Cadance The Crystal Princess

The next day

Princess Amore was walking alongside her daughter and her son-in-law, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor, toward the Crystal Empire's entrance. They were going there to meet a hippogriff messenger regarding the alliance of Mount Aris, Seaquestria, Equestria and Crystal Empire, and walking alongside with them were Clover the Clever and Commander Hurricane.

Along the way, they walked past some of crystal ponies and creatures. After the defeat of the Storm King, some of the crystal creatures returned to their own homes across Equestria while others decided to stay in the empire and the outpost cities as their new home, with the others still being part of the Crystal Imperial guards.

Shining broke the silence that hung between them with a question. “I thought Equestria and Crystal Empire are already allied with the hippogriff. Twily made sure of it.”

Amore glanced at her son-in-law. "Yes, we are. Equestria and the Crystal Empire have stood as allies to the hippogriffs since King Crestwing's return's. However, this meeting is more than just a formality. The messenger comes bearing an invitation for us to attend a meeting where the final details of the alliance will be confirmed."

"Twilight is also on her way to Klugetown to finalize the details of the alliance there with the mayor. The last I heard, the railroads extending to the town had been completed yesterday. The trains were being tested to ensure safe passage for all who want to travel to and from the town. Twily’s work has brought so many of us together, in ways we never imagined possible." Cadance stated.

Amore nodded, her smile growing. “You know, I still find it remarkable that your sister-in-law chose to turn down the offer to take over the throne from Celestia and Luna when both of them asked her that she had the qualities they saw fit to rule Equestria. She would have made a wise ruler."

The prince nodded his head. "Believe me, Twily's decision surprised many including me and Cady, but I understand her reasons. She wants to continue running the School of Friendship as her career while staying close with her friends."

"How did Princess Celestia and Princess Luna take it when she declined their offer?" Clover, walking beside them, tilted her head curiously.

The Princess of Love chuckled softly. "Auntie Celly gave Twilight a knowing smile, the one she always has when Twily surprises her in some way, understanding her reasons. Auntie Lulu thought it over and agreed with Twilight's decision.”

Hurricane smiled. "I think Princess Twilight made a right choice. I mean, running the School of Friendship is her passion after all. She wanted to teach and to inspire every ponies and creatures about harmony and friendship."

The group nodded their agreement. "That's something I agreed with. Now, let's get going to the entrance. The messenger should be arriving soon.”

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The snow fell gently, like a delicate lace curtain descending over the white landscape. A lone hippogriff soared above the snowy ground, her coat flecked with crystalline snowflakes. Her wings flared wide, catching the cold air as she began her descent toward the Crystal Empire.

The hippogriff has a coat of light brownish gray, her mane and tail being light amaranth and her eyes being pale light grayish spring green. She was dressed in a deep blue sash that bore the crest of Mount Aris and Seaquestria.

As the hippogriff neared the gate, she could see the towering crystal spire of the empire that glistened in the morning light as it casted prismatic reflections across the snow. As she got closer, she could see two Crystal Imperial guards standing guard at each side of the gate.

She landed gracefully in front of two guards, dipping her head in a respectful bow before speaking.

"I am Haven Bay, emissary of Queen Novo and King Crestwing." She announced herself. "I am here to talk to Princess Amore, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor."

No sooner as Haven said, Amore, Cadance, Shining, Clover and Hurricane continued their approach to the gate. As they drew near, Amore smiled warmly at the hippogriff emissary.

"Welcome to the Crystal Empire, Miss Haven." Amore greeted. "We are honored to receive you. Queen Novo and King Crestwing's trust in us is greatly appreciated, and we are eager to discuss the details of this alliance."

The hippogriff bowed once more. "Thank you, Princess Amore. Queen Novo and King Crestwing send their regards and hopes this meeting will further strengthen the bonds between our nations. We have much to discuss, including the terms of shared defense and mutual support in times of crisis."

The Princess of Love nodded thoughtfully. “Indeed, the times call for unity, not just in celebration but in preparedness. Let us walk together inside, Miss Haven, and continue this discussion in the warmth of the palace.”

Haven nodded her head before the group turned and began their trek toward the Crystal Palace, leaving the two guards alone again at the entrance.

As they walked, the hippogriff said to Amore. "King Crestwing believes that this alliance will not only protect our lands from outside threats but also foster greater collaboration. He was happy to extend the alliance to Equestria and Crystal Empire for what you did for him after you saved him from the blizzard when he was forced to escape from Mount Aris during the Storm King's conquest."

The prince, walking alongside his wife, instinctively touched the scar on his chest—the one the Storm King had left him with the spear two and a half years ago which was meant for his wife. Only Cadance noticed the motion, her eyes softening as she saw her husband’s quiet pain.

Amore exchanged glances with Clover and Hurricane, the memory of that dark time flashing in their minds. It had been a treacherous storm, one that nearly claimed the life of the hippogriff king as he sought refuge from the Storm King’s forces. "We’re glad we could help." Amore said. "That was a dark time for him, but I'm glad that we managed to help him and returned him back to his family."

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The grand entrance to the Crystal Palace loomed ahead, its gleaming doors standing open to welcome the group inside. The warmth of the palace was a stark contrast to the chill outside, and as they stepped into the grand halls, the shimmering light of the crystals within cast a soothing glow over them.

Haven Bay marveled at the beauty of the palace, her eyes wide with wonder as they moved through its halls. The grandeur of the Crystal Empire had always been spoken of in legend, but to see it now was another experience entirely.

The throne room lay just ahead, its towering doors gilded with intricate designs of crystal and gold. As they approached, the doors swung open with a soft hum of magic, revealing the spacious chamber within. At the far end stood the thrones of the Crystal rulers, but for now, they would conduct their meeting at a more modest table arranged near the center of the room.

"Princess Skystar wanted me to send her thanks to you for saving and bringing her father back to her and her mother, Princess Amore." The hippogriff spoke again once seated as Amore, the Princess of Love and the prince seated and looked at the hippogriff's eyes while Clover and Hurricane stood aside the two princesses.

"Tell her it's alright and that she is welcome. Now I believe you have news from Seaquestria and Mount Aris regarding the alliance." Amore stated while smiling warmly.

Haven coughed herself in her claw before speaking. “Queen Novo and King Crestwing have extended an invitation for you to attend a summit at Mount Aris in three days’ time. There, we will finalize the terms of the alliance and officially sign the agreements. They are hopeful that this summit will mark the beginning of a new era of unity between our nations.”

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Just a few miles away from the Crystal Empire, two ponies-like-figures walked through the blizzard, their cloaks flapping against their body.

Two ponies were Radiant Hope and King Sombra.

"Come on, Sombra." Hope said to her best friend as she looked at him with a smile. "Just a few more miles to reach the Crystal Empire and we will be able to restore you back to normal."

Sombra nodded his head at her with a smile. "Very well, Hope."

As the crystal unicorn turned her head back, the umbrum pony's smile was replaced with a sinister one.

"Just a few more miles..." Sombra thought to himself. "And I will be able to rule the empire."