I shouldn't be here... Why did my wonderful life back on Earth had to be taken away from me? My name is Drake, a thirty-five-year-old human that is now a slave to Lord Tirek, along with many other ponies. Everyday I wake up, go to work on making statues, break, back to work again, home, sleep, repeat. Why am I cursed to be here? I didn't do anything wrong! I help around my neighborhood, I'm a great teacher, and I was about to take Andrea out on a date. Why... what did I do to deserve to be a slave for the past ten years now?!
It's a warm day here in Canterlot, as I wipe the sweat away from my forehead. On some sides of the statue are a few other ponies, one happening to be a unicorn. I kinda feel bad that he can't use magic; because of Tirek, no pony has magic. If they did have magic or were caught using it, Tirek will have that pony's magic stripped away and locked in the dungeon for eternity. I witnessed it happening about a week ago. It all started when Tirek came across and everypony, including myself, bowing down to him. It was going well, until a unicorn charged up to him and shot his magic multiple times. Did that Stop Tirek? Hell no! Tirek immediately sucked away his magic, picked up the unicorn and said, 'Because of your retaliation, you are hereby sentenced to the dungeon for both that and hiding your magic from me.' And just like that, that unicorn was never seen or heard from again.
When I first encountered Tirek, I nearly pissed myself. When I got here, I was outside the castle and while scurrying around, I came into the throne room without realizing he was there. I was ordered to come up to him and explain what I was. Once done, he introduced himself, saying he is ruler of Equestria and he then showed me the true rulers of Equestria, princess Celestia and princess Luna. The two were stripped naked, chained, and afraid. After introduction, he told me to become a slave and if I retaliated, he'd burn me to a crisp. I froze in place for about a second, but then, something caught my eye. I couldn't get a good look at what it was, but I was certain there was a small female-looking Tirek behind his throne. I however didn't answer because of frightened I was, but to this day, it remains a mystery. Now look at me; I'm a human slave to a centaur lord, wearing the same clothes and washing them twice a week because the seamstresses around here take forever to make a simple piece of clothing. The really good seamstresses are at the castle, which seems odd because Tirek doesn't seem like the kind of centaur who'd wear nice clothing.
It's noon, as me and the guys take a break from working. I sit down behind the leg of the Tirek statue and pulled out a homemade lunch and water bottle. I open up the bottle and took a few sips, saving the rest for when our day is done. I look over to the other workers, as they tiredly ate their lunch, feeling exhausted to the bone. Suddenly, a dark blue pony who nearly makes it to the bottom of the ladder, falls down with a loud thud onto his back. Like a good person I am, I place my lunch away and rush up to the fallen stallion, helping him lean up.
"You okay, buddy?" I asked, as the stallion gave out a few coughs.
"Wa... water," he said quietly. "I... need water... water."
"Take my water," I said, helping him up. "Let's get into the shade."
I help him over to where I sat and place him gently down. I sit beside him and opened up my lunchbox and handed him my water bottle.
"Here," I said, as he weakly takes the bottle and brings it to his lips, where he takes big gulps one after another. "There you go. It's yours."
As the water bottle empties, he pulls it away from his mouth and drops it on his lap. He looks over to me and smiles, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Thank you... human," he said.
"The name is Drake," I replied. "And your welcome. You need it more than I do."
"What about yourself?"
"I'll go get one before break time is over."
"That's good to know. The name's Sky. Sky Blue."
"Nice to meet you, Sky."
"May I ask and I'm sure you've been asked before, but how did you get here?"
"Not too sure," I said, resting my arms to the back of my head. "I don't deserve to be here. I had a great life back where I was from. I was about to take a special person on a date, but instead, I became a slave to Tirek."
"What was the lucky mare's name?"
"Mare? N-no. She's no mare. She's a female human. Her name is Andrea and she and I hit off pretty well when I came to bring dog food over at the animal shelter. She happened to be one of the people who worked there."
"You're quite nice, if I may add."
"I do my best to be the best person I can be. I barely get into fights. I guess my parents raised me really well."
I reach into my lunchbox and pulled out a veggie sandwich. As I take a bite into it, Sky stands up and gives out a stretch, making the bottle drop to the floor, which he politely picks up.
"I'll go and get my lunch," he said, walking away, "then I'll go back to work. See you after the break."
"See ya," I said, as he walked off towards a small restaurant.
I smile, as I look up to the sky, swallowing my bite, then taking another. My mind drifted off; thinking about home, my family, my friends, and Andrea. My smile dies down slowly, as a tear came down my cheek.
"Andrea," I thought. "I'm so sorry I disappeared off the face of the Earth. I hope you find a nice young man who treats you like a princess."
Suddenly, my view of the sun gets blocked off by two royal guards. The guard on the left has scars on his arms and the other holds a spear. I swallow my bite and stood up straight, trying to look formal.
"Y-yes, guards?" I asked, wiping the tear away from my cheek.
"We'd like you to come with us," said the guard holding the spear. "Lord Tirek's order."
"Lord Tirek?" I said with wide eyes. "Me?"
"Just come with us," said the other guard in a gruff voice. "We are ordered to bring you there alive and unspoiled."
"If it's Lord Tirek's order, then I shall go. I have no problem going there."
"Then let's get a move on," he said, as the other guard holding the spear, pushes me slightly.
"Okay! Okay!" I said, as the two guards walk beside me. "No need to be so rough, fellas."
"Just shut up and walk," said the guard with the scars. "We're just having a bad day."
"Sorry to hear."
As we make it to the castle, the guards bring me up to the throne room doors, the same doors that I came through ten years ago. The two guards split up and stood on guard on the sides of the door.
"Give it a knock," said the guard with the spear. "He awaits."
I raise a hand and gave the door a few knocks.
"Enter!" shouted a loud and deep voice that is Tirek's.
I push the door open, seeing Tirek sitting on his throne with cracks and a few claw marks. The red carpet is torn with a few large holes, the stained glass windows are broken and some broken fragments still remain on the floor.
"Human," said Tirek. "Step forward."
"Y-yes," I said, as I close the doors behind myself, then walked up to him. "Y-you summoned me, lord Tirek?"
"I have. You see, I have a job I'd like you to do for me and I shall not have you failing me."
"What will that be?"
"For a while, I've been doing some thinking about having more heirs to the throne and my time will be for another twenty or so years. I don't want one, but more heirs after my time."
"So... how does this involve me?"
"Just hear me out!" he roared, shaking the room.
"P-proceed," I said, legs shaking.
"I want you to fall in love with my daughter Trika."
"You have a daughter?" I said with surprise, making my legs stop shaking.
"I do, but I must warn you, she's rather... different than I."
"How so?"
"You see, I told my daughter about this situation and she brought you up. She says she rather see you than see any stallion in Canterlot and beyond."
"That's it? You want me to flirt with your daughter and hoping that I'd win her heart?"
"Yes. I never thought I'd say this, but please, do this for me."
"I was expecting something worse, but because I'm a nice guy, what's the worse that can happen? I'll do it for you, lord Tirek."
"Thank you human or whatever your name is."
"It's Drake, my lord."
"Trika!" called out Tirek. "He has arrived."
Clops of hooves can be heard, making me wonder what his daughter looks like.
"Wait!" I thought. "Could it be... that female looking Tirek from ten years ago? Is that it?"
From the hallway of the left, came out another centaur, similar to Tirek. She has medium-size curved horns, a gold nose ring, long grey hair, D-cup size breasts, strong legs, grey tail, wears a silver collar, and has slightly long white eyelashes. Unlike Tirek, she's smaller than he is and she seems rather friendlier, judging by her looks, but I could be wrong.
"What is it-" she gets cutoff, as she looks over to me with surprise. "It's him! It's the human from ten years ago!"
"Daddy got you a surprise," said Tirek, walking up to his daughter and placing a hand on her shoulder. "This is Drake and you shall spend time with him. Think of him as a friend, slave, or body guard."
"He's rather smaller than I remember," she said, pointing to me. "Plus, he might reek of sweat from working every day."
"He will be cleaned and we shall make him wear something better than those rags we wears 24/7. I'll ask for the seamstresses for better clothing for him."
"At least I have somepony to talk to. It's getting boring talking to those ponies who praise me wherever I go."
"There you go, hun," he said, ruffling her hair. "Daddy got you a friend."
"Stop doing that!" she shouted, waving her hands angrily in the air. "I'm not a child! I'm twenty-nine!"
"I can't help it, Trika. Father instincts, I guess."
"Just get him cleaned and bring him to my room when done," she demanded, as she walks back down the hall.
"As you wish, my princess," said Tirek with a chuckle.
"I know this dude was evil and all," I thought with a smile. "But he's quite a nice father."
Tired looks over to me, making me take away my smile.
"Why did you smile?" he demanded with a snort.
"I never imagined you being a father," I replied. "You're quite good when it comes with your daughter."
"Does it bother you?"
"No! It doesn't, my lord! It's a compliment."
"Well... thank you, I guess," he said before clapping his hands. "Luna! Come forth!"
"Yes, M'Lord," said Luna, as she walks in, wearing a red dress, showing off a bit of cleavage. "What shall I do?"
"Give this human a bath," he demanded. "I want him clean and smelling like a flower."
"As you command, M'Lord."
Luna walks up to me, a few inches taller than I. She grabs my hand and pulls me toward the bathroom. I look to Tirek and gave him the thumbs up, making him do the same. As I disappear from his gaze, Luna and I walk down the opposite hall from where Trika went and smiled.
"Okay," I thought. "This turned out bizarre. I get called just so I can make Tirek's daughter fall in love with me and to give him heirs to the throne. I'm gonna bang a centaur?! And if I give Tirek grandchildren, then that makes him my father-in-law! Inconceivable!"
Luna stops, as we make it to a door halfway down the hall. She pushes the door open and inside is a nice and clean bathroom with a perfect size tub. I walk in, as Luna closes the door behind us.
"Take off thy clothes," she said in a calming voice.
"Can I... clean myself?"
"You may," she said, still standing there.
"Could you also please leave? I'm uncomfortable with somepony watching me undress."
"If that pleases you, then I shall," she said, as she exits the bathroom.
"Okay... weird."
I began undressing myself with shirt first and everything else last. I turn on the water,placing a hand inside until it was the right temp. Once it was, I let it go, as I walk over to a cabinet, hoping there will be shampoo and body wash. Inside is what I was looking for; there was a apple scented shampoo and a peach scented body wash.
"Damn," I said to myself. "The former princesses are pretty lucky to have this stuff while the rest of us down at Canterlot have bland scented shampoo and body wash."
I walk back to the tub and turned off the flow of water. I dip a foot inside, then the rest of my body, making myself feel so relaxed.
"My God," I said, resting my eyes. "This is nice. Warm water, crystal clean bathroom, good scented shampoo and body wash. What more can I get from here? I wonder if I play things cool, I could get more nice things from around the castle?"
I slowly dip my head back, then bringing it up with my hair now wet. I lean down and place the shampoo aside, as I began to clean the rest of my body. I squeezed the bottle onto my left hand and began cleaning my arms, slowly going up and down my left arm. The scent fills my nostrils, making me feel as though I'm in a tub full of green apples. Once my body got cleaned, I place that back down and reached for the shampoo. I squeeze the bottle onto my head, feeling it touch my scalp.
"This feels nice," I said to myself, as I scrub my head.
Before I could do anymore, loud stomps can be heard from the other side of the door. Next, a few loud knocks.
"Drake," said Tirek's voice on the other side. "Why isn't Luna scrubbing you?"
"Oh! Well, lord Tirek, I prefer to wash myself, if that's fine with you."
"Well, uh... okay then," he said, as he stomps away.
"I'm an adult man," I said, continuing where I left off. "I don't need Luna to do that for me."
After drying, I put my ratty clothes back on and made my way to the door. Once opened, I get stopped by Celestia, who is also wearing the same clothing as her sister. Unlike her sister, she looks very worn out; like she’s been as much work like everypony over at Canterlot.
"Oh!" I said with surprise. "Hey there, Celestia. What's up?"
"Lord Tirek wanted me to give you these," she said, handing me folded clothing.
"Uh... thanks," I said, as I grabbed them.
"May they fit," she said, before walking away with a plain look on her face.
I close the door back up and look down at the clothes. I place the black pants down, along with red boxers, a white T-shirt, and holding onto the red jacket. I turn it around, noticing Tirek's horns on the back with a flame between it.
"This looks badass," I said, as I tried it on.
It was a good fit; I can move my arms freely and not having to worry about it being small. I then look over to the mirror, to see myself wearing the jacket, making me smile.
"If I'm to make Trika fall for me," I said to myself. "I need to look good."
"Excuse me, Drake," said Luna from the other side. "When you're done, you are to report to Trika's room. As ordered by Lord Tirek."
"I'll be out in a bit," I replied, as I began unbuttoning my pants. "And I'll be looking my best."
I walk down the hall toward’s Trika’s room, feeling rather nervous to see her all dressed up and handsome. It’s as though I’m going on a date, but with a centaur. As I make it to the end of the hall, a large door in black marble stands tall in front of myself with Trika’s name carved above it.
“Um... hello?” I said, hoping the door would open. “It’s me, Drake. May I come in?”
The sound of hooves makes its way close to me, then stops. The door pulls back, showing Trika looking down at me.
“I can see you’re clean,” she said.
“Better than reeking of sweat,” I said, making myself giggle.
She too, gives out a giggle, making me think that winning her heart is going to be easy.
“Come in,” she said, holding the door open for me.
“Thank you,” I said, walking in.
Inside is a large bed with red blankets and black pillows. At the end of the room is a sliding door with a balcony and beside it to the right is a fireplace with a stone dragon head for a feature, as a small fire flickers within the fireplace maw.
“You have a rather nice room,” I said, as she closes the door.
“Thank you,” she said, walking up to me.
Now that I’m close to her, I’m about half her size. Her father’s huge, but she’s about as tall as Celestia and Luna. She brings down a hand, making me unsure if she wants me to kiss it or hold it.
“Do you... want me to hold it?” I asked.
“What?” she said with a smirk. “You’d rather walk with me with contact? Dad wants me to get to know you and... well, you seem like a nice guy.”
“I am,” I said with a nod. “Shall we?”
I bring my hand up to hers and held it gently, making her ears flicker up with surprise. The two of us walk up to the balcony, as the wind blows toward us from outside. I look up at Trika, seeing her cheeks bright red and ears down.
“You okay?” I asked, making her ears flick up and looking down at me.
“Y-yeah,” she said. “I’m fine. You?”
“Same,” I said, as the two of us make it to the balcony, watching the view of the mountains and Canterlot bellow with many statues of Tirek.
The two of us sit down on a large bean bag, with myself being near the end. I look to her, as she gives me an awkward smile, letting go of my hand. I gave her one back before the two of us look back at the view. Things were going rather quiet, but I can’t keep things quiet or this will all be for nothing.
“You’re... actually quite nice in person,” I said, breaking the ice.
“You find me nice?” she asked, looking down at me.
“I was rather worried that you’d... be more like your father. No offense.”
“I’m rather different than him,” she said. “It’s my mother’s side that makes me different.”
“If it’s not too personal, but who is your mom?”
“Celestia,” she answered, making my mouth drop. “My father flirted with her and she agreed to it. He told me about the birds and the bees when I was fifteen and he told me of how I was born.”
“I guess this personality of yours came from her,” I said. “You seem like a nice centaur. Do often talk to anypony around Canterlot?”
“Not really,” she said, as her ears flop down. “They’re afraid of me. However, they do praise me hard and it’s kinda irritating.”
“Not me,” I said. “Those guys wouldn’t bother by getting to know you. I can see now that you are a sweet and kind princess.”
“Y-you think I’m sweet?”
“Well, you are kind enough for me to come into your room and you haven’t roared or demanded orders. You’d make a great ruler one day.”
Her face goes bright red, as she looks away from me.
“Sh-shut up,” she said. “Y-you’re now starting to bother me.”
“I’ll stop talking then,” I said with a chuckle.
A flock of birds fly away from the castle, somewhere far away. I let out a relaxed sigh and rest my head on my right hand.
“Can I ask you a question, Drake?” she said, making me look up to her.
“I thought you wanted me to stop talking?”
“You can talk now.”
“What is it you’d like to ask?”
“Where did you come from?”
“I came from a place called California,” I answered. “On the country known as the US.”
“What’s it like over there? Are there other centaurs or ponies?”
“Sadly, ponies don’t talk, don’t stand on two legs. Ponies where I’m from are small animals that can’t talk or do magic.”
“And centaurs?”
“You’d only hear about them in stories and mythology.”
“You don’t have any...live centaurs?”
“Nope.”
“Oh...”
“Did I hurt your feelings? I apologize.”
“No! Not at all. Also, you can sit closer. Makes me feel like you’re afraid of me too.”
I scoot closer to her, accidentally elbowing her right front leg.
“S-sorry,” I said, scooting a few inches away.
“It’s fine. It was just a bump.”
Things went silent again, as we stare off again to the beauty of the mountains. My heart beat goes quick, as though... I’m in love.
“How?” I thought. “How can I fall for her? It hasn’t been a full day and I’m just starting to fall for her?”
“What does your world look like?” she said, pulling me away from thought. “Is your world pretty?”
“Earth has some crappy places,” I answered. “But there are good places to go to. Large waterfalls, beautiful forests with trees as tall as buildings, perfect places to be on dates, and more.”
“Since you’ll be staying here,” she said. “Tomorrow, can we go to town together?”
“I’m staying here?”
“Well, yeah. Father wants us to get closer and he won't let you go.”
“I guess I’m okay with that. Better than where I lived down there. Sure, I’d like that.”
She smiles faintly, placing a hand on my head and giving it a few pats. Suddenly, knocks can be heard from Trika’s door.
“What is it?!” called out Trika, retracting her hand.
“It’s your mother,” called out Celestia from the other side. “Calling to let you know that dinner will be ready in a bit.”
“Thanks, mom!”
“You’re welcome, dear.”
“What do you eat?” I asked. “Do you eat anything with meat?”
“Father and I eat cow, chicken, but mother will make some greens.”
“I can go for both. I haven’t had meat in a long while. Gotten thinner because all I ate for the past ten years here is salad and veggies.”
“Does meat make you fat?”
“I don’t think so. Back on Earth, I had some meat here and there.”
“I see. Do you also like cake? Mom makes really good cake.”
“Sure. I’ll just have a slice though. Cake fills me up.”
“Okay.”
“Why are you asking me about what I eat?”
“Curiosity.”
“Oh... what do you like to drink?”
“I like the mango juice the chefs make here.”
“You like mango juice? What a coincidence, I like that too.”
“We’re mango lovers, huh?”
“Sure are. Have you ever tried making mango popsicles?”
“You can make mango popsicles?”
“Sure. You can do it with many juices. How about tomorrow, we go look for a popsicle maker. We get it, we come back, pour mango juice in there, wait for about a few hours, and then presto! You got mango popsicles.”
“I’d like to try one now, now that you mention them.”
“They’re good, I promise you that. I did it with my mom during hot days like these when I was a kid.”
Things go silent again, until I felt Trika’s hand held onto my left hand. I look to her, seeing her blushing with her ears flopped down.
“She’s too cute,” I thought, as I look away towards the mountains.
Outside grows dark, as Luna's moon slowly goes up into the dark sky. Within the castle however, smells of food fills the halls, as Trika and I walk towards the dining room. My stomach growls, along with hers, making the two of us chuckle.
“Looks like we’re both hungry, huh?” I asked.
“Y-yeah,” she replied. “Haven’t ate much today. You’d like what the cooks make. They are superb.”
“A decent meal can do wonders.”
As we walk in, Tirek sits at the end of the table, waiting for both us and the dinner to come forth. He looks to us and smiles.
“How was your time with Drax,” said Tirek.
“Drake,” I corrected.
“It was wonderful, father,” she said, as we walk up to the chairs close to him. “He told me about his world, that magic doesn’t exist where he lives, and that ponies don’t talk or even look like anypony around here.”
“Really?” said Tirek with surprise. “No magic? Ponies that don’t look like the new here?”
“It’s true, M’lord,” I said. “Our worlds are very different.”
Trika and I sit down, with me between both Trika and Tirek. Sitting between these two makes me feel so insignificant; it’s like a mouse sitting between two cats that can pounce at any moment. Luckily, they aren’t going to harm me... I think.
“So, M’lord,” I said, looking up to him. “What’s for dinner? I never ate here before and Trika has told me that you have great meals.”
“We have salad, pork, and there will be chicken as well.”
“And to drink?”
“We have wine, juice, whatever it is to your liking.”
“Drake and I shall have some wine,” said Trika.
“Then you two will have the best.”
Just then, Luna and Celestia walk in, giving out stretches.
“Good evening, Luna, Celestia,” I said, waving to the two.
“Same to you,” said Celestia with a faint smile, as she sits beside Tirek. “May I ask, how are you enjoying the castle?”
“It’s rather nice,” I said. “I find it to be an honor to be here.”
“How have you and my daughter been doing?” she said, resting her head on her hands. “Did you do anything naughty?”
“Mom!” shouted Trika with a blush on her cheeks.
“Just kidding,” said Celestia with a giggle.
“Celestia,” said Tirek. “Don’t ask such things to our daughter.”
“I love teasing her, Tirek. It’s funny.”
I look over to Luna who sits besides her sister, ready to fall asleep at any moment.
“You doing okay there, Luna?” I asked, making her look over to me.
“Just tired, Sir Drake,” replied Luna.
“You sure do look tired. Have you been working too much?”
“I have,” she said, rubbing her eyes. “Cleaning, scrubbing the clothes, and such.”
“Well,” interrupts Tirek. “If it bothers you so much, then why not go to your room and go to sleep.”
“That would be nice, but I must look over the dreams of everypony.”
“Just take a break,” I said. “One night off won’t hurt.”
“Perhaps you are right,” she said, getting out of her chair. “Goodnight, everypony.”
“Goodnight,” said the four of us, as Luna walks away.
“Auntie works very hard,” said Trika. “She works at night to make sure Nightmare Moon doesn’t come back.”
“Trika!” shouted Celestia, making the two of us jump. “We do not mention that name! This is a safe place.”
“Sorry, mom.”
Suddenly, the doors at the left corner of the dining room open, showing a stallion with dark green fur, a small mustache, and wearing a chef uniform and hat.
"Dinner is served," he said, as five white stallions come in, pushing carts of food.
One of the carts was large enough for Tirek; on the plate is a large cooked pig with an apple in its mouth. As the stallion places Tirek's dinner in front of him, he takes in a big whiff, letting the steam enter inside his nostrils.
"You did a fine work, gentlemen," he said, licking his lips.
"Tirek," said Celestia disgusted. "Why can't you eat just greens around me? Seeing an animal for a platter is sickening."
"It's what I like!" he shouted, slamming his hand on the plate. "Shut up and deal with it!"
Celestia grunts, as her salad is placed in front of her. For Trika, she is given a fish about the size of my head. Unlike Tirek, she grabs ahold of her fork and knife and starts cutting. For myself, I got a chicken leg, salad, mashed potatoes, and green beans. It's been a long while since I had the taste of meat, but I can't let this opportunity slip.
"Lord Tirek," I said. "This quite the feast. You're quite lucky."
"Shut up!" he shouted, with pig meat inside his mouth. "Can't you see I'm eating!"
"S-sorry," I said, as I take my fork and stab into one of my green beans.
The waiters walk back into the kitchen, as the doors shut, making everything in the room go silent, with the exception of clinking on dishes and Tirek's obnoxious eating.
"So, Drake," said Celestia, as I chew on my food. "How is the castle? Is it amazing?"
"It is, Celestia," I said after swallowing. "Big place, nice view of the mountains, and great food. What's next? Deserts beyond my imagination?"
"You can say," said Celestia with a chuckle. "May I ask, is my daughter been nice with you?"
"Y-yes," I said, as I take another bite of green beans.
"Have you two been getting down and dirty?" she asked with a smirk, making Tirek and I nearly choke.
"Mom!" shouted Trika out of embarrassment.
"Just kidding," she said with a giggle. "I just love teasing."
"That's going a bit too far, Celly," said Tirek before taking another bite of his pig.
"Sorry, Tirek," she said, waving her hand to him. "I won't say such things. These things take time."
Suddenly, the kitchen doors open again, seeing waiters come in with a large glass of purple liquid. If I can take a guess, I believe it's wine. Tired grabs ahold of it and takes a sip before placing it down close to his dinner. For Celestia, her wine is red; she grabs it with her fingers and places it down beside her dinner. For Trika and I, we both got wine with similar color as Tirek's, making me wonder if this really is wine. It's been too long since I had wine that I even forgot what it looks or tastes like.
"Say, Trika," I whispered, getting her to look over to me. "Is this wine?"
"It is," she replied. "Why? You haven't had wine before?"
"Its... been a while since I had any."
"Don't worry, it's not poisoned or anything."
"Makes me feel a lot better," I whispered, as I take a sip of it, tasting its flavor. "Hm. Not bad."
"There you go," she said with a smile. "Nothing to be afraid of."
"What are you two talking about?" asked Celestia with a cocked brow.
"N-nothing bad, Celestia," I said, waving my hands. "I swear, it's nothing sexual."
"I don't like whispering at the table. Makes me wonder if you two are hiding something from me."
"Mother, it's nothing."
"Are you sure it's nothing I should be concerned of?"
"It's nothing bad, mom!"
"I'm watching you two during dinner," she said, pointing her eyes, then to us.
"Gotcha," I said, taking another sip of my wine.
Dinner went well; the food tasted so good that I could eat more, but I didn't want to pig out in front of everyone. Tirek gives out a belch, before getting out of his chair with a stretch.
"Man," said Tirek, as he scratches his chin. "I'm bushed. I guess I'll turn in for the night."
"Goodnight, my lord," I said.
"Goodnight, dad," said Trika.
"Goodnight, Tirek," said Celestia.
"Goodnight, everypony," said Tirek, as he walks around the table.
The sound of his hooves slowly dissipate, making the room go silent. Celestia looks towards me and smiles.
"How was your dinner, Drake?" she asked, using her magic to levitate a napkin and wiping her mouth.
"Dinner was superb, Celestia," I replied. "What do you have for dessert?"
"Still hungry?" she asked, as she places her napkin onto her empty plate.
"I haven't had a dinner this good in a long time."
"Mother," interrupted Trika. "Let's give him the best dessert."
"Okay, sweetie," said Celestia with a smirk.
"I got a bad feeling about this," I thought.
"Oh, chef!" called out Celestia, making the chef from before rush out.
"Yes, Celestia?" asked the chef.
"Give these two a shake," she said, giving him wink.
"Oh!" he said, snapping his fingers. "Coming up in a bit."
He rushes back into the kitchen, as Celestia sits across from us, making me tap my finger onto the table, worried for what she's about to say.
"So, Drake," said Celestia. "How do you like my daughter? I won't stop bothering you until you answer."
"Well," I said, looking to Trika, then back to Celestia. "She's defiantly got your genes. I can see she gets her personality from you and her father's looks."
"That's sweet of you. I raised her well, but Tirek always wanted her to be a tyrant. Secretly, I've been keeping her to myself time to time and trained her to become a well princess. Once Tirek's time comes, all of the magic will come back to everypony and my sister and I shall rise again as true rulers."
"What about me?" asked Trika.
"You'll be a princess with us, too. I love you, honey."
"Thanks mom," smiled Trika.
"Also, can I ask about the elements of harmony? Where is Twilight and her friends?"
"Twilight? She's... in the dungeon. After their magic got stripped away, they were forced to be down their for all eternity. Secretly, I have been feeding them. Which reminds me, I'll have to sneak out and feed them. I can't have Tirek seeing me or I will be joining them too."
"You're a great alicorn, Celestia. I bet Equestria looked much beautiful when you and your sister ruled."
"It was much prettier. I miss all the smiles and everypony feeling joy. That was a long time ago."
"When the time comes, may you bring joy to everyone's faces."
The room goes quiet, as Trika gives my back a few pats. Suddenly, the kitchen doors open, as our chef rushes towards Trika and I with a large cup of our strawberry shake with whipped cream and two straws. See those two straws made me think, until five seconds pass and I finally get where Celestia is going with this. I bet Trika knows it too, as a blush comes across her cheeks. Our cup is now placed in front of us, as the chef quickly rushes off back into the kitchen, leaving Trika and I silent, with Celestia across from us with a giddy smile.
"Dig in, you two," said Celestia with a smirk.
"Mom!" shouted Trika with a blush. "Why do you have to do this?!"
"I love teasing you," she chuckled.
She looks over to me, as I grab ahold of my straw and place it to my lips. I sucked in a few three seconds until I have a decent amount of strawberry goodness in my mouth. As I swallowed, a good sensation tingled all around my body.
"Whoa!" I said with surprise. "This tastes really good!"
"I told you we had good chefs here," giggled Trika.
"Trika, dear," interrupted Celestia. "Have some, too."
"With him? With a stray beside his?"
"Absolutely. I want you two to fall in love! Love is a very wonderful thing and I want to see my little centaur happy."
"These things take time, Celestia," I said. "We can't just fall in love in just one day. It might take even a month. Love doesn't come instantly."
"Okay! Okay! I'm just so excited to see you two become a couple. You two look cute together, besides being two different races."
"Thanks, I guess."
"Now if you two will excuse me," said Celestia, getting off her chair. "I need to go feed the girls in the dungeon and while I'm gone, I want that cup finished."
"Jeez," I thought. "So forceful."
Celestia walks away, leaving Trika and I to ourselves. There was silence, as I look to the other straw, then to Trika, who blushes.
"Here," I said, sliding the cup towards her. "Have some. You can have the rest."
"You don't want any?"
"You deserve it more than I do."
"I think it is you, who deserves it more."
She scoots it back to me with a smile, making me smile back. I take the straw and took in another sip, bringing another delicious sensation down my throat.
"Damn, this is the best shake I've ever tasted."
"May I have a sip?"
"Why not? It is for the both of us."
She giggles, as she pinches onto her straw and takes a sip. She takes a three second sip before pulling the straw away from her lips.
"Delicious," she said.
"Perhaps tomorrow, can we have a mix of chocolate and vanilla?"
"A mix? That can exist?"
"You serious?" I said with a cocked brow. "You never mixed flavors?"
"Not really."
"The two of those flavors taste delicious. How can you not know?!"
"I thought it could taste bad."
"Tomorrow, let's have some for tomorrow's desert."
"Sure. If you're saying it's good, then I shall have some with you."
As I reach down for another sip, I didn't notice that she too was gonna have a sip, making the two of us bump heads.
"Ouch," she said, rubbing the spot from where we collided.
"S-sorry," I said, pulling my head away from the straw. "You first."
She let out a laugh, making me laugh along with her.
It was getting late, as I walk Trika back to her room. The shake was so delicious that I can still taste the flavor.
"Quite a day, huh?"
"Y-yeah. Sorry about mother."
"It's okay. It's normal for a mother to embarrass her child. My mom did it to me when I was little. She'd still tease me about it as an adult as well."
"Makes me feel somewhat better. At least I know I'm not alone when it comes to mothers teasing their daughter."
As we make it to her room, she walks in, but stops. She looks down at me with a slight blush on her cheeks.
"Wanna come in?" she asked.
"Y-yes, please," I said, entering with her. "I wanted to ask, but where should I sleep? There are no other rooms, I guess?"
"You can take my bed, if you like."
"N-no. That'd be mean of me. I wouldn't mind sleeping in a corner or hell, on this soft floor."
"Are you sure?" she said, turning on the lamp. "Sounds uncomfortable."
"I've slept on a terrible bed back home. My back aches from it, so no different than that."
"Oh... Uh, okay. I'll give you a blanket. I have extra."
Trika closes the door behind us, before walking past me and towards her bed, yanking off one of her blankets.
"Here," she said, handing me the blanket. "Take that one."
"Thanks, Trika," I said, gripping onto the blanket.
I walk over to the far corner beside the opening to the balcony and dropped the blanket to the floor, taking off my jacket to leave that aside. I then sit down, lean my back to the corner, and tucking myself in.
"Uh... Drake?" said Trika, making me look to her. "Could you... cover your face for a bit. I'm gonna undress."
"Oh! Sure. I promise you, I won't peek. Trust me."
"I trust you," she said, as I cover my entire self.
Ten minutes have passed, until she said I can look. I take the covers off my head to see her wearing a pink nightgown with flame patterns.
"Are you sure you're comfortable there?" she asked, taking a pillow.
"I am."
"Here," she said, tossing me a large pillow. "Rest your back against that. Better than a wall."
"Thanks," I said, grabbing the pillow and putting it behind me. "Makes it somewhat comfortable."
"I hope you sleep well."
"I'll be fine, Trika," I replied, shuffling myself in a comfortable position. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Drake," she said, turning off her lamp and shuffling under her covers.
"Say, Trika?"
"Hm?"
"Perhaps we can ask for PJs tomorrow? I'll be wearing these day clothes all night."
"Sure. Daddy wants you to feel at home."
"Thanks."
As the room goes quiet, I look down towards the moon's rays that hit the floor. A soft smile its my face, as I slowly shut my eyes and drifted off.
