As the orchestra played and the onlookers stood quietly in a sign of respect, Twilight and Mathias began to waltz together, moving perfectly in time with the music. Twilight had danced before in a formal setting like this on multiple occasions, but this time...she felt a genuine connection with her partner. She rested her head against his chest as they slowed their pace, feeling his heartbeat through his shirt.

Mathias could only smile back, as he began to lose himself in the moment. When he was finally old enough to attend royal balls, Mathias had never danced then as his brother Alexander received more attention from the Cydonian nobles' daughters.

However, when Alexander gave his inheritance and status to Mathias and entered the Cydonian Army, Mathias's opinion of dancing had to change, whether he liked it or not. He knew how to dance and did so with partners on a few occasions, but with his newly betrothed Princess in his embrace, he felt like he could truly appreciate this moment more than he would have years ago.

As the music ended and the couple ceased their movement, Twilight gave him a joyful smile before embracing him tightly. Mathias returned the gesture, before leading her back to their seats to rest as the assembled guests applauded.

"Well done." Orion said to Twilight as she and Mathias sat down. "Truly, well done."

"Thank you, King Orion." Twilight replied. "If it's not too much trouble, I feel like retiring for the evening."

"Very well." Orion nodded. "You may depart when you feel it is necessary. And you needn't ask for my permission, as you already have it."

Twilight blushed, and nodded to Mathias and Spike. As they departed through a nearby door that led to the dormitories, escorted by two Praetor Guards, Twilight could only give a tired smile to her betrothed.

Once they had returned to their chambers, Twilight and Mathias changed out of their formal wear and into nightclothes, and headed over to Twilight's bed. Spike was soon sound asleep, and Mathias stretched his legs outwards to keep himself awake once they were both comfortable.

He didn't expect Twilight to move closer to him and lean against his chest, giving a murmur of delight at the warmth he gave off. Mathias simply draped a leg across her shoulders, and they remained like that for quite some time. As the moon rose into the sky, Twilight looked up at her Prince with a raised eyebrow.

"Shouldn't we...be in your bed if we're going...to stay together?" she asked drowsily.

"Not exactly. It's quite common for lovers in Cydonia to sleep in the mare's bed when courting, and then in the stallion's once engaged or married. It's a sign of trust." Mathias replied, kissing her cheek. Twilight gave a soft giggle before she closed her eyes and slumped over a bit, falling into slumber almost instantly.

Mathias merely used his magic to draw the covers over them both, and he soon closed his eyes and fell asleep as well. As the stars flickered overhead, a veil of silence settled over the Royal Palace, bidding its inhabitants to sleep.

====

Off the coast, only several hours away, an Equestrian vessel bearing the flag of the Crystal Empire sailed full speed for the Cydonian Capital. Shining Armor, wearing a set of blue robes under his armor, and Cadance, wearing a simple yet elegantly made yellow dress and some ornaments, stood at the prow.

"Shining…" Cadance murmured, drawing her husband's attention. "What exactly are you thinking of doing once we reach Cydonia?"

"I'm thinking that I'll set the record straight with them," he replied bitterly. "Even if Celestia intends on keeping her word. And hopefully...Twilight will come back to Equestria with us."

"And What if she doesn't' or can't?" Cadance replied. "What will you do then?"

"We work from there." Shining said quietly. "Cadance, let me do the talking when we get there. I think I can sort this out on my own."

"No." she replied instantly, causing Shining to flinch in surprise. "Shining, I know you're upset, but going about it like this or in that state of mind won't help our position in the slightest. And I also know you're not exactly the best at diplomacy."

Shining gave a hollow grunt, but nodded in reluctance. As they watched the Cydonian coastline come closer and closer, a warship approached and pulled alongside their vessel.

"Who goes there?" the Warship's captain asked. "The harbor is closed for the evening. State your business!"

"We're from the Crystal Empire." Cadance called back. "I'm Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle's sister in law, and her brother and my husband Prince Shining Armor, request an audience with your ruler. We're here in peace and we don't intend to cause trouble."

There was silence for several moments, until the stallion called back.

"Very well, we'll escort you to the harbor, but remain on board your ship and at anchor until the King arrives."

"We understand." Shining called back. As the two vessels entered the harbor docks and set themselves at anchor, the warship's captain hopped over the railing, and once he caught sight of Cadance's wings and horn, bowed in respect.

"Our apologies." he said. "Smuggling, despite our Sea Watch's best efforts, is still a problem. We had to be sure of your identities."

"It's fine." Cadance replied. "We'll wait here for however long it takes."

The Sea Captain bowed again and left. As the sun then slowly began to rise over Cydonia, the rulers of the Crystal Empire watched a messenger fly towards the Palace, a sealed bag at his side.

====

Earlier when King Orion entered the main dining hall to review his morning reports, he was mildly surprised to hear the runner's message from the harbor, though he figured that he should have expected that Twilight's family would come sooner or later for a visit.

"Alright, I'll see to this personally." he had said. "Return to your vessel. And I thank you for bringing this to my attention."

Now, as he walked down to the harbor, a team of Praetor Guards at his sides, the vessel bearing the rulers of the Crystal Empire lay at anchor, its flags waving in the breeze. As he approached, Cadance and Shining Armor came forward.

"You're King Orion?" Shining asked.

"Indeed. And you are Prince Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance?" he replied. "Welcome. You'll find Princess Twilight and Spike are both settling in quite splendidly, but if you'd like more...personal reassurance, you may come with me back to the Palace."

"We'd appreciate that." Cadance replied. As they began the trek back to the palace, Shining moved up to speak with Orion.

"What exactly happened after she left Equestria and arrived here?" he asked.

"We held a ball to celebrate her arrival." Orion replied. "She then retired for the evening once it concluded with my son, Prince Mathias, her betrothed."

"I see." Shining raised an eyebrow with an air of slight suspicion. "Anything else I should know?"

"I can assume that you are curious as to the nature of the evening, judging by your tone?" Orion asked, making Shining raise his other eyebrow. He had to admit, the King was quite perceptive. "Rest assured there was no...physical intimacy beyond a kiss or two. It's common in Cydonia for lovers to share beds, first in the mare's, then the stallion's after marriage, as my son likely told your sister. It's a sign of trust and affection. I did so often with own spouse."

"I guess I'll take your word for it." was Shining's reply as they approached the palace gates. "And how did you even know about it going like that?"

"I make it a task to know much of what happens in the Palace." Orion replied. "Ceris, Captain of the Praetor Guard and Mathias's personal guard, checked in on them soon after they retired. Believe me, Prince Shining Armor, I wouldn't have them getting that close before they marry. Trust me on that."

"I'm relieved to hear it." Shining said, at least feeling a burden be lifted from his shoulders as they entered the main hall, then the dining room. Two Guards pulled seats out for Cadance and Shining Armor, and Orion pulled a messenger aside.

"Fetch Mathias and Princess Twilight with haste." he said. The messenger bowed and headed for the bedrooms, as Orion then turned to the rulers of the Crystal Empire.

"Now that introductions are out of the way..." he said. "What else do you wish to ask of me?"

Author's Note

Update!

Yeah, expect a lot of talking in the next chapter between both sides.

Next time - Shining and Cadance speak with Mathias and Twilight regarding her new life and position, and Orion watches from afar.

1-19-20 - Edited a few words, made minor tweaks.