An Unexpected Union: A Princess and a Former Showmare

Chapters

Morning in Ponyville
Trixie's Request
Twilight's Trip to the Crystal Empire
Twilight in Distress
Return to Ponyville
Return to Twilight's Castle
Important Meetings
Afternoon Tension
A Stressful Morning
Twilight's Wedding
An Eclipse and a Birth
Reconciliation
Preparing for the Ceremony
Introduction to Equestria

Morning in Ponyville

Two days had passed since Twilight had been freed from Trixie's mind control and they couldn't be happier. Like they had for quite some time, the two woke up in a loving embrace as the sun shone in on them. They pulled one another close and smiled. They realized that soon their big day would come and that soon they would have a family.

Twilight kissed Trixie and asked, "Well think we better start planning our wedding today?"

Trixie, who had been speaking like her normal self the whole time she had Twilight under her power replied, "Yes Trix.....oops, I mean yes we should."

Twilight suggested, "Well I think we should get some breakfast and then head over to Rarity's to start planning this."

Trixie agreed and they headed downstairs to have some breakfast. While normally they would sit real close together and gaze into one another's eyes during their meals, they sat across from another and devoured their meals so they could get the planning process started. Once they finished Twilight pointed her wing towards the door and asked, "Shall we?"

Trixie hugged Twilight and replied, "Yes, let's start this."

As the two headed through town ponies couldn't help but cast odd looks. This was the first time in months that anypony had seen Twilight and many ponies in town had come to the conclusion that it was Trixie who had kept her locked in the castle so naturally they did receive some dirty looks. Other ponies looked on in shock to see that Twilight was pregnant, nearing term. Three fillies in particular saw her and ran to her.

Apple Bloom hugged her, "Twilight, it's so good to see you!"

Twilight pulled the three close to her and replied, "It's good to see you too!"

Sweetie Belle asked, "Twilight, where have you been? We haven't seen you in months."

This was something that neither mare really wanted to answer because they didn't want the fillies to know what happened. Luckily for them, Scootaloo would come to the rescue.

She noticed Scootaloo looking at her swollen stomach and then glare at Trixie. She laughed, "Twilight, why are you so fat? Is Trixie trying to fatten you up and kill you or something?"

The two glared at the filly causing her to continue, "Oh come on! I was only joking, I know you're pregnant."

Apple Bloom added, "Ah'm so happy for you Twilight. Who's the father?"

This too was another thing they didn't want to share with them, especially Twilight as she didn't think that fillies should really know about the unconventional way in which she became pregnant. Trixie interrupted, "Girls, The Great and Pow....oops I mean Twilight and I can talk to you about that later.

This brought about suspicion from Sweetie Belle as she had overheard her sister talking about it with Fluttershy. She asked, "Wait a minute, Trixie, how could you get?"

Scootaloo interrupted, "Yeah, you're both mares! How does that work?"

Both mares blushed as Twilight replied, "Girls, this is something we can discuss with you when you're older."

They pouted, "Awwww."

Once the fillies went on their way and they were headed to Rarity's, they could hear laughter coming from Sugarcube Corner, laughter from Twilight's friends. Twilight said, "Oh good, we can catch them all at once."

Trixie asked, "Twilight, you act like it is a good thing."

Twilight replied, "It is. I need to ask my friends if they will be my bridesmares."

Trixie asked, "I know they're all your friends but I really need a best mare. I wonder if one of them would be interested?"

Twilight replied, "I doubt it but you can always ask."

Trixie nodded and they headed into the sweets shop. Twilight's friends in unison said, "Hi Twilight!"

Twilight replied, "Hi girls, it is so good to see you!"

Rainbow glared at Trixie and sighed, "Oh, hello Trixie."

Twilight glared at her over the comment but then returned to her normal self. She asked, "Girls, I have a very important question to ask you."

Pinkie asked, "Oooh, oooh, let me guess! Do you want a cake? Do you want a pie? Do you want us to get rid of Trixie?" Twilight glared at her causing her to continue, "Oops, wrong thing to say."

Twilight sighed, 'I get it, you don't like Trixie but I'm wondering if you five would want to be my bridesmares?"

This caused Rarity's ears to perk up. She replied, "Of course I would darling! I could make us all spectacular dresses!"

Rarity cast her gaze at the others expecting the same response. Applejack sighed, "Sure, why not?"

Pinkie replied, "Sure!"

Fluttershy replied, 'Uhm, I guess."

Rainbow sighed, "Oh alright. I'm only doing this for you Twi."

Rarity asked, "So Twilight, who do you think the mare of honor will be?"

Twilight replied, "Well I'm going to ask Cadence but if she says no, then you will be."

Rarity was so happy that she began jumping up and down like a schoolfilly, "Twilight, if Cadence won't I promise that I won't let you down."

Applejack pointed at Trixie and asked, "So what about her? Who will be her bridesmares?"

Trixie replied, "Well I don't have any yet and I don't even know any ponies that like me enough to do that for me."

Rainbow sneered, "Well yeah. After all you did control Twilight for almost a year and the whole town knows it. Nopony will want to be your mare of honor or a bridesmare."

Fluttershy interrupted, "I don't mean to interrupt but what about Starlight?"

Rainbow laughed, "Are you kidding? Starlight is so busy handling the military and after what Trixie did to her, I doubt she'd do it."

Twilight nudged Trixie, "Well you could always give it a try. After all, if it weren't for you, she wouldn't be in the position she is in."

Trixie replied, "That is true. Next time we go up to Canterlot I will have to ask her."

Twilight asked, "Rarity, how long do you think it would take you to make our dresses?"

Rarity replied, "Well I would need to get you all measured, I would need to get Cadence measured and I would need to get Starlight measured. If I work non-stop and have some help, I should be able to get them done by the end of the week."

Rainbow laughed, "Get Starlight measured? I doubt she'll do this for Trixie and if by some miracle she did, she would probably insist on wearing her armor!"

Twilight replied, "You're probably right but it is worth a try."

Rarity asked, "So Twilight, how do you want your gown and how do you want your bridesmares' dresses?"

Twilight replied, "Well I want mine to be lavender with off-white accents with my cutie mark on the area that will cover my flank and I want the bridesmares' dresses to be off-white with accents that match their coat color and I want their cutie marks in the same place on theirs as it will be on mine."

Rarity asked, "And what about your size? Do you want it to be a bit larger to hide your pregnancy or do you want it to be a little bit snug to show that you are pregnant."

Twilight pulled Trixie close, kissed her and replied, "I want it snug so everypony can see I'm pregnant."

She looked at Trixie and asked "What about yours?"

Trixie replied, "Well I want mine the same color as my coat, the accents to match my eyes and I do want my cutie mark on mine as well."

Rarity sighed, "Well let me measure all of you and then you better go on with your planning while I make the dresses."

They all headed to the boutique to get measured. Rarity decided she would measure Twilight and Trixie first since they had a busy day ahead of them. After measuring them Rarity said, "Well Twilight, well Trixie, you two are measured. Now you better go and take care of your business."

Trixie suggested, "Well Twilight, shall we? It is a long trip to the Crystal Empire and I do want to get up to Canterlot as soon as possible."

Twilight replied, "Yes, let's get going."

As the two left the boutique Twilight's friends couldn't help but sigh in disgust. While they cared deeply for their friend, they still couldn't fathom that a pony who is so smart and who used to think so rationally would still love Trixie after everything that she had done to her.

Trixie's Request

While Twilight and Trixie were waiting at the train station ponies couldn't help but stare. Some were in shock that Twilight was pregnant and there were those who were scowling at Trixie given her past and many ponies believed that she kept Twilight locked up for so long.

Soon she began to hear familiar insults thrown her way, "Bitch! Skank! Showoff!" Then the same pony who saw her when she first arrived in town again sneered, "Oh look at me, I vanquished an Ursa Major!"

Tears began to run down Trixie's eyes as this brought back memories of the day when she first met Starlight and Twilight. Twilight saw this and yelled, "Leave her alone. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

The pony grunted, "Whatever little slave." The pony cast her gaze towards Trixie and continued, "Must've been fun enslaving Twilight, right bitch?"

Twilight put her hoof around Trixie, "It's ok honey. Don't let them get to you."

Trixie began to cry, "I'm so scared of what might happen when I'm alone on the train to Canterlot. What if somepony was to try to hurt me?"

Twilight replied, "Well if anypony does that, they will have to answer to me and they most certainly will not like how I would punish them."

This caused Trixie to feel a bit better and caused the ponies on the platform to go silent. Finally the train to Canterlot arrived. As Trixie was getting ready to board, Twilight pulled her close and kissed her, "Don't worry sweetie, nopony will harm you. Remember, if they do they will have to answer to me."

Trixie replied, "Alright. See you later Twilight, I love you."

Twilight said, "I love you too Trixie."

On the ride to Canterlot the cars were somewhat full but not entirely. What bothered Trixie though is that other ponies were cramming themselves into other seats so that they wouldn't have to be anywhere near her. While nopony said anything out loud, she could hear all the derogatory comments they were whispering to one another. She could hear them bringing up everything from the Ursa to the Alicorn Amulet to how they think she enslaved Twilight. Finally she had enough and yelled, "Would you stop it? The Great and Powerful Trixie has changed and she did not enslave Twilight."

The other ponies laughed for a minute before quieting down. The trip seemed to take forever for her and once the train pulled into the station in Canterlot, she rushed off before anypony else could say anything. Once she arrived in Canterlot she galloped off in the direction of the palace thinking that is where she would find Starlight. When she arrived she was greeted by a guard, "Halt, who goes there?"

Trixie replied, "Well I need to speak to Starlight."

The guard said, "Princess Starlight can be found over at the base."

Trixie asked, "Where is the base?"

The guard replied, "It is on the northernmost edge of the city."

Trixie nodded and headed on her way. Unlike in Ponyville, most of the ponies in Canterlot didn't even know who she was so her journey through the city went by without incident. When she arrived at the edge of the base she was greeted by two guards, guards that looked much more stern than the ones at the palace. One guard asked, "Halt, who goes there?"

The other added, "State your business."

Trixie replied, "Well I need to speak to Princess Starlight about something important."

One of the guards asked, "What is your name?"

Trixie replied, "My name is Trixie Lulamoon."

The guard said, "I will let Starlight know that you wish to speak with her."

The guard headed towards Starlight's office and knocked. Spike answered the door and said, "Oh hi, I take it you need to speak to Starlight?"

Starlight heard this and asked, "Guard, why are you not at your post? State your business."

The guard replied, "There is a pony that goes by the name of Trixie Lulamoon who wishes to see you."

Spike asked, "Trixie? What would she be wanting?"

Starlight sighed, "Escort her here."

The guard replied, "Yes your Majesty."

The guard headed to the gate and said, "Follow me Trixie. Princess Starlight didn't seem overly enthusiastic but she will see you."

Trixie couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated as she was being led to Starlight's office. She was not used to being surrounded by guards and knew that if she made one wrong move around Starlight, that she could easily be taken down if Starlight didn't do it first. As she was being led into the princess's office the guard said, "Starlight, your guest is here."

Trixie could feel the tension the moment she stepped in the room. There stood Starlight, clad in full armor with a scowl on her face. She asked, "Trixie, what are you doing here? State your business."

Trixie gulped, "Well your Majesty, as you know Twilight and I will be getting married soon and I am wondering if you would be my mare of honor?"

Spike began to laugh at the ridiculous request while Starlight stared her down. She replied, "Seriously Trixie? After you threw away our love for Twilight you have the audacity to ask me this?"

Trixie replied, "Starlight, nopony in Ponyville wants to and I don't know anypony else except you and I really need a mare of honor."

Starlight grunted, "Not my problem. Now get out of here before I have you forcibly removed."

Trixie said, "But Starlight, if it weren't for me you wouldn't even be in this situation. It was me who told Twilight to have Celestia bring you up here and make you her protege so you can thank me for you being a princess."

What Trixie said really made Starlight think. She did realize that Trixie was responsible for her moving to Canterlot and being there when the changelings attacked. She sighed, "Oh alright but don't expect me to wear any girly fru-fru dress or anything."

Trixie asked, "Why not? Twilight's mare of honor and her bridesmares will all be wearing dresses."

Starlight replied, "Look, I have to be ready for an attack at all times which is why I wear my armor all the time and I am the Warrior Princess. It would not look good for a pony of my stature to be playing dress up."

Trixie sighed, "But you already killed Chrysalis and her changelings and the chances of an attack are next to zero. Please wear a dress for me."

Trixie stuck her bottom lip out and despite being much more hardened than she was when she was in Twilight's school she caved in, "Oh alright but just know that I'm only going to dress that way so you won't be whining and complaining the whole time."

Trixie asked, "And could you not wear your mane like you are a dictator? Could you wear it like you did when we were together? It would mean the world to me if you didn't."

Trixie was really starting to push the envelope with this question. Starlight snapped, "Look Trixie, I will be your mare of honor, I will wear a damn dress but I will not wear my mane like a pathetic, naive dingbat would."

Trixie again stuck her lip out hoping it would cause Starlight to cave in but this time would prove to be different. Starlight continued, "Trixie, sticking your bottom lip out this time will not work." She pointed her hoof towards the door and continued, "Now get out of here before I change my mind. We can discuss this further closer to the ceremony AFTER 1800, got it."

Trixie hugged Starlight and squealed, "Oh thank you Starlight! Thank you for being my mare of honor."

Starlight pushed her off, "Look, I know you're happy I'm agreeing to this but do not violate my personal space. Unlike the other princesses, I will have you arrested for touching me. Now go, I have business to take care of."

Trixie left the office and headed towards the exit. While she knew that Starlight was not exactly enthused to do this, she had a smile on her face. She wasn't worried about having additional bridesmares, she had a mare of honor and that is all that mattered.

Twilight's Trip to the Crystal Empire

It was not long after the train for Canterlot left that the train for the Crystal Empire arrived. As she boarded the train she was receiving a lot of odd looks and a few smiles. One of the ponies, obviously not from Ponyville, asked, "Princess Twilight, I never knew you were pregnant! Who's the father?"

Twilight replied, "Well uh, I really don't think she wants me to mention her name."

The pony asked, "She?"

Twilight realized that she had slipped. She corrected herself, "Oh, he. I don't know why I said she."

Another pony, a Ponyville native, commented, "Trixie probably used some sort of fertility spell on her."

Twilight gave the pony an icy glare causing her to go silent. While the train to Canterlot was somewhat full, only a few ponies were traveling to the Crystal Empire that day so Twilight was able to have her own car.

The trip seemed to take forever to her. She wanted so badly to let Cadence and Shining Armor know that she was pregnant and getting married but she feared so many things too. She knew how protective Shining Armor was and knew that both of them believe that ponies should not conceive out of wedlock. All she could do was hope for the best.

When the train arrived in the Crystal Empire Twilight rushed off the train and headed for the palace. Many ponies there knew who she was and were very surprised to see her pregnant, especially as close to term as she was. While several ponies tried talking to her, she continued towards the palace as quickly as she could.

When she arrived she was greeted by a guard. He knew exactly who she was and said, "Princess Twilight, it is so good to see you! I take it you are here to see Cadence and Shining Armor."

Twilight replied, "Yes, I am."

He opened the door and continued, "Here you go. You have a good day your Majesty."

Twilight nodded and headed towards the throne room. When she got to the throne room she was greeted by Cadence. Rather than doing their usual song and dance Cadence rushed to her, "Twilight, we haven't seen or heard from you in months. Are you ok?" She took a closer look at her and saw she was pregnant. She continued, "And you're pregnant! I thought you would have let us know the moment you knew."

As she was saying this Shining Armor was arriving in the throne room. He saw his sister and yelled, "Twily, it's so good to see you."

Twilight replied, "It's good to see you too."

He asked, "Twilight, you're pregnant! Why didn't you let us know?"

Cadence added, "I just asked her the same thing."

Twilight replied, "Well it's a long story but I'll let you know. You see, a pony that was a friendship student of mine brought another pony in when I told her to go out and make a friend. Well let's just say that after a while the pony my friendship student brought in fell for me and I fell for her."

Cadence asked, "I take it you are talking about a pony that Starlight brought in?"

Shining Armor added, "What is this pony's name?"

Twilight replied, "Trixie Lulamoon."

Neither one of the two had heard of her since Twilight never brought her up. Given that Trixie is a mare, the two were a bit confused. Cadence asked, "Twilight, you said that this new student, Trixie, fell for you and you fell for her. What does that have to do with you being pregnant?"

Twilight replied, "Well you see, she kind of cast a mind control spell on me and I cast a fertility spell on her so she could get me pregnant."

Both gasped, "SHE DID WHAT?"

Cadence asked, "How would a fertility spell even work with you two? You're both mares!"

Twilight replied, "Well she had me cast a spell so she could shoot sperm out of her horn and that is how it happened. She gave me horn sex and got me pregnant."

Shining Armor snorted, "And what about this mind control spell?"

Twilight replied, "Well she must know some sort of mind control magic on her own because she cast it on me and suddenly I was under her control for months. My friends told me that I was completely and absolutely subservient to her until Princess Starlight used a counter-spell to break it."

This angered both of them. Cadence yelled, "When I get my hooves on that Trixie she's going to wish she was never born. I may be able to spread love and light but my wrath will be anything but love and light!"

Twilight began to cry, "Cadence, please don't do anything to Trixie. I love her and we are going to get married."

Shining Armor yelled, "Seriously, after what that little wretch did to you you're going to marry her?"

Cadence added, "Twilight, how can you love a pony who controlled you, manipulated you, cast a spell on you and got you pregnant while you were under her control."

Shining Armor continued, "She got you pregnant WITHOUT your consent. What she did was basically rape. With any luck Celestia has her locked up and is charging her with the crime."

Twilight was devastated that the two ponies she thought would be the most supportive basically wanted her fiance's head on a platter. She cried, "No, she is not being charged with a crime because I told Celestia to not bother. I love Trixie and we are getting married before the foal is born. Neither one of us want the foal to be born out of wedlock."

Cadence sighed, "Look Twilight, we can understand that but still, I just don't get how you could love Trixie after what she did to you."

Shining Armor added, "You mentioned Princess Starlight breaking the mind control spell. If she broke it, why do you still love Trixie?"

Twilight blushed, "Well her and I had already fallen in love before she cast the spell so the only way Starlight could have erased that love was by using her own mind control spell on me."

Cadence mumbled, "Too bad she didn't."

Twilight sighed, "Look, Starlight doesn't do that anymore. I know my friends and Celestia both were probably begging her to do just that but she refused to do so. Yes her and I have a rocky past but she wasn't willing to stoop to her old ways."

Cadence asked, "Alright Twilight but I can't help but wonder if you had more than one reason for coming up here."

Twilight replied, "I did actually. I was coming to ask you if you would be my mare of honor."

Cadence sighed, "I don't know Twilight. You mean the world to me but this whole thing seems wrong. I just don't know if i can stand up there by you when you're marrying an amoral pony who committed horrible crimes against you."

Twilight began to cry again, "Cadence, she is not amoral! She was just desperate and was afraid I would leave her like Starlight did when she was presented with an opportunity to advance. She apologized and I know she loves me."

Cadence sighed in disgust, "Oh alright but know this, I'm only doing this for you. I want nothing to do with this Trixie, I don't want to have to talk to her and I don't want to have to be around her any longer than I have to be."

Shining Armor added, "Nor do I Twily. I love you but I will NEVER consider Trixie family."

Twilight hugged Cadence and sniffled, "Thank you Cadence. I really appreciate this."

Cadence asked, "So when is this wedding?"

Twilight replied, "As soon as we can get it set up. Like I said, we want to get this done before the foal is born. With any luck it will happen in a couple of days."

Shining Armor sighed, "Well honey, shall we just head back to Ponyville with her and get ready for this? Chances are you'll have to get measured."

Twilight interrupted, "Well I was going to go to Canterlot to tell mom and dad about this. I'm sure they'll want to know that I'm getting married."

Shining Armor nervously replied, "Well I think I'll let you talk to them alone. I know they are going to be irate over this and I don't want to be there when they are mad, especially mom."

Cadence added, "Even though I don't support this, I'll be there for you Twilight." She looked towards the exit and continued, "Well shall we get going? I want us to get down there, hopefully get this done as soon as possible and get back. Like I said, I don't want to have to be around Trixie any more than I have to."

They headed towards the door and despite getting Cadence to agree to be her mare of honor, Twilight knew that things were going to be very tense for this wedding. She also feared telling her parents about this but knew that it was something that had to be done.

Twilight in Distress

After their talk the three headed to the train station to head to Canterlot. Given the situation Twilight was in, they decided to use the royal train to keep distractions and their stress levels to a minimum. Once they arrived in Canterlot, Twilight headed straight towards her parents' house while Shining Armor and Cadence headed to the palace.

As she was heading to her parents' house, Twilight received a lot of strange looks. Several ponies asked her about her pregnancy and she tried to be as secretive as possible about it, causing the ponies to just shrug their shoulders and go on their way. As she approached her parents' house she couldn't help but be nervous. She knew that they would be upset and given the overprotective nature of her mother, she knew that she would likely be extremely angry with Trixie.

When she arrived she knocked on the door. At first she received no response so she decided she would go back later. As she began to leave the door opened and her mother asked, "Hello?"

Twilight turned around and rushed to her, "Mom! It's so good to see you!"

At first *Velvet was happy to see her. She replied, "It's good to see you too. Come on in!"

As Twilight headed in she was greeted by her father who quickly noticed her pregnancy. He asked, "Twilight, you're pregnant and you never told us?"

Velvet added, "Why didn't you tell us? We're your parents for Celestia's sake!"

Twilight replied, "Well it happened in a very unconventional manner and I wasn't able to tell anypony until now."

Both parents thought that perhaps somepony had done something bad to their daughter. Velvet developed a scowl on her face and asked, "You weren't raped were you?"

Night Light added, "Tell us who he is Twilight. If Celestia won't punish him, I will and he will not survive."

Twilight sighed, "Mom, dad, I was not raped. It was completely consensual and I want you to know that it was not a stallion who got me pregnant, it was another mare."

Both parents gasped in shock. Velvet asked, "What? How in Equestria would that even work?"

Twilight replied, "Well it was a rather interesting situation. My then student, Starlight Glimmer brought in a new friend, Trixie Lulamoon. At first those two fell in love but eventually Trixie fell for me and I fell for her. Eventually we realized how strong our love is and......"

Velvet snapped, "Let me guess, she had you cast a fertility spell on her so she could get you pregnant." She got in Twilight's face and yelled, "Tell me Twilight, is that what happened?"

Twilight replied, "Well first she asked me about us having a foal together and I declined. Then we had some fun in my library and after that I consented, so I cast a fertility spell on her and then she gave me horn sex and got me pregnant."

Night Light yelled, "What? You, the Princess of Friendship, would just allow her to do this to you?"

Velvet added, "Oh and let me guess, you were too embarrassed until now to tell anypony."

Twilight sighed, "That isn't the case. You see, she cast a mind control spell on me so I would be subservient to her. She was afraid that I would run off to pursue higher ambitions the way Starlight did."

Velvet blew her stack, "What? She put a mind control spell on you?" She headed towards the door and yelled, "Where is she Twilight? When I get my hooves on her I'll make the streets run red with her blood."

Night Light added, "And I'll join you! NOPONY puts a mind control spell on our daughter and gets away with it!"

Twilight grabbed both of them in her aura and yelled, "Stop!" She calmed down and continued, "Don't you dare do anything to Trixie. Her and I are getting married."

The two's jaws dropped open. Velvet yelled, "What, you're going to marry that wretch even though she controlled you and got you pregnant while you were under her spell?"

Twilight sighed, "Yes, I am." She began to feel her foal kicking her causing her to continue, "Mom, dad, do you think we could calm down and make this not so stressful? My foal doesn't like it."

The two rolled their eyes not really caring about the stress level. Velvet asked, "So, when are you going to marry this amoral rat? Is it going to be before or after the birth of your foal?"

Twilight replied, "Look, I know you are upset with Trixie but that is no reason to call her such derogatory names and we......"

Velvet interrupted, "Upset, upset?" She raised her voice and continued, "Oh I'm far more than just upset with that little wretch. If I could get away with it that foal of yours would only have one parent."

Again the foal began to kick. Twilight began to cry, "You know what? Forget it. If you are going to be like this I don't even want you at my wedding!"

Both parents pointed their hooves at the door and Velvet replied, "Guess what Twilight? We don't want to go and celebrate our daughter marrying some little tramp who should be locked away. Just go!"

Twilight stormed out of her parents' house and towards the palace. She had tears running down her face as she was galloping through the streets. While some ponies wanted to congratulate her on her pregnancy, they knew better than to bother her being that distraught. When she arrived at the palace she ran into the throne room crying in agony.

Celestia saw this and asked, "Twilight, what's wrong?"

Twilight cried, "My parents are so mad that they won't even come to the wedding. Even worse mom referred to Trixie as an amoral rat!" Her crying intensified further as she continued, "Why can't somepony just be happy for me? Why is it they are either just being here because they feel like they have to or refuse to be here for me at all?"

Cadence sighed, "Twilight, you have to understand why everypony is reacting the way they are."

Shining Armor added, "Twily, everypony thinks Trixie wrongfully got you pregnant, they believe she enslaved you with that mind control spell and overall Trixie isn't that nice of a pony."

Celestia, who had planned on keeping quiet finished, "Twilight, your brother is right. If Trixie hadn't done what she did, everypony would be happy for you." She gave Twilight a smile and continued, "You know, it isn't too late to change your mind."

Twilight snapped, "Look, just be happy for me ok?" She became more agitated and continued, "Look, I just want to hurry up and get this wedding done so I won't have everypony ostracizing me and I won't have to worry about my foal being born out of wedlock."

Celestia asked, "So when do you want to do this?"

Twilight screamed, "The sooner the better! Maybe a week from today so Rarity will have time to get all the dresses made if she rushes it!"

Celestia sighed, "Fine. Go to Ponyville, get your friends, get Trixie, we'll notify Starlight along with the whole city and we can get this done."

Twilight suggested, "How about I notify Starlight? She does need to be measured after all." She looked at Cadence and continued, "As do you."

Cadence sighed, "Twilight, Rarity already knows my measurements and good luck getting Starlight's measurements.

Twilight nodded and stormed out of the throne room. The three looked at one another with concern and disgust at the same time. Celestia sighed, "You know, I just can't believe how far she has fallen. At one time she was my star student, she has saved Equestria on multiple occasions and fixed Starswirl's spell to become a princess." She then got a sick look on her face and continued, "And even worse, since Trixie is marrying her, with the way Equestrian law is, Trixie will become a princess too."

Cadence and Shining Armor gasped, "What? Trixie a princess?"

Celestia replied, "Unfortunately yes. Fortunately though, she won't have any power. It will just be a royal title, nothing more."

Cadence sighed, "True but still, her ego is going to be worse than ever."

The three realized that given Twilight's feelings for Trixie that stopping this would be impossible and that they would have to accept Trixie becoming a princess or hope that something would happen that would cause Twilight to come to her senses before it is too late.

Author's Note

* Whenever Twilight Velvet is speaking or is mentioned, she will be referred to as Velvet so there will be no confusion as to which Twilight is speaking or being mentioned.

Return to Ponyville

As Twilight left the castle she decided she would go to the base and notify Starlight of when the wedding would be. She also decided that she would get Starlight to go with her to Ponyville so she could be measured. As she headed north towards the base she had many ponies stop her and congratulate her. When she arrived at the base she was greeted by a guard. "Halt.....oh Princess Twilight, it's you! How are you doing?"

Twilight sighed, "I'm doing ok. I just need to speak to Starlight."

The guard replied, "Follow me your Majesty, she should be available."

Despite being a princess and knowing that it was probably one of the absolute safest places for her, Twilight couldn't help but feel nervous being surrounded by that many guard ponies. When they finally reached Starlight's office the guard knocked on the door. Starlight opened it and asked, "Guard, why are you not at your post? State your business."

The guard replied, "Princess Twilight is here to see you."

Starlight pointed her hoof towards her office and said, "Go on in Twilight, I'll be there in a minute."

As Twilight headed towards the office she ran into someone who had once been a great friend of her's, Spike. She said, "Oh, hi Spike."

Spike replied, "Oh, hi Twilight."

While both wanted to say more to one another, neither one felt comfortable doing so given what had happened in the past year. Eventually Starlight arrived in her office to find an awkward situation between Twilight and Spike as the room was silent. Starlight sat down and asked, "Twilight, what are you doing here? State your business."

Twilight replied, "Well I'm here to let you know that the wedding is one week from today."

Starlight grunted, "Yes, and?"

Twilight continued, "And I have come to see if you'll come with me to Ponyville so Rarity can get you measured."

Starlight opened a drawer and pulled a sheet of paper out. On that paper was her armor measurements. She handed it to Twilight and sighed, "Here are my measurements. Give them to Rarity and make all our lives easier."

Twilight replied, "But Starlight, your measurements for armor are likely different than what they would be for a dress." She saw a look of disapproval forming on Starlight's face as she continued, "Besides, you'd be able to go see your friends. Wouldn't you like to do that?"

Starlight's facial expression changed to one of slight approval as she replied, "Sure, why not? I haven't got to see them in a while and besides, I haven't been out of town here recently either so a little change of scenery would be nice." She looked at Spike and continued, "Let's go Spike, let's get this measurement taken care of."

As the three headed through the base and towards the train station, many of the guard ponies had shocked expressions as normally Starlight does not just leave without telling anypony. They received more strange looks once they left the base as seeing Starlight out and about was a rare event. Everypony they came across threw her a salute, which she promptly returned.

Twilight saw this and asked, "Does everypony salute you when they see you?"

Starlight replied, "They do. I kind of wish they wouldn't but given my role, they probably just do it as a sign of respect and my saluting them back is a form of respect as well."

Twilight commented, "Well I guess when you are a military princess the culture is going to be quite different for you."

Starlight nodded, "Yep."

The train to Ponyville was unusually full that day. While they did have room to sit, both felt uncomfortable because everypony was staring at them. They were staring at Twilight because of her pregnancy and were staring at Starlight because she is almost never seen in public. One pony asked, "Your Highness, you are almost never out and about, is everything ok?"

Starlight replied, "Yes, everything is ok."

The pony then asked, "Princess Twilight, I never knew you were pregnant. Who's the father?"

Twilight blushed, "Well I don't think she wants me to mention her name."

The pony asked, "She?"

Twilight had been through this before but felt a bit flustered that she would slip up like that again. Fortunately for her, Starlight would come to the rescue, "The identity of the father is classified information."

The pony sighed, "Oh, alright."

Twilight smiled, "Thanks Starlight, I slipped and said she when the cutie mark crusaders asked me and now once they get older, Trixie and I are going to have to tell them about what happened."

Starlight laughed, "I take it you promised them you'd tell them?"

Twilight sighed, "Unfortunately yes, we did."

Starlight chuckled, "Maybe they'll forget about it by then."

Twilight replied, "I hope so!"

Once they arrived in Ponyville they headed to The Carousel Boutique to see Rarity. While Starlight would not show it, she was actually glad to get away from the base for a bit. Once they arrived at the boutique the very first thing Starlight did was rush to Rarity, "Rarity, it is so good to see you!"

Rarity joyfully replied, "It's good to see you too darling!"

Starlight gave Rarity a tight hug and continued, "Oh it is so nice to get out of Canterlot and see some of my friends!"

Twilight was surprised by her statement. She asked, "Starlight, when we left the base you seemed like doing this was going to be a chore and now you suddenly seem happy."

Starlight replied, "Well perhaps getting out of town and off the base is helping me let my mane down."

Rarity asked, "So Starlight, I take it you are here to get measured?"

Starlight began to get out of her armor and replied, "Yes but make it quick. I want to get to Sugarcube Corner so I can see the rest of my friends."

Rarity said, "Wow Starlight, even after being gone for so long you still have our get together schedule memorized?"

Starlight replied, "Yep."

After getting Starlight measured they all headed to Sugarcube Corner where Starlight was greeted warmly by her friends. She headed over there without her armor on and this was quickly noticed by Applejack, "Starlight, why aren't y'all wearing your armor? Aren't you worried something might happen?"

Starlight replied, "I'm not worried and besides, I just want to let my mane down since I'm out of Canterlot. If something were to happen, my armor is at Rarity's and it isn't that far away."

Out of all of them Rainbow was the most shocked, "Wow Starlight, are you starting to mellow out or are you just being like this because you are down here."

Starlight replied, "I'm just being like this since I'm down here." She stood there in silence for a moment and continued, "Although I'm thinking that maybe I should try being more relaxed up at the base too. It feels good not being so formal all the time."

Twilight interrupted, "I'd certainly hope so." She pointed her hoof at Starlight and continued, "When I went to see her she told me to state my business!"

Starlight replied, "I'm sorry Twilight. I guess it has become a habit for me."

Twilight sighed, "It's alright Starlight. I guess when you are completely immersed in a military culture you'll wind up being like that."

Rarity interrupted, "So Starlight, what do you want your dress to look like?"

While Starlight had a general idea she realized that it would likely be up to Trixie. She replied, "Isn't that up to Trixie? After all, doesn't the bride usually decide what her mare of honor's dress looks like."

Twilight interrupted, "How about this Starlight. I'll talk her into having yours designed like Cadence's. If I can get her to agree it will be an off-white with accents that match your coat and your cutie mark on the flank."

Starlight replied, "Well that sounds good to me." She paused and continued, "Speaking of Trixie, perhaps you and I should discuss this with her together. It would seem rather cowardly on my part to simply have you discuss it with her."

Twilight said, "Alright, let's get going to my castle then."

Spike, who had been quiet to this point asked, "Twilight, I know I'm not your assistant anymore but can I come too?"

Twilight replied, "Ask Starlight, you are her assistant."

Starlight ordered, "Hop on Spike, let's get going.....oh wait, wait. I need to go and get my armor from Rarity's before we head to the castle."

As Starlight was rushing back to Rarity's Twilight couldn't help but chuckle, "Even though you are wanting to be more laid back, you still want your armor nearby!"

Starlight sighed, "I can't help it, it's just habit!"

While going and seeing Trixie was one of the absolute last things she wanted to do, Starlight felt as though simply trying to get out of this would be an act of cowardice and would be not only dishonoring herself, but her role as Warrior Princess.

Return to Twilight's Castle

Once the three got into Twilight's castle, the tension quickly began to build. The memories of living there, being Twilight's pupil and most of all, her time of being Trixie's marefriend began flooding back to her. It was equally as difficult on Spike as well given that for quite some time he was Twilight's assistant. It would not be long until the three would be greeted by Trixie.

Trixie rushed into Twilight's hooves and asked, "Hi sweetie, how are you doing?"

Twilight replied, "I'm doing good, even better being back home with the love of my life."

Starlight and Spike rolled their eyes in disgust before hearing Trixie ask, "Hello Starlight, how are you doing?"

Even though she had agreed to be her mare of honor and was trying to let her mane down, with Trixie she still expected formalities, "That is Princess Starlight Glimmer to you Trixie."

Given what Starlight had said earlier, this shocked Twilight. She asked, "Starlight, I thought you were wanting to let your mane down and be less formal. Why does she have to be formal with you?"

Starlight replied, "Because of her history with me."

Trixie quickly interrupted, "Remember Princess, if it weren't for me convincing Twilight to send you up to Canterlot, you'd still just be a pupil. You wouldn't be the Warrior Princess."

Starlight sighed, "Oh alright. You don't need to keep reminding me of that."

Twilight decided that they needed to discuss what they originally headed back to her castle over. She asked, "So Trixie sweetie, what do you want Starlight's dress to look like? She is your mare of honor after all."

With Twilight putting a lot of emphasis on the word "your," Trixie's ego became a bit inflated. She giggled, "Well, I think it should be gray with accents that match my coat, has my cutie mark on it and she needs to wear a dunce cap!"

When Starlight heard this, she lit her horn up in anger. She yelled, "You know what? Forget it Trixie, you can go up there with nopony by your side and look like the pathetic little wretch you are."

Spike added, "You have a lot of nerve to speak to The Warrior Princess like that Trixie."

Starlight grabbed Trixie in her aura and ripped her cutie mark off of her. She stood there with a smirk on her face and laughed, "Come on Spike, let's get back to Canterlot so I can get this thing sealed away."

Twilight rushed to Starlight and smacked her horn, causing her to drop Trixie's cutie mark. She yelled, "Starlight, what was all that about? I didn't think you were like that anymore!"

Starlight snapped, "Twilight, one does not disrespect me like that and get off scot-free."

Twilight interrupted, "Starlight, she was only joking! You should know that she wouldn't really want you to dress like that because it would make her look bad too."

Starlight glared at Trixie and asked, "Is what she says true or were you just being your arrogant little self?"

Trixie shrank back and replied, "I'm sorry Starlight, I didn't really mean it." As Starlight's glare deepened, Trixie stuck her bottom lip out and continued, "Starlight, please don't back out of being my mare of honor. I promise I'll respect you."

Starlight sighed, "Oh alright. Now what do you really want the design to be?"

Twilight replied, "Trixie, I was thinking that a good design would be off white with accents that match her coat and have her cutie mark on her flank."

Twilight gave Trixie a slight glare as she thought about this. Finally Trixie agreed, "Alright, that sounds good."

It was getting close to supper time and Starlight's stomach was growling. The first to hear this was Twilight. She asked, "Starlight, it is close to supper time and your stomach is really growling. Would you and Spike want to have supper with us?"

Starlight replied, "Well, I'm not really sure. I really need to get back up to Canterlot."

Twilight sighed, "Oh alright, but I just thought it would be nice since the wedding is coming up before too long." She then looked at Spike and continued, "Spike, maybe you could get her to stay. Even though you haven't been here in ages, I still have some gems."

Gems are not exactly common on the base so almost immediately Spike began to beg, "Please Starlight, can't we stay? It's just for supper."

Starlight sighed, "Oh alright, but afterwards we are headed right back to Canterlot." Her sigh became more frustrating as she continued, "We can't be gone for any longer than we already have been."

Twilight and Trixie both gave one another curious looks as they couldn't help but notice the frustration in Starlight's voice. While neither one of them could be sure, to Twilight it seemed almost as if Starlight didn't exactly want to go back that quickly.

Despite Twilight inviting Starlight and Spike to have supper with her and Trixie, the meal was rather quiet and tense, even for Spike who had his first huge meal of gems in quite some time. Finally he broke the silence, "Thank you Twilight! I wasn't expecting any gems!"

Twilight replied, "You're welcome Spike. When you left I still had a few gems around and given that I was under Trixie's control, I never sold them." She cast her gaze at Starlight and asked, "So Starlight, how often do you give him gems?"

Starlight replied, "Well he usually gets some a couple times a week. It may not be all that often but when he does get them, he gets a rather large bowl of them."

Twilight looked at Spike who was agreeing in agreement with Starlight. After their supper Starlight let out a large yawn, "Ugh, I don't know about you Spike but I'm getting tired. Think we should get going?"

Spike replied, "Yeah, we probably should."

It had already got dark and while it would seem odd, Twilight decided that she would offer Starlight something, "Starlight, Spike, I know you think you have to hurry up and get back but it is getting kind of late. What would you think of staying here tonight?"

Spike's eyes lit up, "Really? You want us to stay here with you?"

Twilight replied, "Yeah, I do."

Starlight sighed, "I don't know. I don't want everypony being worried about where I am. The last thing we need is for the soldiers to go into a panic worrying about my whereabouts."

Spike begged, "Please, can't we just stay for one night?"

Being in the castle already brought enough in the way of bad memories for Starlight. She certainly did not want to spend the night there, especially if it meant staying in her old room given that that was where Trixie threw away their love for Twilight. She sighed, "No Spike, I think we need to get going."

Spike replied, 'Ok Starlight."

Starlight put her armor on, opened the door and ordered, "Hop on Spike, we need to get going. The next train leaves very soon and I really don't feel like either having to wait around for another hour or so nor do I feel like flying to Canterlot when it is pitch dark."

Twilight, in a last ditch effort to get them to stay said, "Wait, why don't you......."

Trixie put her hoof over her mouth and interrupted, "Just let them go. Starlight probably has to get up early tomorrow and besides, it would be hard for me to sleep with Starlight around."

Twilight asked, "Why?"

Trixie stuck her bottom lip out and continued, "It just would. You wouldn't want your precious fiance to have trouble sleeping, would you?"

Twilight sighed, "No, I wouldn't." She yawned and continued, "Well it is getting late, we better get to bed."

As the two headed up to their bedroom Trixie couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. She knew that Starlight does know mind control spells and was worried that while she was asleep that Starlight may try to turn Twilight against her out of spite or that she would do something to her to make her leave Twilight.

Important Meetings

Finally the day before the wedding arrived and like every other morning, Twilight and Trixie woke up in a loving embrace. They gave one another a loving smile as Trixie said, "Well Twilight, tomorrow is the big day! I'm so excited!"

Twilight kissed her and replied, "I'm excited too. Think we should get up, eat and then meet up with our friends."

Trixie jumped out of their bed and squealed, "Yes, we should! I can't wait to see our dresses!"

Twilight added, "Besides, we need to get up to Canterlot before our practice ceremony this afternoon."

At Sugarcube Corner it was like it would be any other morning, Twilight's friends had gathered for their morning snack. In many cases the bridesmares would be excited for their friend's wedding, the same could not be said for all of them. Applejack said, "Well ladies, tomorrow is Twilight's big day."

Rainbow added, "Yeah, although I really wish it weren't." She sighed in frustration and continued, "I just don't get how Twilight could still love Trixie after everything she did."

Fluttershy continued, "Yeah, that mind control spell was pretty awful."

Pinkie added, "And that fertility spell showed what a meany-mean hooves she really is!"

Rarity however, was not in the same mood. She replied, "Girls, we need to just be happy for Twilight. Yes what Trixie did was wrong but don't you see how happy both of them are? Besides, we get to take part in another wedding and our dresses are absolutely magnificent!"

Applejack sighed in disgust, Is that all you care about Rarity? Is all you care about is taking part in an elegant ceremony? Don't you care about how Twilight was taken advantage of?"

Before Rarity could reply Twilight and Trixie arrived. Rarity rushed to Twilight, "Twilight darling, it is so good to see you!" She gave her a big hug and continued, "Are you excited for your big day tomorrow?"

Twilight replied, "Yes, oh yes I am. I can't wait to become Trixie's wife."

Despite not approving of their relationship earlier on, Rarity decided she would ask Trixie the same, "Trixie, are you excited for tomorrow?"

Trixie replied, "Of course Trix....oops, I mean I'm excited."

Twilight looked at the clock and asked, "Well girls, think we should get going? We have to be in Canterlot by this afternoon and Trixie will still have to go and get Starlight."

Trixie added, "And you know how she is, she'll have to make sure everything is in order before she'll leave the base."

Rarity replied, "Well let's get our dresses and the get going."

The rest nodded and after getting their dresses, they headed to the train station. This was something that, with the exception of Rarity, the bridesmares were not exactly looking forward to. Some of them, Rainbow in particular, worried that once they are married, that Trixie may once again find a way to control Twilight and keep her from seeing them.

For Twilight and Trixie, the trip seemed to take all too long as they were excited for the practice ceremony that afternoon and then everything that would follow it. Once they finally arrived, the two brides rushed off the train and headed towards the palace, being followed more slowly by Twilight's bridesmares. Before going into the palace something crossed Twilight's mind. She asked, "Trixie, think you better go and get Starlight? I think it would be easier than us going in and talking to Celestia, then you having to go get her and come back."

Trixie replied, "Yes, I think that would be good." She looked at Rarity and asked, "Rarity, I think it would be best if I took my dress and Starlight's with me because I am going to see if I can stay with her tonight."

Rainbow laughed, "What? You're going to see if you can stay with Starlight? Chances are she'll say no and besides, it is probably against regulations for civilians to stay on the base to start with!"

Rarity gave Trixie the two dresses and replied, "Well it's worth a shot."

Trixie asked, "So Twilight, will we be wearing our dresses during the practice ceremony or not?"

Twilight replied, "No, just during the ceremony."

Trixie nodded and headed north towards the base. As she walked through town ponies couldn't help but stare at her carrying two dresses with her. When she finally arrived at the base a guard asked, "Halt, who goes there?"

Another guard added, "State your business."

Trixie replied, "Well my name is Trixie Lulamoon and I need to speak to Starlight."

The guard said, "Follow me, I will take you to see her."

Like with last time, Trixie couldn't help but feel unnerved being surrounded by so many guards. Once they arrived at Starlight's office the guard said, "Wait here while I see if she will speak to you."

When the guard arrived in her office, she was not there which meant that she was likely in her private home. He knocked on her door and it was promptly answered by Spike. The guard asked, "Spike, is Starlight home."

Spike nodded and headed back to get Starlight. When Starlight arrived she was not all that happy. She asked, "Guard, why are you not at your post? State your business."

The guard replied, "Well there is a pony that goes by the name of Trixie Lulamoon who wishes to speak to you."

Starlight sighed, "Escort her here."

When the guard returned to the entrance he said, "Trixie, she will see you."

The guard escorted Trixie back to the entrance to Starlight's private home where she was waiting for her. Starlight gave her a stern look and ordered, "Go on in, I'll be there very shortly."

Once Starlight got to her front room she saw Trixie sitting on her couch. She sat in her recliner and asked, "So Trixie, what brings you here? State your business."

Trixie held the dresses up and replied, "Well I'm here to get you for the practice ceremony this afternoon."

Starlight glared at the clock and grunted, "Trixie, it is 1130, the practice ceremony is not until 1500. Can't you go bug Celestia or something and then come back around 1430. I'm taking today to just relax."

Trixie stuck her bottom lip out and begged, "Please your Majesty, I really don't want to have to leave and then deal with going through security again."

The fact that she was formal with her impressed her. Starlight sighed, "Well ok, you can stay. We can have lunch and then relax some. After all, things like this always go by more smoothly if we have a full stomach."

Spike asked, "Can I come?"

Starlight pointed her hoof at Trixie, "Ask her, it's her wedding."

Despite not wanting him to be there, Trixie realized that it might be in her best interests to allow him to go given that Starlight could still back out. For the time from when she arrived until right before the practice ceremony, things were mostly quiet between the two but surprisingly there wasn't a lot of negative tension.

While Trixie was at the base Twilight and her friends headed to the throne room where they were greeted by Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Shining Armor. While they were all greeted warmly, Twilight could feel the negativity radiating from the princesses and her brother. While her bridesmares were talking with Cadence and Shining Armor, Celestia and Luna pulled Twilight aside.

Celestia asked, "Twilight, are you sure you really want to marry her after everything she did to you?"

Twilight snapped, "Yes Celestia, I still want to marry her. My friends don't care much for her and I know you don't like her." She cast her gaze towards Luna and continued, "What about you Luna? Are you going to try and persuade me not to marry her too?"

Luna replied, "Twilight, the things that Trixie did to you are both felonies here in Equestria. We canst figure out why thou wouldst want to marry her when she should be prosecuted for her crimes." Her voice became more intense as she continued, "We would advise thee to leave her and allow us to go through with charging her for the crimes she hast committed."

Twilight began to cry, "No! I love Trixie and I am going to marry her." Her cries became louder as she continued, "Look, I know you want me to leave her just so you can have this kangaroo court trial and convict a pony you don't like but I won't let that happen."

Luna sighed, "Well alright but remember, thou hast until tomorrow when thou meets her at the altar to reject her."

Celestia added, "Remember everything she did to you Twilight. She cast a mind control spell on you and impregnated you while you were in a state to where you could not legally consent to her. Long story short, according to Equestrian law, she raped you Twilight."

Luna added, "Dost thou really wish to marry thy rapist?"

All this stress was not only bothering Twilight, but it was bothering her foal as it began to kick her. Twilight continued to cry, "You know what, I need some solitude. You are not only stressing me out, but you are stressing my foal out as well."

Twilight stormed off and headed towards her old bedroom. She just couldn't understand why the ponies who have always been closest to her couldn't even support her on what should be one of the most wonderful days in her life.

Afternoon Tension

The time from when Trixie arrived at the base until it was time for her and Starlight to leave seemed to drag by. While there were no negative feelings between the two, Trixie knew that Starlight was barely tolerating her. When the time to go arrived, Starlight was nodding off a little bit until Trixie yelled, "Starlight, wake up! It is time to go!"

Starlight woke up with a scowl, "Already?" She looked at the clock and grunted, "Well let's get going. Hopefully this won't take too long."

Trixie replied, "Well after the practice ceremony is the traditional post-practice meal. You're coming to that aren't you?"

Starlight glared at her, "No Trixie, after this silly practice ceremony is over I'm coming home and eating something more substantial than what I would get....."

Trixie did what has been working on Starlight for the most part, stuck out her bottom lip. She begged, "Starlight, it is tradition for everypony who will be involved in the ceremony to take part in it." Her voice became more of a whine as she continued, "Please, it would mean the world to me."

Starlight growled, "Trixie...." She thought for a moment and continued, "Fine. Don't expect me to be all cheerful though."

Trixie hugged Starlight and replied, "Thank you Starlight, thank you!"

Starlight shoved Trixie off of her and snapped, "Trixie, what have I told you about touching me? Look, let's get going so we're not late."

Trixie gave Starlight a nervous smile as they headed towards the palace. Once they left the base everypony was giving them odd looks as Starlight is normally not just out and about with a civilian. One pony, a Ponyville native saw the two and asked, "So Trixie, decide one princess wasn't enough? Going for two now?"

Before Trixie could say anything, Starlight flared her horn up in anger, "No, I am simply doing her a favor." She fired a bolt of energy at the pony but intentionally missed, "Look, I would not go taking another mare's mare and she certainly has no control over me."

The pony took off in the other direction realizing that if she continued to speak to the two, that Starlight may actually harm her. Trixie was shocked that Starlight would do such a thing. She asked, "Starlight, what was all that about?"

Starlight snapped, "Trixie, didn't you hear what she said? She talked about us like you were taking me! She acted like you were the one in charge!" She stomped her hoof into the ground and continued, "She acted like me, The Warrior Princess, would submit to somepony else."

Trixie replied, "Calm down Starlight, I doubt she meant it that way."

Starlight sighed, "Whatever. Let's just get this over with."

In the throne room things seemed to be a bit tense as well. While most everypony was talking casually, Twilight could still feel the negativity radiating from everypony except one, Rarity. She saw the distressed look on her friend's face and asked, "Twilight darling, what's wrong?"

Twilight was a bit irritated by the question as she thought Rarity should know what the problem was. She sighed, "Rarity, can't you tell what is wrong? Nopony supports me. The other princesses think I'm making an awful decision, my brother said he would never consider Trixie family, my other friends don't support me and I can only imagine how things are between Trixie and Starlight." She threw her hooves around Rarity and continued, "I feel like you're the only one who is even the slightest bit supportive."

Rarity replied, "Twilight, I will admit that I do have my concerns about what Trixie has done in the past and what she may do in the future but I do want you to be happy."

Finally ten minutes before the ceremony was to begin Starlight and Trixie showed up. Trixie immediately ran up to Twilight, "Twilight sweetie, it is so good to see you!"

Twilight gave her a kiss and replied, "It's good to see you too honey!"

Starlight made a gagging sound and headed over to Celestia. Celestia couldn't help but chuckle over what Starlight did, "I take it you aren't impressed with this either?"

Starlight replied, "No, I am not. I know Twilight and I have had a rocky past but I just don't get how she could want to marry Trixie." She glared at the loving couple and continued, "If I were in that situation I would have fed Trixie to Cerberus."

Celestia and Luna both started laughing. Luna laughed, "Nopony ever mentioned thy sense of humor! We find it most hilarious!"

Celestia added, "That would be pretty funny, seeing Cerberus devour her!" She then bent down and whispered, "Starlight, if you can find a way to do it, would you consider taking Trixie's cutie mark?"

Luna added, "It would alter Trixie's personality and perhaps she wouldn't want to marry Twilight."

Twilight heard them talking about this and was appalled. At that moment she seriously wanted to just take Trixie, run off and elope even if it meant losing her wings and title until she heard Starlight's response, "Celestia, Luna, I know you want me to take her mark and there have been plenty of moments I've wanted to, but I will not revert to my old self."

Celestia was shocked by this, "Seriously, you don't want to stop this wedding?"

Starlight sighed, "Look, whether it goes on or not doesn't really affect me and besides, I WILL NOT return to my old ways. I will not take her mark nor will I alter her personality. That would make me no better than her and how she brainwashed Twilight."

Celestia replied, "Ok, I get where you're coming from. You want to be the bigger pony."

Starlight replied, "Yep."

When the two heard Starlight stand up to Celestia and tell her that she would not do what they wanted her to, they were happy. While they knew that Starlight wasn't all that supportive of their decision, they couldn't help but smile realizing that Starlight would not sabotage their wedding.

The practice ceremony, albeit filled with tension, went without a hitch and before they knew it, it was time for the post-practice supper. Starlight couldn't help but scowl at what they were being served as it was mostly salad and flowers. Everypony saw her look of disapproval over what was being served but this meal was not about Starlight and her dislike of plants, it was about Twilight and Trixie.

At first the meal was silent until Celestia finally decided to break the ice, "So Trixie, what are your plans after you and Twilight are married?"

Trixie boasted, "Well The Great and Powerful Trixie will see to it that Twilight is treated like a queen!"

Everypony, even Twilight, glared at her over her comment. She continued, "I'm sorry, I mean I will make sure she is treated like a queen."

Cadence mumbled, "Yeah right, you'll probably turn her into a slave again."

Twilight heard what she heard and asked, "What was that Cadence? What did you say?"

Cadence replied, "Look Twilight, I just think Trixie is going to take advantage of you."

Everypony nodded their heads in approval of what Cadence had said except for the brides. Trixie laid her head down on the table while Twilight began to cry, "Why can't any of you be happy for me? Can't you at least leave your distrust of Trixie out of the post-practice supper?"

Shining Armor, who had been silent for most of the day replied, "No little sis, we can not. We look at what she has done to you and are disgusted by it. She took advantage of you Twilight, she got you pregnant while you were under a mind control spell."

Cadence angrily added, "And she wouldn't let anypony come to see you."

Celestia continued, "How can you not see anything wrong with her doing that?"

Twilight burst into tears, "Look, Trixie isn't perfect but I've forgiven her and that's all that matters, alright? Could you just drop it?"

Everypony nodded and the rest of the meal, unlike ones in the past, continued on in a stress filled silence. Once they finished their meals they all headed towards their sleeping quarters. Twilight would be sleeping in her old room, Twilight's bridesmares would be sleeping in a VIP room, Cadence and Shining Armor would do the same while Starlight headed back to the base.

Trixie did not have any arranged place to stay. She figured that since Starlight is her mare of honor, that she would approach her about this. She asked, "Starlight, I have no place to stay. Do you think I could stay with you?"

This question did not sit well with Starlight. She snapped, "What? You honestly think I am going to let you stay with me in my quarters on the base?"

Trixie whined, "But Starlight, I don't have anywhere to stay and since you are my mare of honor and our dresses are in your residence, I thought we could just stay together."

Starlight growled, "Not my problem. Just show up in the morning and we'll head over here for your wedding."

Twilight overheard their conversation and suggested, "Starlight, it would only be for one night. Please let her stay with you."

Starlight sighed, "Fine but she'll be sleeping on the couch." She glared at Trixie and continued, "Come on, let's get going. I want to enjoy what little is left to this day."

The two left the palace and everypony else departed the dining hall leaving Twilight alone with her thoughts. She couldn't help but worry about how Starlight would treat Trixie that night and she just couldn't fathom that her friends and her own family were so cold towards her.

A Stressful Morning

The night seemed to drag on forever for Twilight as she was unable to get much sleep. She was deeply saddened that nopony supported her marrying Trixie and her foal had been kicking more than normal. As soon as the sun rose and shined in on she slowly got up and wiped the sleep from her eyes. Despite her not approving of her decision to marry Trixie, Celestia was waiting at her door. She asked, "Good morning Twilight, are you ready for your big day?"

Twilight was stunned that Celestia would even be there to greet her upon waking. She figured that she would just go about her normal business until it was time for the ceremony. She replied, "Yeah, sort of. I'm just nervous about how things will go given that nopony except Rarity supports me marrying her."

Celestia sighed, "Well I don't know what to tell you. Remember, you have clear up until you say 'I do' to change your mind."

This did not sit well with Twilight. She snapped, "Could you just drop the whole thing about me changing my mind? It's not happening so why keep going on about it."

Celestia replied, "Look, I along with everypony else is simply looking out for you." She left Twilight's room and continued, "Come on Twilight, it is time for breakfast. I'm sure you don't want to go through this day hungry."

Twilight followed Celestia to the dining hall where everypony was waiting for her. Something seemed different about that morning than the night before. Rather than having frowns on their faces, everypony except for Rarity, who was smiling, had an indifferent look on their face, almost as though they had no emotion.

Rarity rushed up to Twilight, hugged her and exclaimed, "Twilight darling! Are you ready for your big day?"

Twilight smiled, "Yeah, I am." She gave everypony else a nervous look and continued, "I just hope everypony else is."

Celestia sighed, "Well I am." She headed to Twilight, put her wing around her and continued, "Twilight, while I do not like your decision in marrying Trixie, I do hope things go well for you. I am sorry for trying to persuade you to leave her. Your foal will need her in its life as well."

Twilight replied, "Thanks." She looked towards the other ponies hoping to receive some sort of response but all she received was silence. Tears began to flow down her face as she cried, "Can't anypony else just be happy for me? You're supposed to be my friends for pony's sake!"

After another minute of silence her friends and her brother finally let her know that they were happy for her but she knew it was a lie. Deep down she began to wonder why she had asked them to be her bridesmares to start with.

At the base morning would come all too soon for Starlight and not nearly quick enough for Trixie. While it is comfortable to sit on, Starlight's couch was not very comfortable to lay on. When Trixie woke up she sighed, "Ugh, The Great and Powerful Trixie is so sore." She then realized that she would be getting married that day and squealed, "Trixie can't believe it! Finally Trixie's day is here. Soon The Great and Powerful Trixie will be married to Twilight!"

Her squealing woke Starlight up and immediately put her in a bad mood. She went into the front room to discover Trixie jumping up and down squealing about her big day. She headed over to her, smacked her and yelled, "Trixie Lulamoon, I know you are excited over getting married but must you be so loud?" She got in her face and continued, "Look, I do not appreciate being woken up this early. On days when I'm not busy I usually sleep for another hour or two." She then noticed how she spoke and finished, "And could you speak like a normal pony? It is annoying hearing you speak like that."

Trixie whined, "But Trixie is just so excited!"

Starlight replied, "Whatever." She headed back to her bedroom and continued, "Well I'm going to get some more sleep. Your ceremony isn't until the afternoon so I'm going to get as much rest as I can."

Starlight slammed her bedroom door leaving a nervous yet excited Trixie in the front room. While she was hungry, she knew that she simply couldn't get into the fridge and grab herself something to eat out of fear that Starlight may kick her out and back out of being her mare of honor.

Two hours pass and finally Starlight gets up. She does not say much to Trixie as she is more focused on fixing breakfast. Trixie saw Starlight getting in the fridge and asked, "So Starlight, what are we having for breakfast?"

Starlight was clearly annoyed by this question and grunted, "Bacon, eggs, toast, oatmeal and orange juice." She heard Trixie gag a little when she mentioned bacon and continued, "That isn't going to be a problem is it?"

Trixie sighed, "Do you have anything other than bacon? Don't you have daisies or something?"

Starlight gagged, "Ugh, that sounds disgusting." She glared at Trixie and continued, "Nopony ever said you had to eat any bacon." Her voice became much more pleasant as she continued, "Well that will leave more for me!"

Trixie decided that she would wait in the dining room while Starlight was busy cooking. She figured that if Starlight had her space, that she might not be in such an unpleasant mood.

Twenty minutes later Starlight took all of their food into the dining room and gave Trixie her food. Before she began to eat, she saw how Starlight had began to devour her food. After staring at Starlight for a minute she began to eat her own. While she did not expect Starlight to be that good of a cook, she was surprised by how good it was, especially with the oatmeal."

Trixie said, "Wow Starlight, I didn't know you could cook this good."

Starlight asked, "I take it you like it?"

Trixie replied, "Like it? I love it!" Very quickly Trixie began to eye the bacon that Starlight had yet to eat. She asked, "Starlight, I know I gagged over it earlier but could I try piece of your bacon?"

Starlight sighed, "I thought you didn't like bacon."

Trixie replied, "Well with as good of a cook as you are I just want to try some."

Starlight nodded and levitated a piece over to Trixie and watched her eat it. Much to her surprise, Trixie liked it. Trixie said, "Wow Starlight, this is delicious! Can I have some more?"

Starlight looked down at her plate and noticed that she did not have much left. Starlight sighed, "You can but I'm still hungry so after I finish mine off I'm cooking more." She gave Trixie a smile and continued, "Follow me into the kitchen, I'm going to teach you how to cook bacon just right. After all, nopony wants to eat under-cooked or overcooked bacon."

Trixie followed her into the kitchen and began to help Starlight with the bacon. While Starlight still wasn't overly fond of Trixie, she was enjoying having Trixie help her and was happy that she got her to actually eat some meat.

While they were eating the rest of their breakfast Trixie asked, "Starlight, so are you going to get dressed here or are you going to wait until we get to the palace to get dressed?"

Starlight sighed, "Trixie, you should know that I will wait until we get to the palace. After all, it would not look good for The Warrior Princess to be seen walking around the base in a dress!"

Trixie asked, "Why?"

Starlight replied, "Because it just wouldn't. You would have to understand the military nature to know why."

Once they finished their breakfast it was already 1030 and getting ready for the ceremony would take a couple of hours. Starlight looked up at the clock and yelled, "Damn it Trixie, we had so much fun with this breakfast that we lost track of time. We had best head to the palace so we can get ready."

Trixie nodded and they grabbed their dresses. Trixie had a huge smile on her face as not only did Starlight suddenly seem to be in a good mood, but that it would not be long until she would be married to her beloved Twilight.

Twilight's Wedding

It was 1100 when Starlight and Trixie arrived at the palace. Once they arrived the very first place they headed to was the throne room. When they arrived Starlight was greeted by Celestia, "Good morning Starlight! How was your night?"

Starlight headed to Celestia and whispered, "Well the night went alright but I was unpleasantly woke up this morning."

Celestia asked, "How so?"

Starlight again whispered, "Trixie woke me up right around sunrise squealing about it being her big day." Her voice became a bit louder as she continued, "And you know how I like to sleep in on days when I let the second in command watch over the soldiers."

Celestia laughed, "I know but you should know she'd be excited today. Yeah I'm not thrilled about it but I don't blame her for being excited."

Trixie heard them talking and was hoping that they could get this done as soon as possible. She asked, "Princess Celestia, so when is our ceremony?"

Celestia sighed, "What? You seriously don't know when your own wedding ceremony is?"

Starlight added, "Perhaps she doesn't love Twilight as much as she claims."

Celestia giggled, "Perhaps not!" Her voice became more calm as she continued, "It is at 1300 so you may want to start getting ready, especially given you two will be in here at the altar waiting for Twilight."

Trixie squealed, "Trix....oops, I mean I am so happy!" She grabbed a hold of Starlight and continued, "It's only two ours until I get married to Twilight!"

Starlight looked at Celestia and sighed, "So where do we get ready? I just want to get this done and over with."

Celestia replied, "There are VIP bedrooms on the upper level you can get dressed in."

She looked towards the exit of the throne room and motioned for Trixie to follow her, "Come on Trixie. Let's go get ready, I'm sure you don't want to be late."

While Starlight and Trixie were getting ready, Twilight, Cadence and her bridesmares were in her old bedroom getting ready. Naturally Twilight was nervous and was combing her mane and tail frantically as she wanted to look perfect. Cadence saw this and said, "Twilight, it's still almost two hours until the wedding. I think you should wait until after you get into your dress to comb your mane."

Twilight excitedly replied, "I know but still, I can't believe that today is the day I'll be marrying Trixie!" Her foal began to kick her causing her to continue, "I just hope my foal doesn't decide it wants to be born during the ceremony."

Pinkie began to giggle, "Wouldn't it be funny if it did? Then your wedding could also be a 'I was just born today' party for your foal!"

Twilight sighed, "That isn't funny Pinkie."

While her friends hadn't been overly supportive for the most part, nor had Cadence, they decided that they could at least pretend to support this. Cadence asked, "So Twilight, what are your plans for after the wedding? Where will you two be going on your honeymoon?"

Twilight replied, "Well there won't be a honeymoon until after the foal is born and we feel comfortable leaving him or her with somepony else."

After that they began to just casually talk about ordinary, everyday things which was a bit stressful for Twilight. She wanted to talk more about the ceremony and her future but given how things have been between her and her friends, she figured it would be best to just go along with their small talk to pass the time.

The time seemed to drag for both Starlight and Trixie but eventually it was only a half an hour before the ceremony. At this time they headed down into the throne room where ponies were already beginning to get seated for the ceremony. While Luna, Celestia and Starlight all had somewhat annoyed looks on their faces, Trixie had the hugest smile on her face that she had ever had.

She smiled out at the crowd and they smiled back at her. Given that they were all local ponies, none of them knew anything about her except that she was going to marry Twilight. Trixie saw her mare of honor's facial expression and asked, "Starlight, can't you at least try to look a bit happy for Trixie? Can't you just smile for me?"

Her use of the third pony made her scowl. She growled, "Trixie Lulamoon, how many times am I going to have to ask you? Can you just speak normally around me?" She calmed down a bit and continued, "Listen, Twilight may not mind you speaking like that around her but it annoys me a lot and it would probably annoy every other pony in Equestria." Her voice again became more unpleasant as she finished, "Remember, I can still back out on doing this for you."

Trixie whined, "Ok Starlight, I'll stop."

Ten minutes before the ceremony a guard knocked on Twilight's door and said, "The ceremony begins in ten minutes."

While Twilight's smile became bigger than it already was, everypony else, with the exception of Rarity, seemed disinterested. Cadence sighed, "Alright ladies, you will go first and then Twilight and I will follow you."

The five nodded as they headed towards the throne room. While Twilight and Cadence were alone, Cadence said, "Remember what my aunt told you Twilight. It's not too late."

Twilight angrily cried, "Look, just drop it already, ok? Can't you just pretend to be happy for me?"

Cadence sighed, "Alright." She looked towards the exit and continued, "Let's go Twilight, the ceremony starts shortly."

When they arrived at the entrance to the throne room they found the other five waiting for the ceremony to begin. Finally Celestia lit up her horn signaling the band to start playing and for the bridesmares to make their way down the aisle. As the bridesmares were walking down the aisle, only Rarity had a genuine smile on her face. The rest did their best to look happy but they didn't truly look happy. When Starlight saw their smiles and the way they looked, she couldn't help but think, "Just like it was in Our Town, they are wearing forced smiles!"

Once the bridesmares made it to the front of the room, Celestia lit up her horn again and the band began to play the wedding march, signaling for Twilight and Cadence to walk down the aisle. While the bridesmares did their best to try and look happy, Cadence just couldn't. In her mind she couldn't help but wonder how who was such a rational thinking pony could be doing this but what bothered her the most is that she felt almost like she had to do this to preserve her friendship with Twilight.

Also as they were walking up the aisle, ponies couldn't help but whisper over seeing how pregnant Twilight was and they couldn't help but speculate on why she would be marrying a mare given her situation. A few of Celestia's students began to whisper among themselves speculating that Trixie had used a fertility spell to impregnate Twilight.

Once they arrived at the altar, Cadence stepped off to the side and Trixie joined Twilight up in front of Celestia and they faced one another with loving smiles. With a forced smile Celestia began,

"Dearly beloved, today we are here to witness the union of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Trixie Lulamoon. They are two ponies who do have a history with one another, one that has not always been full of love but over time as they got to know one another, their love blossomed and not only have they brought true happiness to one another, they will also soon be bringing a new life into this world, a life that will only strengthen their bond further."

Twilight glared at Celestia as she had a feeling that she would likely bring up the fertility spell so she figured a glare would stop her, which it did. Immediately Celestia looked at Starlight and asked, "May we have the rings?"

Starlight levitated the rings to Celestia and she asked, "Princess Twilight Sparkle, do you take this mare, Trixie Lulamoon, to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love, cherish and protect her, whether in prosperity or poverty, whether in sickness or in health for the rest of your life?"

Twilight replied, "You bet I do!"

Celestia continued, "And do you, Trixie Lulamoon, take this mare, Princess Twilight Sparkle to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love, cherish and protect her, whether in prosperity or poverty, whether in sickness or in health for the rest of your life?"

Trixie replied, "Of course Trixie does!"

Celestia sighed, "By the power invested in me, Princess Celestia of Canterlot, I now pronounce you wife and wife." She looked at Trixie and finished, "You may kiss the bride."

Trixie and Twilight began to kiss passionately as they were pronounced wife and wife. While the crowd in the throne room was cheering for the most part, the ones who had strong suspicions that Twilight was impregnated by Trixie simply clapped their hooves.

Celestia then led the newlyweds to the balcony where a crowd was waiting. She led the two to the front and announced, "I present to you for the very first time, Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Trixie Lulamoon!"

The crowd began to cheer but Trixie's jaw dropped open. She gasped, "Did I hear that right Twilight? Princess Trixie Lulamoon?"

Twilight kissed her and replied, "Yes sweetie, you are now Princess Trixie Lulamoon."

Trixie began to jump up and down for joy and without thinking, she lit up her horn and created a firework show which surprised everypony, especially given that it was still daylight. Celestia put her hoof on Trixie's shoulder and said, "Princess, I know you are excited but I think the fireworks should wait for tonight at your reception."

Trixie blushed, "Oops, I'm sorry your Majesty, I'm just so happy."

Celestia replied, "Oh and you can just call all of us by our names now. Since you are a princess, you don't need to be formal with us anymore."

While Twilight and Trixie were ecstatic outside, in the throne room as the crowd was exiting, with the exception of Rarity, everypony else simply sighed in disgust. Shining Armor looked at Cadence and asked, "Well think we should get back home now that this is over?"

Cadence replied, "Yeah, I'm sure Flurry Heart misses us." She looked at Twilight's bridesmares and continued, "I'm sure you're ready to go too." She then looked at Starlight and finished, "And out of everypony, I'm sure you're ready to go the most!"

Starlight sighed, "While I would like to but you know how I get those nagging voices in the back of my head?"

Cadence replied, "Yeah, I've heard about it."

Starlight said, "Well something is telling me that not just me, but that all of us should stay for this."

Cadence asked, "Seriously? Do you always listen to these voices?"

Before Starlight could reply Applejack interrupted, "Yeah, she does and those voices are always right so Ah think Ah'm going to stay too."

Everypony else agreed once they heard this but Cadence again stated that she would not speak to Trixie and everypony with the exception of Rarity, immediately got out of their dresses. While Twilight and Trixie were out celebrating and gobbling up all the attention from the adoring crowd, the ponies in the throne room began to make bets on how long that marriage would last.

Starlight laughed, "I'm giving this six months. Unless Trixie puts another spell on her, Twilight will realize her mistake, divorce Trixie and Princess Trixie will be a thing of the past."

Rainbow added, "Maybe a year at the most."

Everypony else gave rather small periods of time while Rarity was a bit more optimistic, "I can see it lasting for life." She became a bit sad and continued, "Too bad Celestia wouldn't just make Trixie an Alicorn so they could be together forever."

Starlight lit up her horn in anger and yelled, "Unless a pony is born an Alicorn, she has to EARN those wings and I don't see her ever doing anything to earn them!"

Cadence added, "Yeah, just as I had to earn my horn given I was born a pegasus." She then angrily continued, "And what about Shining Armor? Don't you think Celestia should make him an Alicorn so that he will never be parted from me and Flurry Heart."

Starlight finished, "And if anypony is deserving of it, it is HIM. He should have become an Alicorn years ago. If you ask me, he has earned it."

Shining Armor added, "Thanks for the confidence in me Starlight."

The sudden tension caused Rarity to run out to the balcony to be with Twilight and Trixie. The others stood in there disgusted with Rarity's beliefs, especially Starlight and Cadence though as they had to earn their ascensions.

An Eclipse and a Birth

Several hours had passed and it was time for the reception. The reception was quite small given that neither bride had that many ponies that were truly close to them but what bothered both of them the most was that only Celestia and Rarity had even got them any gifts. None of the other bridesmares, Luna, Cadence, Shining Armor nor Starlight got them gifts. Despite all of this though, Trixie and Twilight were truly happy.

As the sun set the time had come for Trixie and Twilight to have their first dance but there was one problem, neither of them had chosen a song for this. Celestia asked, "Twilight, Trixie, what do you want to be the song you do your first dance to?"

Both of them had so much stress going on that they had not even thought about it. Twilight said, "Just surprise us but please make it romantic."

Trixie added, "Yes, make it something slow and romantic."

Celestia began to try to think of something when she heard Starlight snickering. Celestia asked, "Starlight, why are you snickering?"

Starlight whispered, "I just thought of something. You could put on some instrumental music and then I could make up the words as they come to my mind!" Her snickering broke down into a full blown laugh as she continued, "And I'm sure that everypony would find it hilarious!"

Celestia giggled, "That would be funny but given how close to term Twilight is, that might not be such a good idea. I don't want any unnecessary stress causing her to go into labor."

Finally Celestia found a good slow, romantic song for the two. While the two were dancing, Rarity couldn't help but weep with tears of joy. Starlight saw this and asked, "Rarity, why in Equestria are you crying?" She put her hoof around her and asked, "Are you jealous or something?"

Rarity replied, "No, I just can't help but be happy for them."

During their dance Twilight screamed as a flood of liquid came flowing out of her. Celestia saw this and shouted, "Twilight's water broke! We need to get her to the hospital at once!"

Without even shutting the music off everypony rushed Twilight to the hospital as they knew that the time was coming soon, the time that Twilight would become a mother and a new prince or princess would be born.

As soon as they got Twilight to the emergency room, she was rushed to the birthing room. While everypony, despite not supporting her marriage, wished to be in there with her, only the royalty was allowed to be in there with her.

Her contractions had begun and with each one, she let out a scream of pain. Trixie was up by her comforting her while the others were standing to the side trying to support her as much as they could. Soon though something crossed the minds of Celestia and Luna, something they would have to discuss in private.

Celestia and Luna left the throne room and Luna asked, "Big sister, are we still going to do what we have had scheduled this morning or are we going to wait?"

Celestia asked, "You mean the solar eclipse at dawn?"

Luna replied, "Yes. All of Equestria has been looking forward to this and we don't think that we should let them down."

Celestia asked, "Do you think Twilight will be ok without us."

Luna replied, "Big sister, she has Trixie, Cadence, Shining Armor and Starlight in with her so she should be fine."

Celestia sighed, "Oh alright. I'll let them know that you and I will have to let them know that we will be gone for a while." Celestia began to giggle a little, "You never know, Twilight may give birth during the eclipse! Wouldn't that be something?"

Luna sighed, "It would. Now let them know and let's get going."

Celestia let Twilight know and then the two took off.

As Twilight's contractions became more painful her screams only got louder. Trixie held her hoof and said, "It's ok sweetie! Soon this will be all over."

Cadence added, "Breathe Twilight, breathe."

While neither Cadence nor Shining Armor cared much for Trixie and Shining Armor vowed that he would never consider Trixie family, he couldn't help but be happy as she was there by her side as she was going through this.

Dawn arrived and the sun shone in through the window as Twilight's contractions became closer and closer together. Given what Celestia had told them earlier they knew not to stare into the sun. Finally the foal was moving into the birth canal and Twilight's screams had become deafening.

Trixie began to cry, "It's ok sweetie. It's almost here!"

Given that there was no nurse present, Starlight was down where she would deliver the foal. She yelled, "Push Twilight, push!"

As the moon began to cover the sun the foal's arrival was almost there. Starlight continued, "I see the horn! Just a little more Twilight, just a little more!"

Finally the moon completely covered the sun and at the same time, the foal was born. Starlight pulled the foal out and at first there was silence. Twilight yelled, "What's wrong? Why isn't it crying?"

Starlight gave a light smack on the foal's flank and it began to cry. Starlight wiped it off, wrapped it in a blanket, handed it to Twilight and said, "Congratulations Twilight, it's a colt!"

Both Twilight and Trixie began to cry tears of joy as she held their colt for the first time. The colt was blue with purple eyes and had gray mane with purple stripes in it. While they thought he was adorable, they were about to be in for a big surprise.

Right before the eclipse was complete, the newborn wrestled his way out of his blanket, spread his wings, looked at Twilight and said, "Ma-ma."

Everypony's jaws dropped in shock. Twilight said, "He's an Alicorn and he just said his first words?"

Trixie began to cry, "Our colt is something truly special Twilight, he is truly special."

Starlight asked, "So Twilight, so Trixie, what are you two going to name him?"

The two thought for a minute and talked among themselves but it did not take them long to come up with a name. Twilight replied, "Well given what was going on during his birth, we have decided to name him Eclipse Dawn."

Starlight said, "I think it is a wonderful name." She looked at Cadence and Shining Armor expecting them to say something as well.

Cadence replied, "I do think it is a wonderful name as well."

Shining Armor, who had held such negative feelings about Twilight and Trixie's marriage couldn't help but feel drawn to the colt. He bent down and said, "Who's an adorable little colt? Eclipse Dawn's an adorable little colt."

It was at this moment that he realized that he should not have treated Twilight the way he did and he could tell that Trixie truly did love Twilight, he could tell that she was not just using her. He put his hoof around her and continued, "I am sorry for the way I have been. Welcome to the family Trixie."

At first, Cadence was shocked when she saw Shining Armor go from hating Trixie to welcoming her into the family. Then it hit her, it was the birth of Eclipse Dawn and Trixie's showing of genuine love that caused it. While she still had a tiny bit of doubt, she too said, "Welcome to the family Trixie." She then nuzzled Eclipse Dawn and said, "And welcome to the family Eclipse Dawn! You're so adorable and I just know you and Flurry Heart are going to get along just fine!"

Starlight, who for the most part had became fairly hardened since her coronation, couldn't help but feel warmth as she saw the family reunite over the birth. She headed over, pulled them close and said, "I'm so happy for all of you." Her voice began to break as she continued, "It is so good to see a family who was so far apart come together over something this special."

This was something that none of them expected, to see Starlight nearly cry. Twilight asked, "Starlight, are you ok?"

Starlight tried to shrug it off, "Yeah, I'm ok. I'm just happy for all of you. Like I said, it is good to see a family come together over something this special."

Twilight and Trixie knew it was a lie. They knew that Starlight wished she had a mare to call her own but they had more pressing matters. Twilight and Eclipse Dawn would have to spend a couple days in the hospital to make sure things would be ok with them and Twilight and Trixie would have to get a room for Eclipse Dawn set up.

Reconciliation

After finishing the eclipse Luna and Celestia headed back into the birthing room to discover that Twilight had given birth. With smiles on both of their faces they said, "Congratulations Twilight!"

Twilight replied, "Thanks."

Luna asked, "Twilight, so is it a boy or a girl?"

Celestia added, "What's its name?"

Twilight replied, "His name is Eclipse Dawn."

Trixie added, "Twilight and I decided that since he was born during an eclipse that happened at dawn, that Eclipse Dawn would be a perfect name for him."

Twilight motioned for them to come over and take a look at her new foal. They were shocked when they saw that another Alicorn had been born but were even more shocked when they learned that she had given birth to a colt.

Celestia said, "After Flurry Heart was born I never imagined that there would be another natural born Alicorn anytime soon."

Luna added, "And the fact that it is a natural born Alicorn colt makes this even more rare. Throughout history, there have only been a few natural born Alicorn colts."

Both Twilight and Trixie gave her curious looks. Twilight asked, "Seriously, they are that rare?"

Celestia replied, "Yes, they are that rare. Just as Flurry Heart was the first natural born Alicorn ever seen in Equestria, the last natural born Alicorn colt in this world was my father and that was over 2,000 years ago."

Given that the birth was over they decided that Twilight's friends could come in so Celestia went to get them. When they arrived they, like everypony else, was shocked to see that she had given birth to an Alicorn colt. The first one to say anything was Rainbow, "Wow, another Alicorn!" She became more excited as she continued, "Just you wait Twilight, once he gets older he'll be flying around and casting spells like a boss!"

Rarity added, "Oh and he's so adorable." She looked at both Twilight and Trixie and continued, "And he looks like a mix of you two!"

Applejack continued, "Ah'm so happy for you two. Ah know you'll be perfect parents."

They noticed how Applejack mentioned both of them, causing Trixie to gasp, "Seriously, you think I'll be a good parent."

She could tell by the way Trixie was looking at not just Twilight, but at Eclipse as well that she did genuinely love them. She put her hoof around her and continued, "Yep, both of y'all." She pulled Trixie closer and continued, "Trixie, I want to apologize for how I have been towards you. I know there for a while your love wasn't genuine but since Twilight has been freed, I can tell your love is genuine. I do hope you'll forgive us for how we've been."

Trixie replied, "I forgive you. I know now that you were just concerned friends."

Pinkie got excited, "And now we're going to have to throw you guys a party!"

Celestia chuckled, "Yeah, a 'first natural born Alicorn colt in 2,000 years party!"'

While everypony began making plans for the party that would ensue, Twilight yawned, "I know you're all excited but giving birth is exhausting. I just want to get some rest."

Celestia added, "We probably should get her to a normal hospital room and get Eclipse to the nursery."

Twilight quickly objected, "Celestia, Eclipse Dawn is not your ordinary foal. I think it would be best if he were allowed to be in my room with me."

Trixie added, "Twilight is right. He may need care that only she could provide."

Luna continued, "Big sister, they do make a point."

Cadence added, "Right after Flurry Heart was born, rather than being put in the nursery, she was allowed to stay with me."

Celestia sighed, "Alright, that will be the plan then."

Twilight sighed, "I just wish that my parents could have been here for this. I know they would think Eclipse is absolutely adorable."

Luna asked, "Twilight, why weren't they there?"

Trixie began to cry, "They don't want anything to do with us because of her decision to marry me."

Twilight added, "Yeah, they wouldn't come to the wedding because I was marrying her and I still remember them wanting to kill Trixie. I still remember them saying that if they had their way that my foal would have only one parent." She began to cry, "I just wish they'd give Trixie a chance. I just wish they'd come and see their grandfoal. I just want us to be a family again."

Celestia put her wing up to her face and asked, "Twilight, would you want me to go and tell them about the birth? Perhaps if I tell them they will give Trixie a chance and see Eclipse Dawn."

Twilight nodded yes so Celestia left and headed towards Twilight's parents' house.

It was early in the afternoon when Celestia arrived at their house. She knocked on the door and it was quickly answered by Velvet, "Oh hello your Majesty. What brings you by?"

Celestia asked, "May I come in?"

Velvet motioned for her to go in where she was greeted by Night Light, "Good afternoon your Majesty, what brings you by?"

Celestia gave them a serious look and asked, "Why were you not at Twilight's wedding? Do you not know that she was saddened by that?"

Velvet sighed, "Your Majesty, we were not at her wedding because she was marrying a little tramp who put her under a mind control spell and got her pregnant."

Night Light added, "And we felt that by going, we would be condoning what she did."

Celestia became a bit more intense, "Well at this very moment Twilight is in the hospital with her newborn wishing that you would come and at least see your grandfoal."

Both their ears perked up. Velvet asked, "What, she's given birth?"

Celestia replied, "Yes, she has." She got up and headed towards the door and continued, "Now if you two do decide to follow me and visit Twilight and her foal, please at least be civil towards Trixie. Nopony ever said you had to like her, just be civil, alright."

They both nodded and followed Celestia to the hospital. By the time she had arrived they had moved Twilight and Eclipse to a normal room but it didn't take long for her to find it. When they walked in Trixie was sitting there by Twilight with a loving smile as she was holding her foal. Celestia said, "Night Light, Velvet, I would like you to meet your grandfoal, Prince Eclipse Dawn."

When they walked over to him they couldn't help but notice that he was an Alicorn. Velvet gasped, "An Alicorn? Twilight gave birth to an Alicorn?"

Twilight interrupted, "Yes mom, I gave birth to an Alicorn."

Luna added, "And this is the first birth of an Alicorn colt in two thousand years."

Night Light asked, "So what is his name?"

Trixie replied, "His name is Eclipse Dawn. Twilight and I decided that since he was born during the eclipse this morning that it would be an appropriate name for him."

The two gave Trixie a disapproving glare, which was returned by a glare from Twilight. Twilight sighed, "Mom, dad, I know you don't like Trixie but could you just give her a chance?"

Celestia added, "Velvet, Night Light, at first I did not approve of this but I have seen for myself how much Trixie truly does love her."

Starlight, who had been silent for quite some time added, "It is true. When Twilight began to go into labor Trixie was there for her every moment. She was holding her hoof and doing everything she could to provide her comfort."

Shining Armor continued, "Mom, dad, you know that I was against this just as much as you but I have seen for myself that what Celestia and Starlight has said is true. Trixie truly does love her and she certainly loves Eclipse Dawn."

The two took a look at Trixie and while they could tell she was nervous, they could also see that she truly did love Twilight. The first to approach her was Night Light. He hugged her and said, "I am sorry for how I was with Twilight marrying you. Welcome to the family your Majesty."

Trixie replied, "Thanks but could you just call me Trixie, it would make me feel more comfortable."

With the exception of Twilight, everypony's jaws dropped. Never did they expect Trixie, who has been a showoff and quite narcissistic throughout her whole life, suddenly wanting to be addressed informally now that she is a princess. The one this impressed the most though was Velvet. She gave Trixie a smile and said, "I know you have had bad moments in your past Trixie, but I can tell you have changed." She rushed to her and continued, "Welcome to the family Trixie. You are always welcome at our house."

Twilight began to cry tears of joy. She cried, "Mom, dad, this is all I wanted. I just wanted you to accept Trixie and for us to be a close family again."

Before she could say anything else Velvet bent down to take a closer look at Eclipse. He gave her a huge smile as she said, "Who's an adorable colt? You're an adorable colt!"

After she said this Twilight let out a huge yawn, "I'm so tired."

Celestia said, "Well everypony, I think we should let her get some rest."

Twilight yawned, "That would be nice but I do want Trixie staying with me."

Trixie replied, "Don't worry Twilight, I'll always be here for you."

After that most of her company left, leaving her, Trixie and Eclipse Dawn. As Twilight was going to sleep she couldn't help but smile as Trixie was holding her hoof and she was holding her foal. She had never felt more happy in her life and despite knowing that there was going to be a lot to do once they got home, she was able to drift to sleep easily.

Preparing for the Ceremony

Two days had passed and during the whole time, Trixie stayed with Twilight and Eclipse Dawn. Finally though the time had come for Twilight and Eclipse to go home but more importantly, the time for Eclipse Dawn to be formally introduced to Equestria. As Twilight woke up that morning, not only was Trixie by her side, but Celestia, Luna and Starlight were also present.

Twilight woke up and asked, "Celestia, what are all of you doing in here?"

Celestia replied, "Well you are being discharged this morning and the three of us believe that today should be the day that Eclipse Dawn is introduced to Equestria as its newest prince."

Twilight protested, "Already? You want this ceremony to take place when the two of us are just now getting discharged?"

Trixie added, "And where would this ceremony be held? Will it be here in Canterlot or would it be in Ponyville?"

Celestia replied, "Well I was thinking that it would be best if it were here in Canterlot."

Twilight protested, "Celestia, I live in Ponyville as will Eclipse. I personally think that he should be introduced there, where he will be living."

Trixie added, "Twilight does make a good point. It should be the ponies of his hometown that get to see him in real life."

While Celestia and Luna sighed in frustration, Starlight agreed with them. She suggested, "You know something, they make a great point. I think we should postpone the ceremony until tomorrow so that they can get home and get ready."

Celestia sighed, "Oh alright. I know the ponies here who were wanting to see him will be disappointed as we have already informed them to gather at the base of the balcony this afternoon."

While Celestia and Luna were hoping that saying that would get Twilight to change her mind, it did not. It only frustrated her more, "Wait, you plan this ceremony without even notifying me?" She looked at Luna and Starlight and asked, "Were you two in on planning this too. Did you two notify the public about this?"

Luna replied, "No Twilight, we did not."

Starlight added, "Last night Celestia came over to the base and together we notified the troops to go and let everypony know about the ceremony." Starlight hung her head low and continued, "I'm sorry Twilight. I just figured that what Celestia and Luna would know what would be best. I wasn't thrilled about it but I went along with them."

Twilight gave the three a glare and asked, "I just want to know why you didn't ask me about this. Why didn't you ask me about where WE wanted it held?"

Celestia replied, "We decided it should be held here because of how Trixie is perceived in Ponyville."

Luna added, "We do not wish for the crowd to boo you three when he is introduced."

Starlight suggested, "I don't know whether anypony else would agree with this or not but we could have a formal introduction ceremony in Canterlot but also have one in Ponyville, one where Twilight, Trixie and Eclipse Dawn would be down mingling with the crowd." Starlight saw Trixie's pupils shrink in fear causing her to continue, "And don't worry Trixie, I will see to it that there is more than enough security to protect all of you."

Twilight and Trixie talked among themselves for a minute before Twilight said, "Ok, we will go with Starlight's plan." She began tapping her hoof on the rail of the bed and continued, "So when will the two of us be released?"

Celestia replied, "Just as soon as you eat some breakfast."

After eating her breakfast, Twilight and Eclipse were released from the hospital and were led, with tight security, to the throne room to await the time for the ceremony. There she was greeted by her friends but it was Rarity who was most excited to see them, "Twilight darling, it is so good to see that you are out of there."

Twilight replied, "Thanks, I'm very happy to be out of there. Yesterday I was feeling fine already but they said that I had to stay one more day 'just in case.'"

Trixie added, "Well for me it would not have mattered how long Twilight was in there." She gave Twilight a kiss on the cheek and continued, "It wouldn't matter how long she had to be in there, I would have been by her side the whole time."

Rarity couldn't help but smile seeing Trixie showing her true love for Twilight. She did have a surprise for them though. She motioned for them to follow her up to a VIP bedroom and they followed her there.

When they arrived Rarity yelled, "Surprise!"

She had made the two elegant gowns for the event, knowing that they simply couldn't go out before the crowd without proper attire. Twilight asked, "Rarity, these gowns are gorgeous!"

Trixie added, "These are perfect! I absolutely love them!"

Rarity began to leave and as she was leaving the room Rarity said, "Well I'll let you two get dressed."

While they were getting dressed, Starlight was in the throne room watching over Eclipse, who seemed to have taken quite the liking to her. Celestia walked up to her and asked, "He's taken quite the liking to you, hasn't he?"

Starlight replied, "Yes, he has." She then began to chuckle, "And to think, had Twilight not joined Trixie and I that one night, this adorable little guy wouldn't even exist."

Celestia added, "I know what happened really upset you at first but it seems like everything turned out just fine. Twilight and Trixie have an adorable foal, Trixie became a princess, Equestria has a new prince and you became The Warrior Princess." She leaned down and added, "Fate has a strange way of working out, doesn't it."

Starlight replied, "Yeah, it does."

Ten minutes had passed when Trixie and Twilight got back to the throne room and saw how Starlight was interacting with their son. This gave Twilight an idea, "Trixie, up in the Crystal Empire when Flurry Heart was introduced to the empire, a pony by the name of Sunburst did the crystalling and introduced her. Do you think we should have Starlight introduce Eclipse?"

Trixie saw how much Eclipse liked Starlight and replied, "Well if she will do it, yes."

The two approached her and Twilight asked, "Starlight, Trixie and I have a question for you."

Trixie added, "We see that you really like Eclipse and it seems like he really likes you too. We are wondering if you would introduce our son to the ponies here."

Starlight gasped, "Seriously? You want me to introduce him?"

Twilight replied, "Yeah, we do."
.
Starlight pulled the two into a hug and replied, "I would be honored to introduce him to Equestria." She paused for a minute and continued, "So do the three of us just walk up to the edge of the balcony, I hold him up and introduce him to everypony."

Twilight replied, "Yeah, well unless you want to give a little speech first."

Starlight blushed, "Well I don't know about that. I do know one thing, I certainly don't want to mention what caused you two to get together and how he was conceived."

Trixie sighed, "Thanks, that is something that nopony should know."

Starlight asked, "So when is this ceremony going to take place?"

Twilight replied, "Celestia will let us know. It shouldn't be too much longer."

While they wouldn't show it, Twilight and Trixie still weren't overly thrilled that Celestia would want to hold the ceremony on the same day that Twilight was discharged from the hospital. Starlight on the other hoof, was thrilled that the two trusted her enough to be the one to introduce Eclipse Dawn as Equestria's newest prince.

Introduction to Equestria

Two hours had passed and a large crowd had gathered outside. Celestia headed out to the balcony for a moment and was surprised by what she saw. She thought that everypony present would be local residents but apparently word of the birth had spread as there were quite a few ponies from Ponyville present. She shook her head and hoped that none of them would cause any problems.

When she headed into the throne room she saw that everypony was ready. The first thing she did though was pull Twilight and Trixie aside, "Twilight, Trixie, I have some news that might interest you."

Twilight asked, "Oh and what is that?"

Celestia replied, "Apparently word of Eclipse's birth reached Ponyville because there are a lot of Ponyville residents out there and I can tell by the looks on their faces that they aren't exactly thrilled."

Trixie asked, "If they aren't thrilled, then why would they even come?"

Celestia replied, "Probably to boo you and make you two feel bad."

Starlight overheard a bit of what Celestia had said and asked, "What, there are some ponies down there who might want to make them feel bad?"

Celestia replied, "Yes. Like I was telling these two, word of Eclipse's birth must have reached Ponyville and some residents who don't like Trixie may have come up here to cause her undue stress."

Starlight lit her horn up in anger. She growled, "Well if they start to boo or cause any other problems, I'll put them in their place."

Twilight put her hoof on Starlight's back and said, "Starlight, please don't. This is an introduction ceremony. I know you mean well but this is supposed to be a ceremony filled with love, even if some ponies show hate it is not acceptable to go attacking them."

Celestia added, "Starlight, if somepony does do something like that, you need to put your warrior mentality to the side. We can deal with any troublemakers after the ceremony, gently!"

Starlight sighed, "Oh alright."

Another hour had passed when the time for the ceremony had arrived. Celestia looked at the three and asked, "Are you ready for this?"

Twilight asked, "So I take it you will be going out first?"

Celestia replied, "Yes, I will be. When I near the end of my speech, I will turn around and motion for you three to come up to the front of the balcony."

They nodded as Celestia headed to the front of the balcony. At first the audience was just talking casually until they saw Celestia raise and lower her wings. She began, "Citizens of Canterlot, travelers from across Equestria, today we celebrate a momentous occasion. Today we celebrate the birth of another royal foal, but not just any royal foal."

A pony in the crowd interrupted, "Yeah, we celebrate the birth of a foal that was conceived using a fertility spell by an amoral pony who brainwashed Twilight!"

Almost immediately other ponies around him nudged him and told him to shush. Once Celestia saw this she continued, "Alright, now where was I? Yes, like i said today we celebrate the birth of a special royal foal. As all of you know it was not all that long ago that Princess Cadence gave birth to an Alicorn filly. What makes Princess Twilight's newborn so special though is that nopony like it has been born in this entire world in over 2,000 years."

She turned around and motioned for Twilight, Trixie and Starlight to head out onto the balcony. Celestia stepped to the side, Starlight grabbed Eclipse Dawn with her magic and they walked up to the balcony. Starlight held him up and said, "I would like to introduce the newest member of Equestria's royalty, the son of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Princess Trixie Lulamoon, Prince Eclipse Dawn!"

The crowd began to cheer as they saw Twilight grab Eclipse Dawn with her magic and pull him close. They looked out into the crowd and saw some of the ponies who had harassed Trixie were cheering over the birth. While she could not be sure if they were just cheering over the foal, Trixie finally felt that maybe she was not as hated as she was not that long ago.

After five minutes of the crowd cheering Celestia, Twilight, Trixie, Eclipse Dawn and Starlight headed back into the throne room where they were greeted by Twilight's friends. The first one to say anything was Applejack, "Ah'm so happy for you two!"

Fluttershy added, "Everything was lovely."

Rarity continued, "Your ceremony was absolutely magnificent."

Rainbow added, "Best introduction ceremony ever!"

Pinkie finished, "When we get home, we're going to have to throw a party!"

Twilight nodded, "Yeah but it will have to be a quiet party."

Trixie added, "Loud noises and party canons may scare Eclipse."

Pinkie sighed, "I understand. I don't want to scare him."

With the Ponyville citizens that were there, with the exception of one, did not cause any problems, Twilight asked, "Trixie, since almost nopony from home booed us, do you think it would be safe for us to head home without a ton of security."

Before Trixie could say anything Starlight interrupted, "I'm not sure Twilight. I'm still going to make sure that there are plenty of guards with you, especially since you will be greeted at the train station by most of, if not the whole town."

Trixie asked, "So Starlight, will you be coming with us."

Despite Starlight knowing that she couldn't continue pawning her duties off on her second in command she replied, "Yeah, I'll come with you."

Celestia added, "As shall I, not because I am worried about anything happening to any of you, but simply because I want to."

Twilight asked, "Well shall we get going? I do want to get back to Ponyville before too long so that we can do the meet and greet with everypony and then get Eclipse to bed before it is too late."

Starlight replied, "Yeah, we should. Let me round up some soldiers and we'll get going."

As they boarded the train home Twilight and Trixie couldn't help but feel a sense of true happiness. Everything they had hoped for had come true as Trixie was welcomed into Twilight's family and that they had a very special royal colt. They knew that there was a lot to be done in a short amount of time but regardless of what life threw at them, they had Eclipse Dawn and they had each other and to them, that is all that mattered.