The Handmaiden

In the few days since moving into the castle, Twilight had gotten used to her new routine quite quickly. She was already used to waking before the crack of dawn, from her time at Golden Oak, and so she was often ready long before Rarity was there to fetch her. The chancellor didn’t have an abundance of nice things to say about Twilight, but she could at least respect the new handmaiden’s punctuality.

But all of that adjusting was about to be thrown on its head, something Twilight could feel in the very air from the moment she woke up. She had heard news from the other servants that Empress Celestia had returned during the night, and so Twilight’s proper duties were about to begin. She was so anxious about meeting with the Empress, spending a full day with her, that she hardly slept.

A knock at the door stole Twilight’s attention from her own fearful musings. It was time to go. She gave herself one more look in the mirror, straightening her beautiful white and red gown, then slid into her silvery shoes. With a heavy sigh, a futile attempt to steady her heart, Twilight crossed her room and opened the door. Standing across from her was just who she expected, although Rarity had changed herself just a bit. Her hair was freed from the typical confinement in its bun, now running down loosely to the chancellor's shoulders. It was neat and orderly, contained by a swath of golden ribbon. As was usually the case, Rarity didn’t look at Twilight when she opened the door, her focus dedicated entirely to the list in her hands.

“Are you ready?” asked Rarity, although her tone of voice made it abundantly clear that there was only one real answer to such a question. “The Empress shall be waking any moment.”

“Ready,” said Twilight. Without another word, Rarity set off, and Twilight followed closely behind her. “You’ve changed your hair.” Again, Rarity said nothing. The two continued in silence for a bit before Twilight made another attempt at conversation. “I think it looks quite nice.”

“Noted.” Rarity’s response was curt, flat, and dry, much like everything else she said to Twilight since their meeting. She wasn’t sure why the chancellor seemed to have such disdain for her, but it did nothing to alleviate Twilight’s anxiety.

The two carried on through the corridors until they found themselves at the large, golden door that led to the Empress’ bedchamber, a golden-armored guard on either side. Twilight relaxed slightly at the sight of a standard Canterlot guard, her mind still wrapped in fear of the Daybreakers. As the two approached, the guards stepped forward, gesturing to the door.

“The Empress is awaiting the handmaiden in her chamber,” said one of the them. Rarity gave a tiny nod and stepped forward, just to be stopped by the guard. “She said just the handmaiden. Sorry, chancellor." Rarity frowned, but stepped back nevertheless.

"Very well. Go on, Sparkle," sighed Rarity. "Don't keep our Lady waiting any longer."

Twilight took a tiny step for the door, her heart pounding like a drum. Though she wouldn't even for a second go as far as to call Rarity a friend, she had hoped to have someone standing between her and the High Queen. To face her alone was even more frightening a prospect than Twilight could have originally imagined. After sparing the chancellor a backwards glance, Twilight swallowed her heart back down and strode forward, pulling the door to the chamber open and stepping into the room.

The bedchamber was spacious, many times larger than Twilight's cell at Golden Oak, and it was decorated with many paintings, wardrobes, and dressers holding an assortment of jewelry and various oddities Twilight was not familiar with. Nearly in the center of the room, just before the large, tall windows, was an exquisite, expansive four poster bed, with sheer silk drapes drawn to afford the Empress privacy and comfort. The light shone through the drapes, allowing Twilight to see the shadowy outline of the High Queen laying on her side, her curves forming a silhouette of her beautiful, perfect body with the help of the bright sun. Twilight stood quietly for a moment, not wanting to disturb the Empress, and didn't say anything until she was sure she had seen Empress Celestia stir.

"G-good morning, your Grace," said Twilight shakily. She brought her fingers to her lips and kissed the sun before dropping to one knee, just as Rarity had instructed. "I stand before you, ready to serve your every whim."

"Get up, Twilight Sparkle." The Empress didn't turn, leaving her back to Twilight. "You'll have to forgive me if I'm a bit curt. It's frankly too early in the day to put up with that whole song and dance."

"Yes, Empress." Twilight stood up, more than a bit curious as to what the Empress meant. She went to take a step back, freezing in place when Empress Celestia slowly sat up in bed. She drew the curtains on the far side and slowly stood up, strolling around the bed until she was before Twilight, who immediately averted her eyes. "Empress!"

"You're going to have to become a bit more comfortable with my form if you wish to be my handmaiden, Twilight Sparkle," said the Empress, a small laugh in her voice. "We're both adults, no? You can look."

Slowly, and with a burning blush on her cheeks, Twilight returned her gaze to the Empress' nude body. Her skin was silky smooth, like fine porcelain. The High Queen had an appropriately divine figure, with large, firm breasts that Twilight had to fight to avoid staring at. Similarly, the Empress boasted wide hips and a thick, eye-catching rear, the perfect blend of cushioned and firmly toned. Most intriguing, to Twilight in any case, was the neat, orderly tuft of tri-colored hair just above the Empress’ cunt, almost as if to draw attention to what was likely the most desired pussy in all of Equestria. Strangely enough, what made her seem even more naked than her lack of dress was the absence of her diadem, which rested atop a bust on the Empress' dresser.

“You know, there are some people just outside this door that would gladly pay an arm and a leg for just a glimpse of what you get to see before you,” said Empress Celestia. She tilted her head and smirked. “So I hope you’re getting a healthy eyeful." Twilight didn't respond, doing her best to keep her eyes on the Empress' face. "In the wardrobe is a golden dress, with silverish trim. Retrieve it."

Jumping at the chance to get out of the awkward, uncomfortable, terrifying situation she found herself in, Twilight quickly hurried to the wardrobe. Upon opening it, she quickly found the dress that Empress Celestia had described and grabbed it, bringing it before the High Queen. Curiously, Empress Celestia made no effort to take the dress, instead turning away from Twilight and raising her arms slightly.

"Dress me." Twilight looked down at the dress in her hands, trembling as she approached the High Queen. As if afraid of being pounced on, she slowly, carefully, timidly pulled the dress onto the Empress' body, taking care as to not damage the delicate fabric. "So, Twilight Sparkle. What do you think of your time in the castle so far?"

"It's perfect, Empress," said Twilight, her voice lacking any convincing sense of enthusiasm. She went to tie the dress around the waist with a silver sash. "Your castle is exquisite. I quite like—" Empress Celestia turned on the spot, grabbing Twilight under the chin, forcing her mouth shut and stilling her heart in her chest.

"Let me be perfectly clear, Twilight Sparkle." The High Queen's voice was a gentle whisper, carrying with it an impossible weight and power. "When I ask my handmaiden for her thoughts, I expect to hear her thoughts. Not Rarity's thoughts. Not the thoughts you think I want to hear. I want to know what you think. Now tell me the truth. What do you think of the castle?"

Slowly, the Empress removed her hand, brushing a lock of hair from Twilight's face almost tenderly. The handmaiden didn't react at first, too rattled to speak. It wasn't until Empress Celestia had her hands busied with tying and adjusting her dress did Twilight feel safe enough to speak.

"I… the castle is nice, but daunting," said Twilight carefully. Empress Celestia nodded, beckoning for more. "It's frankly terrifying. Everyone is so important and threatening, I can barely get through the day without breaking down from the weight of it all, and that was before I even met with you."

"Are you afraid of me?"

"Terrified. I'm so scared of what might happen if I screw up, or if you just decide you're bored of me." Twilight took a half step back as the Empress neared her. "I want to… fulfill your will and desires, but I haven't the faintest idea of what I'm doing."

A silence fell over the room, Empress Celestia staring through Twilight's very being. The tension was thick enough to cut with a blade, threatening to choke out Twilight. Her heart pounded in her throat as the High Queen approached, her fear mounting with each step. Had she misspoken? Perhaps she shared too much of how she felt, and she was meant to bottle up her fear and tension to convince the Empress that her handmaiden was enthralled to be there. But the High Queen seemed to be able to read Twilight easily, and to say anything but the truth was surely a recipe for disaster. Not for the first time, and surely not for the last, Twilight found herself in an unwinnable situation.

"You are right to be afraid, Twilight Sparkle. It would behoove you to revere me. To fear me." The Empress braced Twilight's face with her hands. "Very few things can be promised in this life, but I will promise you this: I find you very, very intriguing for the time being. If you continue to be as such, and if you obey me… I gave you my word that I would spare the gypsy, and I'm a woman of my word. All you need to do is uphold your end of the bargain. You will struggle and you will fail. This is expected. This is necessary. But the moment you stop struggling, the moment you stop trying, the moment you stop being amusing… Then you will have a good reason to fear me." Empress Celestia smiled a powerful, haunting, wicked smile as she released her grasp on Twilight. "But for now… I happen to find you quite interesting, Twilight Sparkle. Very easy on the eyes, although something is missing…"

Empress Celestia patted Twilight gently on the cheek before turning for her dresser. She produced a jewelry box, finely crafted of dark oak, and brought it to her bed, where she took a seat. She beckoned for Twilight, who timidly met her at the edge of the bed. Empress Celestia slowly opened the jewelry box. Sitting in the velvet lined box was a collection of gems, six in total and of varying sizes and colors.

"My pendants first, if you would," said Empress Celestia. Twilight carefully removed the pendants, one gem pink and the other purple, both hanging from thin loops of platinum. Carefully, so as to not somehow damage the jewelry (or worse yet, offend the Empress), she tied the pendants around the High Queen's neck. "Next the rings. Save the anklets for last."

"Are these the rings you told me about?" asked Twilight, lifting the two silver rings from the box. Onto the Empress' right hand, on her little finger, she slid a ring under with a soft blue gem. On the other hand, she gave a ring with a gem of green. "The ones from the… execution?"

"Clever thinking, Twilight Sparkle," said the Empress with a grin. "Incorrect thinking, but clever nonetheless. No, these rings are much, much, much older than that poor whoreson. The anklets now, thank you kindly."

Twilight took the anklets from the box and tied them around the High Queen's dainty, perfect ankles. On the left foot, she tied a gem that was deep red in color. On the right, a gem of glowing orange, like the setting sun. Twilight stood up, confused as to why the jewelry box was still open until she peered into its depths; laying at the bottom of the box was a thick swath of leather with a buckle on one end and many slots for it to be strapped with. In the middle was a large, golden sun, a bit taller than the leather strap itself. The Empress grinned, pulling the strap from the box and rising to her feet.

"Turn around," ordered the High Queen. Her heart pounding in her throat, Twilight didn't have much choice but to obey. She gulped in fear as the Empress' fingers neared her, her terror mounting at the sensation of rough leather against her neck. Slowly, as if to give Twilight time to fully absorb her situation, Empress Celestia strapped the collar snugly around her throat. "There. Let me see how that looks." Twilight's face burned with embarrassment, with humiliation, as she slowly turned on the spot to be inspected and scrutinized by the Empress.

"Much better. I knew your ensemble was missing something, and that something was a way to display that you belong to me. You will wear this from now on. Every second you are in my presence, that collar is to be around your neck. Am I understood?" Twilight slowly nodded, which only seemed to intensify the Empress' smile. "Good girl. Now, the way I see things, we've teased my chancellor enough by now. What say you, Twilight Sparkle? Shall we have some breakfast?"

"Yes, your Majesty," said Twilight. She watched as the Empress crossed the room to the marble bust on the dresser, the head of which held her glittering golden diadem. She pulled the headpiece from its home and placed it carefully on her head. As if she needed to be more intimidating. She gave Twilight one more look up and down, almost devouring her with her eyes, before opening the door and stepping out of the bedchamber.

"Good morning, Empress!” Rarity kissed the sun and bowed before the High Queen. "’Tis a beautiful day, made all the more luminous by your glorious light. Today, we have quite a bit to accomplish, your Divinity, so—"

"You look absolutely ridiculous, Rarity." Empress Celestia briskly strolled past the chancellor without even sparing her a glance. "Tie your hair up at once. And please, it's far too early to be dealing with your preferred brand of nonsense. I have an intense craving for blueberry tarts and I flat-out refuse to listen to a single item on that list until I have one."

"Yes, your Greatness." Rarity glanced to Twilight sullenly, her eyes locked onto the collar around the handmaiden's throat. She removed the ribbon from her hair and used it to tie up her sapphire locks in accordance with her Empress' preference. "The dining hall will be ready for you in just a moment."

"Good. Make sure that they have my table set for two. Twilight Sparkle shall be dining with me this morning." Empress Celestia hummed in thought before giving a gentle shrug. "Make it three. I suppose I actually should listen to what you have to say, hm?"

"W-why, I would be honoured!" Even while struggling to keep pace with the High Queen, Rarity found time to bow. "Although… for you to share a table with a lowlife like Sparkle…"

"It is irregular, yes. But it is also none of your concern whom I elect to dine with. Do not question me again, Rarity, especially after I so graciously granted you the opportunity to be in my company," said Empress Celestia.

"Of course, Empress. Please, forgive me…" Rarity shrunk down under the weight of the Empress' disapproval. She peered up, apparently hoping to see some glimmer of forgiveness in the eyes of the High Queen; the cold, almost vacant glare she received left much to be desired. Twilight watched the exchange awkwardly, her anxiety turning to tension when Rarity turned to her and gave her a dirty, disgusted glare.

The rest of the trip to the Empress' dining hall was as short as it was uncomfortably silent. Empress Celestia spared neither of her servants another backwards glance until they arrived, at which point Rarity quickly opened the door and held it open for the High Queen. Empress Celestia strolled past, with Twilight just behind her, causing Rarity to take up the rear.

"My seat, Twilight Sparkle," said Empress Celestia, pointing to a seat at the head of the table that was quite a bit more ornate than the others. Twilight nodded, then ran a bit ahead to pull out her chair. Empress Celestia took her seat, then gestured to the one beside her, which Twilight nervously claimed for herself. "You may be seated once you speak to the kitchen staff, Ms. Rarity. Make sure there's plenty of that Wintermist blend, I'm positively bewitched."

"Right away, Milady!" Rarity bowed, then disappeared through a doorway near the rear of the room, which presumably led into the kitchen. There was quiet for a bit, silent if not for the indiscernible rumble of Rarity conversing with the kitchen staff, before the chancellor returned and, with a small, dainty smile, took a seat across from the Empress.

"It will be just a second, Empress," said Rarity. "I thank you for so graciously allowing me to dine in your company, your Divinity."

"Yes, yes, my presence is a blessing, et cetera." The Empress rolled her eyes, tapping her finger impatiently on the table. "You'll have to forgive me for being a bit short, Rarity, but last night did not go quite as desired."

"I'm very sorry to hear that, Empress. I will do everything in my power to—"

"Hm, yes. You will. That spell, Rarity. Your progress?" asked Empress Celestia.

"Actually, Empress, I'm moving along quite a bit quicker than I expected," reported Rarity, brimming with pride. "My sister cooked up some very helpful brews to aid in my casting, and I stumbled across an incredible little tome in the library that completed a lot of legwork for me. I believe I'm missing only a few more pieces. I need only a bit more than a week. Maybe 8 more days, just to get the last few things in order."

"Fantastic. You have 5." Empress Celestia gave a sinister smirk, watching in amusement as her chancellor's expression fell. "Please, make an effort not to disappoint me."

"I would never, Milady. I live only to serve."

The room was soon filled with the floating, derisive laughter of the Empress, followed swiftly by the enticing aromas of the approaching meal, carried into the room by a variety of servants. They revealed the spread to the Empress, presenting eggs, breads, cheeses, jam, a roast hen, tea, and, most importantly, a platter of elegant, delicate blueberry tarts. The staff bowed before retreating back to the kitchen, leaving the three to enjoy their meal.

"Ah, perfection." Empress Celestia grabbed a tart, taking a bite as Rarity filled her cup with tea. "Thank you, dear. After last night, I desperately needed this."

"What happened?" asked Twilight, regretting it almost as soon as the words left her mouth. Empress Celestia stared at Twilight for a bit, particularly at Twilight's bare plate. She hadn't touched anything in front of her, even as the Empress and the chancellor helped themselves to the bounty before them.

"Things are moving faster than anticipated. I was hoping to be a bit more prepared." The Empress sighed, sipping her tea. "Canterlot is expecting a very important visitor, and we sadly are not ready for them."

"We shall be, Milady, I promise you that," said Rarity, nodding with determination. "In fact, I would like to return to work on that spell once Court begins, if I may be so allowed?"

"Hm… I suppose, now that I have Twilight Sparkle to keep me company, I could send you on your way. I expect you to report back to me throughout the day, with the fragments of your formula so I can look them over." Empress Celestia nodded to Rarity before turning to face Twilight. "Of course, that means you'll need to stand in for the Chancellor, take up her duties. You can't very well do that on an empty stomach, try though Rarity might, so I would recommend you eat something. Now, while Rarity reads the morning report."

"Yes, Empress," said both women, though one spoke with quite a bit more enthusiasm than the other. Twilight silently, begrudgingly served herself a bit of bread and jam, feeling her guilt mount with each spanning second. All she could think of was Pinkie, alone, starving, terrified. Pinke needed this food more than she did, more than the chancellor and the Empress. But there wasn't much Twilight could do for Pinkie here. Twilight was starting to grow tired of this sense of powerlessness.

"Morning report for this day, the 2nd of June, the 103rd year of the 4th Era." Rarity produced a scroll of parchment from her breast pocket and began reading from it. "With just over a fortnight to prepare for the Solstice, things are busy, busy, busy! The border colonies have sent their caravans with their tributes, which should be arriving in the coming days. In fact, we should be expecting Mother Chrysalis' representative in just a few days."

"Good, good," said the Empress, refilling her tea and pouring one out for Twilight. Uneasily, Twilight took a sip, wincing a bit at the heat and the taste. It wasn't altogether unpleasant, just not something Twilight had any experience with before. "It's very reassuring to know that Chrysalis is remembering her place. Any news from Calypso?"

"Aye, their sea hawk arrived just this morning carrying a message," said Rarity with a nod. "Matai Adagio regretfully cannot make it, as she needs to remain home for a spiritual festival of her people on the only day she could depart. Any later than her festival, and the storms…"

"Hm. Shame. The Calypso Isles have some truly wonderful spices that I just can't seem to grow here…" Empress Celestia sighed, rapping the table's surface restlessly, then cracked a tiny grin. "I'm starting to regret letting you talk me into this treaty, Rarity. I could have burned their petty little tribe to ash by now, I'd have all the spices I want."

Things went quiet for a beat, the silence broken by the Empress' gentle, almost derisive laughter. After just a second of hesitation, Rarity joined in, although the joke was lost on Twilight. She wasn't familiar with the Calypso Isles, but to hear Empress Celestia speak so casually of destroying it, for something as trivial as spices, was unsettling whether it was intended as a joke or not. Twilight didn't like the idea of anyone with as much power as Empress Celestia wielding it so frivolously.

"In any case, send a response to the Matai, let her know that her presence is always welcome in Canterlot," said the High Queen. She snickered to herself. "Well, for now, at least. Soon, I may just have to take that quaint little island…"

"Right away, Milady." Rarity withdrew a quill and a small inkwell, and quickly added onto the scroll. "In other news, I—"

"Actually, Rarity, I would like for Twilight Sparkle to read the rest of the report." Twilight's eyes went wide, but she didn't dare protest. The Empress gestured to Twilight and, after just a second of hesitation, Rarity offered the scroll to Twilight. "Just after the news regarding the Matai, if you don't mind."

"Um… S-s… Spies…?" Twilight stared down at Rarity's neat, elegant, looping handwriting, the squiggles blending together into nonsense. Neat orderly nonsense, but still illegible to Twilight. "I…"

"Is something wrong, Twilight Sparkle?" asked Empress Celestia, her tone sounding less like a concerned inquiry and more like a taunt. "You seem to be struggling."

"I'm… I'm sorry," said Twilight, gently lowering the scroll to the table. "I… I grew up on a farm, you see. After my father died, and my brother left home, it was up to me and my mother to tend to the crops. I never had any schooling."

"Please tell me you're joking," groaned Rarity. "I knew you were an ignorant little rat, but you can't even read? Honestly…"

"Not everyone was as fortunate as you, Chancellor." Twilight felt her cheeks flush red, her ears burning from embarrassment. "When there was barely enough food to get through the winter, the furthest thing from my mother's mind was teaching me how to read children's stories."

"Now, now, this hostility is uncalled for," said the Empress. "While your lack of literacy is very inconvenient, it's but a minor setback in the grand scheme of things. You'll have plenty of time to learn. In fact…" The High Queen leaned in to examine the news before Twilight, humming thoughtfully. "We're going to have our hands full with Day Court, it seems… In any case, Rarity, I would like for you to free an hour of tomorrow's schedule so that we may begin Twilight Sparkle's schooling. And do much the same for the rest of the week."

"It is done, your Excellency," reported Rarity, turning her icy glare from Twilight and back to her schedule. "Now that the news has concluded… Are you ready to open the Court, your Radiance?" Empress Celestia traced her finger around the rim of her teacup, humming thoughtfully for a moment before claiming another tart.

"Very well. Go and get the throne room prepared," ordered the High Queen. Rarity stood up and kissed the sun, bowing before turning to the door and briskly departing. "You seem troubled, Twilight Sparkle."

"I’m not completely ignorant. I know how to read a few words," said Twilight. "And I know that spies don't often come up in times of peace." The Empress didn't respond verbally, instead tilting her head curiously. "That doesn't sound good."

"Interesting insight. If it doesn't sound good, then how does it sound?"

"It sounds as though you may be expecting trouble. Maybe even war?"

"Oh, Twilight Sparkle. So quaint and yet still so…" The Empress pursed her lips, searching for an elusive word. "Clever, I suppose is the best way to say it. Perceptive. You think very rationally, although… There's a few gaps on your reasoning."

"What sort of gaps?" asked Twilight. The Empress took one last sip of her tea, chuckling to herself as she did.

"Think about what you just heard me say about Calypso," said the Empress. She stood up, gesturing for Twilight to do the same. "Half of my might would be more than enough to raze that pathetic island to dust. So tell me, Twilight Sparkle. Do you really think that there's anyone capable of war with me?"

Empress Celestia patted Twilight gently on the cheek before making her way to the door, beckoning for Twilight to follow. Uneasily, Twilight did as such, deciding whether or not the Empress' made her feel more at ease.

After a moment of consideration, Twilight determined the answer was "no".

"And this is all of them?" asked the Empress.

Twilight determined very early in the proceedings that she was not fond of Day Court. It was a tense, stuffy, frightening affair. There were a great number of issues that required fair, well-balanced decisions. Things that should take time to consider. It brought Twilight great unease to see how swiftly and mercilessly the Empress cast her judgment. Many men and women passed into the Court that morning, coming before Empress Celestia in her throne with their grievances, their requests for aide, their fears and concerns. With each cold, emotionless decision, Twilight felt her gut twist up inside her, knowing that this person was the only thing standing between her and a terrible demise.

"Yes, Empress. These are them." A guard, one of many in the Court at the moment, stood before the Empress and gestures before him. Three men kneeled, their arms bound behind their backs and their heads covered by burlap sacks. There were additional guards with their weapons trained on the supposed spies, one for each traitor. "Three sods foolish enough to oppose you."

"Hm. Let me see them," ordered the Empress. The guard nodded and removed the bags, letting both the Empress and her handmaiden get a good look at them. They all bore a striking resemblance to one another, although the one in the center was significantly older. "Ah. I see treason is now a family affair." Empress Celestia spoke with none of her wicked amusement, no taunting or teasing in her tone. Somehow, she had gotten even more intimidating. "You have thirty seconds to explain your actions. Begin."

The three men stared up at the Empress, beaming contempt and hate in their eyes, and they held their silence. Empress Celestia cocked a brow, looking up to her guard for an explanation.

"Apologies, your Greatness. I should have warned you," said the guard. "These three cannot speak. They've had their tongues cut out, no doubt so they couldn't spill the secrets of their co-conspirators under duress. A ruthless little ploy, but very effective nonetheless."

"Hm. And where did you find these spies?" asked the Empress.

"The East Garden, my Empress. They looked to be examining the Moon Pond, and we can only assume…"

"Hm. Yes, I believe that is the only reasonable thing to do here, assume. Very well, then." Empress Celestia stared down at her captives, receiving nothing more than bitter, furious, loathing glare. The High Queen sighed a quiet sigh, leaning back in her throne. "I find you three guilty of treason, and conspiracy against the crown. Your sentence is death." Empress Celestia gestured to the guards, who grabbed up the spies and pulled them to their feet. "Take them to the menagerie. My pets are hungry for fresh meat."

The men, the traitors, grunted angrily, silently cursing the High Queen in their own muted way. With a pit in her stomach, Twilight watched the spies kick and fight as the Empress' guards grabbed them up and dragged them away. Empress Celestia watched them go, shaking her head in disappointment. The lead guard, the one who had led the report, bowed before attempting to leave, not getting very far before he was stopped by a gentle gesture from the High Queen.

"Is there anything else that requires my attention?" asked Empress Celestia. "I admit myself to be growing quite tired of this nonsense for the time being."

"Er… There's one more criminal that requires your judgment, your Divinity," said the guard cautiously. "I could delay her until tomorrow, if you like, but the woman is in hysterics. You may prefer to see to her now." The Empress crossed her legs, letting out a tired sigh.

"Very well. Prepare the accused and bring her before me." Empress Celestia tapped her knee restlessly. "After her, I will be departing for a stroll in the courtyard with my handmaiden. Hurry along, the sooner I deal with this woman the better."

"Yes, my Lady. She'll be just a moment."

As the throne room emptied out, Twilight could feel the air in the room stiffen. Every second she spent alone with the Empress felt more akin to an hour, the discomfort not helped by the cold, uncomfortable silence. Though the Empress barely looked at her, Twilight could feel the heavy, crushing weight of Empress Celestia's observation and judgment. Twilight nearly brought herself to speak, but her resolve failed her at the last moment, and so she simply remained with her hands behind her back as she had been instructed.

“You have a question, Twilight Sparkle,” said the Empress, still not turning her gaze to Twilight. She snapped her fingers, causing a small orange flame to burst to life in her hand. Twilight felt her heart stop, her breathing only resuming when it became clear that the Empress was simply casting idle spells out of boredom, and had no intention of turning Her sorcery onto the handmaiden. “Speak freely, girl. I’m keen to learn more about how your mind works.”

“Y-you executed them… For trespassing in a garden?” asked Twilight. The Empress paused for a moment, casting her flame from one hand to another, and Twilight quickly sought to amend her statement. “Not that I would ever question you, your Excellency. I just… I don’t understand.”

“Of course you don’t. But you will come to learn that, just because a transgression seems innocent enough to one does not mean that this is in line with reality. As for the men in my garden… This is not yet something you need concern yourself with,” said Empress Celestia. She let out a small, curious hum. “Come here, Twilight Sparkle. I would like to try something.”

“Yes, my Empress.” Cautiously, as if approaching a wild beast (which, as far as Twilight was concerned, was very much so the case), Twilight approached her mistress, stopping when the Empress raised her handful of fire. “M’lady…”

“Have you cast any magick since you attacked my manticore? Intentional or otherwise,” asked the Empress. Twilight vigorously shook her head, which seemed to be about what the Empress expected. “Hold out your palm, dear."

Twilight did as she was told, her hand trembling as she offered her hand to the High Queen. Empress Celestia inspected her for a bit, poking and prodding at the rough, slightly calloused flesh of Twilight's palm.

"The bruising has mostly faded… Your body is more resistant to your own magick than I expected," mused the Empress. She cracked a tiny smile, waving her hand and increasing the size of the fire in her palm. With her other hand, she grabbed Twilight firmly by the wrist. "I am going to hand you this fire, Twilight Sparkle. If you listen carefully to my instruction, you will be fine. Understand?" Twilight gave a meek, frightened nod. "Ignis Minora. Say those words. Ignis Minora."

"Ignis Minora," said Twilight shakily.

"Very good. Keep repeating those words. Ignis Minora, over and over. Say it. Think it. Feel it. Imagine a wall between your hand and the flame. It's very important that you keep your mind and your soul steady, lest you be burned. Are you ready?"

Nodding nervously, Twilight offered her hand to the Empress and her flame. Her hand met the Empress' own perfect skin, the heat emanating from the plume of fire screaming at Twilight to recoil. Empress Celestia nudged her hand forward, and, as if solid, the fire unnaturally slipped out of her grasp and into Twilight's. The flame stopped less than an inch from Twilight's hand, her blood vibrating as the arcane energy in her body surged to life. A very faint, nearly invisible lavender aura surrounded Twilight's hand, keeping it safe from harm.

"Ignis Minora. Ignis Minora. Ignis Minora." Twilight spoke in a hushed whisper, her heart sending echoing thuds reverberating throughout her skull. She kept repeating the incantation, Ignis Minora, over and over, only part of her brain even aware that she was speaking at all. All she could focus on was the fire, the heat, the buzzing pain blossoming in her veins like pins in her flesh.

Flame licked the surface of Twilight's hand, a flare of pain destroying any idea of focus or concentration. Try as she might to resume her chant, it was for naught; the fire seemed intent to consume her flesh. The Empress acted quickly, clasping Twilight's burning hand between her own, her silken skin and imposing power beating the fire down into nothingness. Twilight choked down breath after breath, heart thumping and blood coursing, and she looked up to see the Empress grin.

"Without any formulae or basic knowledge of magick, using just an incantation, you managed to contain and uphold a fairly complex combustion spell for 18 seconds," said Empress Celestia. "That is quite impressive. It appears that we shall make a mage of you yet."

"T-thank you, Empress." In the moment, Twilight wasn't sure whether she was thanking the High Queen for her complimentary words or simply for extinguishing the fire. She just stared at her arm, as the stabbing, needling pain slowly faded. "Does it always hurt? Sorcery, I mean. "

"No. With enough practice, study, and discipline, you'll be able to direct your mana through your body like a river." The Empress held Twilight's hand, inspecting it carefully for burns, and then bizarrely leaned in and gave the slightly torched flesh a soft kiss. "Currently, you can only force it to crash about like a tsunami. Powerful, but not altogether useful if you can't do anything without melting the flesh from your bone."

"I don't understand. If magi are so dangerous that you've outlawed the practice of sorcery, why would you teach me?" asked Twilight. The Empress just laughed, gently patting Twilight on the cheek.

"Because it's fun. Besides, you're no threat to me. Not if you remember our deal."

The throne room doors flew open, and that guard returned with one last prisoner in tow. She was a somewhat frail, sickly woman, her dress rough and dirty, with tears and holes near the hem. Twilight imagined she must have been rather poor by Canterlot standards, given how dirty and ratty she looked compared to many women she had seen in the inner city. This woman's skin was marred with pockmarks and sores, and she moved rather sluggishly as she entered the room, hands bound by rope.

"The accused, my Empress," reported the guard. Empress Celestia leaned forward in her seat, curiously. "She's a murderer, your Grace. Slaughtered her husband with his own blade"

"Kneel," ordered Empress Celestia flatly. The accused murderer did as she was told, gingerly dropping to her knees. "State your name, killer."

"Cheerilee," said the woman, her voice quaking with fear. "Please, my Empress, mercy…"

"How do you plead, Cheerilee?"

"Please, Empress! I had to! The man was a drunk, he would have killed me!" Cheerilee spoke quickly, as if her next word could very well be her last. "He was a wicked man, rotten to his core. He—"

"How do you plead?" repeated the Empress. The little bit of color that remained quickly flushed from Cheerilee's face, her ghastly pale skin giving her an appearance similar to that of a corpse.

"I… I killed him. I am guilty," said Cheerilee finally. The Empress cocked her brow, and Cheerilee nearly tripped over herself to amend her statement. "But, my Empress, I swear, I acted in self-defense. My husband, he was so angry with me, he beat me, said he'd kill me, our baby." Cheerilee had tears in her eyes, her voice quivering. "I'm pregnant, you see. He said he'd… stab the baby out through my belly with a hot poker. I had to do something, Empress, I just had to! I—"

"Enough." Empress Celestia silenced her accused with a single word and a gentle wave of her hand. "Why was your husband so cross with you that he should threaten your life?"

"I… There was a girl, I've been teaching her to read and count. She was so hungry… I gave her some coin, so she could afford some bread," explained Cheerilee. "My husband said not to give her a bit. Said she just an urchin, bastard little thief, but I couldn't just let her starve…"

"Hm. I hope this girl's life was worth your freedom. For the crime of murder, I sentence you to 8 years in Golden Oak Prison." The Empress sighed, clearly exasperated with what she saw as a pointless exercise. Twilight gasped, twitching forward in an ill-fated attempt to reach for the prisoner, who had finally broken out into tears. "Whether you are justified in your actions or not is irrelevant. There was a crime. You are guilty. You shall be punished."

"P-please… Empress, I'm ill, pregnant! Have mercy, please" pleaded Cheerilee. "I'll be lucky to survive even six months in Golden Oak! My baby… Please, Empress…"

"Hm… My handmaiden has first-hand experience inside of Golden Oak," mused the High Queen. "What say you, Twilight Sparkle? Is there truth to what the murderer has to say?"

Twilight froze, not entirely sure of the best thing to say in that moment. She didn't know this woman, but she didn't believe that an ill woman, an expectant mother, deserved a punishment quite so severe. She caught Cheerilee's gaze, taking in the sick woman's fear and separation before stepping forward to speak.

"Golden Oak is very cold and unforgiving. There's never enough food to eat or clean water to drink," said Twilight carefully. "It's essentially a free for all battle for resources among the prisoners, and the guards do little to help." She curled her lip in disgust as she recalled those damned guards, particularly the one who put her on this mess. "Oftentimes, they do more harm than good… So, no. I can say with certainty that she would not survive her sentence."

"Hm… And you're certain of this?" asked the Empress. Twilight nodded confidently, giving Cheerilee a small, encouraging grin. "Very well. If Golden Oak isn't an option, you will go to the block, instead."

"What?!" Twilight covered her mouth as soon as her outburst slipped, fearfully looking to her mistress. The Empress simply tilted her head, waiting to hear what else Twilight had to say. "Empress, that's not what I had in mind, I—"

"Let's review the facts. This woman is a murderer. Murderers need to be punished," said Empress Celestia. "If she's to die in the tree anyway, would it not be kinder to end her suffering now?"

"My Lady, she has a child!"

"A child that would be dead in six months regardless. Unless, of course, you're saying that she does have a chance in the tree?"

A shaky, quivering whine floated out of Cheerilee, her fear almost palpable. She was in tears, awkwardly clutching her middle and stammering about her baby, begging for mercy. Twilight desperately looked to the High Queen, horrified not for the last time by her cold, unwavering indifference. Swallowing her heart back down, the handmaiden spoke once again.

"I-I… I suppose there is a possibility of her surviving in Golden Oak," said Twilight. "A small chance, but… the block is an absolute certainty of death. At least in the tree, she and her child will have a fighting chance."

"No… No, please!" Cheerilee folded her hands up in fruitless begging. "No, Gods above, no!"

"Quiet, my child. You needn't pray so loudly to your God," said Empress Celestia, leaning forward with a wicked smirk. "I promise, I can hear you just fine. 8 years in Golden Oak Prison. Your sentence begins tonight. Take her away."

"Empress, please have mercy!" Cheerilee screamed as the guard grabbed her up to her feet and dragging her away. Twilight felt herself twist up inside, and she lost control of herself; without looking back to the Empress, Twilight rushed forward, gently grasping Cheerilee by the wrist before the guard could pull her too far away.

"When you get to Golden Oak, you'll spend the night on the first floor, the roots. Then, when they sort out where to stick you, they'll transport you up to the canopy," explained Twilight quickly. "When you get up high in the tree, look for a girl. Pink hair, round cheeks, she's a bit of a heavier girl. She's called Pinkie Pie. Find her, tell her you know me. Twilight Sparkle. She'll help you with food and water."

It wasn't entirely clear if Cheerilee even heard her, the way she was screaming and carrying on. Twilight couldn't do more than watch as the woman was led away, hoping her advice would aid her in some way. It wasn't until Cheerilee was gone did Twilight consider her actions, when the Empress tutted her disapproval.

"I did not give you permission to leave my side, now did I?" The Empress' voice chilled Twilight's blood to ice, the disapproval in her tone haunting in its sinister aura. "By my side, Twilight Sparkle."

"I'm sorry, Empress. I just had to say something." Twilight cautiously approached the Empress, stopping when she saw the faintly glowing sunny aura of the High Queen's charging sorcery. "M-my Empress…"

"A good handmaiden remains at the beck and call of her Empress," explained the High Queen. "I think we need something to keep you in place. Oh, I have just the thing."

The Empress' magick flared to life, causing Twilight to flinch in fear. Instead of flame or fury, what Empress Celestia produced with her magick was quite a bit stranger. A thin, sturdy length of leather appeared in her grasp. On one end was a simple hook of brass, with an accompanying clasp. On the other was a large loop of leather, clearly intended to be used as a handle.

"This should do quite nicely." Twilight shivered, her ears burning red with embarrassment as the Empress hooked the leash onto her collar. "There, now my pet will always be at arm's length. Do you like that, Twilight Sparkle?" The Empress grinned sinisterly. "Remember, my dear, I prefer your honest thoughts."

"N-no, Empress," said Twilight, blooming with embarrassment. Her humiliation was made all the worse when the High Queen stood up, tugging on the leash and pulling Twilight forward. "I do not like this one bit." Empress Celestia laughed, giving Twilight's leash another deft yank, pulling the girl stumbling forward.

"Good," said the Empress, a wicked laugh in her voice. She led the way, pulling her handmaiden to the door. "Now come, my pet. Let's go for a walk."