DISCLAIMER:This chapter is to contain incest, sexual violence, and homosexual depictions. Reader discretion is advised.

The halls of the castle are mostly quiet as the night consumes much of the town. The centuries on post have grown fewer and the others merely wait patiently with weapons in tow. There's a slight outburst of a sensible chuckle as the young prince Amor walks with a servant who seems to speak highly of their encounter throughout the day.

"And even after that, you would not believe what happens to the other guy who gets caught in pantry with the baker's daughter!"

"Ah, to be in love." The young prince hums with amorous longing of his own fantasies. "I only wish my encounters would be as lively as that."

"But either way, the wedding is slated for the sixth of next month." The servant informs him. "It seems the baker wants the young lad to assume responsibility for the transgression."

"It couldn't possibly be that bad."

"They were caught in the act, he practically dismounted her the moment the door swung open. And I'll tell you that door wasn't the only thing left swinging free."

The prince sighs. "At least he wasn't challenged to a duel. Seems that it's ending pretty well, all things considered."

As the pair enter into the young prince's bedroom, they carry on their conversation for a moment. "Oh don't believe for one second that the baker didn't think to rent a broadsword or two from the local smithy. He was quite incensed."

"He's always protective of little Palmetta." Amor says as he sets his saddlebags down by the door and turns the dial for the lights. "It's not surprise that─"

The pair are left silent as they see an alicorn stallion posted on the young prince's bed. Beside him is an empty bottle of wine with yet another bottle uncorked and mostly full on the nightstand. The stallion's face is flushed red as he holds a pillow to his belly. Amor's smile fades as the servant questions the figure before them. "High Prince? Did we stumble into the wrong room by chance?"

Xerxes leans his head back and loosens his grip on the pillow. "Leave us." He says with a drunken slur.

Not wanting to face the ire of an inebriated prince, the servant takes off with pronounced speed. Amor calls out his noble-blooded brother. "Xerxes, this is my room. What are you doing in here?"

He holds a hoof up, waiting for the door to close behind the servant. As soon as it clicks shut, the prince stumbles from off the bed and meanders his way to Amor. "I'm merely looking after my lesser-blood princess."

The young prince groans with disgust. "Must you always call me that?"

"Oh come now, you can't refute status, much less the position you hold to me." The older sibling walks around Amor, prompting the prince to keep his back away. "So, father speaks of whispers of some silly development you're trying to manifest."

"If silly is what you call it, then I'll be just that. I've met with Princess Twilight in my excursion. She's just as beautiful as I imagined her to be." He instinctively starts to back himself into the wall. "I know it's a longshot, but I'm looking to possibly get─

A hoof firmly plants beside the young prince's head as a drunken Xerxes giggles over the proposition. "Foolish little Amor, you know you can't make commitments with that mare. What do you look like trying to climb a tree that tall with a status that dominating? Little ol' you, and the high princess of Equestria, good Doctor's sake. I'd say you look every bit the fool soon to fall back to the earth below. You should give up on those delusional dreams of yours."

"I'm not delu─"

Amor's words are cut short by a painful impact made upon his face. His cheek swells from the blow as his brother's follow-through runs true to his cheek bones. The young prince crumples to the ground, holding his hooves up for his own defense. Xerxes slumps in seeing his half brother's reactionary response. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to be so violent with you." He mumbles in a low voice. "It's just that when you left, you never said anything to me. I looked across the entire realm for you. And I found nothing. You know that I do what I do to protect you. The fact that you ran from me terrifies me, am I really such a monster that you have to fear being around? I thought I treated you well, even for your lesser status."

The young prince barely speaks out. "I─"

"Shut up!" The elder prince punches the wall beside him in an outburst of volatility. But his foreleg loosens as he reaches for the younger's chin. "You know, that meddlesome fool of a guard you have is persistent. He's kept you leagues away from me with every chance he gets."

Amor turns his head away. "Please..."

The stallion looks off as his brother closes in on him, closing the distance that was once revealed before the emperor and the foreign ambassador. Amor laboriously breathes as his older brother sinks his tongue into his by all account against his will. He pants as to try to hide the panic in his motions, but makes the mental note to remain calm. "You're trembling... You must have been so eager to see me again." Xerxes replies with a lustful gaze. "You remember what we used to do when we were younger?"

Amor replies with a small voice. "...I don't want to do that anymore."

"But brother, you looked so enamoring in those dresses. I'm sure you'd pass as a beautiful rose girl." He replies as he presses his lips longingly into his neck. "You're far prettier than anything father's ever proposed for me. I'm still wondering how you even stayed this way through all the years. Such a dainty little thing. A coat as dark as the moon's shadow, eyes as bright as the embers of the sun, you're so warm I melt into you like the waters of my bath. Amor... truly a fitted name."

The young prince trembles as the magic envelops his body, setting him upon the bed with his tail pulled aside. "Xerxes─"

The older prince hops on, biting his lip with anticipation. He primes himself as he makes his alignment. "Shh... Let's be quiet like we've always been."

Before the elder prince can get himself established, a loud knock sounds on the door. "Lord Amor!"

Xerxes' head snaps towards the door, he releases a quiet growl of frustration of being ready for this moment, only for an untimely interruption to take place. He hops off of his younger sibling and warns him. "Not a sound." He walks to the door, cracking it open to peek through. He sees none other than Sir Fencer standing before him. "You again? What do you want?"

"Prince Amor's presence has been requested. This is his room."

The high prince quickly weaves a lie. "It's not his room, it's my room. You didn't get the memo over the time you left, but I now claim this room for my own use. It's been that way since your departure for Equestria."

"Lies." The guardian snarls. "The servants reported his appearance here, even coming to this room."

"Well he's not here at the moment. While he did drop by, I informed him of the situation and he's meandered off to his new quarters."

Sir Fencer sees right through the prince's lie and presses the door firmly open to see the younger prince posted on the bed, covered by his sheets as he tries to hide his compromising position. The observant guardian sweeps his gaze towards the lying imperial, more noticeably the subsiding erection between his hindlegs. "Lord Amor, the emperor has requested your presence."

Not one to flinch from the opportunity to get away, the young prince throws the sheets off from himself and briskly trot past the confrontational pair. "At once then."

More than livid, Xerxes halts his brother's advance with his magic taking grasp at the base of his tail, causing the younger to recoil in pain. "What issue my father has that requires a lesser-blood's presence?"

Fencer moves between the two brothers, taking a protective stance of the one he swore loyalty to. "The matter of his proposal to the High Princess of Equestria. Surely you'd know of it."

The drunken prince snarls in response. "Surely you jest."

"My lord's proposal is very much genuine. I've seen him plead her with my very own eyes." The stallion, taking a significant risk of disrespect, places a hoof on Xerxes' horn to quench his magic. The grip on Amor's tail subsides. "If you wish for another witness, confirm my account with the emperor's intended."

"The mix-breed?" The elder imperial chuckles. "Oh yeah, that useless whore. Father will soon be disappointed. That mix breed has no intention to acquiesce to his advances. You and I both know this."

"The emperor is also aware that she has sired a foal of young age."

"He knows that, and still pursues her?"

"Of course, but you of all others should know that hasn't stopped his imperial majesty. I'm sure your peasant-blooded siblings have a lot to say on the matter, Sir Xerxes." He leans into the prince, keeping his hoof on his horn. "Or have your majesty forgotten the fact that your mother abandoned her first family for a life of prestige? From a poor maid of the castle to a mare of your father's use. If it wasn't for Zenobia's birth, you'd probably be no less of a disclaim, and that's if you were even given the improbable chance to exist."

The scathing words of truth sear the prince's expression to a foul grimace, he stands motionless as Fencer removes his hoof from his horn. The seething imperial watches as the stallion turns his back to him, already making plans of how to reposition him in permanence.

Sir Fencer politely escorts the young prince away. "Let's go, your majesty."

I don't know how long I've been in this room now. My only point of reference when I finish doing shit like this is the light coming in from the windows, but she keeps those closed behind some thick, restrictive curtains. The last time I was in here, there was nothing to hide. Now it seems like she's been taking extra caution in keeping all eyes and access away from any others. I'm sure she means to do it for my sake, but I don't even know what's her purpose for having me around.

I suppose I never got a chance to ask. It's only right that I should, at least to make sure that I'm doing well for whatever reason I'm stuck here. Sometimes a verbal confirmation helps, and I know she's too blunt for lies. Dangerous to presume that, I know, but her personality doesn't quite sell like she's hiding a lot.

You know what, lets find out where I'm at right now. "Your highness."

She's laying in the bed right beside me, her back to me as her raspy voice barks out. "Speak."

"I know it's highly rude of me to say this or even think it, but what do you think of this... of us, I mean?"

Her ears flick as she slightly turns her head, not enough to look at me but to acknowledge my inquiry. "Elaborate."

"I mean are we talking, seeing each other, you probably don't even intend on going that far with the likes of me. I can understand. Perhaps I'm just something you're interested in for the time being, maybe a thrill. But to go so far as to protect me, why?"

"Mmm..." She grumbles before sparking up her magic. The collar takes over my body yet again and my arms wrap around her. She leans back into my chest, my body dwarfing hers by a significant amount. Her magic quenches and leaves me with free control as she puts forth her own question. "You ever fucked on a throne before?"

For a tender moment to be ruined by such a crass idea, I show my lack of enthusiasm. "I'm being serious."

"And you don't think I'm being equally so?"

"I can't say that I have. Why do you ask?"

She scoffs as she gives her thought. "Because it's the closest thing I'll ever get to being there."

"You fornicating on your father's throne? That's some insidious deviancy you got going there."

She nestles herself further into me, moving my legs to spoon her smaller frame. "I haven't done it yet. I might think to do it in the near future. I might have you take a note of that one."

"That's a pretty strong way of saying you don't like your father very much." I comment.

"It's my way of saying 'fuck you' for not even seeing me as ruling material." Not that I agree with him, I just understand the thought process is all. "All he ever did was give me things, not once even asking me what or how I feel. I used to beg for attention in the early years, I thought I could please him and be a good little girl, the star-bright image of Ponyland's first born heir of the noble blood. I tried it for thirteen years of my life, and you know what he did?"

Judging from his lack of a response to how Zenobia just took me for a ride during breakfast... "He didn't care much."

"More like he didn't care at all." She corrects me. "I noticed that he paid more attention to my brother, who wasn't even the second born sibling, or the third, or fourth. He's really the fifteenth. My father sires a lot of girls, and I was the first thing my mother presented to him, and indifference was the way he showed his gratitude. I can't say that she deserved the attention, but I at least deserved something." She grabs one of my arms, clutching it with both of her forelegs. "But the other morning, when I had you for breakfast, the fact that he indirectly gave me some sort of question of reprimand due to Amor's discomfort is probably the first time my father reacted to anything I did. Honestly, I'm quite proud of it."

I know he's not exactly a kind father-figure or a prominent family feature, but I'm sure there has to be some way for her to reach out to him. "Have you ever thought to speak with him about anything?"

"Thirteen years." She replies.

"Right. But I mean recently?"

"Why even try?" She deadpans.

"I guess it can be pretty hard to pay attention to the personal needs of so many kids, I'm just trying to play devil's advocate here. But still, why so little to the first thing that's basically jumpstarted his legacy?"

"I stopped asking that question after I started masturbating." She answers as she clenches my arm even tighter. "Thirteen years old, a bout with estrus, a hoof at my nethers, and a court filled with gasping attendees. My father's words to them were a cold and calm command. 'Pay the girl no mind, she's just begging for attention'." I raise my head to look down at her face, seeing how unchanged her expressions are. "I mean it, he really said that then. I didn't even think to go that far until that moment. I think that's when I was crushed enough to stop caring. So between the assorted eyes trying to avert themselves, some lecherous perverts looking anyways, and my father demanding that I'd be seen as trivial... I pushed myself to a limit and released that 'cry for attention' all over the floors of the grand hall, purely out of spite."

I blink blankly at the princess for having shared such a private account. "That's... pretty wild."

She rolls over, a slight smile on her lips indicating the ridicule she has for her nonchalant parent. "You know how little my father cared? He just rolled his eyes and commanded one of the centuries to take me behind the curtain and satiate me. Poor bastard was so reserved until I crawled under him and made him commit. To my family's inconvenience, everyone saw the moment I willingly became deflowered. Much more than that, they saw how much I loved the attention I was finally getting." She looks away from me, summarizing her experience. "The prim and proper princess in her first estrus, showing no remorse for her imperial standing. Her father simply didn't care, so why should she?"

I'm not quite sure how to assess a response to that. The idea that she was taken at such a young age would normally be heinous. But her father gave consent, and she obviously pressed the issue. I don't know whether to be disgusted at the emperor for his lack of courtesy, or critical of the princess who clearly has not an ounce of shame in her bones. I suppose it would only make sense to do the former in this case, she's the one keeping me alive. "I'm sorry that happened."

"You say 'sorry', I say 'good riddance'." She's absolutely careless. "Eventually my father started to give me things so that he didn't have to see me, and I was fine with it. I'm fine with it now."

There's got to be more to this, more as to why she's like this. "So what about your mother, did she say anything?"

A sour frown shapes her features. "Eugh, hate that bitch. All she would do is scream and shriek at me for every little thing I did wrong. And when I finally had my day out at that coronation, oh don't even get me started on all the things she threw at me. I was already touted as her failure, so she can rot in hell and watch me fuck every dick I can sit on."

Well... can't believe I'm saying this, but it seems like her dad is the 'nice' parent of the pair. And it shows in her constant attention-seeking maneuvers. "I think there's still some part of you that cares."

"And why do you think that?" She asks with amused disbelief.

"Because you took me in front of him, hoping for a response." I answer.

"Honestly, it's more of a fetish these days." She answers with a snicker. "Sometimes keeping it behind closed doors don't give the same energy as if I were doing it in front of the nobles and the like. The scandal, the awkward looks, the moment the perverted bastards hike their legs to hide the fact that they're getting a rise out of it, and not to mention the shitty wives who have to drag their husbands away because they know they don't stack up to me." A sadistic smile slowly creeps onto her face. "It's pathetic really, but it's also liberating to know that it doesn't matter the status we hold, deep down we're just as primitive as the other animals."

At least I have some semblance of an answer now. "So... I guess I'm just a fetish then?"

"Do you care that much?" She appears not exactly annoyed, but she is perplexed over my insistence for an answer. "There are stallions who would die to be allowed to speak to me, much less touch me, even less fuck me on this bed as much as we have."

"I see that." I answer flatly.

She stares at me blankly before wrapping her hooves around my neck, inching closer to me with her muzzle slightly grazing my lips. "If it makes you feel any better, I haven't opened myself up to any creature this much, never you mind a dragon."

"I guess that's a forward improvement." I comment.

"You're a good pet." She says with a softness in her usually harsh voice. "And I haven't had pets before."

That only makes me curious about what's the going rate of her social rankings. Obviously she's not had a boyfriend, or at least some romantic interest as opposed to a meetup of some sort. I'm sure with her personality, one-offs are the only thing she's used to. And I gather there's been a few who have been made to wear this collar on my neck at least once before. So let me find out just how often she's used this thing, at least in a way that's not as straight forward. "So if I'm a pet, what are the others who've sullied you?"

"Meandering thoughts, slaves, centuries, my brother's eventual victims, that ilk." Her answer is so casual, as though she's as nonchalant as her father. I see she bears more than just his resemblance.

But still, that last one gives me an eerie feel. "I guess I'm in the category of 'eventual victim' then."

"Not really, at least from my perspective." She gives me a single peck on the cheek. "I've grown to like you."

"You mean you like the 'lip service'." I sarcastically correct her.

The princess giggles openly, giving me a slight tap to the head. "To make me laugh like this... a dangerous thing." She straightens herself as she seems to have intentions to rekindle our encounter. "I may have to hire you some protection, my prized pet. Wouldn't want anything happening to you."

"Well I guess you might need to start me a tab on some things around here." For as long as I've been in and out of this room, I've not once heard her call me by my name. Maybe she's careless to a fault, but even careless creatures recognize a name after so much interaction. And the intent to keep me around can be indicated in how easily one retains or forgets a name. "Do you remember what my name is, so at least you can put it to that?"

She gives me a displeased look before a knock sounds at the door. Both of us turn to see a mare's head poking through the doorway. "Your highness, forgive me for interrupting you and your guest." It's her personal maid, she lays out a black cassock at the foot of the door. "It's time."

A black robe? What does she need a robe for?

The princess sighs as she lets me go, climbing out of the bed and levitating the robes towards the bathroom. "Well, duty calls. Fucked that I'm going to have to leave the company of my pet, but I suppose the separation will grow the fondness."

"What's the robes for?" I ask.

"Oh, just some formalities, need to keep up appearances. It's mandatory for those in my position." She walks into the bathroom, going through to take her shower. "Oh shit, I forgot. Dear pet, there's a box under my bed with a few things in it! There should be a white glass bottle, it's my perfume! Can you bring that to me!?"

I wonder if it's the shit she wears to keep me distracted. "Sure thing!" I go under her bed, seeing a brown wooden box with some pretty ornate carvings. As I open it, I see a few bottles and other things. The white bottle she's asking for is sat at the back of the collection. I pop the cork open and give it a quick whiff. It's insanely strong, but it's a completely different scent from what I'm used to smelling. Instead of the hints of honey, it's more like a concentrated batch of a spring scent. It does not carry any effects on me at all. "Hey, which bottle was it!?" I call back, just trying to stall for time to sniff another bottle.

"The white one!"

"Okay!" I holler back as I pick out a brown bottle. I give it a whiff, it smells like pomegranates. I go through another to smell the sweet scent cantaloupe. Pumpkin spice, summer winds, all of it's so strong that it makes me sneeze. "Ah-ACHOO!"

"It's pretty strong, I know!" She calls back. "Can you please hurry!?"

I don't hesitate a moment longer, knowing that to do so would rouse up some suspicion. Instead, I close the box and tote the white bottle she's requested to her. When I walk in, I see she's scrubbing herself with some mode of expedience. In the midst of her efforts, she smiles at me and yanks me by the collar again, but not for anything completely sexual, just to lock her lips to mine for a bit and do up her mane into a butterfly knot. She wears pins with an unusual emblem.

She doesn't even mind that I'm still standing in the bathroom, she's just in her own routine. She steps out of her shower, dries herself thoroughly, puts on her makeup, dresses herself in the black cassock, and lightly applies the perfume I gave her. After all of that, she takes a bit of a twirl before trotting off, making sure the tip of her wing brushes under my chin as she skates by. "Be sure to be on your best behavior, dear pet. I won't be too long in the day."

Just before she goes through the door, an idea comes to mind. "Hey." She turns to me with a quirked brow. "Is it okay if I stay here?" In doing so, I'll knock off two objectives for the day. The first being to keep myself in a fortified position that I know Xerxes would be unlikely to enter. The second would be to go through the contents of that box and see if I can identify the source of that scent she wears. If I can manage to dilute that, maybe I won't be so sex-driven every time she presses me into her neck.

She momentarily closes her eyes for a second before giving me a look that damn near petrifies me. "Without question. I give you full permission to stay here." She offers a smile unlike any other she's given to me, it's bright and rosy, very warm and tender. I don't know if she's good at faking it or if she's really like this to me. I can always hedge my bets on the former, but she doesn't give me the impression of being this way in any other circumstance. "Now be a good little pet and keep my bed warm."

"That's kinda difficult given that dragons are cold-blooded and your sheets are still flammable."

My bit of sarcasm lands well with her, she stifles a chuckle while opening the door. "I'm sure you'll find a middle ground, that's what you do." She tilts her head at me. "Spike, my dear pet." She holds a hoof to her lips to coyly ask for my silence of her speaking my name. "But you can say that I never knew your name to begin with. Don't want my pitiful brother to take issue with me knowing more of you outside of your surface."

Huh... so she knows my name after all. Maybe I had her pinned wrong.

In the scope of having and maintaining relationships, it's pretty damn amazing how fast things move when you've been trapped in a castle with no real emotional development or support. Everything moves fast, it's all to a schedule, and you have to find time to fit things in the frame you have. I know the crunch all too well, and anything like this would probably start it all off. I've seen it before, I've watched Twilight go through it back when she and Nondis were deep into each other. It's when revealed emotions of others prompt an expedited maneuver, and it goes further than originally anticipated. A small gesture, a conversation, I'm sure it's just the sex this time, but something clicks inside the mind, and then it's a head-first dive into obsession.

It might have always been that case with Zenobia, especially given her stunted emotional growth due to both of her parents. But whatever I did just so happened to break the dam holding back the flood. Now I gotta play the game and how it goes, because if I don't... "Just for that, your 'throne' will be ready when you return." I'll get swept under the currents, and those currents will run a bright red.

...I may never even see home again. "See to it that it is."

The imperial warming room, a large and often intimidating space for many who enter to undergo negotiations with those in power. Shelves of books line the walls, a fireplace crackles with immense warmth, and a large oak table sits between the two that currently engage in their talks.

Unfortunately for the emperor, who is still dealing with the shame of his son's stunt towards the Equestrian ambassador, he has to manage the recently-founded abstinence of the assistant ambassador, who wasn't completely complicit in his approaches and harassment. What used to be silent compliance in the beginning has now grown into rigid defiance. And that rigidity is now the source of the emperor's frustrations of knowing how close he was to taking her to task that day.

All his hard work, ruined by the ambitions of his son trying to send a message to a dragon.

As a result, he is forced to sit across the table in a truly diplomatic manner, as opposed to approaching behind her as he wished. "So... to review the terms of the pending agreement, let's run it down, Miss Kalimba." As he sits, the tunic in his lap twitches from the frustrations mounting underneath.

The zebracorn is steel-eyed and firm, making sure she instills her reinforced dignity in solidarity of the dragon she appreciated as an ally. "Ponyland will ensure peaceful engagement with all creatures under the Equestrian umbrella, this includes all changelings, zebras, kirin, diamond dogs, sheep, bovine, arimaspi, ponies, dragons, yaks, hippogriffs, griffons, and all other sapient creatures."

As those concessions are listed, the emperor winces with the ever-increasing demographic he'll have to appease. As he knows that the subjugation of some of these creatures very well feeds into the economy of the local markets. He knows the concessions are damaging to his reputation and image. "Very good. And Equestria will allow for the transfer of a number of precious materials found and agree to exchange in raw goods that are essential in our machinery and urban development. Also, we issue that the patrons of the Church of the Healing Hoof is given free license to practice."

Her eyes cut through his words. "Peaceful practice?"

Another painful concession, as his administration is not only a firm founder of the church, but an avid supporter and even defender of it's sometimes controversial practices. "Of course. Any and all violent practitioners are no followers of our doctrine. We want no issue to arise on our behalf of this matter."

Kalimba sighs, partially realizing that the amount of resources allocated may have to increase the work and management her friend Blue will have to endure. It's a difficult concession considering the circumstances, but she knows that the trade of many other goods that involve the slaying of many creatures will be adversely impacted. Thus this concession would do what it can to account for the lost costs. A portion of that sigh is also on the end of her knowing that she avoided completely the trade and distribution of human goods, an advantage her home country will hold for the time being. She strikes up the topic of a more neutral negotiation. "And for the matter of a possible union?"

"It's agreed to that the union will be a neutral practice, should there ever be one established. Her royal majesty Princess Twilight Sparkle shall remain to her powers, as will my son remain to his limited amount. However, if the heir they choose to sire is a male, then he shall be trained to be an imperial prince of Ponyland. If they are to sire a female, then she shall be the high princess of Equestria." The emperor may not be in much of a merry mood due to his neglect of his physical desires, but he inwardly smiles at the thought of his added stipulation.

Kalimba is perceptive to what that may entail in terms of power, and corrects his final point. "That agreement, as you know, can only be agreed to by the princess herself. I cannot make concessions in her name for that to take place."

Yet again, he stews on the disappointment of being sighted. There is now the growing regret of having chose her to do negotiations with, as opposed to the dragon who was originally intended for that purpose. "I understand. So those are the terms to be agreed to."

Kalimba takes the scroll and rolls it up to be reviewed further. A quiet thought passes thorough her mind, a quiet realization of her role, and the similarity it has with that of her late father's. She shakes the moment off and readjusts to the present. "Very good, your highness. I shall take these into advisement as we converse to make our final agreement."

While she rises to leave, the emperor quickly follows her. "Now, terms aside, are you satisfied with your current situation in Equestria?"

"I believe that I am." She responds without hesitation. "My home is spacious, my land is adequate, my family is happy."

"Happy as they may be, there could be more given to them, if you so wished it." The emperor pleads.

"I am afraid that my heart has been confined to the father of my son." She bluntly replies.

"And yet he is absent in his life, if I recall." The emperor reminds her.

The mare remains firm on her stance. "That he is, but I don't want to endanger the trust of my son by giving him what he is not looking to obtain."

The emperor makes an argument against her choice. "All sons wish for a father, madam representative. There's always a matter of instruction, discipline, and fealty with a father figure in a boy's life. Without it, they could soon devolve into delinquency and distrust. I'm not saying that will occur with your son, but it can show the signs when they start to come of age."

While she could easily point out the flaw of his hypocrisy, she opts not to out of not wanting to offend the figure who's already made considerable political concessions. "With all due respect, your highness, I know how to be a parent." Instead, she offers a more tamed rebuke. "But thank you for your concern, and passable wisdom."

As the pair walks out of the warming room, the emperor summons a dark rose, a rare and often hard to cultivate flower carefully cut from his personal garden. "For you." The mare accepts the rose quietly as he compliments her. "A rare flower such as yourself should never be seen without the beauty of her namesake. I enchant this with a spell of undying, so take it as a symbol of my acceptance wherever you go."

She looks back to the emperor with caution. "A flatterer you are."

His magic guides hers to place the thornless rose to her mane, neatly decorating her head beside her right ear. "I know these past few days, the circumstances have not been ideal for us to cultivate a closer partnership. However, I've been known to play the long-game. Perhaps this time I can watch as you depart from us soon. But I'll wait for you to change your mind if you ever choose to. My boarders will always be open for you to visit. Bring the rose, they'll know how to treat you."

"This will suffice, your highness. Now if you'll excuse me."

Kalimba walks away, keeping a watchful eye on the emperor as an assistant approaches him from the shadows of a nearby pillar. She turns a corner to meet with both Amor and Sir Fencer, who inquires of their meeting. "What did he say?"

"Terms are favorable. He looks to make good on trade and commerce." She replies.

"Ah, no trade for technology?" The young prince asks.

"No need."

The prince looks down with uncertainty. "I'm unsure if that was a wise decision to omit that from your bargaining, madam representative."

"Equestria has no need for the weapons you possess." She assures the pair. "That's a line of thought that I have come to respect for the future of my son. If I was to allow such a thing, it would only put him in a much more dangerous environment."

"Do you think this will go well?" The prince questions.

"I do not."

"You're wise for thinking that way." Says Sir Fencer.

The zebra looks at the stallion, who seems to avert his eyes whenever he's caught looking at her. "Hmm... No flirtatious commentary, and it's already been sixty seconds."

The guardian keeps his eyes forward. "The rose upon your ear instructs me to do otherwise. The emperor has claimed desire for you."

"Is this what this flower means?" She asks as she takes it from her mane.

"No question about it." The guardian replies, halting her attempt to remove the flower from her head. "For favor's sake, I'd say you should wear it until the passing day. It offers more than the protection you'll need."

"Like safe passage through the castle?" She asks.

"Most of it." The young prince advises. "Gives you access to his personal chambers, the garden, most anywhere in the city as well. The only place it wouldn't is the secret holds of the church. That is the only power my father is denied, and only by his willing to be a 'humble' servant."

The zebracorn's ears flick at the thought, the only place in the empire where the emperor's power hold less sway is the church. If so, then perhaps she could find out more about the current power structure in place. Her intuition leads her to investigate. "Then take me to one of these houses of worship, your 'Church of the Healing Hoof'."

The guardian is surprised, but the prince is not. He merely nods his head with compliance. "Then as a former practitioner of this sect, even a devout apostle of this doctrine, allow me to lead you the way to our closest house of worship."

Sir Fencer gawks at the offer made, looking to question the prince about his decision. "My lord, are you certain that you'd want to undergo this sermon?"

"If our guest wishes to know what is being spread, then I'll be more than happy to provide the answer." The prince replies with firm intent. "But before we go, let's check in on our residential drake. Perhaps he'll be just as interested to hear some words of 'encouragement'."

I'll admit that having a phone on me these days have lessened my ability to keep track of time. I used to be able to look into the sky and automatically tell the hour I was in. But being stuck here in this castle doesn't really help me in that regard. And not having the ease of just looking down to check the time and weather, maybe a little bit of news, it keeps me blind to a lot that goes on.

In short, I have no idea of how long I've been in this room searching.

I've checked the box, every scent imaginable, some I personally like and wish she'd wear more often, a few I recognize from Rarity's line, others are hit or miss, but none of them make me want to take a good five minutes to pump out my frustrations by any means. The blankets and sheets we've soiled that I've had to convince the maids from taking because of my 'infatuation with her highness scent', the pillows which softened some of the more contorted positions I've placed her in, those are my only references. And to this moment, nothing matches.

Now I do make sure that the room stays clean, even though I've torn through it about twice now. I just can't seem to find anything that matches whatever the hell that's always in her neck. And even thinking about it now just makes me want to throw her down to the floor and sully my reputation even further, along with painting her body a different color of white than what she is. What I would do to pinch at her jaw and fuck her throat like she's nothing more than a piece of meat...

Yeah, that scent is way too strong on my mind, I don't even feel that way about her, nor should I.

*knock knock knock knock*

The funny thing about me being shacked up in this room is that I've developed a routine response for the maids, just another level of the depths I'll go to find the source of that intoxicating scent. "Her majesty is not present for the time being! I am her chamber guest, merely adhering to her orders to stay put! Her majesty has also instructed that there would be no further intrusions or alterations to the state of her chambers until her return! I apologize for the inconvenience to your service─"

"Idjiot, come here!" ...Wait, that's Mrs. Kalimba's voice?

The speed I have in running to the door, cracking it open, and seeing the zebracorn looking back at me is unmatched. But also with her are Sir Fencer and Prince Amor, who expresses relief. "Hey Spike, we're so glad to see you're still upright."

"Amor, what are you guys doing here?"

"Duh, I live here." The prince rebuts. "Well, we swept by your room, and found that you weren't there. We smelled a foul stench along the way in and feared the worst. I guess it's a good thing we found you here instead, because what we found in there wasn't nearly as endearing. I came here figuring you needed some time away, since you're stashed here of all places."

I shake my head. "I need more than time away at this point, years of therapy is more like it."

As I allow the trio into the room, I take a gander at either direction of the hall, hoping to not find a certain sociopath waiting in the wings. "I'm sorry for you having to endure my sister and her many painful perversions."

"Your sister is hardly an issue. I just know how to keep her happy, which also keeps my head attached." I reply to the prince.

"You seriously don't mind her?" He seems astounded that those words left my mouth out of my free will.

"I think I can understand where she comes from. I just don't know if I can share that information so freely."

The prince rolls his eyes. "Of course."

"Hey, if being her sex slave is a way to stave off your brother, I'm all ears, claws, tongue, whatever the hell else she wants." I admit proudly. "Either way, my situation now is infinitely better than what it could be otherwise. To this moment, there are seven other faces that I can't seem to escape from whenever I close my eyes, and at this point I'm trying not to join the ranks. He has a flail of those seven on there, and there's an eighth spot he has for me."

"We saw that, that's what we smelled on the way in to your room." Amor grimaces. "But either way, I don't think you should stay here after these negotiations are finalized."

"I had no intention of doing so." I say comfortably as I go back to my search, picking up a sheet to regain my point of inquiry.

"No intention, and yet you sniff Zenobia's sheets as though you miss her."

I quickly reply back to the stallion. "Yeah, I wanna put it out there that this ain't what you think it is."

The prince's ears perk up as he turns his head to avert his eyes. Mrs. Kalimba tilts her head and gives a comment under breath. "Not exactly convincing the world with that canoe you're trying to sail."

"I'm looking for whatever scent she's got me huffing in every time she pulls me into her neck. The sheets and the pillows are my only point of reference."

"If I was a betting prince, I'd say she has you drugged." He says while covering half of his face with a hoof.

"Seriously, drugged? Ain't no fucking way!" I enunciate with a sarcastic manner. "It's not like the scent she wears is so infatuating and intoxicating that I borderline forget everything that's been haunting me these past few days. It's not like I'm trying to hide a boner every time I get a whiff of the shit." As I say that, I glance down to see that I am at half mast, completely out in the open for the world to see. I also take notice of the lady who's currently present, and hide myself with the sheets in tow. "Sorry about that."

"Yeah..." The prince gives a solitary nod over the situation.

I quickly try to distract myself with another topic to take my mind off of what's taken place. "Speaking of pointing things out, I see Sir Fencer's doing just fine."

The guardian answers back. "Only because Prince Xerxes has found an obsession, and that obsession is causing him to act irrationally, so much so that he's frequently dispatched from the castle by order of the emperor."

"So he's the one you think will kill you. Why do you think he'll try to do that while I'm around?" I ask.

"Me." Amor raises a hoof. "I'm the one who Xerxes wants unrestricted access to."

"Why would he want that?"

The prince hides his face yet again. "It's... hard to explain."

Mrs. Kalimba pats him on the back. It seems she has an unspoken understanding of his issue. "Does he ever find you alone."

"Seldom." He answers quietly.

"Does he ever embrace you." Her choice of words are heavily implied towards a darker connotation.

The prince pulls a similar gambit to what I've just performed and deflects to a different topic. "...Spike, you said you wanted to see my sister, right?"

"Yeah, but not for the reasons that may look obvious." I say as I hold the sheets against my pelvis.

"I know exactly where you can find her."

It's only a little walk along the castle grounds before we come into contact with a building completely isolated within the grounds of the castle's keep. It's a large structure with towering pillars, matching much of the gothic structure along with everything else on the castle grounds. As we approach, I take notice of several ponies being dressed in black. Almost everyone here is walking in silence, filing into the building like it's going out of fashion.

There's a different kind of silence when we walk by, where there was just the walking along their way towards this place, now it's just the numerous eyes locked on our every motion. A lot of them are mainly on me. It doesn't bring comfort to the mind to know that I'm the only one taller than four feet, I easily stand out. And it doesn't help to know that I'm also the one with a target on his back.

Walking in, it's finally dawned on me that we've walked into a church, and a pretty one at that. There are whole walls that are nothing but stained glass windows with gilded gold support beams in between. The ceiling almost looks like it's coated in golden stars, candlelight chandeliers hang from high above, giving the room a warm ambiance in spite of the setting sun.

The walkway, a hulking aisle with a width for as many as ten to occupy between rows, are filled with a number of equines looking to get a good seat for their sermon. But the eyes are turned to us as we marvel at the architecture here. I can assume this place must have taken a while to build, a century at least.

An attendant gives us a pamphlet, it outlines the sermon that's to be taught. Seems to be a lot of scripture I'm not familiar with, and hymns to be sung. As we reach our seats, I take note of the order of service. "What strange practice. A doctrine of healing and enlightenment, seems pretty optimistic in the grand scheme of things."

Mrs. Kalimba simply gives her pamphlet to Sir Fencer, a very cold look develops on her face. "...What a horrible mistruth."

"Sir prince!" A voice hails towards our direction, startling both me and Mrs. Kalimba, who was lost in thought. A unicorn stallion with a blond coat and a peppered gray mane approaches with a smile. "It has been so long since we have seen you in our pews!" It seems his attention is directed to Amor.

"Father Sepulcher, it's been ages." The prince nods with acknowledgement.

"I believe we are truly blessed to see yet another day, thank the Doctor for his grace and good will." Mrs. Kalimba winces as the priest continues. "I see you have brought guests. Have they been with us before?"

"Actually, they are Equestrian dignitaries. I did extend the offer for them to attend, but I don't want to impose doctrine on them, as I do wish to respect their religious preferences."

A light frown appears on the face of the priest. "Sir prince, I am confounded. Usually you would be ecstatic to share the word of the good Doctor, even amongst the non-believers and differing faiths. Surely you'd remember the one thing I'd always tell you in these instances."

"All are welcome to our mass, spirit father." The prince recounts.

"Yes, and they, no matter the creature of origin, are welcome to worship with us." He emphasizes as he looks directly to me, offering that same kindness to even my likeness. "We are all creations in his eyes, each worthy of healing and salvation. This is a safe place for all, and we welcome any who is willing to embrace His light."

The priest walks away, finally giving a moment for Mrs. Kalimba to swallow whatever may have surfaced from her throat. Sir Fencer understands the mare's distaste and gives a warning to the both of us. "We may want to not bring too much attention to ourselves. So if it's possible, try to stomach as much as you can."

"I've had a little too much to stomach these days." I complain, thinking about the mess I'm in.

"Welcome to the cruel walk of life." Says the zebracorn with a pained grimace. "You'll adapt to it, quicker than you'll know."

I take her words into consideration and look around to see more ponies filing in, quickly filling the seats around us. "Quite the mass we're having."

"All who serve in the castle or the royal family, it's mandatory to be in attendance." Amor explains. "if you want any kind of power as a lesser blood, you'd best be in the good graces of the church."

A quick set of hooves sound behind us, a sudden pink pegasus mare wraps her forelegs around the young prince we've been guided by. "Ambrosia! You're back!"

"Hestia, you are well." He replies, it seems that he knows this mare.

"Barely. All has been difficult these past few months. Xerxes has been cooking up something fierce with my brothers." She glances at us and quickly changes subject. "Oh, sorry. No family business in front of guests."

He turns to us and gives us introductions. "Representative Kalimba, Friendship Ambassador Spike, this is Princess Hestia Aphrodite. She's my younger sister of branch Divinia Hestia." He turns to her. "They're visiting from Equestria."

Princess Hestia Aphrodite

"Oh, so those are the foreign representatives." She confirms before extending a hoof for Mrs. Kalimba to shake. "Charmed to meet you for the first time."

Before we can even exchange pleasantries, a familiar presence exerts himself into the discussion. "Ah, Amor." Immediately, the prince's face sours. "My dear little brother. What pleasure it is to see you again."

The young stallion sheepishly keeps his head low, his eyes averted, and his voice at a minimum. "Sir prince."

Xerxes slowly turns his head towards me. "And I see you have brought some unexpected company."

The prince quietly gives his reply. "They wished to enlighten themselves. I merely gave them the permission to do so."

He continues to overlook Mrs. Kalimba, keeping his locked to me with a vile intent. "A mix-breed may be entitled to the Doctor's grace, that much is to be discussed. But a dragon should never know the peace that is the doctor's good word. A sermon with him is a sermon shamefully squandered."

A pink aura tugs at his ear, yanking him completely out of the way and into the aisle. He looks back with a pained expression towards his older sister, who's basically growing at him. "Get to your fucking seat." I don't think I've ever heard a whisper so forced and violent as hers. He slowly sulks away, not even giving me a second look in doing so. Zenobia, dressed in her black cassock, bows her head at us. "Apologies, guests."

I make a comment of it towards Sir Fencer. "She seems a bit tamer than usual."

"She's a devout follower of the church, if you could believe that." He answers.

"Makes sense to me." Mrs. Kalimba mutters.

Now the pink aura is brought to my collar, a leash forming to pull me from my seat. "I thought you were to wait in the room for me."

"Apologies, your highness." I say to her. "Your brother came to invite me for sermon."

"I now see that." She says with a glare towards Amor. "But in doing so, you've put yourself in danger. So now you come sit with me." The magic disappears from my collar, she merely points me in the direction of her intended doings. "You'll have my seat beside the alter. Now go." Her words are soft, seeming as though she's portraying the role of the other priests.

I hesitate for a moment, but obey out of not wanting this collar to give me any surprises. As I'm coaxed into walking alongside the mare, I whisper to her. "Actually, there's been something I been meaning to ask you since I got here."

"Always with the questions." She mutters. "If you wondering what I'm doing here, I'm the abbess."

The abbess, like HEAD NUN IN CHARGE!? "I mean, I'm... you... what?"

She hides her smile with a hoof over her muzzle. "Your look of confusion is amusing, you probably didn't have me pinned for the likes of this." She promptly clears her throat and straightens her expression. "But our personal interactions must wait. The sermon is set to begin." She brings me to a gilded chair to the right facing the alter. "Sit."

With a slow and uncomfortable descent, I take my place upon her chair. "Can't wait to hear... the good word."

[19]As his works came to cease, all were laid before him, having witnessed to the wonders of his creation. They bowed their heads in reverence to his deeds. [20]And the leaders before him questioned "For how are we to achieve this, for we are merely mortal creatures?" The Doctor then spoke unto him. "I have no guide but one, and that is to walk my path."[21]The Doctor turned to the sea beyond, reached for those who laid before him pleading for life and granted it to them. All gasped in unison, as to breathe anew. His countenance was upon those who rose. And in his parting, he calls to the risen.

[22]"Verily I say unto you, go into the world and do my bidding. Your burdens are great and they overwhelm you, but they are nothing to what gifts I carry for you in the ways of your obedience. [23]To deny me the blessing of your voice is to deny you my presence, and you your salvation. But accept me into all of your life, and I will give you the desires of your heart, mend the wounds of your transgressions, and deliver unto you what is due in my name. [24]But these gifts do not come without price, as they require obedience to my will. Deny the world and accept me, and eternal life shall be your reward. [25]Hear all, for it is not what you do for others, but what you shall do for me."

~Sanctus 12:19-25

I notice that there's a bit of a theme when it comes to this religion, needless to say with any religion in general. It seems that there's a heavy emphasis on the word 'obedience'. And in doing the opposite, there seems to be a grim assurance of a short-lived existence. I mean some things about the Faustian church are like that too, but not as much demanding obedience for servitude. This one is a little more like the figure 'God' from the human world, who demands similar pretenses.

In the meantime, the sermon comes to a close with a final hymn urging the parishioners to go forth and live according the principles that were taught. And all rose to take their leave in an orderly fashion. I did happen to see the others and where they were seated, it seems that Amor and Sir Fencer, along with Princess Hestia, are looking over a visibly ill Mrs. Kalimba. I know she's a victim of the necroterrorist incident from seven years ago, I'm sure that entire sermon had to be a visceral haymaker to the gut.

I start to make my way over before I'm cut off by Princess Zenobia. "Well that's one thing less on my itinerary this evening, now we can go back to our scheduled doings. How was the sermon for you?"

As I answer, I see the zebracorn shove the others off from her and storm off, holding her mouth as she leaves. "That was... different."

"Different from your teachings?" She asks.

"Just... different." I mumble, not wanting to get into any kind of theological argument with the one who's fleshly obsession is enough to keep me alive. I'd sure hate to disavow her beliefs and then we find ourselves not being able to stay alive for much longer. Even if what they believe in are lies crafted from centuries of misinformation, I'd rather swallow that loss.

The princess takes to her wings and hover before me. "Well I know that this part of my life is different for you, and I understand any thoughts you may have. But give it enough time, and I'm sure you'll grow to understand, and maybe even accept the doctrines of the Doctor. I won't cram it down your throat, but I'll at least give you time." At least she's nice enough to not force me into it after one sermon. But she's definitely speaking as though I'll be here for an extended stay. No doubt that's what's she's gunning for.

Another priest addresses her with a soft voice. "Abbess." She lands to her hooves and he whispers over to her. "Your audience has been requested in the holy chamber."

Her eyes greatly expand before she knocks all current pretenses aside, her magic stirs, the leash is formed, and she's dragging me along like she would anywhere else in the castle. "Pet, come with me." She seems a bit excitable over whatever this is leading into. "There's something wonderful I wish to show you."

She drags me into a hallway leading from the side of the pulpit, we turn a corner into a secluded area where she seems to be drawing some glyphs into the wall. In the midst of her process, I see that her magic is still active on the collar. Maybe I can test a thought, just a confirmation of what exactly this collar does. If I lean into her neck, kiss her up real quick, will my reaction be the same? Maybe not, but I can try. "Actually, since we're alone together─"

A hoof finds my chin real quick, holding me back as she finishes with the glyphs. "I know you seek to give me the attention I truly crave, but let's wait on that bit." The glyphs light up and the wall subsides to reveal a hidden room. She glances back to me with a smile. "After we're done here, you can toy with me in whatever manner. I only ask that you behave for now." A request to restrain myself... And that's coming from the one who hopped in my lap and rode my dick in front of her family during breakfast. I really don't get this girl.

We enter into the room, where there seems to be an alter with a scroll laid upon it. Now that I think on it, this setup is vaguely familiar, it reminds me of the kids over in Everfree Ruins. I remember the candle setup being done in an exact manner to what's been done here. No doubt this is exactly what's going on. Now all I need to find out is who's the one that's gonna come out of the scroll.

The princess straightens out her physical appearance, showing a lot more care and concern for even the tiniest hair being out of place. She makes sure that her cassock is clean and free of all lint and dust. "Bow your head when He presents himself before us."

"Who's 'He'?" I ask.

Just on cue, the flames of the candles suddenly flicker on, the flames ignite an eerie yellow glow before each sends a bead of wax onto the floor. The beads fall into a collection of congealed wax piles, causing a line of glyphs on the ground to glow brightly into an orange glow. The room turns an orange hue, a whisp reveals itself at the center of the scroll. The whisp does not develop further, only formulating the shape of a distorted aura with no true definition. As I watch the presence light the room, I feel a strong push at the back of my head. "Bow!" Zenobia warns, causing me to quickly do as I'm told out of not wanting to activate the collar's nastier effects.

The whisp hisses with an ambient whisper before developing a very light and undistinguished voice. "My esteemed servants." There's an echo to the voice that rattles the room.

"My savior, we have come with fealty to be sworn, to adhere to your will." Zenobia's head is to the ground, her horn is almost buried into the brick floor as she speaks. Whatever this thing is, it's got her bowing like she's trying to save her own life.

"Yes yes, the usual thing." This presence seems awfully casual to the treatment they're getting. "Hold on..." The whisp speaks. "I sense another creature present. If I can deduce this aura... Dragon, raise your head."

This thing has no eyes to see, no body to feel with, and it can already tell that I'm a dragon. What in the hell is this thing? "...Wait. What?"

"Well well well, look at this here. A dragon, tamed and obedient enough to bow it's head before me. Surely this is a monumental acquisition. You've found favor, Princess Zenobia."

The mare eyes me with pride. "I am honored. Truly."

I briefly raise my head, but promptly remember to keep it lowered not to offend or piss of the spirit. "Um, with all due respect, and I mean all the respect that's due, may I ask what you are?"

Zenobia whispers quietly to me. "He's the good Doctor."

...Oh. Oh not that Doctor, I hope. "The good what now?"

"Yes." The spirit seems to change to a white color, appearing to assume a personality change. "I am the Good Doctor. And I heal all that aches. Now tell me, my son, what hurts you the greatest?"

...Oh... no... Not him... "T-t-the D-d-d-Doctor?"

The whisp voices curiosity. "Hmm... I sense what was respect has suddenly transcended into fear. For a dragon to fear me, what strange developments. Princess, where'd you get this one from again?"

"Oh forgive me, milord, he comes as an envoy from Equestria."

The whisp grows back into it's orange color. "Equestria, you say?" Apparently this one seems to be the show of it's real self.

"Yes, he and another dignitary by the name of Representative Kalimba." She answers.

"Representative Kalimba, that's quite a name for a representative..." The whisp stops all motion, it's aura almost freezes in place as it turns blue. "Ooh, say that name again."

"Representative Kalimba?"

"Zebra-unicorn hybrid?" The blue aura intensifies. I don't like where this is going.

The princess stammers with confusion over his accurate description. "Y-yes milord. Is that a specific trait you know of?" The spirit cackles in response, the room shines a bright and fiery orange, the orange shines so brightly that the flames of the candles themselves produce shadows. The sweeps of whispering voices echoing throughout the room with an ethereal cackle makes my spine crawl. To think this is the one and same that's responsible for the terror of seven years past. "You are amused, milord?"

"Jubilant!" Screeches the voice. "To know that she would come here to engage in high talks, when in truth she's no lower than a common sex slave! Oh how ridiculously asinine, it's so brilliant!"

"A sex slave?" The princess raises concern. "My father seeks the attention of a sex slave? Much less one who is with child?"

My eyes expand as she just casually throws out that fact to him. "A child? Say again." That blue aura is back with a vengeance, it seems this color is associated with piqued curiosity.

"She has a child. And apparently she won't say who the father is." Zenobia confirms, causing the spirit to glow white.

"Oh... my... word." I know I don't like where this is going.

"Sir?" The princess sheepishly calls to the spirit.

"A son? I have a son?"

The princess gawks at the revelation. "Sir... you've engaged with that mare?"

"Oh, how could I not? She was so feisty, so opinionated, strong. I was given the time to share a moment with her. And in that moment, I made her mine." As he's recounting his story, I can imagine how differently it might have gone for her. If anything, I'm sure she would not have enjoyed it at all. "She and I went until her eyes rolled back. What a night that was. Magical, but if only I knew that same magic would end up siring a foal of my blood." The whisp snaps back to the passionate glow of orange. "Send for your father, girl. I want this mare and her foal to beholden me."

"Milord!" She rises with an unmeasured excitement. I'm sure the news that's been given to her is nothing short of a revelation. If anything, this alone can revolutionize their entire religion, and turn their doctrine to pages now blank. For what things await now that it's out there that the necroterrorist has blood walking the planet. Zenobia yanks me along with expedience. "Pet, with me! We've much to recount! A new scripture needs to be written! REVELATION HAS COME!"

I know if I don't like this, I can only imagine the reaction of those who's suffered all those years ago.

Meanwhile at sea...

The sky has grown dark, the stars litter the night sky with absolutely nothing else impeding it's beauty. It's the night of the new moon, and the vast void of the ocean roars around the sailing luxury vessel. For many nautical miles, it is the only source of light in the dark abyss. From the bow of the ship, a former princess looks out to the emptiness and ponders the doings of her past. Anything and everything comes to mind, nothing is spared from her thoughts, not even the most troubling admissions of her past, traumatic experiences, or even her most egregious crimes. It's often when she thinks that her current life is nothing short of a gifted grace, but sometimes the guilt leads her to bemoan her decisions and imagine what life would be if she had taken a different path at the many crossroads she's left behind.

One such crossroad is that pertaining to her husband, who hasn't come out from the wheelhouse since their journey started. Her momentary pause is now beaconed to the fact that he's yet to eat anything, he's taken the helm for hours and hours on end, amounting to an entire day without rest. Under most circumstances, he would let the ship cruise a bit and join her on the deck to discuss her past, but this night he is absent from that menial task.

Celestia walks inside, getting a break from the rapidly cooling air to confront her husband. She enters into the wheelhouse, seeing he is just as locked in as he was from the start of the journey. It may not look it on his face, but his shadow speaks much of his current state of mind. A constantly shifting castoff, not consistent to the lifeform which it's attached to, it moves erratically. The alicorn calls to her human husband. "Honey? Babe?"

The shadows slightly simmer down as he takes a deep breath. "The air is... foul."

She steps over to him, looking to give him the rest he's denying himself. "If you're going to be up and at it, at least do so with a clear mind. You've been at it all day, you haven't joined me once for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you refuse to sleep, I haven't seen you like this in years." She places a wing on his arm. "Sweetie, let me take things over."

"Can't sleep anyways, might as well keep myself busy." He replies with a dismissive scoff.

"Honey..." He ignores her call, showing a stubborn persistence. Her eyes trail down to the shadow that's becoming more and more unstable by the moment. She softens her voice and speaks now in a motherly tone. "Come home."

The human rolls his eyes. "Tia, you know that's not gonna─"

"Come home, Nondie." The shadows grow motionless, slowly slithering back to assume the natural form of the man's standing figure against the sole light of the room. She leans against him, holding his arm in her forelegs. He looks down to the mare he dwarfs. "Come home."

The man draws a sigh, feeling a deep pain that those words only remind him of that terrible moment where he couldn't shake off his traumas. It's soon replaced by the comforting warmth of remembering the warmth she offered in that time of his life. His body starts to relax, his shoulder sag, and his head drops at last to acknowledge the fatigue that he's been fighting. At long last, he departs from the wheel and taps his wife in passing. "Try to keep your eyes peeled. The ice might come in a few hours time. Keep it slow."

"I've been alive for what is coming close to twelve-hundred years now, I know how to steer a ship." She reminds him. "Now go to bed, I'll join you when I see that conditions are good for cruising."

Before he leaves he holds the side of his head, wincing in pain at the thought. "This presence..." The man stumbles forward, falling to his knees.

Celestia quickly gathers to her husband, seeing the man still holding his head. She hails to him once more. "Nondie!" He holds a hand out to signify his passing of the painful symptom. He rises to his feet once more, wiping the nose bleed that's started.

He looks at the crimson staining his fingers and mutters to himself. "Right. Severe mana exhaustion. Guess I've been forcing it too much." He slinks off into the hallway, notifying his wife. "I'm going off to bed. G'night, hun."

As he walks away, Celestia grits her teeth in seeing how her husband had to carry himself off, almost as if his mind has never left that week, that night from seven years past. But the creeping feeling isn't ignored by her, she merely keeps quiet about it, knowing exactly what it is that triggered such an episode. She knows what stirs, but will not say it aloud for his sake. The only thing she does is keep her eyes locked into the darkness outside, her hooves to the helm, and her thoughts to a whisper.

"Never... Never again."

Author's Note

See you all next chapter!