Cadence arrived back at the hospital, she took a deep breath as she walked in to Shining Armor's room. It was deadly omnious, and eerily silent. Shining Armor laid still on the bed, it almost seemed like he was just sleeping, resting after a long day's work of being a royal guard. She sighed heavily, wishing he was only sleeping. She knew she didn't even deserve forgiveness, she had done something horrible, while he was fighting for his life, so that he could stay with her. She took his hoof into her own as she nuzzled against his muzzle affectionately. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but life never seemed to be easy for her ever since gaining her horn and becoming an alicorn.

“Shining...my love. Forgive me. I...I have been so occupied with ruling the empire that I never told you that I was developing feelings for another. I wanted to tell you, really I did. I just...I guess...I was so stressed to get everything right that I didn't really think about it.

“Excuse me, Cadence...” spoke a female voice from behind her. Cadence turned to see who it was, but it was just the nurse, Nurse Red Heart.

“Yes?” she questioned.

“Can I speak to you...in private?” she asked kindly.

“Of course. I'll be right back my love. Wait for me.” she pleaded with him, as she kissed him softly, before standing up and walking away from where Shining Armor laid, to speak with Nurse Red Heart.

“I'm afraid...I have something to tell you, about Shining Armor.” began Nurse Red Heart.

Cadence's eyes widened, ears drooped, she knew this couldn't be anything good, if the nurse was pulling her away from Shining Armor.

“Please, I know this must be hard for you to hear, but I cannot lead you astray...he only has a few hours left. Our magic can't sustain him forever. I need to ask you, are you ready to let him go, if it comes to it?” questioned Red Heart.

Cadence heard what she had just said, but she didn't want to believe it. She didn't want to accept that the last memory she would have of her love, was how she had betrayed his trust and love with another, just so she could feel relief from all the stress she had been burdened with. Cadence glanced back towards Shining Armor.

“I...let me talk to him. Maybe...I can reach through to him. If he has even a slight chance I have to try.” spoke Cadence.

“I understand. Just let me know when you are ready. It can be hard I know to see a loved one so close and yet so far.” replied Red Heart.

“I will, please we need our space.” spoke Cadence politely. She did her best to not seem rude, considering the circumstances, but this wasn't the news she had been hoping for, praying for, desperate for.

Cadence sat back down next to Shining Armor. It was hard to accept, but she knew Red Heart wouldn't lie to her, or sugar coat things. Shining Armor was dying, and what had she done? She had gone and had sex with Zecora just so she could feel relief. She hadn't known what to do, but commiting such an act was unacceptable for any couple, espicially a married couple with children.

“Shining Armor...my love. Forgive me...I'm weak. I need you. Please, don't leave me. I never asked for this to happen. I want us to grow old together, to give Flurry a brother or a sister. It can't end this way...Shining Armor, I can't live without you. Please...please wake up.” sobbed Cadence as her tears began to fall upon Shining Armor's cheeks, one by one, as she tried to compose herself.

She didn't know what she could do. She wanted so desperately to see him awaken and to bury herself in his warm embrace, begging his forgivenss. She remembered what Nurse Red Heart had told her. He didn't have much time left...he was fading. She was losing him, and no amount of magic or friendship could reach him. She...could do nothing. She felt so utterly defeated and worthless, and a wreck. She had hurt him, without even meaning too. She would be ridden with guilt and shame for the rest of her life, if this was her last memory of him. She knew it was a long shot, but she couldn't help but reach for the potion Zecora had given her. She paused...could she give him something from the very mare that she had betrayed him with? She hesitated...no Zecora wasn't to blame for any of this. This whole mess was her ordeal, and she had to fix it.

“Shining Armor...you've always been my rock, my strength. Whenever I felt weak, I knew I could lean on you. Now, I must ask you once more for strength, please love...don't go. I need you. Without you...what am I? I want there to be an us. I want to be able to hear your silly laugh again, to see you and Flurry cheer me up after a tough day. It can't end here. I know I have no right to ask, after what I did...but please...wake up my love. Wake up, and see how much I love you. I won't give up on you, just as you wouldn't give up on me.” sighed Cadence as she let his hoof fall to his side. She sat there in silence. She didn't move from where she was. She could only hope he would wake up.

All the while, thoughts clouded her. She was a horrible Princess. Cheating on her husband, betraying his trust. She closed her eyes as she thought of anything she could do to make it up to him. Perhaps, the only way to make it up to him was to finally be able to hold herself together long enough to say goodbye. She didn't want too. She really didn't want too, but the realization of it, was simply tragic. She gave Shining Armor Zecora's potion by mouth, making sure it went down his throat. Now only time would tell if it would work. Hope was fading, her strength all but dimished but she wouldn't give up. She wouldn't stop believing in him, because he could fight this, he fought things way worse before, like Chrysaslis, and even Tirek. He could do this. She just wasnt' sure she could...she needed him. She only hoped he would awaken soon.

Author's Note

Thanks to everyone for reading this, and thank you for all the support. Be sure to let me know if you'd like to see a bonus chapter or if or if he doesn't wake up. I want to leave it open sided as it could go either way. Wish me luck in the contest!