The Imperial arms

Troy pov one hour later.

“King Troy.”

I looked up from the reports of my sniper rifles at the door, and that letter from Zecora saw the foreperson for the jury. He was the Hippogriff with a dark primary feather with a mix of red and purple on his shoulders and chest. I saw through he was in a strange suit.

“I’m sorry sir but I can’t speak of the case with you if that is why you are here.”

He nodded, and I couldn’t help but look at his clawed hands. I smiled and nodded as I waved a hand over to the chairs in front of my desk. He smiled and sat down in front of me. I turned over my papers as I looked at him. He smiled and nodded before pulling out a small stack of paper from his side bag.

“I was asked to try and start trade relations with Equestria. The Zebracan ambassador threatened to cut off all the trade with their nation if we came here. I was also told to ask if the equestrian army is willing to put up a fort in our boards.”

I blinked as I looked at him and nodded. “Okay, that makes no sense. Your royal family is willing to give up sovereignty to Equestria and have our soldiers in your borders. There is something you're not telling me.” He sighed and nodded as he looked at me.

“Yes, Queen Celestia and Queen Luna both asked me the same thing. The Zebracan and the lion kingdom are threatening a military response.”

I blinked and nodded as I looked at him. “I’m guessing that they have already started a mobalation.”

“Yes, we’ve had a small fleet of merchant ships for a few days and they are shearcing the sea to see if they have a war fleet coming.”

I nodded, stood up, and walked over to the large map on the wall. “Where is your city located?” He stood up and pointed to a large cliff overlooking the sea.

“Here, we never use seaports, only air. But, there is a massive beach right under the cliff.”

“Okay, but I want to be able to train snipers within your borders as well.” He blinked and didn’t seem to know what I was talking about.

“A sniper?”

I laughed before I nodded and waved my hand. “Don’t worry it won’t be near the city. Now, go get some lunch. I'm sure you’re on a timer.” He nodded and walked out of the office. I sighed and nodded before I looked at the corner of my office. “Really Nightmare?” She laughed and walked out of the shadow of the corner.

“I guess even shadow walking can’t help someone to sneak up on you.”

I laughed and nodded before I walked over and closed my office doors. I turned around and laughed, seeing Nightmare sitting in my chair. I crossed my arms and smiled as I looked at her.

“I have a question for you.”

I nodded, and she smiled.

“What do you want to name her? I know the others picked names without really asking you.”

I hummed and crossed my arm as I looked at her. “Hm, how does Lillith sound?”

“I like the sound of it.”

She laughed, then stood back up, and rubbed her stomach as she stood.

“Again?”

I walked over, and she rubbed her stomach. “Is she okay?”

“Ya, the doctor said she’s going to have a massive magic pool if I’m already feeling magic shocks.”

I laughed and nodded when I was about to say something when I felt a shock. I pulled my hand back and waved it in the air. “Damn.” Nightmare laughed as she looked at me.

“Ya, she’s going to be a real powerhouse.”

I nodded as she rubbed her stomach.

“My own magic makes it feel more like a kick.”

We laughed a little before she kissed my cheek.

“Don’t forget it’s my turn to sleep with you tonight.”

“I know.” She smiled, and she walked back into the shadows with a happy skip to her walk. I nodded before I walked out of my office and locked the doors. “Let’s go and see how all this plays out.

Courtroom third pov

Everyone had returned to the courtroom, and Troy stood in the back, Celestia sitting beside him. Running wind had yet to return, and creators all spoke with one another. Celestia looked annoyed, and Troy was looking over some papers. The nobles were making trouble with Troy's new tax reduction for active soldiers and past guards within the last thirty years.

“All rise.”

Everyone stood as Judge Running Wind walked into the courtroom. Again the king and his son sat as Judge Running Wind called the court to order. Everyone sat back down as the court was called to order. Law and Fineprint sat in the chairs behind their tables.

“Fineprint you may call a witness.”

Fineprint stood and spoke to Judge Running Wind.

“If it is okay with the court I’d like to ask if a deer soldier Equestria is holding as a war prisoner.”

“Why?”

A smirk crossed Fineprints face as he looked at her. I believe that the king has allowed the mistreatment of other war prisoners. Cuffed and beaten to like animals.”

“Objection!”

Law stood and yelled.

“Your honor, you know that was an isolated case. Also I like to remind the court the stallion responsible has been arrested. Sir Knuckles has been stripped of his post and is in custody now. Besides, there is no evidence that any other war prisoners have been mistreated. I defy mr. Fineprint to show any proof.”

With his smirk, growing Fineprint looked at Law.

“Then why have you sounded an objection? if there's been no other evidence then please let me bring out my witness. Your honor, will you please allow it?”

Judge Running Wind Mr.Fineprint but

“I do, with the expectation that you will not cause a scene. Your actions earlier have left much to be desired.”

Celestia looked up at Troy, hearing a laugh from him. Celestia looked up to see he looked happy, and I saw why he laughed when I saw a young buck walking into the courtroom.

“Oh this is going to be good.”

Troy spoke with an evil tone as the buck was sworn in. Fineprint walked up to the young buck.

“Young deer, can you tell us how life is after you were taken in Equestrian custody?”

He looked at him and nodded.

“All things considered were doing very well. Aside from the beginning when we were taken prisoner we've been treated very well. We've had steady food, clean water, warm and comfortable places to sleep and bathe. We’ve even been allowed amenities like a library and even a small game room.”

The smirk was wiped off Fineprint’s face hearing that.

“I'm sorry, but did you say game room?”

The young buck smiled.

“Yes, unlike the war camp we're allowed to do most anything so long as we stay within the grounds of the compound. Sure, they have us doing work, but we get paid for it. We can even order stuff with that pay from inside of town. Some of our wounded reserved better medical care then is offered back home. In fact it's better than most towns and cities in the entire deer kingdom. Plus, some have asked me about a therapist to try and change how we look at things. But as far as I'm aware that request is still under review. And I hope it’s approved seeing what can happen in a country where females are treated with respect. I can’t help but wonder why our system of life is the way it is.”

Stunned silence filled the room as all the ponies looked at this young buck. Law and Judge Running Wind looked at him clearly, not understanding what he said. Fineprints cleared his throat and nodded as he looked back at Law, his smirk completely gone with sweat running down his forehead.

“Your Witness.”

Law nodded, then stood from her table. She smiled as she looked at the young buck.

“Can I ask your name, and army job young deer?”

He smiled and nodded.

“Yes, miss. My name is Birger and I served as a medic in the war camp.”

Law nodded, then crossed her arms as she looked at him.

“Can I ask how you were enlisted into the army?”

Birger frowned as he looked at her.

“It was after the first two major attacks. A lot of deers were killed or too badly wounded to fight. As the allied army marched closer a royal order was sent to all the towns that they would come to recruit new troops. I was taken from my father and given the choice that I served or they’d take my younger brothers and they took my only sister. I was the oldest brother and I didn’t won’t my brothers to be taken so I left.”

The jury looked at the king and his son with disgust. Fineprint looked worse now after hearing that. Troy looked pissed and crossed his arms as he glared at the king and son. The room glared at the two, and they finally seemed to realize what was happening with them right now. They started to look a little worried as they looked back at Troy and Celestia. They started to sweat as they looked at the smile on Troy’s face. Troy laughed as he raised his arm and then ran his thumb over his throat as he looked at the two. They looked at him, scared, as the guards next to the box walked in and forced them to turn around.

“Are there any more questions for this witness?”

Running Wind asked as she looked down at Law and Fineprint.”

“Your excused son and thank you for coming today Mr. Birger.”

“Yes ma’am, thanks for letting me say my piece.”

Birger walked away with the guard. The day dragged on like this, Fineprint trying his best to explain away the king's and prince's deeds only to be ripped apart by Law. Troy, for his part, was loving every second of it. The first court day was finished in Law’s favor, and everyone could tell they would be found guilty. Running Wind ended the court day. Everyone left, and Celestia kissed Troy before she walked out of the courtroom. Troy smiled and then walked over to a window. He looked over at the forest and thought about the city being built. He turned and started to head for the main gate with a smile.

“I guess it would be nice to go and see how they are doing.”