Aqua's New Lord

Irwin D. Terny stepped out of the carriage and walked ahead a few steps before turning to look at Aqua. She closed her eyes briefly, steeling herself for what was to come next. She then climbed out and looked up at the large manor before her. Large was an understatement. This building was so huge, that it could have housed half of the population of Canterlot. Aqua Star looked around and she could see Canterlot Castle in the distance, standing tall on the other side of the city. It dwarfed this manor, of course, but this place was still big enough you could easy get lost just trying to get out. She dreaded to think of the money that such a place must have cost. Though she was sure it was paid for with dirty money.

Irwin coughed to get her attention and started heading up the long path to the front door, the unicorn mare turned and followed him. She heard chuckling behind her and noticed that the cart pulling stallions were watching her. They were looking up the back of her dress and she quickly flicked her tail down, covering herself up. This yellow dress was beautiful but she was disgusted that it left her so exposed. That was probably the point of it. Centric’s idea of humiliating her no doubt. Her face flushed red with embarrassment and she ran to catch up with the lawyer pony. As they got close to the manor, the front door opened and a pegasus mare stepped out. She had a short light red mane and a pink coat. She looked annoyed and angry coming out the door, but upon seeing Aqua and looking her up and down, her expression changed and she had a cold smirk cross her muzzle and then she walked towards Aqua and Irwin, she purposefully walked between them and shunted Aqua as she went past. The blue mare stared at the pegasus as she now flew off, not even slightly apologetic for bumping into her. Aqua didn’t care though; one rude pony was going to be the least of her problems tonight.

The door was still open and after some hesitation and wordless motioning from Irwin for her to hurry up, they walked inside. Aqua looked around and was in awe at the place. This was without a doubt a home where rich ponies showed off their wealth with lavish furnishings. There were expensive paintings on the walls, busts, suits of armour, the floor was marble and shined, and candles flickered from multiple chandeliers as they reflected the light around the hall. The staircase in the middle of the room headed up to the next floor and split off in two ways, one to the left and the other the right. There was also a stained glass window at the top of the stairs that looked like Centric shaking hooves with the princesses. Aqua thought that this pony clearly had a high opinion of himself. If the princesses knew what he really was, they’d buck him to the sun and moon for a thousand years, each.

A dark navy-blue unicorn stallion arrived into the hall from one of the many side doors. He saw the two ponies stood in the middle of the hall and walked forward. He was quite old looking and wore a black suit and tie with a white shirt. His grey mane was thinning on the top of his head and he wore a single monocle. As he got closer, Aqua could see he was quite tall, at least two heads taller than Irwin who was almost as tall as herself.

“Ahh, Mr. Terny, right on time; as usual. I take it this is the mare whom Lord Centric will be entertaining tonight.” The stallion had a very posh accent yet didn’t seem as hoity as most of the Canterlot elite did.

“That’s right, Hooves. Announce us to Lord Centric, now, if you please.” Irwin spoke with a tone of impatience to this stallion.

“Of course Sir, right this way.” Hooves said with a smirk. This seemed to make Irwin roll his eyes like there was some kind of hostility between the two of them. Aqua followed both stallions and they reached a pair of white double doors. The butler used his magic on the doors, wrapping them in a yellow aura and opening them. As they opened they all found themselves in a lush living room, just as fancy as the main hall, but more cosy. There were three separate sofas, all surrounding a square table, a fireplace that was burning brightly and beige curtains that hung closed over the windows. Inside there were three ponies; Two sitting on the sofa and a maid collecting together a bunch of foals toys, tidying them away. The green mare with a purple mane was wearing a tradition maid outfit. On the sofa sat a little yellow filly with a maroon coloured mane held back with a pink headband. She knew the filly as Sandy Shores and she was wearing a pretty little light blue dress that was sparkling in the light. And sat beside her, was Sandy’s father; Lord E. Centric. He was wearing a wine red jacket with gold trim and a white buttoned up shirt. He wasn’t facing them as the butler opened the doors, but upon entering the room Hooves announced their arrival.

“My Lord, Irwin D. Terny and-“

“Miss Star!” The little filly yelled out and ran right up to the mare. Aqua didn’t hesitate and wrapped her in a hug. They had spent months together in the hospital with Aqua looking after the filly in all the time she stayed there and they had become quite fond of each other. The blue mare was happy that she was still doing well.

“Sandy, it’s good to see you. How you feeling?” Aqua asked, smiling genuinely.

“I’m doing really good. Daddy brought me lots and lots of new toys!”

“Oh that’s-“ Aqua looked up and instantly met the eyes of her father. She remembered his red eyes that haunted her nightmares for so many nights, the look of a killer and a lusty intruder. She looked into his eyes now and she saw nothing of that cruel stallion, for he was smiling.

“It’s good to see you both getting along so well.” Centric said. Irwin casually glanced between the Aqua, Sandy and Lord Centric, as if trying to read the situation. Hooves meanwhile stood with a polite smile on his face.

“L-Lord Centric.” Aqua said, rising up and bowing her head, just so to avoid looking at him. He laughed at her.

“Oh come now, no need to be so formal. Please, sit with us. Dinner will be ready soon, right, Hooves?”

“Absolutely my Lord. Please allow me to go check and I shall return when it is ready.” Hooves said, bowing low and walking backwards out of the room. Irwin stayed where he stood as the doors behind him closed with a snap that almost caught his tail. Irwin turned around, glaring back to the door angrily before turning back, and returning to his emotionless state, as was his norm.

“So tell us Miss Star, how was your journey here?” Centric asked. “I trust Irwin wasn’t too much of a burden. He’s my most reliable pony but far too serious, I find. He’s so strict I swear he couldn’t have fun unless it was a court order.”

Centric then laughed loudly, as did Sandy. Aqua laughed too but it wasn’t genuine, she was just so confused. This was the stallion that had assaulted her in her own home, why’s he being so kind to her? She then remembered that this was a pony who had a lot of influence in Canterlot and this was probably just a Façade for when he's with the public.

“Miss Star, please sit down.” The stallion said again. Aqua did so slowly, purposefully sitting on another sofa, as to avoid being near him. The little filly immediately jumped up onto the sofa next to the unicorn and smiled up at her.

“Would you like to see my toys, my daddy buys me one every day that I am good, so I have like a… a bajillion toys now!” The yellow filly smiled then looked around, seeing all of her toys were gone along with the maid. “Oh…” she said sadly, but then had a thought that made her perk up. “Oh! Would you like to come up to my room? I can show you all my toys there!”

“Sandy.” Centric started. “What did we talk about?”

“No toys before dinner.” Sandy said, looking a little sad.

“That’s right. So, Aqua; may I call you that?” The mare hesitated for a second before she nodded, trying to stay as polite as she could. “How do you like the dress?”

The unicorn looked down at it. Sitting down and with no ponies leering at her hind quarters, she did feel a little more comfortable in it.

“It’s… very pretty.” Aqua said, unable to really say how she really felt about it.

“I had it tailored specifically for you from Canterlot Boutique. As a thank you gift for taking such good care of Sandy. I tell you, that Rarity is quite the mare; so talented with a sewing kit. I figured that since you were two months along, a mare in your situation would need a new dress that offered mobility and comfort while also looking like an elegant mare, I’m sure you’d even turn a few heads at a gala.”

“The Gala?” Aqua asked, stunned. Thoughts of being at such a prestigious event with a dress like this, exposing herself to every mare, stallion and even foal at the event just drained the colour from her face. He wouldn’t make her go there, would he?

“Excuse me, Lord Centric.” Irwin made himself noticed from the door, still not moving any further into the room. “If I might be excused. I have a lot of work to do.“

“Hmm, very well. You may retire to my private study for now. But do stay close by so we can make proper arrangements later.” Centric said, without looking to face him.

“As you wish, your Lordship.”

Aqua watched as Irwin glanced at her momentarily and then opened the doors to leave. As he did, Hooves returned and stood before the shorter stallion half blocking the way, making Irwin have to walk around him. He gave the butler a scowl which Hooves returned with a slight smirk and then he entered the room completely.

“My lord, dinner is served.”

“Excellent.” Centric said, standing up. “I hope you’ve built up an appetite Aqua, because tonight is going to be a dinner you’ll never forget!”

That's what she was afraid of.

The meal was incredible. They were all sat at a large dining room table together with Centric and the head of the table and Sandy Shores sitting opposite Aqua, and the unicorn mare had never before been treated like royalty. The food was delicious, her water was sparkling fresh, and not once did she ever have to request a refill. It was like Hooves knew exactly when she would need more. They had all just finished their desserts, all the while talking about simple topics, like stories, musical theatre shows, little Sandy’s dreams of becoming a doctor just like Aqua. Sandy still had no cutiemark so there was always a possibility that could still happen. Aqua might have actually enjoyed herself this evening if it wasn’t for the fact that she knew this was all a façade. He wasn’t acting like the Canterlot Elite normally would, but more like a common pony. She had thought for just a second that maybe she was wrong and that maybe this wasn’t the pony who had raped her, but then she remembered that she had been threatened and blackmailed into coming here in the first place. It amazed her how well he could keep up this act, it was clear that this was how he rose to power.

“-And then he said,” Centric continued, taking another sip of his fruit punch. “The Lulamoon account wouldn’t hold and she’d never be able to work in Canterlot, and you know what I did?”

“You paid for her entire stage wagon, didn’t you daddy!” Sandy chipped in excitedly. Centric laughed.

“That right, princess! Any mare that can make my little girl happy is gold in my books!”

“I really liked her tricks with the three rabbits jumping out the hat.”

They both laughed together. Aqua smiled and tried to join in with the laughing.

“That’s really kind of you, Lord Centric; helping a mare down on her luck.” Even saying his name made her fur crawl.

“Oh please. Call me Ego, I think we’re beyond formalities here.”

She didn’t like the idea of that, but she just wanted to finish eating and then leave. Hooves returned, taking away all the plates and empty glasses. Ego stretched his forelegs and then turned to his daughter.

“Alright sweetheart. I think it’s about time for you to get ready for bed.”

“Aww, but I didn’t get to show Aqua the toys in my room yet.” Sandy pouted.

“I’m sure they’ll be another time for that.” Her father said. “But now, go get your PJ’s on, I’ll be up soon.”

“Okay Daddy.” Sandy stood up and walked over to her father, letting him kiss her on the forehead before she went around the table and gave Aqua a hug. “It was great having you here. I hope you’ll come back soon.”

“Thank you Sandy, I hope you have sweet dreams tonight, and look after yourself.”

“I will.” The filly said and then rushed out the door, being held open by Hooves. He smiled at her as she went past him and then shut the door behind himself, leaving Aqua alone with the Centric.

“She’s quite the precious little gem, isn’t she?” He said. Aqua turned away from the door.

“Yes, she is.”

She suddenly felt very cold. She knew he was looking at her but now she couldn’t look back at him, instead, she just stared at the table before her. The grandfather clock ticked noisily, stretching out the seconds the longer she listened. Like time was slowing down. Eventually he spoke.

“You know who I am, don’t you?” There was an edge to his voice. The façade was now fading with his daughter out the room.

“Please, I won’t… I haven’t told anypony. Just let me go home.” The blue mare said, starting to get worried.

“Home? But dear, the night is still so young.” He grabbed a little bell on the table and rang it. The doors opened immediately and Hooves walked in, carrying a bottle of wine in his magic.

“Vintage Château LaMare, my Lord. One of your finest bottles with a sweet fruity taste.” The butler poured a small amount into a wine glass for Lord Centric and then poured an equally small amount for Aqua Star.

“Oh no, I can’t. The baby-” Aqua started to say, but the butler cut her off.

“I assure you madam, it’s all fine." Hooves said kindly, understanding her fears. "The wine is of the LaMare brand, purified, extra fruity and most importantly, safe for the little one. You have my word.”

Centric drank his small sample quickly and Hooves quickly refilled it by the same amount. He then left the room leaving the bottle on the table. Aqua looked at the glass of wine but didn’t touch it.

“Is my wine not good enough for you? Drink.” Centric said; his tone flat as if he was growing impatient. Aqua levitated the drink in her magic and then brought it closer to herself. She hesitated. She looked at Lord Centric and he was staring at her. His eyes moving from the wine to her. The mare lowered it down, shakily.

“You’ve done something to it!” She said, scared. He just laughed and took a sip of the wine from his glass.

“My dear, we are both drinking from the same bottle. Anything it would do to you, it would have done to me too. Drink.”

Aqua lifted the wine glass up quickly and drank it. The drink had a sweet taste to it and didn’t have that kick that followed from the alcohol in it. Seems Hooves was telling the truth. Ego smiled, reached for the bottle and then poured more wine into her glass.

“So my dear,” Centric said, with the smoothness returning to his voice. “Do tell me, how have you enjoyed my hospitality tonight?”

“Hospitality?!" Aqua snapped. "I’m threatened and blackmailed into coming here, forced to wear a dress that is clearly made to expose myself to all your perverse hench-ponies and you ask how much I have ENJOYED your hospitality?!” Aqua had jumped out her seat and found herself staring daggers at the stallion sitting in front of her. He didn’t seem phased at all by her outburst, but she herself was.

“I see.” He said, sitting back in his seat and taking another sip of wine. “Irwin had to play the blackmail card to get you to cooperate then? He never was good at pure intimidation.”

Aqua didn’t move, but she could feel her sweat running down the side of her head, she then spoke calmly, pleading to Centric.

“Look, I came here as you ordered, we’ve had dinner. I’ve done all that was asked of me. Please, just let me go home.”

Ego smiled at her and then rang the little bell twice.

“Very well, you’ve done as asked. You’re free to go home now.” He said making Aqua feel relieved. “But I have to ask, how long do you think it’ll take for that hospital to lose all its money once I declare that the money they received recently was attained by ill-gotten means and stop all external funding to their accounts?”

“What?” Aqua said, aghast. “But… I did everything you told me to do!”

“No, you did what Irwin told you to do.” The stallion said, his sweet talk now beginning to sound like poisonous venom as the last traces of his act washed away. “This is what I’m going to ask of you. Sit down.”

Aqua did so. She knew this night wouldn’t be so easy.

“What I want, well it’s very simple my dear. I want the foal.”

Oh Tartarus no! She thought to herself.

“Now I know you don’t like the sound of that, but let’s be honest. It’s not like you wanted the baby in the first place. Here, I can look after it, raise it, teach it. You… you’ll barely be able to feed it. Especially with no job once the hospital goes bankrupt. “

“You son of a bitch.” Aqua said angrily to the stallion.

“Now be reasonable. If you’re willing to cooperate then you’d be more than welcome to visit the child every day after work. It will be home schooled like my daughter, and then go on to have the highest education they could possibly have. I’d raise the foal like my own. If you don’t cooperate, well… Let’s just say your cooperation isn’t necessary for me to get what I want.”

Aqua collapsed into her seat. She couldn’t believe this.

“Why? You already have a child. Why do you need another? A stallion in you position could have any mare he wants. Why did you force me to carry yours?”

“Oh I’ve had my eyes on you for a long time.” Centric replied. “The way you were with the other foals, your kindness… nothing get me going more than a mare like you.” He stood up from his chair and walked closer to Aqua “I told you before, didn’t I? You’d make a perfect Broodmare.”

Aqua’s heart pounded in her chest. She did remember him saying that. He was so close to her now, looking her up and down, he was making her feel the same way he did on that night. Small, afraid and helpless.

“W-w-what are you g-going to do to me?”

Just then the door opened and Irwin walked into the room with a rolled up scroll, Centric backed off a step.

“Irwin, I trust that’s the correct paperwork.”

“Yes my lord, it is exactly how you ordered. Just awaiting your signatures.” The slim mint green stallion said as he walked towards the table, placing and unraveling the scroll before Aqua. She looked at it and immediately noticed that these were adoption papers. He was serious!

“Here’s the deal.” Ego said. “You agree to hand over the child to me the day it’s born and you can come and visit the baby as often as you like; your job at the hospital will be secure, as will the hospitals finances and you can continue to look after all those children you care about so much. Deny… then I make sure to liquidise the hospitals assets, having the blame placed on those in control, all of whom will be imprisoned for their dealings in tax evasion and other nefarious doings with the medical expensies, shaming them publicly, leaving me and my associates in the clear. Meanwhile I’ll buy out the hospital, you’ll lose your job, patients bills will increase to rates that only the elite could afford, sending the sick back to their homes, unable to afford the expensive medication elsewhere in Equestria and I take your baby anyway, after I make sure that social services deem you an unfit single parent.”

Aqua sunk low to the table, holding her mane in her hooves. She couldn’t believe this was happening.

“Do we have a deal, Miss Star?” Irwin said with zero emotion in his voice. He looked like he didn’t care whether or not she signed the contact. He was heartless. Centric was a monster.

“Do you promise nothing will happen to the foals, the hospital will be safe?” Aqua asked.

“Absolutely.” Centric said.

“And… and I can visit my baby any time I want. N-no exceptions.” She was crying now. She saw no way out of this. Lord Centric merely smiled at the mare. She looked from him and then at the wine glass. She drank the entire thing in one go and then picked up the quill, shakily writing her name down on it. Afterwards she tossed the quill down and began to cry as she buried her face in her forelegs. Irwin took the contract in his magic and had Centric add his name to it. Afterwards the lawyer took the contract and left the room leaving the two alone again.

“By the way, Aqua. There is one more thing.” The stallion got down low next to her ear. ”There is one contractual obligation they you’ll have to fulfill, else you make that contract voided.” She then looked up at him. “You’ll be spending the night here… with me.”