The Different Prince

We returned to the palace by that afternoon. Pound pulling the cart. Velvet wanted to stay behind with her daughter, my other two wet-nurses were eager to get back to the comfort of their home where it'd be easier to look after their foals. A guard was their to meet us, and we were immediately escorted to the bath for a quick clean up before Queen Watercress arrived to collect her.

Mother was already inside, waiting for us. She beckoned me over and hugged me. "I trust you had fun being kidnapped, my son?"

I nodded, reaching up a hoof and smooshing one of her breasts. She laughed. "It was good mother, I can't wait to tell you all about."

She sighed. "I would love to hear it... however..."

"Twilight sent you everything via magic mail, didn't she?" I slumped a bit a the shoulders. Of course she'd be sending letters to mother. This was very important after all. Besides, I doubt I could have described everything in as much detail as Twilight.

"Oh, don't be like that," she told me, kissing my cheek. "I'd still love to hear your side of things."

Nectarine jumped out of the water and onto my back. "It was amazing. There was a black fortress. And dark place underneath full of dead bodies. And there were giants. And there strange pictures everywhere. And..."

Mother laughed placed a finger on her lips. "Now-now, mustn't spoil everything just yet. You should save it for your mother. She would be thrilled to learn of your adventure."

The little princess gasped and nodded. "Your right. I can't wait to tell her everything."

She jumped off my back and began swimming. A maid caught her and began rubbing soap into her fur. She tried to fight them off but relented eventually. She sulked though.

Mother turned back to me. "Can I interest my son in some milk? I would wish to talk more, but my breasts have been aching for days now and your father been sleeping most of the day away."

"O f course," I said with a soft smile, I nuzzle her nipple a little before latching on. The maids cleaned us both off as I nursed. I changed nipples as the flow slowed, and then stopped once I had my fill.

"Ah, so much better," mother smiled happily, squeezing her breasts. "Not so full and sensitive now."

I chuckled and leaned my head against them. They had other uses after all.

"I can see you're going to make your future wives very happy," she rocked my head.

* * *

Queen Watercress was delighted to see her daughter all clean up. She didn't seem upset about the impromptu desert movement. Probably thanks to my mother's diplomatic skills. We waved them off and returned inside.

Then I explained my dream to mother.

She seemed a little worried. "That's doesn't sound like a normal dream. You're saying she didn't attack you?"

I shook my head. "No. In fact. She almost seemed sad."

She nodded. "Would... would you like me to ask Luna to take a look?"

We were both quiet a moment. It had been a long time since I'd even seen her. I wasn't ready to forgive her, but, right now, I needed some answers. I nodded.

"Yes, I would like to know what she thinks."

"I understand. I'll send her a note right away. She'll be visiting you tonight."

* * *

There was an uncomfortable silence between us. I stared across at Luna, who stared back at me through the dreamscape. She was nude, but that wasn't uncomfortable. Familial nudity was commonplace here. Could also have been symbolic that she didn't have anything to hide.

"H-how have you been?" she asked, unable to meet my eye.

"I've been well," I replied. "Other than an assassination attempt the same night I spoke to everypony."

"I heard," she looked sad. "Your mother told me. We speak often here in the dream. She's very proud of you, Gold. I hope you know that I am too."

I sighed. "Luna... you tried to mutilate me with fire."

She sighed. "I did. No apology can make up for that."

"How's Cobbler?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Oh, he's well," Luna said, with a wave of her hand, the small colt appeared beside her. He looked about curiously. It was the real Cobbler, not just an image. "I had him gelded a year ago."

I scowled. "What? Why?"

"He's too small, no nation would marry their daughters off to a colt like him," she told me as she reached down and picked him up. "It would have been cruel to have him grow into a frustrated bachelor. He'd probably try to challenge proper studs for their mares. He'd just wind up hurt. This was the most merciful thing."

I looked at my brother. He saw me and smiled. Luna let him down and he rushed up to me, dancing about. I hugged him with my wing and shook my head. "Still the same, Luna. Just tell me about my dream, please."

She sighed, saddened at my reaction. "It was last night's dream, correct?"

I nodded. The image around us shifted to become what I had witnessed. She watched it play out from the beginning. The giant alicorn emerged from the wall and hit the floor, just like before. When she stood up, she looked at me, then, turned to look at Luna.

Needless to say, Luna was a little upset. "No wonder, this dream felt odd to you, Gold. When you saw the image on the wall. Tell me. Did you look in its eyes?"

I nodded.

"Seems you've been implanted with someone's memories," she explained as she let the giant circle her. "Someone powerful."

"Is she dangerous?" I asked.

Luna shook her head. "Had she wanted to attack you, then she would have already done so."

"You've seen this before?"

She nodded. "Yes. Here and there. Often, when violent, the memories plague the dreamer night after night, keeping them up till the go insane, or are just miserable and extra grumpy."

"Okay, then what's her purpose here then?" I really wanted to know. The giant turned from Luna and began investigating Cobbler, who was still in my hooves.

"I am unsure," Luna said, activating her horn and enveloping the giant, scanning her. The giant didn't even notice. A moment later she stopped and took a step back. "It's... some form of dream walking spell. Very sophisticated. Unlike anything I've ever seen. Gold... nevermind what I said. This is no memory. She's actually in your head."