Chapters The day was bright and shining but no birds chirped nor did any wind seem to blow as the upper equines of high pony society and reporters pushed each other out of views way to gain even a small glimpse of the crystal carriage that was to come through these streets and board upon the castle train. Among them, whispers and rumors circulated as to why the Empress wanted to hold a private meeting with only the royal sisters.
Such meeting was announced to the public but no specifications were given but it was the countenance the empress adorned that raised eyebrows and questions on exactly what this meeting was. Had the empress addressed her subjects with calm and gentleness, even if fake, they would have expected nothing but the typical smile of the empress was faded and her face bore one of the utmost seriousness. She spoke loud, sternly and refused to do any of the courteous customs for when royalty addressed their subjects.
The empress spoke not a word afterwards with her staff nor her very own daughters, only sending a confidential letter to Queen Celestia and Luna. Even then, the one sent to give the letter had been forced to be accompanied by two royal guards whom was given orders to burn the letter and send the deliverer right back to her for trial shall she dare try to even peek at it.
Nonetheless it worked.
The whispers slowly died down as the hooves of strong stallions were heard through the ground. The gates to Canterlot city opened as the guards moved out of the way quickly to allow the speedy carriage through. The nobles did the same. Watching as the vehicle came sprawling through. Carrying the precious cargo that was the empress.
The crystal empress peeked outside her carriage curtain and saw the nobles stare on as the press seemed intent on following her ride wherever it went, complete with pens and paper.
The empress sighed and closed the curtain hoping, that she can remain out of the spotlight enough to retain her sanity. Eventually, the carriage came to a halt and the carriage door opened showing a guard stallion that was clothed in gold armor with an orange coat and blue mane.
He bowed before her. "Empress..."
She couldn't help but recognize him instantly. "Flash Sentry..." she smiled. "Its been awhile."
He smiled in response. "Yes, hasn't it Empress Cadance? I did not expect such time to pass between us."
"I should be calling you Prince Flash Sentry. Do pardon me. That was my honest mistake."
Flash shook his head. "I would love to put the formality away but it would seem that today will not be appropriate to do such I'm afraid. For now I am the guard that will be escorting you from your carriage to the train that will lead you up to Canterlot Castle. I am no more than that..." he smirked. "Atleast for now ."
"If you say so."
Flash lent a hoof to help Cadance off of the carriage as she was met with a large crowd on both sides made up of rabid ponies. A combination of nosy nobles and desperate press.
"Empress Cadance! Empress Cadance! Why are you holding this meeting!?."
"What danger is Equestrian expecting?"
"Is there a threat looming among the horizon?"
"Why is this meeting extremely confidential?!"
"What will you and their majesties discuss!?"
"Cadance!"
"Empress Cadance!
Guards pushed the frantic ponies back, keeping them from crossing the red rope or ducking under. Some, such as the unicorn guards, erected small shields of magic to stop and push them back.
"Back! Back! Those who come within even twenty feet of the empress will be charged with trespassing!"
"Trespassing seems to be a little extreme don't you think?"
Flash shook his head. "Hardly. If anything it's light considering what these crazy press would do. The last thing we need of course is one who happens to be an assassin, hitpony or more likely, a xenophobic zealot. We don't need another high pony being injured right on the spot like with the Saddle Arabian sultan. That was an embarrassment to us guards and to the whole of Equestria. Especially for a first visit."
"Please, you all could only do so much. That pony was determined to undermine relations with Saddle Arabia at all costs. You all didn't even know about the pony til then."
"Still..."
Cadance spoke no more on the subject knowing how touchy the situation is to the royal guard or most in general. At least the sultan didn't die but she remembered the yelling he did and the angry faces of the sisters when such incident reached their ears. Thankfully the Sultan did return albeit still upset over the fact that his first visit was nearly a death trap.
She decided to change the subject.
"Anyway, has everything in the castle at all been prepared for the meeting?"
"Yes, most certainly. The entire castle is under strict surveillance and guards are scattered about. Visits to the castle has been shut down for the entire day and the meeting...conference hall has been prepared and cleared for your convenience empress. Food has also been prepared just in case you may have the munchies." he smiled.
"Goodness, I simply said I wanted privacy, not to be treated like a foreign ruler."
Flash chuckled. "You know how the sisters are. You ask them to take something serious, their going to take it serious ."
Cadance raised an eyebrow. "I see."
"And so, this is where we depart empress."
"You are not coming?"
"No, I am not. Its my duty for today to help lead the guards. However, if you want me to go I be more than happy to."
"I...would like that...actually."
Flash couldn't help but grin. "No princess. Everything has been planned and their only expecting you. You can't just add me so abruptly and last minute now."
Cadance looked up. "Well, you certainly do have a point. Do tell, is Twilight there?"
"Yes. She is also anticipating your arrival."
"Good, of all ponies it is important that she hears this."
"Empress, we are operating on a time scheduled. The sisters expect you in front of them at exactly one o'clock. It is precisely twelve twenty now." a guard reported.
Cadance nodded. "Yes. I will not hold up any more time. Flash...thank you."
"Your welcome your majesty-"
"No, not just...not just for escorting me but also taking care of Twilight. Ever since she lost Shining, she's been..."
Flash kissed her hoof and looked up at her. "Do not worry. I do not plan on abandoning her in any point. If she needs to cry, I'll play her brothers part and be the one to wipe away her tears. Do not worry empress. Your sister is safe or atleast comforted."
Cadance felt her heart skip a beat and couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealously. Why is it that she could not have her husband by her side?
She gave a sincere smile. "Thank you...Prince Flash."
"Empress..."
"Yes, yes, I am coming."
Cadance bordered the train and headed off. Giving a final wave to Flash who returned it.
She holds her breath and prepares herself for the meeting.
She hopes that today will not mark the day she makes enemies of the sisters and most of all...
her own .
Celestia walked with her head held high in regal stance as golden clad hooves tapped against her castle's marble floors. Bulky guards resided on her sides as the ruler of the sun made way through the halls to the throne room where her meeting with the Crystal Empress was due. Her mane waved along in a vibrant array of firery colors of yellow, red, and orange. Her long, feathery like tail swept the floor with the same colors and her body adorned in golden jewelry. Specifically a golden necklace clad in an array of different gemstones and carrying the sun emblem.
Luna walked by her side, just as tall and just as composed though more harshly so. Her face turned up in a rather mad look. Her ebony coat and starry mane of constellations, like her tail, flowed regardless of wind like her sisters though not confined to a specific shape. Her bat like wings were clasped closed and tight against her body and she walked rather stiffly compared to her sister. Almost intimidating like as her silver adornment like her sisters, glimmered like the night.
Twilight walked as well among them, not confined to any way but merely trying to keep with their pace. She was shorter than them, abotu the Empress's height but was nearly just as powerful. She wore purple sheer stockings on her legs that stayed on her by a golden bangle with a purple gemstone like the choker she wore around her neck. Her mane faded from her typical colors to a glimmering golden yellow like the breaking of dawn at the end of it.
"Queen Celestia, if you do not mind, exactly what is it that Cadance want to discuss that can be so important?"
"That is what we too would like to know. The letter we received from her seemed urgent enough considering her wording but it never quite went into details of exactly what seemed to be the matter. Whatever the case, she asked to keep the meeting confidential."
Luna sucked her teeth. "Must I attend? I could be in bed right now. I am Queen of the Night! She cannot waste energy meddling in these affairs when the afternoon is to call!"
"Luna please. I know your still upset over being woken up but Cadance desires that we all be present. I think it is best to give her that audience."
"Is there anything she did mention specifically in the letter you received?" Twilight asked.
Celestia shook her head. "Only that this meeting concerned the fate of the Shawdonia Kingdom and the Crystal Empire....including possibly Equestria itself."
"I wonder why she just didn't send me a letter."
"Possibly because she did not have a more personal means of reaching you. After all you are a more public figure than me and Luna outside of Canterlot. Unlike she, I can directly contact you through Spike instantly. She did ask me to spread the word to you which I did."
"I see."
"She mentioned King Sombra as well." Luna snarled. "What does King Sombra have to do with her?"
Celestia sighed. "Who knows. For all we know, a looming threat could be coming towards Equestria knowing him."
"We should have just banished him again. He is never up to any good."
"I don't know...considering the last time we did it, it had devastating results."
"Tsk..."
"We are here your majesties. The conference room."
The white, gilded doors opened as the guards pushed them, showing a vibrant room of large windows and elegant gold framed portraits of important ponies like Starswirl, Clover, and even that of the more obscure ones such as Solis, Belle, and even Snowdrop who touched dearly to Luna's heart. The celing was decorated in an elaborate and detailed mural and hung from the center of it was a golden chandelier.
The white, circular table before them had food on top just in case the princesses got hungry. Snacks of cheese, crackers and variety of frit with small cut cucumber sandwiches and tea along with proper plates and forks to go with it all.
The guards escorted them in and pulled back the chairs for each of the princesses before taking a bow and exiting. Leaving the rulers and princess alone for the meantime. It was quiet save for the ticking of the clock that could be heard on the wall beside them.
Luna glanced at it. "She is running late ."
"Stay calm Luna, she is only two minutes overdue. I am sure she-"
"A ruler is to be punctual!"
Celestia gave up.
"It makes no sense for her to schedule an appointment and keep what is the equivelent to guests waiting."
Celestia merely sat still. Annoyed eyes staring sleepily into the distance. Twilight couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
"Proper ettiquete requires that the host be here before the guests. Not the other way-"
Before she could finish, the doors of the conference hall swung opened showing the crystal empress in her shining glory. Wearing nothing more but her simple crystal crown and regalia with strands of crystal dangling from her mane.
Celestia was relieved. Oh, thank the gods.
One of the crystal guards came in and seated the empress down in front of the three alicorns before bowing and exiting like the guards before hand.
The doors to the conference room closed leaving the three alone for the time they desired. A silence filled the air as the rulers and princess focused their attentions upon one another. Each with the facial expression that seemed to dare the other to move. While Celestia, Luna and Cadance zeroed in on each another, Twilight was the only one who laid confused. Eyes darting back between her sister-in-law and that of her mentor and her own sister. Luna was practically frowning, Celestia seemed stiffed and stern and Cadance seemed ridden with unbridled confidence, or at least appeared to be.
She wondered when the silence will cease.
"So...you have kept your word." Celestia broke.
"It would make no sense for me not to. Considering how I was the one who ordered the meeting." Cadance smiled. "I just hope I wasn't too late."
"Hmpf, too late for me..." Luna hovered over a sandwich and ate.
Celestia cracked a smile. "I suppose no time should go to waste then. I've read your letter that you sent to me as well as Luna. You seemed to describe the urgency of the predicament very clearly however, you've never specified as to exactly what the danger seemed to be. You only mentioned the Kingdom of Shawdonia and the umbram. I'm assuming King Sombra has returned with unripened intentions again?"
"No. He has not."
"Then what was the point of this meeting then?" Luna asked.
"To discuss with you the issues concerning the umbram and the Crystal Kingdom. As you know, the Crystal Empire and Shawdonia, home to the umbram, has been on sorrow tensions for years beginning with the reign of King Onyx. One of the Crystal Rulers, far before you your majesties, came within the picture. These wars, skirmishes and battles cannot continue on forever. Especially after our most recent war."
Celestia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "What is it then you want to be done? The Crystal Empire and umbram are at severe odds with one another. Me and Luna have tried to make peace with them but to no avail. They have only grown in hatred since King Sombra have taken the throne and your citizens could care less about making peace with them. No matter how related they may be."
Twilight placed a hoof under her chin in thought. "Related? The umbram and crystal ponies...are related?"
"Haven't you read up about it Twilight? That a studious pony like you have read up history on the Crystal Empire as well." Luna smiled.
"I have but there is no mention of the crystal ponies and umbram being related but then again, there really isn't much information on the umbram at all besides their reason of being exiled and their relation to King Onyx. Any history of them stops after that and is only mentioned in regards to King Sombra afterwards. Any history of the umbram is only recorded it seems when it relates to the Crystal Empire either being invaded or at battle with them." Twilight sighed.
"Of course." Cadance spoke. "You've been reading books written by crystal ponies and Equestrian historians alike. Anything about the umbram would no doubt be only glossed over."
Celestia shook her head. "The umbram are every part as crystal empire citizens as the crystal ponies themselves, beginning with King Onyx. The umbram are nothing more but crystal ponies infected with a physical manifestation of dark magic. A virus that ravages their bodies causing crystals to physically grow on them instead of them shining like crystals. They were unfortunately driven from the empire due to those unaffected fear of being possibly contaminated. Or their negative energy possibly feeding into the Crystal Heart."
"And those who were driven was given a piece of land from the Crystal Empire to settle but then King Sombra came and sought to expand their territory. Of course that did not proceed well when he was confronted with the ruling sisters. Which would be you and Luna of course.
Luna grinned. "So you do know."
"Sombra mostly won that fight."
Luna turned to face Celestia, her grin quickly fading back into a frown. Cadance stood quiet and Twilight anticipated her next words.
"Have we not been there however , the Crystal Empire would surely have fell to ruin."
"I am aware of that Luna but we underestimated him. He is every bit as cunning as he is brute. He anticipated that we'll use the Elements of Harmony on him and as such had cursed the empire."
"Cursed it?" Twilight questioned.
"Self-destruct. If he couldn't have it then he felt that none other should have that right. He was ready to commit suicide. The Elements of Harmony helped to stop it but while we focused on that he sought his escape."
Luna sucked her teeth. "Tsk, coward. Should have stayed and accepted his rotten fate!"
"We were angered at what he done and sought to avenge the empire ourselves but to no avail. He had erected a powerful forcefield over his kingdom and though me and Luna tried everything in our power to undo it, it was no use. We took our forces and left. Swallowing our pride and anger."
"It was a perfect opportunity to avenge our fallen ones. Considering how deathly weak he was between fighting us and casting that spell." Celestia blew a breath out her nose. "But of course, the chance was not given to us."
"Ever since then, Shawdonia has been the bane of the empire. We closely share borders, only a sea, a simple country, Yakistania and mountain range, the crystal mountains, divides us. This is why I am here. Peace must be worked out one way or another in regards to the stability of not just my Empire but also Equestria. Sombra's damage is telling in the fact that the wars themselves are hurting the wealth of the nation in supplying guards and military personnel with weapons and most of all, the biggest expense being lives. Are duties as rulers is to ensure the safety of our kingdoms and the lands we reside over with care and dignity and preserved the lives of the ponies in it. This is why I am here."
Cadance stood quiet for awhile allowing all in which she said to sink in with through the ruling sisters and her in-law's head. Celestia took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment before looking directly to Cadance.
"Cadance....are you proposing that something be done between that of your empire and that of Shawdonia?"
"Yes. That is exactly what I am proposing."
"Are you kidding me." Luna growled. "The umbram hates us, most of all the crystal ponies and you propose that peace be made between you and them? With us to go along with it? Peace is far gone from them. You best be better off waiting for pigs to fly then for them to agree in settling anything with us or you ."
"Luna..." Celestia spoke underneath her breath.
"I know that such a thing may seem difficult but it is at most, all we have. Destroying his kingdom will do no good. We are powerful enough to possibly exterminate him and his empire but what image will that bestow upon us as rulers as well as our nations? There are also innocent lives within Shawdonia as well weather we like it or not. Losing lives is the last thing I want to do. Anymore than now."
"Can't King Sombra simply be exterminated himself?"
"No.It is not that simple. To kill him we will have to assassinate him and that's if you can sneak into the kingdom itself effectively and our ponies will stick out like a sore hoof among the dark colored and gemstone ponies that reside there." Celestia answered.
"Exterminating his kingdom or even exterminating him will do nothing for the better but end up causing in unimaginable war. We have left him and his kingdom alone so far without much trouble and think this is the time to take full advantage of it. The peace treaty I propose will not only possibly keep Sombra from off of our backs but also help to integrate the umbram right back into pony society. Crystal pony society."
Celestia raised an eyebrow. "And exactly what would that be?"
Cadance took a deep breath. "I will marry King Sombra."
Chapter III: Noblesse Oblige
Celestia's eyes shot opened while her eye twitched in agitation and sparks of flames begun to emit from her mane.
Twilight could not believe her ears. She didn't want to. "What ?"
Luna was enraged . She slammed a hoof onto the table and unfurled dark bat like wings while her voice broke what little calmness the room had. Her eyes glowing an angry white.
"You dare gather us for this nonsense? Surely I have wasted my time by dragging myself out of bed! You wish to marry King Sombra of the Umbrum who has does nothing but caused your empire grief and caused tragedy within your family! Has his dark magic secretly infected you so that you cannot rationally think?! What brain cells has died within you?"
"No brain cells has died within me and surely no dark magic has infected me either! I have my reasons for doing this which I discussed far before this reveal! I am doing this not for my own sake but for my kingdom's sake!"
"And what in the right world of Equestria will that do! How will this help your kingdom but drive them further apart!? Marrying a sick and wicked tyrant that drives his own kingdom to anguish is helping your kingdom?! You have no idea what this entails! Your empire shall hoof you over for treason against them!"
"Your going to marry my brother's murderer!" Twilight yelled.
Luna's horn sparked magic but a gentle hoof was all that was needed to calm her down.
Celestia stayed with her eyes closed, hoof on her sisters shoulder. "Perhaps, we should hear her out."
Luna growled but reluctantly, gave in to reason and sat back down. Giving a snarl to Cadance and eating another cucumber sandwich.
Celestia took a deep breath and opened her eyes looking down. Refusing to look directly into the alicorn that looked at her from the other side of the table.
She sighed. "Tell us why you think this is best."
Cadance answered. "The umbrum and crystal ponies are nothing more than distant relatives each with a bloodline connecting them somewhere in the Crystal Empire. They, at least to me, have a just right to reside within the empire as well. Exterminating him or his kingdom will just cause bigger problems than before. Banishing him worked but as you know he is only came back. By marrying him, I can blend the two kingdoms as one and as such try to quell Sombra's rage. This, shall he accept, will stop anymore raids or battles or feuds between us. If anything it will provide more of a benefit towards King Sombra than for us."
"How so?"
"For us, the feuds will stop and precious resources will no longer be lost on battles and wars. For him however, he will be able to rule the empire like he wanted to of course with restrictions, the umbrum will return back to their land and most of all a better one and finally, will be able to have peace for themselves just as equally. The harshness of living in Shawdonia will dwindle and the quality of life will be better for them. They will be happy."
"Do you realize the opposition you will gain? Those who will be against it? Equestria may not split but your empire may just do so. Are you sure this is for the best?"
"I doubt many of them will suddenly leave but I will handle that if the time comes. I understand that my decision will alienate quite a few...perhaps a majority but I must do what I believe is best for my kingdom."
Twilight stood up. "Cadance listen to yourself! Your marrying King Sombra! Nevermind the the fact that he's a tyrant but he is my brother's murderer ! Your husbands killer ! it has only been a decade since he died and now you go and marry the very being that killed him? Do you not care for Shining Cadance!"
"I do care for Shining! Perhaps more than you!" she snapped. "But I have a duty, a duty to an empire . One in which you don't! It is just as difficult for me as it is for you but I know what else to do! Shining is gone yes but now I must not wallow in despair and focus on those who are alive. Those who lives I can't continue giving away to wars and feuds when I can possibly end this! 'Noblesse Oblige '. That is what you told me Queen Celestia. The welfare of the ponies before the feelings or welfare of yourself. Did you not?"
Twilight and Luna looked towards Celestia who held her eyes closed and took a deep breath.
".....yes."
"And so that is what I'll do. Ill bring the umbrum and Shawdonia together if possible. I have thought long and hard about this and I have reached my decision. I do not seek King Sombra as a replacement for Shining, I do not seek King Sombra as an actual husband but instead nothing more than a partnership. A peace treaty was attempted in the past but that had failed but in marriage I and Sombra get what we desire with small compromise. i only ask that you three...will understand."
Twlight looked upon her with disbelief. How, just how, could Cadance do this? She understood, she understood the rationale and logic behind this choice. it was as clear was clean water and dare she say appropriate but burying her feelings was not something she could do. She did not know 'noblesse oblige'. She never had to live by it.
Twilight gave a slow shook of the head. "Your kidding...."
"I am sorry Twilight but I have made up my mind. This is what I feel needs to be done."
"Do you not understand the risks? The possible dangers that you will put yourself in? He can kill you Cadance! Assassinate you and take all the power to himself! He can easily swipe the crystal heart right from underneath our noses! These risks also could possibly put all of Equestria in danger! He can kill what you have left of your love to Shining! What about Skyla and Flurry Heart? Did you tell them any of this? Well, did you!?"
"I have not but afterwards I plan to do so. Right before I make an announcement to the public. As for the risks....I have thought long and hard about it. Which is why I have planned it that if anything should happen I will employ the help of the Elements of Harmony and the three most powerful ponies I know...which is you all. After all, you are the most powerful user of magic I know of and Celestia and Luna surely are just as capable of standing a fight. Even if he has the power of the crystal heart on his side."
The ponies stood silent as they tried to let the information seek in. Luna continued eating, having moved on from the sandwiches to the cheese and crackers. She had had enough. Twilight however, did her best to hold back her tears while Celestia, stared at the table. Trying long and hard thinking about what she should say next.
Twilight looked to her mentor.
Celestia inhaled deeply and poured out the store air, deflating her chest.
All stood silent for the words of the ruler of the sun.
"I would assume that you have made up your mind about this?"
"Yes. I am firm in my stance."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
"I see....I fully understand your position Cadance and as such I support it."
Twilight could not believe what she heard.
"But whatever comes out as a result of your union with that tyrant ..." Celestia spat between her teeth. "...will lie solely on you. Do you understand Empress Cadance of the Crystal Empire?"
"Yes. I fully accept."
"I understand...that this is rough for you and for all of us equally and you understand that. It seems that you are clear on both the possible ramifications and consequences that could come out of this. You have thought it through and saw both sides and have weighed the risks. I applaud you on that Cadance."
The empress smiled. "Thank you."
"Is this all you have?"
"I have one last request." Cadance horn lit up and appeared before her was a sheet of paper that was inscribed with words and a feathered pen. She slid it down in front of Celestia. "This is a paper noting the agreement to my decision. Signing it will mean that you promise to not interfere with my plans or the politics developed around it involuntarily or forcefully and will re-enforce my right to go about ruling my empire as settled and most of all my plan to marry King Sombra. I ask that those who wish to state their name to sign it...please."
Cadance levitated the pen and ink pot in front of Celestia who stood still looking at it.
Twilight watched intently. "C-Celestia...?"
The queen of the sun dipped the pen in the ink pot and signed her signature and passed the tools over to her sister who had a mouth stuffed with food.
She glanced at the paper and then snarled at her sister. "Celestia I will n-!"
"Luna please! You don't have to sign it if you don't want to but know this that I will not be reponsible for any of your interference with Cadnace and her plans!"
Luna narrowed her eyes at her and let out a low growl. "...fine ." She begrudgingly took hold of the pen and wrote her name hastily. Making it appear messy on the paper.
Celestia sighed and Cadance took the tools within her own magic and placed it in front of Twilight who gave her a look.
Cadance looked back.
"Twilight..."
The alicorn looked at her with wide eyes and back at the two sisters who looked at her back. She met eyes with her mentor who slowly moved them away. Unable to look the sorrowful pupils of her student directly. Instead, she looked back at the table, closing her eyes in solemn silence. She moved to look at Luna who had finished chewing her food. The ruler of the moon simply turned her head and looked away.
She couldn't help but look back at Cadance who beckoned her to sign the paper gently.
"I'll be damned before I sign to anything."
The purple alicorn slapped the ink pot and pen away and scooted her seat away from the table. Making a hasty retreat out the room doors.
The three remaining ponies looked on until Celestia broke the silence.
"Perhaps you should go talk to her Cadance."
Cadance nodded and got up out her seat and left. Leaving the paper and tools on the table.
The empress stepped outside the doors and walked down the hall a bit before finally seeing Twilight. Staring up sadly at one of the mosaics. As she approached her, she noticed the one she looked up at, was the picture of her and Shining's marriage together.
"Twilight..."
The purple alicorn turned her back to her and answered with a sigh. "...what."
"I know this is hard...its hard for me, for us all. And it will be for most if not all of my empire and Equestria. I understand your heartbreak but know I do this out of a sense of duty not malice. You will understand when you begin to rule over a land of your own. I know you will."
Twilight stood still before finally breaking the quietness.
"All I understand is that you not only betrayed your country...but you betrayed your family."
Not willing to reside any longer, Twilight left. Walking into the long distant hallway away from her sister-in-law.
Cadance simply watched as the purple alicorn disappeared before collapsing in a pool of tears. She knew that it would be hard....
but she never figured it would be this hard.
