''By the royal decree of Mi Amore Cadenza, you are hereby invited to dinner at the crystal palace at eight PM sharp.''
Raymond chuckled inwardly. The fancy letter, which was coated in a hue of gold and smelled slightly of perfume, severely contrasted his little home, which the human found quite amusing.
''This is probably worth more than all my furniture combined,'' he joked out loud, idly smoking on his pipe.
Ray was a simple and honest man; he didn't like royal customs and traditions, certainly not when he had to live up to them and Cadence knew this damn well.
''Then why would she invite me to an official dinner? If she wanted to catch up, I could've made something for her just as easily,'' he muttered, scratching his manly stubble while deep in thought.
Standing at six feet and three inches at the age of twenty four, Ray was a man of pure muscle and strength. He worked as a blacksmith, creating armor and weapons for the crystal guard, but nowadays, horseshoes were the most requested item in his shop.
Naturally, since cigars were nowhere to be found in the Crystal Empire, Ray had to resort to what his old man used to do: smoke pipe. He didn't particularly mind, as long as he could smoke, he was a happy man.
Yet, even if he was the most down-to-earth man you would ever meet—literally since most of the time he was covered in dirt and soot—the princess of love still considered him a very good friend.
The human never tried to pretend to be somebody he wasn't, so when he met princess Cadence for the first time in the audience hall, he simply refused to bow for her. Even if these ponies considered him as a threat and his actions were probably very disrespectful towards the ruler, Ray was going to stay honest with himself.
His old man had always urged him to take these words at heart: ''Raymond, my son, listen very carefully to what I am about to say. A person could take away your belongings, your family, your friends, yes my dear boy, even your life. But remember, a person can never take away your beliefs. Have faith, stay strong, and be honest. Because if you don't, and lie to yourself, then tell me; who else in life could you trust?''
Guards tensing and spears pointing at him when he ignored their command, Ray simply perked a brow at the mediocre threat. ''Really? You expect me to be afraid of these toy weapons? How old are these, five hundred years?'' he sarcastically replied, not impressed in the slightest.
Cadence just giggled at his blunt personality. ''More like a thousand years old actually,'' she corrected him sweetly. ''Guards, at ease. He doesn't have to bow for a ruler that's not his own.''
''My lady, I assure you there's nothing wrong with our equipment!'' the captain assured the pink princess, reluctantly giving the sign for his men to stand down.
''Are you kidding me?'' Ray snorted before grabbing one of the spears from a bewildered guard. ''Tell me captain, what kind of weapon is this?'' he asked while doing a couple of experimental thrusts with the weapon.
''That's obvious, it's a spear!'' he stated almost mockingly.
''Then why is it so heavy? It's almost impractical to throw the damn thing and that's coming from me.'' He emphasized by spreading his muscular frame. ''It's not a pike either, since it's way too short for it. The tip is very blunt, it's made from simple iron so it will corrode fairly easily over time, no langets either, it's not even tapered to prevent sagging.''
He gave a laugh of disbelief when he let his rough fingers go over the smooth pole of the weapon next, until he suddenly smashed it against a nearby column, breaking it into half. ''You see that? The wood was beginning to dry rot. That should never happen to a high quality spear.'' he concluded calmly, giving back the broken weapon to the stunned guard.
''You obviously seem to have a lot of knowledge about the subject,'' Cadence noted curiously. ''What's your name young human?''
''My name is Raymond Scotfield, your highness,'' he answered, getting on one knee for the princess out of respect. He noticed Cadence was very just, hence why he gave her the dignity she deserved.
''And what would you recommend Mr. Scotfield?'' she replied cutely, referring to the outdated equipment.
''Princess?!'' the captain croaked, unable to comprehend why Cadence would even hear out this man she just met moments ago.
She promptly ignored him in favour of Raymond. Clear Shield could be a hoofful sometimes, proud and loyal but very stubborn.
''I would recommend a much lighter spear my lady. Use steel instead of iron for the tip, preferably stainless so it will last a lot longer. For the pole I would recommend well-seasoned ash. It's light, but very strong and durable.''
Cadence smiled. ''Do you know how to make this particular spear Mr. Scotfield?''
''Yes your highness. I'm a skilled blacksmith, making one wouldn't be a problem.''
The princess spread her magnificent wings in reply. ''Then it's settled. You will make the new improved weapons for us, and in return, I'll provide a working place and all the materials for you.''
He agreed wholeheartedly, much to the chagrin of Clear Shield. After that, Ray designed new armor for the guards as well. Cadence quickly grew attached to him, and visited from time to time to have friendly conversations.
The subjects were often about smithing or love. Since Cadence was the princess of it after all, she was immensely interested in Ray's love life.
He'd told the pink princess openly about it, how he got married at the young age of twenty two, since he thought he found the one. Needless to say, the marriage lasted only over a year, before the two got divorced.
''What happened?'' Cadence had asked with concern in her eyes.
Ray sighed, before drooping his massive shoulders. ''I was unfair to her, because I put my work before my own wife. We screamed a lot and I was sick of it, so I tried to avoid it by staying up late in my workshop. Instead, I should've been more mature and asked for help from a counselor; you know, to talk about our problems and such.''
He was silent for a moment as he rubbed his temple. ''In the end, I realized it was foolish to marry so young. We both weren't ready yet, but drunk on love as we were, we thought it was the right decision.''
He laughed, a pitiful one, twirling his fingers while rocking back and forth. ''I guess it was for the best. I heard she was engaged to another fellow, pretty boy if I do so say myself. Exactly the opposite of the rough piece of coal I am.''
Another silence. Raymond had expected it. How would one react to such a story? It was only natural to be left without a proper response.
What he didn't expect however was instead of words, the gentle and warm coat of the princess rubbing against him, her wings wrapping his frame in a protective cocoon while her hooves were places around his neck.
She was incredibly soft, her feminine form almost fragile as she gave him the most comforting hug in his entire life. Warmth radiated through his being as the princess worked her magic, quite literally so because the spell she was using on him at the same time was made exactly for this purpose.
It was almost as if an angel from heaven itself had descended on the human's lap, the sweet smell of the alicorn positively intoxicating, making a shiver go down Ray's spine.
''You may be a rough piece of coal from the outside,'' she had whispered soothingly in his ear, ''but from the inside, I see a beautiful polished diamond.''
Ever since that moment, the princess had tried to hook him up with a female, without much result. She hadn't just limited her options to ponies alone oh no. She had tried almost every sentient species imaginable.
While the human had appreciated Cadence's incredible effort, and found the gesture very sweet, Ray just didn't see himself hooking up with anybody while he was in the Crystal Empire. But the princess of love wasn't about to give up. She still had an ace up her sleeve, and it was more than time to use it.
''You're late,'' a gruff voice stated, ringing all the way through the massive halls of the palace. Clear Shield looked pissed, a big scowl on his face as he had to lead the human to the dining room.
Ray checked his watch with a frown. ''It's only three minutes past eight,'' he said in his defense, clearly not seeing what the big deal was.
''Didn't the letter say eight PM sharp? Honestly, I don't see why princess Cadence likes you so much to even consider inviting you to this dinner.''
''And I don't see why Shining Armor likes a prick like you so much to even consider making you the captain of the crystal guard,'' he retaliated, making the captain whinny in pure astonishment.
''Now if you will excuse me, I have a dinner to go to,'' he spoke flatly, opening the double doors with enough force to make the hinges rattle.
Clear Shield wanted to reply, full of anger that he was, but knew he was definitely outmatched. Grumbling to himself, he left, dark thoughts swirling through his head.
Ever since Ray permanently moved to the Crystal Empire and caught the eye of the princess, things had gone downhill for the captain. It was like Cadence was head over heels for this human and his failed love life, taking him completely out of the picture.
First Raymond utterly humiliated him in front of the princess and all his men by showing how bad their equipment was, then, after the human had made the new, improved weapons, he still had the nerve to instruct him how to use it, like he was stupid.
It was as if the princess had lost all respect for him, something that made Clear Shield very angry and envious. ''I bet her highness would just love for him to become her new captain,'' he muttered darkly.
''But not on my watch. This guy needs to go and fast. But I can't do it on my own. I need Shining Armor on my side.''
Chuckling sinisterly, the captain disappeared into his room to brood.
In the dining room, a nervous, cyan colored dragoness was waiting alongside princess Cadence. Her empty stomach was long forgotten, only butterflies remained as she eyed the closed double doors restlessly.
The pink alicorn gave her friend a reassuring smile. ''It'll be fine Ember. You've met Ray once, there's nothing to be afraid of.''
The dragoness gave a big sigh. ''I know Cadence, but I've never done something like this before. Dragons don't do dates. If we're interested in someone, we just show it with a series of growls, and if reciprocated, then we mate.''
''Savages,'' the princess of love muttered.
''What was that?''
''Nothing! Anyway, I'll be here to help you all the way Ember. Ray is a very sweet man. He may not be a dragon, but his physique sure reminds of one.''
Princess Ember had to agree with the alicorn. When she met the human approximately six months ago, the dragoness immediately had been interested. Sure, Ember hadn't really been formally introduced to him, but the way how he talked, behaved and smelled; it all screamed dragon.
It was only after she heard Cadence was looking for a mate for him, had Ember been visibly excited. Shyly, the dragoness had confessed her pony friend she would love to give him a try, and not sooner had she told, the princess of love arranged a dinner for three, which is where she was right now.
''I just hope I can live up to his expectations,'' the hesitant dragoness muttered timidly.
Just then, a loud slam was heard as the double doors were opened with a lot of strength, making the already jumpy Ember squeak rather loudly. A blush soon adorned her cheeks, extremely embarrassed she just let that happen.
If Ray noticed, he didn't comment on it. Instead, he let his eyes wander the relative empty room, soon softening as he spotted the princess of love.
''You made it!'' the alicorn exclaimed with a big smile, happily running up to him to give him a hug.
''Of course I made it your highness, wouldn't want to miss it for the world,'' he laughed, holding the pink princess close.
''You big liar, you hate dinners,'' she giggled in return, letting him go to gesture behind her.
Standing there, unsure of what to do, was the cutest dragoness he'd ever seen. Though Raymond could've sworn he had seen her before, he did not remember when or where.
Stroking his chin, he gave her a gentle smile. ''Have we met before madame?'' Ray asked her.
''Yes we have, although it was briefly,'' she replied, hiding the nervousness in her voice.
Like Cadence had instructed, Ember held out her claw to him in greeting. ''You must be Raymond, my name is Ember, lord of the dragons,'' she introduced warmly.
''The current dragonlord huh?'' the blacksmith stated, impressed before giving her a firm handshake. ''It's nice to meet you dragonlord Ember.''
''Likewise, I've never had the pleasure to meet a human before.''
Cadence grinned. ''Well, now that we got that out of the way, why don't we enjoy each other's company with something to drink?''
Later, the trio was sitting around the table with a good glass of wine.
''So, what's it like being a dragonlord?'' Ray asked curiously.
Ember smiled, her awkwardness quickly melting away. ''It's hard to be honest. There are a lot of other dragons who think I'm not capable enough. Since I'm far from the strongest, some try to challenge me for the throne.''
''How does that work?''
''Well, unlike in pony culture,'' she eyed the pink alicorn next to her with a warm glance, ''Dragons aren't chosen as the next successor by heritage. Although strength is a big factor, it's everything combined what makes you a capable dragonlord.''
Ray stay silent, ushering her to elaborate further.
''Every time a dragonlord hands over the throne to a new generation, there is a very dangerous test which will decide the new dragonlord. Everybody who's interested can participate in this event,'' she explained, taking a sip of her wine.
''The goal is to retrieve a very specific item, namely the bloodstone scepter. But the road towards it is harsh and can be life threatening, even for dragons. It tests strength, endurance, coordination, speed and wit, and whoever gets their claws on the bloodstone scepter first, will be crowned new dragonlord.''
'''That does sound rough,'' Cadence brought in. ''Why can't the new dragonlord be chosen through love and friendship?''
Princess Ember gave her a flat look. ''Dragons don't do love and friendship-''
''Savages,'' Cadence muttered again, pouting cutely.
''-Normally,'' she finished, giving Raymond a coy look.
The human laughed. ''I take it you were the first to retrieve it then?''
''Yes, although I had some help from a friend. You see, that's why I admire ponies and humans so much, their ability to work together is almost never seen in dragon culture. I'm slowly trying to implement it, but so far, I've only met a lot of resistance.''
''The reason why some dragons think you are not capable as dragonlord?'' Ray rhetorically asked.
''Exactly. I think they're just afraid of change. Most complaints are just big words, but the one or two times when there really are dragons who want to challenge me truly, I give them that chance by letting them retrieve the scepter first. Needless to say, they always fail,'' she told with a snicker.
''But enough about me, so Ray, you are a blacksmith, right?'' the dragoness went on, her eyes half lidded and elbows propped on the table as she listened to the human.
''That's right. My old man taught me a lot of the profession. Been doing it since I was just a wee lad.''
Cadence giggled. ''Sorry, I just pictured you as a six year old, holding a hammer while smashing it down on a piece of hot steel. You would've looked so adorable,'' she gushed cutely.
The human chuckled, shaking his head lightly. ''I wasn't that young,'' he retorted good-naturedly.
Ember giggled as well, and took another sip of her wine. ''Your father must've been a huge inspiration to you,'' the dragoness said, her thoughts drifting to her own dad. ''My father can be very stubborn sometimes, but I love him dearly.''
''All dads can be stubborn,'' Raymond replied knowingly, ''It's just a way to express concern. I remember my father always telling me not to go into his shop unsupervised, but since I was a bit of a brat, I didn't listen. Paid the price, burned my back pretty badly. There's still a massive scar to remind me of that event.''
''That must've hurt pretty bad,'' Cadence sympathized softly, Ember nodding in agreement although she herself had no idea how it felt since she was completely fire proof.
''It did, absolutely. My father wasn't even angry, just disappointed. I learned a valuable lesson that day and ever since, I was interested in blacksmithing. I remember the day fondly, it was a warm day in May, 1921. I just returned from school, all my friends went swimming in a nearby lake, but not me.''
He smiled proudly. ''That day I made my first weapon, a five inch dagger with the help of my dad. I was beaming with happiness. Can you picture it? a fourteen year old sloppily stabbing a scarecrow as if it were something from the underworld? The farmer next door wasn't too happy with it though.''
Both Cadence and Ember giggled at the ridiculous scene their heads came up with. ''Of course my dad taught me to be very careful. A weapon was for self defense, and creating order. Only when I could recite his saying and fully understood the significance behind the words, was I allowed to smith on my own.''
Ray gave a bittersweet smile as he finished his tale. ''Unfortunately, he passed away when I was sixteen.''
''I'm sorry for your loss,'' Ember apologized.
The pink alicorn stayed silent, only offering a comforting wing.
''It's okay, it happened a long time ago. He was my mentor and even though he is gone, I will pass on his legacy through blacksmithing and his wishes through my beliefs.''
Have faith, stay strong, and be honest.
The room stayed silent for a while, not an awkward silence, but rather one out of respect.
''Okay, let's talk about what's for dinner,'' Ray exclaimed, changing the topic. ''I hope you have some meat prepared Cadence, you can't invite two guests who practically need it.''
''Of course I have. I know for a fact Ember here is practically waiting for some meat,'' the alicorn teased, making the dragoness blush.
''That reminds me, have you tried meat before Cadence?'' Ray pondered.
''Yes I have, maybe I'll even try some more tonight,'' she purred, the innuendo not lost on the human.
''Is that so? I'm starting to understand why this is a dinner for three.'' He smirked, glancing at the dragonlord who was eyeing him lovingly.
Not much later, dinner was served. There were various salads, vegetables, fries and different kinds of meat prepared to appeal to everybody.
''This is lovely,'' Ember complimented, happily munching on a big piece of ham.
''Definitely, it's delicious,'' Ray agreed.
''It's going to be even better,'' Cadence stated with a hint of lust, making the human smile.
''Are you trying to hook me up with Ember, princess?'' he accused playfully.
''Hmmm,'' she pondered the question for a moment, ''No. I'm trying to hook you up with Ember and maybe get some fun out of it as well,'' she replied truthfully, a cute blush forming on her cheeks.
''And what does Ember want?'' Ray asked, her hungry look more than confirming his suspicion.
''You,'' she answered bluntly, licking her lips.
Ray had trouble not laughing, but who was he to refuse two beautiful ladies? Honestly, he found Ember very adorable and sweet, while Cadence was the delightful cherry on top.
''Alright. Then let's not waste anymore time here, shall we madames?''
The royal throne room was truly a grand decor. Columns with the most precise sculpturing rose from each side, looking down upon you as if they were the holy judges themselves.
The floor was like a sea of crystal, glistening brightly while a red carpet of the higest quality lead to the throne itself. Stained glass windows which depicted battles of the heros of old rising and evil villains falling bent the last rays of sunshine of the day in such an intricate way, it gave the room the most coziest of feelings.
''Why exactly are we here princess?'' Ray questioned. Ember was just as confused. Weren't they going to the royal chambers to officially make Raymond her mate?
The pink alicorn smiled lewdly. ''It's only fitting to take Ember right where she belongs; on the throne,'' Cadence dirty talked, nudging the duo towards their destination.
The human had to blink a couple of times. ''Are you serious? What if somebody walks in?''
''Then they will see you screwing the dragonlord. Isn't the fact that somepony might walk in on you not incredibly arousing?''
Cadence winked, her naughty words having the desired effect. ''Don't worry Ray, if it happens, I'll personally take care of the problem,'' the horny mare promised. ''Besides, dragons often mate out in the open, right?''
''That's true,'' Ember confirmed.
''Savages.''
''It's not like we are ashamed, it comes with instinct and it's perfectly natural.''
The blacksmith hesitated for a moment, but once Cadence had put him on the comfy throne, two very lustful females expectantly waiting for his decision, he was sold in a second.
''You know what? Why the hell not?'' He gave in, excitement filling his being.
''Ember? If you would?'' Cadence gestured to the bulge in Ray's pants, which was rapidly growing.
''I would be honored,'' she said, almost drooling. ''I hope you don't mind me being on top?'' the dragonlord whispered in the human's ear, her petite frame hugging his chest as she climbed on his lap.
Immediately, Ray could feel a hotness on his crotch, Ember's wet slit slowly being dragged over it, which made both parties moan.
''Oh my, you dirty dragoness, are you that horny?'' Cadence teased as the smell of Ember's arousal filled her nostrils. Wings extended while biting her lower lip, she slowly began to help Ember out by unbuttoning Raymond's pants with her magic.
Meanwhile, the dragoness wasn't slowing down, her humping sent sparks of pleasure through Ray's spine, that damp snatch of hers excactly hitting him in the right places. Cadence wasn't helping either, her magic wrapped not only around his pants and underwear, but his hard member as well, giving him two different stimuli at the same time.
''I caught a very big fish,'' Cadence giggled, gently freeing Ray's cock from its cottony confines. Ember blushed, her moans turning more feral at the sight of Raymond's twitching dick sandwiched between her hot thighs.
She only stopped for a second before she began to drag her quivering vent over his shaft again, coating it in a layer of her warm dragonic juices. At the same time, Cadence's magic ran along his shaft on the rhythm of the dragoness, the pleasure filled faces of her friends and the smell of sex in the air making her very wet herself.
The pink alicorn's clear fluids rolled down her back legs, her winking slit just desperately begging for attention. She ignored it for now, Cadence had to much fun guiding Ember on Ray's cock.
''Let's insert this treat inside of your hot cunt, shall we?'' the mare suggested naughtily, holding up Raymond's hard member magically to align it with Ember's opening. It practically radiated heat and oozed sweet temptation, eliciting a grunt of approval from Ray and a growl from Ember.
the dragoness' anticipation was making her shudder, but just like with Ray's manhood, Cadence had her body in a magic grip, making the mare determine the pace, which only excited the dragonlord more.
''Does it feel good Ray? Ember's slit so shamelessly going over the tip of your dick?'' Cadence dirty talked, ogling the spectacle like a filly in heat.
He nodded his head, unable to utter more than a series of grunts and groans. A bad of pre had formed on the head from all the stimulation Raymond had received, and almost agonizingly slow, the pink princess began to bury his cock inside of the cyan princess on top of him.
Ember gave a low growl as the first inches of Ray's member finally disappeared inside of her hungry cunt, the sensation nothing but pleasurable for the dragoness.
The same was true for the human. Raymond could only enjoy the ride, the warm walls of Ember's insides snuggling his cock perfectly, making it throb in pure gratification.
Hissing as Cadence slid in more, Ember couldn't help but let puffs of smoke come out of her nostrils, her wings flapping helplessly and her tail swaying from side to side to gain more stimulation, without much result.
At the same time, the princess of love couldn't hold herself back anymore, and eagerly pressed one hoof to her heated pussy, moaning while lunging forward to capture the lips of the surprised blacksmith in a sloppy kiss.
Simultaneously, she led go of her magic and gravity took over, which resulted in Ember suddenly taking Ray's cock to the hilt. Both parties moaned loudly; one in the mouth of a pink princess who was busy trying to wrestle his tongue into submission while the other was clearly heard echoing throughout the whole room.
Cadence tasted sweet, which Ray expected, but there was a hint of sour in there as well, probably from the meal. It was a thrilling experience anyway, the mare was lively, not wasting any time in exploring every nook and cranny of his mouth, especially when she went over his canines.
Most likely it was just curiosity, but the human found it pretty adorable anyway. Her saliva was thicker in substance as well, which only added to the alien experience of tongue kissing a pony.
Every second of pure bliss was only augmented by a certain dragoness, whose instincts had completely taken over the moment she could move freely. This was the first time Ember had to do most of the work, and never had she enjoyed herself more than now.
Bouncing up and down on his shaft, Ray's cock entered and left her pussy at a rapid pace, her walls contracting against the intruder as best as they could. Somewhat of a bulge was visible as Ember worked Raymond's shaft, the large male barely fitting inside of her, but she didn't let this slow her down in her frantic fucking.
Looking down, Ray had a perfect view of Ember's hot pussy in action, as well as her cute little clit which almost seemed to beg for attention. He noticed Cadence had one of her hooves on her slit as well, her eyes closed as her muzzle was still firmly pressed against his lips.
Without much hesitation, he moved his hands; one finding the clit of the dragoness, who only growled louder as he lightly began to play with it, while the other found the clit of Cadence, who began to shiver visibly, gently guiding his curious fingers in the right direction with her magic.
After a while, he pressed all the buttons of the horny females correctly, Cadence growling playfully as he broke the kiss to breathe. A string of saliva connected their mouths, Ray panting and moaning as Ember only sped up her movements, her fluids making his shaft slick and slippery.
''Please, use those fingers of yours,'' the alicorn begged, moving her hoof away to give him access to her leaking vent. Ray complied eagerly, inserting his digits far inside her damp opening. The superior dexterity and shape of his hands made him able to bring her far more pleasure than she could've achieved with her hooves alone.
Tongue lolling out of her mouth and panting heavily, she began to encourage the human. ''Yes... hgn, right there, please don't stop!''
His fingers quickly got wet with Cadence's arousal, her twitching getting more severe as time went on, marking the mare's inevitable ending. Ray and Ember weren't faring any better, the human's cock throbbed every time the dragoness plunged herself down on him, pre occasionally accumulating on the tip before it vanished deep inside Ember's dragonic slit.
In the end, it was the dragoness who came first. With a feral roar, her walls clamped down on Ray, milking him for all that he was worth. The extra stimulation, combined with Cadence's sudden magic on his shaft adding even more pleasure, quickly took the human over the edge as well. Spurt after spurt of his sticky semen was shot deep inside Ember, filling her snatch up completely until it began to overflow.
Cadence followed soon after, the sight of Ray cumming inside Ember, while his fingers were buried deep inside her snatch, was the last straw. With a deep sigh, she let her orgasm wash over her, soaking the fingers of the human to the bone with her arousal.
Blush intensifying, Ember giggled in satisfaction, giving Raymond's cheek a wet lick with her long tongue. ''That was amazing,'' she growled, quite content in keeping his dick far inside her used pussy.
''Holy...'' he muttered, laughing as he enjoyed the afterglow of the incredible sex he just had.
Cadence gave him a smug smirk. ''I hope you still have some energy left in you,'' she exclaimed lustfully, looking at Ember who liked her idea all too much.
''So, ready for round two?''
