The next morning after Twilight her learned of her condition found her in a sleeping bag in the living room as well as Chrysalis in her own sleeping bag. The queen had stayed and night and without a guest room that left the main room of the library and Twilight wasn’t the type to let her friends sleep down there alone so it had turned into a sleepover, though not in the sense as a sleepover was defined in a book Twilight had read a long time ago and she found most of that stuff ridiculous. They most just had a few drinks, ate some snacks and talked about random topic. Granted Chrysalis had taken all over Twilight’s whiskey as she couldn’t drink while pregnant, Twilight in no way did not whine or pout about this fact, she had handled it like the adult mare she was and completely agreed with the Queen.

After Spike had been informed of Twilight condition the little drake had been very excited about the fact, for some reason questioning why it took so long, Twilight still didn’t know why he said that shed need to ask him later. He had made them dinner and made sure Twilight had extra in her plate as she was now eating for two as he said. While Twilight founded how he said that annoying she had to admit she did clean her plate.

After that the drake had promised to make extra sure everything in the library was perfect and that she wouldn’t need to worry about anything as he’d handle it. Twilight had assured him she was more than capable of doing things on her own but he had insisted he’d handle taking care of the library. Twilight had to admit she was proud of the drake for taking on extra responsibilities to help her.

After that it had been getting the sleeping bags and pillows and after Spike went to bed setting up the makeshift camp in the library’s main floor where the two discussed random things as well as how the army was doing and how some of the new research at the Equestrian Military Science Division Facility would change several plans the two had come up with and were locked away in Equestrian Defense Force High Command inside a filing cabinet simply labeled X do to how unlikely the plans would ever be used. Do to what some of the plans entailed, Plan 77 involved the EDF wiping out the Royal Guard and then moving on the Royal Sisters and Twilight establishing herself as the sole ruler of Equestria which would be awkward should the other Princesses find that file as it was very detailed. Only Twilight and Chrysalis were aware of filing cabinet X and had access as it was hidden away in Twilight’s office in High Command.

If some of the research paid off then some of those plans would need to be updated.

After an hour of these talks and eating snacks the conversation turned to the future and how they were going to handle the situation. Due to not knowing anything about how a pony changeling hybrid would act, look like, or what abilities they would have all the two of them could come up with was to read a few books on the subject of childbirth and a few on raising a foal while Chrysalis explained what it was like raising changeling nymphs.

After that it was time to sleep and that was how twilight found herself waking up at exactly 4:30 AM. She got to her hooved and stretched and a moment later Chrysalis woke up as well and she climbed to her hooves. Being the guest Twilight let The Queen use the bathroom first and once she was done Twilight went through her routine.

The two of them then put the sleeping bags away before both headed out to Twilight’s running path for their morning jogs. Both of them had talked while doing so however the Queen had to stop before Twilight was done, the mare’s cybernetics had always allowed her to push further than normal people and now that they were upgraded and she had earth pony traits it allowed her to go even further.

While Waiting the Queen had done some basic exercise as Twilight would be annoyed if she just sat there waiting.

After that they both went through the same routine Twilight always did except the Queen didn’t have a small meal as changeling didn’t normally eat pony food, though they could it just wasn’t as nutritional as emotions were.

IT was after the second breakfast with Spike that a knock came from the door. Twilight slipped from the couch where she was reading a book on foals the library had and made her way to the door.

“I’m sorry the library is closed right now.” Twilight said automatically as she opened the door a crack.

“Really? Is that anyway to treat your old foal sitter?” Cadence said with a smile.

“Cadence!” Twilight said happily fling the door open and hugging her sister-in-law. “It’s so good to see you.” The purple alicorn said dropping to her hooves and standing before the other alicorn who also took a stance.

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake.” They both intoned at the same time as they went through the old ritual.

“You know that still looks strange to me from the first time I saw it all those years ago. “Chrysalis called form her seat as she placed the book she had been reading to the side.

“Well I think it’s cute Queeny.” Flurry Heart said as she stepped up to the door.

“Flurry!” Twilight cried and flung her hooves around her niece in a tight hug, not too tight as she didn’t want to hurt the alicorn.

It’s good to see you well aunty.” Flurry said returning the hug and nuzzling the mare’s neck.

Twilight broke off the hug and stepped back. “Come in, I didn’t expect you two to come for a visit, what brings you here.” Twilight said with a smile as she stepped aside and allowed the other two alicorns into the room, she glanced and watched as eight dark suited crystal ponies who wore sunglasses and ear pieces took up position around the library as four other followed the two princesses into the building itself and took up positions around the room, their faces masks of stoic professionalism.

Once the crystal guards were in place and satisfied with their positioning Twilight shut the door and made her way to a chair. “Spike can you make some tea, we have guests.” She called as she took a seat.

“I heard.” Spike called from the kitchen, the drake had been doing the dishes at the tie and clearly heard the ladybug chant.

With that dealt with Twilight looked at the pink alicorn. “So what brings you here?” She asked with a smile.

“Do I need to visit my second favorite pony?” Cadence asked with a smile, everyone knew how much she doted on Flurry Heart and could understand all things considered.

“Well no, just usually you send a letter or email is all.” Twilight said.

Cadence smiled and picked up the book from the coffee table. “Simple guide for expecting mothers, everything you need to know about your pregnancy.” The alicorn read before looking at Twilight. “Interesting choice in reading material.” She said.

Twilight snatched the book away with her magic. “Someone returned it and I decided to take a look at it.” She said quickly.

Cadence nodded. “Uh-huh, well I hear it is a very good reference guide though no amount of reading can prepare you for what actually happens.” She said with a smile and Flurry heart couldn’t help giggling as she watched from her seat.

“Yes well the mare said it did help put her mind at ease so there is that.” Twilight said.

Cadence nodded. “I’m sure it did. “She said and looked at the changeling queen. “Good morning Chrysalis, I trust you are well?” She asked. The two of them had long since dealt with what was between then a long time ago so they could be on mostly friendly terms with each other, though they never would actually spend time with each other unless it was with others. One simply did not toss someone into a hole in the ground and take their form to invade the capital city on your wedding day while mind controlling your future husband and expect to become friends after that.

“I’m well as I ever am. “Chrysalis said with a shrug.

Cadence nodded and smiled. “That’s good to hear.” She said as she sat back and her smile evolved into a smirk as she looked between the two of them, these two were always such good entertaining to watch what with how the Queen felt about the mare and the possibility of how the mare felt for the queen, Cadence wasn’t sure how Twilight felt as her emotions always seemed somewhat muted but still was entertaining to watch.

Shortly after that Spike arrived with a tray topped with a tea pot and four tea cups, he knew the crystal guards would refuse anything to eat and drink while on duty.

Twilight poured each of her guests some tea and prepared it exactly how they liked it, small dab of honey for Cadence, one sugar for Flurry heart and straight for Chrysalis. With each guest having their tea Twilight took hers as well, nothing added.

“So then how has things been in the Empire these days? Reports from up there say this year’s snow fall had been partially heavy.” She said remembering what both Fort Chekov and Irongate Prison Complex were reporting on the MNet. She didn’t have any direct reports from the Empire itself as the EDF was not allowed within its borders do to lingering effects caused by King Sombra. Armed soldier walking around would because a lot of negative reactions for those who had lived through the kings rein though these days it was mostly just a tradition now as only few ponies from back then still lived. The Empire prided itself on being able to deal with issues within its own boarder and Twilight was fine in letting them as they were well trained even before they modernized.

“So are you planning of visiting Canterlot anytime soon?” Cadence asked.

Twilight nodded. “Actually yeah I was thinking about taking some personal time and visiting with Celestia and Luna.” Twilight said as she sipped her tea.

“I’m sure Aunty Celestia and Aunty Luna would be very happy to see you as it has been a few weeks since you last visited them face to face.” Cadence said with a nod.

“Yeah well I’ve been kind of busy with the army and the whole “Princess” thing. That is taking some getting used to and I know it will take the lads some time to adjust to be being both their commander and a princess at the same time. Frankly I’m still not sure where the line is yet.” Twilight said.

“Yes it does take some getting used too; you should have seen how it was when me and Shinning first took over the Empire.” Cadence said and then froze for a second.

“So Flurry Heart Twilight tells me you have been studying the structural engineering of the Crystal Empire, how has that been going?” Chrysalis asked changing the subject rapidly before Cadence’s emotions could drop much further.

Flurry knew what Queeny was doing and smile. “Yes I have been since Aunt Twilight gave me that book a few months back.” She said. “I’ve been bugging mom to find more books she has been so busy right mom?” The alicorn said as she nudged her mother.

Cadence shook her head and blinked. “Huh? Oh yes, I’m sorry dear it’s just I’ve been so busy, as Twilight said with the snow being a bit heavier this year food may become an issue as the rail lines may need to be shut down and air travel grounded.”

“I know mom, it’s why I haven’t brought it up much.” Flurry said. “Though I do think you should take a vacation, I’m sure I could handle things for a few days while you went and relaxed and if not I know Aunt Twilight would come and lend me a hoof.” Flurry said with a smile.

Cadence nodded. “Perhaps, I have been meaning to give you a few responsibilities so you can get used to running the Empire and I know Twilight would be there if you needed help.”

“With an army if need be.” Twilight said with a smile.

Flurry giggled as did Cadence. “I have no doubt about that.” The pink alicorn said.

Twilight nodded and smiled and the conversation moved onto other subjects, mostly just the four of them catching up as it had been a few weeks since they had last seen each other and Flurry talking to her aunt about engineering, Cadence and Chrysalis remained quiet during that as nether of them knew enough on the subject to really follow the conversation after a certain point. It was after lunch that Cadence decided they had taken up enough of Twilight’s time and that she would visit her aunts in Canterlot.

“It was nice visiting you Aunt Twilight.” Flurry said hugging the purple alicorn. “Maybe next time you can visit the Empire and I could show you a few of the ideas I have had for some new additions to the castle?”

Twilight nodded. “That sounds like a plan; I’ll see what I can do for the next couple of weeks.” She said and nuzzled her niece.

“Be sure to let us know when so we can have a room ready for you and any guests you bring.” Cadence said as she glanced at Chrysalis and just barely kept a smirk from her face. She hugged her sister-in-law before heading for the door as the other two follow.

Just before she reached the door, after the guards had left she stopped and looked back over her shoulder. “Also you may want to cut back on the exercise a bit as too much exertion could harm the foal.” She said then walked out the door and closed it on the dumbfounded look on alicorn and changeling queen’s face.

Cadence laughed all the way back to the train station as she imagined the look perfect, oh yes those two were an endless source of entertainment.

Author's Note

Well got too see one of the ways Cadence keeps herself entertained in life as well how CTS has influenced her niece.