The sun rose and all of upper Canterlot had gathered in the colosseum for the awaited trial. The royals were sitting in their seats, overlooking the fighting area as they anxiously waited for the two combatants to take their positions. Word of Jet Set’s betrayal and trial had spread faster than anticipated and soon everyone knew what Jet had done. Most of the nobles pitied Top Notch for putting his life on the line for his traitor father, but at the same time admired his sense of chivalry for his family’s name. In one of the locker rooms, Beorn was adjusting his armor with both his fiance’s standing by him. Beorn glanced at his hammer and frowned. He didn’t want to do this, not to his friend, but he needed justice for his father and Top was standing in the way of that.

“Beorn, are you sure you have to do this?” Crysta said.

“It wouldn’t be dishonorable if you forfeit the match.”

“Yeah, I’m sure they’d understand,” Azurys added.

“I’d hate to go against my friend in a death match, I wouldn’t be able to bear it.”

“And I cannot allow my fathers murderer to go free.” Beorn said as the guards fashioned his armor onto his body.

“If Top is smart, he’ll surrender.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Azurys asked before he gave each of them a kiss.

“Then I’ll not only have lost a father, I’ll have lost a friend as well.”

On the other side of the field, Top sat on a bench, all alone and dressed in his own personal armor. He held a sabre in his hands and was frowning with his ears flattened. He was at a loss at what to do. He didn’t wanna die, but he also could not walk away from this fight.

“Hey kid.”

Top looked up to see his mentor, Dimitri, leaning against the doorway with a sad smile.

“You look good in that armor, nice sword too.”

“Not now Sir Dimitri. I must prepare.” Top replied while tying his mane back.

“For what? To die?” Lock said, making him pause.

“Top, as your mentor, I’m happy how far you’ve come since that wilderness survival training a few months ago. I watched you become stronger each day I trained you and you’ve become a better young stallion because of it. But this? Why? Why risk your life for your pride? It isn’t even yours to fight for.”

“It’s not about pride.” Top said while fixing a buckler to his left arm.

“You saw the way Beorn looked. That poison now running in his veins is taking him over. Had I not stopped him, he’d have killed you too.”

“Top…”

“We’re done here,” Top said as he grabbed his sword and proceeded to walk out, before Lock grabbed his shoulder.

“If you die, your mother will be all alone. Think on that while you’re clashing metal.”

The sun was at its peak as both fighters stood on opposite ends of the field, Beorn was wielding his new hammer and was dressed in plated armor but did not wear a helmet.

“Last chance Top, stand down.”

“Would you stand down if it was your father?” Top shot back.

Beorn smirked and prepared himself as Top clamped down his visor and breathed steadily as they neared the center.

“Know that I take no pleasure in this.” Beorn said as a referee prepared to give the signal.

“King Beorn Warborn, son of King Wulfric Warborn, and Top Notch, son of the prisoner Jet Set. This battle shall determine the fate of the prisoner and will end if one of you is unable to continue fighting if one of you dies in battle. Do you both accept these terms?”

“Yes.”

“I too accept.”

“Then by the gods as witnesses, the match shall now commence.”

The referee raised his hand and all remained silent. Top glanced to the side through his visor to see his mother. Tears spilled from her eyes as she was quietly praying for her son.

“Ready…BEGIN!”

Beorn started with an overhead smash that was quickly avoided while Top moved in close for a series of rapid thrusts all aimed at his head. Beorn evaded each of his thrusts, one of which managing to graze his cheek, and rolled to the side. He held his hammer in one hand and drove his fist across Top’s helmet. The colt staggered a bit but quickly regained his senses. Beorn then charged at Top again and raised his hammer for another overhead strike, but Top managed to roll to the side and thrust his sabre again, managing to graze Beorn’s arm.

“GAH!!” Beorn cried out while moving back to see the blood trickling from his arm.

Top refused to let up in his assault and charged at Beorn again. He spun his body around and delivered a fierce roundhouse kick to Beorn’s temple, making the young king stagger as his senses were knocked around.

“Oooh, I taught him that,” Lock said out loud, making the royals stare at him.

“What?”

Beorn was dazed from the initial impact before regaining his senses and saw Top coming at him again.

“No you DON’T!!”

CLANG!!

After adjusting his grip on the shaft of his hammer, Beorn knocked Top’s helmet clean off with a huge dent on the side before booting him right in the chest as the crowd gasped.

“By the gods! That could’ve been his head!” A noble shouted after seeing how large the dent was.

Blood leaked down from Top’s head as his ears rang. The helmet may have protected his head from being caved in, but he still sustained damage and couldn’t really see straight. Beorn scoffed and ran at Top to swing his hammer to hit Top in the side. After managing to regain enough of his composure, Top ducked just in time before the hammer met its mark and seized the opportunity to swing his sabre and slash at Beorn’s leg, leaving a deep cut as Beorn cried out in pain.

“GRAAAAGH!!”

“Had enough?!?” Top yelled while pointing his sabre at him.

Beorn would not respond as he gripped the hammer once more and endured the pain in his leg. Not wanting to drag this on any longer, he gripped his hammer and the infused power Lock had given it activated as sparks of electricity danced along the metal frame. Beorn swung his hammer again and Top managed to barely deflect it, but the bolts electrocuted him in the process.

“Rrrg! My arm!” Top shouted as he felt his sword arm go numb.

“RRAGH!!”

WHAM!!

CRACK!! SNAP!!

With one clean hit, Beorn destroyed Top’s right rib cage as he was sent tumbling across the field with everyone gasping. Top could barely breathe as blood sputtered from his mouth while Beorn limped over, dragging his hammer.

The young king stood over his friend looking ready to end this with the crowd pleading for mercy. Jet Set just kept staring helplessly as his son was rolled over and Beorn’s hammer was raised for the killing blow.

“Forgive me…”

“NOOOOO!!!” Jet Set screamed, having seen enough.

“I CONFESS MY CRIME! I SOLD KING WULFRIC OUT! I WAS THE ONE WHO GAVE BLUEBLOOD TOP SECRET INFORMATION! I AM A TRAITOR TO MY COUNTRYMEN! I CONFESS TO IT ALL! PLEASE DON’T KILL MY SON!”

Beorn sighed with relief as he brought his hammer down slowly and the crowd cheered.

“The traitor has confessed! This match is concluded!!” Marshall shouted as the medics rushed to the field.

“You’re gonna be okay Top, just hang on.” Beorn smiled as they gripped each others hands.

“You…are…my…truest friend,” Top said weakly and was hauled away.

As the colosseum cleared, the royals joined Beorn in the fighting area as a medic stitched him up. Jet Set was then brought forth and kneeled in front of the Princesses.

“Jet Set of Canterlot, you have confessed to the crimes of your treason and are hereby found guilty on all charges,” Celesita said.

“You shall be stripped of your Noble status, your wealth and property will be transferred to your former wife, and you are from this day forth banished from Equestria and beyond its borders. Nopony will share a shred of kindness to you, you shall live the rest of your days alone, and if you so much as step a single hoof near Equestria again, you shall be executed by hanging at the gallows. Do you have any last words?”

Jet Set reached into his shirt to remove a pendant bearing his cutie mark and handed it to Lock with tears of relief in his eyes.

“Give this to my boy when he wakes.”

“Sure, I’ll give it to him,” Lock nodded as Jet was escorted away, never to be seen again. Dimitri looked to see Beorn looking down and saddened, most likely that he had to hurt his friend and felt terrible about it. Lock sighed as his fatherly instincts kicked in and stepped towards Beorn to place a hand on his shoulder. Beorn looked up and then leaned his head against his godfather’s chest, trying his best not to cry.

“You did good, kid, you did very good.”

Applejack and Rainbow joined in as they gently took his hammer away and cuddled him like a newborn.

“Mother...I’m tired…” He said to Rainbow before passing out in her arms. Rainbow smiled as she noticed Thora and Luta walking up to the group and helped Rainbow take Beorn to his room. Lock noticed that Luta’s baby bump began to grow more and he smiled, knowing she’d make a great mother.

“To think, Jet Set of all ponies,” Marshall sighed, pinching the bridge of his muzzle.

Azurys and Crysta looked at each other briefly and nodded as they followed Beorn to his room to help remove the armor. They soon caught up with Rainbow and the others walking down the halls as they began to hear Beorn snoring along the way.

“Um miss Dash?” Azurys called out nervously.

“If it’s possible, me and Crysta would like to look after Beorn while he rests.”

“You girls are good kids,” Rainbow smiled.

“Beorn is lucky to have little lovers like you.”

“Just be sure to not go too crazy,” Thora lectured.

“Unless you wanna end up like my sister over here, sporting a month old baby bump and constant morning sickness.”

“I will keep telling you until my bundle of joy is born: worth it!” Luta smirked, rubbing her belly.

“Uh…y-yes ma’am.” Crysta said before Rainbow and Applejack slipped them a set of vials.

“A little insurance sugarcube.” Applejack winked.

“Drink this if you wanna nurse him back to health." Rainbow grinned as they left.

As Beorn’s mothers and aunts arrived at his room, they laid him on the bed and left. Crysta and Azurys were left standing there with bright blushes spread across their faces.

“His mothers scare me sometimes. They’re tenacious, but also kinda scary,” Azurys said.

“True. Most mothers object to a secret tryst but they’re…different.” Crysta replied before looking at the vial.

“To be honest, I’m all for the kinky stuff, but this might be a bit above my pay grade, if you know what I mean,” Azurys said hesitantly.

“I mean, it’s not that I don’t wanna, it’s just I don’t exactly trust potions after a certain, shall we say, embarrassing past experience.”

"Past experience?" Crysta inquired.

“I…tried to make a potion to make my fur silky smooth so I wouldn’t have to brush it constantly, but ended up making it all fall off and I was bare skinned for months,” Azurys admitted with a groan.

“Oh…well thankfully this potion will just keep us from having any little ones ahead of our wedding.” Crysta smiled before downing the potion in one gulp.

“Crysta!”

“Shall we?”

“I…oh fuck it,” Azurys rolled her eyes and drank her own potion. Once preparations were complete, both girls stripped out of their clothes until they were completely nude. Azurys took notice of Crysta’s voluptuous figure as she shimmied her panties off her legs.

“You know, I always wondered how you manage to keep your body looking so healthy. What’s your secret? Most girls our age would kill for a rack and ass like yours.”

“Oh I have a strict health routine but to be fair, my butt is nothing compared to yours.” Crysta smirked while giving her a squeeze.

“I bet Beorn can’t keep his hands off you~.”

“You think it’s that nice?” Azurys wondered, looking down at her ass and swished her tail to the side.

“The dogs back home found it weird. I mean, I do work out, but it’s just regular exercise. Is my figure really that good?”

“How’s this for an answer?”

SMACK!

“GASP! Crysta!” Azurys whined while Crysta stuck her tongue out at her.

“Care to return the favor~?”

Azurys smiled wickedly as she grabbed Crysta by her waist and pulled her close, squishing their breasts together.

“Let’s get you nice and warmed up for our king, shall we?” Azurys said as she mashed her lips on Crysta’s.

“Mmm~.”

“Mmm. Beorn, you can stop pretending now.” Crysta smirked as their lover began to open his eyes.

“I was enjoying the show.”

“Would you like us to continue?” Azurys offered.

“By all means, show me how much you love me and each other.”

Both girls smiled as they kissed and felt each other up when Azurys smacked Crysta’s rump as payback for earlier before they moved onto the bed next to Beorn.

“Mmm you go first Azurys~.” Crysta sighed as her breasts were squeezed.

Azurys nodded as she hovered her leaking slit over Beorn’s tent in his pants. Crysta used her magic to teleport Beorn’s clothes off, making his shaft spring free. Azurys lowered her hips as she spread herself, making her whine and begin bouncing up and down.

“Erf! Who’s my good little girl?” Beorn huffed.

“Mmm I am~!” Azurys panted before she was suddenly pinned down and flipped on all fours.

“You know Azurys…I haven't tried you here yet~.” Beorn grinned while spreading her cheeks apart and raising her tail.

“No! Beorn not there!” Azurys protested but her wagging tail said otherwise.

“Don't worry, you’ll love it~” Crysta purred before kissing him.

“Beorn! Don’t you da-OH!!”

“RRGH!!”

Beorn slammed into his wolf lover’s rear with full force as he grabbed her hair and began ramming her slowly.

“Ah~! M-My ass! Feels so, mmm, so good!”

“Damn! You’re so damn tight!” Beorn grunted.

“I t-tried to tell you, ahn~, I’ve never done it there before! You’re my first there!”

While the three were continuing their lovemaking, Imperius and Gumdrop were in the next room and could hear everything going on as they tried to enjoy some snacks.

“Well Beorn made a fast recovery.” The prince stated while trying to keep his wings from expanding.

“You know him, he can never stay down,” Gummy giggled. She then set a cookie down and crawled over to Imperius and straddled him.

“All that action happening next door made my switch flip, wanna show them what it really means to have fun~?”

“Really? Now?” Imperius questioned when Gummy removed her top right in front of him with bedroom eyes and placed a strawberry between her breasts.

“Now~.”

Imperius smirked as he leaned in and ate the strawberry off her breasts. He then cupped her right breast and began to suckle on her nipple. Gummy cooed with delight as she hugged Imperius’ head close. The young prince snaked his hand down between Gummy’s legs and began rubbing her already moist slit with his fingers.

“Mmm hey Impy, I bought new underwear. Wanna see it~?” Gumdrop purred as he kissed her left breast.

“Sure.” The prince smirked as his marefriend got off his lap and turned around to unbutton her pants.

“Ta daa!”

In one quick pull, Gummy revealed she was wearing pink frilly panties with a picture of a marshmallow printed on her rear. Needless to say, the prince was aroused as his wings finally sprang out in full view.

“You like?” She asked while shaking her rump at him.

“I know you like marshmallows, care for a bite~?”

Imperius grinned as he reached over and grasped both cheeks of her flank. He fondled and kneaded her supple flesh, making her giggle and moan until Imperius raised his hand up.

SMACK!

“Ah!”

“Mmm, nice and bouncy,” Imperius said watching her ass bounce from his smack.

“You’re definitely my little marshmallow.”

“Mmm bite me~." Gummy grinned.

"I meant that as a compliment.”

“And I said bite me~.”

Imperius shrugged as he leaned towards her right cheek and opened his jaw and clamped down on her flesh. The feeling of his teeth grinding on her flank sent electric waves of pleasure throughout her body.

“EEE!! Mmm help me get out of these?” Gummy asked politely before she was carried to the bed, bridal style.

“I love you my little marshmallow.” Imperius said as they kissed.

“I love you to, Impy, these past couple months have been the best of my life.”

“I’m glad you think so, because there’s something I’ve been thinking about lately. You remember how your dad came by a few days ago to visit?”

“Yeah.” Gummy replied as her undergarments were removed.

“Well…I approached him and wanted to ask him for something extremely important.” Imperius paused his actions for a moment and pulled something out from his back pocket but kept it behind his back.

“Gumdrop, you’re the most incredible mare I’ve come to know. You’re funny, beautiful, and always make me smile. You helped me come out of my shell from my fear of mares, and I believe I’ve found a way to repay you for your kindness.”

He brought his hand around to present a little box. Gummy gasped and covered her mouth when he opened it to reveal a beautiful ring with a rose gold band and a pink diamond on top.

“I-I-Impy…?”

“Gummy. Please say you’ll-!!”

“YEEES!!” Gummy shrieked as she pounced on Imperius and pelted him with kisses.

“R-Really?! You will?!” Imperius said, as Gummy looked down at him with happy tears.

“Yes! Yes I will marry you! Oh Impy, I love you so much!”

“I-I love you to!” Imperius grinned as they sat up and Gummy held out her left hand. Imperius took the ring out of the box and gently put it on her ring finger, making her squeal with joy as she held it out in front of her.

“I’m so happy…” Gummy said as she kissed Imperius deep.

“Me too, now we’ll be together forever,” Imperius said to his new fiancé.

The couple’s attention instantly returned to the sound of Azurys screaming her lungs out as Beorn pinned her against the wall, continuing to pound her rear.

“Ah! Oh gods!!~”

"Want me to stop?"

“Grr don’t you dare~!!” Azurys growled while Gumdrop smirked at her new fiance.

“Let’s show ‘em how a pegasus does it~.” She grinned as Imperius got on top of her.

Imperius tore off all his clothing and spread her cheeks apart to reveal her winking slit. He then aligned himself at her hole and jammed the whole thing in.

“Ahn~!”

Imperius immediately went to work by thrusting as hard as he could into his new sweet fiancé. Gummy panted with arousal and Imperius landed a few smacks on her ass, much to her delight.

“Who’s my sweet little bride to be?” Imperius asked, smacking her ass again.

“Mmm, Ah! I am~!!” Gummy cried out but was still distracted by Azurys.

“Mmm Impy, could you stop for a bit.” She panted as Imperius slowed down.

“What’s wrong?"

“Nothing but…I want you to do it here~” Gumdrop licked her lips as she spread her flank for him.

“Gummy…”

“Please Impy?” She whined with puppy dog eyes.

The prince gulped as he repositioned himself behind her while the sounds next door could still be heard.

“Hurry up!” Gumdrop cried out impatiently.

Imperius obliged by jamming his shaft deep in her tail hole, causing her eyes to cross and her tongue to flop out of her mouth. Their lovemaking became more intense as Imperius reached down and grabbed her breasts while twisting her nipples a little as he thrusted into her.

“HAAA!!” Gumdrop screamed as he rammed her with her eyes slowly rolling back as she began to grit her teeth.

“A-am I hurting you?” Imperius asked with worry.

“Keep…going…HARDER!” Gummy demanded with a crazed grin.

Back in the other room, Beorn had just finished with Azurys who was now a quivering mess and breathing heavy as he flipped her over to see her flushed expression.

“W-wait! Let me rest…” She pleaded as Beorn got on top of her again.

“Shut up.” He said in an almost cold manner before forcing a kiss on her.

“Hey! Beorn, it’s my turn!!” Crysta pouted while watching them.

“Gasp! Beorn, you’ve fucked me enough!” Azurys pleaded again, making Beorn shake his head after coming to his senses.

“Oh…I-I’m sorry Azurys, I got a little carried away,” Beorn frowned as he got off her.

Crysta smiled happily as it was her turn to please their fiancè and sauntered over to the other side of the bed.

“Come and get me stud~.” She teased as she smacked her flank in front of him.

Beorn grinned as he glanced down at Azurys who apparently took the opportunity to pass out. He shrugged as he pounced on Crysta, making her yelp, and forcefully grabbed both her flank cheeks.

“I’m gonna rut you into next week, my sexy little ladybug,” Beorn growled.

“Let’s show Imperius how much louder you can scream than Gummy.”

“Mmm, just be sure to be extra rough with me~. I wanna feel those muscles~.” Crysta licked her lips in anticipation as he ploughed his way into her.

“AH!! Ohhh yes~!!”

“I love you Crysta!” Beorn grunted as he bit her shoulder.

“I love you too, stud!”

Meanwhile, Imperius had changed his position and rammed into Gummy as he pinned her to a wall. The wails of both girls could be heard throughout their area of the castle. If there was any misunderstanding, one would think someone was being tortured.

“Ahhh harder Impy!!”

“Buck me Beorn!! Buck me til I pass out!”

Both studs were pushed to their limits with Imperius having the advantage while Beorn used every ounce of his stamina to satisfy Crysta.

“That pegasus won't finish before me!” Beorn growled as he bucked Crysta harder.

“I won't lose!!” Imperius strained, trying not to finish just yet.

“Uh…should we call for backup?” A passing guard asked his friend.

“Relax. It’s just some horny teenagers having some fun. Happens quite a lot in this castle.” The second guard said as they walked on.

“BUCK ME! BUCK ME, BEORN!!”

“BITE MY FLANK AGAIN, IMPY! I’M SUCH A SLUT!”

That last hit made both guards blush as one of them deadpanned at his friend.

“Fun, huh?”

The lovers kept going until Beorn and Imperius filled their mares at the same time and collapsed on their respective beds completely wiped out. After catching their breath, Crysta and Gummy smiled at their grooms with loving expressions before cuddling up in their arms.

"You okay Gummy?" Imperius huffed as she snuggled under his chin.

"Mmm I'm better than okay~." Gummy giggled as he squeezed her flank.

In the other room, Azurys had made a full recovery and began to make out with Beorn but could easily tell he was wiped out.

"Too much for you stud~?" Azurys asked while sharing a kiss.

"I don't...think I can get up tomorrow…" Beorn wheezed before she planted her breasts on his face.

"Good. That means you're all mine. Right Crysta?"

"Mmm just make sure his stitches stay intact." Crysta hummed while snuggling with his right arm.

In the hospital wing, Upper Crust was crying her eyes out as she sat in a room where Top Notch laid unconscious. She had been told by the doctors that he’d make a steady recovery, but due to the bones broken and the nerves damaged in his arm, he won’t be able to hold a sword properly again. It would break his heart once he was told that he’d have to give up being a knight since it was his dream to stand alongside his fellow recruits and one day graduate.

“Oh my poor baby,” Upper Crust whimpered.

“Ahem.”

Upper Crust looked up and to the door to see the human, Dimitri, leaning in the doorway with a pitying smile. She knew of Dimitri and how he was her son’s new mentor and was a kind soul.

“Afternoon, ma’am, I just wanted to stop by and pay my respects,” he said as he walked in.

“Thank you.” She sniffed while looking at her son.

“My boy always dreamed of being a knight...now that dream is gone…”

Upper Crust held her son’s hand and it felt cold as ice, as though he were already dead and watched helplessly as the heart monitor beeped with each slow breath he took.

“I don't have the heart to tell him…”

“He’s a strong kid,” Lock said as he sat beside her.

“He reminds me of one of my own apprentices back where I’m from.”

“I wish there was something I could do for him, but not even all the bits to our name or the magic in the world can fix what has happened,” Upper Crust said sadly.

“Actually, I can help with that,” Lock said, making her turn to him.

“My power can do more than any magic, with my help, he’ll make a full recovery and continue his dream.”

“You would do that for him?”

“Of course, now watch.”

Lock raised his hand and placed it on Top’s injured side. His hand then was engulfed in flames, making Upper Crust panic a bit, but watched as the color came back to her son’s face. Dimitri held his hand on Top’s side for a while longer as Upper Crust watched in awe. Lock soon retracted his hand and exhaled as the both of them waited patiently for Top.

“Erf…”

Top groaned as he slowly opened his eyes and sat up, much to Upper Crust’s surprise, he yawned and looked around as his vision returned to him.

“Huh? Mother? Where am I?”

“My baby!” Upper Crust cried with joy as she clutched onto him.

The doctors came running in when they heard the commotion and were stunned by what they found. Top Notch’s injuries were reduced to minor fractures and a few burns on his arm as they examined him.

“Sweet Celestia, he’s nearly healed!” A nurse said while checking the bruises on his torso.

“My...my arm!” Top gasped as he began to move his fingers.

“It works!”

“Glad you’re feeling better, kid,” Lock nodded.

“You healed me? But my arm felt like it was snapped in two!”

“Oh it was, along with half your rib cage being shattered, a couple ruptured organs, and I think your spine was bent a little to the left,” Lock listed off, making Top queasy.

“But, now you don’t have to worry about any of that. Oh! I came here for another reason. Marshall wanted me to give this to you after your exemplary service and honorable acts of duty.”

Lock reached into his jacket and pulled out a small medal. It had both the sun and moon on it and was held on by a blue ribbon and pin as he handed it to Top.

“By order of Lord Marshall, Lord Regent of Equestria, cadet Top Notch is hereby graduated and is now a full fledged knight, Private Class. Congrats.”

Top just sat there in shock as the pin was placed on his hospital gown and Lock saluted him with a proud smile while his mother gasped before hugging him again.

“One last thing.” Lock said as he pulled out a pendant.

“Your old man wanted you to have this.”

As Top Notch took the pendant, it sprang open to reveal a photo of his father holding him as a newborn and next to it was an inscription.

My Greatest Achievement

“Guess he really did love you, right to the end.”

Top then felt tears run down his cheek as he clutched the pendant tight, now more than anything he wished his father was here with them.

“Father…”

“Rest now my dear.” Upper Crust smiled as she laid him down and kissed his forehead.

Top nodded as the two adults left the room. They closed the door as Lock noticed Upper Crust still crying and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“You gonna be alright, ma’am?”

“Yes…yes, thank you.” Upper Crust smiled as she turned to her son one last time and left.

Lock nodded and turned the other way to leave and was met with Beorn, Imperius, Crysta, Azurys, and Gummy all coming together down the hall. Each and every one of them looked like they had just woken up, hair frazzled and clothes wrinkled, and Lock noticed cyan blue and dark red lipstick kiss marks on both sides of Beorn’s neck and pink lipstick on Imperius’ cheek. Lock arched a brow at the teens as they smiled sheepishly at him.

“Really?”

“Eh heh.” Beorn grinned before his spine popped in a few places.

“Ow!”

“I trust you ladies had a historic evening?” Lock asked, crossing his arms.

“Well…you could say that,” Gummy grinned, flashing her ring.

“What the…holy shit, seriously Imperius?”

“Yup. Meet my new bride to be.” Imperius grinned before his spine popped as well.

“Ow…”

“BRIIIIIIIIIDE?!?!?!?”

All heads snapped around to see Celesita and Luna down the other end of the hall, no doubt to pay their respects to Top, and Celestia had a manic grin plastered across her muzzle.

“Uh oh…” Imperius gulped.

“EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!” Celestia shrieked as she stampeded down the hall, completely forgetting her pregnancy.

“NO! MOTHER WAIT!!” Imperius cried as he tried to take off only for his spine to pop again.

“OH HAPPY DAYS! HAPPY DAYS!” The sun monarch bellowed as she hopped around and suffocated her son in her bosom.

“MY SON IS GETTING MARRIED!!”

“MMMMF FMMM MMM!!” Imperius muffled as he tried to get loose.

“Sister, please control yourself.” Luna sighed.

“And you’ll be going to Prance! Oh this is wonderful!!”

“Uh, Celestia? He stopped moving,” Lock pointed out as Imperius’ body went limp.

“What’s all that ungodly loud shrieking?!” Marshall asked as he rounded the corner as well.

“Oh hey Marshall, your son got engaged to Gumdrop and I think your wife is about to suffocate him.”

“Ah. I see. Celestia put our son down!”

“Oh! Sorry.” The princess sheepishly grinned as her son finally got some air.

“I can breathe!! Finally!!” He gasped dramatically.

“You surprise me, son, so you popped the question eh?”

“Yes dad, she’s everything to me now,” Imperius smiled as Gummy hugged him.

“Well there’s somepony here who also would like to congratulate you.”

Marshall stepped to the side to reveal Selene, making Imperius gulp nervously. She walked towards her brother and stood before him. As she raised her arms, Imperius braced for impact but then felt her arms wrap around him and felt her warm embrace.

“I’m so very happy for you, little brother, be sure to treat her right,” she whispered with a smile.

“Yaay! We get to be sisters!!” Gummy chirped with enthusiasm as she hopped up and down.

“Hey Celestia, has Antoinette made the preparations for the departure for Prance in a few days yet?” Lock asked.

“Already taken care of.” Celestia smiled when she got an idea.

“You know…since you’re both going to Prance, you can use this to announce your engagement to the whole kingdom!”

“The…the WHOLE kingdom?” The prince gulped and began to sweat.

“Huh, not a bad idea,” Marshall hummed.

“Now Raven will have less paperwork to file since over a quarter of it is marriage proposals and engagement offers from the nobles. Now that you’re engaged, maybe they’ll finally back off.”

“Not likely dear. Remember, most of the families here will not consent to a commoner marrying a royal.”

“Well too bad! This little marshmallow is mine!” The prince declared, not caring he called Gumdrop by her nickname.

“As adorable as your little nickname for her is, Imperius, I’m afraid this all goes a tad deeper than that. Remember that old law you made about 300 years ago, sister?” Luna asked, making Celestia facepalm.

“Of course. Royals can have more than one bride if she is worthy.”

“Exactly, and no offense Gumdrop, but most of the Noble Court would more than likely not deem you a worthy bride for Imperius. It would have to be put to a vote, not even my sister and I can reject this.”

“What’ll happen if the court doesn’t rule in Imperius and Gummy’s favor?” Beorn asked.

“Well…then they would be forced to call off the engagement and Gummy would be sent back to Ponyville, relinquishing her place as a cadet for knighthood,” Celestia explained.

“Then we better fix that. I’ll order a council meeting after the big announcement.” Marshall said with the others nodding in agreement.

“That part of the law needs to change. Marriage is not for personal gain or status, it’s to be shared with the one you cherish most.”

“Always the poet dear husband.” Luna smiled, pecking his cheek.

“Politics, always a headache,” Lock grumbled.

“No wonder I failed that class in college.”

“Ahem! Ladies, gentlemen. This is a hospital not a market street. Please speak quietly or take it outside.” A doctor scolded them and pointed to a sign that read Please Keep Quiet.

“Oh dear. Children, we must go. I take it you’re all here to see your friend?” Celestia inquired as they nodded.

“Very well. Coming Marshall?”

“Yes dear.”

As the adults left, the group quietly entered Tops room to find him watching the latest news on a holo crystal with an empty food tray next to him. They all walked in while Beorn felt guilty seeing him in recovery but noticed he didn’t seem to be injured.

“Top? How are you still awake?” Imperius asked as Top turned to see them.

“Yeah, I thought Beorn beat the shit out of you,” Azurys said bluntly.

“Azurys?!” Crysta whispered in annoyance.

“No no, it’s alright. You can thank Lock. He healed me.”

“Glad to see you’re okay and…is that…the Equestrian Medal?!?” Imperius asked in shock.

“That’s right,” Top grinned, holding up his pin.

“Lord Marshall had Sir Dimitri deliver it to me for my exemplary performance and honorable duty. I’m now a full fledged knight, Private class.”

“Lucky! It takes at least two more years to earn that! Or if you do a great noble deed or something!” The prince said with envy while Beorn stayed in the background.

“Beorn, please step forward,” Top requested. The young king hesitantly walked past the others and stood beside Top.

“Please do not look so sad, Beorn, I do not blame you for what transpired this day.”

“But...I almost killed you.” Beorn argued.

“I know, but I still do not blame you, you were only doing as the trial explained. Even if you had killed me, I still would not hold it against you. Because I’ve come to see you as one of my closest friends.”

Beorn smiled and gave Top a firm handshake as he sat with the others.

“When you’ve fully recovered, let’s have a feast.”

“Gladly.”

The day went on as the kids laughed and enjoyed each other’s company before Top’s friends had to leave. Now the night had come and Top was reading a book he requested from one of the nurses. He then felt a little thirsty so he shut his book and climbed out of bed. Thanks to Lock’s healing, he only felt a little sore but could still walk properly. He left his room and went to the kitchen for some water, but accidentally ran into someone when he rounded the corner. When he looked down, he saw a caribou doe maid, rubbing her head and wincing. She had sand brown fur and her eyes were a soft green. Top leaned down and extended his hand to help her up.

“Sorry about that, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” The maid said while rubbing her forehead.

“Didn’t think any patients would be out this late.”

When the maid grasped Top’s hand and was helped up, she realized who he was and how he was a noble pony and began to panic.

“Um, are you okay?” Top asked, only for her to start rapidly bowing and apologizing.

“Ahhhh! I’m so sorry my lord, please forgive me!!”

“Whoa, whoa! Easy, it was my fault for not paying attention,” Top raised his hands.

“I’m sorry for startling you, my name’s Top Notch, what’s your name?”

“Estrid...m-my name is Estrid.” She replied nervously.

“Estrid? Well that’s a pretty name,” Top smiled, making her blush a little.

“Wanna walk with me to the kitchen? I just needed a glass of water.”

Estrid nodded and followed Top to the kitchen while fidgeting nervously.

“You know, I’m not like those pompous fools who talk everypony down cause they feel like it. At least not any more, so you can relax around me.”

“Oh um…thank you but should you really be out of bed?" Estrid asked as they neared the kitchen.

“Those injuries look bad.”

“Pah! 'Tis but a scratch!” Top boasted with a grin.

“And most of my injuries are nearly healed anyway. I’ll be out of here in no time. After all, I’ve just been appointed as an official knight. I can’t stay here all cooped up.”

Estrid giggled and they soon reached the kitchen. Top grabbed a cup from the cupboard and filled it with water.

“So how long have you been in Canterlot?” Top asked before taking a sip.

“You’re the fist doe I’ve seen working as a maid in the castle.”

“Oh I just started today. My mother worked in the castle fifteen years ago.”

“Fifteen years? But that means…”

“Yes…” Estrid’s ears flopped down as her expression turned gloomy.

“She was in the employ of Dainn Stonehoof.”

“Oh…I’m sorry,” Top frowned.

“No, it’s okay. It feels good to talk about it,” Estrid smiled a little.

“My mother was one of Dainn’s concubines during his reign. He let one of his top officers, my birth father, impregnate my mother in hopes of getting a son to add to his ranks. When they found out she was having a daughter, they cast her out. But then King Wulfric came and ended his tyranny, and I was born a few months later. Princess Celestia allowed my mother to continue working as a maid since she found her homemade pound cakes so yummy. I soon followed in her hoofsteps and mastered the recipe myself, which is how I was able to take over for my mother.”

Top set his cup down as he looked at the young doe maid. Her mother had been through so much and she still kept her head high and was able to keep smiling. If he were his old pompous self, he probably wouldn’t dare find himself in the presence of a caribou, but he was a different pony now.

“It sure is nice to know you’re doing well, even after everything that’s happened. Your birth father, whoever the swine was, missed out seeing you grow up into a cute girl,” Top smiled.

Estrid began to blush when she heard those words and her tail began to twitch, nobody had ever called her cute before.

“M-me? Cute? You’re joking!” She giggled, shoving him away playfully.

“I’m serious.” Top chuckled.

“And I would love to try one of your pound cakes. They must be delicious if Princess Celestia is requesting them.”

“Keep up that flattery, and I would almost think you would want to ask me out!” Eastridge joked.

“Hmm, why not?”

“Yeah, and you-wait what?”

Top smiled as he took Estrid’s hand.

“Once I’m checked out of the hospital wing, may I take you into town for some brunch?”

Estrids heart began to beat like a drum, and her head began to spin. She was being asked out on her very first date.

“Uh I…I’d love to!" She finally blurted out as Top kissed her hand.

“Then it’s a date.”

Top finished the rest of his drink and waved goodbye to Estrid. The young doe maid stood there in shock until a wide smile stretched across her muzzle and she squealed and hopped in place before she skipped happily in the other direction.

Elsewhere

“Gak! M-My lord, please wait!”

“You failed me…you had one job.”

Uba had managed to flee all the way back to Blueblood’s main stronghold in hopes to seek shelter and make a sort of parlay with him but the shadow prince wasn’t happy in the slightest as he strangled the stag with a shadowy tendril.

“How hard is it to kill one caribou bastard? Not only did my informant get discovered and banished to who knows where, but you dare return to me empty handed?” Blueblood hissed.

“M-My lord, please! I may have an idea how to gain the full support of King Saladin!” Uba pleaded, making Blueblood arch a brow.

“Explain lieutenant…quickly!”

“The prince, your nephew, is going with that demon and Queen Antoinette back to Prance! The Queen is returning to announce her pregnancy and the prince is going along to finalize an alliance with Equestria and Prance against us. You could contact Saladin and tell him it would be a great chance to take the prince for himself!”

Blueblood dropped Uba to the ground as he pondered the idea and became pleased with a sinister smile appearing on his face.

“Very well Uba. See to it the message is delivered and I want you to personally capture the boy.”

“Yes my lord!” Uba smiled with relief as he headed for the door.

“Oh and Uba?” Blueblood called out as a black dagger formed in his hand.

“Fail me again…and I'll personally have you drawn and quartered.”

Uba nodded nervously and scurried away. As Blueblood was left alone, he heard a dark chuckle within his mind.

You seem stressed, my vessel, Sombra murmured.

Is my power weighing on you?

“Be silent. My head hurts enough already.” Blueblood groaned while pouring some wine.

“…I need my mare.” The shadow prince hummed with Sombra's voice chuckling in amusement.

“Ahh a little time with the wife eh?”

“Your point?”

“Oh nothing, just be sure to finish quickly. My little broodmare is still in need of training. And you should know, I have decided to sow my seed within her.”

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!!” Blueblood shouted as he slammed down his goblet.

“If you even think about forcing me to breed her-!”

“AH HAHAHAHAHAA!! Did you honestly think my power was limited to empowering your weak body? Fool.” Sombra growled as Bluebloods head suddenly began throbbing with pain.

“If I wanted, I could have shattered your very soul and morph your pathetic form to fit mine! In fact, I could do it right now but…you amuse me, so I'll let this slide.”

“Please…I’ll allow you to do as you please to Blue Bell, even though I despise myself for it, but do not force a foal in her. She doesn’t even know what’s happening to her because of your constant mind wipes.”

“Good boy.”

The pain subsided as Blueblood collapsed to the ground, drenched in sweat. The horn sparked with a bit of dark magic before the prince regained enough strength to stand and lean himself against the table.

“Make no mistake Sombra. Once I have the throne, you'll get what you deserve…”

Blueblood stood up straight and proceeded to walk out of his office. Only as he opened the door, Blue Bell was waiting for him and looked to be in a daze.

“Blue Bell? What is the matter? Why are you out of bed?”

“Huh? Oh…I’m sorry, I guess I’ve been sleepwalking,” Blue Bell said, making Blueblood seeth in his head.

You did this! I told you no!

She is still my broodmare, boy.

“Daddy?”

Blueblood’s mind suddenly went blank as the doors slammed shut and Blue Bell’s eyes suddenly glowed purple as she fell to her knees in a hypnotic state.

“Obey…”

“Command me…master.”

End.

Author's Note

Rewrites are complete and me and my co-writer are back on track! Thank you for your patience