The Hope for a Flexible Future (2)

Cinnamon was a mare with many regrets and many strange feelings about the recent failure she sustained.

Maybe she came up too hard and too fast, maybe she also tried to be too subtle and expect way more than the king she might have gotten smitten to could actually pick up from such an immediate request of something so smutty and lecherous in nature. Her cheeks burned red, but her arousal hardly went down at the idea that she could already see the admonishing look on the young stallion’s face was going to have once he learned the truth.

The mere thought had her shivering, but only a bit was fear, with the rest oddly enough tipping into the sexual. Was she truly that depraved? Cinnamon wasn’t exactly one to look into these matters but… many things came to play about it. It all started when she started to indulge reading the pages of her mother’s old journal.

A little relic left behind by the poor mare that died when both Cinnamon and her little brother were quite young. The maid remembered well enough those times, the horror and the dread that gripped her heart as she braved the life of a slave for so long. And yet that restriction was gone. The old King was dead, long live the new king.

And long lust after him too~.

A stray thought happened, and her face was turning into a proper tomato. She didn’t even bother greeting or nodding at the passing guards, her blitz back to her room was relentless and devoid of any intention to stop by and address others. The door slammed shut and she cannon-balled into her bed.

The journal is still there, under the pillow, the lure of the tales her mother had about those ‘curious’ friends of hers with so many tales about males of all kinds. The graphic content was just plain… absurd. And interesting. Cinnamon was never one to read this kind of literature, but the erotic context was slightly ignored for mere curiosity.

Can a mare stretch that way? Were they really that flexible? Cinnamon had never questioned the limits of her body, mostly out of fear of hurting herself but… could she pull even half of that madness? Probably. But was she going to give it a try? And that’s where her mind found silence from both her moral and logical senses.

She was a good pony with good morals, but also someone that had been suffering loneliness for a while. Yearning for a stallion was nothing new within their society when it comes to mares, but someone from another species?

She could only attribute this attraction to personality and… that oddly-enticing softness within the human’s appearance that wanted her to crave for his touch. Not just sexually, but also romantically. To be held by him… it was so nice. It made her feel submissive, but not in an awkward way. It felt nice, comfy even. She felt happy to be carried around if needed.

Wait, is that lewd too? D-Definitely lewd!

“Why is this so complicated?” Cinnamon whispered, her gaze soon aimed at her chest, the drumming of her heart making it difficult to find silence and peace in her own safe haven. “Q-Quiet you.”

But the heart didn’t listen, too busy being honest and making her legs quiver in frustration. A brief pout appeared, the mare’s mind trying to pull away from those devious thoughts that had urged her to give it a try.

“Why are there petals on the mattress?”

His fake curiosity just drove her crazy. He knew, he definitely knew. What would that warrant to her? She thought about it. Cinnamon was already in his debt, and it was clear he wasn’t into her in a sexual manner… yet. But there was something about being put in that bad spotlight that terrified her. What if that became a reason to kick her out for good? She definitely overstepped her boundaries and would have been severely punished had it been the standard monarch to find her in such a state. But…

“Why is there a wet spot on my pillow?”

What if what the maid saw, glinting from his eyes as he asked that, was actual amusement at her embarrassed self? Maybe he found it a scene worthy of a jester’s greatest work. The thought was quite hurtful all in all, but Cinnamon had to concede it was better than the alternative. She couldn’t exactly ask anything better without the king being a foolish one. The fact he ‘liked’ it that way was kind of good… but it also left her in a wild spot.

How was the mare supposed to face the future interaction, the one that would see them at least acknowledge the presence of each other before one another, without actually thinking back about what had just happened? The mare shivered at that instance, but ultimately decided to ignore it as she knew that this issue was going to be one only for her future self. For now, she had an arousal to bring down through a cold bath… or maybe, she could actually get a ‘win’ out of this.

Up until that very point, she used the journal as an extra ‘help’ at that. But right now, Cinnamon had something better than that: realism. She had been discovered being naughty, and her creative mind could easily conjure a scenario to make the entire setting better to her current desire. She imagined herself straddled on the bed, faking a struggle, but definitely conceding to something she had wanted.

That she wanted~.

His hands on her, a bit rough in their grasp but still caring, wanting, giving and… loving. A full trembling took her body for a full concession to her lustful hunger. Before she knew it, Cinnamon Velvet was busy enjoying some alone time, playing with her own arousal until it was gone for good. Without her knowing, that need to get relief through this ‘simple’ method would only end up fueling what was already growing deep within her heart, soul and body.

More. She wanted more of her beloved king.

----------d-d-d-d--------

The torch’s light is a bit dim right now... or is it just me?

I could only sigh as I waited calmly in the room that had been prepared to handle Apocrita, the queen being ‘fashionably late’ from the looks of it. My first impression on Changeling Queens was Chrysalis. And it wasn’t a good impression.

The chances of dealing with a heavily-pragmatic negotiator was both a boon and a hassle: the queen was going to ask something greater than the merciful offer I was willing to give her, perhaps arguing that she and her drones could do much more than I wanted from them, thus requiring a better side of the deal for themselves. It was going to be a wild tug o’ war until I managed to ‘win’ the game by giving Apocrita what she really wanted as it was going to be less than she would ask before that.

But… I didn’t plan to go along with that simple and annoying diplomatic hassle.

I had an idea that revolved around two main points:

1) I was the king here, and she was a guest at best. This meeting was to determine a legitimate status for her and her subjects/‘children’ to hold within my kingdom. They were still dependent and reliant to me;

2) This negotiation wasn’t going to have an ‘other side’, because I was going to roll on them with the ferocity and the precision of a statesman on a considerable amount of energy drinks – I was going to hit them with so much ‘kindness’ and ‘hope’ that they were going to find it troubling to ask for more. But both elements weren’t without a catch or giving them the chance to make further concessions without some valiant reasoning.

I had to get Shadow Mark to aid me in some passages due to how extensive the ‘three glorious steps’ were, surprising the guy as he didn’t expect me to take that kind of approach, but instantly taking a liking for it. He went through a couple of the details I put forth, asking if he could suggest minor changes to make it less ‘heavy on them’ and more ‘good on us’. We wanted to make a good impression AND still be in charge at the same time. So, as I analyzed what he offered, I accepted the need to apply minor changes to the pages I had personally penned for the occasion.

I wanted the Changelings to become a part of the Empire I was rebuilding, all with the purpose of adding extra pop in the civilian and military side of things. Their unique ability just made them stand out more as exceptional infiltrators, something that would definitely allow for the formation of an intelligence service.

Yet, before making plans about it, I had to do something rather difficult but possible with enough time and effort: I had to ‘legally’ and ‘morally’ weaken the hold Apocrita had on her subjects. Or, if possible, make her accept my plans and thus prevent any future insurrections the moment a ploy to control her goes awry.

Finally, Apocrita arrived and… she held a curious look on her face as she entered the room. Instead of being neutral or emotionless as I would have wanted her to be, the Changeling queen appeared to be fairly… amused. And frustratingly so as I could tell that I was the source of her positive mood from the way she was looking at me. Either a mind game, or she heard something awkward about me that put a minor setback to my current plans. Nothing major, as I knew how to spearhead the conversation regardless of what kind of entertaining thought she had in mind.

“King John,” She greeted with a pleased tone. “May I say that I didn’t expect you to be so forward with mares?”

I blinked. “Queen Apocrita… may you elaborate on what you just said?”

“The maid. The one that was seen rushing out of your room in quite the curious disposition. Any particular reason as to why?”

A few clerks I had on the table spared me a mixed look. Some knew, others didn’t, but they all were aware that something happened and, from the way I was deadpanning at it, wasn’t as simple as it looked to be.

“I would have you know that the ‘running maid’ was out just as I entered my room. The only thing I can say is that the sun hit that side of the room pretty intensely and she had been cleaning by the window for a long time,” I argued, lying through my teeth about it but still trying to be ‘honest’ about it by using Cinnamon’s own explanation in this circumstance. “But still, I don’t see how that misunderstanding would warrant any important development in this meeting.”

“It does. For me, at least,” Apocrita rebuked smoothly. “Interactions paint a canvas on how we see anypony, King John. And if you really hadn’t taken the pretty maid’s offer, then it gives off a fairly simple explanation plus some assumption. The explanation being that you are not one to use power as a way to achieve your own personal gains. And that you don’t aim to abuse it.”

I kept quiet about it for a while, but smiled. “Would that mean that I should be able to draw a ‘canvas’ about you from your most recent actions?”

“If you have the mind, I wouldn’t see why you shouldn’t,” The Queen remarked and I shrugged.

“Then, let’s give it a go: you’re one of the few but many queens within your species which relies heavily on two factors, personal power as the main mind of the hive you lead and love as a form of societal necessity which would not only assure you the first factor, but also give you the chance of surviving even if you can’t hold that,” I started to think aloud, gaining more interest from her. “Your children are dependent on you, but they become secondary the moment the second factor is difficult to decisively secure. You are the queen, you can still keep the ‘hive’ alive by making more of those drones after some die. They can die if necessary, but there will never be a necessity for you to be allowed to die.”

“...And?”

“And that means that since the opportunity to secure love out of this deal is already concluded since you will get it regardless of what agreement we sign, you are more open to listen if it means further sheltering your current hive and yourself from other threats. Such as betrayal.”

…

“Admittedly, I expected something of the kind from someone like you, young King. But to see it by myself… I can’t help but understand why the little maid was interested in you~,” Apocrita replied smugly, her teasing failing to get a reaction out of me. Not when I knew she was just trying to do that to get me to react. I didn’t need to appear weak- not when I was winning big time from the looks of it. “Nonetheless, I will first hear your current offer and then I will consider what to do next.”

I smiled. “Three.”

…

“What?”

“I have three offers. And I would suggest you read those from Letter A, through B and then C.”

A frown appeared on the Changeling Queen’s face as I pushed the three folders across the table and right up to her. Her gaze lingered on the papers, but she silently went through those. At first, she tried to hide it. Apocrita was experienced in pulling a poker-face, but I knew there was an aspect in Option B that was also repeated in Option C, which was meant to get her to react. And react she did when her eyes widened in surprise and doubt.

“Y-You’re jesting. You plan to make it a position to… to do this?”

“What in particular?” I inquired with barely-veiled smug. I wanted her to tell me what got her so stunned without forcing me to. And it worked.

“The fact that you will ask Equestria to trust all hive-less changelings within Equestria, those that Chrysalis hasn’t claimed as of now, to me. To become their queen.”

I nodded. “Yep.”

“...Why?”

“We’re both monarchs that want the best for our respective people,” I answered truthfully. “And I know that, by sending more of your kind to serve under you will bring prosperity to the changeling. Something that Chrysalis didn’t manage to accomplish with her foolish attempt in Canterlot.”

“Wouldn’t that put your subjects in peril? What if I decided to attack and-”

“You wouldn’t.”

My confidence shook her core from the way she gazed at me in pure surprise at my interruption.

“Explain,” She demanded and I smiled once again, ignoring her bossy moment as I knew this was a sign that I got her wrapped in my hands.

“I’m giving you the best deal possible and it stands for more than just what I’m offering you. There are boons that transcend the paper you have to sign. Benefits that exceed what I am giving you directly,” I elaborated as calmly as possible. “Chrysalis’ power stemmed from ‘desperation’ from other changelings and queens to obtain love through common tricks. She failed and her method was proven wrong. But here you are, Queen Apocrita, someone that tried diplomacy and won big time by not only securing a safe haven for your kind, but also doing it so while mending relationships with the large kingdom that Chrysalis scorned in her failed bid for continental domination.”

“And I would be seen as the best queen...” Apocrita added with a tiny giddy smile, a tiny green hue forming by her cheeks which I couldn’t tell was amusement or a genuine blush coming up at the notion. “Yes. That would definitely be something that would make me interested in accepting that deal. You… you have raised enough points, King John. But here is my counterpoint… a bit optional, actually.”

I frowned. “And that is?”

“A marriage contract.”

“And I will refuse on the spot,” I flatly remarked, getting an actual giggle from her.

“Yes, and this gives me the last piece I needed to make a theory the truth in my eyes,” The changeling queen hummed in delight. “You are frightened of being engaged with ponies and other species beyond yours.”

There were a few odd looks from the other ponies in the room, as this news highlighted a possible future problem tied to kingship that I had hoped to delay for as long as possible. The fact that Shadow Mark was giving me a long look about it suggested that he knew what I was worried about and that he was conflicted on how to handle it.

Will this king ever get an heir?

It was the main principle of a dynastic reign, one that was seen as a right and a duty towards a monarch’s people so that the ensuing rulers would be of ‘right mind and morals’.

I refused to elaborate on that, knowing that this was going to get me a few headaches in the near future. “Are you going to go around the current matter or can we sign already?”

“Aww… I’m sorry for putting that kind of attention on your little problem, King John. I’ll be more careful… next time we’re alone. I might have a few tricks to try out~.”

And I decided to never be alone around Apocrita ever. No matter the circumstance, may those be of the life-or-death situation, I wasn’t allowing that mare around me with the many ‘dangerous’ plans she might have just for me. I could tell that she was plotting something cunning and ‘damaging’ for someone like me, and I didn’t plan to take part in any of that.

At least I got her to sign the blasted papers...

-------d-d-d-d--------

Luna wasn’t there. The dreamscape was oddly empty as of tonight. I thought it was possible she was busy with some nightmares. It wouldn’t be the first time that happened… but I didn’t feel alone. It was empty, I could see only myself in there but I could tell that something was hiding in the ‘shadows’.

“Okay, who’s there? I know you’re here and trust me when I say I can pull a mean German Suplex if provoked long enough.”

The recreation of the living room back home grew darker as the lights went out and… a single blue mist formed right above the small table in the middle of the room. Darkness beckoned the arrival of the most foul and yet the most compelling of entities and I could help but feel something warm burn within my chest, a distant desire that stemmed from something primal and… quite stupid.

“Ah! As if a flimsy threat would ever deter me! The Night that shrouds the Sun and-” Before the squeaky and most adorable voice had the chance to finish, its owner was suddenly ‘assaulted’ in the form of a sudden hug coming from yours truly. Nightmare Moon, the original one, was a terrible being that one would never approach… if not for the current situation she was in. Smaller, cuter, and definitely devoid of any capacity to harm anyone or anything around her. A little filly with an oversized battle armor on her which hardly covered her body. “W-Wait, what are you doing? Stop it! I’m the darkest monster this world has ever seen, you utter cretin! Put me down!”

“No~! Let me cuddle with you. Let me treat you as the pretty dark lady you are~,” I rebuked, my parental instinct mustered as I took her for a quick spin and cheek-nuzzle.

“I am- I am pretty, but you’re just using it as an insult, aren’t you?!” She exclaimed, frustrated by the sudden development and feeling quite embarrassed at the way I was handling her. “Stop it! Or I will hex you with… as soon as I get my power back.”

“Until then, you’re pretty much mine to hug and cuddle for, right?”

She didn’t answer. Little NM was just there, trying to appear dark and evil and ready to mess with my current troubled days to come… but instead became an instrument of pure adorableness which got a bit more ‘into it’ when Luna came by and looked ready to blast away the little Nightmare.

“John, she is dangerous. Step aside and let me deal with this knave!” The alicorn ordered, her horn already crackling with power as a large blue sphere formed from its tip.

“Luna, as one of your closest friends, and also someone that loves cuties like this one, I request you put down the magic ball of pure and utter destruction so we can talk about this,” I replied tensely, holding the shivering little filly close to my chest. “Look, she is literally cowering at your power. And she literally couldn’t do anything as I gave her lots of hugging and baby-talking.”

…

“What?” The Moon-ruling Diarch asked in perplexed shock, her magic faltering. “You did what and WHAT?! John, that is Nightmare Moon!”

“But she is harmless and cute. It’s like saying it would be wrong for me to do the same if I didn’t end up seeing you as a little filly. Gah! Little Woona would be the most adorable of them all~!”

A strong blush appeared on Luna’s face. “I-I was cute- I mean, Tia said I was but- BUT this doesn’t justify the fact that this is Nightmare Moon that we’re talking about.”

“How… How about we go through a very simple plan of mine? I keep a strong watch over her as we’re sharing a conversation, then you take her and you discover how she reformed without magic and in such a cute form?”

“You didn’t ask?” Luna inquired with a confused look, almost accusing me of something incredibly foolish but a bit true.

“I was busy enjoying the moment. I’m a flawed man, you see.”

Her lips twitched. “I… I will concede this much. But don’t expect me to bring the little cur to you whenever I visit.”

“At least twice a week, and it’s non-negotiable.”

…

“Deal.”

And while the two mature individuals of the room spoke, the little dark-side of the moon groaned at the fact she had just been sold to a slavery… filled with head-pats and cuddling.

This is… far from any expectation of defeat I had prepared for…

Author's Note

AN

Next chapter in two days. I will add a real apology there since I believe I have been a bit dumb and more with this delayed release. I have an explanation, and it’s… tied to Uni stuff. Like big stuff. Like I bailed from it and stuff like that. But I will add more next time.

Also, still lacking a Cover Art. Should I ask for a commission or try to find a picture that can be applied?