Power in Equestria can be measured in many ways. Magical power. Political power. Military power. But in the depths of it all, at the core of Equestria's society, it's money that pulls the reins on many a being. You need money to run campaigns, money to furnish defenses, so on and so on. Many neglect this facet in society, content with their lives wherever they end up.

Chrysalis is someone who will not settle for being second-best, ever. Unlike other changelings, Chrysalis plays her smarts to the fullest. Instead of brash, foolish attempts for power, she's been working her way to the top of society and playing everyone right into her hands. Becoming the cream of the crop in Equestria, and one of its most influential figures short of the royal sisters themselves. She's the envy of women and the unattainable goal of men who crumble beneath her heel.

So what does someone with that kind of power do? They keep fighting to stay at the top of the food chain. And not even Tony Moore, someone who has been her rival for the past several years, is going to keep her from staying at the top. No matter what it takes.

Cover art courtesy of Sunnysundown. This story updates weekly, until we reach completion!
Special thanks to Zephyr, eevee123, and Razalon The Lizardman for pre-reading and editing.

Addendum: for those looking for the clop, there's a small bit in chapter 2, and then the majority is in chapter 7.