoyed his company, and was pleased that he enjoyed being around her, but she couldn't help but feel like leaving, to go to her room and be alone for a while, to escape him and his constant attention towards her. And that's what she was doing right now.

  Fluttershy sighed and rose from the bed and walked over to her glass window and peeked outside. She could already see the many carriages entering the castle gates. She watched as coach colts left their positions and opened the doors for their masters. There were many few that she recognized, many she hadn't even heard of before. She new that the reason there was so many ponies than usual was because they were all expecting to know the new King for Canterlot...

  Fluttershy bit her lip and shook her head. This was too much for her to take, she felt like she didn't have a say in this, which she didn't. She kept telling herself all day long that this wasn't about her, and it was for the kingdom, but every single time she tried to tell herself that, she couldn't help but feel angered about it. She hated arranged marriages, even if Rarity said many marriages that were arranged worked fine in the end, she doubted it worked for every single one.

  "What are you doing standing there darling?! Your party with begin soon and every pony will be expecting to greet you at the doors!" Rarity exclaimed as she entered.

  "Oh no! Your not even in your dress!" She groaned and quickly ran like a wild cheetah back and fourth as she gabbed her dress and other material's for Fluttershy to wear.

  "I'm sorry Rarity...I just got distracted." She mumbled and walked over after shutting the curtains of her window.

  "It's fine my dear, but hurry! Your father is waiting!" She ordered, her hooves already spinning Fluttershy and removing her dress.

So much for getting a chance to relax... Fluttershy thought miserably.

  Rarity let her white dress fall to the ground and immediately set to putting on her dress for the ball. She then set her to stand right in front of her mirror as she started adding make up and using a comb and pins to put her hair up. Fluttershy looked at herself as Rarity dressed her and sighed. The dress was very beautiful, it was a golden gown, it had only one strap on one side that was hanging off her shoulder and was shaped like a flower, leaving her shoulders bare, and a simple necklace with a red jewel was placed on her neck that rested against her breasts. Her hair was pinned in a way it came up and around her shoulder hanging off, and a flower pin was gentle placed in her pink hair to keep it in place.

  She felt beautiful, and the gown was one of the most gorgeous dresses she had ever seen...but the neck line seemed extremely low and she felt slightly revealed...exposed by wearing this dress. She had never worn anything like this on her other birth-day parties, they had always been simple and elegant dresses. The main reason she felt uncomfortable from how revealing the dress was, was that Sombra would be by her side most likely all night, and the last thing she wanted was him ogling her skin and chest. She knew he seemed like a gentlecolt, but she felt like there was something he was hiding, she thought it was because she barely new anything about him and it was just nerves, but that feeling of uncertainty, still remained.

  "There you go my darling..." Rarity started as she held some of the dress material in her hooves and admired it after finishing her make up. "You have to be the most beautiful mare in Equestria!" She beamed and giggled before hugging Fluttershy.

  "Thank you Rarity...although...don't you think it's a bit much?" She asked biting her lip and looking down at it.

  "Nonsense darling! This is perfectly fine! and I know for sure Sombra will be delighted at what he see's." Rarity grinned but it immediately disappeared as she remembered her talk with Fluttershy that morning.

  "Oh! I'm sorry my dear I didn't mean-" Rarity started as Fluttershy frowned and gulped before silencing her.

  "N-no...i-it's okay Rarity...I'm supposed to impress him...and I guess this will do..." She whispered sadly.

  Rarity chose not to reply and only shared a glance of pity. With a nod she and Fluttershy began heading out to meet her father, guest...and Sombra.

  As they walked, Fluttershy felt herself taking deep calming breaths to relieve her nerves and prepare for what was ahead. She was going to be around ponies she never heard of before, and they would most likely judge her if she did something wrong during the ball. Usually she would be over joyed to learn that the party was starting, but after learning about all these ponies coming, the excitement she had once felt disappeared.

  She was gonna need to be extremely proper and not stutter or get nervous when guests greeted her, she would have to stand, staying by Sombra's side the entire night dancing, and she would have to accept a proposal that she had no intention of agreeing to, but had no choice. Yes...she could feel herself dancing with joy inside...she thought sarcastically.

  Fluttershy suddenly started to slow her walking till it came to a stop as she heard a few maids talking over in a dark hall taking a break, most likely they had just finished preparing the ball room. Fluttershy was not prone to gossip, or listen to it, for she had no interest in what they gossiped about. But for some reason the words they spoke peeked her interest, she didn't know why but it sounded interesting, but also frightening.

  "Did you here what happened to the stallion Caramel?" A mare asked to another who was drinking a cup of what looked like tea.

  "Oh don't remind me...they said they found him dead in an ally, and when they examined him, they found nothing that could have caused his death..." The mare replied with a shiver.

  "Everyone's saying that it was the Dark One." She whispered back as she took a sip of her tea. "I haven't heard much about this...dark one...although I know he is the most powerful sorcerer alive."

  "He is, I heard he makes deals, and if his part of the deal isn't met, he makes sure to make you pay it whether you want to or not..."

  "That would explain it...most likely the poor stallion didn't get what this 'dark one' wanted...and he paid the price..." She murmured.

  "Fluttershy?" Rarity's voice brought Fluttershy away from the mares and she turned back to her.

  "I'm sorry..." She whispered quickly before she continued to walk with Rarity down the hall.

  They were just near the doors when Fluttershy's thoughts went back to what the maids had been talking about. Who was this dark one they spoke of? why hadn't she heard of him before? She didn't know why she was so curious, but she couldn't help but be interested in this mysterious dark one.

  "Um...Rarity, what was it those maids were just talking about?..." She asked quietly biting her lip and wondering if she should be asking such a thing.

  "What?" Rarity wondered, she had noticed Fluttershy stop and she had heard bits of the conversation as well, but she was more focused on getting Fluttershy to her father then what gossip the maids spoke.

  "They...they were talking about someone called...the dark one..." She whispered back, feeling a strange shiver go down her back as she said the name.

  "Oh! It's just some dark sorcerer." She mumbled waving her hoof as if it were nothing. "I don't believe that he even exist, I believe he's just a made up character to scare mares and small foals." She explained while rolling her eyes.

  "Then what about that stallion Caramel they were just talking about?" She continued.

  "Who now?...why are you interested in knowing about this...dark one..." She asked with a raised eye brow.

  "I don't know...I'm just curious I guess." She shrugged.

  "Well I'm sorry but I'm not the one to ask, unlike those mares I don't talk about such nonsense in gossip." She mumbled as they finally approached  the doors leading to the ball room.

  "Alright! it's time my dear! keep your chin up and try to enjoy yourself." Rarity said offering a sweet smile and a gentle hug to her friends side.

  "I...I will try." She whispered back and turned so she could fully hug her friend.

  "Thank you so much for helping me Rarity...I don't know what I'd do without you." She giggled and Rarity joined her.

  "It's no sweat my dear! Now, go on! or do I have to carry you in there?" She mocked with a small smirk and Fluttershy rolled her eyes.

  Rarity and Fluttershy shared another laugh before Rarity turned to leave and Fluttershy faced the doors and nodded to a couple stallions who opened the doors for her and she took one more deep breath to calm herself before muttering. "It's now or never Fluttershy...."

  Fluttershy smiled politely at the guest who entered the doors, bowing her head as they walked passed her and into the grand ballroom. She let the stallions kiss her hoof and share quick small chats after greeting her father. This seemed to be easier than she thought, but she still felt nervous about how many ponies were in the room.

  As Fluttershy had expected, Sombra was right at her side, his eyes always watching her as she greeted the guests. He barely spoke only when someone commented on how beautiful she looked and he would join in and add in more compliments on her dress and beauty, making her incredibly uncomfortable and her face was flushed like a tomato. She kept praying that he would stop looking at her like he was, she knew that this was a good sign, that she had impressed him, but she couldn't take it any longer.

  "Ah! Fancy Pants! It's been a long time my friend!" Time Turner beamed and walked over to the stallion with swept back blue hair.

  "Indeed King Star Swirl, it has been too long..." The well dressed stallion replied as they connected hooves in a shake.

  "Oh well my dear, look how grown up you are! Why the last time I saw you, you just came up to my knees!" He exclaimed as he stared at the now blooming mare.

  Fluttershy giggled and walked forward to hug him, not caring about the judging eyes. "It's nice to see you Fancy...I've missed you..." She murmured and Fancy Pants chuckled before releasing her. Fancy Pants was an old friends of her father, and used to visit Canterlot all the time and bring gifts and play with Fluttershy as a filly. He was a dear friend to her father, and to her he was like an uncle.

  "You too my dear, you truly have grown into a beautiful mare." He whispered making Fluttershy blush and bite her lip with a small smile.

  "Indeed, the princess is sure to be the most gorgeous of mares." That dark voice whispered, making Fluttershy almost groan.

  "Oh, Prince Sombra, why I don't believe I've ever had the proper chance to meet you in person." Fancy Pants said, catching Fluttershy tense when Sombra took her hoof in his arm and held it tightly.

  "I'm Fancy Pants, I used to work as captain of the royal guard in the castle of Domare. It's nice to finally meet you, I've heard about how my dear friend Star Swirl is very fond of you." Fancy said while bowing, he had received letters daily from Star Swirl, and he had seemed to have a strange liking to this stallion, and he didn't forget that Star Swirl told him of Sombra and Fluttershy having a supposed wedding.

  "I believe I've heard of you before, you were the one who lead the war with the minotaurs?" Sombra asked as he tilted his head as he tried to remember.

  "On no! I didn't lead the war, but I was second commander." Fancy Pants replied with a laugh.

  "Oh that's right, that was your brother wasn't it? It's an honor to meet you Fancy pants, without you and your brother the war between ponies and minotaurs would still be going." Sombra said with a smile.

  "It's an honor to meet you too good Prince. Now! if you don't mind my dear friend." Fancy said, his hooves clapping together. "I would like to dance with your beautiful daughter."

  Star Swirl chuckled and nodded his head. "Yes of course-"

  "I'm sorry Fancy Pants, but the princess Fluttershy has already promised me the first dance." Sombra suddenly interrupted, and he had a slight glare in his eyes.

  "Oh I'm sure she wouldn't mind. Besides! I haven't seen my little flower in years!" Fancy Pants said while taking Fluttershy's hoof from Sombra's, and smirking as Sombra stuttered slightly in protest that he took Fluttershy away from him.

  "Do you mind having this dance with me flower?" Fancy asked and bowed while holding Fluttershy's hoof.

  Fluttershy giggled at him and smiled as he kissed her hoof. "Of course Fancy Pants." She smirked and he winked at her as he took her away from her father and the slightly agitated Prince.

  Star Swirl noticed Sombra's look as Fancy pants stole the first dance with Fluttershy from him and patted the stallions back. "Don't worry my good stallion, be patient. You have all night and I'm sure you'll get many chances." He smirked and Sombra sighed, not looking away as Fancy unfolded Fluttershy in his arms and danced most ridiculously, making the yellow mare laugh at the strange moves he made while dancing.

  "Fancy Pants is sure a very charming friend you have Star Swirl." Sombra muttered, finally turning to face Star Swirl.

  "He has been a friend of the family for many years, even before I was married to Rose Luck." He whispered, his eyes briefly flashing with sadness.

   Fluttershy let out a full laugh and threw her head back as Fancy Pants danced around her like a chicken. Being around Fancy Pants always brought back the good memories, before the day her mom died, the day when the kingdom was bright and cheerful. She felt like a filly again as the stallion who was like an uncle to her swooped her up in his arms and took her across the dance floor.

  "So my dear.." Fancy asked, as he continued to dance with her, taking long strides in his steps almost making her stumble but she giggled anyways. "How have you been? I haven't heard from you much and I want to know what my little flower has been up to."

  Fluttershy blushed at the name he had given her as a nick name and replied with a shrug. "Well...nothing really to be honest. In fact...the castle has been quite dreary lately..." She whispered and he scoffed.

  "Oh come on my dear, after all this time there has to be something that you have done that's interesting to talk of." He said as he twirled her and surprised her by dipping her quickly making her gasp slightly.

  "Well...um...I-" She began but stopped and bit her lip.

  "Oh my poor dear, you've been so stocked up in this castle that you haven't been able to have some fun! How about tomorrow I take you on a ride through town? I bet some time away would do you some good." He suggested.

  "Oh that would be lovely Fancy Pants!" She beamed. "To be honest...it has been quite...boring here lately. I have been taking walks in the gardens and fields just outside the castle, but it would be nice to spend some time with you and catch up with things. I'd love to hear some more of your stories! I've missed them so much!" She beamed and Fancy chuckled.

  "Then it's settled my dear! Tomorrow you shall pack your things, then me and you will go across the world." he smiled and Fluttershy giggled before raising an eye brow.

  "I'm going to need to make sure I pack a lot then..." She smirked and he laughed as they continued to dance.

  Fancy then caught sight of Prince Sombra talking to Star Swirl and he gave a questioning gaze towards the stallion. Fluttershy was like the daughter he never had, and he wasn't very pleased with his friend when he heard that he was arranging a marriage for Fluttershy. Of course, he understood Star Swirl's reasons, but it didn't settle with him well that his flower was going to be getting married to a complete stranger.

  "My dear...so...what do you think of the Prince Sombra?" Fancy asked and Fluttershy's eyes widened before she looked away with a frown.

  "What do you mean?" She asked in a slight quiet and shaky voice.

  "What do you think of him? Do you like him?" He asked again, making his question more clear.

  "Well...he seems to be a perfect gentlecolt from the time I've known him...a-and he is quite handsome. I guess I like him...my father approves of him and so I respect him." She replied honestly.

  "But is he someone you want Fluttershy?" He asked and Fluttershy blinked her eyes and furrowed her brows in thought.

  "U-um...I...I'm not sure..." She muttered, once again not meeting his gaze.

  Fancy Pants sighed as he glanced again at Sombra. "My little flower...I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable, I love you my dear, you've always been like family to me, and all I want to know is if he'll make you happy." He whispered in a soft and tender tone, surprising Fluttershy slightly.

  Fluttershy looked deep into his eyes and bit her lip before her ears lowered and she let out a sad sigh. "I don't know...but...I don't really have a choice..." She said, trying to fight the tears.

  Fancy Pants looked at her with concern and felt slight anger towards her father now. If Fluttershy were his daughter, he would have her marry for love, even if his kingdom needed a king or to unite two kingdoms, he wouldn't curse her to live in a loveless marriage that her father was now putting her in. Even though he understood the sacrifices that were needed to be made as a king, he still didn't like it one bit.

  When the song finished, Fluttershy and Fancy stopped dancing and she curtsied while he bowed low. Suddenly Fancy turned around as he felt a tap on his shoulder and a clearing of a throat.

  "Excuse me sir Fancy Pants, you mind if I have my turn with the lovely lady Fluttershy?" Sombra asked, making Fancy Pants raise an eyebrow.

  "Of course good prince." Fancy replied with a small bow before giving Fluttershy one more hug.

  "It's nice to see you again my darling..." he whispered, and Fluttershy smiled and returned it before he pulled away and winked.

  "If you need anything, just call me flower." He whispered and she blushed making him laugh as he finally turned around and walked away from the two.

  Fluttershy watched him walk off with a smile, but she jumped slightly and turned to look at Sombra as he cleared his throat again.

  "Shall me my lady." He purred and she gave him a nervous smile and slowly curtsied as the next song started.

  The next song was slow and romantic, and couples were entering the dance floor, and Fluttershy felt her heart speed up and she quietly gulped as she glanced around her. She was suddenly pulled forward into a broad chest and she looked up into Sombra's ruby eyes as he rapped one hoof around her waist and the other took her hoof as he slowly took steps in a dance, making sure to hold her gaze and hold her as close to him as possible.

  "You look absolutely beautiful my lady." he whispered and his eyes looked over her face and glancing down at her chest that was pressed against his and he suppressed a groan at the swell of her top.

  "Th-th-thank you Sombra." She whispered quietly. He was definitely more attractive up close, and being held against his strong frame made her knees slightly shake, but there was still no spark, she didn't feel a spell over her as she had read about so many times in her romance novels.

  "Your father is a very kind stallion..." He whispered as he briefly caught the eyes of the very stallion who seemed to be watching Fluttershy carefully with slight concern.

  "He is...he is a very good father to me and the kingdom couldn't have a better king." She said back, slightly surprised that he was talking about her father instead of just talking about her.

  Sombra chuckled and the way he looked in her eyes caused her to flush deeply. She felt as if she would fall over if he looked any harder into her soul. She felt herself jump slightly when his hoof just barely moved lower down her back and he smirked as she gasped.

  "You dance well my lady...you dance often?" He asked, not noticing the look of discomfort on Fluttershy's face at how he was dancing with her.

  "Well yes, my mother...when I was little, she taught me to dance and ever since then I've continued to do it....It's a way of remembering her..." She whispered sadly, but when she glanced around her again she felt a different feeling of discomfort as she saw how ponies were watching them dance.

  "Ah yes, I heard she died during the last attack of the ogres. I also heard that if it wasn't for her, you wouldn't be here right now." He whispered and watched as emotion filled Fluttershy's face, as well as a few tears filling her eyes.

  "yes...she stood in front of me when the ogre attacked...she was so brave, and I loved her dearly." She whispered back, feeling slightly embarrassed as a tear fell from her eye.

  "I'm sorry if I brought back bad memories." he murmured apologetically.

  "No it's fine I-" She stopped and gasped as he release her hoof and wiped away her tear.

  "No, I caused these tears and I'm sorry for bringing up your mother. It must have been very hard for you." He whispered and Fluttershy just stared into his eyes as he continued dancing with her after the small pause.

  They continued to dance silently together, and when the song ended, they took a break and Fluttershy danced with a few other stallions who asked to dance with her as well, although as she had thought, Sombra would always steal her away and take another dance. There were a few group dances that Sombra didn't join, where almost everyone danced and jumped around in joy, twirling, and weaving around each other while talking and laughing amongst themselves.

  Despite Fluttershy's discomfort with Sombra, she felt herself filling with joy and delight. She laughed and clapped her hooves as the song ended along with the others and the band announced they were taking a break and left they're stations. She panted heavily from the dances as she turned to go to her father, but she was surprised when she was met with her father, and Sombra who were already walking towards her.

  "Fluttershy...the night is almost over...and Sombra has something to ask of you." Star Swirl said, a smile pulling at his lips and his chest was swelling with pride.

  Fluttershy felt her heart stop and fear engulfed her and she froze. She couldn't believe it was happening, she knew it was coming but now that it was here...she felt herself shake and butterfly's rose in her stomach. She didn't reply but just nodded and smiled politely as Sombra moved forward with a grin and a heated look in his eyes as he took her hoof in his, and already mares were whispering to themselves and giggling at the pair.

  "My dear ponies! If I can have your attention please." Sombra called out, now every head turned towards him.

  "Tonight has been a wonderful night, and I thank Star Swirl for inviting all of you here to celebrate the twentieth brith-day of his daughter Fluttershy." He said and the ponies applauded slightly with small cheers for the success of the night.

  "And now...in front of all of you...I would now like to ask the beautiful Princess of Canterlot..." He began and looked at his side, and Fluttershy weakly back and felt her heart completely stop at what happened next.

  The crowd gasped and smiled in delight as they watched Sombra kneel down on one knee and pull out a small red case and opening it, revealing a silver ring with a bright white diamond embedded in the middle.

  "Will you...Princess Fluttershy...daughter of the King Star Swirl...take my hoof in marriage and be my wife...for all eternity? And to unite our kingdoms?" He whispered with confidence and Fluttershy just stood there, her mouth agape as she stared down at him before looking around her, not being able to bring out a word.

  "I...I-I..." She stuttered quietly, and Sombra seemed to be getting impatient. Fluttershy glanced at her father who gave her smile, but it was a sad one before he nodded at her, and she gulped, and blinked back her tears that were mistaken for tears of joy.

  "Prince Sombra..." She forced. "I...I accept your proposal...I will marry you." She whispered and Sombra seemed to smile brightly, showing his teeth.

  The crowd cheered for them and whispered to themselves and Fluttershy tried as hard as she could as to not break down and run from the room in tears as Sombra rose and took the ring from it's hold and placed it on her hoof. She hesitantly hugged Sombra as he held her for longer than she would have liked and kissed her cheek.

  Suddenly she and Sombra pulled away in a jump and ponies all turned to the entrance of the ballroom as a stallion burst through it's doors. He looked distressed and his brow was covered in sweat, and there seemed to be small trickle of blood going down the side of his head.

  "WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! The ogres....THEY'RE HERE!" He called out, causing everyone to freeze and some gasp in horror at the guard's words.