Majesty hated sleeping.

Most ponies, or even races for that matter, wouldn’t have a fear or hatred of such a daily thing. Not Majesty Blueblood, however, she was different than most ponies. Besides the fact that she was an alicorn, born from the noblest of bloodlines, her fear wasn’t unfounded. It was in his sleep that her father, Amadeus Blueblood, had been poisoned in his mind, driven insane, and eventually took his own life. All thanks to an evil alicorn who feared her father, her power, and the destiny she was born to deliver. Even though she drank the dreamless sleep potion every night, Majesty Blueblood slept as little as possible to avoid the same fate as her beloved father.

Thus, whenever she opened her eyes, she was thankful for surviving another evening. Her family told her that Luna’s range of dream walking couldn’t reach them, but Majesty was cautious nonetheless. Ever since she was born, she had enemies determined to kill her; to deny her family the glory of restoring their homeland from the corruption that surged inside of it.

Yawning, she opened her eyes and jumped out of her white and blue queen sized bed for her morning rituals in her personal bathroom. Once cleaned and refreshed, she went over to her calendar. Her filly eyes opened wide as a smile spread from cheek to cheek across her face. Today was the day.

She gave out a loud and joyous shout before prancing around. Her laughter echoed in her large room, filled with toys, books, and scrolls. One of the guards, still in his platinum armor, rushed in fearing danger, only to blush in embarrassment when he saw the situation. Majesty didn’t even bother to correct him for his mistake. She was too happy for today.

Because today she was finally going to school.

For over ten years of her life, Majesty had been personally taught at home from dozens of the most skilled, and expensive, teachers in Unicornia. Math, science, history, politics, and more were all for her to learn and soak up like a sponge. Of course, it was all boring when she only had herself to learn it with. Her cousins were mostly older than her, and, despite her intelligence, they were often roaming with their own friends. It wasn’t that she didn’t have any as her best friend was also her future husband, a fact that still made her blush even though she learned of it just not a few months ago.

Prince Silversteel was a nice colt (cute too), but she wanted other friends. It was hard enough to be denied free roaming outside on her own, but it was just downright terrible knowing she had anyone barely to talk to besides family. So after years of begging she finally was going to get what she wanted: a chance to make friends.

Rushing out of her bedroom, the alicorn filly flew through the air, laughing excitedly as she zipped past her still waking relatives. Making her way to the central staircase, she landed her bottom on the railing and streaked on down. “Look out below!” she shouted as she rode it all the way down before flipping in the air. Landing on her four hooves, she posed which earned her a small round of applause from a copper coated unicorn in a butler outfit. “Bravo, Mistress Majesty. Bravo.” He pushed away some strains of his grey mane to get a better view of her. “However, I would advise you not to do that in front of your uncle.”

Majesty grinned as she walked over to her favorite butler and gave him a warm hug. Copper Penny had been one of her favorite adults for as long as she could remember. His family had served hers for generations and was there to help her mother give birth to both her and her older brother. Copper would always tell stories about the family mansion back home in Equestria. About the garden, her brother and his best friend Princess Cadence used to always have adventures when they were young. The ballroom that was the envy of all the nobles during the public events they held. They had been in Unicornia for over ten years, but he still longed for the Blueblood Mansion back in Equestria. It had history to it. A warm and yet imposing sense of wonder. This new one in Unicornia was... dull as he would often mumble to himself.

It was very spartan, sleek with chrome styled coloring and imposing decoration that gave it a cold and martial feeling. It was more designed for a barracks then a noble’s home. Then again, it seemed to be the typical style for nobles in this kingdom. It had been a gift from the Imperial Family to celebrate their arrival. After all, they were going to be family in a few years, why not start off with a simple gift? What little paintings and furniture they were able to bring with them from Equestria did a little to improve the place, but it would never replace the old mansion in his eyes. Majesty dreamed of taking over Equestria and giving it back to her favorite butler as a thank you gift for all that he had done for her.

“Relax, Penny,” Majesty replied, giving a warm smile. “I’ve been doing this behind Uncle August for months. He hasn’t caught me yet.”

“Until now, young missy.” Majesty winced as she turned around to see her uncle standing nearby. Eyes narrowed in disapproval, he walked forward. The hem of his red and golden robe dragging itself upon the checkerboard black and white marble floor with each step. He stopped right in front of his niece, his yellow eyes glaring down as she tried to hide behind her blue mane. “I know you are excited to be starting your first week at school, but you must remember that you are representing the Blueblood Family at this academy. These students that you will be surrounded with shall be your allies or enemies in the future. Acting immature will make a poor first impression. Do you remember what your father said?”

Upon hearing the mention of her father, all sense of shame in Majesty quickly erased itself. She stood proud, replying, “I am the future, and the future shall be me. Thus everything I do must be for the future I will create.”

He smiled and nodded. “I understand you are a filly. It’s okay to have fun, but only when the time is right. There are many of those who do not like us, both here, and back in Equestria. We must stand strong and behave right, understood?”

“Yes, Uncle. May I say good morning to Father before I get breakfast?” Majesty asked.

“Of course, dear.” He gave her a warm smile as he ruffled her mane a bit. “He would be so proud of the pony you’ve grown up to be.”

“Yes, he would,” a raspy voice replied. They turned around to find a deer, cloaked in red, with ruins on his antlers while a dark red mane covered half of his head.

Majesty gave a warm smile as she greeted one of her favorite teachers. “Good morning, Nazo. I’m going to school today!”

His teeth shone as he nodded. “I’m glad to hear that. Hopefully, you’ll put what I’ve been teaching you to good use.”

“I promise. Anyway, I’m going to head out now. See you later,” Majesty replied, but that was a lie. It was no open secret that almost everyone in the house hated Nazo, except for her. She had often heard Copper Penny wishing to get rid this “beast of a buck” he called him. Majesty didn’t know why they didn’t like him like she did. He taught her lessons that nopony ever knew about, and they were under orders from her father to not question, even after his death.

They were also forbidden to mention they had one of the deer living among them. It was rare for anyone to see a living deer, even more, unusual to see one outside of the forest they lived in. Their abilities to look into the future were desired all over. In a place like Unicornia, where everyone was scheming, it would be a gold mine. Only her father ever used his powers, but what that was nopony knew, but Nazo would use them to help them avoid potential disasters. More than once had his predictions saved them from embarrassment or ruin. Majesty had only ever asked one question, and that was if she would rule Equestria. His answer was strange:

“You will rule, but so will another.”

It was a strange answer. Was he talking about her future husband and best friend? Was someone else in the running to rule over Equestria after she overthrew Celestia and Luna? To this day, she had no answer.

Hiding behind the wall, Majesty peaked her head from the corner to watch the three talk among themselves. “Nazo,” August greeted with a nod and neutral frown. “I take it you wished to give Majesty a farewell before she leaves for school?”

“Yes, and perhaps give a few more helpful advice when dealing with the students. I believe all of them are the sons and daughters of Unicornia’s elite? What better place to make our future advantage than by having her interact with the next generation to take over. Nicely planned, Master August,” Nazo replied, walking past them. “With young Majesty starting school now, I find myself with a lot of free time. Perhaps I’ll read a book or two.” He then paused and smirked towards the two. “Of course, I’ll be giving her evening lessons at least four times a week. I’ll let you know my schedule in the days to come. Good day.”

The two watched before he left the room entirely, of which they both let out a breath they had been holding. “Must we still indulge ourselves with him? I don’t like him, Master August.”

“Be as it may, my brother was clear in his will that he was to teach his daughter. Besides, Majesty loves him,” August answered, shaking his head. “You also cannot deny he’s been useful with his abilities to see into the future for our family. We were able to avoid a lot of mistakes thanks to him, even gaining political ground in some areas thought impossible in such a short amount of time.”

“Still...” Copper Penny bit his lip, “I’m worried what influence he might have on Majesty.”

“I understand how you feel, but I have yet to see anything negative in her behavior.”

Majesty shrugged her shoulders. Nazo’s teaching hadn’t been a negative thing in her life. Besides, they would come useful at school. Afterall, the first lesson had been one of the most important to learn.

“Everyone can be used to advance you further,” she whispered with pride. If these future classmates of hers could advance her destiny, then it was best to get them on her side.

***

Majesty knew she was not like other fillies out there. She was unique, her father had told her so since as long as she could remember. She was born an alicorn, a special chosen one among her kind. Her father told her she was the key to her family’s future, and the future to the pony race. Most foals would be nervous about such a thing, and she was too at first. That was until she was told the truth about the evil Twilight Sparkle, her brother’s sacrifice, and the corruption of Princess Celestia and Luna. More and more, she was informed of the horrible reality that they avoided by coming here to protect her from those that wished to kill her even when she was in the crib. After her father’s passing, Majesty was determined to see such expectations come true.

Her father, the late Amadeus Blueblood, was the most fantastic pony that Majesty had even known. Sure, he didn’t hug or kiss her like most fathers she had seen, but he taught her well. He taught her how to act among allies and enemies. How to wield magic. Most importantly, he showed her the truth of the world.

This was a world where chaos was everywhere. Where naive rulers and ruthless barbarians roamed the earth as the gods did nothing. There was no unity. There was no central figure to guide them all. She was to be that figure. She was destined to bring a new age where she would unite her kind and lead them to the glory they deserved. Her father told her this over and over again, giving everything he had even as his mind and life wasted away.

She closed her eyes and smiled upon the memory of his final days with her before his suicide. He never said how much he loved her, but he showed it in his own way. She heard the rumors of her father at times when she visited the palace to hang out with Prince Silversteel. How he was mad, a thief, a wannabe, and more. She wanted to yell at them. Rip their heads off with her magic, but she stayed calm like her lessons taught her to be. Nazo said that revenge was like cooking. You had to let it simmer and wait until it was well done. Then eat it when it was prepared.

Her smile then soon faded when she arrived at the tombstone of where her father was at rest. He had requested a simple grave, nothing fancy like most nobles. He really wished to be buried in the catacombs back home, but for now, his body would have to rest here until they returned to Equestria. It was a pillar of white marble with the Blueblood’s crest above the top end while his name and cutie mark lay below on a golden tablet. Flowers of all kind had decorated it. Picked and grown by Majesty herself upon her order that none would dare touch them.

Apparently, one of the slaves didn’t get the message as Majesty watched a young flutter pony sprinkling plant food on her precious flowers.

While they had butlers and maids in their mansion, they were only suited to deal with the proper and elite tasks for her family. The slaves, like the rest of the flutter ponies, were just made to do the lower bottomless tasks. Like the rest of her kind, she was very bright in color, a shade of purple and green with insect-like qualities. Her wings were that of a butterfly, yet what grace they once had was ruined by the rips and tears it held. Barely anything could fly with wings in such a condition. Her shell-like skin was also covered in lashes, cuts, and bruises, indicating she was often punished for her mistakes. Around her neck was a thick black color with blue runes carved into it, and a green crystal right in the center near her throat. A gem that Majesty soon activated with her horn.

In an instant, a shock of green electricity swarmed through the slave’s body. She screamed as she fell on her back, shaking in pain as the voltage slightly increased for a few minutes before ending. Gasping for air, she slowly looked up before paling upon seeing Majesty standing before her. She lowered herself upon being gazed at with the steel-like eyes that promised no warmth behind them.

“What. Are. You. Doing?” Majesty demanded, flicking her horn on and off in warning.

“I... I... I was f-f-feed-dd-ding the pp-plants, Mistress,” she answered, bowing even lower to the point where her head touched the grass.

“Are you new?” Majesty asked.

“I... I waa-a-as bought t-tt-two weeks a-a-a-ago... I’m still l-ll-lear-r-r-rning...”

Using her hoof, she lifted the teary-eyed slave’s face up so she could stare directly at her. “Here’s something new to learn. Only I touch these flowers. Nopony else. Especially, not a filthy insect such as yourself. Be lucky that I’m in a good mood, or I would be demanding you be whipped till you were split in half.”

“Y-y-yes, Mistress,” the slave bowed over and over again. “Forgive me. I am a w-w-worthless being.”

“At least you know your place, like the rest of your kind,” Majesty replied as she walked past her. “Now leave me to repay my respects, before I think about sending you to the camps.”

The slave fled without any response much to Majesty’s amusement. It was always a laugh to see such a pathetic race submit to their masters on Unicornia, but it was as her father had taught her long ago. They were the race destined to rule over all others. Flutter Ponies were just the first. They were also easy to scare with the threat of getting sent to “the camps” although she didn’t know what they exactly were. Only that flutter ponies who went in never come out. She asked about it once, but her uncle told her she would know when she was older.

Standing in front of the grave, Majesty gave a smile, whispering, “Hello, Father. I’m off to school today. I wish you were here with me, but I guess I’ll have to settle for you to be here in spirit.” She closed her eyes and sighed. “I’m a bit nervous. I rarely get a chance to go to places that aren’t in the Palace area, and nopony I know will be there to help me. But I’ll be strong, just like you asked me.”

A tear dripped down her cheek as she quickly rubbed it away. Her mind turned to the last time she talked to her father before he took his life. The nightmares had all but ruined his mind at that point in his final year alive, and they had to keep him locked up in a specially made room prepared for this day. It had gotten to the point where he couldn’t tell what was real or not. Always screaming about things that weren’t there. He even started praying, something her father never did as he didn’t believe the gods cared about them.

For a brief moment, he could give a sane response when he tried, but it was rarer each day. The last rational talk they had, he told her to be strong and make their family proud. Four days later, he managed to bang his head against the wall enough times to bleed out. Everyone called it suicide, but for Majesty it was murder. Murder by Princess Luna.

“I’ll be so strong that I’ll avenge you,” Majesty whispered, her hooves shaking. “I’ll march with an army on the steps of Canterlot and paint it with their blood. I’ll see that Luna watches as her sister is executed before her eyes before making her suffer the same amount of pain you did. Then I’ll nail her to the highest building in the city, and force her to watch it burn.” She took a few deep breaths. “I’ll make them pay for your death.”

Rising up, she made her way back to the mansion to get her saddlebags. She didn’t want to be late after all.

Author's Note

And here is the first chapter of our start of darkness story. Hope you enjoyed it. As usual, please help out at the TV tropes page at https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanFic/TheAssassinationOfTwilightSparkle

Remember, it's Dragon updates then Tyrant Updates in order.