"Given the choice, whether to rule a fading empire, or to challenge the fates for another throw of the dice, a better throw against one's destiny, what was a king to do?"

In an alternate timeline (slightly inspired by the season 5 finale "The Cutie Re-Mark") where Equestria is at war with the Crystal Empire, King Sombra executes a daring yet dangerous plan and manages to conquer Canterlot Castle, capturing the two princesses in the process.

For the king, a precarious game of cat and mouse begins, as he struggles to fend off the Equestrian army and to maintain control of a city which opposes him, while trying to tame the rambunctious spirits of his two captives.

For Celestia and Luna, a tumultuous emotional conflict ensues, as they have to decide how far they are willing to go in order to keep their subjects safe.

Warning: The following work of fiction contains themes which include rape and torture.