Secrets in Equestria

Glisten and Shining returned to Ponyville a bit anxious and a bit happy. The attack on Shining scared the two of them enough to send them running to anywhere other than Canterlot. Then there was Honor Shield who made both parents very happy. In time, Sunset Shimmer would marry Honor and they wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Glisten and Shining walked into the Golden Oaks library and found Sunset snoring on the couch. Glisten couldn’t believe it, what kind of a day could Sunset have possibly had that she thought napping when they returned was okay. “Sunset Shimmer, wake up right now young lady.” Sunset shot up from her nap and looked around frantically wondering where the fire was. “Sunset, did you deliver the tickets.” Sunset groaned and mumbled. “Sunset Shimmer, don’t you grumble at me and speak up.”

“Yes mom, I delivered the tickets. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to sleep.” Sunset turned around but was stopped by her mother. “What is it mom?” Sunset didn’t bother to turn around if for any reason than to spite her mother.

“Turn around when you talk to me and yes I do mind if you go back to sleep. Did you set up our room for tonight?” Sunset gave a loud, angry and clear yes. “Don’t you take that tone with me young lady, its reasons like these that we have found you a husband. I have never met a more disrespectful pony in all my life.”

“I don’t care-wait, did you say husband?” Glisten nodded. Sunset went from shocked to infuriated. Her mother set her up in an arranged marriage. There was no way she would take it sitting down and neither would Celestia. At that realization, a smile crept upon her face. “You do know Arranged marriages aren’t legal anymore. When I tell Celestia”

“She won’t do anything. I have signed documents by her to give your father and I the right to arrange a marriage for all my children. It was signed before you and your sister were born of course. You see Sunset, we had her sign the document at the last minute in case our children put us in a position to do so. Law said that parents were allowed to set up marriages for their children if they had the legal document signed. Your father and I did and we are happy to say so. I know, it isn’t legal anymore but we have the last scroll in Equestria that says otherwise. Now you will be married or by my order, we will have you imprisoned. By the law of the AMA, we can send you to prison for your own good if you do not comply with the marriage.” Glisten grabbed some parchment from her saddlebag and tossed it to Sunset. “This is only a copy of the document so you can do what you wish with it. Once you come of age, you will be married. Go ahead and read it over. Now where is our room?” Glisten looked in the direction Sunset was pointing. “Very good.”

Sunset picked up the parchment and read through it shaking.

I Princess Celestia, sign the Arranged Marriage Act allowing Glisten Guard and Shining Duty to arrange marriages for their children. If the child refuses to marry the pony Glisten Guard and Shining Duty arranged for said child, the child will submit to the punishment Glisten Guard and Shining Duty see fit.

Should the pony arranged to marry the child should change his or her mind, the marriage will void. If the pony arranged to marry the child volunteers for said marriage, both pony’s must be married. Should this law be taken away after this document is signed, this law will still stand as if it still existed.

The act was short but it made its point though it sounded a bit unprofessional but it didn't matter. It was signed by Celestia, it was official even if it didn't completely sound professional. Sunset dropped the scroll on the ground and ran up stairs into her bedroom where she cried herself to sleep. Her dreams were filled with nightmares or who it would be she would end up with. One stallion had been abusive, another was controlling, another was psychotic and so on. When she woke the next morning, she found her parents next to her. She jumped up and out of bed. “What are you doing here?”

“Sunset, stand up straight and be polite. We only came to tell you who it is you will be marrying when the time comes.” Glisten looked to her husband.

“Sunset, when you become of age, you will be marrying Honor Shield. He used to be your body guard and we believe he will be a fine husband for you. We are sure you will learn to respect others with him around. He will also be a fine father for your foals.”

“Dad, why are you even talking about me having foals? I’m not even married yet and I don’t really want to be.”

“Sunset, your mother and I had your sister shortly after we married and you a year after that. I don’t think talking to you about foals now will do anything to you. You will marry and have foals all while learning to respect others.”

“You aren’t making any sense, how is this conversation even, you know what never mind.” Sunset inhaled and let it out slowly. “I would rather go to jail before I marry Honor Shield. I don’t care how nice he is, I don’t love him or anypony for that matter. I have my own life to deal with, I don’t need you two messing with it. Part of the reason for even going to Celestia’s school was to get away from you. Why don’t you just leave me alone and get out of my library.” Sunset rose on her hind legs and then slammed her forelegs on the ground. “Get out!”

Glisten glared at her daughter. “You disrespectful child, we are impoving your life, you’ll see it soon enough.” Glisten turned and left with Shining close behind.

Rarity who had been walking by at the moment, turned and walked into the library. “Sunset, is everything alright? I could hear yelling from outside.”

“Go away Rarity, I don’t need your pity. My parents and I don’t get along and you can’t fix that with ribbons.”

“No, I suppose I can’t but perhaps you would care to talk about whatever is going on? At the very least it would make you feel better.”

“No, go away now. I don’t need anypony so just leave me alone. You’re not my friends and I don’t like any of you.” Sunset pushed Rarity out of the library and slammed the door shut. A sharp pain shot through her head and caused her to collapse onto the ground. She raised her hoof to her head and thought she saw a little red on the bottom of her hoof. She shook her head and the red was gone. “I don’t need anypony, I can handle this by myself. Why can’t ponies just leave me alone?”

“You’re a selfish brat and all they want to do is help. No wonder your becoming corrupted.” A voice said but when Sunset looked around, there wasn’t a single pony around.

“Great, I’m dillusional now.” Sunset stumbled up the stairs angry and sad.

Just outside, the masked pony was running away. “You don’t know what you’ve got Sunset but you will in time, you will.” The pony then disappeared in a flash.