A Knight In Shining Armor

The moon was at its brightest now as Cadence walked towards one of the westernmost entrances to the palace.  There was a deadly silence in the air as she walked through the abandoned courtyard along the neat dirt path surrounded by the even more neatly tended bushes and trees; Cadence actually thought it was rather frightening the way the trees loomed over the path in the still darkness.  Princess Cadence felt rather relieved when she reached the garden lamp lit part of the path, indicating that she was all the more close to the safety of her quarters.

Admiring the beauty of tonight’s moon as she walked, Cadence left the path and began heading for the entrance.  But as soon as she got dead center in front of the great stone wall that was only a part of the palaces many defense structures, it was like Champion appeared out of nowhere.  He casually walked out from behind the bushes and blocked Cadence’s way to the door.  Without saying a word, he closed in on Cadence and positioned her between himself and the stone wall, leaving Cadence nowhere to run.  He began pacing from Cadence’s left to right sides as she lectured her “You were a very bad mare today Cadence, you know that right?” Champion again used his taunting tone.

Princess Cadence said nothing, but shot her eyes from Champion to the ground in nervousness.  Champion continued, “You shouldn’t have acted the way you did Cadence.  That was very selfish of you, hoarding the youth of Canterlot like a,” Champion cleared his throat “like a worthless whore.”  Princess Cadence gasped, his menacing tone and harsh words pierced her like knives.  Champion closed in on Cadence now and hushed his tone slightly.  He almost whispered “That’s all you are Cadence, a whore.  A filthy whore,” Champion slapped Cadence softly across the cheek, a frightened and shocked gasp escaping her throat.

Champion backed away and Cadence started to let her tears fall freely as she struggled “I…I’m not a…”

Champion cut herself off and asked tauntingly, “Not a what Cadence?  Not a whore?  Well, you certainly cry like one.”

  Princess Cadence continued to cry, now shivering “I…I’m not a whore.”

Champion closed in on her again and rose his voice as he said “You see Cadence,” he shot his steel shoed hoof into her side, making Cadence gasp and her tears fall faster.  It almost sounded like Champion let out a quiet chuckle as he continued, “You shouldn’t talk to me like that.”

Princess Cadence was leaned against the wall and used one hoof to clutch her side “Wh…why?” was all Cadence could manage.

Champion continued in his calm voice, “Why?  I’ll tell you why Cadence, because I’m better than you, I have better etiquette than you.  We good stallions and mares don’t talk with such selfishness and distrust.  As a matter of fact, Cadence, you shouldn’t talk to anypony like that.”

Then Cadence felt the pressure tighten around her neck and the air begin to come into her more slowly.  She wanted nothing more than to use her magic against him and make a run for the door, but a simple turn of his head would end Princess Cadence right there.  All Champion had to do was claim self defense, and it was a known rule that Royal Guards never lied, especially one with such a good reputation as Champion’s.  He closed into her like a hungry wolf but continued his pacing as he asked “Why are you so selfish Cadence?  How come you only think of yourself and not others?”  Princess Cadence was now so tearful and frightened she couldn’t talk, her attempts to talk only muffled by or obliterated by frightened and tearful gasps for air.  Champion then walked up to Cadence and placed a firm grasp around her neatly tied ponytail.  He jerked her head violently back and looked deep into Cadence’s frightened eyes as he taunted her “Rude too.  Dear me Cadence, I don’t think you deserve to be a princess.”  He pulled her ponytail back and pulled her leg violently from her side.  Then he hit her twice as hard as he had before in the same place, making a helpless Cadence wince in pain and gasp for air.

Cadence wanted to scream out, but aside from the lack of air in her lugs, she knew that Champion would hurt Twilight and her family if she did anything to challenge him.  That, she did not doubt.  “Oh Cadence, I see you’re crying.  Why are you crying Cadence?  Did somepony teach you a lesson and put you in your place?  You probably think you’re better than all of us lowly commoner ponies because you’re a princess, but that isn’t that case.  As a commoner though, it’s my job to make sure you’re happy and carefree, so let me dry those tears for you,” Champion plucked a hearty clump of grass from its place, dirt, roots and all, and tossed it at Cadence, hitting her directly in the face.

Then Champion nearly released his grip from Cadence as he closed in to her again, this time he got as close to her as he had the young guard that afternoon.  Then he whispered into her ear “You had better never talk to me like that again Cadence,” he released her completely now and then spit directly onto her face, the sheer force from his saliva’s speed making her jump.  It sounded and looked like Champion was nearly finished with his torment as he again placed a weak hold around Cadence’s neck.

It was the first time Cadence had ever been this scared or had feared for her life, she had never been treated this bad by Champion.  Then Cadence spoke up, her tears still pouring like a waterfall, she said “Please stop Champion, you aren’t the stallion I know.  You…you aren’t the stallion I love.”

Cadence knew she had said the wrong thing when Champion jerked his head in her direction and she felt the grip drop harshly from her neck.  In a flash, Champion charged her and sandwiched her violently between himself and the wall.  A quiet, poor excuse for a whimper escaped Cadence’s throat and her tears began to fall harder than she had ever thought possible.  “Is that so?” Champion said louder to her, “I bet you’ve been with just about every stallion here in Canterlot,” Champion backed off of her and said in what was almost a whisper “I was right about you Cadence,” she looked into his eyes, “you are a whore.”

Then Champion reared up on his hind legs and brought his mighty left foreleg up, his target being Cadence’s right cheek.  But, before his powerful foreleg could begin its descent, like a flash of lightening something smashed into Champion’s side violently, Princess Cadence hearing the breath get knocked out of him.  When she turned her head, she saw this huge white stallion that rivaled even Champion in size, sitting atop his great black body hitting him repeatedly, his deep voice commanded “Leave her alone!”  It was then that Champion retaliated, using his magic he tossed the great white stallion from him like a ragdoll; Cadence actually feeling the ground she was standing on shake from the force of his landing.  Champion soared through the air and landed atop the white stallion before he had the chance to get up, using all of his might to land hit after hit on the helpless white mass.

“STOP!” Princess Cadence even was surprised by the shrillness and volume of her own voice, it literally echoing throughout the courtyard.  Champion stopped his hitting and turned.  He looked down at the white stallion that was breathing heavily and satisfied with his job, stood and began to walk towards Cadence.

“Stay out of this!” he ordered her, about to give her a disciplinary slap.  But this time, it was the white stallion that used his magic.  He tossed Champion through the air and slammed him violently into one of the opposing walls, and then he threw himself in front of Cadence.

Before Champion could get up, a bell sounded and almost in unison a hoard of guards, javelins at the ready, came pouring out of the defense doors and lined the courtyard and the upper walkways.  Half of them had javelins aimed towards the large white stallion, the others towards Champion who now struggled to stand.  Despite the hundreds of spears pointed at him, the white stallion refused to move from his protecting spot and leave Cadence vulnerable.  Then a loud voice commanded “What is going on here?” the three bodies down in the courtyard looked up to see Princess Celestia, an impatient look in her eyes.

The white stallion stepped up to explain.  Still not moving from Cadence he said “Princess Celestia, your highness, I saw Commander Champion about to strike Princess Cadence,” the stallion then bowed to both the omnipotent white princess above and the quivering pink one to his right, “I wished only to defend her majesty.”

Princess Celestia looked down at Champion in disbelief, hatred beginning to burn like a wildfire in her eyes as she stared at the white stallion in front of Cadence.  “Princess Mi Amorae Cadenza,” Princess Celestia commanded “Tell. Me. Now. Is this true?”  It was apparent that everypony present was astonished at the anger, almost hatred in the princess’ voice.  Princess Cadence’s eyes shot from Champion, to Princess Celestia, and to the gently smiling white stallion.  Then Cadence broke down in tears and nodded her head quickly, the trauma from it all forcing her to hug into the white stallion’s body.  At the first nod, every guard and every javelin shot from the white stallion to the large black stallion that they had all known and respected as a decorated commander.  Anger in her voice, Princess Celestia’s voice echoed “Commander Champion, you are hereby stripped of your position of commander of the Royal Guard.  You have twelve hours to gather your belongings and leave Canterlot.  If you ever return here or if you ever threaten harm to anypony in this palace’s court, you will serve the maximum penalty in Manehattan Prison, or you will be banished.”  With a nod of her head, more than twenty guards surrounded a blank-faced Champion and escorted away.

“All of you, return to your quarters for a pleasant night’s rest.  Thank you all for coming to our assistance.”  Each and every guard bowed to Celestia as they walked by.  Princess Celestia then flew down to the two figures that were standing in the courtyard and approached them.  The large white stallion was standing in front of Cadence now and was helping to dry her tears, though he bowed and backed off as he saw Princess Celestia come upon them.  Using her right hoof, she lifted her niece’s head and smiled weakly at her.  She used a magical spell to look beneath Cadence’s coat, the image she saw made her shudder.  “I am truly sorry my niece.  If… If I had known…”  Princess Cadence frowned and looked down at the ground in shame, her eyes beginning to water again.  Understanding her pain and conflict, Princess Celestia gently let Ca-dence’s head drop and turned to the stallion that very well could have just saved her niece’s life.

“What is your name my brave subject?” Princess Celestia asked the stallion.

  He bowed and said “My name is Shining Armor your majesty.  You may know me from being Twilight Sparkle’s brother, but I am currently a Sergeant in your guard… your majesty,” Shining Armor bowed again.

“Ah yes,” Princess Celestia said “I know you now.”  She smiled at him and continued “You were very brave for doing what you did, and for that bravery I would like to award you.  Shining Armor, you are now to be head of my Royal Guard.  Have you any objections?”  Shining Armor literally looked dumbstruck, but stood at attention and said “No, your majesty.  Thank you for your graciousness.”  Princess Celestia giggled and said “I am indebted to you for what you have done, as is Cadence,” Princess Cadence looked away from her savior when he glanced back at her “I can tell you not many stallions would have jumped into action like yourself.”

  Shining Armored bowed, and said, “Thank you, your majesty.”

Princess Celestia finished “Please, both of you return to your quarters and rest.  You have each had a very long night.”

Shining Armor bowed once more, and said “Of course your majesty.  May I ask that I escort this lady to her room?” he indicated Princess Cadence.

Princess Celestia smiled and replied, “You may.”  Afterwards, she wished the both of them good night and took off to her quarters.

  Princess Cadence still had a sad look on her face as Shining Armor approached her and gently tapped her on the shoulder.  He held out his hoof and said “My lady…”  Surprised, Princess Cadence looked at his hoof and then took it, aiding as best she could, as he pulled her with little effort from the wall.

As they began to walk towards the stairs though, Shining Armor noticed Princess Cadence was limping.  “Allow me my lady,” he said gently, and using his magic he gently draped Cadence’s front foreleg over his body and placed his own foreleg around her back, thus making it exceptionally easy for Princess Cadence to walk.  They smiled at each other for a moment, and then Shining Armor led them on.  It was a slow walk up the stairs, but it was all but obvious Shining Armor didn’t care, just so long as Princess Cadence got to her room safely.  As they neared the top of the stairs, Shining Armor pulled the door open for her and once all four of Cadence’s hooves were on solid flooring, Shining Armor released her gently, though he stayed ready to rush to her assistance.

Princess Cadence walked into her room and turned to face her rescuer.  “I… I suppose this means good…”

Before Shining Armor could finish, Cadence let her tears flow freely as she lurched herself into Shining Armor and said “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” over and over again.  She hugged him tightly.

“I…uh…you’re welcome my lady,” Shining Armor said, surprised that royalty was touching, let alone hugging him.  Princess Cadence broke away from him embarrassingly and apologized.

Shining Armor merely bowed again and said “Good night my lady.  I… I’m glad to have served you.”

   Shining armor barely got five steps down the hallway before he heard Princess Cadence say “Wait, please don’t leave,” rather hastily.

Shining Armor turned and asked “How can I be of service my lady?”

Princess Cadence looked away from him and quietly asked “Would you like to come in and sit down?”  Shining Armor was taken aback with surprise, it wasn’t often that a Princess invited you to sit down and talk to her.

Shining Armor walked back towards Cadence’s door and said “If it makes you happy my lady.”  He walked inside and sat down as Cadence closed the door softly behind him.

Shining Armor felt horrible now that he got a good look at Cadence limping to her bed, he was angry at himself for not have coming along sooner.  Despite what she had recently experienced, Princess Cadence was in a pleasant mood.  She giggled softly and said “You can sit down, you know?”

Shining Armor blushed as Princes Cadence patted a spot on the bed next to her.  Shining Armor took his seat and quietly waited for a word to be spoken from Cadence, not wanting to upset her in any way.  Then, he noticed some still wet tears on her cheeks and some small clumps of dirt in her mane and on her face.  He gently reached his hoof forward to a blushing Cadence and softly asked, “May I?” Princess Cadence merely nodded her head and blushed even more intensely as Shining Armor cleared the tears and debris from her using a combination of magic and hoofwork.  Once he had finished, he caught Princess Cadence’s eye, a gracious, almost loving look in them.  The power of her simple glance all but forced him to look away.

“Shining Armor, that’s right, isn’t it?” Princess Cadence asked him.

He looked up and replied, “Yes my lady,” in a respectful tone, “I suppose you overheard Princess Celestia talking to me?”

  Princess Cadence nodded her head and explained, “It’s not only that, but Twilight Sparkle talks about you all the time, and I recall having seen you one time with her in the park, is that correct of me?”

Shining Armor nodded his head and said “Yes my lady.”  Then Princess Cadence giggled again, and said “I wish you would stop calling me that.  I would like it better if you called me Cadence.”

   Shining Armor nodded his head and began “Of course Prin…”

Cadence cut him off, and in a soft tone said, “Cadence, just Cadence.” She smiled softly up at him.

  He smiled back at her and replied “Of course.”

Princess Cadence scooted her hoof softly across the floor and asked “Shining Armor, how did you find me in the courtyard?”

Shining Armor blushed and explained “O…oh, you see I snuck out of the barracks to go look at the moon and the stars.  We aren’t supposed to leave the barracks after nine o’ clock, but I knew it was going to be a full moon and I just couldn’t stop myself… the moon is beautiful at this time of night,” Shining Armor stopped his explanation quietly, and looked up at the glowing nighttime moon from Cadence’s window for only a moment, “and when I was walking into the courtyard to get a better view of the moon, I heard what sounded like… like a struggle.”

Princess Cadence nodded her head, understanding that Shining Armor didn’t really want to go on.  After a few moments of silence, Princess Cadence said, “Head of the guard is a fitting position for you…  You’re very strong and strapping.”

Shining Armor looked down in embarrassment at his compliment and thanked Princess Cadence graciously.  Then he cleared his throat and asked quietly, “Can I ask you a question?”

Princess Cadence looked into his eyes and softly replied, “Anything.”

Shining Armor cleared his throat once more and asked, “Well, I was just curious, how come you didn’t tell anypony sooner?”

Princess Cadence looked down sadly and said, “I…I was afraid,” the tears began to well in her eyes again “I was afraid he was going to kill me.  Or worse, hurt one of the families that I foalsit for.”  Princess Cadence finished and sniffled, now feeling foolish for having let Champion treat her the way he did for so long.

Then Shining Armor used his magic again and easily dried the tears as they fell, he said softly, “Oh, please don’t cry.  I didn’t mean to upset you.”  Then, Princess Cadence hugged into him, and snuggled her head against him.  Not knowing what else to do, Shining Armor blankly wrapped his great forelegs around Cadence in an embrace and whispered comfortingly to her “It’s all over now,” he shushed her “he’ll never hurt you again.”  Shining Armor let Cadence out of his forelegs when she pulled away and smiled up at him.  Shining Armor dried the tears he had missed gently with his hoof, and said softly, “Please don’t cry.  Eyes as beautiful as yours don’t deserve to have tears in them.”  Princess Cadence smiled at him and said “You’re a very sweet stallion.”  Once Princess Cadence had said that, it was like there was an instant connection between the two, as hard as they could have tried, it just seemed that their eyes didn’t want to break away from the other’s.

“Princess Celestia is correct, I am indebted to you,” Princess Cadence said “I… I don’t think I’d be here if it wasn’t for you.”  Shining Armor blushed and smiled gently at her while she continued “What can I do to repay you?”

  Shining Armor objected right then and there with “Oh no Princess Cadence, I can’t ask anything of you.  It’s my job as a Royal Guard to keep you safe,” he finished.

Princess Cadence inched a little closer to Shining Armor and said softly, “Surely there is something I can do?”  Before Shining Armor could bring around his second round of objection, Princess Cadence placed her lips softly on his.  When Cadence broke their kiss, Shining Armor sat motionless with a look of awe on his face, and a bodily position that indicated he was about to topple off the bed.  Concerned, Princess Cadence asked, “Did I do something wrong?  Oh, I hope I haven’t offended you.”

A disbelieving look still on his face, Shining Armor merely replied “N…No my la… I mean Prin…I mean your highness…” that’s as far as Shining Armor got before Cadence giggled softly and placed another soft kiss on his lips.

She spoke to him then, “You were very brave Shining Armor.  I think this is the least I can do to say thank you.” Princess Cadence then leaned over and snuggled herself up to Shining Armor once more.

“You’re a very beautiful mare,” Shining Armor complimented her, “and you’re just as kind.”

  Princess Cadence smiled up at him and said ‘I…I’ve never been told I’m beautiful before.”

A frown crossed Shining Armor’s face as he inquired, “Really?  I just…. I just can’t believe that.”  Princess Cadence blushed and thanked him.  Going back to the previous incidents, Shining Armor put Cadence first and asked, “Does it hurt really bad?”

  Cadence didn’t want to shake her head, but Champion had in fact injured her to a decent extent.  Cadence shook her head a few times and said, “Mainly just my stomach and this part of my mane,” Cadence indicated where Champion had pulled her ponytail.  Then she noticed that Shining Armor was looking at them with an angry look in his eyes.  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

Shining Armor shook his head and said, “Nothing, I’m just… I’m just so angry that somepony would do that to another pony.  Especially one as beautiful as you.”  Princess Cadence blushed and said, “I… I’m truly flattered that you… that you care so much about me.”  Shining Armor smiled gently at her, and said, “Allow me.”

With little effort, he used his magical abilities to summon some bandages and a brush from the barracks.  Cadence literally sat in stunned adoration of him as Shining Armor stood and tended to her.  First of all, he wrapped the bandages snugly around her rib area, taking great care so as not to hurt her.  After he used a pair of nearby scissors to neatly cut the bandage to length, he asked “Is that good enough?”

Princess Cadence smiled at him, her pain already easing as she replied, “Y… Yes, thank you.  But, what is the brush for?”

  Shining Armor replied “To get the tangles out of your mane of course.”

  Princess Cadence had a shocked look on her face as she said “You… You mean you want to help me brush my...” Shining Armor nodded his head and smiled at her, the brush already suspended in the air with magic.

Princess Cadence positioned herself so that Shining Armor could easily reach all areas of her mane and sat quietly as he did his job.  About halfway through it though, she casually said, “You’re so good at this to be head of the Royal Guard.”

  Shining Armor blushed and explained, “Yeah, Twily always begs me to brush her mane, and I guess I’ve just gotten so experienced at it over the years.”

Princess Cadence giggled and said “Twilight is lucky to have you as a brother.”

Shining Armor replied, “I’m just as lucky to have her as a sister, and well… I think I’m just as lucky to have been kissed by you.”  Princess Cadence said nothing, but hoofed at the sheets gently while she hid her eyes behind her mane, secretly looking back at Shining Armor.  “Your mane is so silky,” Shining Armor complimented as he finished.

Princess Cadence smiled up at him and said “And your touch is so gentle.”  Shining Armor smiled and said “That is the only way anypony should handle you.”  Princess Cadence kissed Shining Armor softly on the cheek as thanks.

Shining Armor looked over at the nearby clock mounted on the wall and thought it best if he left and let the princess rest.  Shining Armor grasped Princess Cadence’s hoof gently in his own and kissed it softly, a luxury that Princess Cadence had never been given.  Then Shining Armor bade his farewells and said “I’m very happy I got the chance to talk to you, and… whatnot,” it was clear to them both what Shining Armor was referring to, “but I think I’ve disturbed your rest long enough.  I’m glad that I served you as a Royal Guard should, and above all I’m truly sorry about… about all you’ve been through.”  Princess Cadence looked down, all but overwhelmed with Shining Armor’s charm.  He kissed her hoof one last time and then let it fall back to the floor.  He turned around and began to head for the doorway, though he had only begun to place his hand on the doorknob when Cadence interrupted his exit once more.

“Wait, Shining Armor,” Princess Cadence stopped him again.  Shining Armor patiently turned around and asked “How can I be of service…Cadence?”

Princess Cadence smiled, but then nervously frowned, “I… I was wondering…oh, never mind,” Cadence was unable to finish, overcome by embarrassment.

Shining Armor approached Cadence and placed his hoof softly on her cheek as he encouraged “You can tell me anything.”

She smiled at him and tried to continue, “Well I was wondering if you would do just a small amount of private guard duty?”

   Shining Armor smiled and said, “Is that all?  Of course Princess Cadence!  When do you plan on needing it?”

Princess Cadence cleared her throat nervously, and answered, “Well, I was hoping maybe…now?”  Once Cadence had said that, it was obvious to Shining Armor what she meant.

“Oh no Princess Cadence, I could never disrespect you like that,” he said, both of them eyed the ready bed.

  Princess Cadence looked up and said “Nonsense, I… I want you to.”  Shining Armor looked from Cadence’s pleading, yet beautiful eyes to the bed and back again.

  “I…I’m not sure if I should…” Shining Armor tried to object again.

But Cadence cut him off and said, “Please stay, I… I’m scared that Champion might come back,” they each knew that was a lie with all of the heightened security now.  Princess Cadence pulled her entire body against Shining Armor’s and finished, “Please, just stay, and please don’t leave me.  I’m just frightened and sad, and I just… I just need somepony.”

There was literally no possible way that Shining Armor could say no to Princess Cadence’s gentle eyes and her either professionally faked or legitimately frightened tone.  “If… If it’s what you want…” Shining Armor said, wanting nothing more than to make sure Cadence had a pleasant night’s rest and had no more pain thrown upon her back.

Princess Cadence smiled up at him and whispered, “I want it more than anything.”

Once Princess Cadence backed off of him, Shining Armor walked hesitantly to the left side of the bed and rolled himself onto his back, magically throwing the covers up over him quickly so as to avoid accidentally showing the Princess his genitals; it wasn’t his fault that Shining Armor slept most comfortably on his back.  Princess Cadence wasn’t quite as hesitant in her actions.  She approached the right side of the bed and crawled into it on her stomach, taking great care to make sure that her injury was facing up and towards Shining Armor so that she wouldn’t accidentally roll over onto it.  As soon as she was in the bed though, she brought her head up to Shining Armor’s chest area and laid her head down on his soft coat.  At the time, each of them wondered privately to themselves if they had broken some sort of joke blushing record.

“Shining Armor?” Princess Cadence whispered quietly.

  “Yes, Princess Cadence?” he inquired, turning his full attention to her and away from the comfortable feather bed that was far more comfortable than the straw beds in the barracks.

“Good night,” Princess Cadence said as she gently nodded her head against Shining Armor’s chest and pulled herself in closer.  Whether it was intentional or not, Shining Armor didn’t know, but about thirty minutes into the darkness and serene silence of the room, he felt Cadence’s hind leg cross over his hind leg, locking them together.  That’s where Princess Cadence’s leg would stay for the rest of the night.

It had now been a full two hours since the two had crawled into the bed, and Shining Armor had fallen asleep, the comfortable bed easing the physical strains of the day and the past few hours away.  Princess Cadence though was awake and thinking intensely.  Shining Armor was such a gentlecolt, and was everything a stallion should be.  He was strong, brave, kind, considerate, and caring, all things that Champion were not.  He also shared many of the same interests as Cadence.  He liked to observe the moon and the stars, and he loved children (Twilight more than anything, it was apparent).  Princess Cadence just couldn’t seem to get this stallion, this gentlecolt, this brave savior, off of her mind!  In that time though that Cadence discovered she couldn’t get him off of her mind, she realized something:  She had fallen in love with Shining Armor.