The Handmaiden

"Hurry, Sparkle, we're running out of time!"

It was hard for Twilight to focus on following Rarity, with so much to see around her. She had heard stories of the castle, of its magnificence and grandeur, but it was another experience altogether to see it in person. The pristine corridors, with their glorious murals depicting the Empress in all of Her might, were lined with golden-armored guards, some carrying about their business while others stood guard outside of various doors and chambers. Various maids and servants maneuvered through the halls, their eyes all landing on the new handmaiden.

"Just through here, Sparkle, is the throne room." Rarity directed Twilight to a large set of golden doors at the end of the hall. The chancellor nervously examined her pocket watch, tutting at the time. "You will enter alongside me. You will stand before the Empress, and then you will kiss the sun—"

"Kiss the sun?" asked Twilight. Rarity let out a growl, her annoyance almost tangible. "Is that the salute you do?"

"Yes, you... backwoods bumpkin, it's how you greet the Empress. You take the first and second fingers on your right hand and bring them to your lips." Rarity demonstrated, kissing her fingers and then pointing them to the sky. "You then point to the sun and bow. It represents you offering up your mind, body, and soul to the glorious flames of Our Divinity's shining sun, with the hopes that we may someday be worthy enough to shine as brightly as She, and be cradled in the bosom of Her blazing inferno."

"Right… So I have to do this every time I see her?"

"Every time you see Her, and every time you are forced to leave Her glorious presence. You will not look your Empress in the eye without Her express permission, nor will you speak in Her presence unless prompted. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

Twilight nodded, feeling her heart race in her chest. Just on the other side of the door was the most powerful, intimidating, terrifying woman in the country, someone that Twilight would soon become very closely acquainted with. The stories of Empress Celestia painted Her as more than a woman, Her temperament unpredictable and Her wrath without equal. To some, She was a divine goddess to be worshiped and idolized. To others, She was a merciless tyrant, a demon come alive that was to be feared, despised. Twilight wasn't sure if she fell into either of those categories at the moment. She didn't have much of an opinion of the High Queen, not on a personal level. All she previously had to judge Empress Celestia by was her somewhat warped, twisted idea of justice. But now that she was the handmaiden, Twilight was sure she would work through the myth and discover what sort of woman the wicked Empress truly was.

Assuming, of course, that she survived that long.

"Do not embarrass me, Sparkle. The Empress is waiting, and our only desire is to please Our Lady," said Rarity. She checked her watch one more time, then slowly pulled open the doors to the throne.

Twilight let out the breath she had been holding in, following Rarity into the large, circular room. Light beamed in through the many stained glass windows, beautiful mosaics displaying the Empress’ power and beauty. The most interesting to Twilight was the one just behind the magnificent golden throne itself; the mosaic showed Empress Celestia above her kingdom, with large alabaster wings spreading from her back, and a single, spiraling horn protruding from her forehead. She held the sun in one hand and in the other, nearly crumbled into dust by her grasp, the moon. The image of the Empress large and powerful enough to crush celestial bodies in her hands was almost as intimidating as the presence of the Empress herself. On either side of the High Queen was an intimidating, stoic, imposing guard, clad in their unsettling masks and bronze crested armor.

“You are very nearly late, Ms. Rarity,” said Empress Celestia. Just like before, she spoke not with malice, but with a sort of dry amusement. As if all of this was beneath her, which Twilight had to remind herself, it was.

“Please forgive me, your Divinity. Making this nasty little thing even somewhat presentable…” Rarity shook her head in disgust. “It was a herculean task. I—”

“I don’t keep you around to hear your excuses, Rarity.” Immediately, Rarity froze in fear, unable to muster another word. She nudged Twilight forward, who nervously approached the Empress. She took in a shaky breath before bringing her fingers to her lips and pointing to the sky, dropping to one knee in a bow.

“I-I’m honoured to be in your presence, your Greatness,” said Twilight uneasily. “I—”

“Your hair.” Twilight faltered, glancing up to meet her Empress’ cold, unmitigated gaze.

“Er… P-pardon?”

“Your hair. It’s tied up.” Empress Celestia rose from her throne, crossing the room in just a few long, slow strides. “Who told you to do that?”

“It was…” Twilight glanced up to Rarity, begging for guidance that she wouldn’t receive. Rarity seemed just as confused and concerned, so Twilight could only think to tell the truth. “It was Chancellor Rarity’s idea.” Empress Celestia reached forward, her fingers nearing Twilight’s head slowly and striking fear in the handmaiden’s heart. She squeezed her eyes shut, fully prepared for the worst. She never felt the High Queen’s hand, and she only opened her eyes when she felt her hair come loose and fall down to her shoulders. Twilight blinked in confusion, watching the Empress discard the golden ribbon that formerly contained Twilight’s hair.

“There. You’re much prettier with your hair down, don’t you agree?” said Empress Celestia, though her gaze was mostly trained on Rarity. “You’re a beautiful young woman, no need to look like a dusty old crow.”

"I'm sorry, I didn't—" Twilight was silenced with a gentle wave of the Empress' hand. Another silence descended, during which the High Queen inspected her new servant. She let out a tiny hum before turning back for her throne.

"That dress unfortunately does not fit you well, although I can hardly blame Rarity for not having clothing ready," said Empress Celestia as she returned to her seat. "No matter. Rarity, see to it that the tailors get her measurements before the days is up. I expect her in a proper dress by the time I return."

"Of course, your Excellency, I'll personally design the—" Rarity froze as she fully processed what was said. "Wait, your return?"

"I have business to attend to outside of the kingdom. I will be away for three days," said the Empress.

"But where, your Grace? I don't recall there being anything on your schedule to say—"

"I have business, Rarity. Which means it's none of your business where I'm going." The High Queen spoke a bit more firmly, though her voice was still as cold as ice. "Don't trouble yourself with matters that do not concern you. All you need to worry yourself with is fulfilling my will while I am away."

"Yes, Empress! Forgive me. What is it that you want me to do?" Twilight couldn't help but notice Rarity's voice get smaller, all of her poise and arrogance dashed by the High Queen's gentle tone.

"Find Twilight Sparkle a room, and prepare her to serve me upon my return. Get her clothed and fed, the poor girl must be famished, and show her around the castle. It's easy to get lost here." Again, the Empress stood up, making a more purposeful stride to the door. "That spell I asked you to work on. What is your progress on it?"

"Nearly finished, my Lady," said Rarity, kissing the sun in salute. "I just need to do a bit more research and work out the last few words of the incantation. I'll need about three weeks."

"You have two. Do not disappoint me." Empress Celestia paused as she passed Rarity, her thin lips curling into a proper smile. "And as for you, Twilight Sparkle…" Twilight stiffened slightly in her bow. "I look forward to getting to know you better once I return home. Until then… Farewell. Men, with me."

Without a single word more to her subjects, Empress Celestia strolled out of the throne room, followed swiftly by her guards, and leaving the two alone in an awkward, uncomfortable silence. For about a minute, neither Rarity nor Twilight spoke, and it wasn't until the sound of the Empress' heels clicking against the floor had faded away did Twilight feel safe enough to stand and speak.

"Did I do something wrong?" asked Twilight nervously. The chancellor said nothing at first, twisting her hair nervously. Finally, she took a deep breath, straightened her back, and turned for the door.

"You did adequately. Not much you could do to muck this up, in any case," sighed Rarity. "Come along, Sparkle. I've got quite a lot to do."

"Does she leave the kingdom often?" Twilight followed behind Rarity as she exited the throne room, taking an immediate right turn down the hall.

"Not 'often', no. But it's not unheard of. The last time the Empress left the kingdom for an extended period of time…" Rarity hummed in thought, her finger on her chin. "It must have been about fifteen years ago. I had only been on the job for a few years…"

"What do you think she's doing?"

"That is none of our concern. You do not question our Empress for any reason. You are here to serve, not conjecture the nature of the business of— What in the three hells are you doing here?!"

Twilight glanced up, a small smile spreading to her lips at what she saw. Sweetie Belle limped down the hall to meet them, awkwardly clutching a parcel in her off hand. Her walking stick clicked against the floor as she approached, the contents of her package clinking against each other. The girl grinned as she came to a stop before her sister and Twilight.

"Hey, s-sis," said Sweetie. "Hi again, Twilight."

"Hello." Twilight waved politely, more than a bit pleased to see a friendly face.

"How did you even get here?" demanded Rarity.

"S…s-scootaloo was on her way to the castle for her shift, and she gave me a ride. I meant to give you something when you were home, but I forgot." Sweetie offered the parcel, which Rarity accepted. She opened it, giving the contents a once-over before nodding her appreciation. "S-sorry. I heard what you're working on for the Empress, so I whipped up some brews that should help."

"Hm. Thank you, Sweetie Belle, but you really shouldn't leave home by yourself…" said Rarity. Sweetie rolled her good eye, crossing her arms awkwardly.

"I'm a grown woman, Rarity. I can handle a little trip across the city.” Sweetie smiled in spite of herself, sparing a glance to Twilight. “Besides, I figured you’d be too busy to show Twilight around properly. Thought I’d come down and lend a hand.”

“That is… Actually, that’s perfect. Sweetie, you’re a lifesaver!” Rarity closed up the package of potions, checking her watch as she did. “I need to write a few letters, and work on this formula, so if you could get the girl’s measurements for me and send them down to the tailors… Oh, and she’ll need to see her room, there should be a free bunk in the servant’s quarters… Damn it, I’ll have to let Heartstrings know… Hop to it, I’ll be back to collect her in two hours.” Rarity turned and ran the other way, waving over her shoulder. “Thank you, sister! Love you!”

“Love you too!” Sweetie smirked and shook her head before turning to Twilight. “How are you holding up so far?"

"Confused. Terrified." Twilight clutched her middle, her stomach letting out a ferocious growl. "Er… Perhaps a bit hungry."

"C-come on," chuckled Sweetie. "Let's raid the kitchen."

It was easy to assume that injuries and deformities such as Sweetie Belle's would hinder her confidence, but Twilight quickly realized just how far from the truth it was to believe that. Sweetie moved through the castle as if it were her home, albeit a bit slowly on account of her leg, and she spoke quite familiarly to the kitchen staff. It didn't take much convincing to persuade the chef to arrange a small lunch for the two, directing them to a small dining room a bit of a ways from the kitchen.

When the servants brought them their meal, Twilight was amazed. There were so many different sights and smells, dishes the likes of which Twilight had never before seen. Soups, breads, fish, sauces, fruit, and pastries, as well as jugs of water and wine, it was almost too much for Twilight to take. She hadn't ever before in her life seen this much food at once, and it was all Twilight could do to stop herself from gorging on the spread before her.

"Thank you," said Sweetie, nodding to the departing servant. She traced Twilight's stunned gaze to the platters before her, giving a tiny half-smirk. "It's no S-solstice Feast, but it's pretty tasty nevertheless."

"Wow. This is… a lot," said Twilight. She reached forward for a slice of bread, pausing before she could take it. "Can I…"

"Of c...c-course. Eat up." Sweetie smiled as Twilight grabbed her bread and took a big bite. "No need to ask, I got this for us."

"Right. Thank you." Twilight slowed her pace, watching as Sweetie daintily helped herself to the fish. "It's just… Normally, I have to work for food. And it's not usually this… Well, frankly, it can't really even be called food. Moldy bread is the best we can hope for."

"Trust me, you'll be working for your food here, too," promised Sweetie. "Just in different ways. The Empress can be very demanding." She chuckled to herself, chewing thoughtfully. "I'm sure your time in the arena taught you that already."

"Oh. You heard about that, huh?"

"Word travels quickly in this city. When people s-saw you take out the manticore, they were in shock. Some people think it was all the Empress, stirring up the game to make things exciting."

"And what do you think?" asked Twilight.

"I think that the Empress wouldn't have pulled you out if you hadn't genuinely surprised her with a display of sorcery," said Sweetie with a stammer. "And besides, I saw the bruising on your hand. Those are definitely caused by magick."

Twilight looked down at her hand, the throbbing, stinging pain having mostly faded from her mind in the wake of all the excitement. The bruise seemed to have darkened significantly, the formerly pale skin now a tepid purplish-blue on much of her palm. She hadn't given her abilities much thought since the arena, her mind still not fully wrapped around the idea that she was capable of such things. Twilight clenched her fist, feeling the subtle pulsating pain in her hand fade in and out.

"So… I'm guessing you're also a mage?" asked Twilight. "Seeing as Rarity is your sister?" To her surprise, Sweetie simply shook her head.

"Nope. It doesn't really work that way. As far as anyone can tell, it's random," explained Sweetie. "S-some people are magi, and some aren't. Bloodline has nothing to do with it. I just s-so happen to know a bit about you guys."

"Do you think you could give me a quick lesson?"

"S-sure. It's pretty s...s-s… It's pretty easy to get a hold of. There are 5 families of magick." Sweetie held her hand up, counting them off as she listed them. "Destructive, Restorative, Illusionary, Alterist, and S-summoning. All pretty s-self… obvious names. Rarity is mainly an alterist mage. Her magick changes things, makes things bigger and smaller. On a basic level, anyway."

"Is that how she talks so loudly? At the arena, her voice was so big and loud, we could hear it down there." Sweetie Belle nodded. "Interesting. Do you know what she's doing for the Empress? That spell you were talking about?"

"I have some ideas, but I can't really talk about it. Not my place." Twilight nodded slowly, only then fully realizing the position Sweetie Belle found herself in. "But enough about me. I'm very curious to get to know you. How'd you end up as handmaiden?"

"Well… I was in the arena with my… well, with someone special to me. She was in trouble, and my magick thing happened, so the Empress pulled me and my friend out of the game." Twilight felt her heart pang with guilt at the thought of Pinkie. She must've been so scared, not to mention hungry, and here Twilight was with enough food to get the two through a few weeks. "The Empress was going to… She was going to have Pinkie killed. She said that she'd spare her if I agreed to become her handmaiden."

"Oh goodness. That was incredibly s-selfless of you, Twilight. It couldn't have been easy to do that." Sweetie gave a small, warming smile. "Pinkie is very lucky to have someone like you looking out for her."

Twilight wasn't sure how much she believed any of that, least of all that last bit. She had done nothing but fail Pinkie, break all of her promises. She swore the two would never see the arena, she swore that they would make it out together, she swore that they would live happily ever after, and she hadn't managed to accomplish any of them. Even now, as handmaiden, Twilight had made another impossible promise, one she couldn't begin to fulfill. That didn't seem like much luck to Twilight.

The two spoke for some time, getting to know one another over their lunch. They traded stories and questions, about life in the castle, and life in prison. Despite their budding friendship, Twilight kept her answers short, reserved, close to the chest, and she suspected that Sweetie was doing much the same. While Twilight trusted Sweetie quite a bit more than she did the chancellor, there were things she didn't necessarily want to share with anyone, things about her past, her incarceration, her "crimes". The conversation was pleasant, if a bit tense at times, and it likely would have continued indefinitely if not for the knock on the door. Sweetie stood up, pulling the door open to reveal a golden-armored guard.

"Ms. Belle, the chancellor would like your presence at the tailors," said the guard. Sweetie nodded in understanding, leaning on her walking stick idly.

"Of course. If you would, let her know that we'll be right along," stuttered Sweetie. The guard saluted, then disappeared from the room. "Well, this has been wonderful, but I'm afraid we're out of time. I'd love to get together with you again, but for now, we should s-see my sister."

"Yes. I shudder to imagine how she'll react if we keep her waiting," sighed Twilight. She felt calmer than she had earlier, no doubt helped by her newly filled belly. Even as she rose from her seat, however, she still had this nagging curiosity in the back of her mind, and she couldn't bear to ignore it. "Before we go… I have just a few more questions. If you don't mind."

"S-sure thing. Fire away."

"You said your friend was on their way for a shift when they picked you up. They wouldn't happen to be a guard, would they?" Sweetie nodded, her head tilted and a glint of intrigue in her good eye. "Well, I was wondering, if you have friends in the guard… Would you happen to know a guard by the name of Flash Sentry?"

"Hm… No, I can't s-say I do. I don't know everyone in the castle, though. I'll ask S-scootaloo when I next see her, if you like," said Sweetie.

"Oh, that's not necessary. Just a passing curiosity." Twilight didn't think that would really get her anywhere, but it was still a bit frustrating that she had learned nothing about him. "More pressingly for the moment… There are some guards with different armor. It's more orange-ish, with this crest in the middle." Sweetie Belle tensed slightly, her lips curling into a tiny frown. "They also have these m—"

"Masks, yes. They're called Daybreakers. They're Empress Celestia's most elite guards," said Sweetie carefully. "She almost never goes out without them. Scootaloo is hoping to become one, but I'm not so sure. There's only a handful of them, and they're not to be trifled with. It's best that you don't think about them." Sweetie placed a hand on Twilight's shoulder, squeezing her gently. "I like you, Twilight, and I want you to do well here. S-so I need you to trust me here. You need to obey the Empress, keep your head down for now, and no matter what… Avoid the Daybreakers. Please."

Twilight nodded slowly, her curiosity climbing with each unanswered question. If these Daybreakers were enough to frighten Sweetie Belle this much, then Twilight wasn't particularly thrilled with the notion of spending an extended amount of time with them. Still, even with these threats and terrors, both known and a mystery, it was nice to have an ally in the form of Sweetie Belle. Maybe, with her help, her promise wouldn't be so impossible after all.

"Alright. I think we've kept your sister waiting long enough," sighed Twilight. "Let's go."

"And this will be your room."

Twilight looked into the small, candlelit room curiously. There wasn't much in it, just a small bed, a wardrobe, a dresser, a body-length mirror, and a candlestick. There were no windows, just a single door and little room in which to move around. Even still, it was more than Twilight could have ever enjoyed previously, and she was incredibly grateful to have such a comfortable place to stay.

"Though you may find yourself serendipitous enough to be in such an honourable position, you are still technically a servant of the crown," explained Rarity, gesturing towards the room. "And, as such, you work for the castle. Not vice versa. You will be expected to keep your chambers, and all areas in which you reside in or merely pass by, clean and orderly. Am I understood?"

"Yes, of course," Twilight stepped into the room, her eyes falling on her new bed. The day's events had left her exhausted beyond belief, and she wanted little more at that moment than to collapse into a warm, soft bed for the night.

"You are to be awake and ready to work upon the cock's crow at the crack of dawn. From there, you will get dressed, and then report directly to the Empress' bedchamber," continued Rarity. "There, you shall wait until Our Divine Mistress calls upon you, at which point you will offer her your services in whatever capacity she so desires of you. You will then accompany her to breakfast, where you shall both meet with me as I provide news to the High Queen, as well as the day's schedule. Understood?" Twilight nodded, which seemed good enough for Rarity. "Good. You may be dirty street trash, but it appears you can at least follow instructions. I suggest you turn in for the night now, for you have a long day of learning ahead of you come morning."

With a reserved sort of half-bow, the Royal Chancellor departed from the room, leaving Twilight alone for the first time since she was pulled from the arena. It was hard to believe that was just this morning. To Twilight, it felt like a lifetime ago. So much running around the castle, learning what she could about royal life, being fitted for clothing. It was nice to be able to just take a moment to breathe, to rest.

Naturally, as Twilight shed her borrowed dress and slid into her new nightgown, her mind drifted to Pinkie. She must be so scared, all alone in Golden Oak for the first time since her arrest. That cold, empty cell, the heartless guards, the desperate and savage prisoners, they were all more than Pinkie should have had to endure. She was a softer soul, an innocent, pure girl who hadn't done a thing wrong in her life.

"I miss you."

Twilight wished with all her might that her words could somehow reach, to let Pinkie know how much she cared for her. She had to convince herself that Pinkie already knew, and was no doubt whispering to the heavens the very same thing. It was a small comfort, but Twilight needed all she could get. With a longing heart and a tired sigh, Twilight curled into bed, her mind almost entirely consumed by thoughts of her love.

"Who are you?"

Twilight sat up sharply, her eyes darting throughout the room, searching for the source of the voice. There was no one around, not a soul in the room save for herself. Twilight took in deep, soothing breaths, trying to make sense of things. It was just fear, addling her brain and causing her to hear things that weren't there. Twilight let out the air she had been holding in, laying herself back down.

"Twilight Sparkle…"

Again, the voice seemed to come from nowhere, simply manifesting in Twilight's mind. It didn't make any sense. Who was that voice? Why could Twilight barely hold onto these simple words? Why did her body suddenly feel so heavy?

"We need you… Celestia…"

"W-who…?" Twilight could barely speak, her tongue tying itself up in her mouth. "Who are you…?"

"Help… Die… Kill…"

Twilight snapped up in her bed, a cold sweat clinging to her body. She blinked rapidly, clutching her head gently. She couldn't even recall laying down properly, nevermind falling asleep. The last she could recall was thinking about Pinkie, how much she missed her. Twilight thought she might have been having a dream when she nodded off, but she couldn't for the life of her remember what of. It was just at the edge of her memory, barely evading Twilight's grasp. The more she thought on it, the further and further the voice seemed to get.

Her head still swimming, Twilight laid herself back down in her new bed, letting her mind drift away from the strange voice and conjure up images and fantasies of holding her beloved Pinkie in her arms.