Perspectives

Chapters

Flurry Heart I
Skyla I
Shining Armor I
Flurry Heart II
Pound Cake I
Pound Cake II
Fluttershy I

Flurry Heart I

“Do you have any last words?”
“Father please! I’ve been framed! Please listen to your daughter”
“You were never my daughter” Shining said as he stared at her with his usually cold glare.
Skyla suddenly barges in shouting, “Father wait!”

You might be wondering what is going on here. Who am I? What did I do? Well, we have to rewind a bit in order to get my side of the story.

I am Flurry Crisalide Heart, the daughter of Emperor Shining Armor and the late Empress Mi Amore Cadenza. You would think that I have a wonderful and splendid life since I am the great Crystal Kingdom’s princess, the daughter of the emperor right? Well, you thought wrong.

My mother died when she gave birth to me and my father was heart broken. He became cold and cruel afterwards. I’m presuming that he hates me as he blames me for mother’s death so he was never a part of my life.

It was when I turned eight was when I first met him. It was a rule that I wasn’t allowed to leave my Suite but, I decided to be adventurous and sneak off. I found myself in the Crystal Gardens where I finally met face to face with him. When he finally saw me hiding behind a tree, he only gave me a cold glare. I was scared as I could see the hatred in his eyes.

He left a few seconds afterwards, ignoring me, while I wondered why a father would ever look at his daughter that way.

Due to my father’s hatred for me, I was never treated like a princess. Every staff in the palace looked down on me. The only staff that cared for me was my nanny, Starlight Glimmer. She would take care of me, console me, and be there for me.

But even with Starlight’s love, I would still feel lonely in the palace. I would cry at night, asking, why does he hate me. I never did anything wrong. And at the end, I gave up, I have been left to be the Lowly Princess. Knowing I would never receive my father’s love. Knowing the Emperor was never meant to be a father.

I was wrong about that last statement though, when she arrived.

It was the night of the Debutante Ball, a ball that is hosted every year to introduce the new young grown nobility into society. I was walking around the ballroom, receiving weird glares and hearing whispers about me. I didn’t mind though, I was used to it.

Everypony suddenly turned to a side of the ballroom, where the Emperor was sitting on his throne. It wasn’t just the Emperor that caught the spotlight but, there were others in front of him. I walked through the crowd, trying to listen to what was going on.

Once I got closer, I saw two ponies. One was a stallion, Marquis Zephyr Breeze. I didn’t know the young pegasus next to him, I presumed she is just entering society.

“My daughter you say?”, the Emperor said.

I froze. Daughter? I felt utterly confused.

The Emperor got up from his throne and continued, “We can continue this discussion in the Audience Room”. And he walked out of the ballroom.

Whispers started to emerge as Marquis Zephyr and the unknown mare followed the Emperor out of the ballroom.

“A new princess? Where did she come from?”

“This is interesting”

“Now that I look at her, she looks similar to the late Empress Cadance”

“Look how pale she is”.

“I wonder what will happen next”

“Stop tormenting the poor thing”.

“Emperor Shining Armor doesn’t even acknowledge Princess Flurry Heart, why would he acknowledge that young mare?”

I didn’t know how to feel. A sister? I thought I was father’s only child.

I started feeling a little dizzy so I ran out of the ballroom. I didn’t look ahead while I was running, and I suddenly bumped into somepony.

“I-I’m sorry”, I said.

I looked up and recognize the pony.

“Whoa, are you okay Princess?”, Pound Cake said.

Pound Cake is the only pony I consider a friend. I met him when I was around thirteen, when he came to the palace as a knight in training. Not including Starlight, he is the only pony in the palace that didn’t look down on me. Throughout the years, he was there for me as well.

When our eyes met, his face grew concerned. He came closer to me and I felt my face warming up. He wiped my tears. I didn’t even know I was crying.

He smiled and said, “Sorry, there was something on your face”. He helped me up and asked, “Shall I’ll escort you back to your suite m’lady?”.

I shyly nodded at him while looking down, not wanting to make eye contact.

I was confused. Why didn’t he ask me what was going on?

I looked up and we made eye contact. I can feel my face turning even warmer. His assuring eyes tell me everything. I smile and go to him.

It has been a few days after the Debutante Ball. The gossip of a new princess has livened up the palace, even at my place. I appreciate Starlight trying to tone down the rumors for me but it wasn’t necessary.

After these few days, I was able to clear my head and realized something.

I have a sister. A sister that is probably having trouble with this new life. The same trouble that I have been dealing with my whole life. A sister with the same cold father and with staff that don’t respect her. A sister that . . . I don’t even know her name.

So I decided to find her.

I walked around the Crystal Palace while trying not to be seen. Father didn’t like me anywhere but inside my suite but, I knew the nooks and crannies of the place so I would sneak off from time to time.

I heard hoofsteps ahead of the hallways so I hide at the nearest corner. The hoofsteps became louder and it became clear the pony was running. I leaned myself near the corner and heard crying. And then suddenly, this stranger turned the corner and bumped into me.

It only it a few seconds to regain consciousness and I could recognize who it is. It’s her.

“I-I’m sorry”

When she finally looked up at me, my eyes widened. During the Debutante, I never got the chance to look at her close but now that I do, her eyes are just like father’s. The same Crystal eyes that the Crystonian royals are born with.

And shes’s crying.

The pegasus gasped as she finally recognized who I was and got up. “I am very sorry your highness! I didn’t know it was you. Are you alright?!”

I got up and gave her a concerned look, “I should be the one that is asking you that. Are you fine?”

The pegasus looked away from me, not wanting to show her tears. I knew it. I knew she was having the same problems like me. I should have realized sooner.

“Why don’t you come to my suite and we can talk?”, I offered.

She looked back at me in shock. “Do you really mean that your highness?”

I chuckled. She sounds like a puppy wanting attention. Just like me.

I nodded and gestured her to follow me. I can feel her mood change. It makes me happy I can finally relate to someone.

Once we made it back to my Suite, we sat around a table. I pour her a cup of tea. I didn’t know what else to do. Should I start talking? I don’t even know what to say.

“I can’t believe I get the chance to spend time with you”, the pegasus quietly says.

My eyes widen to the comment.

The pegasus blushes and looks down, “I’m sorry, I did not mean to say that out loud. I just feel so happy from meeting my sister”

I feel distraught. The loving warmth she gives out every time she talks can melt a mountain. Every time she gazes at me, I can see sun rays from behind, blinding me. Where have you been all my life?

“Even with all this commotion, I never got your name.”

The pegasus gasps and said, “Oh my! I’m sorry I did not introduce myself!”

The pegasus got up and bowed to me, “My name is Skyla, your highness”

“O-oh no, you don’t have to do that. Please, sit back down. We aresisters”

Skyla nodded and followed my command. As she did, I continued, “Are we sister?”. Skyla flinched.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say it in that way. I do know that you are my sister. News travels by quickly but, not all of the information gets by here”

“Of course princess. I should have known.”

“Well, since you are here, why don’t you tell me everything about yourself”

Skyla brightened up. “I don’t even know where to begin your highness”

“Please, Flurry is fine.”

Skyla nodded. “Well F-Flurry”, she said as she blushed. She cleared her throat and continued, “My mother is Fluttershy, she was a personal maid of your mother’s”.

I flinched. Father cheated on mother with her maid? I don’t know how to feel about this.

I regained my focus, and see Skyla is waiting for my approval to continue. “Please go on”

“Mother and I lived in a tiny cottage in a tiny village, tending to ourselves in our average life. But when I was eight, mother suddenly died from an illness. I was then taken away by mother’s brother, who is apparently a Marquis. He took me here, to the capital, where he told me everything”

I interrupted her, “How did he figure out you are the Emperor’s daughter?”

“Mother left a will to Uncle. That’s how Uncle figured out about me and that I am Emperor Shining Armor’s daughter.”

“But if he figured it out a few years ago, why didn’t he present you back then?”

Skyla shrugged, “I still don’t fully understand Uncle’s actions. He always kept me inside the Shy Estate, I was never really allowed outside into the public. But I trust Uncle, he is selfless and good. I believe he was trying to do the best for me”

Not letting Skyla hear it, I quietly scoffed.

My poor sweet sister. She is too innocent to see her Uncle’s true intentions. Marquis Zephyr is exactly the opposite of selfless and good. Most of the nobles know of the Marquis as a sly fox, and they still be deceived by him somehow.

The Marquis is clearly using innocent Skyla to get into the good graces of the Emperor. I would praise the Marquis if it would actually work. Too bad the Emperor does not have a heart.

“I am very happy I get to meet you, sister”

Skyla’s gloomy look from telling her story turned cheerful once I said that. Her goodness will kill me one day.

“I feel the same! Thank you for cheering me up”

“If you don’t mind me asking, why were you crying?”

“Oh”, Skyla said. At least she doesn’t look sad anymore.

“During my royal etiquette lessons, I realized the pressure of being a princess is awful. And I feel alone. I was just living a normal life in a tiny cottage awhile back. Then I had to move to the capital and now, I have to be a princess. I never asked for any of this”. Skyla planted her face on the table.

I chuckled. She’s just like me. I gently stoke her head, “You do not have to feel alone anymore. I can help you”

Her faces lifts up while her chin is still on the table, “You will?”

I nod. “And the first thing I can tell you is that should not put your head on the table”

Skyla quickly lifts her head up.

Her reaction made me laugh. Skyla felt embarrassed but quickly laugh it off with me.

After our laugh, I wanted to give her advice on dealing with our father. “And also, don’t mind the Emperor. You know he is cold and cruel so it would be best to ignore him and stay in the background in order to avoid his wrath.”

Skyla looked confused. “What do you mean by Father is cold and cruel?”

Before I could ask, I heard the door open. Usually, ponies would knock before entering, especially in front of royalty, but this is the Lowly Princess treatment.

A maid came walking in saying, “She is here m’lady. I knew I saw her go here”

I heard a mare shout, “Skyla!”, following behind the maid.

Skyla turned around and said, “Auntie?”

The mare who walked in was Lady Suri Polomare, Marquis Zephyr’s wife. “Why did you run away from your lessons and go to this dump?”

I rolled my eyes.

Skyla goes to Lady Polomare and kindly says, “I’m sorry Auntie, I just wanted a break and meet my sister. Please don’t get mad.”

Lady Polomare scoffs. “You wanted to meet the Lowly Princess?”

Skyla didn’t say anything, she just looked down.

“You are funny. my dear Skyla”. She lifts Skyla’s head up and continues, “But there is no time to joke. We need to go, there’s many things to do”

“Yes Auntie”, Skyla says quietly. She turned to me and quickly waved bye before the maid stopped her in doing so and took her away.

Before leaving, Lady Polomare turn back to me and says, “I apologize dear Lowly Princess but Princess Skyla needs to go back to the Amethyst Suite and finish her lessons”

I flinched in shock as she left.

It felt like Lady Polomare stabbed me with what she just said. If you didn’t catch on, I’ll tell you. And no, it wasn’t the Lowly Princess comment. It was actually Amethyst Suite.

In the Crystal Palace, there are different types of Suites. These Suites aren’t like rooms but more like a mini palace. Every Suite in the Crystal Palace is different, from their size to aesthetics. Suites are only for royalty and high nobles and the higher the rank, the better the Suite.

Ever since I was young, I heard about the glorious Amethyst Suite, the biggest and fanciest of them all. The princesses before me were able to live there. The pony that is lucky enough to live there has to be the Emperor’s favorite. Obviously, I am not.

I live in the Agate Suite, the smallest palace. You can’t even consider calling it a palace.

Usually Suites are taken care of, even if there isn’t an owner but, Agate was left cold and dirty on purpose. The message is that the Agate Suite is where the leftovers live.

But I don’t understand, why is Skyla in the Amethyst Suite? Only the favored live there. She just met the Emperor a few days ago.

What did she do in those few days that I couldn’t do my entire life to make him like me?

Skyla I

You might be wondering what is going on here. Who am I? What did I do? Well, we have to rewind a bit in order to get my side of the story.

My name is Skyla. For most of my life, nothing big or exciting ever happened. I was just a commoner living in a tiny cottage in a tiny village with my mother, Fluttershy.

But when I was ten, my mother suddenly got ill and passed away. That was when Uncle appeared.

I never knew mother had a brother but what was more shocking was his true identity. My Uncle is Marquis Zephyr Breeze, meaning mother was a noble.

He quickly took me to the capital, where the Shy Estate is, and told me everything. Figuring out that I am a noble was the least of my worries.

To sum up what Uncle told me, mother belonged to the House of Shy. As expected of all noble mares, it was her duty to get married eventually. Mother didn’t want that so she decided to work as a maid in the palace. She soon became the late Empress Mi Amore Cadenza’s personal maid.

When the Empress died after giving birth to Princess Flurry Heart, mother suddenly disappeared. The Shy Family didn’t know what to do as mother left without a trace. Sadly, the family was forced to give up on finding her. That was until recently, when Uncle found out.

When mother was close to her end, she wrote a letter to Uncle. In that letter, she asked Uncle to take care of me. In addition, she revealed that I am Emperor Shining Armor’s daughter.

Uncle didn’t believe it at first and I couldn’t blame him, I couldn’t believe it as well. But when he first glanced at me, my eyes told him everything. Uncle told me I have the crystal eyes that only the royal family can inherit. Until that day, I never really noticed that my eyes are unique.

Uncle then connected the dots and presumed that mother had an affair with the Emperor. When mother realized she was having me, she decided to disappear and live a commoner’s life, not wanting me to experience what she had gone through.

I felt very distraught with this revelation but, Uncle welcomed me to his home, helping me get through this. He told me that he was going to keep me a secret for a while until he was ready to present me to the Emperor.

When I lived in the village, no pony recognize I had the Royals’ Eyes, it was no wonder why mother chose to live there. But now that I am in the capital, where most are aware, Uncle decided to keep me hidden in the Estate until he was ready.

I felt thankful and after some time, excited. Before, it was just me and mom in a cottage but now, I am going to have a family. I have Uncle, Auntie, and a cousin right now. And soon, I am going to have a father and sister.

That day came eventually came. Uncle decided that he was going to reveal me at the Debutante Ball, a ball that is hosted every year to introduce the new young grown nobility into society.

“Skyla? Are you ready dear?”, Auntie asked. My Auntie is Suri Polomare, the wife of Marquis Zephyr.

I walked into the living room all dressed up and said, “I am Auntie”.

“You look beautiful my dear”

Auntie looked around and then asked, “Where is your cousin?”

As I was about to say something, cousin came from behind me and said, “I am right here mother”

Auntie pitched his cheeks and said, “You look dashing son”

My cousin is Pound Cake Shy. Uncle and Auntie couldn’t have children so, they adopted Pound. Pound Cake is like my guardian angel. He was always there when I needed him, especially during the time I was transitioning into the Shy Estate.

He was from a bakers’ family but, his whole family died from a plague when he was only four. I felt a connection with him and that’s why Pound Cake always managed to cheer me up.

“Mother! You need to stop doing that.”

“You can’t blame me dear. Every since you decided to become a knight, I have been seeing you less and less now. Your mother just misses you”

I giggled and started to reminisce moments like that with my mother.

When Pound was fourteen and I was twelve, he left to go to the Crystal Palace, where he started his knight training. At the beginning of his training, he visited the Estate about once a week but as he took his role more seriously, he stopped visiting as a whole. I can’t blame him because now, he is a knight and soon, he’ll become Captain. It’s been three months since I last saw him and at that time, it was only a quick glance.

Uncle walked into the room and said, “Remember Pound, you’ll be escorting Skyla during the Ball”

“Of course father”

“I’ll try to get an audience with the Emperor. You need to watch Skyla and make sure she doesn’t do anything to expose herself until then”

“You don’t have to tell me twice father”, Pound said as he rolled his eyes.

“Please do not worry Uncle. I won’t get into any trouble, I promise. Besides, I have the necklace you gave me so no pony will notice me until then”, I said, while looking at the necklace.

The necklace Uncle gave me is magic. It makes my eyes appear normal when I wear it so ponies in the ball won’t see my Crystal Eyes.

“The carriage has arrive so hurry on now dears”

I’m at the ball with Pound now. Everypony looks stunning in their dresses and suits. It feels like I’m in a different world since I’m seeing new ponies as I’m used to only seeing those in the Estate.

Uncle has gone to request an audience with the Emperor while Auntie has gone to talk with the other older noble mares.

It’s been quiet between the two of us so I decided to speak. “It’s been awhile since I last saw you Pound, let alone, even talk to you”

I looked at Pound and it looked like he wasn’t even listen to me. Rather, it looked like he was searching for somepony.

“It has Skyla. I am sorry I haven’t visited you much lately, my duty as a knight has been overwhelming. I hope you are not angry at me”

I was worried he got the wrong idea on what I meant so I said, “Oh! I didn’t mean it like that Pound! Of course I understand, I just missed you a lot. Why would I ever be mad at you!?”.

He finally looked at me and smiled. I feel a blush growing on my face. “You need to stop stressing out too much little cousin”, Pound said as he pats my head.

“Pound! You’re going to mess up my mane. Auntie is going to nag about it if you don’t stop”

Pound laughs. It’s been awhile since I heard his laugh. I can feel my heart skip a beat.

“You are right, I’ll stop messing with you. The last thing we both want is Mother nagging at us”

He starts to walk away from me. I follow him and say, “Wait, where are you going? Uncle told us to stick together”

He turns back at me and says, “It’ll be fine Skyla. I’m just going to get some fresh air. You are a big girl now so, I trust you can take care of yourself. I’m just giving you some freedom to interact with others”.

He gestures me to talk to the young mares not far from us and when I turn back to look at him, he disappeared. I groan with disappoint. I guess Pound is not always there for me.

It’s been awhile since I’ve talked to anypony outside from the Estate. I have talked to ponies before, the ponies in the village of course, but these ponies are nobles.

I decided to be brave and follow Pound’s advice. I went over to the group and said, “Hello ladies, you all look so beautiful”

“Who are you?”, one of the mares ask. They all looked at me with hostility.

I felt a little nervous but I carried on. I curtsied and said, “I am Skyla, from the House of Shy”

Their glares disappeared and they all surrounded me.

“The House of Shy!? You mean the one with Sir Pound Cake?!”

“I didn’t know they had a daughter!”

“Oh right, I saw you with Sir Pound Cake a while ago”

What is your relation with Sir Pound Cake?!”

“I heard Sir Pound Cake will be the youngest pony to become Captain of the Crystal Guards”

Wow. I didn’t know Pound Cake was thispopular with the ladies. I’m kinda jealous.

“I apologize on behalf of the girls. They can be quite curious when girls like you are with boys like Sir Pound”, a mare says as she goes through the group of girls to me.

The other mares started to quiet down.

“O-of course”, I said to the mare that managed to quiet down the group. Out of all the mares around her, this one looks gorgeous.

“Let me introduce myself, I am Darling Star”

I froze once I heard her name. Then, I recognized she was an alicorn. Not to mention, her crystal eyes. She is Princess Darling Star!

Princess Darling Star is the daughter of Queen Twilight. The Queen of Canterlot. Queen Twilight is the younger sister of the Emperor, making Princess Darling Star the niece of the Emperor and, my cousin.

I clear my throat and try to speak but nothing comes out. I’m just speechless. Her beauty is remarkable. Are all alicorns goddesses?

“Miss Skyla, do you mind answering the ladies’ questions?”, the princess gracefully asked.

I impulsively started talking to meet her request. Honestly, if she asked me to jump off a cliff, I would do it.

“Yes, I’m from the House of Shy. I’m Marquis Zephyr’s niece and he took me in his care when my mother died.”

“Oh I see”

“I did hear Marquis Zephyr had a sister”

“I guess it makes sense”

“So you’re the Marquis’s niece.”

“You do look like you’re from the House of Shy”

“So you’re his cousin”

“But are you and Sir Pound Cake engaged?”

I flinched at the last comment I heard. Me and Pound? We’re cousins, it’ll be weird if we get married. Still . . . we aren’t really related by blood and it’s actually normal for nobles to marry their cousins.

I do admire Pound.

I shake my head from those thoughts.

“N-no, it’s not like that. Truth be told, the Marquis forced my cousin to look after me since I’m younger so I’m just his little cousin in his’s eyes.”, I said sadly.

The ladies looked relief and the hostility I felt was gone.

The Princess cleared her throat and said, “Well, it is an honor to meet you Lady Skyla”.

“Yes, I feel the same”

“You also look beautiful as well”

“It is a pleasure to meet you”

I started feeling a little shy from the ladies’ welcomes. Before I can say thank you, I felt a bump.

I turned to see who it was and it was her.

“Are you okay, Lady Skyla?”

“Geez, that was rude”

“Who bumped into her?”

“She didn’t even apologize”

“Wait, it was the Lowly Princess who did it”

It was Princess Flurry Heart. My sister.

“As expected of the Lowly Princess, to be so rude”, one of the ladies said.

The Lowly Princess? Was that what she is called? Why?

Feeling their hostility again, I tried to calm them down. “Don’t worry ladies, I am fine”

“That is a relief”

“I heard rumors of the Lowly Princess being ill-mannered.”

“I guess they are true”

“No wonder the Emperor doesn’t like her”

“I think the Princess didn’t know she bumped into me”, I paused and thought back to the last comment. “Wait, what do you mean the Emperor doesn’t like her? She ishis daughter, how could he not?”

“Oh my, you haven’t heard?”

“Well, she iscalled the Lowly Princess for a reason”

“Rumors says the Emperor blames her for the death of his wife”

“Yes, and they say he has become cold and cruel due to that”

“Also, ponies say that she treats the staff very poorly”

“That is why she is hated by everypony in the palace”

All these rumors, make me feel sick. I really hope it is not true. I’ve been stuck in the Estate that I have been ignorant to such news. I look to Princess Darling Star in hopes she would say something to make me feel better.

I think all the ladies in the group were looking at the Princess, waiting for her response.

The Princess, finally getting the message, sighed and said, “It is true, my cousin Flurry Heart is the Lowly Princess because the Emperor doesn’t favor her”.

That comment broke my heart. You are suppose to be my goddess Princess! If the Emperor treats my sister that way, what will he think of me?!

The Princess continued, “I can’t say much about cousin Flurry but don’t say Uncle Shiny is cold and cruel. He is very kind once you get to know him”.

I sighed in relief as I felt my heart healed a little bit. I’m sorry I doubted you goddess!

“I understand why the Emperor treats his niece better than his daughter”

“As expected of the Princess to say”

“I guess it is true that the Emperor favors Princess Darling Star more than the Lowly Princess”

“No wonder the Princess is favored by the Emperor”

“Princess, you are too kind”

“It is well deserved”

The Princess chuckle and said, “Calm down ladies. Your praises are too much. To be honest, I never met my cousin, as Uncle Shiny never allowed me to see her, so I can’t say if the other rumors are true. I really hope it isn’t”

As expected of what a goddess to say.

“I feel the same your highness”, I commented as I poured out my heart to my sister.

Before I could say more, I see Uncle looking at me, then gesturing me to come to him.

“I apologize ladies, but my Uncle is calling for me. It was a pleasure meeting you all, especially you Your Highness”

“Of course, I feel the same. I hope we can chat again Lady Skyla”, the Princess says.

I curtsied and went to Uncle.

“There you are Skyla! I have been searching for you. Where is your cousin? He was suppose to be watching you”

“I’m sorry Uncle. Don’t blame Pound for this, he just wanted me to have some social time. He is just outside in the gardens somewhere”

Uncle took a deep sigh and said, “That colt is going to get a scolding once I find him. For now, you need to come with me, you have an audience with His Majesty. He’s going to be here any minute”

My heart started beating fast. I am finally going to meet him. I thought I would have the chance to see him once I arrived but I guess he comes late to the show. I guess it’s better late than never.

I then hear trumpets playing as a pony announced the arrival of the Emperor. Everypony in the room bowed as he walked to his throne.

I was at awed with him. I finally get the chance to see him in real life. Before, I would just stare at his painting, wishing to meet him someday. I never thought that chance would be today. His eyes are the most breathtaking, it looks like mine.

When he sat down and said “Continue as you were doing”. He looked tired and unamused.

“Now is our chance”, Uncle said as he took me to the Emperor.

Once we got there, we bowed out of respect while the Emperor glared us down.

With his one action, thousands of thoughts came up to me.

I just heard rumor about him being cold and cruel, I think the glares proved it to be true. If he treats Princess Flurry Heart that way, what will he do with me? I am his illegitimate child, I think I’ll get it worst than my sister. I just want to go home now!

“I heard you wanted an audience with me Marquis”

“Yes Your Majesty. I wanted to present my niece to you”

The Emperor scoffs. “What is so special about your niece?”

I tremble to that comment. I don’t think it was suppose to be offending but, it just felt so cold coming from him.

Uncle removed my necklace, revealing my Crystal Eyes to the Emperor. “She is your daughter”

The Emperor’s expression turned from emotionless to a quick stagger.

Little did I know, everypony started turning to us.

It was quiet for a moment.

The Emperor finally spoke, “My daughter you say?”

The Emperor got up from his throne and continued, “We can continue this discussion in the Audience Room”. And he walked out of the ballroom.

I spaced out a but but regained my focus as I saw Uncle walking away. “Don’t lag behind”, I hear him say.

As I started to follow him, I turned to look back and saw almost everypony staring at us. I started to squirm.

“Stand up straighter. No matter what, from today, you are Princess Skyla”

Princess? This must be a dream.

Uncle stopped me before at the doors of the Audience Room. “I don’t want you to mention your mother in front of him.”

I nodded. I didn’t understand his request but, I don’t want to disobey him.

We enter the Audience Room where I see the Emperor sitting on another throne.

“Tell me everything Marquis”, the Emperor commanded.

“Well, from her eyes, you know I’m not lying. To be honest, I didn’t even know you had another daughter myself”

“Get to the point Marquis”, the Emperor coldly demanded.

I tremble from his voice. I think I can confirm the rumors to be true now.

But Uncle wasn’t afraid of him, it was like he was use to it. Uncle continued, “Well, my sister Fluttershy, the late Empress’s personal maid, was the one who took care of her for ten years. When she died, that was when I found out about your daughter”

The Emperor got up from his throne and walked to us. “What is your name?”, he asked.

“S-Skyla, Your Majesty”, I answered as I curtsied.

He lifted my chin, and our eyes finally meet. Before, when I looked at him from afar, I felt scared.

Now, from up close, I see clearly, there is nothing to be scared of. Behind the cold, cruel Emperor is a lonely, sad stallion. There was nothing to fear.

“Welcome home”, my father said as he smiled.

Author's Note

I'm probably going to draw a scene from about every chapter now. Tell me if you like it. Should I go back to the first chapter and draw a scene from there?

Shining Armor I

You might be wondering what is going on here. Who am I? What did I do? Well, we have to rewind a bit in order to get the story.

Most of my subjects know me as the great and powerful Emperor of the Crystal Kingdom. Others know me as the cruel and stone cold ruler. In my defense, a great ruler has to be that way in order to have a great and powerful empire.

But, I wasn’t always meant to be the Emperor. Though I was the oldest child of the former Emperor of the kingdom, my younger sister, Twilight, was chosen to become the next ruler. I did not mind though, I never wanted to have all that weight over my shoulders.

My sister on the otherhoof showed everypony what great leadership and determination she had so, I knew the role would fit her. Besides, I could never feel bitter against my sister who I love dearly.

Though I never felt any bitterness towards my sister, I felt it against everypony else. I was treated like a spare. One that is not worthy to be treated as an equal.

The one that supported me through all my hardships was a pegasus mare named Cadance. Cadance was Twilight’s personal maid but overtime, a relationship developed between us. She helped me overcome the feeling of being in Twilight’s shadow. Overall, she made me feel I was worth more.

Despite her being a commoner and I a royal, we thought each other as equals and, that was all I ever wanted.

We planned to run away and live somewhere far away from the kingdom after my sister’s coronation. As you all can guess, that never happened as the tides turned for me.

Twilight fell in love with a prince of our neighboring kingdom, Prince Flash Sentry of Canterlot. My sister left the Crystal Kingdom to marry Flash, leaving me with the Crystal Throne. Thus, I became Emperor.

Of course, there were many obstacles but I overcame them and proved them wrong. I might have spilled blood along the way but, that is not important.

There is more to tell but, it’ll be saved for another chapter.

Today is the Debutante Ball. A ball that is hosted every year to introduce the new young grown nobility into society. It is very boring but is a tradition for the Emperor to attend. I was going to skip the ball like I have been doing every other year but, this year my niece, Darling Star, will be attending.

I was doing paperwork in my office until Darling Star walked in.

“Uncle!”, Darling said.

I look to see my niece. “What is it Darling?”

“I feel troubled Uncle Shiny. I need your judgement on which outfit looks better on me”. She then shows me two dresses, “Which one will look better on me?”.

I chuckle, she is just like her mother. “I think you would look beautiful in any dress, my dear niece”

Darling grunted. “Uncle! You are not helping!”

“It is true though. Besides, you are only fourteen, your debutante ball isn’t until another two years. You are lucky you have such an amazing Uncle to allow you to go this event”

Darling rolled her eyes and went to sit on one of my sofas that I have in the office. “That reminds me, didn’t Cousin Flurry turn sixteen awhile back?”

I scoffed. I forgot about that bug, it would have been nice if I wasn’t reminded about her. “Why would I care about that insolent thing?”, I said coldly.

“Geez Uncle Shiny, I was just asking”

I sighed, “I apologize Darling but, I just don’t want to think about her”.

“I was just wondering if she is going to the Debutante Ball or not”

“I don’t care if she does or doesn’t but, if she does, I want you to avoid her”

“But Uncle-“, Darling said before a knock from the door interrupted her.

“Come in”, I said.

A dragon comes into the room. The dragon is Spike and he is my personal assistant. “Your Majesty. Your highness.”, he greeted both me and Darling.

“What is it that you want?”, I asked.

“I am here to pick up the paperwork I’ve given you three days ago. Today is the deadline. Have you finished Your Majesty?”

I look at the work I was doing. I still had two stacks to go.

Darling gasped and said, “Mother would be very disappointed in you Uncle! Shame!”

I snickered at her joke. It looked like Spike wanted to laugh but I gave him one glare and, he knew to keep himself in control.

“I’ll get these done by the end of the day. If that is all, you can leave”

Spike, who didn’t want to argue with the Emperor, sighed and said, “Fine”.

As he was about to leave he turned back to me and said, “I almost forgot. I have something about Marquis Zephyr”

“Is he the teal weasel you have mentioned Uncle Shiny?”, Darling asked.

I chuckled and nodded. Darling isn’t wrong, that Marquis is a weasel and such a bothersome.

“What does he want?”, I ask.

“He wants an audience with you sometime around the ball. He says he has something important to present to you. Whatever that means”

I scoff. “You’re dismissed Spike”

Spike nodded and bowed before leaving. After he left, I turned to Darling. “You should get going to. Don’t you need to get ready?”.

Darling got up from the sofa and said, “I guess you’re right but, how about you? When will you be at the ball?”

I sighed and said, “Whenever I finish these last two stacks of paperwork”

“I’ll see you there then Uncle Shiny”

I finally finished my paperwork. It’s been an hour since the ball started and I was getting ready.

“Are you finished Your Majesty? You are already an hour late!”, Spike said.

“Don’t rush me Spike. You were the one that wanted me to finish the paperwork. Aren’t you happy I did?”

“Of course I am but, I wouldn’t have to rush you if you did procrastinate”

“Just be happy I finished. Let’s go, I’m ready now”

I walked out of my room as Spike trailed behind.

I finally reached the doors of the ballroom and the guards saluted me. They then open the doors and I walk in.

Trumpets start to play as a pony announced my arrival. Everypony in the room bowed as I walked to my throne.

As I sat down, I said “Continue as you were doing”. I felt too tired to be here. The ball was too boring anyways, but I am just here for my niece.

I looked around to find Darling. When I did, I saw her wave at me and I smiled at her.

I then see that teal weasel weaseling around to get to me. When he got closer, I noticed a pegasus mare following him

Once they got to me, they bowed while I glared them down. What does this weasel want?

“I heard you wanted an audience with me Marquis”

“Yes Your Majesty, it is true. I wanted to present my niece to you”

I scoff. “What is so special about your niece?”

This is not the first time he mentioned her. Almost every time I see him, the Marquis always brings his niece up to the point I wanted to kill her to spite him. Luckily for him, the feeling of having a niece has stopped me.

Marquis Zephyr cleared his throat and removed the necklace off of his niece’s neck, revealing her Crystal Eyes. “She is also your daughter”

I stagger from his statement.

Daughter? It can’t be?!

I start to become suspicious. What trick is the Marquis playing?

Everypony started to turn to us.

It was quiet for a moment.

I finally broke the silence, “My daughter you say?”

I guess I have to see this for myself closely. I decided that I should take this somewhere else, I don’t want a bunch of strangers getting into this business.

I got up from my throne and said, “We can continue this discussion in the Audience Room”.

I started to walk out of the ballroom, going to the Audience Room.

I sat on the throne in the Audience Room, waiting for the Marquis and his niece.

Once they did I commanded, “Tell me everything Marquis”.

“Well, from her eyes, you know I’m not lying. To be honest, I didn’t even know you had another daughter myself”

I can clearly see her Crystal Eyes but, I need more proof. I can’t stand him stalling anymore.

“Get to the point Marquis”, I coldly demanded.

I continued, “Well, my sister Fluttershy, the late Empress’s personal maid, was the one who took care of her for ten years. When she died, that was when I found out about your daughter”

It can’t be. Fluttershy had her all along?

I got up from my throne and walked to them. “What is your name?”, I asked.

“S-Skyla, Your Majesty”.

Skyla. That was the name she wanted to name our baby. It can’t be.

I lifted her chin, to get a closer look at her and our eyes met. Her eyes are like mine, there is no sorcery behind it.

And though she has my eyes, I realize she looks just like her.

I can’t believe she is alive. After all the years I thought she was dead, she was right here, before me.

Her warm atmosphere reminds me of her mother’s. I missed that feeling.

“Welcome home”, I said with a smiled.

It’s been a month since I was reunited with Skyla. By now, she has gotten accustomed to her new life.

I’m still getting adjusted to having her back. I’m still shocked Fluttershy had Skyla all along. Still, I’m glad Skyla had a mother like Fluttershy to raise her.

Today, Skyla and I are attending the Chevalier Games, an event where knights compete in games. Afterwards, there is a ceremony where knights are promoted to a new rank.

The games have already begun and I was rushing to the arena. I really need to stop the habit of procrastinating while doing my work.

“Your Majesty, can you slow down? You’re not that late. I thought you hated these things. Why are you in a hurry?”, Spike said, who was trailing behind me.

“Don’t ask stupid question like that Spike. Every second I miss, is the time I’m losing with my daughter”

Even though I couldn’t see Spike’s face, I could feel him looking surprised after what I said. To be fair, I would have never thought I would say that out loud but, it’s true. I need to make up for the time I lost with her.

I finally made it to the balcony, where Skyla and I would be watching the games. I go through the curtains and I see Skyla already sitting on her throne with Lady Polomare standing next to her.

She turned back to me and said, “Father, you are finally here!”

“I’m sorry I am late Skyla. I hope you did not have to wait long”

“Of course not. I am glad you are with me now”, Skyla said as she gave me a warm smile.

“I just wish Flurry was here to watch this”, Skyla commented.

“Skyla! You know His Majesty doesn’t want you to bring her up. Stop trying to get your father upset”, Lady Polomare scolded.

Skyla pouts.

I sighed.

Skyla has been mentioning that bug for awhile now. I have heard she has been helping Skyla get adjusted in the palace so, she and her have been getting close. I know Skyla has been trying to get her into my good graces but, it’s not going to work.

“Okay, I’ll stop . . . for today”

“Skyla!”, Lady Polomare said.

I roll my eyes, “It is fine Lady Polomare”

Skyla giggles, “I’m sorry Father”

I smile, “You are forgiven my dear daughter”.

The trumpets started to play, signaling the next game as the crystal knights started coming out. Skyla stood up from her throne and got closer to the balcony. It looked like Skyla was looking for somepony.

“Skyla, sit down. It’s improper for a lady to do that”, Lady Polomare scolds.

“But Auntie, Pound Cake is going to compete this round”

So the stallion is Pound Cake. The adopted son of Marquis Zephyr and Lady Polomare. Skyla’s cousin.

“Let her be, Lady Polomare”

Lady Polomare sighed and nodded.

I can see my daughter’s eyes flash once he walked into the arena. Her eyes and fainted blush tell me everything. It’s the same look I had whenever I saw Cadance.

The Marquis suddenly arrives. “Your Majesty”, he greeted.

“You’ve made it just in time to see our son’s event”, Lady Polomare says.

“Uncle, come get a closer look”

“You ladies can continue watching, I need to talk with the Marquis about something”, I say.

“Oh okay, please hurry. I don’t want you to miss when Pound wins”, Skyla says.

The Marquis winks and says, “We’ll be right back”

Me and Marquis Zephyr get out of the balcony and into the hallway.

“So what is it you want to discuss with me Your Highness?”

My heart feels uneasy. What I’m going to say to Marquis Zephyr will hurt.

“I want to offer an engagement between my daughter and your son”

“W-wait what?”, the Marquis said in shock. In all my years with him, I have never gotten that reaction from him into today. Who knew I would finally stricken the weasel.

“It is clear that my daughter likes your son. It makes sense as he was the one that took care of her when I was not there. I will give you time to think about it. I can wait until-“

The Marquis interrupted me saying, “Deal!”. He cleared his throat and corrected himself, “What I mean to say was, my son will happily accept and Skyla will be overjoyed after hearing the news”.

“We can discuss more after the Knighting Ceremony”

“Of course Your Majesty. Shall we head back to the game?”

I nodded and we went back to the balcony.

Skyla, who was leaning on the balcony, turns back to me and says, “Father! You’re back!”

I go stand next to Skyla and see her eyes move to Pound. “You like him, don’t you?”

Skyla suddenly turns to me while her blush becomes brighter. “W-what?!”

I chuckle. “Like father like daughter”

Skyla turns back to Pound Cake and says, “Well, you’re right. I guess you can say I figured out my feelings for him during this last month”. I could tell she was hesitant to keep on going.

I smile and nod at her, letting her continue.

“I was thinking of confessing to him but I decided not to since he’s been preparing to become Captain for the last month. And today, I got to witness him becoming that. Him becoming Captain will be enough for me”.

“Well, I made an offer with the Marquis that will definitely make you happy”

Skyla chuckles, “But father, you have already given me all that I want. Beside, what more would I want if I already have you”

Her words somehow always warms up my heart. Only a few can do that to me. It’s going to be hard giving her up when I just got her back.

It’s been a week since the Chevalier Games. Skyla and Pound Cake are now officially engaged. And after all of that, I never thought that day would come when I become an in-law to Marquis Zephyr.

I was in my office doing my regular work until Spike barged into the room. “Your Majesty!”

I usually get angry whenever someone barges in without notice but I currently feel a troubled tension around Spike. “What is the matter Spike?’

“There is urgent news regarding Princess Skyla”

My heart started to beat fast. “Is something wrong? Is Skyla fine?”

Spike shakes his head. “Skyla has been poisoned. And the culprit seems to be Princess Flurry Heart”

Flurry Heart II

It has been a month since Skyla was revealed to the kingdom. During that time, I have been helping her fit into her new position. She assimilated really well. Honestly, that is an understatement. She turned out practically perfect.

Skyla is now the talk of the kingdom. The ‘lovely princess’ they always wanted finally came out from hiding. Everyone adores her, even father.

It’s not a lie when I say, I envy her. She became somepony I always wanted to be. A pony that is loved.

Not to mention, ever since she started to live in the palace, the staff has mocked me even more.

Nevertheless, she is my sister. And like everypony else, I too adore her.

But enough about Skyla, let’s focus on my story.

Today, I am attending the Chevalier Games, an event where knights compete in games and afterwards, there is a ceremony where knights are promoted to a new rank.

I’m usually not allowed to go to events like these but, I am willing to sneak out for a certain stallion. This certain stallion is becoming Captain today. The same stallion that personally invited me to come. As most of you can guess, it’s Pound Cake.

I did not want this opportunity to go to waste.

I sneaked out without Starlight noticing and went to the arena, where the Games are presiding.

In order to not get noticed, I went to the commoners’ section. I sat at the very top corner of the area to get a good view. Little did I know, my section was directly across from the balcony where the Emperor watches.

I can clearly see the Emperor with Skyla, who is looking over the balcony looking happy as ever. I looked down to the arena to stop my jealousy from growing. As I did, the knights started to come out.

I see Pound Cake coming out in his shining armor. He looks at the crowd and I can hear the noble mares screaming his name. He suddenly turns to my section and our eyes meet. I can feel my heart start to beat fast.

He winks at me and I thought I was gonna have a heart attack.

I never thought I would get the chance of viewing an event like this. Nevertheless, with Pound Cake in it. I am definitely going to cherish it. Let the games begin.

The games have ended and the event is now transitioning into the Knighting Ceremony. I left after the games finished and I’m trying to sneak back to my suite.

As I was sneaking back I heard some hoofsteps. I quickly hid in a bush and waited for the stranger to walk past me, but as I waited, I could hear the hoofsteps become louder.

I am going to get caught. And if someone tells the Emperor, I’ll surely be dead.

“You thought I didn’t see you?”, a familiar voice says.

I looked toward the voice and it was Pound Cake. You don’t know how relieved I am.

He helped me out of the bushes and said, “Why did you leave early? You know there’s still the Knighting Ceremony right?”.

“Of course I know that. I was just scared I was going to get caught sneaking out”

Pound sighed, “I guess it can’t be helped”

He sounded sad. Did he want me to be there to see him become Captain so badly? No, it can’t be. He is just trying to be friendly.

He scratches his head and says, “I’m sorry, I should have been more considerate”.

I felt my face getting warm. He is so cute when he looks guilty.

“Why do you want me to be there?”, I impulsively say.

Pound flinches. I can see a dim flush growing on his face.

I avoided making eye contact with him and continued quietly, “After all, Skyla is there. Why should you care that Lowly Princess attends when you already got the Lovely one?”.

“Don’t say that!”

I flinch.

He turns my head to him, “I hate it when you lower yourself to something you are not. Others may see that in their own eyes but I don’t. You shouldn’t too”

His words brings me back to the time when we first met. Tears start to flow out. Pound really knows how to swoon mares over. I have been trying to avoid the feelings that I have been having over him but I don’t know how long I can hold back.

“I like you Pound”

His eyes widened. I avoided looking at his reaction and continued, “You always made me feel like I am worth more. I don’t know how you do it but you somehow always make me feel happy with your presence”

He wipes my tears away and says, “I like you too Flurry”.

I look up towards him and see his shining smile. “B-but, how about Skyla? Aren’t you too close?”

He shakes his head. “Skyla is like a little sister to me. I could never have feelings for her. I always had feelings for you Flurry, probably since the first day I met you”

“Pound . . .”

I got closer to him and before I knew it, we kissed.

It’s been a week since the Chevalier Games. It’s been a week since I confessed to him. And now, I can’t stop having dreams about Pound. Am I being weird?

Moving forward, I am having tea with Skyla today. She says she has some wonderful news to tell me.

I bet she is going to talk about her time with the Emperor again like every other time. I don’t mind though. At least one of us can be happy for the other.

“Flurry, Princess Skyla is here”, Starlight said.

Skyla came from behind Starlight and came to me. “Sister!”. She walks over and nuzzles me.

“You look cheerful as ever”, I commented.

“I can’t wait any longer to tell you”

I chuckle. I can never despise this bundle of joy. “Let’s sit and we can continue”

We sat at my tea table as Starlight left the room. “So tell me, what wonderful news do you have for me this time? Is it about the Emperor again?”

Skyla shakes her head. “Not this time. Well technically, father is in it but, he’s not part of the whole thing. I mean, it’s actually thanks to father that this wonderful news was made possible”

I clear my throat to signal Skyla that she is rambling.

Skyla stops herself and says, “Sorry”

I pass Skyla her cup of tea that I personally brewed. “It’s fine Skyla.”

Skyla picks up her cup, “Passion Flower Tea?”

“Your favorite”

Skyla sips it and sighs. “It tastes lovely. What makes it more special is that you personally brewed this”

I chuckle and roll my eyes. “So aren’t you going to tell me what this wonderful news is?”

“Oh right! I’m engaged to Pound Cake!”

I flinched. Did I misheard that? “Wait . . . what?”

Skyla squeals, “I’m engaged to Pound Cake!”

I can feel my heart starting to crack. “H-how?! When?!”

“Pound proposed to me two days ago. It was so romantic. He did it on a beautiful day and in the beautiful garden. I wish you were there to see it”

I clear my throat. “Is that all?”. I could not help myself, even though I don’t want to hear anymore, I want to hear more.

“Father was behind it too. He knew for awhile”

“Is . . . is that so?”. I try to keep how I truly feel in but I feel like I am going to break any second now.

She keeps on rambling while I start to space out. I start to think back to when me and Pound kiss. How did that moment turn to him proposing to Skyla? Did I even mean anything to him?

I start to make up excuses on why Pound would do this. Did the Emperor force Pound to marry Skyla because he knows Skyla likes him? Did the Marquis plan this? Or did Pound just wanted to play with my feelings?

My thoughts change as I start to think about Skyla. I can feel my envy grow. Why did she have to take everything from me? She took my father from me. She took everypony’s affection from me. And now, she has Pound Cake.

I stop myself from having those bitter thoughts.

No, Skyla did nothing wrong. I shouldn’t be blaming her. She has been nothing but good to me. Skyla was just born to be lucky. Lucky enough to have everything I wanted.

“Sister?”

I regain my focus and smile. I didn’t know smiling would hurt this much.

“I’m . . . I’m happy for you Skyla”.

“Thank-”, before Skyla could finish, I see her drop her cup of tea. As the tea spills, Skyla collapses on the table.

“Skyla!”

It’s been five days since Skyla told me about her engagement. It’s been five days since she collapsed and fell into a coma. And since I was there at the time of her collapse, I am being blamed for her poisoning.

I was taken to the dungeon and got locked up in a cell. Nothing but a flame as light to look at for five days. I had a lot to think about during that time. Like how Skyla was born to be fortunate and happy, I was born to be unfortunate and miserable. I just wondered why.

Two guards come up to my cell. They open it while I wonder what they are going to do. “The Emperor wants you”.

I scoff. I never thought I would hear that in a million years.

The guards then forcibly drag me out. I couldn’t fight them back, they were too strong. I just let them hurt me while I feel the pain. While my fore legs were being painfully pulled, my hind legs were being scraped from being dragged.

Once they brought me to the throne room, they threw me in the center and left. The room was dark, the windows were covered with curtains. Only a few torches were lighting parts of the room.

I tried to get up but my legs were still hurt from being painfully dragged here. All I can do is lie there and move my head around.

I see a pink light ahead of me. The light comes closer as I hear the hoofsteps become louder. It was the Emperor with his pink aura. He looks angry.

“What you did to Skyla was unacceptable, but I shouldn’t be surprised that a bug like you did this.”

I haven’t heard him say that name in front of me for a while. When I heard him call me a bug for the first time when I was small, I simply thought it was a cute nickname and he was starting to like me. How wrong I was.

I was too scared to say anything. I just kept staring at him.

“You were going to have a public execution but I’ll give you a nice gift”

I start to tremble.

“I’ll make this execution only between us, so the last thing you’ll see is me”

I see his horn starting to glow even brighter.

I always knew my death would be ended by my own father. I didn’t know it would be today though.

“Do you have any last words?”

“Father please! I’ve been framed! Please listen to your daughter”

“You were never my daughter” Shining said as he stared at me with his usually cold glare.

Skyla suddenly barges in shouting, “Father wait!”

Author's Note

Pound Cake's POV is next

Pound Cake I

I am known as being the Captain of the Royal Guard. Others know me as being the son of Marquis Zephyr Breeze. And now, many know me as being the fiancé of Princess Skyla, but there is more to me that most do not know.

My name is Pound Cake. I belonged to the Cake Household, a bakers family with a mom, dad, and twin sister. Though I lived a commoners’ life, I could not be more happy, but it did not last too long.

I was eight at that time and my dad has sent me to fetch some eggs from the market. I did what I was asked, but when I got back home, the house was on fire.

I tried going into the house to find my family, but somepony stopped me. That pony was the Marquis. He happened to past by it and called for help.

When the help finally arrived, it was too late.

If only I didn’t go to the market, I would have been there. Maybe things would have turned out differently. I could have done something to help, to save them. They could have been alive.

Sadly, it did not turn out that way. Not only was my home destroyed, my family was gone. All burned to death.

The authorities believed the fire was accidental since it was a baker’s home. They believed something went wrong while somepony was baking something.

I personally did not believe that. My family were experts, including my sister. They wouldn’t be clumsy enough to start a fire in the house like that. Something was off.

But I was just a kid at that time. I could not do something about it. And since it was a family of commoners that died, no pony cared.

From that point on, my life changed. I was suddenly adopted by my new father, Marquis Zephyr and became his heir.

I would never forget about my old family, but I also had a new one. Marquis Zephyr and Lady Polomare were kind, and at some point, I got used to calling them ‘Father’ and ‘Mother’.

Going from rags to riches was really unsettling. I wasn’t used to getting everything on a silver platter. It took awhile, but I got accustomed to my new life.

As a young colt in an aristocratic family, I got the privilege to receive education. Everything I learned was easy and I went through it fast.

And at the age of ten, I became a young genius. Before, members of the aristocracy knew me as the poor colt the Marquis took pity on. Now, they see me as a bright young scholar. That was the most satisfying part of becoming a noble, you get the opportunity to prove them wrong.

Even with my accomplishments, I was still blind. Too blind to see my adopted parents’ true colors. That was until she arrived.

I was in my bedroom until the butler came in.

“Young Master, your Father wants to speak with you”

“Is Father home already?”

The butler nodded and signaled me to go downstairs. I went down to the living room, where Father was.

“Son, just the pony I was looking for”

I greeted him and looked past him to see a little filly hiding behind him.

“Oh, so you have noticed”, Father said. He then turn back to the little filly and says, “Don’t be shy, he won’t bite”.

The little filly shyly comes out from behind Father and goes next to him.

“This is my son I was talking about during our carriage ride”

The little filly suddenly looked at me with glee. She goes up to me and asks, “So you are Pound Cake?”

I slowly nodded, still confused at what is happening.

Then, I noticed her eyes. Before, she had her head down, but I can clearly see it now. Her eyes are crystal. Like the ones only the Royal Family have. Wait . . .

“I’m eight, how old are you Pound?”, the young filly asked me.

“Ten”, I hesitantly said.

“Son, this is Skyla. She will be staying here for some time. I want you to look out for her from now on”

I nodded to his request.

“Pound, can you play with me?”, Skyla ask.

I looked at Father to see if he approves. “Go ahead son, I will discuss about the situation more with you later”

Long story short, Father had a sister, Fluttershy. Fluttershy went missing awhile back, but apparently she went to the countryside and had a daughter. Fluttershy died from an illness and now her daughter, Skyla, lives with us.

And as I expected, she was royalty. Her father is Emperor Shining Armor, but I won’t dive deeper into it anymore.

Honestly, it was nice to have Skyla around. Having someone close to my age made me feel less lonely at home. She reminded me of myself a lot. After all, our backstories are somewhat similar.

But as the months passed and we grew a little bit older, I realized something.

“Pound?”

I looked up from my book and turned toward the door. I rolled my eyes and ignored her.

“Pound, may I come in?”

I sighed, “I’m sorry Skyla but I’m too busy studying”

“Maybe I can help”

“Unless you know how to read HθικὰΝικομάχεια in Greek, you can’t”

“Then may you read me a book?”

I don’t respond and tried to pick up where I left.

Skyla continues, “You can finish reading me the one you read last time”.

“But I finished reading you that two days ago”, I said, hoping my reason would make her leave me alone.

“Then help me brush Angel’s hair”

I sighed again. She just doesn’t go away.

I think of Angel, her stuff bunny, and thought of another reason I can use.

“Angel is probably on the drying line by now. You put him in the laundry basket this morning”

“T-then come to the green house with me. Can’t you come see all the pretty flowers with me? Please?”

“I’m sorry Skyla, but not now. Just go away”

I know it sounds harsh, but I just don’t want to play with her now.

“O-ok”

A few hours later, Father called me to his office.

I’m sure I am going to get scolded again for neglecting Skyla. I have learned in the past year since Skyla has live here that Father’s request was actually a demand.

I do cherish Skyla, she is my cousin after all. It’s just that I can’t handle her neediness all the time. I get tired.

I try to avoid feeling the guilt as I arrived at Father’ office. I was about to knock on the door until I heard voices.

“She is such a crybaby”, I hear Mother say.

“Don’t mind her dear. She is still young after all”, I hear Father say.

Oh, so they are talking about Skyla.

“But dearie, Pound Cake never acted like this at all. He always did what he was told and never whined about it”

“Well, he is a very bright and mature child for his age. He is our son after all”

“What did Skyla even do?”, Father asks Mother.

“She just came up to me bawling and said Pound would not play with her”

I can hear Father sigh and say, “I’ll scold the boy later about that then”

I raised an eyebrow. So Skyla wasn’t the reason why he called me.

Well, now it is.

“Don’t scold our son, dearie. He was right to tell Skyla to go away, he was studying. Besides, I may have yelled at her for crying and she ran to her room”

“I advise that you two need to be more patient with Skyla. After all, she will be very useful to us once she get’s into the Emperor’s graces”

“And our status will increase and we can have more power, I know dearie”

“Yes, but that will only happen if we are kind to Skyla. Trust me honey, if she wasn’t the Emperor’s daughter, I would have left her in that cottage so you not have to suffer”, Father says.

“I would have preferred if that filly serves as a servant for me if it hadn’t been for her bloodline”

I was in shock. Skyla was just a tool for them to get power?

I thought my opinions of Skyla were bad.

I always avoided the fact that Skyla is royalty, I only thought of her as my cousin. To think Mother and Father could have such thoughts.

I regained my focus and continued to eavesdrop on them.

I heard Mother say, “Why does it have to be the day of her Debutante Ball, for us to present her? That is still years ahead”

“It’s best if we not only present her to the Emperor but also to the whole Aristocratic community”

Mother groans, “What if things go wrong? He didn’t even care about the Lowly Princess. What makes you think the Emperor will accept Skyla?”

Father sighs, “We can only hope. But if he doesn’t accept her, we’ll just throw her under the bus and forget that we even knew her”

Mother laughs, “That is my husband”

I couldn’t stand their scheme. I can’t believe what I just heard.

I quickly ran from the office and went to Skyla’s room.

I knocked on Skyla’s door.

“W-who is it?”

I can still hear her crying. I feel really bad now.

“It’s Pound Cake. Let’s go to the Greenhouse”

“R-really?”

“Uh-huh”

It takes her a moment to open the door. When she did, I could tell she just wiped her tears.

I realized that Skyla is just a lonely child. Though she has us, we never really give her out full attention. Father and Mother only give her attention when they want to. Most of the time, they make me watch over her, but I neglect her as well. I’m no better than them.

It’s night and I’m in Father’s office now.

“I was going to scold you for not coming to my office earlier, but I saw that you were playing with Skyla”

“I apologize Father”

Father scuffles my mane and says, “I apologize for pressuring you in taking care of Skyla. You are just a child too”

“It is fine Father. Skyla is my cousin after all”

“Well, you do not need to worry about that anymore”

“What do you mean?”, I ask.

He passes me a letter.

“You have been accepted to train at the Ordo Equestris Academy at the Crystal Palace”

I have officially turned twelve already and I am going to the Crystal Palace soon to begin my training.

But now, I regret going because I’ll leave Skyla behind. She is going to be even more lonely than before after I’m gone.

I tried begging to Father to not let me go, but he wouldn’t.

The Ordo Equestris Academy is a prestigious school where the most scholar and talented noble colts go. Basically, only the highest of the high in the Aristocracy community go there.

And if I go to this academy, the Shy Family’s status will boost. That is why Father denied my pleads.

I understood after some time. If I rejected the chance to go to this prestigious school, the family will be looked down on.

It’s just disappointing that I have to leave Skyla.

I am walking around the Estate when I bumped into Father.

“Why are you wondering around, Son?”, Father asks.

“I am looking for Skyla. She must have gotten upset and ran out of the mansion again”

Father sighs, “I’ve told you that you don’t need to handle all of her tantrums anymore”

Father scratches his head as he continues, “That child may be a precious treasure but you are what is most important”

I scoff. Father isn’t ashamed of calling Skyla a tool in front of me anymore. He knows that I already know his intentions by now.

“I’ll just look around for a little longer. I’m leaving soon, so I want to make it up to her before then”, I responded.

“I see. I’ll leave you to it.”

I finally found Skyla, she was in the Greenhouse.

“As much I don’t want to leave you, I-“, I was interrupted.

“Really? Then you don’t need to go!”, Skyla said cheerfully.

I sighed, the message I gave her is being misinterpreted.

Skyla continues, “I’ll tell them for you. Uncle and Auntie would understand if they heard it from me”

“Skyla.”, I said. Don’t make it harder than it already is.

“You can just tell them that you don’t want to leave”, she begged.

“I have to go, even if you say that”

“W-why? Why must you go? You’ve always said yes to whatever I wanted before”, Skyla said as she started to get teary.

“I’m not leaving forever. I’ll come back to see you even during the semester. If you write me letters, I promise to write back, so you don’t need to cry like I’m disappearing for good”

I wipe her tears and give her a hug.

I’m truly sorry Skyla.

Pound Cake II

It has been two years since I left the Estate and went to the Ordo Equestris Academy. I am fourteen now.

One would usually need to be the academy for four years to graduate, but I did in two. I am a genius after all.

I have decided that I was going to go home after I graduate.

It turned out differently then I had hoped for. One of my teachers, Flash Magnus, signed me up to be part of a program that trains ponies to become knights. Apparently, he sees me a knight in me.

He said I did not have to do it but he requested me to at least go to the orientation. Out of courtesy, I went.

I was shown around the palace and surprisingly, the tour was actually fun. It made me consider training to become a knight but still, my mind is already set on going home. Skyla is waiting for me after all.

That was until I met her.

After the tour was finished, we were able to go to the arena and practice using wooden swords. Unlike the other colts, who all got training with a sword, I had no experience and was getting beat up.

“Got you, Pound”, an older colt said as he pushed me against the wall.

“Yeah yeah, I get it”, I said as I got up.

“Three in a row! Nice one Hoops”, a friend of the colt said.

“What do you expect? It’s not like this commoner was ever going to beat me?”

I roll my eyes to his comment.

Though I am popular for being a young scholar, some still look down at me for being a commoner that was adopted by a Marquis.

It still bother me til this day.

“At least this commoner can read. I heard you are still struggling to read words with more than four letters”, I fired back.

“Why you!”, the older colt said as he tried to land a punch on me.

I quickly ducked as his friends started to surround me.

“You need to learn your place you filthy commoner”

That’s the last straw. I have been patience with them throughout this whole tour while they have been bullying me. I can not stand it any longer.

I gave the colt a right hook to the jaw and he suddenly fell to the ground. I flew away while his friends were distracted by the knockout.

I flew out of the arena and before I knew it, I was in a garden. I flew down and landed near a tree. I still felt angry, so I started to punch the tree.

I hate it. I hate it when they lower me to something that I am not. The worst part is when I actually start believing them.

I don’t deserve to live a noble’s life. It was never meant to be that way.

All these weights on my shoulders are killing me. Maintaining a good status for the Shy House, tolerating Father’s schemes, taking care of Skyla. Why me?

“Uh, excuse me?”

I look up toward the voice. I see a filly sitting on a branch looking down on me.

“Can you please stop that?”, the filly asks.

I didn’t respond. I was distracted by her teal crystal eyes. She’s royalty.

The filly flew down as I realized she is an alicorn.

“You’re the princess”, I accidentally blurted out. The princess looks flustered after my comment.

This filly is Princess Flurry Heart. The daughter of Emperor Shining Armor and the late Empress Cadance. Father says that the princess isn’t particularly favored by the Emperor, more like the opposite.

The princess reminds me of Skyla. Well, they are sisters after all.

Like I said before, she has crystal eyes just like Skyla however, they're different. I don't know how you would describe it, but compared to Skyla, who's eyes give off a bright aura, for some reason, this filly's aura gives off more of a dark tone.

Maybe it is just me.

I shake my head as I regain my focus.

“Sorry. I didn’t know this was your tree”

“W-well, this isn’t particularly my tree. I was just hid- I mean resting here”, the princess said.

“Right . . .”, I say. It was quiet for a moment. I did not know what to say. Should I address the problem or should I just fly away?

“May I ask you something”, the princess shyly says.

I nodded.

“Why were you punching my tree?”

I sighed and looked away.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to o-offend you. I’m sorry about my question”

Her tone is just like Skyla’s. A worrywart with many hints of insecurity. I turn back at her and smile, “Don’t worry, you didn’t offend me at all”.

She slowly calms downs.

After taking care of Skyla, I have learned that a smile will always soothe anyone.

I continue, “I did it because I was mad. Some ponies made me feel worthless”.

I sit down and look up at the sky.

“Um, may I sit next to you?”

I turn to her and gave her a nod.

She goes next to me and sits down, looking at the sky with me.

“My nanny Starlight told me that I shouldn’t lower myself to something that I am not”

“Does it work?”, I ask.

“I wish, but I don’t think I can never do that.”

I look at her. Though I don’t fully understand her troubles, I feel bad.

“Others may see you’re worthless in their own eyes but I don’t. You shouldn’t too”

My eyes widen. I felt touched. “You only just met me. How could you say something like that?”, I asked.

She suddenly becomes flustered again and says, “I-I’m sorry. T-that was too forward. Forget I said anything”

I chuckle and shook my head. “You made me feel better. Thank you princess”

The princess looked surprised.

“Please call me Flurry”, she quietly said.

I nod to her request. “My name is Pound Cake”, I said as I give her a smile.

“Flurry Heart!”

I turn toward the voice. She looks like she is a maid at the palace.

“So this was where you have been hiding all this time”

“I’m s-sorry Miss”, Flurry said.

“You will be once we get back.”, the maid said as she pulled her by the ear.

Flurry looked terrified, something bad was going to happen.

I wanted to help Flurry so I said, “Wait! You can’t treat her like that, she’s royalty”.

The maid scoffed, “I don’t get paid enough to look after this little bug. Unless you work here, you need to keep your mind in your own business”.

I didn’t know what to say. I spaced out as the maid dragged Flurry with her while Flurry begged for me to help. I couldn’t do anything, I felt worthless again.

I don’t get it. Why does Flurry have to be treated that way? Why doesn’t the Emperor like her? Why can’t I protect her?

I want to protect Flurry so badly for some reason. But I can’t if I don’t have the power to unless . . .

I think back to Skyla. I know she’s waiting for me, but things are different now.

When I think about it, Flurry has it worst than Skyla. All the servants love Skyla, she has a great home, and Father and Mother are somewhat kind to her.

While it seems like the servants here disrespect Flurry, The Emperor hates her, and most of all, she’s alone with no place to call home.

Should I choose a pony I just met today over family? How would the outcome be?

It was at this point that I have made my decision.

I’m sorry Skyla.

It’s been three years since I’ve decided to become a knight. I have worked my flank off ever since and after these three years, I have become the youngest pony to become captain in Equestrian History.

Of course I’m happy to make history, but I’m more happier that now, I have the power to protect the one I care for.

Skyla was finally introduced to the Emperor and surprisingly, she was accepted. By now, most would know her as the ‘Lovely Princess’.

I’m happy for Skyla. She finally found her family, a home she actually belongs to. And now, I don’t have to worry about her as much like before. It felt like a weight was being lifted off my shoulder.

Not to mention, Flurry confessed to me. And I confessed back. We even kissed.

It felt like everything is finally going my way. I can finally focus on what I want.

That was what I thought until Father told me the news.

“Congratulations son!”

“You’ve already congratulated me enough Father. I get it. I’m proud of myself too”, I said, thinking that he was referring to me becoming the Captain.

Father shakes his head. “I think you misunderstood”

I raise a brow, “Then what is it?”.

“You are getting engaged to Skyla!”, he said with cheer.

Wait what? He’s got to be joking.

“Is this another one of your jokes? If it is, it’s not funny Father”, I question.

“I’m being serious”

“Father, you’re being crazy. I’ve known Skyla since she was a filly. She’s my cousin for Celestia’s sake. I can’t be engaged to her!”

“Well, there is no law stating you’re not allowed to marry your cousin. Besides, you guys are not really blood related”

I groaned, “This is nonsense Father! I never agreed to this. Surely, Skyla won’t too.”

“What do you mean, Son? Skyla is in love with you. She confessed to the Emperor about it”

It felt like my heart was going to stop. Skyla is in love with me? The thought of that makes me want to puke.

“I refuse. I love Skyla, but you know I don’t love her in that way”

“Son just think about it for a moment. If you do marry Skyla, imagine all the power we’ll have. You’ll become Emperor and-“

I interrupted him, “I like the position I have right now, thank you very much.”

“Son please, do it for your family. For Skyla. For me”, Father begged.

”It’s always about power for you, isn’t it Father?”

Father scoffs, “You’re one to talk.”

I roll my eyes.

He continues, “How do you think you became Captain? Because of your valiant effort? Please.”

“What are you going on about now?”, I ask.

“You became Captain because of me and Skyla.”

“What?”

“My money and power is the reason that you are where you are now. Not to mention, ever since Skyla was welcomed here, all she can talk to the Emperor about is you. Her praises have convinced the Emperor to actually make you the Captain. Otherwise, that position would have been given to another stallion”

It can’t be. All my hard work has been for nothing. I always wanted to prove them wrong, that you did not need money and power to get what you want, but I’ve been doing that the whole time.

I’m speechless.

“Just imagine, what would happen if you rejected Skyla. Not only would you make Skyla sad, but the Emperor furious. I wonder what punishment he will inflict on you. You’ll probably lose everything”

He brought out a ring box. “If you do not want that to happen, I’ll advise you to make it official with her”

I grab the box and started to walk out of my office.

As I did, Mother walks in and says, “Pound dear, are you alright?”.

I ignored her and continue to walk away. My head hurts, I just need to take a walk in the garden.

”How did you convince him dear?”

“By making him think he’s worthless.”

“Don’t you think you were being too harsh on him?”

“Hmph. He owes us for taking him in. If he couldn’t pay his debt, he would have suffered the same ending as his father”

It’s been about two weeks and it’s been hectic. I was forced to propose to Skyla and the news of our engagement spread. Then Skyla got poisoned and Flurry is accused of poisoning her.

I don’t know who poisoned Skyla, but I know for certain Flurry did not. For the past five days, since Skyla fell into her coma. I have been busy taking care of Skyla while trying to find the real criminal behind this. I have found nothing. Nothing to prove Flurry innocent.

Flurry has been locked in the dungeons for the past five days. I haven’t gotten the chance to visit her.

I’m in a turmoil. I feel stuck in between Flurry and Skyla.

Skyla, my dear cousin who I have been taking care of since we were foals. We are engaged, but she doesn’t know that I actually have feelings for another. Even worse, someone poisoned her and she’s in a coma now.

But Flurry, I fell in with her since we first met and I decided to become the Captain to protect her. She has been framed for poisoning Skyla and there is no evidence to free her. She must be suffering in that cell, feeling more alone than ever.

Maybe I should finally visit Flurry.

I started heading to the dungeon until I passed by Mother.

“Pound? Where are you going? Aren’t you suppose to be with Skyla?”, she asks.

I couldn’t tell Mother I was visiting Flurry, she would get furious. “Uhh, I have some business to attend to”.

“I thought you are off duty at this time”, she said as she lifted a brow.

I couldn’t come up with anything. I can never lie in front of this mare.

“Son?”

I sighed, “I’m going to the dungeon”.

“For what? To see the Lowly Princess?”, she said with a chuckle.

I kept quiet.

My reaction made her suspicious. “You’re kidding? You are actually going to visit her?”

I look away from Mother so she wouldn’t stare me down.

“She poisoned Skyla! Why would she want to talk to her?”

“Maybe if I talk to her, I can find out some information to figure out who really put Skyla in a coma”, I explained.

“You still don’t believe she didn’t poison Skyla?! She directly gave Skyla the poison. What other evidence is more clearer than that?!”

”I just know Flurry would never do such a thing!”

Mother was in shock for a moment. Once she regained her focus, she said, “I didn’t want to believe it”.

“What does that mean?”, I question.

“There are rumors in the palace that you and that Lowly Princess kissed”

I froze.

My reaction told her everything. “So it is true!”

“Mother please! I can explain”

“How can you do this to us? To Skyla? Why? With her?”

“You should know that I was never in love with Skyla. I-”

Mother interrupted me, “You are in love with that bug”.

I sighed. I looked at her and nod.

She puts her hoof on her forehead and says, “She must have bewitched you somehow! Why else-”

I stopped her immediately saying, “Flurry would never do that! And she would never poison her own sister! I love her!”.

Mother slaps me. She never struck me before.

“Don’t you ever yell at your Mother!”

I rub my cheek.

She sighed, “Don’t look at me like I’m the bad guy. Flurry is the one that poisoned Skyla for Celestia’s sake. Look at her that way.”

She turns her back at me and starts to walk away. “If you really want to visit her, go. But just know, you are making a big mistake”

I turn back and started to walk toward the dungeon again, but a guard stops me.

“Captain! I have urgent news”, the guard says.

“What is it?”

“Princess Skyla woke up”

My eyes widen.

I shake my head. No, I have to see Flurry. “I’ll visit Princess Skyla later. I have to talk to Princess Flurry first”.

“But Princess Flurry Heart has been ordered to be brought to the Emperor”

My heart skipped a beat, “Wait what? Are you sure?!”.

The guard nodded.

Only one thing came up at my mind. Flurry is in danger. I need to save her.

“I’ll report to Princess Skyla immediately then”, I said as the guard saluted me.

I need to get to Skyla before something bad happens to Flurry.

I bolted to the Amethyst Suite.

Once I got there, I see Skyla up on her bed, “Pound!”.

I ran to her and gave her a hug, “You’re actually awake! Are you okay?”.

“Y-yes. But did something happen? The maids won’t tell me anything. The last thing I remember doing was having tea with Flurry”

I looked at the maids and signaled them to leave.

Once they did, I told her everything.

“You were poisoned and fell into a coma for five days”

She gasped, “How could have this happen?! Who would do this?!”

I comfort her. “I don’t know who actually did, but everyone is pointing at Flurry”

“But sister would never do such a thing to me!”

I nodded. “That’s exactly what I said, but she was there when you collapsed, so that’s the only evidence they have. And Flurry is now with the Emperor, I fear he is going to hurt her”.

Skyla started to get off from her bed, “No! I’ll talk to him! I can stop this.”

“Be careful Skyla”, I said as I helped her get off.

“Let’s go to my Father”

I quickly guided her to the throne room.

“Do you have any last words?”

“Father please! I’ve been framed! Please listen to your daughter”

“You were never my daughter”.

Skyla suddenly barges in shouting, “Father wait!”

The Emperor looks shocked. He started to walk to Skyla, “You’re awake?”

I ran to Flurry who was laid down on the floor. I bent down to her and asked, “Are you alright?!”

Flurry nodded.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t visit you? You must have felt so alone.”.

Flurry quietly says, “It’s alright. I’m fine now.”

We turn our heads back to the Emperor and Skyla.

“Father please! Flurry didn’t do it. Please don’t hurt her”

“Why are you defending that bug? She poisoned you!”, the Emperor turns his head toward Flurry as his horn started to glow bright again.

I got up and stood in front of Flurry to protect her.

“I can’t stand how you treat my sister like this any longer. For Celestia’s sake she is your daughter! Your beloved wife’s daughter! Why do you hate her so much?!”

I was shocked. I’ve never seen Skyla this mad before.

“I’m the one that you should be hating. I am your illegitimate daughter after all.”, Skyla says as she starts to cry.

The Emperor turns back to Skyla and puts a hoof on her cheek. “I can never hate you”.

“Then why do you hate Flurry so much?”

“Skyla . . . you are mines and Cadance’s daughter”.

“I don’t understand. What are you talking about?”

“I was going to wait a little longer until I tell you the truth but . . .”, the Emperor says.

He continues, “I guess now is the best time”.

Author's Note

I’m kinda getting lazy in making the art. If someone wants to help me, message me.

Fluttershy I

My name is Fluttershy. I belong to the House of Shy, an aristocratic family. Though I am the eldest child of the family, I wasn’t meant to be the heir. My younger brother took that position since the law states that the firstborn legitimate son is to inherit his parent's entire estate.

As the only daughter of my family, the only role left for me to play was to get married.

It was decided that I was going to marry Count Iron Will. He was much older than me, but he promised my parents that I would be taken care of. It is a norm for young mares to marry old guys like him, but I still couldn’t cope with it.

I begged my parents to stop this engagement, but they refused. I had no choice in the matter. I was stuck, counting my days down until the wedding.

That was until she summoned me.

I was called upon to the Imperial Palace by Consort Cadence, the wife of Emperor Shining Armor.

“Your Highness”, I said as I greeted the Consort.

Consort Cadence giggled and walked to me, “Why are you using formal speech? You can speak freely inside my palace”.

“B-but your Highness-“

The Consort rolled her eyes, “It’s been awhile old friend”.

She gave me a hug and the warm atmosphere she gives off made me feel less tense. I relaxed and said, “I missed you Cadence”.

Though Cadence was a commoner and from a different origin than mines, we knew each other since we were kids. She was the daughter of my old nanny, so we became close friends.

When her mother died, Cadence was only at her late teens. I offered her a place at the Shy Estate, but she refused. She wanted to become independent, so she left. We would write letter to each other and I would sometimes send her money. She refused the money of course, but after repeatedly sending the money front and back, she finally gave up and accepted it.

Who knew a mare like her would become the lover of the Emperor. Rumors have said he was vicious and grim, how could my sweet and kind Cadence get with somepony like that?

I had to ask her.

After our little greeting, she guided me to a table where we drank tea and we started to talk about our lives.

“Cadence? May I ask you something about the Emperor?”

“Of course, what do you want to know?”

“Is the rumors about the Emperor being vicious and grim true?”

Cadence rolled her eyes and said, “Of course not. Shiny is a sweetheart when you actually get to know him”

I was astonished.

Cadence laughed and said, “What’s with that expression? Did my answer really surprise you?”

I shrugged. “Well, if any pony else said that, I wouldn’t have believed them. Since it is coming from you, I guess it is true”.

Cadence gave me a smile and it warmed my heart. Though she is just a pegasus, for some reason, she has the ability to make any pony happy with just one smile. Maybe that’s how the Emperor fell for her. I’m not really surprised.

“Are you ready to become the Empress?”, I suddenly blurted out.

I covered my mouth after I realized what I just asked. “S-sorry I didn’t mean to-“

“It’s okay”, Cadence said. She slowly inhaled and exhaled, and then continued, “Though I have been training to become the empress since I’ve gotten to this palace, I feel like I can never be enough. But I’m determined to do my best for Shining. I want to be there and give him as much support as I can as his wife”.

“With that mindset, I know you will become a great Empress”.

Cadence chuckles and says, “Thank you Fluttershy”

I nodded.

Cadence cleared her throat, “Moving on to the next topic, I heard you are going to get married soon”.

My happy mood turned into a sad one.

After Cadence noticed my expression changed she immediately said, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring it up like that!”.

I sighed, “It’s okay Cadence. It’s just sad that I don’t get the opportunity to have a happy ending like you”.

“Maybe there’s still a chance”

My ears perked, “What do you mean by that?”

“Well for one, you’ll be too busy being my maid of honor for my wedding to focus on your own”

I immediately got up from my seat in shock, “You want me to become your maid of honor?!”

“If only you accept”

“Of course I accept! I’m honored!”, I said.

Being the maid of honor in an Imperial Wedding, is a perfect excuse to use to delay my marriage. But of course, Cadence has another thing up her sleeves.

I calmed myself and sat down. “What is the second thing?”, I asked.

Cadence giggles and says, “You know me too well.”

She cleared her throat and continued, “After I become Empress, I want you to become the Head Maid of the palace”

Becoming the Head Maid of the Crystal Palace is a prestigious job that only high ranking noble mares can have. To think Cadence is offering me this position. This is the perfect way to cancel my engagement! The Head Maid will be too busy taking care of the affairs inside the palace to become a wife.

I don’t know what to say and before I knew it, I started to cry.

Cadence got up from her seat and went to me. “Oh no, did I say something wrong?!”, she said in a worried tone.

I wasn’t crying because I was sad. These are tears of happiness. I hugged her and she hugged me back. “Thank you!”, I cried.

It’s been two years. Cadence officially became the Empress. While I officially became the Head Maid and successfully got out of my engagement with Count Iron Will.

Sadly, the pressure towards the Empress seems to never quell. It’s already bad enough that Cadence is being ridiculed for her commoner blood, but now, she is being pressured to produce an heir.

Since Cadence hasn’t been able to have a child within these two years, the Royal Court has been pushing the Emperor to get a concubine. The Emperor, who is madly in love with Cadence, obviously refused, demanding them to give him more time, but the Royal Court is getting impatient.

I am worried for Cadence. I don't know how she is feeling behind that smile of hers these days. If only I can help her de-stress herself.

“What’s with the pout?”

I jumped in shocked. I looked up, toward the voice, to find a draconequus floating above me.

“Sir Captain! W-were you watching me this whole time?!”, I called out.

The draconequus floated down in front of me and said, “Dis-cord”.

“Excuse me?’’

“Call me by my name. Dis-cord”

His face was so close to mine, it took me a moment to take it all in. “I can’t do that! You are the Captain”, I said as I began to fluster.

“I’m going to keep bothering you about it until you say my name”

There was a moment of silence. I felt unsteady, not knowing what to do.

The Captain is just going to keep bothering me more if I don’t follow his request. I sigh in defeat. “Sir Discord”

Sir Discord shook his head and said, “Nuh-uh. Just Discord”

A blush grew on my face as I quietly said, “D-Discord”.

He looked happy as I said it. “Bravo!”, he cheered as he clapped.

Discord is the Captain of the Royal Guards. He is very . . . unique compared to other ponies. He is not actually a pony, he is a draconequus. The only one of his kind in the Crystal Kingdom, maybe even in this entire world.

When I first met him I thought he was scary and threatening. I have heard the Captain being a monster and ferocious in the battlefield. However, many of the staff in the palace strangely love and admire him.

And as the Head Maid of the palace, I had to get to know him eventually.

I was still wary and cautious around him and despite my first impression of him, I wanted to become his friend, so I had to look past his appearance and reputation.

Surprisingly, I learned he is actually a jokester.

I really need to stop believing rumors I hear.

I soon got closer to him and we are apparently on a first-name basis now.

“Back to the topic, why are you pouting?”, he asked.

I sighed and thought back to Cadence, “I am just worried for the Empress. I can’t imagine all the pressure she is dealing with. What’s worse is that she is pretending it is all okay.”

I spaced out as I continued to walk down the hallway until Discord flicked me on the forehead. “Ouch, what was that for?”, I asked while touching my forehead.

“You worry too much. You need to worry about your own priorities”

“But the Empress is one of my priorities. One of my duties as the Head Maid of the palace is being the Empress’s personal maid”

Discord scoffed. He appeared right in front of me again, but this time, his face was a bit closer. “Then what about me?”, he asked.

I blushed and felt my heart skip a beat, but quickly got back to my senses. I reminded myself that it’s just another one of his pranks.

I pushed his face to the side and walked past him. “You are the Captain of the Royal Guard, Discord. I don’t need to worry about you because I know you can fully take care of yourself”

He popped up by my side again and said, “I guess you’re right. Someone as great and powerful as myself don’t really need to be protected”.

I sighed and rolled my eyes, “Well, if you are done gloating, let’s say our goodbyes. I have to get to the Empress”.

“Well then . . .”, he said as he took my hoof.

He kissed it and said, “Until next time M’Lady Fluttershy”.

He teleported away while I was still stunned by his move.

Once I unfroze, I started to fan myself with my hoof as I felt hot.

I hate it when he teases me.

Cadence was at her tea table, it seemed like she was staring off into space.

I walked to her and asked, “You look unwell Cadence, should I bring you some tea?”.

She regained her focus and scratched her head. “Yes, please. You should bring a cup for yourself as well. I want to have tea with you.”

I nodded and followed her request.

Once I got back to her, carrying the tea set, I said, “I made your favorite”

“Passion flower?”

I nodded as I placed down the tea set on the table.

“Do you want to talk about it? I know you have been under a lot of stress.”, I asked.

Cadence sighed and said, “I don’t want you to worry about me. I am doing fine”.

“Not knowing what is going on with you is worrying me a lot. It is better to let it out then to keep it all in. Confiding to someone you trust can help”

Cadence, who was staring at her tea cup the whole time, finally looked up to me. “You’re right”

She deeply inhaled and exhaled. “I finally convinced him”.

I gave her a curious expression. I didn’t want to push her to tell me so I stayed quiet, waiting for her to continue.

“I finally convinced Shining to get a concubine”, Cadence confessed.

“Oh, I see”, I said in response.

I had many things I wanted to say, but I didn’t want to interrupt Cadence.

“The Royal Court has been pressuring Shining to get a concubine since I couldn’t bear him a child”

She paused and looked down to touch her stomach.

“It is my fault Shining is being pressured. It is my fault I couldn’t live up to my duty. I couldn’t support him”, she continued.

“It is not your fault. It really isn’t your fault Cadence”, I impulsively said.

“But still . . . since I couldn’t have a child, I only had one option left as his wife. So I finally convinced him and I feel upset now. I know it is selfish to have such feelings, but I really didn’t want him to get a concubine”.

I can feel that she is holding the tear. All this time, she was trying to be strong. I can’t believe she held it for this long.

I got up and walked to Cadence, giving her a hug. “It’s okay. The feelings you are having . . . it’s okay to have them. You may think it is selfish, but sometimes, it’s okay to be selfish”.

From that moment on, I consoled her as she wept in my hooves.

After a week, when Shining Armor finally agreed to the Royal Court of getting a concubine due Cadence’s words, the Royal Court finally picked a mare.

This mare is Princess Chrysalis of the Changeling Kingdom. The Royal Court wanted to set good relations with their neighboring kingdom and the Emperor marrying the Princess of the Kingdom was the perfect chance.

She will be arriving to the Crystal Palace soon.

I wonder what she is like.