"Please forgive me. But, could you repeat what you just said?" Celestia asked while trying to make sense of the alien situation before her.

Letting out a sigh, Queen Chrysalis crossed her arms and frowned at Princess Celestia. "It is exactly as I said. I abdicated the throne. Another changeling is ruling the hive. I came here to try and find myself a lover, husband, breeder, whatever it is that you ponies call it. I wish to settle here and live a life that doesn't include waging war against an empire for the sake of not starving," Chrysalis replied with a snarky tone as she tapped her fingers rhythmically.

Dumbfounded, perplexed, awe, staggered. Many words could describe Princess Celestia's reaction at that moment. The Queen who viciously fought her nation in the past stood before her. She, who had fought them with machinations that so effortlessly mocked ponies due to their unique abilities, stood before Celestia without a weapon, an escort, a DISGUISE. It is no surprise that her reaction to the scene was of utter and complete shock.

This sort of development is ridiculous! She is right here. She bowed AND asked for citizenship! And technically speaking, I can't arrest her because her crimes are already prescribed. She entered our borders regularly, went through all inspection checks, and we had her monitored all the way. She is completely clean.

"I hope that you are aware that your actions in the past are the cause of our measures to monitor your movements until you reached our capital. I think you are also aware that it is for that same reason I find it so odd that you would ask such a thing from me," Celestia answered while trying to keep her composure. Meanwhile, Cadance seemed to be in a state of utter shock.

I can't blame her for that reaction. The picture I painted for her about Queen Chrysalis was much different from what is here now.

"I am well aware of my crimes in the past. I can only say that I did what I did out of necessity, not animosity," Chrysalis replied while huffing at them. "Without the raids, we would have starved and would be extinct by now. And if you pay attention, all of our attacks left minimum damage after the first siege nearly caused a city to be lost on your side. Not to mention we retreated after each raid. Moreover, if you look carefully, you'll notice that the reason we haven't been seen after all these years is the fact that we sneak in gather energy, and then sneak out," She added with a hint of venom. A much more controlled and respectful act than when Celestia faced her in battle in the past.

Celestia had to admit that idea sent a shiver down her spine. The mere thought of it never once occurred to her. It embarrassed Celestia to admit it, but she believed them to be extinct after so many years of silence. Changelings living among her ponies and leaving at their leisure was a disturbing thought. It didn't matter how you put it.

It seems the many years of peace might have blinded me in some aspects.

"And how can any of us be certain that you will not spell yourself a husband?" Cadance intervened, snapping Celestia out of her thoughts. "A changeling leeches the love for someone else and reduces the victim to a husk. How could we know that the feeling is legitimate? If you ask for citizenship, you cannot use your disguises to lure other ponies. You would need to earn their love to live," She added while staring at Chrysalis attentively.

A childish smile appeared on the Chrysalis's face as she analyzed Cadance from top to bottom. "Princess of love, correct? Then, can I assume that you had plenty of experience with love? How to allure the desired partner? How to trap them with just a few gestures? How to show how interested you are?"

Every single word that left Chrysalis's mouth felt like a spell. The words rolled out of her tongue as she moved around. Celestia could not deny that she did find her attractive during the little display. The way she walked back and forward, the sway of her hips, the way her mane moved, the emerald eyes peeking through a curtain of green silk, and a smile that was a taunt and an invitation. In any case, Cadance's jaw dropped and her cheeks flushed while Celestia hid a pinch with a crossing arm.

If anything, she just showed how dangerous she can be in her regular form. But, she might find some problems with non-military ponies. The civilians of our kingdom tend to be skittish about outsiders. No doubt about it, they will keep their guard up whenever she is around.

"So, will I be granted citizenship? Or not?" Chrysalis inquired while breaking the charming facade.

Coughing, Celestia tried her best to regain her composure."Like any other being that seeks the citizenship of our nation, you will need to pass a test regarding our culture, laws, and history. We will give you time to prepare, like any other immigrant. However, given the past incidents, we shall also apply a few extra measures for your and our safety. These measures include: you shall live and sleep within my castle, there will be guards watching your every move from afar, you are not permitted to use your disguises in ANY situation, and if you do pick a pony and win them over, Cadance will verify if the feelings are genuine. All of these measures, aside from the one regarding your partner, will last for two years. Call it a probation period. Do you agree to these conditions, Queen Chrysalis?"

"I don't believe there is much choice here," Chrysalis replied while shrugging. "But, I am no longer a queen. Just refer to me as Chrysalis, from now on. I am a commoner after all," She added with a faint change in her tone.

"Very well," Celestia replied while getting up. "Guards! Escort her to one of our guest's rooms! We shall see that you receive clothing and other necessities as soon as possible," She ordered as the guards at the bottom of the stairs saluted before escorting Chrysalis away.

There were a few seconds of silence until the door finally closed behind her.

"Aunt, what just happened?" Cadance asked while staring at the closed doors.

"I think I just invited a viper into our home," Celestia replied while biting her lip.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Cadance inquired with her gaze still fixed on the door.

"Watch over her during her time on the Academy grounds. And when she is inside the castle. The guards shall report weekly, you can report monthly. Unless something alarming happens," Celestia replied while sitting back on her throne.

The Ex-Queen of Changelings. What is she planning?

Author's Note

And here comes the QUEEN!

Let's see where this goes.