Celestia passed her days in the hive, thinking little of the surface aside from occasional thoughts of her sister and pony friends. Her eyes adjusted to the dim green light, which had the effect of giving her large and excited pupils, giving her a constant look of wonderment.

And wonderment there was as she poked her muzzle about the hive, walking up and down the many passages, meeting many more changelings as a result. Her daughter was a big hit with the changelings, receiving her fair share of attention, and Celestia figured Salmacis would preen if she could.

Celestia had written to Twilight, letting her friend know of the change in her situation and how she was faring. Twilight responded in kind, letting the former princess know of the goings-on in Canterlot, events ranging from amusing to frustrating; Twilight now understood what her friend had once had to deal with it.

"She expresses wishes to come visit once Salmacis has grown. At present she is much too busy to get away, and I don't blame her. It was hard enough for me to wander off where I pleased without any prior arrangements." Celestia was sat on a slime cushion, once more having tea with Thorax. "And I assume you suffer much the same."

"Yes, I do." Thorax winced, sipping on his herbal tea, peppermint and nettle, a bitter brew which Celestia was also enjoying. "I miss the days when I could just go where I wanted at will. Still, I don't regret where I am now. Being a ruler is very fulfilling when things go well."

"And when they go hooves up, you just want to tear your mane out!" Celestia replied with a giggle. "Although you've no mane to speak of..."

"It makes me want to crack my chitin." He said with a smirk. "But what are you going to do? Better to smile and laugh than rage and cry."

"There is indeed a lot of pony in you, my king."

"And a good deal of changeling in you, from what I hear." He took a sip. "I've heard from Serakerrix and others that you've been settling in quite well."

"That's true. It was strange at first, but with every passing day I feel more and more at home. But I think I've always been like that, truly. If I spend time enough in any place, I can find home."

"Well, this is home for you for as long as you wish, Celestia. You and your ponies have done right by me, and now I want to repay that kindness as much as I can." He put down his cup and reached forward, placing a hoof on hers. "I'm glad you're here."

"M-me too..." She replied, feeling the warmth of his touch, making no move to pull her hoof away. Eventually he pulled it away, gazing at her affectionately, a look that the alicorn mirrored. "My king, I..."

"Shhh, don't worry. I know what you're feeling, and I feel the same way." Celestia was blushing, and Thorax felt himself blushing as well. "I've liked you for a long time, but I was too nervous to make a move. And on top of that, we'd only just gotten some good will in Equestria, and would we have lost that if their princess was being courted by a 'bugpony' like myself?"

"That's the problem with being a public figurehead, more is expected of you, and every move is scrutinized and judged. It's emotionally exhausting. If not for my friends and a good cup of tea, I'd likely have lost my mind many a time." She bit her lip. "I've liked you for a while too, but never said anything. I never expected to be in a position where it might be possible."

Thorax moved closer, pressing up against her side, and she sighed, resting her head against his withers. The feeling of his chitin against her coat was more comforting than she'd ever imagined, and she indulged herself on his presence. "It's possible now, if you wish it." He whispered.

"Please." She whispered back, and he pulled her into a warm embrace. All the weight of rulership and expectation had been lifted from her withers, and she let herself be a mare again. She let out a soft, needy whimper and nuzzled under his chin, her body trembling under his hooves as they gently stroked her back. "Don't let go."

"I won't. Not now, not ever."

* * *

Celestia returned to her chambers after tea and gentle snuggles with Thorax, practically floating on air. She felt like a schoolfilly, blushing and wings fidgeting, giggles daring to pour forth. There were no shortage of ponies who admired her, she knew, but to be admired by one with whom the attraction was mutual was invigorating.

Salmacis, who was able to spend a short time by herself without incident, was there waiting for her, wriggling happily as she spied her mother. Celestia made her way over to her daughter and gathered her up in her hooves, nuzzling her and peppering her with kisses. The air was thick with both romantic and familial love, and the little grub eagerly drank it in. "Oh, I'm so happy, Sally! Thorax likes me, and I like him! He's so sweet and handsome and..." She trailed off, giggling.

Celestia made for her bed, curling up on it with Salmacis, and she proceeded to read to her little one from the book of changeling stories. She spent the rest of her day alternately reading and cuddling her grub, and eventually fell asleep with a blissful smile upon her face.

* * *

When Celestia awoke the next morning, she could tell right away that something was amiss. It took her a few moments in her foggy, tired state to realize what it was: Salmacis wasn't beside her.

It was unlike her little grub to wander off like that, especially as the warmth and love her daughter got from sleeping beside her was too much of a draw for the young changeling. Celestia rubbed her eyes and sat up, wobbling a little as the bed shifted under her. She looked this way and that, seeing nothing. "S-Salmacis? Sweetie?"

Celestia got to her hooves, poking about her chambers, but there was no sight of her daughter. It was about then that worry overtook her, and she hastily left her chambers, scanning the passages in search for her grub.

When she made it to the main chamber, there was still no sight of Salmacis, and it was plain to all that she was worried. They didn't need to be able to sense emotions to see that it was written across her face.

"Celestia? What's wrong?" Celestia turned to see Serakerrix standing there, a concerned frown on the changeling's face. "What's happened?"

"It's Salmacis, I don't know where she has got to!" Celestia replied. "I woke up and she wasn't there. I looked around my chambers but there was no sign of her. Have you seen her?"

"No, I have not. Come, I'll help you." Sera replied, turning and heading in the direction of the living chambers. "I have a hunch, but I need to confirm it..." Celestia, at a loss, merely followed after her friend.

Shortly, they returned to Celestia's chambers, Sera looking about whilst Celestia hovered nervously. At first glance, it did appear that Salmacis was gone. But then Sera tilted her head up and looked at the ceiling. "Ah. As I suspected. There she is."

Celestia looked up, and saw something stuck to the ceiling. It did not look like Salmacis. In fact, it looked very much...like a cocoon. "Wait...you mean..."

"Yes, she's cocooned herself." Sera nodded. "That's earlier than I expected, but then I've never looked after a young queen. Perhaps the strength and amount of your love helped her develop faster than normal, or maybe this is natural. Chrysalis was queen for many centuries and hadn't decided upon laying an heir, so us nursery lings are in the dark about this."

"I mean, this is definitely a relief, and yet...now I won't see my little grub for a little while."

"That's true, but don't worry, dear. When she emerges from that cocoon, she won't be a little grub anymore, she'll be a little nymph, and I bet she'll talk your ears right off. Enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts." Sera said with a chuckle.

"She can talk my ears off if she likes, I'm looking forward to not having a one-sided conversation with her."

"Heh, you might still have a few of those in her adolescent stage."

"Perhaps. But thank you, Sera. I was so worried something had happened to her. Well, something did happen to her, but it isn't anything bad."

"Anytime, dear." Sera gave Celestia a nuzzle. "Calmed down now, have you?"

"Yes, thank you. Thanks for your help."

"You're welcome!" The changeling replied, bowing to her slightly and heading on her way, leaving Celestia alone to sit and stare at her daughter's cocoon.

Author's Note

Hellogoodbye - Here In Your Arms