Quietly, Flurry progressed to the door and opened it quietly. She was met with the wave of scents from the castle that laid outside of her door, it smelled quite dead and had still air, unlike her room. "...Father..." She whispered quietly with a blink. She lowered his eyes at his peering gaze. Then her mind processed finally what he said. "Surprise?" Her eyes suddenly lit up with hope.

"What? Too unlikely of me? I see." Sombra bitterly turned and was about to head out, but Flurry rushed over and put a sudden hoof on his shoulder. "... "

"No! I'm just a little surprised, you've never gotten me a gift before. Not like it's your fault, you're usually quite busy. I'd gladly accept anything you have to give me." Flurry said with a tilt of her head, seemingly so very appreciative of her 'father's' attempt to at least get her something.

"... Fine. Here take it. It is not every day you age to eighteen." Sombra's head turned slightly, he looked down angrily, Flurry Heart's eyes went wide with what she saw. Not only inside was a knitting kit, but there was also a blanket that was handcrafted by probably one of the maids, it was what she adored so much. Diamonds and crystals. The blanket showed itself to be light pink, with blue diamonds and crystals on the pink which made them stand out greatly. "Do not just gawk at it like a hawk, do you enjoy it?"

"Yes, daddy, I love it!" She jumped quickly into his arms, her eyes swelling up with tears, she had never even gotten the smallest gift from him, so this was revolutionary to her! Sombra on the other hoof didn't understand the sudden affection, it was strange, he felt the urge to push his 'daughter' off, but instead, he melted into her hug for the slightest moment before finding himself pulling away. "I could make so many things with this."

"Yes, yes. Do not be making messes. I better not see a single thread on the floor." Sombra hissed quietly as he barely made eye contact with Flurry Heart, he turned to leave, but Flurry felt a bit risky after their previous encounter. He felt her hoof lay on his shoulder once again. "What is it, child?"

"Can I come with you?" She said with the slightest whisper, it was sent straight to his doubtful thoughts. He lowered his head, Flurry gave a wide-eyed look, hoping for the slightest hope of freedom from this room. He bitterly lowered his head and hesitantly nodded under hooded lids. Flurry's heart exploded with joy, and she found herself eagerly following behind her father.

She was usually not allowed to explore the castle without the escort of a maid or two, but now she felt proud, being escorted by her father for once and the king. She felt as if she could ask to go anywhere, a maid restricted her area limits since the king was not right there to tell her where she could and couldn't go, the maid just followed an exact boring path. Now, she could maybe even see the outside in a better light?

She wouldn't push anything, but as she finally left her room, the lights automatically dimmed. She felt more relaxed though, she seemed a little TOO eager, which granted a few or more glares from King Sombra. "So, dad? Am I really a princess? Am I going to be a queen someday?" She tilted her head.

"Depends on what you choose." His eyes lowered as he stared at the cold ground, what did he mean by that? In Sombra's eyes, she had a choice, but it's not like he'd let her know that choice. "Both lead you to be a Queen, well. For the most part, one of the options is less superior, and I doubt you'd be referred to as a queen."

"Do not tell me I have to marry a prince or something to be a queen! I'm quite alright." Sombra raised a brow in a judgemental attitude as if that wasn't the options. "Well, I'd always love to rule over this kingdom, was mom the last queen?" Flurry said suddenly which made Sombra halt in his steps, Flurry took it as pain.

"No. There hasn't been a true powerful queen over this kingdom for eons." Sombra said bitterly, finally, he resumed his steps throughout the castle, Flurry was following slowly behind. "..."

"So, since I'm eighteen... I decided to ask, who was my mom? I'm an alicorn, so it had to be one of the princesses. Is Princess Cadence as she likes to be called my mom? I don't think Celestia is." He stopped once again, but more urgent, she felt triumphant as if she cracked it, but he turned to her, repulsed.

"CADENCE?" He said with an amused look. "Not in my worst nightmares, but if you want to play your delusions, then indeed she can be your mother." She was Flurry's mom, but he wouldn't admit it. He didn't need her running off, and he certainly didn't want her thinking he had any connection with the Princess of Love. It was borderline disgusting.

"Celestia?" He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "... Princess Luna?" He shook his head even more urgently. She would tilt her head quietly. The most recent princess had only been crowned a bit before she was born. So she opened her mouth and asked. "Princess Twilight?" She said ever so suddenly, that gained the most disgusted look that ever formed on her father's face. "Yes, that would be weird."

"INDEED." He said, shaking his head to get that thought out. He certainly hated her asking all of these questions.

"Okay, but then who's my mom? You're telling me there's a secret alicorn somewhere that you somehow met and saw?" She said with slight confusion. Sombra glanced quietly in her direction, but he didn't reply. "Dad, you can't hide it from me forever. Are you indirectly saying I'm adopted?" She smiled lightly, playing it off as a joke.

"No, I am not. But I'd prefer you to stop asking questions. You should be content with who you are." Sombra rolled his eyes lightly and continued to progress into the castle. "... Though, I can tell you about the Crystal Empire."

Author's Note

ok, sorry for the short chapter! i wanted to finish this before i went to bed soon, i'll hit 2k-3k words next chapter. sksks.