Later in the evening, the sun disappears into the western horizon, to inevitably be dragged past it's point of rest by Twilight herself. The moon rises now after being pushed to do so. The stars shine out, and the auroras brighten the sky with a mystifying green glow. The entire sprawling city is coated in a green glow, all sourced from the sky. It's a beautiful moment that's to be treasured for it's oft fleeting nature, for it only lasts for less than an hour.

And just as fleeting as it is in the sky, Amor and I intend to be just as fleeting beneath it.

The guards, known in these parts as 'centuries', are sparse in the halls. They seem to be very lightly protected in contrast to our castle back home. I personally think it's a bit weird, but I guess I can take a moment to appreciate their lax measures, as it makes our escape all the more feasible. No complaints given, no complaints to be had.

He leads us to a part in the castle where there's a tapestry depicting the execution of a dragon, it's not the same one near the throne room, but a duplicate. Not many would probably even think to see this tapestry and put together the idea that the duplicate would be the way out. It's no wonder Sir Fencer pointed out that particular tapestry to me before we entered the throne room, he was quietly showing me a way out.

I inquire the prince about this dragon. "So you said that this dragon was the one who betrayed Scorpan and Tirek. Why do you think he went against them, only to attempt what they failed to do after his intervention?"

"Don't know. Seems a creature with magic powers would realize that helping to raise an army of ponies with non-magic weaponry would also be used against him if he tried to claim power the way he tried to." The young prince answers. "Call it a hunch, but I don't think his plans were all too solid."

"Basically, he was stupid." I conclude.

"Yeah." He nods emphatically as he presses a stone in the wall, unveiling a set of runes on the wall. "I assemble the pieces from up above." The wall folds itself back brick by brick, revealing a set of stairs leading down into what smells to be a sewer. While it is an unpleasant odor, it's our only way out of the castle without going through the main checkpoint.

As we descend, I make a comment on the secret passageway. "Guess our palace isn't the only one with shit like this."

"Always a plan in case things go south." He answers. "You know how these things go."

"You think your dad might find issue with me going missing for the night?"

"You're the least of his worries at this point. I'm more worried about how Sir Fencer is going to be able to extract that poor mare we came with."

Typical, any guy who thinks with his dick first would probably look to keep his chances alive over keeping a close eye on any political prisoners they may have. But that's only one portion of this enormous equation. "Any way for me to get back to the airfield without getting hunted?"

"That's the intent for tonight." He responds. "We're going to take the sewers, as you can already tell. We'll use the sluice for the northern waterway, it should be closed by around this time to regulate the flow towards the Sea of Shadows. Walk all the way around until you reach an iron gate. From there, turn left and keep walking until the end of the passage. Take the ladder up, you'll pop up in the airfield. It's an easy straightaway from there. When you cross the mountains into Prance, you'll no longer be subject to Ponyland aerial pursuit."

I simplify his explanation, trying to better commit it to memory. "Northern waterway sluice, iron gate, turn left, keep straight, ladder up, home free."

"Exactly." He confirms.

We continue to move forward, until we suddenly realize that we're walking without making any further advancement. The both of us look down to see ourselves walking on thin air. It takes only a second to process the glowing pink auras surrounding our bodies. A chill runs down our spines as we turn around to see a familiar face seething towards the both of us. "Well, what a very interesting shituation I've run into."

"Um..." I don't find much to say other than trying to play nice at this point, it's not like I can explain what we're doing down here in a sensible manner. "Hi."

"The fuck you two doing?" She's asking the question in a seemingly calm manner, and I already don't like that.

"We're just gonna... well─"

On second thought, I think I can make a quick excuse for us. "Amor was just telling me of this one tavern in town that serves really good drinks. We were just gonna hit up the place and dash back shortly after." I quickly address the prince, trying to get him to go along with my story. "You know, that one bar you told me about."

Thankfully, he's quick to catch cues. "Yeah, the─"

"I was born on a day ending in a y, not one that starts with it." She quickly drags the both of us back to the front of the tapestry, dropping us into whatever position we happen to land in. I smile nervously before she tosses her brother a few feet down the hall. "Get to your fucking room, you fucking shit stain of a lesser blood!" She also totes me like a bag in her method to move me down the hall. "And you, fuckface, you're with me now!"

I look to inform her of this unacceptable behavior. "I beg your pard─"

"Would you rather your wings will be the next thing my little brother walks on in his room?" And just like that, that behavior is suddenly much more acceptable. I know it's cowardly, but I'd rather keep my head on my shoulders than stand tall and get cut to pieces in a land far from home. "Thought so."

I sheepishly wave at the stallion, who's crumpled upside down against a wall. Poor guy's been eating it as of late. "Sorry, dude. Maybe next time?"

"I'll keep a tab open for you." Amazingly, he's still playing along. "...Ow."

She ups her pace into a trot, still toting me along in the manner of a newly-claimed wares from the fashion outlet. "Your scaly ass must think you're clever, don't you?"

"Well they do call me witty─" I answer before I realize that we're moving past the hall where I'm supposed to be assigned for my stay. She does not slow down, not one bit. "Um, my room was tha─"

"Fuck your room, you're a flight risk."

"Oh, okay." Well, she's not wrong. "Mind telling me where you're dragging me off to?"

"Where do you think I'm dragging you off to?" I open my mouth to answer, but she yells at me before I can even breathe. "Not a fucking word, it's a rhetorical question!"

We enter into a large hallway, the tapestries no longer depicting historical events. Instead they show the numerous emperors who have ruled the country for over a millennia. There seems to be a collage of them, with the prime exception of a framed image depicting the current emperor. As I highlight that one image, I take note of a common theme when it comes to the head pony in charge. "So... I see your family has an albino trait. I also see a good amount of rulers who apparently aren't albinos at all, if anything, the genetic trait doesn't seem to be that much of a dominating force in terms of the hierarchy until recently."

"Shut it." She says, becoming visibly annoyed.

A large wooden door with a pink rose sigil is where we finally come to our stop. She does not spare a moment upon opening the door to assess where I'll be shown to. Instead, she merely chucks me onto the bed, hurriedly shuts the door behind her, and glares at me like I've committed a hostile act. Her magic manipulations have yet to conclude, illuminating a number of smaller pink bulbs over a significant number of incense sticks around the room. A smokey haze is slow to build in the air as she creeps closer, her body slowly snaking from side to side.

Her dress slowly slips off as if I'm paying witness to one's descent into irrationality. "You tried to run from me, didn't you?"

"Not you, I just─"

A yanking force pulls against my neck, firmly yanking me down towards the pillows of her bed. The dress that once covered her body finally loses every last bit of touch from her body, lying haphazardly on the ground. "You scared of a little mare like me because I assert myself?"

"Not really─"

She lifts the skirt of her bed, appearing to pull out a wooden box of unknown items. The box rests with a loud thud as she narrows her eyes at me, planting her hoof next to my chest. "What then?"

"Well, I do believe your dad is the one who lords over this place." As I make mention of her status, my tail coils between my legs to keep myself modest.

She scoffs at my response. "You think that matters at this point?"

"I don't think he'll appreciate me defiling his daughter while trying to drum up a trade agreement." And I'm sure her brother would definitely take offense to that.

She chuckles at the thought of the trade agreement. "You'd think he'd really draw up a favorable trade with the likes of you? You're almost as stupid as the other dragons we've culled." She starts to open her box, going through a number of items I cannot see from my vantage point. "My father's already made up in his mind what he wants for the exchange, and it's likely what you've already brought here with you. To think that your idea of an exchange works on the principle of what you could bring to the table in the near future is as asinine as you believing that my father will care what I do with my body."

A small bottle is sat beside me and opened, the lid is yanked off with a high-pitched pop. "Doesn't he care about you?"

"For what? I'm no male heir. I may be his first, literally the carbon copy of him, but his mode of showing affection for me is me asking him for something and him giving me what I ask for in abundance. Riches, food, land, whatever I ask in this domain, I am afforded because my father has the power to give it." She takes a small swig from the bottle.

"Let me guess, he gives you everything but the time with him."

"That must be pretty obvious at this point." She says as she takes another swig of her potion. "Again, it doesn't really matter at this point."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

She stops herself from a third swig, staring at me with anger. "You're not here to take pity on me, dragon. You know exactly why I dragged you into this room."

"You want me to humor you."

"Humor..." She pulls out another phial, this time pouring some of the contents onto her neck. It smells like a very pleasant draw of lavender and honey. She follows it up by putting some on her hoof, for what I assume to be for her chest. "I expect you to give me the tribute I am long overdue."

"With all due respect─" I'm suddenly silence by her hoof planting itself over my snout.

"How about you take your respect and file that behind the shelf where I seem to give a shit. I don't fucking care for your reputation, your reservations, your titles, not even the fact that you're a dragon right now." She at last climbs onto the bed, still keeping her magic lead taught against my neck. "I asked you a question earlier, and now I want not only an answer, I want a demonstration. And you'll afford me that."

"Do I get a say in any of this?" I question as she takes notice of my tail being coiled in my lap.

She places her hoof on my tail, offering a firm message. "Either you do as I say, or my brother will do as he will with you."

My thighs initially tighten up at the idea of me getting split apart and done away with. Then I imagine the sadness of everyone else as they try to pay their final respects to me with nothing but a memory and a framed portrait to represent my physical presence. I close my eyes and loosen the coil of my tail. "I'm only doing this to prevent a war." I say, mainly to convince myself.

"Dress it up whatever way you like, dragon." She says with a satisfied tone, finally brushing my tail aside. As the coil subsides completely, she notices the growth taking place.

I look away from the situation, feeling a bit embarrassed and nervous for what she might think of it. "As long as your father doesn't mind this."

She uses her magic to prime me even further. "And if he does, then what of it?"

As she gets closer, I'm expecting her to add a little more to her engagement. My modest thoughts begin to elude me, but the situation still has me aware of the possible consequences. Either way, I'm both anxious to be devoured, and just as worried about what may happen if we're found out. "Just don't get me in trouble."

Her eyes widen as her continued efforts yield favorable results. Her eyes wander from base to summit, she gives it a firm tap, discovering how turgid my better self can be. She hums with a quiet curiosity. "So, you are quite bold."

"You're the one who asked if I had 'reservations'." I recall.

"And I see you have none." She says with a quirked brow. She gives me a smack, causing me to wince and throb from the impact. "Interesting shape, fairly good presence..." She gives yet another smack, I grunt and nearly buck my hips upward from the blow. Her hoof presses against my base, confirming it's unrelenting firmness. "How braced you are, dragon. You have my interest." She gives me another parting smack as she pulls me from off of her bed. No part of her yanking me is gentle in any way. As I recover from my brief tumble, I am greeted with the sight of her laying on her back, her wings parting the folds to proudly reveal her depths. "Now gain my attention. And don't dare be timid. Look me in my eyes while you serve this princess." Her feathers give a emphatic tug to illustrate her words.

While I'm sure that she means for me to simply apply myself to her, I know that doing so would run the risk of incomplete satisfaction. And while it is rather inviting, I do take note that she is not quite in a mode to receive such a welcome. So to avoid the unwanted friction between our two parties in the heat of our engagement, I vie to open our negotiations with a little more nuance.

And as the ambassador of Equestria, I look to meet the requirements that will satisfy both parties in the best possible way. I spare no hesitation, crawling for the welcoming curtains that display a different warmth of pink that contrasts heavily in the light of this room. Her face contorts with concern, then fear as I widely present my tongue and maw to her. "Hey, watch those─" I snicker from the moment of shock I give her, and then politely close distance with merely my lips. She gasps as the first thing she feels is a simple kiss, before I proceed with my assault. My tongue, both malleable and precise, assault her with an intense lashing. The princess loses her breath at the moment my contact sustains for but a few seconds. Her hooves dig into her sheets as she lets her head fall back, being the first to break our eye contact. She tries to hide her facial expressions throughout my unexpected approach. "Well trained, dragon. You seem to have some semblance of manners."

I feel her magic at the back of my neck, pressing me lightly as she starts to writhe. And for my own fun, I lightly encircle the entrance of her body before plunging myself between her folds. My forked tongue, capable of hitting a number of simultaneous angles, discover the absence of innocence. She yanks my head up to stop me from going further. Already, her eyes are lost and longing for more. "Your majesty is satisfied, I take it?" I ask with an innocent tilt of my head.

"Hardly." She tugs me by my base, hazardously guiding me to finally join with her in the way she deems fit. "My demands are far more visceral."

"I take it I'm not your first ride?" I say as I give her a slap atop her taunted mound.

"Hardly." She grunts as she tugs me into her. She gives a satisfied sigh of relief, planting a hoof to anchor herself with the anticipation of a rough bout. "Fuck, you're thick."

"You're not bad yourself." I growl in a low voice, my claws grasping at her throat in the meantime. Her body seizes from my touch. "What, this too off kilter for you?"

A frown develops on her face. "I see you have standards, standards you feel I do not yet meet." Her horn stays lit as she uses her magic to pull me into her neck. As she does so, her hips are the first to move. "You're going to learn about underestimating me!"

"You know we dragons are competitive." I warn her, giving a deep thrust. She shrieks from the abrupt strokes I offer to her imperial highness. "We don't like to lose."

My efforts are far from relenting, and her hooves are far from being anchored into the bed, moreso being clasped around my body in a bid to hold control of herself in the midst of my assault. Her eyes clench shut, grunting as she lets her weight fall on me. I raise her from the bed and suspend her into the air to gain full authority over her. The sudden helplessness of her being toted in the air finally deactivates her magic manipulation, but not the glow around her horn, as that's merely a reactionary response to her mind's process over pleasure. She screams out past my ears to the top of her voice. "Finally... a useful fucking pet!"

I quietly curse her to myself. "Crazy ass bitch."

She overhears my comment and offers her own at full volume. "Arrogant dragon fuck!"

"I fuck more than dragons, you know that now, don't you?" I reply to her. In my continued efforts, I walk towards the other side of the room. I then make her shriek in response to the fact that I plant her against the wall. Her grip on me tightens, both outside and within. I feel her seizing against me. She starts to stifle her squeaks, her raspy cries falling short as her muzzle is buried firmly against my chest.

She shudders as her climax is quickly reached. While she ascends in her madness, I see that my end of the bargain is all but achieved. Now it's my time to indulge in my own selfish desire. I hasten my motions, deepening my push for my own gratification. I plant my hands around her waist, they are fairly dainty for her size. And in the moment of my own encroaching frenzy, I lean into her neck. I resist my primal urge to bite her, knowing it could hurt her, but I at least offer her my tongue as a means of satisfying that carnal desire of mine.

I surge forward, at last throbbing with satisfaction of reaching a finish. I bury myself into her neck, growing intoxicated with her scent. I know I would like to go at it again, but I know that this forbidden encounter is probably better off short-lived. And pony mares don't last long, going for about three to five minutes before achieving adequate satisfaction. So I take the opportunity to retract myself as I speak. "I trust your majesty is satiated."

But the magic aura that manifests around my base speaks otherwise. I'm guided back into her flesh once more as she moans longingly at me. "...Again."

"What?" I ask, stunned that she would dare to make this last even longer than the five minutes we've shared conjoined, never mind the other two minutes I've spent on my knees. She should be done.

"I said again!" She screams much like an entitled child, almost having a tantrum as she tries to push herself off and onto me in the bid to replicate my motions. "Do it again, you stupid pet!"

I laugh to myself as my desire to continue is answered by her own libido to match. "Insatiable bitch."

An hour goes by and I'm back to being fully in the limp. It seems while I had my own pent up moments to get through in the past, she's obviously had to work through much of hers. I want to assume it's probably been some time since she's gotten into a physical encounter that's yielded her favorable results. And the hour she took to get it out of me tells me that she's been with some inferior company for a mighty long time. Poor thing.

I roll over, absolutely tired from the labor of exploring her body and working mine to the aches and sores. "Got that out of your system?"

And as her current mood reflects, she's more than happy with the work I've put in. "A good amount." She seems pretty docile in contrast to the harsh approach she took to get me into this room in the first place.

"Good." I say as I start to rise from the bed. "Glad you had your fun."

Once more, I feel her magic pinning me back down to the bed. She also manipulates my arms to wrap around her where she lays. She snuggles into me with a murmur. "Good pet."

"Excuse me?" I ask.

"You heard me. You're my pet from here on." She turns over to face me. Instead of a fowl frown or a sadistic smirk much like Xerxes', she looks up at me with softness and the smallest inkling of complacency. "And everyone from here to the southernmost shores of the empire knows not to fuck with me and whatever's mine."

I roll my eyes at her while the fatigue overwhelms me, my eyelids growing heavier by the second. "You don't have another name for me, do you?"

As I close my eyes, I feel a moist softness anoint my cheek with the sensation her petting my neck. "Pet."

My eyes shoot open immediately. I quickly sit up, trying to make sense of where I am and the time. Once I see the vast amount of pink all around me in the decor, I realize that I had dozed off in the princess' bed. I jump right out of the bed, trying to see if I can get out of the hall unseen. But that hope leaves me when I see from the window a ray of sunshine. Apparently I didn't just doze off, I fully slept in the princess' bed.

Panic starts to fill my mind as I think of all the hypothetical situations that could erupt as a result of this. But the first thing that grabs my immediate attention is the strange ringing sound I hear whenever I move. I turn my head, and I hear the sound of small bells jingling. I feel on myself from my chest upwards, discovering a leather band fixed to my neck. Upon the front is a bell that acts as a indicator of where I am with each movement I make. "The fuck is this?"

*knock knock knock knock*

My heartrate jumps so high that I fear the risk of another cardiac episode. The panic starts to truly manifest itself as the knocking continues. I grasp at the bell, looking to silence it as it jiggled, only to be rewarded with a painful shock. I stifle any swears, quickly thinking of my best impersonation of the princess' voice, accent and all. "Who is it?"

It's easily discernable that I'm not her to the maid who walks into the room without further hesitation. My heart is basically pounding to jump out of my chest. "Sir guest, your presence is requested in the dining hall."

The mare, dressed in a typical maid uniform, bows her head before me out of respect. I'm still in panic mode as I don't know what all this means for the time being. "Look, ma'am. I can explain─"

"No need for explanation, sir guest." She answers with a forward monotone voice. "The princess has informed me of her recent acquisition of a suitable chamber guest. The collar around your neck verifies the account. Also, her majesty has requested that you keep the collar on at all times."

"For what?" I ask as I pull on the leather band.

"Identification purposes." She lifelessly explains. "It gives you free clearance to walk from the royal chamber hall to most places within the castle, provided that you have the prescribed escort. You, however, may not leave the grounds unless accompanied by her imperial majesty."

"What the fuck is this place?" I mutter to myself in disbelief.

"A word of warning, sir guest." She adds. "While you are granted the powers to roam through most parts of the castle, you however are still subject to the princess' summons. It would be advisable to adhere to the commands of her imperial majesty. Failure to comply will result in a shock. Continued failures will result in shocks of increased pain and duration. Any further disobedience will yield fatal consequences. Do you understand the terms and conditions of your privilege?"

...Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to find that you've stuck your dick in cray. "Shit."

I pay heed to the warning that was issued. Since it seems that this collar on my neck isn't exactly something I can take off at the moment, I might as well try to keep a cool head on my shoulders and tough this one out. Considering the circumstances, all I have to do is continue doing what I did last night until she gets bored of me in a few days. By then, it's within reason that she may let me go. At the very least, I can enjoy that. It's the limitations of leaving to my airship I'll have to deal with. Not to mention I still have to get everyone else some lodging. Wouldn't be fair to keep them stashed away on the airship the entire time.

Maybe I can negotiate for that today.

As I enter the dining hall, I notice a vastly different setup from what I'm normally used to. Instead of the dining table being a rectangle, it's a massive round circle with at least thirty seats. It seems to welcome many important guests, but I'm willing to wager that it's set up to accommodate a few guests, then a majority of family members. And it does seem that while there is a significant number of chairs empty, many that are filled is simply filled with those of imperial blood.

Five albino alicorns are seated at the table, including the emperor himself. Mrs. Kalimba is seated right next to him, he seems pretty determined to show his interest in the zebracorn mare. There also seems to be an unusual alicorn present, one that's a little more colorful than the other, sporting lavender streaks in his mane and tail He has a flamboyant mannerism and scoffs when I enter the room. "My... a dragon. Truly a day to be questioned."

Imperial Prince Hestia Eros

5th in line for the imperial throne, Noble Blood

"It seems the circus from last week left one of their prized acquisitions." Another prince says with a gravely voice, his disposition seeming as harsh as the scars on his face. He already seems even scarier than Xerxes by a few metrics.

Imperial Prince Hestia Agamemnon

3rd in line for the imperial throne, Noble Blood

Along the walls, placed carefully behind a pair of empty chairs are the portraits of two other princes who are not present at the table. A few other chairs are done in similar fashion with the exception that a vase full of flowers is placed where they would be scheduled to sit. It seems by obvious deduction that they are no longer of the living.

Imperial Prince Aegis Stephanos

1st in line for the imperial throne, Noble Blood (DECEASED)

Prince Amor sits by one of those very chairs, quiet and reflective over the vase of flowers next to him.

Imperial Prince Amor Adelphos

4th in line for the imperial throne, Noble Blood (DECEASED)

I also see a familiar face staring daggers at me from across the room, Xerxes dons his armor, appearing to have a lot of dirt on him. Seems he's already had the outing his father recommended. But in a jarring change of disposition, his sister walks in with a smile on her face, her raspy voice decreeing with cheer at my appearance. "And there he is! My pet has finally arrived!"

Just the illustration of Zenobia's happiness has her brother raining further scorn on my arrival. I try to address her instead of looking to him, as I know that would only invite more trouble. "Sorry I'm late, your highness. I got a little too comfortable."

The alicorn mare illuminates her horn, drawing a previously nonexistent leash from me to her. She wraps the aura-consisted link as though it maintains a physical state, pulling me further towards her. The prince with the lavender streaks makes comment of her enthusiasm. "Zenobia, do you seriously find favor with this... uncivilized beast?"

"Of course! He's my loyal pet who comforts me in my bed at night!" I'll admit that I wish I had the balls she had in putting that out there. But I don't even have to look Xerxes' way to know he's drawing violent fantasies in his mind.

The scarred prince shudders with revulsion. "Disaster."

I can almost hear the underlying bloodlust under Xerxes' tone. "Your bed?"

The mare guides me along to a chair seated directly across from her father. "He's quite useful, and strong. I believe he'd fight off an entire horde to protect me!"

"We could put that to a test." The scarred prince is a little too excited to hear that claim.

"It seems Agamemnon and I have come to an agreement. Let's put that to a test this very instant."

The princess calls out her younger brother. "Oh can it, Xerxes. You only want him so you can use his wings for roc bait, which I won't allow."

"I'm short a few feathers of my royal shawl. Perhaps he would be so kind to volunteer his life to attain what I seek." He answers back.

The princess yanks me down to my seat while also pulling another chair next to me for herself. "Well too fucking bad, he's mine now."

While the princess has a glowing disposition and a cheer that seems to feed more on the disdain she gathers, the emperor across the table seems almost unmoved by our interaction. "Sir Spike, I see you have met my eldest daughter."

I shyly respond, not sure if he's merely letting his sons reflect his rage or if he's really that indifferent. "We've become... acquainted, my lord."

He turns to the zebracorn next to him instead. "Well it's not without mutuality. Madam Kalimba and I have also become acquainted over our numerous talks yesterday. They were indeed fruitful."

"A mixed-breed father, really?" Questions the scarred prince.

"I assure you that our conversations are much more than beneficial." The stoic expression on Kalimba's face is far from inviting.

Xerxes makes a snide comment under his breath. "For your penis."

The emperor ears flick as he overhears his son's remark. "Have you readied yourself for your excursion today?"

"All is set, father." The prince grumbles back.

The emperor then responds. "Then you should go and distract yourself. I know this is a difficult arrangement for you and I don't wish to make things more complicated for you, Xerxes. Perhaps it would be best to take your leave since this matter is not to your preference."

Before the angered prince makes his leave, he takes a glance towards me and his sister, who bypasses the chair she had set aside for herself. Instead, she opts to sit in my lap, facing the table as she wriggles in my lap. Her magic is also active on me, trying to prompt a very much unwanted show of uprising. Her attention is dead set on the middle-aged stallion before her. "Father look, he's so big that he serves as a perfect throne for me."

I start to feel her shift her tail, and take hold of my better self as her hips cradle back and forth slowly. I try to quietly warn her against her desired exhibition. "Can we not?"

"Obedience, my dear pet." She once more manifests the lead from my collar down, guiding my nostrils into the nape of her neck. As soon as I gain a quick smell of her lavender-honey scent, some part of me begins to show a change of heart. She stealthily ushers me into her body. "Of course he's still needs a good guiding every now and then, but I believe he'll fall perfectly in line, knowing exactly where his true place is." Suddenly she takes a deep breath, one that gains Kalimba's attention. I look away in embarrassment as the zebracorn is quick to discern what's taking place.

"I see." The emperor doesn't even flinch as his daughter shifts her hips and takes me into her body.

She even goes as far as to outright bounce in my lap right before the entire room. While there's a growing expression of discomfort on my face mixed with an unknown source of want, there's a very apparent blush on hers that indicates her immense pleasure. She even makes demands while forcing my arms around her waist. "Rock me, dear pet. I demand to be comforted while I eat my meal."

Even Amor seems to take issue with the circumstances, calling out his father for Zenobia's inappropriate behavior. "Seriously, you're not going ton say anything about this?"

"What seems to be the issue?" He asks as he casually goes about his meal with an unchanging expression.

"Father, we know what she's doing. Can we not have that take place at this moment while our food still lies before us?"

The emperor makes a half-assed rebuke towards his daughter. "Zenobia, are you satisfied with the concessions your brother has issued to you."

She continues to show no remorse. "That lesser blood fuck can go cram his shit with the food in front of him." The princess pulls me further into her neck as she mewls with increasing satisfaction. "I'm going to keep enjoying the company of my pet."

"So be it." His resilience to his daughter's outlandish doings is perplexing to say the least.

She looks back to me, urging me to put some effort in on my end. "Pet, I wish to be comforted more. Bounce me."

The intoxicating scent of her body, while powerful enough to entice me, does not completely have me lose all sense of mind. "Seriously?"

Her aura glows on the collar on my neck, sending a weak and dull shock that serves as a stern warning. "You will obey."

Xerxes grimaces as his sister adjusts herself on my lap, now facing me directly as she greedily sinks herself onto me. "Oh for─" He instantly raises out of his seat and storms out of the room. While I wish I could say something to him as an apology, the princess turns my head to her as she outright rides me in front of the others.

Meanwhile, her father carries out business as usual, primarily addressing Kalimba in doing so. "While they're busy with getting to know each other, I shall expound on our schedule. As for today's festivities, we have the parade through the square. We have a special viewing location for our part of the route. Our carriage is set to leave in the next half hour."

"A parade?" Asks the lavender-accented prince.

"Yes, one to celebrate our guests and their good will in the safe return of Amor." The emperor explains. "Of course in this instance, I see that the celebration has started for some already."

Amor groans as he drops his head in disgust, all while Zenobia calls back in the midst of her coming to a quick culmination. "Does that mean I get to show off my new pet to the masses?" I don't know how that became a trigger for her, but it seems the thought of me destroying her in public is what sets her off the fastest.

"With restriction." Her father warns, issuing at least some resemblance of a boundary.

The young prince Amor pins his ears closed as he expresses his relief. "Thank you."

Hitting her final surge of pleasure, she yanks against my collar with a swift tug. "Fuck!" She yelps as she pants with exhaustion. She looks to me with a very pleased smile breaking past her dimples. "Now that was a good breakfast." She gives me a sultry stare, almost willing to keep me pinned to my chair. "And not a sign or sample of a finish? Looks to me you're bound for seconds."

"Indeed. I believe it's time to get ready for our day out." Amor says, trying to desperately leave the room.

The lavender-laced prince rises from his seat, showing solidarity with his lesser blood sibling. "Agreed. Probably the opportune time to clean ourselves up for the public. Wouldn't want to look the mess, now do we?" He says, obviously pointing his message towards Zenobia.

"Don't you fucking direct your eyes at me, you annoying prick!" She shouts in response.

"I'll go secure the perimeter." Agamemnon says as he walks off, making a gag face as he moves past the both of us.

The emperor moves past us as well, not even a passing glance or a breath spared in our direction. Kalimba trails behind him, but stops for a moment as to offer a message. "Your majesty, to issue you a word of warning, dragons bite down on the necks of their mate." She says that just as she's about ready to yank me back into the nape of her neck, stopping her cold in her tracks. Kalimba then walks off with her added warning. "I would not leave that option so readily available if I were you."

As the others finally leave the room, the princess proceeds with our second round of our illicit affairs. The mare smiles a little more conservatively as she keeps herself at a slight difference for what we're doing in the moment. She places her hooves on my jaw, holding my head to face her. "I suppose a muzzle would do you nicely, pet. I'm sure we wouldn't want to have an accident." The fact that she's still going while that revealed attribute seems to intimidate her shows her level of crazy.

And for some odd reason, I'm still inside of said crazy.

After a few more minutes of her working me out to completion, she drags me off to the room, has me bathe, then I end up doing things to her while in said bath, and then we leave for our carriage after about an hour of us fooling around. Of course the consent is dubious at this point, but she at least promised me that the collar would come off when negotiations come to a finalized conclusion.

I also take notice of something about the emperor, namely how easily he seems to have Kalimba around him without any kind of dissent. If the pureblood sons are anything to go by with their attitudes this morning, I would expect one of their mothers or something to pop in and make a comment of it. But it seems that there's more than a maintained silence in the matter. In fact, the emperor proudly flaunts everything about the castle to the zebracorn, guiding her along the way, lightly using his magic to skirt her tail aside to take in a passing view. Yet in spite of the harassment taking place, Kalimba is strangely docile. She's almost as indifferent as he was when Zenobia planted her ass in my lap for breakfast.

It seems both me and Kalimba are trying our best to get out of this as physically unscathed as possible. Though I can't help but to think that her manner of indifference hides her true thoughts, which are probably anywhere from an eight to Xerxes levels of revenge fantasy. What visual that entails, I'm sure I wouldn't want to find out.

The other brothers ride ahead of us in our caravan, and they are the ones to exit their carriage before we do. As Zenobia and I step off, I see the two other alicorns staring with extreme disgust. Zenobia pays the pair no mind as she drags me along to the bleachers. An idea, an obvious one, starts to creep in her mind before Amor steps in to whisk me towards the viewing area, talking about the city and the area we're in currently. My collar buzzes on my neck with some discontent from the princess, but I'm at least willing to suffer such a nonchalant consequence.

Thirty minutes pass and the parade finally begins.

There's a multitude of colorful displays, a lot of music being played as the citizens herald the safe return of Amor. Unsurprisingly, he seems to be very well-liked among the citizenry. And it shows how much he reciprocates the affection of the citizens. If anything, he's almost closer to them than he is the imperial family. With as much as he's waxed on the locals, the bakers, the carpenters, the ironworkers, the maidens and caretakers, I'm not surprised that they openly celebrate his return.

However, the looks he gains from both Agamemnon and Eros tells me that he's not in what I would call good company. In fact, they seem envious of the lesser prince, the way he's so revered by the citizens, the attention he's getting, it's almost like it hurts their pride in a way. If anything, it's strange how the emperor sees Amor for not being amorously enchanting despite the charisma he seems to carry.

Then again, a good personality for others does not make one a master of flirtatious interaction. It does show when a group of mares having flowers in their manes to wave at the prince before he pops up with quite the most jovial and childlike reciprocation of their blown kisses. Instead of catching them, he continues waving past them for the baker across the street selling his baguettes. The baker sees the prince and quickly levitates a few pastries over to him. By the time the young prince finishes biting into his lemon tarps, the mares have since left and gone further down the route.

The emperor takes notice and facehoofs in embarrassment.

He still waves at the others along the route with a lemon tarp still in his mouth, even offering me one to snack on before waving down the baker for more. He screams out to the top of his lungs, hunching over the railing. "CHERRIES! CHERRIES FOR OUR GUESTS!"

The baker takes notice of me and his friendly disposition fades. He merely walks into his shop and grab a few, but instead of levitating the goods to the prince, he instead offers it to the emperor and Kalimba directly. The emperor looks displeased as he begrudgingly offers the sugary confections to Amor. He offers me another, which I accept. As I taste the sweets, I note to myself that they aren't as good as the ones in Sugarcube Corner.

Part of this only reminds me of what I miss about home, the friendly atmosphere, the raining confetti after every festival planned by Pinkie and Cheese, the way there's a smile on everyone's face no matter what species you are. I can't help but to miss it. But I do admire the pageantry they show for the prince. "They really pulled out all the stops for this."

"Enjoying the display?" Amor questions.

"I will say it's impressive." I say just a second before I see a few sections coming much further down that seems to be a more militaristic turn of tone. It's a marching platoon of centuries wielding spears and toting cannons along the way. They march in a high step, snapping and turning before presenting their arms to the emperor and the royal family. "And a bit... unusual for our tastes."

Before I know it, the emperor himself comes down to grab my attention. He points further back along the route to a group of mares being carefully guarded by some other centuries carrying their long-necked firearms. The mares wave gracefully as they don red roses in their manes. "Look there." He calls out to me. "Those are the rose maidens. Each one of them are a concubine of my choosing."

As I take notice of them, I see that many are simply bunched together as a group, while a few of them are isolated to the formation of just one mare for every twenty feet of the parade route. "Any reason for the unusual formation?"

As they get a little closer, I see that their bellies are of varying sizes. Some are much further along than the others, while maybe one or two are carried on sedan chairs. "Because the ones who bear my foals are each given the space to display their honor. Each of them are given a moment to be heralded by the populous." I also note that each of them vary in age also. Few appear to be as old as he is, the rest appears younger. And some are what I would consider to be in a risky territory. I'm sure they are of age, his preference for bodily shape indicates that he far more interested in those that have developed well. "Many are seen, but very few are chosen."

Somehow, I can't seem to shake the idea that some of those girls aren't quite the age they should be for that.

"Father, Xerxes comes." Agamemnon directs our attention to the coming brigade of stallions dressed in armor.

"Ooh, and he comes bearing gifts." Eros adds with a bit of excitement, seeing that the group marches with what appears to be seven boxes.

"In the parade?" Amor questions. "I thought he hated things like this."

As his group comes closer, I notice that there's something off about the appearance of the group. Usually in a parade like this, the armor is shined to damn near reflect the sun. But in this case, they seem to come back from a rough going out. I also mark the appearance of blood on some of their armor, I immediately recognize that this is about to take a turn for the bad. "Mark time, MARCH!" The prince calls out, bringing his platoon to a standstill. "Company, HALT!" They stomp on their last two steps, motionless as they await further orders.

The crowd falls silent as the group of centuries stand idly by. Eros seems to become invested in what's taking place. "What is this new stunt he's about to pull?"

The emperor also makes a remark. "The parade isn't supposed to stall until the presentations of the jesters. What is going on?"

The looks on both me and Amor's faces sour immensely as the boxes are opened, lids facing us to start off. "Oh no." Amor mutters.

The prince takes to the center of the formation's right side. He levitates a box right next towards him as he calls for his quintet of buisine players to ready his fanfare. "Right, FACE!" The armored regiment snap their heads towards us, their steps sharply synchronized. The glow appears in the box as six other guards take similar positions beside him, the boxes lined behind them. "Present ARMS!" In a snapping motion, the contents of the boxes are rapidly brought to the air and revealed to me.

A cold pit of despair grows in my chest as I see a grim reminder of where I am. And they show their reminders of what they are, staying true to the reputation of this country's treatment of my kind. As the fanfare plays a victorious tune, all to the elated cheers of the citizens, I pay witness to seven faces with naught but the thirst for life. Each has a varying expression, ranging from suffering, to despair, to resignation, to anger, to bargaining. The one Xerxes holds heralds the pain of a young dragon with no understanding as to why his face was sealed in the manner which it was.

The act quickly brings attention to the armored prince, the crowd cheering and chanting his name with celebration. Amor grimaces as he shows disgust for his brother's actions. "Of course he would."

As the horror is etched on my face for having witnessed the seven heads being displayed, the emperor clenches his jaw towards me while his crown son stares back in defiance. They remain in place for several seconds, making sure that I see clearly the message that they send, and also holding the remainder of the parade route. "Always the overly ambitious." Agamemnon says of the crown prince before looking over to me. "But a lesson had to be learned here."

The world seems to drown out as all I can hear is the lingering tinnitus caused by the cheers. I forget to breathe for some time until I hear Xerxes shout out to the group. "Order ARMS!" The heads are put away in their box, leaving nothing more than their memory of their contorted faces for me to take away. "Left FACE!" The platoon snaps back to their intended direction, the crown prince still facing me as he calls out. "Forward MARCH!" He turns and marches away.

The crowd begins to see me and start to chant at me. The repeated calls for 'one more head' drives me into a cold sweat, at least until the emperor raises a hoof to silence the crowd. Without hesitation, he speaks with me directly. "Sir Spike, I'm quite sorry for the gruesome display you've been made to witness on today. I'll be sure to address Xerxes for this matter."

His words barely register in my brain. I begin to hyperventilate as the image still rings clearly in my eyes. It's all I can see right now, the cheering crowd, silenced in real life, cheer even louder in my head. The fanfare plays resoundingly as I already see the image of my own face shifting into place of the one who was raised. Then a loud scream startles me out of my fear-induced trance.

"Pet!" The shock from my collar also serves as a healthy dose of reality. I'm brought into the hooves of the princess I once appreciated escape from. "Come. Lean into me." There's no ounce of illicit intent in her voice, no snide sarcastic response, no blunt commentary for what was seen. Instead, she hold me, guiding me into her chest as she covers my head in her wings. "My brother won't dare hurt you as long as you're with me. He'll try to pull his little stunts, but I'll keep you safe. Do you understand?"

Kalimba is the first to acutely speak out on the matter. "Your imperial majesty, surely you understand that your son's act is a highly provocative one. How do you intend to address this situation?"

"It will be swiftly addressed when we return to the palace. There will be no leniency for my son's foolishness." He restates. "I once more apologize for my son's antics. I would be more than happy to sweeten our agreement, to compensate for this matter."

While I don't want to show any emotion, I find myself wanting to be back home more than ever. I clasp onto the princess who holds me. I continue in holding back my emotions as Kalimba makes a firm declaration in my place. "We will discuss this later."

The emperor grows upset for the zebracorn showing fierce resentment. He summons an assistant to his side to make a demand. "Have Xerxes report to the throne room, he will not be permitted no other privilege but to see me first."

"Your majesty, your word is law."

There's no one else in this room. I don't mind it now, I'd think I prefer it. Everything, everyone here, they don't want to see me outside of this room... alive. Just the cheers still echoing in my head, their chants for me to join the others, they don't end. And none of it matters, it's just a way of doing things here. Why am I even bogged down from this, I'm nowhere near home. This is always how it was, and now I'm realizing that my missed trip the first time was nothing more than a blessing.

If I had joined Twilight blindly at the time, what would've stopped them from snuffing me in my sleep? What would've stopped them from other than some sex-crazed princess looking to keep me on borrowed time for her enjoyment? I don't think I would've made it this far had it not been for that. I'm sure Amor's influence only goes so far with his status. And I obviously can't count on the ponies here, they love him, they don't know me and they wouldn't care what happens to me.

I'm in the wrong place, paranoid as hell, scared for my life, and now begging to get back home.

A knock sounds on the door. "Spike?" It's Amor's voice. He understands why my door is locked. "I'm not gonna ask you to come out, I just want to talk to you, see where you are." I don't answer. "...What happened was unacceptable. Everything that happened, my brother, the crowd, all of it, I know it can't ever be taken back. And you have every right to stay in this room. I just want to be the one to take responsibility for all of this." He leans into the door. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all of it, for showing unannounced, for camping out in your borders, for getting abducted, for you having to make this trip─"

"Why are you apologizing, it's nothing you did."

"It's my family, I still have culpability for this matter!" He emphasizes.

"For his decisions, his actions, the way he treats me because I just so happen to pop out of an egg instead of some pony's snatch!?" My mode for mincing words is all but nonexistent now. "All the entire time I've been here, I have been harassed, humiliated, threatened, and abused from all sides! There's only so much I can fucking stand, and at I'm still shaking from what the fuck I just saw! I knew coming here would fuck me up, I knew it! I tried to tell Twilight I didn't want to fucking be here! She ignored me, EVEN WHEN I BEGGED FOR MY LIFE!!!" I scream, beating on my chest. "I never wanted this... I just want to pack my shit and go. I never want to come back."

I hear a thud on the door, probably his head making the landing. "I understand, more than you know. I know how it feels to be in a place where no one wants you to belong. I know how it feels to subjugate my own self for the cost of living. I know what it means to give it all, dignity, self-respect, confidence, mind..., and body."

"Do you?" I reply, cracking open the door to get a look at the young prince's eyes. "Not once in my life have I ever had to see something so vile, and I've seen death at a young age. I've suffered desolation, the loss of a home, great villainous conflicts, years of abuse, emotional neglect, I've done it. But that..." I shake my head, revisualizing the moment in that parade, it makes me want to puke. "...that, no."

The young prince lowers his head, then looks up at me with regret. "You have every right to feel the way you do towards our nation. We've earned no other perspective." He takes a deep breath, the sadness on his face a pitiful contrast to the glowing countenance he had when everyone cheered his safe return. "Just wait a little longer for me. I'll go speak with my father. I'll see to it that these talks wrap up quickly so that you may leave."

In my emotional state of disarray, the levels of grief I endure, I can only verbalize a few words. "...Thanks." I say with a weak presence. "You should've never come back here."

He looks away from me, beginning his slow trot away. "Give Princess Twilight my regards, if you should still choose to be in her employ."

As he disappears down the hall, I close the door with that thought seriously rotating around my mind. Everything about this only leads me to that conclusion. While on the outside to those who don't know, it appears to be an undertaking of great trust, that I can be the ambassador Twilight can depend on. But that exterior is only as deep as the paper we use to sign the treaties, just a little pressure and you punch through to the ugly reality underneath. And now, I have to make a choice, if I can continue to do this, with disregard for my life, or put it aside with disregard for the relationships our country has built along the way.

And quite honestly, I should've resigned from the moment I had my letter penned.

*click*

I freeze for a mere second, snapping my head to the door to see that my lock was undone, the knob turning to give access to an unexpected visitor. Standing in the way is none other than the princess who offered me comfort. "Oh... it's you."

She leans against the doorway. "I overheard." She states quietly. "About your wanting to leave."

"I'm sorry. I just can't stay here." I inform her.

She walks into the room, closing the door behind her, and locking it shut. "I know it's been hard. I get it, you don't want to stay after what my brother did. I hear you." Her horn begins to give a dull glow, indicating she's about to use her magic. "I want you to reconsider."

I shake my head at her soft-toned request. "Why should I?"

Her magic fully glows now, giving warmth to the collar on my neck. She walks towards me with a careful approach. "Because I can make it right, for you."

I start to feel a tugging sensation at the front of my neck, she pulls me into her. She opens her forelegs, looking to caress my head with gentle pets. But I show resistance. "I'm not doing this again. I can't─"

She yanks me into her, my head landing into her chest. "Just let me spoil you." She requests softly, hugging me tight enough to press my nose into her. "I can make it up to you, even if it wounds me to do so. Your hate for my brother, lean that upon me. If you resent the citizens for their view of you, unleash that resentment on me. Whatever rage you have, ravish me with it."

"I can't..." I moan with despair, but also feel a terrifying surge of madness. She lets me go, having me trail her scent as she walks by. I shake myself, trying to understand why I've somehow gone from wanting to leave in a hurry to wanting to stay a little longer. My vision blurs, almost doubling while trying to come to my senses. But even with my best efforts, everything feels so hazy.

Control is what I now lack, stepping slowing in the direction of the Ponyland princess. She gives a swish of her tail, making sure that I catch every whiff of her body. She gathers onto my bed, letting her tail droop aside as she rubs a hoof to her flanks, hiking up her dress with distressed effort. "Stay with me. You'll forever be my pet. I'll protect you, always I'll protect you." The magic of her horn flashes to lead me in by my collar, I lose every sense of resistance as I get closer. Her body smells so sweetly, her eyes so inviting. Her magic parts her lips, looking to give me ease of access. "Will you oblige, my pet?"

Fractions of memories, hard breaths, collapsing sanity, and the pistoning of flesh caught between the thick accumulation of friction, seed, and fluids. No words are exchanged, at least from what I know. All I want to do is destroy her, protect her, care for her...

...All I want to do is leave.

My eyes flutter open, my body aches, and my mind feels fractured. It's bright outside, obviously a lot of time has passed between my talk with Amor up till now, it's the dawn of the next day. The room smells of recreation and hard labor. But at least I'm aware of where I am, and where I need to be.

The princess is quiet on the bed, it seems that I won't have much time to leave this room, and look for the tapestry for my escape. To stay here would be a mortal miscue, especially if I'm caught by Xerxes or the others. I especially run the risk of that now as opposed to the nighttime, but I'd rather take my chance to escape it all than to stay here and be under the constant threat of being hunted down. Mind's made up, I need to get the fuck out of here.

I crack the door open, looking back to the slumbering figure in my bed. I confirm her slumber and ease out of the room for freedom. The door closes behind me, I take a deep breath before I make my venture out. "Good morning, dear pet." I freeze in place, an icy chill dropping down my spine as Zenobia's voice sound in my ear. A pink glow illuminates an otherwise darkened hallway, my neck carries a similar glow as she walks around to my front. "What are you doing wandering about? You should be getting ready for your breakfast with me." My eyes dart back to the room, trying to understand how I just saw her and how she just got here. Does she know how to teleport too?

"I'm..." There's no real way to bullshit myself out of this. I can only keep it honest, at least I'll be able to get some word back home. Perhaps I can tell Twilight of my current dilemma, and what I can do to maybe counter it. If I can do that much, I stand a better chance against the trances I'm placed in. "I'm not feeling well, I think I may be sick. I need to get back to the airship, make a report of my condition so I can get the treatment I need."

"Your condition?" She tilts her head with concern. "What do you think is wrong?"

"Light-headedness, fatigue, terrible aches."

She casually makes a diagnosis. "It's the stress, yesterday took a lot out of you and my brother's to blame for that."

"Not just that, my head feels... off." I briefly explain. "It's just a quick visit to the airship. You think you can arrange a safe trip for me?"

"That's all?" She scoffs. "I'll gladly give you a safe trip to your airship, and back. It's nothing for me, even at this hour."

I was hoping to stay there, not come back to the castle. But I'll take what I can get, and maybe even formulate an escape plan as I go along. At least there, I'll have reinforcements. "Thank you."

"But we must be back shortly after. My father isn't done with the concessions yet. You'll need to be here until they've finished."

She's not letting me go. I'll need to plan quick, and do it in a way where my hints can at least alert the others. "Sure." As long as those concessions end on today, I should be fine. I hope Kalimba can make a quick close on a deal, despite her inexperience.

As we start our journey towards the airfield, she grows curious and asks me a few questions. "So... you work directly under Princess Twilight, do you not?"

"Yeah, I always have. Since I was young, she raised me like a brother. She even hatched me from my egg, we spent years together." I inwardly curse her name. "I wonder if she's worried about me."

"I'd be worried about you." She replies softly. "You're too good of something to be left to chance, especially here."

"Obviously." I mumble.

As soon as we walk out to the front lawn, I see a vastly different setup of escort compared to the one when I first arrived here. The first had me in a cage, paraded through town as though I'm some captured prize. There was no protection for me outside of the wrought iron cage I was stuck in. This time, there's a comfortable carriage with curtains in the windows, an armed escort, a tunnel of spears, flags at the ready, and centuries offering just the tiniest façade of respect to me as I pass by. It's a literal night-and-day of difference. Seems the administration's tightened up with the situation from yesterday.

Our ride was simple, smooth, and without anything being thrown. The only stipulation is that I don't look outside and reveal myself to the passing denizens. It's a warning I firmly heed.

Some time passes and I finally make it back to the airfield. It seems that in the two days since our arrival, the localized group of centuries keep keen eyes on the denizens of the airship. Their presence is an intimidating force, not only for their sheer numbers, but also the weaponry they have lying in wait.

We step into the quarantined zone, the centuries let us through without resistance. And as I get closer to the entrance, a pair of guards greet me eagerly. "Sir Spike, thank goodness you're alive!"

Alive? I suppose it's good that they worry for my health that much. "It's... It's been a trying time. But I'm still above ground."

The second guard takes notice of the accessory donning my neck. "What's with the collar?"

"Something about posing as some pet to keep my head on my shoulders." I say casually, not really thinking much of my words until a moment from the parade flashes through my mind. Then that image, combined with my poor choice of words, trigger a violent reaction within my stomach. I double over and try my best not to let that reaction project forth.

My triggered gag reflex instantly causes the pair to rush for me. "Sir!?"

But before they can get to me, Zenobia leaps in and stands me up slowly. "Is everything alright?"

"Ugh... yeah. I just need to find some time to process things." I answer, swallowing anything that might've crept up my throat. The two guards continue to stare at us with confusion, namely at the princess. I suppose a brief introduction should be in order. "Oh yeah, this is Princess Zenobia. She's the first-born to the emperor, she's the one keeping me alive."

The pair bow respectfully towards the mare. "Ma'am, I don't know how you do it, but thank you for your bravery. The prince we met across the sea dragged like seven dragon corpses across the airfield early yesterday morning, they were all headless." It seems that Xerxes' stunt was a very layered one, I have no doubt that he's also the one responsible for keeping all of these creatures lodged in this airship. "When that happened, we made our report to the princess. She urged that Spike give correspondence immediately. We would've relayed that message to you sooner, but as you can see, security forces don't allow us to leave." And now that's another thing I'm gonna have to deal with, telling Twilight what happened and not sparing any details.

But first, maybe I can instill some bit of mercy towards the creatures of my homeland. "Your highness, I understand that negotiations were set to conclude in brief manner today. I can understand the centuries being on post for security purposes, but I believe that our escort should be accommodated for. Our airship is not very large, and it doesn't have much in the hygiene maintenance department. I'm sure there's an inn somewhere in town where they can rest some adequate rest and lodging for cleanliness' sake."

The mare gives ne a nod. "I'll clear it with my father."

The two guards show their immense relief upon hearing that showers would be a feature in the near future. "Thank you, your highness." Says the first.

The second clears their throat after shaking off the relief of the news of the changing situation. "Sir Spike, the sphere is ready for you to use. We've just made contact over your status, and the princess stands by for your word."

"I wish to join!" Zenobia blurts out, shocking all of us as she grabs at my tail. "So that I may see this princess for myself, and offer her my praises for this dragon's well-mannered upbringing." Her horn gives off a dim glow, no doubt it's probably aimed for my collar. "Won't you allow me to meet her alongside you?" She asks, leaning into me.

I know that it would only be diplomatic to introduce the two, but I feel that this conversation between us needs to be personal. So I deny her request. "Anything for you, your highness."

..Wait. That's not what I wanted to say.

"Splendid!" She pulls me by my tail, guiding me along as she cheerfully makes demands. "Point me in the direction of where we can meet."

I try to tell her that I need to go at this alone. "This way, your highness."

...Okay, now I know something's not all there.

For the strangest reason, I'm still guiding Zenobia down this hall, leading her to the communications room. And even though I should be telling her that I need to go at this alone, I'm acting out the exact opposite way. Something about this is wrong. I want to reach up and see if this collar is warm on me, but my arms don't respond other than to open the door and allow her and myself in.

The communications room is nothing special, it's just an oval table with a crystal orb in the middle. Above it is the holographic image of Twilight looking off elsewhere, probably pacing back and forth. Zenobia walks past me, seating herself at the table beside the orb. Her horn is dimly lit as I speak to Twi for the first time in a few days. "Hello?"

Her ears pop up as she hears my voice. She stops pacing and brings her undivided attention to the sphere she holds in her magical tow. "Spike, is that you!?" She gives me a once over before collapsing with relief. "Thank Celestia you're safe! The security detail told me what happened out on the airfield! I panicked! I didn't know if any of them were you!" She grasps at her chest, looking to the sky as she mouths something to herself. "Oh Spike, I'm so relieved to know that you're still safe." I understand her relief, but also feel terrible for the ones who'll never do what they love again. The guilt wears on my face with a saturated presence, and Twi takes notice. "What's wrong?"

Flashes of yesterday continue to flood my thoughts, the cheers and fanfare still giving me tinnitus even in the silence of now. "The dragons... I saw their faces."

"How?" She questions. "The reports from the others say the dragons were headless."

I chillingly give my account over what I saw. "Their faces were the only thing I could see. They didn't have bodies for me to see."

Twilight covers her mouth with horror, recognizing what I was made to see. She quickly raises up and hastily gives her response. "Oh my Faust! Spike, you gotta come back home. Get Kalimba and board─"

"Excuse me." Zenobia rises from her seat, slowly walking towards my side. Twilight takes notice of the mare, namely her alicorn features. Bewilderment sets in before worry.

"Spike, who is she?"

I can't even open my mouth to give an answer before the Ponyland princess takes over the conversation. "Are you the princess responsible for grooming this dragon to the manner in which he's been raised?"

Twilight's words start to become guarded from the moment that question is asked. "Yes. And who are you?"

"Pardon my sudden interruption. I am Princess Zenobia, I suppose if we had your structure of hierarchy, I would be the high princess of the realm. But in spite of my being first born, I carry little status beyond my noble blood." She pulls me into her yet again, caressing my chin as she brags over her efforts to keep me alive. "I'm the one who has made provisions to protect my new pet."

Twilight narrows her eyes at the notion of the title I'm given. "Wait, your 'pet?' Is that some sort of a nickname you've given him?"

"Why of course!" She says, rubbing my head into the nape of her neck. "Come hither." She growls invitingly.

Twi's eyes buck wide as she sees me grasping around her chest, encroaching myself all over her. "Spike, what is going on!?"

Zenobia smirks as she responds. "If I may, I do believe that my service is to be repaid for his protection. So I propose an accord, princess." The leash of her magic appears from between her horn and my collar as she spreads her wings slowly. "Your dragon now belongs to me, and in turn I will protect him from the harm that others wish to be done upon him."

This is not what I want, not in front of her.

"Spike, what are you doing!?"

She mewls a reply, accepting how carefully my claws begin to explore her body. "He's being an obedient pet, showing me comfort in my time of stress. Obviously protecting him is so taxing on the mind and resources, so I too often find myself needing some attention." Her tail flicks underneath me, giving an obvious signal. "You'll do that for me, won't you, my pet?"

"Yes, your highness."

She climbs to the table, anchoring herself upon it as she keeps hold of my collar. Her lead is taught on me, all while moving her tail aside. Twilight blushes with horror as she sees that I'm hardly being conservative about what is taking place. I take hold of my better self, right before her very eyes. While she doesn't wish to see me like this, she still looks to identify what has me so entranced. The first logical conclusion is to remove the very thing that keeps us tethered together. "Spike, take that collar off this instant!"

"I think it fits him, quite frankly." She says in a sweet voice before moaning as I press myself into her. I reciprocate the feeling as she warmly embraces me with all of her being. "And I believe he fits me quite well, in more ways than one."

I grab hold of her, thrusting into her body in a hurried manner. Zenobia laughs between moans, her eyes lock to me as she gives me the encouragement to continue at pace. Twi's ears turn red as she witnesses me in the process of our very undiplomatic relationship. "SPIKE, KNOCK IT OFF!"

"Fuck, I never thought this would excite me this much!" She declares breathlessly. "Go harder, pet! Let her see what wonders her training you have done for me!"

"I never trained him for this!" She angrily rebukes. Twilight's magic tries to manifest a way to teleport me back home, but with no specific point of reference, it fails. "SPIKE! YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO ME! SNAP OUT OF IT!"

"Oh, he's too far gone. He's so drunk in lust that he's barely even conscious." I wrap my claws around her neck, reaching up as far as her chin in my readjustment. I also hold to her chest with my arm and begin again with my efforts. Her eyes roll back as she thanks me with a kiss to my neck. "And it's so hard to keep a straight face... Fuck it!" She starts to pound back into me with every bit of her strength, at last breaking her passive response for a more active role. Her horn starts to glow brightly as she screams so loud that I'm sure the others outside grow in awe of what's taking place. "I'm yours, pet! Make me a proud princess!"

Twi looks on, seeing how lost I am in our act. She appears broken. "Spike..."

In the heat of the moment, Zenobia makes her bold declaration. "That's right, bitch! He's not your fucking dragon anymore! This is my dragon, he's gonna serve me till I say when! And it won't be soon, I assure you!"

"Princess..." I feel myself rising to a climax, her body is far too warm for me to resist. My hips are relentless in their motions as I grasp her even harder, giving her praise as I vie to empty myself within her. "Princess... you're the best."

The verbal confirmation is far too much for her, so much so that she breaks her anchorage on the table. She's only stopped from falling due to my grasp. She intensely bites her lip as she rides out the final approach for her climax. "That's right! You serve me now!" Her body rattles after a few more thrusts, my continued assault breaks every last bit of resistance she has in holding anything back. Her body falls limp as she spurts forth in Twilight's view, a graphic presentation of my work as I too cross my threshold. "Shit... Fuck..." She mewls as her head drops down, her horn still slightly glowing with an unusual pink residue tracing down her spirals.

I send forth a few more thrusts, unleashing spurts of my seed deep into her womb. While it's assured that nothing will come of it, the princess yanks me down in a passionate show of approval. She shows no reservation whatsoever in kissing me, our lips touching for the first time, her tongue meeting with mine in heated confrontation, her eyes unwavering from mine, her body melding so closely with mine.

The second we separate from each other topside, she falls to the table and presses herself in me to keep me warm and embraced, even bouncing back a few times to help me ride out my descent. The princess' eyes radiate in the room as she stares at me with a deeply amorous mind. Her legs dangle from the table as she keeps me close to her.

A flicker of light grabs the attention of our peripherals. We look to the sphere that now sits dormant, no image to be projected, no face to be seen. "Aw, seems she disconnected. Guess she couldn't handle losing her pet to somepony else." The princess tease as she kisses my cheek. "Shame."

"Your highness..." I weakly call to her.

The mare giggles as she keeps her horn at a glow. "Come on, pet." She speaks to me with an endearing timbre. "We've got a shower to take after all of that recreational we just had."

"Yes, my princess." I drone.

A smile etches to the corners of her mouth, settling proudly in place. "Now that's a good dragon."

...What have I done?