Quashed

Shining Armor looked out of the carriage window as the Crystal Palace grew closer. It had been a week since his daring, but fruitless takeover of Canterlot Castle. The citizen's food shortage had been counteracted almost immediately as merchant from the local agricultural society rolled into town and began doling out food at regular market prices. Large shipments went to restaurants, smaller shipments were directed to private citizens, all without much trouble at all. When asked, one of the heads of commerce that rolled into town said their prices were set low by Steelhorn's command.

Shining Armor had left one of his captains in charge of Canterlot when he received a message telling him to return to the crystal palace at once. Steelhorn had taken back the forts, but there were other roads leading back to the Crystal Empire. He wondered what was so important that Cadence couldn't say it in her letter.

His carriage arrived and he made his way to the throne room. Upon seeing his wife for the first time in months, he smiled and approached. She rushed forward and embraced her husband, drawing him into a deep, passionate kiss. "I have wonderful news for you, Shiny," she whispered. "Come, follow me."

She took his hand and led him through the palace, coming to a stop at one of the guest room doors. She gestured to it with an excited smile, indicating that he should be the one to open the door. He took a deep breath, steeling his nerves as the handle turned and the latch clicked into place. The door swung open and Shining Armor looked inside.

His eyes were drawn immediately to the pregnant mare sitting in a chair. A physician was looking over her health, ensuring that she was physically sound. She looked up at Shining, an excited smile on her face. She stood up and wobbled over to her brother, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I missed you so much, BBBFF."

Shining Armor returned the hug, gently rubbing his sister's back. "I missed you, too, Twily." Just as he was about to ask how she managed to escape, he heard the toilet flush and the sink run in the ensuite lavatory. Somepony else was in the room. The door opened, and Shining Armor's eyes went wide. Standing behind Twilight was Jericho, his bandage on full display.

"Prince Shining Armor, don't look so dour. Your sister is safe, here in the tower. Your cunning plan to divide our forces lead to success for both of our courses."

Shining Armor grew silent. He wanted very much to tell Jericho off, but he couldn't do so now. His bride and his sister couldn't know about the attempted homicide. He would have to wait.

Cadance placed a hand on Shining Armor's shoulder, joining the group hug. "Prince Jericho told us all about your amazing strategy to trick the minotaurs into moving away from Canterlot's defenses," she beamed. "How did you ever think of something so brilliant?"

"Uh..." Shining was at a loss. He had no idea what Jericho had told them. "You know, it just came to me."

"And your plan to take the fortresses without any casualties?" added Twilight. "Truly, a genius play. You're so great at this, brother!"

Shining Armor scowled at Jericho. He'd been lying to his family, but to what end? Jericho returned Shining's look with a smug smile, almost daring him to make a move. "I hope this reunion is one you find fun. With any luck, we'll soon have another one."

"Or two." smiled Twilight, returning to her chair. "We still have two princesses to rescue."

"Quite right you are, my lovely mare," bowed Jericho. "Their rescue shall be handled with care. In the meantime, I must take some rest. I'll plan as I tend to this hole in my chest."

Cadance smiled as Jericho walked past. "Don't be too long with your nap. I want you to join us for dinner."

With a silent nod, Jericho closed the door, returning to his room. Shining Armor had many questions for Twilight, not the least of which was the father of her child. She spared him the gory details, but relayed as clearly as she could why she was currently swollen.

A few hours passed. Dinner was almost ready, and somepony needed to go tell Jericho. Cadance volunteered, but Shining Armor overruled her, saying that he wanted to discuss the battle plan moving forward as they were dressing for their meal. Through such an exchange, Shining Armor now found himself knocking at the door to the zebra prince's bedroom.

The door opened just a crack, revealing Malakai in the doorframe. "Prince Shining Armor, a pleasure as always." There was a light rustling behind the door. After it stopped, Malak stepped back and opened the door further. "Please come in, discussion is not for hallways."

Shining Armor entered, only to find a number of zebra guards armed with short spears. Each of them was aimed at him. He made his way through the room, stopping when he came to the table. Jericho was already awake, and sitting on the other side of the table, putting away a deck of cards. "Why did you do that?"

Jericho shrugged. "The game is over, though we have no winner. I assume you've come to escort me to dinner?"

"You know what I mean," growled Shining Armor. "Why did you lie to the princesses about what happened out there?"

The smug grin returned to Jericho's face. "You're under the impression that we're mortal foes. In reality, I do not wish to further your woes. If you want them to know that you tried to kill me, I'll sit and I'll listen, smiling with glee. If not, just take the accolade which to you has been gifted." The smile melted away. "Let it be a reminder to where your loyalties have shifted."

Jericho stood up and moved to the bed, where his suit had been laid out. Cadance had taken the time to have it cleaned and pressed in the several months that they'd been gone. He was looking quite dapper as he brushed his mane as much as his scalp would allow.

"What is it you want from me?" asked Shining Armor.

Jericho chuckled. "My deal's not with you, but with your spouse. We've no intention of splitting your house. However, if there's an order that sets at ease my men," He turned to look Shining Armor right in the eyes. "I'd be very pleased if you wouldn't try to kill me again."