Puzzle Of The Heart

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Epilogue

Chapter 1

“Now, my wittle Flurry Heart, it’s time for bed sweetie.” Cadance whispered as she laid her daughter down on her bed.

“But mommy, you didn’t read me a bedtime story.” Flurry complained to her mother’s dismay.

“Flurry, I promise I’ll read you a story tomorrow night. Sound good, sweetie?”

“Okay, mommy.” Flurry relented as Cadance tucked her in for the night, slowly falling asleep. However, just as her mother was about to turn to leave, Flurry Heart muttered something that caught her mom’s ears.

“Mommy, I miss daddy.” Cadance nearly froze in place at the utterance of her daughter’s words. Briefly snapping out of her shock, Cadance silently nodded her head as she walked out.

“I know you do, dear. I know.”

(Play BGM 01 - Coin Song)

Cadance wandered the halls of her castle with the cold wind from Hearth’s Warming Day still keeping the ambient air nippy. As she trotted along the corridors, the memories brought back by her daughter’s remark still lingered in her mind. It was a memory of three years ago when tragedy tore her heart and her world asunder.

Cadance and her husband Shining Armor were at a diplomatic meeting in Canterlot, meeting with the many leaders from all across Equis. The main goal of the conference was to discuss means to improve trade relations between their respective countries and they’d seemingly come to an agreement that was mutually beneficial to all parties involved.

However, at the height of their gathering, a group of changeling assassins came out of the shadows, without warning and brimming with hatred. Queen Chrysalis had been trying to find a way for some time to decapitate the leadership of all of Equis’s nations to finally ensure Changeling dominance across the world. The Royal Guard detachments were caught by surprise, though thanks to Chrysalis’s previous attack on Canterlot, were not ill-prepared for such a situation. They fought with the ferocity that they were trained with, cutting down groups drones while suffering only a few minor casualties of their own.

Shining Armor, naturally joined the fray, fighting alongside those whom he once called his brothers-in-arms. Eventually, the Changelings went into full retreat as their numbers dwindled, but, not before one threw a spear directly at Cadance.

Ordinarily, this would hardly be an issue as both Cadance and Shining Armor were seasoned magic users. However, Chrysalis had thought ahead and had a spear carved from the rare, Ancient Dark Stone. Said mineral was rumored to absorb all non-Changeling magic and it clearly lived up to the legend as neither Cadance nor Shining Armor could summon up a spell to stop the spear. It was in that split second that Shining Armor made a choice. He made a vow during their wedding, that he would protect her, even if it would cost him his life. Upholding that vow, Shining Armor rushed towards his wife, pushing her out of the path of the spear before it pierced his heart. Collapsing on the floor, bleeding and coughing blood, Cadance tearfully held her beloved husband in her hooves as the last breath of life left his lungs, leaving his body a lifeless husk.

As expected, Cadance didn’t take it well one bit. The stallion she gave her heart and soul to had died in arms protecting her. It felt like her heart had been torn from her chest and ground into a pulpy mess. However, that pain was nothing compared to breaking the bad news to his sister, Twilight Sparkle. She never saw a mare cry that much and seeing it damn near tore her apart.

When the funeral took place, she tried to hold back her tears but failed, especially when Shining’s casket was being lowered into the ground. Then and there, Cadance, the Princess of Love, had her heart broken for the second time, saying goodbye to the stallion she loved.

Over time, she was able to recover from the tragedy, she had a baby and an empire to care for after all, but the memory remained in the back of her mind, ever present and ever so painful. There were times where she wanted to cry but she knew she had to be strong for the ponies of the Crystal Empire, even though they shared their monarch’s pain.

“Oh Shiny, not a day goes by where I don’t wish you were back.” Cadance sighed as she looked on at her private garden. It served as the one place she liked to dwell after a long and stressful day. In particular, she had enjoyed taking Shining Armor and sometimes Flurry Heart with her, sharing the tranquility with her family. Now, however... it was just a painful reminder of much happier times.

As she turned to her bedroom, she was interrupted by the sounds of approaching hooves. Turning around, she saw an orange unicorn approaching her with papers in his saddlebags. The stallion in question was Coin Counter, Cadance's Chief financial advisor. Though he wasn’t present during the tragedy at Canterlot, due to helping prepare the financial policies for the changes the trade pact would entail, he was nonetheless saddened by her loss. Ever since then, Cadance always had him as a friend to talk to when she still felt hurt by the incident. However, he had been somewhat emotionally withdrawn for the past two years and she’d yet to figure out why.

“Your hh-highness,” Coin Counter spoke with a noticeable stutter. “I have this year’s financial statistics report.” Being handed the papers, Cadance briefly skimmed through the report and nodded with approval.

“Everything seems to well be in order here, good work Coin,” Cadance said with an amused smile. “The benefits of the trade pact are certainly starting to show. Thank you, Coin.”

“Y-Y-Yo *sniff* You’re welcome, princess.” Cadance clearly took notice of his visual discomfort. Though he tried to hold it back, he couldn’t hide the sniffling, a precursor to crying.

“Coin, are you alright?” Cadance asked. She could see that he was beginning to act nervously.

“I’m fine, your highness.” Coin said as he wiped his tears from his eyes. “Just have a cold, that’s all.” He clearly knew that she didn’t buy it as Cadance shot him a look of concern, knowing something else was the cause.

“Are you sure?” Cadance asked, further to Coin’s discomfort. “You’ve been acting oddly for the last two years.” Cadance trotted closer, making Coin Counter back away slowly. “Is something bothering you?” At that moment, Coin Counter’s heart started racing and aching from the stress. The pressure was enough to trigger a flashback to a memory he wishes he’d forgotten. The trauma was too much for him to bear and with a flash of his horn, he teleported away, much to Cadance’s chagrin.

“What in my aunt’s sunrise is up with him?” Cadance pondered as she began to drum up reasons as to why her advisor had been acting so out of sorts. As much as she thought of the causes of his distress, Cadance realized the only way to make sense of things was to confront him.

Cadance trotted over the south wing of her castle where Coin Counter’s residence was. Though he’d been given the option to live in the city itself, he chose to live in the castle to be close to his work. More importantly, he enjoyed the beautiful crystalline scenery of the castle and the other perks that came with it, apart from being close to his boss, his friend. As Cadance brought her head near the door, she heard the faint sound of sobbing coming from the other side. Opening the door, Cadance got an answer to her question.

(Play BGM 02 - Leto’s Theme)

Coin Counter sat on his haunches, crying in front of his lit fireplace. Cadance got the hint that he was upset but, not to the magnitude she saw. Between his audible sobbing, he held a framed picture in his hooves. It was a picture of him in a suit with a mare in a dress, a bridal gown to be precise. She looked to have a coat of cream-white fur and a curly rose red mane. He gave the picture a light kiss before his sobbing resumed.

“My dearest Winter Rose,” Coin Counter cried as he held the picture close to him as if he was giving it a hug. “Why, why, oh why were you taken from me so soon?! WWWHHHYYYY?!!”

“Oh dear,” Cadance whispered. “It’s… It’s his wife. He never told me about what happened to her.” It began to make sense to her. Something happened to the mare in the picture, something that put him through untold grief. “But, why didn’t he say anything?”

Cadance heard his crying intensify as Coin Counter set the picture down on the ground, still sobbing a puddle of tears. “I… I never even got to kiss you goodbye!” Cadance wanted to trot in and comfort him but she elected to standby and wait to see if he calmed down. To her horror, he didn’t as Coin Counter pulled out a short sword he had in his cloak and pointed the blade at his abdomen. Cadance immediately knew what his intent was.

“Mother of Celestia!” She gasped as she watched her advisor prepare to take his own life.

“My love… My everything…” Coin Counter muttered as his tears began welling up harder than before. “I’ll be seeing you soon.”

“NOOOOOOO!!!” Cadance yelled out as she charged through the door but she was too late. The deed was done as Coin Counter impaled himself with his blade, coughing blood as it pierced through his back. Just as he collapsed onto the floor, he was tackled by a shocked Cadance, wrapping her forehooves around his body. Slowly, he held up a hoof to his shocked and worried monarch’s face, tearing up and muttering the name of his long dead wife. With a flash of her horn, they were quickly teleported to the castle’s infirmary, much to the surprise of her royal physician, Patchwork.

“Cadance, as much as it’s an honor to see you, I’m going to have to ask you to ease up on teleporting in here like that so often. You always startle me wit-” Just before he could finish his statement, he saw the reason for her abrupt entrance. Patchwork saw his ruler holding a grievously wounded Coin Counter in her hooves. His jaw dropped as he saw the chief financial advisor bleeding heavily and barely clinging onto life. “GOOD HEAVENS, WHAT HAPPENED?!”

“He did it himself!” Cadance yelled. “Hurry and get him help, now!” Calling to the nurses in his employ, Patchwork brought Coin Counter on a stretcher before ordering the nurses to take him to the Operating Room.

“Princess, wait here while we stabilize him!” Patchwork advised his ruler before he rushed to the OR to assist in tending to his patient.

Cadance waited for what seemed like hours, sitting and trotting around in the waiting room, before exhaustion finally caught up with her and she fell asleep. Throughout her sleep, she began wondering if her friend would pull through. But an even bigger question came to mind. Why? Why would he try to take his own life? What happened to his wife that drove him to such an extreme? Eventually, she was roused from her slumber by Patchwork.

“Your Highness?” Patchwork asked.

“How is he?” Cadance asked back with a tinge of worry.

“Miraculously, he’s going to be alright. We were able to save him before any permanent damage could be done. Though, if you hadn’t gotten him here so quickly, he very well would have bled out.”

“Thank you, Patch. You have no idea how grateful I am.” Cadance sighed with relief.

“We were able to heal him rather definitively, so I had him sent back to his quarters to recover. I predict he’ll be out for a whole 24 hours due to the shock and blood loss. But, I have one question.”

“What is it?”

“Why did he do it, your highness? I mean, you were there when it happened Any clues as to what caused him to commit self-harm?” Prompted by his question, Cadance teleported the picture Coin had held and shown it to the beleaguered doctor, eliciting a somber look from him.

“He was hugging and kissing this picture before he did it.” Cadance said. “Something must’ve happened to his wife, but I don’t know what.”

(Play BGM 03 - Forever Rachel)

“Oh no.” Patchwork whispered as a sense of dread filled his heart, audible to his ruler. He saw the all too familiar appearance of Coin’s wife like he saw a ghost from long ago. He shook his head and sighed with regret.

“Was there something that happened?” Without a word, Patchwork motioned Cadance to sit down with him. Looking down on the tiled floor, Patchwork sighed as he prepared to answer.

“It happened a little while after you lost Lord Armor. Coin and his wife Winter were trying to conceive a foal. They had difficulty doing so but Winter eventually became pregnant. He regarded the whole thing as a miracle.”

“He would’ve made a great father.” Cadance commented. “What happened to his wife though?”

“On Hearth’s Warming Eve that year, Winter went into labor. He was unprepared and so were we. He rushed her to my wing and we were able to get her situated but…”

“What happened?”

“Winter died while giving birth… and the foal followed shortly after. It never had a chance, even though there were no signs of complications.” Cadance’s heart dropped as she heard her physician’s explanation. It all made sense, Coin Counter was in deep emotional pain from losing, not only his wife but his newborn child as well. Cadance began to tear up out of empathy but not close enough to cry. Recomposing herself, her eyes looked back at her physician.

“It would seem he hasn’t recovered from it.” Patchwork sighed as he put down his clipboard.

“Why haven’t I been made aware of it?” Cadance asked.

“He wanted to keep it a personal matter from what he told me. From what I saw, he was so stricken by grief that it looked like his world had been shattered. I tried my best to console him but he just closed himself off. As per his wishes, we had both bodies cremated and placed in urns.”

“But, what set him off? When he approached me earlier, he seemed like he just had a cold.”

“Well Princess, from what I’ve last heard of him, he’s gotten worse with every hearth’s warming season since. About a month ago, it was reported that he began having hallucinations where he saw his wife at random points during the day. About a week ago, he experienced another such episode where he began hugging what he thought was his wife but was just air. From there, he just lost it. I’ve honestly never seen a stallion so broken.”

Cadance felt distraught as she learned the truth of her advisor’s behavior. She wanted to be angry with him for lying but she couldn’t bring herself to, knowing she went through a similar ordeal three years ago. She felt his pain and it was an old familiar sting to her. With her mind made up, she resolved to keep him company while he recovered, not wanting him to feel alone.

“May I visit him tomorrow night, doctor?” Cadance asked with sincerity.

“You can, but I would advise you to take things easy with him. In his current condition, I don’t how he’ll react to still being alive since suicide was his intent.” With his blessings, Cadance trotted towards the exit before looking back at her royal physician, thanking him for saving her friend.

“Patchwork… thank you.” Cadance said as she walked out.

Author's Note

Well, here begins my first fic in the FiM universe. I never thought I would do one in this setting. I hope you'll like this part. Enjoy. :)

Chapter 2

The night after Coin Counter’s suicide attempt, Cadance made sure her daughter was fast asleep. As per her promise, Cadance read Flurry Heart a story, one about her father’s bravery. Though they both teared up, Cadance managed to finish it and send her daughter off to slumberland, quiet and peaceful. As she trotted out of the room, Cadance remembered what she wanted to do tonight.

“He should be waking up by now.” Cadance thought as she made her way to the south wing of the castle. “I know Coin Counter is alive but it’s his mental state I’m worried about. I hope my visit will put him at ease.”

Finally, she made her way to the entrance of Coin Counter’s living quarters where two guards stood watch, ensuring no one except medical staff or herself were allowed in. Once they saw her approach, they all stood at attention before opening the doors. There was little to no lighting in the room with the exception of the moon’s light, courtesy of her other aunt. Upon the bed laid Coin Counter, resting peacefully and still recovering from his self-inflicted injury. Cadance could only guess how much mental scarring he’d sustained from his grief-driven experience.

“Thank harmony you’re alright,” Cadance whispered as she sat down on the chair next to Coin’s bed. “I’m really sorry about what you had to go through. If you can hear me, please… wake up.”

Cadance, being the Princess of Love, had experienced heartbreak and managed to recover from it. She always knew that love would eventually be found again after it's been lost. Coin Counter was one of her top advisors, a close friend as well after her loss. Even though it wasn’t a romantic affair due to him being married at the time, Coin always had an ear open when Cadance needed someone to talk to. He always was an understanding stallion and to see him do what he did out of losing his wife was something that shook Cadance.

“Coin, I just want to let you know. Just as you always had an ear for me when I needed it, I’m all ears for you and I’m not mad at you either. I’m here to comfort you, to help you with your problem. Please… my friend… please wake up.”

Cadance then heard an audible groaning noise coming from the bed. Coin Counter was beginning to awaken as he began moving around in place, opening his eyes. His head throbbed with pain and his body felt weak from the injury. Briefly pulling his covers up, he saw a diagonal scar on his stomach about as wide as his sword, a painful reminder of his deed. Resting his head back on the pillows, Coin sorrowfully sighed as he realized his attempt to reunite with his wife in the great beyond had failed.

“Coin, thank goodness you’re awake.” Cadance said, looking at Coin Counter. Being now alert to her presence, he felt a wave of shame flood his mind. She was the last pony he saw before he lost conscious yesterday and didn’t like the thought that a pony he was so close to had to witness him harming himself, especially when said friend was the ruler of his homeland. Knowing the sort of pain he put her through, Coin turned his head to the wall beside him, not wanting to look Cadance in the eyes.

“Why are you here, your majesty?” Coin murmured, still physically and emotionally weak.

“I just thought you shouldn’t be alone, especially after what happened.” Cadance answered back to which Coin Counter groaned. She could clearly determine the distress in his breath as he shifted his body to match the direction of his head. Cadance always showed concern for all her subjects, especially to those in her royal court. Of course, since Coin Counter’s ordeal dealt with love, she practically felt obligated to help, though knew to tread carefully given the state of things.

“No doubt the doc told you what happened.” Coin muttered back, showing signs of a breakdown.

“Yes and I’m sorry about what happened to you. I didn’t know you lost your wife… and your foal.” Coin gave no response to Cadance’s condolences, which she took as a cause for concern regarding his mental state. “Coin, I just want you to know that I’m not mad at you or anything.” Still, not a peep from him, only a sigh escaped his snout. Coin Counter turned his frame around to face the same direction of his head. Cadance became a bit distraught and realized that the trauma from his ordeal had worsened him and decided to be more forward with her efforts.

“Coin, I know you feel hurt by what happened to you but suicide was not the way to address it.” Cadance said as she approached his bed to Coin Counter’s displeasure. He began to get progressively uncomfortable as well as terrified over having to look Cadance in the eyes, feeling he shamed himself in front of her.

“I WANTED TO BE WITH HER AGAIN!” Coin snapped with sorrow, tears beginning to well from his eyes. “SHE WAS MY EVERYTHING!” Cadance was visibly startled by his outburst, never expecting it in his weakened state. She expected him to be angry with her but to her shock, he was more sorrowful than anything.

“I know what it is like to lose some you’ve given your heart to.”

“But, you had something to remember Shining by. I was left with nothing!”

“I know how rough it must be for you and believe me, I truly understa-”

(Play BGM 04 - A Mortal Heart)

“DON’T GIVE ME THAT, CADANCE! JUST! DON’T!” From his second outburst, Coin Counter’s emotional barriers began to disintegrate. Then, with a blink of his eye, he saw a hallucination of his dead wife in front of him, sitting on her haunches. Believing she was there in the flesh, he felt too ashamed of himself to look her in the eyes, knowing she, in some form or another, witnessed his attempted suicide. He buried his nuzzle in his pillow.

“Winter, honey, I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Then, Coin felt a warm, soft, and gentle presence touch his cheek. Looking up, he saw his wife looking down at him with a warm smile. His heart was racing at the collective speed of the Wonderbolts as his wife’s ghost pulled him into a hug, complete with a kiss on his cheek. She rubbed his back as he smiled and teared up once more. Leaving the hug, Winter Rose trotted back toward the wall with her husband reaching out to her with sadness. But then, a unicorn filly peaked from behind her and lunged at him, giving him a hug. It didn’t take Coin too long to realize that foal was the daughter he never got to have. His eyes teared up intensely as he returned the favor, wrapping his forehooves around her. The foal broke the hug as she returned to her mother’s side and they began to disappear into nothingness.

“No! Wait! Please! Come back! Please! No!” Coin pleaded to no avail as his family’s ethereal forms began to fade away with a smile. Before they fade into nothingness, Winter Rose mouthed something that Coin was able to read out.

“I love you, always.”

They were gone, no trace of their being was left. Feeling his heart broken for the second time since he lost them, Coin Counter collapsed back onto his bed, crying in raw grief. Though she saw nothing of what transpired, Cadance heard every bit of what came out of his mouth.

“He must’ve had a grief-induced hallucination.” Cadance thought to herself. “Maybe now he’ll be easier to help.” With a sigh and a frown, Cadance climbed on to the bed and hovered over a sobbing Coin Counter. Laying on her side, Cadance used her magic to gently pull him into her hooves, wrapping all four around him. Coin immediately caught notice of it but did nothing, being paralyzed by such a warm and loving feeling.

“Coin, It’s okay.” Hearing her words, Coin had let go and climbed out of the proverbial shell that kept him for the last two years, crying in the hooves of his matriarch. “Just let it all out. It’s okay my friend. I’m here for you.”

“Wh-Why?” Coin stuttered.

“Huh?”

“Why did it have to happen? Why did they have to die?”

“I honestly don’t know, Coin.” As she comforted her grieving advisor, a question lingered in her mind. “Why did you want to hurt yourself?”

“Because,*sniff* I couldn’t bear spending another Hearth’s Warming season without her. I remember a few years back when you lost Lord Shining, I shared the most romantic night with my beloved Winter Rose. When we got intimate, I felt like our hearts were linked, like the purest form of love. When we found out we were expecting, I felt happier than I ever thought possible. But when they died,*sniff sniff* I thought I could endure it but I was too weak! I loved her very much and yet, she was taken from me and I was left with nothing to remember her by, not even a child to raise!”

(Play BGM 05 - Excerpt from “The Ecstacy”)

As Coin Counter laid in his ruler’s hooves, grieving over his lost love, Cadance truly felt his pain. During the first year she lost Shining Armor, she was inconsolable to where even her aunts weren’t able to lift her spirits. When Coin Counter came upon his ruler on her throne crying, he talked to her which led to a hug. Wrapping her in an embrace for some time, he was able to calm her down. Cadance felt some degree of peace knowing she had somepony willing to listen when she needed to vent and speak of her troubles. Sometimes, Coin would invite her over for tea with his wife. During those gatherings, the air was alive with conversation. Those were truly the better times.

“Oh Coin Counter,” Cadance said as she wrapped her wings around him, engulfing him in a feathery cocoon. “I know your heart is heavy with grief over losing your family. Love, when it is lost, will always find your heart once more. It doesn’t die forever.”

“But Winter Rose was the mare of my life, no other mare could replace her.” Coin muttered as tension was starting to fade.

“I know you do Coin and believe me, not a day goes by where I don’t wish for my dear Shining to be at my side. But, I have to move on, for the sake of my heart and my daughter. However, that doesn’t mean I won’t keep the good memories he and I had together. I know he would’ve wanted me to move on and be happy and I’m sure your wife would wish the same for you.”

“How could you be so certain?”

“I am the Princess of Love, silly. I understand it more intimately than any other creature out there. All of the emotions, concepts, and everything in between, I’m well versed in them. I know you felt alone after what happened. But like I said before, I’m here for you and you should never feel alone.”

At that moment, Coin Counter felt the veil that was his sorrow being lifted from him. A surge of relief and happiness swept through him as, for the first time in two years, he felt at ease. Now he was able to take in and appreciate the warm embrace from his princess and turned his body around to meet her embrace with one of his own, nuzzling her chest fluff and catching the faint sound of her heartbeat. Cadance took a hoof and brushed it along his mane.

“Cadance…” Coin sighed as he rested his head in her fluff. “Thank you.”

“You’re quite welcome, my friend.” Cadance replied as she pulled him further in to feel her warmth as the room felt cold from the winter, allowing their bodies to radiate heat between each other. “You don’t need to worry about work for the next week as I’ve taken the liberty to give you some time to relax.”

“I’m sure my secretary can handle things nicely.”

“I know he can. After all, he’s your protege.”

“True… *yawn* true. Hey Cadance?”

“Hmm?”

“What time will you be returning to your quarters?”

“I’ve decided to spend the night with you. After what you’ve been through yesterday, I felt like you could use some company.” Upon hearing those words, Coin Counter let out another yawn before going off to sleep in the hooves of his princess. Craning her neck forward and allowing her cheek to rub his, Cadance let out a contented sigh as she joined him in slumber.

“Sleep well… my friend.”

Author's Note

You know, I'm starting like Cadence more than Celestia nowadays. I really haven't written a fimfic exclusively about her before. Well, first time for everything I guess. Anyways, the clop chapter is up next. Stay tuned.

Chapter 3

It had been more than a month since Coin Counter had recovered from his ordeal. Though his heart was still heavy, he’d seemingly managed to move on and accept what happened. As he sat in his office looking over the various paperwork and financial reports, his eyes drifted to a framed photo of him and his wife on their honeymoon in Canterlot. Taking a sigh and cracking a smile, Coin brushed the frame with a hoof not occupied by paper.

“Winter Rose, I still miss you, but Cadance is right. I must move on for my own sake but I vow that I’ll never forget the times you’ve brightened my life. Thank you for all tha-” His train of thought was interrupted by the sound of hooves rapping on the door. “Come in!”

Through the door came Scale Stock, Coin Counter’s secretary and protege. He trotted in with a satchel of letters and calm expression.

“Morning Sir,” Scale greeted with a short salute. “How’ve things been for you so far today?”

“Busy like you wouldn’t believe, my friend.” Coin sighed as he added his signature to a scroll before sending it off with his messenger hawk. “Heh, when you take my place one day, you’ll have to get used to this sort of monotony.”

“Eh, I’ll be fine with it.” As Scale looked around the office, his eyes caught a quick glance at Coin Counter’s scar, barely visible and mostly hidden by his cloak. Wincing at the sight, he shook his head, getting the image out of his mind, not wanting to remind his boss of the ordeal.

“Anyways sir, I took the liberty of bringing you your mail.” Coin looked at the bundle of scrolls before turning his gaze back to his assistant.

“Thank you, Scale. I don’t believe I have anything else for you today, so you’re dismissed.” With a salute, Scale trotted out of the office, closing the door behind him. With his protege gone, Coin could now turn his attention to his mail as he began scanning through the scrolls. “Junk, Junk, Griffonstone Gov’t Report, Junk, Treaty Related, Junk, huh… what’s this?”

Coin picked up the one scroll that stood out, one that had a different seal on it, one that he recognized.

“Cadance’s Official Seal?” He said to himself. “This must be a personal message from her. Though what could she have wanted to tell me?” Opening the scroll, he began to read the contents within.

“Dear Coin Counter,

I hope you are doing well. It’s been about a month since your recovery and I’m very proud of the progress you made. Since today is Hearts and Hooves Day, I would like to extend an invitation for you to join me in a private dinner later on tonight. Be sure to dress your best for this occasion.

Your Princess:

Mi Amore Cadenza”

“She used her full name too?” Coin thought to himself as he looked out the window and towards the sunlit sky. He was caught off guard by Cadance’s invitation to join her for dinner, on Hearts and Hooves Day no less. Knowing that being invited to a private meeting with royalty is an honor that very few ponies could refuse, he’d already mentally accepted her offer, though he was still nervous. “I wonder what she has planned beyond just a mere dinner.” As he thought more and more about it, his mind reminded him of the task at hand: fulfilling his duties as Cadance’s financial advisor. “Well, I suppose it’ll be nice to visit a friend once in a while.”

“I certainly hope I’m not late.” Coin counter muttered to himself as he trotted down the moonlit halls of Cadance’s Castle, clad in his formal attire. His equine heart racing at the speed of sound as he paced himself and after two more minutes of wandering, found the door, made more obvious by the two guards at the entrance. Anypony knew that when guards are stationed at doors, royalty was surely on the other side. As he approached the door, one of the guards took notice of his presence.

“Excuse me, sir.” The guard spoke in a semi-gruff voice. “Are you Coin Counter?”

“Yes, that is my name.” Coin replied back, causing the guard to tap his spear against the double doors.

“Your highness, he’s here.”

“Wonderful! Let him in!” A familiar voice sang from the other side. The guards then opened the doors, gesturing Coin to enter. As soon as she galloped through, the doors closed and he looked up at a sight that made his jaw drop.

(Play BGM 06 - Shulk and Fiora)

“Hello there, Coin.” Cadance said in her sing-song voice. She was dressed in her complete royal regalia with her tri-colored mane tied in a bun with a few strands allowed to flow free. Coin Counter’s heart was racing at such a beautiful sight that only a few would be able to see in their lives.

“Princess Cadance.” It was all Coin Counter could utter as he was approached by Cadance. His heart rate skyrocketed as she drew near, giving a cute giggle at his flustered expression.

“I know, you’re nervous because of how beautiful I look.” Cadance said as she gave Coin a quick hug. “I saw that same look on Shining Armor’s face when we first started dating. He looked so cute when he was nervous.”

“Wha-?! A d-d-d A d-d-date?!” Coin stuttered as he tried to comprehend his Princess’s intentions. “Y-you want to date me, your highness?”

“I made my intentions clear from the message you got this morning. Being Hearts and Hooves Day, I thought today would be a perfect time for us to get acquainted on a more personal level.”

“Woah,” Coin gasped as he wiped a few beads of sweat from his forehead. “This is so sudden, your highness.”

“I know that something like this is happening so soon for you. But, I also feel that you’ve been without a special somepony for so long and I’m willing to help fill that void of yours. I’ve already told my daughter about this and she’s ecstatic about the thought of having a new father figure in her life.” As she gave Coin Counter a quick peck on the cheeks, she gave him a smile with half-lidded eyes, the sort of look one would give a lover. “Another thing, we’re alone here and pleasantries aren’t needed. Just call me Cadance.” Coming out of the shock of her kiss, Coin shook his head in agreement. “Would you like to join me at the table for dinner?”

“Um, I-I’d be h-honored… Princes- Er, I mean, Cadance.” He awkwardly replied as they both took their seats at opposite ends of the table. The table was splayed with a wide range of delicacies from both the Crystal Empire and Canterlot. Salads, Main Courses, Soups, and mouth-watering desserts all were laid out for the both of them to consume, all prepared by Cadance’s royal chefs.

“My word, this all looks so good.” Coin remarked as he took a whiff of the banquet’s aroma to his nose’s pleasure. “It even smells good too.”

“Well, I have to thank my chefs for their experience and skill.” Cadance remarked as she poured a glass of wine for herself before levitating the bottle to her guest. “Would you care for a glass?”

“Sure.” At his affirmation, Cadance filled half of his glass with the strong-smelling alcoholic beverage. Taking a sniff of his drink, he was caught off guard by how strong the aroma was.

“That’s wine from Canterlot.” Cadance said with a giggle. “It was a gift from Celestia, made from the finest grapes in her vineyard.. Go ahead, take a sip.” Coin obliged and the taste he would describe it as sweet, but not too sweet, not dry and had a pleasant aftertaste.

“Hey, this is pretty good.” Coin complemented as he took another sip.

“Why thank you, Coin. I’m glad you enjoyed it. To be honest, I thought it would’ve been too strong for your tastes.”

“I sure didn’t find it that strong. Actually, it was just right.” After Cadance took a sip, she rested her glass and locked her eyes with Coin’s.

“So, Coin,” Cadance started. “I know you were my financial advisor for years, but I’ve been curious, what motivated you to want to work for me specifically?” Clearing his throat for a second, Coin Counter prepared his answer.

“Well, my father was a banker from Canterlot who moved here with my mother when she was pregnant with me. Being able to work with one of the banks in the city, he was able to provide a great deal of comfortable living for my mother and me. When my dad saw that I was good with numbers, he trained me in his craft. As I grew, he remarked that my skills would be better used somewhere other than a mere bank. So, when the position for a financial advisor in your court opened, he encouraged me to take it.”

“I see. Was there anything else motivated that made you want to work in the castle?”

“Apart from being able to gander at the wonderful architecture and cozy living space, the thought of being close to work made me worry less about transportation which is quite stressful.” Cadance seemed satisfied with the answer and thought of another question, but was unsure about whether it would be right to ask him. However, her curiosity got the better of her and she decided to ask anyway.

“So, um, I’m honestly not sure if you feel comfortable with me asking this.”

“I’m honestly good with whatever you want to ask about me. So, go ahead.”

“Well, the sword you used to uhhhmmm… injure yourself with last month, why did you have it?” Cadance winced as she anticipated Coin Counter to begin panicking over a traumatic memory. To her surprise, he began to chuckle, confusing her.

“Well Cadance, It’s actually sort of a funny story in a way.”

“How so?”

“Well, remember yours and Shining Armor’s wedding in Canterlot, you know, when the Changelings swarmed the city?”

“Oh yes, I do fondly remember that day. What about it?”

“I was there to help calculate the expenses of the arrangements and made sure everything was in order. As I was about to help finalize the prep work, one of the guards burst into the room to warn us everypony present about the changelings swarming the city. As I was looking for a way out of the castle grounds, I found a sword that belonged to one of the guards that ran off just lying on the ground. Seeing a bunch of those bugs coming towards me with fangs and malice, I picked up the sword and ran until I was cornered. As they approached me, I used the sword to swat them away like they were a swarm of parasprites. Though nopony was around to witness, I knew I looked completely ridiculous doing it, huddled in a corner while shooing away bugs, swinging a sword with all the grace of a stick. I can’t help but laugh at it.”

“I’m sure you did your best to defend yourself. But, why did you keep it on you?”

“I actually returned it to the armory after the changelings were driven away but the pony in charge said I could keep it due to a surplus of swords they had. After I returned from your wedding, I decided to take classes in swordsmanship, but only for self-defense. Imagine me, a pony that works with mathematics and money for a living knows how to use a sword. Heh.”

“It’s certainly an understandable reason to have one around.”

“Yes, I just didn’t want to be caught off guard again.” As Coin Counter nodded, he realized they spent several minutes making conversation without eating a single bite of anything on the table. “Well, let’s go ahead and eat before any of this gets cold.”

Cadance and Coin Counter spent the next half hour eating the food that was laid out on the table, enjoying every morsel as well as each other’s company. By the end, almost everything had been eaten and both ponies were left almost too full to continue.

“Wow, that… was something good.” Coin moaned as he rubbed his belly. “Since the latest budgetary reports allow it, I would suggest that your chefs should get a raise.”

“I will take that into account at the next court meeting.” Cadance agreed as Coin Counter looked out the window towards the outside, smiling at the wonderful sight of the moon shining in the sky.

“Your aunt Luna certainly knows how to make the night look amazing. The moon is like a natural night lamp.” As Coin looked out the window, Cadance joined him in taking in the sight of the beautiful night. Cadance knew from her visit with Coin Counter last month that she couldn’t deny the fact she had feelings for him and she knew he felt the same way. Though she was ready to feel love again, Cadance had to break Coin’s last proverbial shell before he could completely start anew. Then, an idea dawned on her, one that would make their date complete.

“Hey Coin?” Cadance asked. “Would you like to go somewhere with me?”

“Where to?” Coin replied.

“It’s a surprise.” Cadance states as she got up from her seat and trotted to the door. “Come on, let’s go.” Agreeing to her request, Coin Counter wandered to her side and left the room with her. The two ponies wandered the crystalline halls of the castle, taking in the craftwork, the design of the interior and the varying paintings that were found along the walls. Eventually, they arrived at their destination, a doorway to a lively garden.

“Your private garden, Cadance?” Coin gasped in astonishment to which Cadance nodded. “I thought this was for you and you alone.”

“Yes, but I can share this place with whomever I wish and I wish for you to enjoy it as well.” Cadance replied, brushing a cheek against his face. “Now, follow me. There’s a spot in particular that I would like to share with you.”

Wandering through the lively garden behind his princess, Coin Counter was in awe over the beauty that was Cadance’s private garden, maintained by her own hooves and magic. Bushes of rare and exotic plant life, patches of the most beautiful and sweet smelling floral arrangements, it truly rivaled Celestia’s own garden. If it was during the day, butterflies, birds and a few other critters would make the place look lively like paradise made manifest.

“In all my years of being in your service, I never got to witness a place as beautiful as this.” Coin muttered to himself.

“I’m glad you liked it,” Cadance responded. “I’d like to think of this place as like a canvas to make art. I picked out all known plants and foliage that would make for a relaxing environment.”

“And a beautiful one as well.” As they made idle chit chat, Cadance stopped turned to face a gazebo surrounded by nicely trimmed hedges, bushes, and beautiful floral arrangements.

“We’re here.” Cadance said, pointing to the gazebo. She and Coin Counter walked into the structure made of marble and crystal. Patting a hoof on the couch inside, Coin sat near the princess, blushing only slightly from being close to her. The only light that was present was the one beaming from the moon on high.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Cadance softly says, gazing at the lunar light.

“Absolutely.” Coin agreed. “Celestia blesses us with amazing sunny days and Luna graces us with the most beautiful of nights.”

“I remember the last time I came here. It was on the anniversary of mine and Shining Armor’s wedding. We came to this exact spot to bask in the moonlight and spent the evening staring out towards the stars. For the rest of the night, we rested here and cuddled under a blanket. His warmth and strong heartbeat felt calm and relaxing.”

Cadance looked at the moon and the location, memories flooding back to her, adding a somber tone to the atmosphere. “I still remember the first time I met him. I used to foalsit his little sister Twilight Sparkle and even back then I knew he was special.” She chuckled for a moment at the memory. “Of course, Twilight was such a delight, like the sister I never had. It made the world to her and me when I became her sister-in-law, more than a mere friend. It really broke my heart to tell her that her brother had died.”

“Yeah, I miss my Winter Rose, too. It’s hard to believe that today is the anniversary of our first date. I remember taking her for a tour around the palace grounds and visiting some of the finer eateries around here. When she gave me a kiss as the date ended, I felt my heart sing for her, calling to her. I knew then and there when I looked into her beautiful eyes before we departed that she was the one. About several months later, we were wed with your blessing. I never felt so happy in my entire life until that point and I made a vow to her that day.”

“What vow would that be?”

“I would do anything to make her happy.” Coin declared as a tear rolled down his cheek. “When she became pregnant, it meant the world to her and it made me happy. Now that she’s dead, I honestly don’t know what else to do.”

Cadance felt a sense of empathy, knowing she, in some way, experienced the same pain as he felt. One of the abilities she has as the Princess of Love was empathy and the ability to see what a heart yearns for. She could sense that her advisor’s heart hungered for love, to feel complete once more. Yet, it was also filled with uncertainty and doubt, she knew if he was to be truly happy, she would need to convince him that his wife wished the same for him. Cadance placed a hoof on his right shoulder, making him blush.

“I know what your heart wants.” She said as she placed a hoof on Coin’s heart. The feeling of such intimate contact caused his heart to race faster once more. “I can feel it beating. It yearns for me but I also feel it is veiled by doubt.”

“I-I want to feel love again, Cadance.” Coin stuttered, paralyzed by uncertainty. “I’m still not sure if she truly wants this of me.”

“Of course she does, Coin.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“It is something my Shining wished for me before he died. I know that if you were in her place, you would wish the same for your wife.” Still sensing a bit of doubt lingering in his mind, Cadance pulled Coin Counter in with her hooves for an embrace. She looked into his eyes with hers half-lidded. “Here, allow me to help convince you.”

(Play BGM 07 - Theme of Love)

Cadance planted a kiss upon Coin’s lips, loving and passionate. It only lasted a minute before Cadance broke it, trailing a strand of saliva. Initially, Coin was confused by her gesture but something within him clicked. All his doubt, all his reservations, were washed away with the realization that she was right. His heart knew that Winter would’ve wanted him to be happy, even when she’s gone.

With his heart and mind at peace at last, Coin Counter dove in for another deep and passionate kiss. With love filling her heart, Cadance wrapped her forehooves and wings around her lover as she fell on her back to the couch with Coin laying on top of her. As they kissed, their chests came into contact with each other, allowing them to feel their heartbeats. It only served to fuel their passion further. After several moments making out, Coin broke the kiss when he felt a tightening in his crotch, a stirring of his loins.

“Hhhhnnnn.” Cadance moaned as her already wet folds made contact with Coin’s throbbing erection. “Oh, I can’t take this anymore.” With a flash of her horn, all of their garments were removed from their bodies, allowing Coin Counter’s body to breathe freely and the scent from Cadance’s arousal to hit his snout. Just the musky scent alone was enough to tempt him to penetrate her royal flower and let lust drive him. However, he didn’t want to do this on the first date, especially with royalty. He got off her and brought his face to her puffy labia, dripping with arousal.

“I thought you would’ve gone straight to rutting me!” Cadance lustfully moaned as Coin breathed a puff of hot air upon her sex. The sensation shook her spine to the marrow as she threw her head back with pleasure. Coin gave her vagina a short peck with his lips before he gazed at her with a lustful grin.

“Ladies first, my love.” My love. Cadance couldn’t believe what she heard Coin Counter call her. Her heart soared as if she flew high in the sky without a care in the world. Without another thought, Coin Counter began licking at her dripping wet pussy, lapping up those tangy juices. He couldn’t exactly describe what it tasted like, only that it was citrusy in nature. The taste of her juices and her ever-increasing moans made him lick her with increased vigor. As he licked, his tongue brushed against a small nub on her lips, causing Cadance to moan shudder. Briefly stopping his ministrations, Coin saw her winking clit. With a sly grin and a desire to please her, he began licking and biting her clit, sending her pleasure soaring.

“OH YES! OH YES!!!” Cadance yelped. “KEEP GOING!!! DON’T STOP!!!” Coin knew he had to try something to send her over the edge and a thought dawned on him. He inserted his tongue into her wet love tunnel, snaking it around the wet and pulsing walls. Overcome by sheer pleasure, Cadance’s hind legs wrapped around her lover’s head and pressed it into her crotch to further elevate her pleasure. Eventually, she was at her limit and couldn’t go any further as she screamed in orgasmic bliss as her climax exploded into Coin’s mouth, soaking him with her juices.

“Oh my,” Cadance moaned as her forehooves caressed her body. “It’s been too long since I’ve felt that good. I feel as though I should reward you.”

“No need for that.” Coin replied as he wiped her juices from his face. “The pleasure is all mine.”

“Oh no, I insist.” With her horn glowing, Cadance used her magic to switch places with Coin so he was sitting on the couch and she was on the ground between his hind legs, face to face with his cock. “And I just know how to make you feel good.”

She rubbed her hooves along the length of his shaft, returning the favor. She at first wanted to use her magic to stroke him while she played with his balls but decided that using her bare hooves would feel much better. With each stroke, Coin Counter began feeling overwhelmed with pleasure as his ruler stimulated him. For him, it felt great to have two years of tension to be swept away by carnal pleasure. He wanted more and wanted it from her. Coin shuddered when a hot and wet feeling engulfed his pride as Cadance took his entire member into her mouth. His eyes rolled to the back of his head as experiences the most sensual of blowjobs. However, his lack of sexual activity for the past two years did nothing for his stamina and his orgasm eventually exploded in her mouth.

“S-Sorry, Cadance.” Coin panted as he lay exhausted from his orgasm. “It’s been a while since I’ve had that sort of pleasure.”

“There’s no need to fret over such things,” Cadance said, wiping Coin’s excess seed from her lips. “I understand you’re a little rusty from not enjoying yourself for such a long time.” Cadance then looked at his shaft, limp from being spent. Her body craves his love, craves having his stallionhood in her nethers. “Allow me to rectify this.” Knowing what to do, she uses her magic to restore his stamina, making his cock stand at attention once again. Coin stared in surprise at the sight.

“Hmmm, no wonder why you’re called the Princess of Love.” Coin remarked in astonishment which was followed by another flash form Cadance’s horn. “What was that?”

“It’s a spell that ensures you’ll last as long as I do. So now, we’ll both cum at the same time.” Cadance then laid her upper body down on the couch, sticking her plot out and shook it seductively. “Now please, Coin… take me!”

Getting up from the couch, Coin Counter positioned himself behind Cadance, straddling her body. His throbbing erection came into contact with her nether lips, sending waves of excitement and lust throughout their bodies. Before he pushed the tip of his spear into her love canal, a thought dawned on him.

“I can hardly believe it! I’m about to have sex with a princess, THE Princess of Love!”

The excitement from that thought alone was enough to get him to push the entirety of his length into Cadance’s vagina, even getting his medial ring through. The sudden penetration of his entire cock in her moist sex was enough to make her howl to the moon with unbridled passion and lust. For her, she had entered the realm of pure bliss.

“OH YES!” Cadance screamed. “OOOHHH, HOW LONG HAVE I WAITED TO FEEL SUCH LOVE! DO IT! RUT ME!”

As she commanded, Coin thrust in and out of her slick, wet snatch. Each thrust made his balls tighten, little by little. He enjoyed it, enjoyed being inside a mare. It reminded him of the night he proposed to Winter Rose, a night fueled by lustful and romantic passion by a fireplace. Remembering that made him grow closer and closer to orgasm. Just as he was about to release, it never came. His loins remained in a state of near-release and the painful yet pleasurable sensation only grew.

“C-Cadance?!” Coin grunted.

“Y-Yes?!” Cadance asked back.

“Can you lay on your back, please?”

“Why?”

“I want to look at those beautiful purple eyes of yours as we cum.”

With her heart fluttering with love at Coin’s request, Cadance managed to concentrate enough of her magic to carefully maneuver Coin’s desired position on the couch without pulling him out of her pussy. When the position was set, Coin Counter looked deep into her beautiful purple eyes and at that moment, their hearts were connected.At that moment, to them, nothing else mattered but their desire for one another. Coin connected his lips with hers as he resumed thrusting. Cadance responded by wrapping all her hooves and wings around his body in a close and passionate embrace. There, they reached it, the pinnacle of love. Eventually, like all good things, it wasn’t to last as Coin felt her inner walls tighten around his member, signaling that her orgasm was nigh.

“Oh yes, Coin! I-I’m about t-to cum!” Cadance screamed as she tightened her embrace on Coin Counter. He too could feel his own orgasm nearly there as he gave his thrusts all the speed he could muster. With a few good last thrusts, Cadance’s inner walls clamped around his member as her orgasm exploded, soaking their crotches with her juices. As she came, so did Coin Counter as his cock flared and released a torrent of his hot seed into her womb. Their blissful orgasms lasted minutes before it all died down and they collapsed with exhaustion, drenched in sweat and sex. Coming to, Cadance used the last of her stamina to teleport both of them to her bed in her chambers.

“That… felt great.” Coin panted as he used his magic to pull the blankets over their bodies. “ I honestly never expected this day to end like this, in your hooves.”

“Being Hearts and Hooves Day,” Cadance yawned, pulling him closer against her. “I thought that we indulge in our heart’s desires. From when I lost my love, you’ve been my friend and I’ve always valued your friendship. When you went through your tragedy, I wanted to return the favor. But, as time grew, I wanted your love. I wanted you to love me as more than a friend.”

“I felt the same but my own doubt kept me back. When you reminded me of my vow to her, it all went away and my heart’s desire for you grew. I’m glad to have you as my special somepony.”

Before the two lovers drifted off to sleep, Cadance gave him a short peck on the lips and whispered the three words he’ll never forget.

“I love you.

“I love you too, Cadance.”

Author's Note

Well, who doesn't like to have a date with royalty, especially when it ended the way it did for Coin Counter.

Anyways, here's the third chapter. I hope you like it. Whether you do or not, comments and feedback is always welcome and important to me.

To those of you who are interested in an epilogue chapter, please let me know. I've already written most of one but I only have a bit to go on that.

Epilogue

In the two years since they fell for each other, Cadance and Coin Counter grew closer as their love blossomed. For them, their hearts which had been aching for so long have been healed, putting their woes to rest for good. Flurry Heart was also happy and joyful that her mother had felt at peace and for that, she thanked Coin Counter for making her smile. But eventually, like with all couples, their love could only grow to such heights before the classic four-word question was popped with Coin Counter holding up a golden hoofband. To say that Cadance was happy would be a grave understatement. Both Coin and Cadance wept tears of joy as they were soon to be wed, consummating their relationship.

(Six Months Later)

The day of the wedding had arrived. The sun was bright and its light was unabated any clouds in the sky. For them, both Coin and Cadance found it to be the perfect for an outside ceremony, especially in the garden of Castle Canterlot. As Coin counter stood at the altar under the wings of Princess Celestia, nervousness and joy filled his being as he starred on at the crowd consisting of his colleagues, family, and those who were close to Cadance, including an excited Flurry Heart.

His best stallions that accompanied him at the altar were his immediate friends and his protege Scale Stock. With him soon to claim the title of Prince, Coin appointed him as his replacement, confident that he’ll carry out his station the way he was trained to do. Looking to his left, there were the bridesmaids, mares that were close friends of his fiancee. Among them was Princess Twilight Sparkle, looking on at the crowd before she locked her sight with his. Even after her brother had passed, Twilight still held Cadance with the same regard as a sister. To see some stallion wed the mare that was a big part of her childhood was an odd feeling for her but she got used to it. Nodding her head with approval, Coin Counter couldn’t help but crack a smile and nod back at Twilight.

(Play BGM 08 - Leia’s Theme)

Then, from behind the hedges, emerged a sight that he’ll remember for years to come. Cadance, the Princess of Love, clad in her bridal gown, trotted down the aisle while being escorted by her aunt, Princess Luna. With her closing the distance between them, Coin Counter’s heart began to beat at an ever-increasing pace as time seemed to slow to a crawl for him. There it was, it was time for them to go through a wedding for the second time. When she reached the end, Cadance turned to look Coin in the eyes, both sets filled with love and longing. Emotions were at an all-time high and flared with the energy of a swarm of parasprites.

“To those who are gathered here today,” Celestia said, breaking the silence. “We bear witness to the union of Princess Cadance and Coin Counter of the Crystal Empire. It is not every day where love binds two ponies together in a manner where they choose to give their hearts to one another and live their lives together. If, for any reason, that anypony feels that this couple should not be wed, please speak your minds or let your silence be taken as consent for this union.” There was silence, not a whisper and not even a muffled cry. Nodding her head and clearing her throat, Celestia continued on with the ceremony.

“Very well.” She muttered. “Now is the time for the couple to exchange their vows.” Both Coin and Cadance began to read out their respective vows the spent weeks memorizing.

“Cadance,” Coin spoke up, “in the times that you’ve grieved, I was there to give you an ear or a shoulder. Though you were my ruler, I’ve regarded you as a friend. When I myself grieved, you were there for me in my darkest hours. You’ve given me meaning, hope, and the strength to move on. For that, I’m ever so grateful. Through good times and bad, I’ll honor and cherish all the moments we share until death. That is my bond with you, my love. With you at my side, I’m ready to spend the rest of my life with the mare I love.”

“Coin, you’ve been not just a loyal advisor but one my heart trusts as a friend. When I found that your heart was broken by tragedy, I too felt that sting. As if by chance, our aching hearts found solace with one another. With my union to you, our love shall make us whole once more. I promise my love for you shall remain strong. As I’m faithful to our empire, I’ll be faithful to you. I’m honored to be your wife, my love.”

After the exchange of vows, Celestia grew a smile on her face as she knew the moment had arrived. Using her magic, she summoned a small pillow with two hoofbands. Both Coin and Cadance each took hold of one.

“Will you, Coin Counter, take Princess Cadance, to be your wife? To cherish and be faithful to as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Coin said as he put his hoofband on Cadance.

“And do you, Princess Cadance, take Coin Counter, to be your husband? To cherish and be faithful to as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Cadance tearfully replied, putting her hoof band on Coin Counter. The two ponies took a long look at each other before Celestia cleared her throat once again.

“Then let it be said. By the power of harmony, let these two ponies before us henceforth be known as mare and colt.”

The rest… was history. They didn’t need any instruction to do so as Coin and Cadance leaned in for a kiss, the first as husband and wife. No longer were their hearts wracked with nervousness. They were now a married couple after years of dating. Just as he turned to walk back up the aisle with his new wife in tow, he was caught by surprise from an ebullient Flurry Heart, hugging one of his forehooves.

“Daddy.” Hearing that one word sparked a synapse in him. It made him realize that it presented him with something he was denied all those years ago: fatherhood. Though she wasn’t his flesh and blood, it didn’t matter to him in the slightest as he got down and hugged her back, shedding tears of joy. For him, fate had given him a second chance at the life he was robbed of. Getting up, both he, Cadance, and Flurry Heart walked back up the aisle, ready to begin their new life as a family. For Coin Counter, it was the happiest moment in his life, the first in a long time. However, it would only get better for him.

(Two Years Later)

“Hey daddy,” Flurry spoke, trotting down the halls with Coin. “What does mommy want to see us for?”

“Well, I don’t know.” Coin Counter replied. Unbeknownst to his stepdaughter, he knew the reason Cadance had summoned them. Soon enough, they arrived at his and Cadance’s quarters where she sat on a couch near their bed. Once she caught sight of them, her eyes lit up, beaming with excitement.

“Well, how are the two most important ponies in my life?” Cadance sang as Coin and Flurry trotted in.

“Well honey, I’m still amazed at the size of this castle.” Coin shot back, remarking about the size of his residence. “But, a good bit of trotting around is always a good thing.” Patting a hoof on the spot next to her, Cadance beckoned Coin Counter to join her on the couch which he does. Both of them struggled to keep their excitement under control as they knew Flurry Heart would go wild with joy.

“Mommy, Daddy, what's going on?” Asked Flurry Heart, breaking the silence. “Is it something bad?”

“Oh goodness, no!” Cadance chuckled. “In fact, it's something we're excited to tell you.”

“What is it?” Cadance and Coin looked at each other and nodded. Holding her close, Coin Counter prepared to tell his stepdaughter the news.

“Flurry… you're going to be a big sister.”

“What?!” Flurry Heart gasped. Her eyes and face bore the expression of both disbelief and excitement. There, Coin Counter put a hoof on his wife's lower stomach, rubbing it as he smiled along with her.

“That's right,” Cadance confirmed. “ Mommy's going to have another foal.”

Just like that, Flurry Heart's eyes lit up the brightest her mother had ever seen since she first opened them. She began screaming with much excitement as she began flying around with glee. She was so happy that she was to have a little brother or sister. She then jumped into the hooves of her mother, hugging her midsection as Cadance gingerly brushed her mane.

“I love you, the both of you.” Coin muttered as he joined in the embrace, holding both his wife and daughter in his hooves. They were both excited to add another member to their family. To him, Coin was nervous due to past experiences but a gut feeling told him that everything will be ok. Putting his mind at ease, Coin Counter eagerly awaited the arrival of his new foal with renewed hope.

(Eleven Months Later)

Sitting in the waiting room, Coin Counter and Flurry Heart sat, waiting for a nurse to summon them. It had been a little more than nine hours since Cadance went into labor. Due to Flurry Heart being with him, Coin couldn’t be by Cadance’s side as she brought their foal into the world and had to look after his stepdaughter. Though he was a little upset, he knew it was for the best.

“Daddy,” Flurry spoke. “Why did you marry mommy?”

“Well, because I loved her.” He responded, ruffling her mane to her feigned annoyance.

“What about before?”

“Well…” Coin sighed. “I was with another mare around the time you lost your father.”

“What was she like?”

“Sweet, kind, energetic and loving.”

“What happened?”

“One day, I… I lost her.”

“Lost her?”

“It’s when she leaves this world… *sniff* and never comes back.”

“Like my father, Shining?

“Yes. But, your mother taught me one thing.”

“What did she say?”

“Sometimes, it’s better to move on and make new and better memories than to let the past hurt you.” Coin Counter pulled Flurry into a hug, prompting her to wrap her wings around him, as small as they were. “And I’m glad to have made them with you and your mother. I can’t say enough how much I love the both of you.”

“I love you too, daddy.” As they both continued the hug, Coin Counter saw Patchwork come in. He approached them with a neutral expression. Coin Counter couldn’t tell whether the news he had was good or bad.

“My lord, please come with me.” It was all he said as he trotted back towards the door, prompting Coin and Flurry to follow. The anxiety was getting to his head, his heart racing at an unfathomable rate, not knowing what to expect. His past fears were starting to come back has he mentally fought to suppress them. Only one question consistently raced through his mind: Was it going to be a repeat of last time? Eventually, Patchwork stopped at a door, gesturing Coin to enter with a hoof. With one last mental gulp, Coin walked in and braced himself. But what he saw before him had surprised him.

(Play BGM 09 - Green and Blue)

Cadance laid on a bed, exhausted and holding a bundle in her forehooves. The look on her face spelled peaceful and content. Coin mentally breathed a sigh of relief as his worst fears were put to rest. Calmly, he and Flurry approached her with warm smiles meeting her tired gaze.

“Coin,” Cadance muttered tiredly. “It’s a filly.”

“A filly?” He gasped with excitement, moving to his wife’s side. Looking closer at the bundle, he saw his newborn daughter, wiggling around in the bundle with her tiny forehooves held out. Like her mother and her older sister, she was an alicorn. “She looks beautiful, honey.”

“She does. She even has your eyes.” Cadance said holding out the foal. “Would you like to hold her?”

Slowly, he reached for the bundle and took it in his hooves. Just the look on his newborn daughter’s face, so full of joy, made him crack a smile that looked goofy. The foal began reaching up towards him with her free hooves, cooing as tried to reach for her father’s face. Sitting in the chair next to the bed, Coin Counter began rocking back and forth as the filly began calming down. Then, he saw Flurry Heart next to the chair with an anxious look on face.

“Come,” Commanded Coin, patting the spot on the chair next to him. “meet your baby sister, Flurry.” Flurry Heart leapt onto the chair and was met by her baby sister, wrapped in a blanket. Their eyes locked on each other and both were excited to have met for the first time. Flurry could not resist giving her a hug. “Heh, I can tell that you two will be inseparable.”

“Yes,” Moaned Cadance with an exhausted smile, filled with pride. “Flurry will be a great big sister.” As Coin held his foals in his lap, he looked into the eyes of his newborn filly. Her eyes and mane shined brightly, much like the lights he would sometimes see at night.

“Aurora Trail.”

“What?”

“Her name. She reminds me of the great northern lights at night.” Pondering her husband’s words, Cadance saw the wisdom in his words. With a smile and nod, she agrees to his suggestion.

“Aurora, a beautiful name.”

Giving the foal back to her mother, the family all shared a loving embrace. No longer will heartbreak rule them. They’ve found love in each other and from that, a new life was born. In that moment, Coin’s mind couldn’t quantify the amount of happiness he felt. All was right in the world for him and he got to share it with his new family. For as long as he’ll live, he’ll hold that memory close to his heart.

“I love you, the both of you.”

Author's Note

I do apologize it took me an eternity to get this epilogue out. To be frank, I was a little worried that it would turn out bad. But now, I feel satisfied to give this story a proper ending. Now, here it is and I hope you enjoy this conclusion.