A Second Life

A month has passed since that evening. The Gala was now behind the Rich family, but for Little, it was only the beginning. The colt had learned a great deal since that night. Meeting those powerful, and influential Houses seemed to only further his education. And with the guidance of Gold, Little was learning more and more about relations between Houses. Though the many Unicorn Houses were unified under the rulership of King Bulion, and the royal family. But this didn’t mean the alliances were happy.

There were many, many Houses that plotted and schemed to gain more power, while demoralizing other Houses through all manner of unsavory means and methods. Coal was somewhat of a comfort the more Little learned of what many of the leaders of these Houses were like outside of the public sphere. Though she didn’t openly admit it, the Rich’s Matriarch seemed to have connections just about everywhere, with many Houses owing favors in one way or another.

As well as this, trade and negotiations seemed to be the lifeblood of all the Houses allied with his own. Little was learned the intricacies of negotiation, trade, and commerce. There were days when he could scarcely recall what it was like not to read. But now, if he wasn’t getting his dick sucked or fucked, his muzzle was fixed in a book. His debut at the Gala resulted in many Houses hearing of him, and as such, Coal was putting him on a higher and higher pedestal, and by extension, making him live up to a higher and higher standard.

Thankfully, Coal was being extremely helpful in guiding Little through many of his lessons, often rewarding his hard work with ball draining throatfucks, and would even playfully read off many letters that other Houses would send to him. Houses of all ranks were offering many gifts and trades in exchange for being bred by the colt. Having shown his skills to both the Princess and the King only seemed to raise his reputation.

Even a mare like Duchess Blueblood would send letters on occasion, but Coal never let Little read them, only mentioning that the Duchess was interested in meeting Little one day. But such a day hasn’t come yet. Regardless, he continued to do his best to serve his family, now bearing the Rich mantle, Little was going to work hard for it. And after a few weeks of it, he seemed to have noticed something. There was a growing concern regarding shipping and goods being sent to only specific regions.

“This can’t be right.” Little contemplated to himself, looking over the information. “If the goods are being sent here, but not here…” Opening a few more books and scrolls, he ran a quill over a map. “Yeah, there’s an earth pony and a pegasi village along the route here. But no word of even trade, let alone charity.”

As he contemplated more and more, below the table in which he worked, passionately and loyally sucking his cock, was an earth mare. The manner in which she was sucking him off only caused her maid’s skirt to hoist up, revealing a split apple cutie mark. This maid was like any other in the House, a servant dedicated to the House, and was currently tasked with servicing Little as he did his work. The mare did her best to only focus on her task, but the feeling of the colt’s cock bulging along her throat was making her moan muffled sounds of pleasure.

“Hmm, there’s got to be something.” Little groaned, shivering as he could feel himself getting closer to orgasm. “But if we keep this up, we can be accused of favoritism, or even extortion, and discrimination.”

The mare below the table, though she could hear her master, knew her place, only to suck him off, and drink down his thick cum. Little contemplated, asking aloud more and more; as well as huffing as he was getting closer and closer to orgasm. Placing down the quill, he placed his hooves on the edge of the table. Steadying himself, he huffed and moaned. While he had been learning to keep somewhat of a straight face while having his dick sucked, he still couldn’t help but let out small, adorable moans just as he was about to cum.

The earth mare drank down the vast amount of cum, guzzling it all down as if it were the very nectar of life. She moaned, unable to resist the urge to rub her own pussy with one of her hooves. Little’s jelly thick, hot, and potent cum was so good, and it was numbing her senses as she deepthroated herself over the colt’s magnificent cock. It was after a few more seconds of handling the vast amount of spunk, that this mare slowly pulled her mouth off this dick. When it was finally free of her warm, wet mouth, she got to work to lick it clean.

“I just don’t…ugh!” Little grumbled, unable to figure out what he could do. Looking down, he saw the mare eagerly and loyal licking along his limping length. “What do you think, Apple Buns?” The mare flinched, not expecting her name to be called by her master.

“I…I’m just a simple maid, Master.” Apple Buns replied, speaking timidly, not even looking Little in the eyes as she spoke. “I-I’m only to serve you, to make my Master cum, and feel good.”

“Well, it would also make me feel good if you have any insight.” Little explained, smiling down at the mare. “I know you’re a servant here, but you’re still a pony, with your own thoughts and opinions. So I would like to know if you have any suggestions.”

“I…I…y-yes…yes, Master.” Apple Buns bowed her head, slowly pulling herself out from under the table. Looking at the documents, books, maps, and scrolls, she pondered for a moment. “You’re wondering if you can establish a trade with this village, even though it doesn’t have any unicorns in them?” Little nodded his head, letting the mare have the time to speak. “But suddenly doing it might draw the wrong attention. So maybe you just need more support?”

“Support?” Little asked, raising a curious eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Well, the Rich House is powerful, but even with their allies, it might give the wrong impression.” Apple Buns commented, talking out her thoughts. “But the Grand Galloping Gala is coming soon, isn’t it? So wouldn’t that have not only the most powerful heads of the unicorn Houses, but also leaders of other nations?”

“Yes, I believe so.” Little contemplated, trying to piece together what Apple Buns was putting together. “And if I could get some of the stronger Houses to agree to this, then we can follow through without issues?”

“Yes, yes, I believe so.” Apple Buns nodded, smiling at the colt. “I believe your House has close relations to the royal family, so you could use that alliance to then point out how it was the coalition of Unicorns, Earth Ponies, and Pegasi that defeated the windigos.”

“Yes…yes, you’re right!” Little smiled, realizing what the mare was suggesting. “That’s an amazing idea! Thank you, Apple Buns.”

“Oh, no, no, I was just doing what my duty is.” Apple Buns humbly bowed her head. “I’m only a servant, a servant who owes so much to your family.”

“Gold said you and your family were recently hired by the House, right?” Little asked, looking the mare over. Through all his hard work, he wasn’t able to remember every servant that was employed by the Rich House, but there have been more earth mares getting hired as of late. “I’m sorry that it’s taking me so long to still remember you all.”

“Oh, no, no, no, no, it’s perfectly fine, Master.” Apple Buns smiled, bowing her head obediently. “My family and I owe you and your House everything. If not for your kindness, and your big, beautiful cock, my family would have eventually faded away.” She reached down, rubbing her forehoof along this cock, making it twitch. “We are forever in your House’s debt.”

“Still, I want to show my gratitude for all your hard work.” Little nodded, positioning himself a little big backwards. “If you’d like, since you’ve helped me so much, and did an amazing job sucking me off, I can impregnate you too.”

“You will? Oh, yes, yes, please, Master.” Apple Buns moaned, positioning herself to face her beautiful, round flank, and glistening pussy towards her Master’s cock. “Please, I want to be impregnated by your beautiful grace. Just like my sisters, my aunts, my cousins, and my mum. Please, let me bear you as many foals as you can place within me.”

Little only smiled, having heard such pleas so many times before, and yet it always made him so hard. As he prepared himself, he did think back to Princess Platinum. A mare of her position, authority, and power would be a perfect ally in this. Though the royal family has always been forced to take a somewhat “neutral” stance on personal politics, Little believed he could possibly sway them to assist in this regard. And Apple Buns was right. The Grand Galloping Gala, the great festival proposed by Duchess Blueblood was rapidly approaching, and he would need to be prepared.

The day of the Grand Galloping Gala, the culmination of Duchess Blueblue’s plots and schemes has finally come. Even as he knew that Celestia and Luna’s strength were growing, it brought no comfort to Starswirl. Pacing back and forth in his study, he awaited the arrival of certain guests. After what felt like an eternity of waiting, his mind teemed with all manner of contingencies, countermeasures, and anything that Blueblood must be planning. For her to conquer a stallion like Commander Hurricane, subdue his own apprentice, and even catch him off guard, she was not to be underestimated.

Eventually, there was a knock at the door. Igniting his horn, Starswirl opened the door, revealing an especially large and muscular looking earth stallion, and a more modest, but athletic pegasus. Rockhoof, bulwark of the Pillars of Equestria, known through many legends for his strength and might. And Flash Magnus, speed and expert fighter of the Pillars, known through some military records for his immense bravery and perseverance. These two have fought alongside Starswirl, living proof of the potential unity between the three tribes.

“Rockhoof, Flash, you’ve arrived. Good good.” Starswirl sighed a breath of relief. “Come, sit. We have much to discuss.”

“What’s wrong?” Flash asked, getting over to a nearby chair to sit. Rockhoof remained standing, not wanting to break any furniture again. “Haven’t seen you this worked up since we defeated the Sirens.”

“Yes, because our foe is just as dangerous, and yet even more manipulative.” Starswirl sighed, rubbing his temples. “Duchess Blueblood is plotting something, and you two are the only ones I can trust.”

“Us?” Rockhoof asked, raising a curious eyebrow. “What about the others?”

“Blueblood’s plans include many layers, and it has been very dangerous to consider what she may be planning.” Starswirl explained. “Somnambula, Mage, and Mistmane are at far too much risk to be compromised. So I can only trust you two.”

“You’ve listed the mares, and we can be trusted cause we’re stallions?” Flash asked, piecing together what the unicorn was saying. “But wait, what about Stygian?”

“Stygian lacks the discipline the three of us have, and so I have chosen to send him away.” Starswirl explained further. “He would fall to the Duchess before even the mares. So I can only trust you two.”

“Well, whatever it is, we’ll do it.” Rockhoof nodded, smiling confidently as he spoke. “We will stop whatever the Duchess is planning.”

“Good, good, but there is still much more to discuss.” Starswirl commented. “Firstly, we must be vigilant of House Blueblood. No doubt their matron would be scheming all manner of wicked plots and schemes; even as we speak.”

While Starswirl was speaking with his allies. The halls of House Blueblood were in a full scramble. Mare maids, dressed only in attire out of the deepest, and more erotic wet dream, galloped in a flurry with stallions who looked as though the word “twink” failed to describe how vulnerable and slender looking they were. All these staff members walked and moved with an almost hivemind efficiency, an attribute working under House Blueblood offered. But this came at a cost.

Relaxing in her personal and more private chamber, the Duchess was laying on a comfortable couch, her massive cock hanging off the bed, while two mares, and one stallion was servicing and cleaning her off. Around her, laying in piles of panting, cooing, and cum gushing bodies, were nearly a dozen of her staff, all fucked and mentally broken by Blueblood’s throbbing cock. At the end of the room, her magic flipping through a series of documents, was a more serious looking mare, stern and serious, as well as seemingly unfazed by her mistress’ actions.

“My lady, we have now brought together all treaties, signatures, and contracts.” The head maid commented, magically flipping through the papers. “A dozen different nations, with a dozen global leaders, shall be attending. And while not all have officially pledged support to you, half of those who haven’t decided publically, have already agreed privately.”

“Very good, very…very good…” Blueblood hummed, almost panting as she was feeling another powerful orgasm boiling up in her heavy balls. “Fuck…over a dozen pussies and asses, and my cock just won’t go down. I’m so excited.”

“I understand, my lady, but you must show some restraint. Or else you will fuck all the staff into cum comas…again.” The head maid commented, remaining stoic as she looked at her mistress. “Now, I have arranged for the finest, and more enchanted gown crafted for you, and every member of the castle’s staff has been…properly persuaded to accept your donation of supplies to the kitchens.”

“Even better.” Blueblood hummed, cooing as she placed both forehooves over the top of the ponies who were sucking and worshiping at her cock. “Now, all we need to do is attend the gala, and it will all be mine.”

“Of course, my lady.” The head maid nodded her head. “Now, onto the matter you wished to discuss. Starswirl has started to take some actions.”

“Oh? What could that old fool be planning?” Blueblood laughed. “Even if he learns the truth, it’s far too late for him to stop me.”

“Of course, my lady. But he has started to take some precautions.” The head maid commented. “From what we have gathered, he has sent one of his members, Stygian, away for unknown reasons, and we have reason to believe he is already suspicious about the mares in his command.”

“Oh? Well he’s certainly been very busy.” Blueblood laughed, feeling as she was getting closer and closer to orgasm. So much so, she started to take the stallion, and started to quickly facefuck him while the mares worshiped at her huge, leathery balls. “But it doesn’t matter. He’s gonna focus so hard on the mares, he’ll fail to notice the stallions!”

As she finished her words, the mare gritted her teeth. Hissing and moaning, she shivered as she felt herself finally cumming. Crying out in pleasure, she released her vast load in the stallion servant’s mouth, fucking a huge amount of her hot, thick spunk in his belly. Holding him in place for a few moments, Blueblood mercifully released him, firing off a few more heavy spurts all over the stallion. The mare, as if by instinct, started to lick and orally clean off their mistress’ cock. They had to, any delay would result in the Duchess properly educating her staff.

“Very well, my lady.” The head maid commented, closing and folding up the documents. “The Gala is in several hours. So please fully empty as much as you can, so you can arrive at the Gala…without a boner.” Blueblood only laughed, while the maid only turned to leave her mistress to her business.

Night came, the grand display in the sky was rippling through the horizon. The sunset only seemed to usher in the great Grand Galloping Gala. Guests from all over were in attendance. From the exotic Zebras, to the tall and strong Yaks. From the slender Saddle Arabians, to the aloof and cheerful Kirins. From beastkin like Diamond Dogs, and Abyssians, to the mighty Dragons, and Griffons. And among these more nonpony leaders and honored guests, the leadership of the Earth ponies, and Pegasi were there. Unicorn nobles were making their way up the grand stairs, some keeping their distance from non Unicorns, while others seemed fascinated enough to speak with some of these strange and wondrous beings.

Awaiting at the top of these massive, grand stairs, was King Bulion, Princess Platinum, as well as the alicorns, Celestia and Luna. Starswirl, Rockhoof, and Flash remained close to the fillies’ sides, acting like sentries to protect them from anything. And yet as the old unicorn surveyed the arriving guests, he didn’t see Blueblood. No doubt preparing a grand entrance, he was still cautious for everything to come. But among the countless guests, their many servants, guards, and escorts. House Rich was among one of the first unicorn nobles to reach the top of these stairs.

Little, dressed in the colors and markings of his house, stood before the Princess. He seemed to only radiate confidence, walking almost ahead of Gold, Platinum, and Coal. The three unicorns behind him were so proud of how this colt had come into his own. He was now worthy of the name, Rich, and now he was to fully show what he can do. At the last gala, Little was overwhelmed by all the sights, smells, and sensations around him. But now, he was ready. Now he was prepared. And now, he would present himself to the Princess, and fulfill what he had been trained to do.

“Lord Little Rich, it is a pleasure to see you again.” Princess Platinum commented, bowing towards the colt. “You look so stunning this evening.”

“Not as stunning as you are, Princess.” Little replied, remembering some of the lessons he had learned before the event. Taking the mare’s hoof, he kissed it, causing her to blush and shiver from excitement. “I do hope we can find time to become better acquainted. It has been a long time.”

“Oh my…goodness…” Princess Platinum replied, blushing as she was almost at a loss for words. “W-we’ll need to make some time…later on…” As she spoke, the filly alicorns only looked at her with envious eyes.

“I look forward to it.” Little replied, realizing what he had done, but wanted to keep it going. Looking over to Celestia and Luna, he smiled. “And I hope to get to know you two better, later.” Both fillies blushed, giggling to the other as they couldn’t look directly at him.

‘Smooth words.’ Starswirl thought, looking past Little, and towards Coal, who glanced at him with a wicked smirk. ‘Clever, Cousin, very clever indeed.’

The guests continued to come and arrive, greeting and greeting the Princess, the King, as well as the fillies. Starswirl continued to remain vigilant, making sure to glance at each and every guest that arrived. The vast and multicultural collection of faces and species were certainly a sight he never believed he would see in his lifetime. It was sad that all of this was no doubt a ploy by Duchess Blueblood. She never cared for inclusion of the other tribes, let alone the other kingdoms. No doubt, she had some foul plan waiting. And no sooner had he though this, his eyes met with the object of his scorn and anger.

Duchess Blueblood, as well as two other beautiful mares, her two younger sisters, all three dressed in beautiful, enchanted robes, as if they were floating up the stairs. But it was who were accompanying the three mares that brought a glimmer of anger across Starswirl’s face. Clover, his apprentice, was in her mare form, wearing a dress as if she was being escorted by the Duchess. An embarrassed blush ran across her face as she couldn’t bring herself to see her master’s gaze upon her.

As well as Clover, both Mage Meadowbrook, and Somnambula, two of the mare Pillars of Equestria, were being escorted by Blueblood’s sisters. They two also had a blush of shame and embarrassment across their faces. It was like they didn’t even want to come to the Gala, they didn’t want this revelation revealed, but it seemed the Blueblood House wouldn’t allow it. Even the gowns the three mares wore were very expensive looking, no doubt custom made for them. This at least confirmed Starswirl’s fear that even his allies could be compromised by this bitch.

“Duchess Blueblood, a pleasure to see you at last.” Princess Platinum greeted, speaking with her calm and friendly tone, but she could see the look of shock on Starswirl’s face. “I wasn’t aware you had grown so close with the Pillars of Equestria.”

“Oh why yes, Starswirl and his associate have had their differences with me.” Blueblood replied, smirking confidently. “But I was able to sway them into understanding my views. And they even come to agree with me.” Her eyes then met again with Starswirl’s. “It’s like you’ve told me before, Starswirl. Sometimes, a simple conversation can do wonders.”

Starswirl was furious, almost shaking as he clenched his teeth. Blueblood saw this, and only snickered a little as she turned her gaze to the alicorns. Celestia and Luna, so small, so precious, they looked so delicious. The unicorn could only imagine what it would feel like to fuck them. How would they handle her cock? Would their moans be sweet or sultry? Which between the two had the tighter holes? The wetter mouth? Or even the most flexible womb to take all her cum.

“Well, hello there.” Blueblood greeted, smiling warmly to the alicorns. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” Both Celestia and Luna only blushed as the mare leaned over, staring at them. “I do hope we can all get along.”

Both alicorns could feel their hearts fluttering, quickening as if they were falling into a lull of pleasure. Leaning in, she took one of Celestia’s hooves, kissing it tenderly as she looked directly at the alicorn. The filly blushed a happy giggle, while Luna only pouted in envy. Seeing this, the mare took the filly’s chin, turning it so she could give her an equally soft and loving kiss on her cheek, which nearly caused her to fall out in the shock of pleasure.

“It seems these two have taken a liking to the attention they’ve been getting.” Princess Platinum commented, only to notice the seething Star Swirl. Clearing her throat, she continued. “In any event, please, enjoy the Gala. After All, you are the one who brought this together.”

“Of course, Princess. I wouldn’t miss it.” Blueblood smiled, looking over to Star Swirl. “Now, I do hope we all have a wonderful evening.” With that, she walked away.

Star Swirl’s mind was in an absolute state of anger, confusion, fear, and panic. Blueblood had somehow managed to outmaneuver him. But how? When? Looking at Meadowbrook and Somnambula, it was clear his fears had been realized. But when did this happen? And for how long had Blueblood had them under her hoof? He had to think of something, anything. Was she only flaunting them in front of him to taunt him? Or was there a deeper meaning behind it?

Composing himself as best as he could, Star Swirl pondered what Blueblood may be planning. Meadowbrook was a master apothecary, but as far as he could tell from her gown, it should be impossible to smuggle in any such devices. As for Somnambula, she was acrobatic, and a skilled fighter, but he had doubts even she could cause a big enough disturbance. But Clover, that was only to insult the stallion. He knew his apprentice’s magic inside and out, and there was not a single spell she knew that he didn’t long master or couldn’t identify. So all Clover was, was a trophy to show off to mock him.

Blueblood’s mind was humming with delight. Her plans were working. Star Swirl was devastated, that much was clear, and it was making her so hard to have caused so much grief to the stallion. Looking over to Meadowbrook, she snickered. While the dress designed for her was quite form fitting, what even the great Star Swirl would’ve never considered, was that this apothecary had her powerful potions on her, or rather, in her. Specially crafted vials that were stuffed in her pussy and ass, all easily retrievable through magic.

‘Soon…very soon…’ Blueblood thought, looking back to Star Swirl to get one more wicked and sinister looking smirk. ‘Soon, my old rival, you’ll see things my way…and choke on it…”

As the Gala was going on, the last of the guests had come and gone, Little saw the chance to approach Princess Platinum again. Approaching her, the colt was ready to make his move. Just as Coal had taught him. If he was to help all the families he could, he needed the full support of the Royal Family, and so it was now or never. Seeing that Star Swirl was ushering the alicorns away with his associates, he seized this chance.

“Princess. I hope you are enjoying yourself.” Little commented, greeting with a respectful bow. “I was hoping to see you again.”

“Well, I happen to be alone right now.” Princess commented, seeing her father having left to speak with other nobles. “And it has been quite a while since the two of us have talked.”

“If I recall, last month when you came to see me, we did more than just talk.” Little smiled, causing Princess Platinum to blush a little as she giggled. “I’m happy you enjoyed yourself.”

“Well, despite having such a wondrous thing that would make any stallion both envious and callow, you’ve shown a remarkable amount of responsibility with it.” Princess Platinum commented, smiling as she extended a hoof to the colt. “And since we’ve done more than a simple, pleasurable ride, how about you escort me for a dance?”

“I would love to.” Little replied, bowing again as he took her hoof. “Shall we?”

Making their way to the dance floor, Little and the Princess began to dance. Eyes fell on them, but for the two of them, it was only them and no one else. The mare couldn’t help but look at this colt. The way he spoke, acted, all well taught and trained by Coal and the rest of the Rich House. But it was more than that, Little was a colt who cared about others, thought about others, and only wanted to help others. Her feelings for him, which she couldn’t deny, started as a curiosity of how such a magnificent cock could work, and eventually developed into more than this. Little was more than a beautiful dick. He was a future, a future in which the Houses worked in harmony, and the declining population was no longer a concern.

While Princess Platinum and Little danced together, a feat and display that caught the eyes of many of the Gala’s guests, it also provided the perfect distraction. Blueblood couldn’t have asked for a better chance. As well as this, she instructed the musicians to play louder, so that the soft moans of Meadowbrook, as the vials of her potions were extracted from her quivering pussy couldn’t be heard. Somnambula and her colleague have been broken in, loyal to their new mistress, and they were to set out on a task that made the Duchess salivate with anticipation.

Meadowbrook was first, slipping through the crowds over to the large amounts of food and drink that were offered to the guests. With her vast experience and skills as an apothecary, she managed to lace every inch of the food, and pour the contents of her potions into every drink. The potion was subtle, colorless, flavorless, and would be slow acting, the perfect poison for the guests to become induced by. Part of her didn’t want to do this, to betray her old friends and comrades, but one look back at Blueblood’s dominating eyes was enough. She couldn’t disobey her new mistress, she just couldn’t, regardless of her feelings and morales.

Somnambula went in a different direction. Thanks to her skills of infiltration, and exceptional luck, she managed to evade any eyes within the crowds, even when being glanced at. Like the wind, she moved swiftly, silently, and almost invisible. Unlike Meadowbrook, who still had some reservations, Somnambula was thoroughly broken by Blueblood. Her loyalty had been fucked into her slutty body and mind to the point she was going to use something she would’ve never used before. While smoke bombs were a common tool in the pegasus’ arsenal, she only ever used it for stealth and distraction.

But now, now was different, his mistress demanded a means to bring her plans together, and Somnambula would obey, anything to taste that cock again. Her mind had been fucked and twisted, not caring for a moment what was about to happen. Setting up her smaller devices, they released a special mist, personally crafted by Meadowbrook. It was a colorless, odorless mist that bulge resembled the waving effect body heat had on the air; and in a crowd such as this, no one, not even a keen eye like Starswirl would be able to tell it apart. Blueblood only continued to savor the sight of this, having to wipe her mouth a few times.

No one noticed anything was wrong, even as the night continued. Little was dancing with Princess Platinum, his family beaming at him with immense pride, while the royal unicorn felt a tingling sensation run throughout her body. This colt was so kind and gentle, she longed to feel his touch, and yet as the two continued to dance, her mind was filled with more and more debacherous fantasies. Within minutes, it was taking everything in her power to stop herself from demanding this colt mount her in front of everyone.

This wasn’t right, something had to be wrong. Other ponies and non ponies in the crowd seemed to be humming, moaning, cooing, and muttering out more small alluring sounds. Their bodies felt so hot, it was like the room was getting hotter. Many of them seemed to be suffering similar fantasies as the Princess, but for the time being, they all ignored this feeling. But there was one who did notice something was definitely wrong, Starswirl, even as his beard was starting to slowly shrink, and his features were feeling softer.

‘Fuck! What’s going on?’ Starswirl thought, only to gaze across the room, seeing a smug Blueblood, magically lifting a wine glass, as if she was toasting herself to him in mockery. ‘That bitch!’ Looking over to his allies, he could tell they were suffering a similar effect. ‘No time, I can’t let her get away!’ Without a word to Flash or Rockhoof, he stormed after the mare.

Chasing after Blueblood, who seemed to be leading him away, Starswirl threw away any sense of caution, his mind was slipping into a daze, and he could feel as if he was burning up, but wasn’t sweating. Eventually, he caught up with Blueblood, who was lounging comfortably in a private booth. At her side was Clover, while her sisters and his other friends were nowhere to be seen. As soon as he arrived, his apprentice looked at him, shivering and blushing in shame. Even as no words were being exchanged, Starswirl’s eyes as he glared at Clover were enough. She had betrayed him, his friends had betrayed him, and whatever shame they may feel, it paled compared to his anger.

“Clover, dear. Why don’t you go off and meet with my sisters.” Blueblood commented, speaking with an almost concerned tone. “It seems your master and I have much to discuss.”

“There is. But that mare is no student of mine.” Starswirl said coldly, glaring more at Blueblood as Clover walked away, her head hung down in shame. “What have you done? What are you doing to everyone here?”

“What have I done? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Blueblood replied, feigning ignorance as she had another sip of wine. “I’ve been simply enjoying this Gala. Maybe you shouldn’t jump to stupid-”

“Silence!” Starswirl roared, his horn igniting with a great flame as he was ready to smite down this evil mare. “I will not tolerate any threats to the Kingdom! And you have long deserved this, you fucking bitch!”

For a moment, only a moment, Blueblood’s eyes widened a little. Did she act too soon? Was Starswirl somehow resisting the potion and poison’s effects? Was all of her scheming going to be undone by this stallion? But these thoughts and worries ended as soon as the great blaze on Starswirl’s horn started to dim, eventually snuffing out. His beard was shortening, and his body was becoming softer and more curvaceous. Blueblood only sighed, relieved she wasn’t going to lose to her rival.

“What the…” Starswirl asked, looking at himself as his voice was becoming softer and lighter. “What are you doing to me?”

“Well, it looks like you even have a tender side.” Blueblood laughed, downing her wine before tossing it against the wall, shattering it. “It’s far too late, and you have no idea how long I’ve longed for this.”

Getting up from where she lay, Blueblood removed her cloak and gown, revealing a massive, throbbing, sweaty, and absolutely massive cock. Starswirl had seen it once before, when she had been fucking Commander Hurricane with it, but now it was this disgusting and vulgar monster, pointing to the unicorn. He tried to back away, but as he did, the Duchess sealed the doors shut, trapping Starswirl within. Because of the enclosed size of this room, the mare’s cock emitted a pontent musk that flooded the room like a dense miasma.

“You like it? I’ve been saving up for this day. A full month actually.” Blueblood laughed, showing off her dick to the stallion. “And now, my dear Starswirl. It’s time for you to be my bitch.”

“You can’t seriously believe that-” Starswirl commented, only to realize that his voice was softer, more feminine. Looking down, he saw his beard was gone, and couldn’t feel his sheath. He was now a mare. “What the fuck did you do to me?!”

“Oh, the great and mighty Starswirl the Bearded, reduced to a weak, timid mare who would bear the seed of the most powerful cock in the Kingdom. Seems fitting, wouldn’t you say?” Blueblood commented, mocking the now mare as she glanced her body up and down. “But before I tell you how you failed to stop me, I might as well get a better look at your new features.”

With a flash of her magic, Starswirl’s garbs, the fancy and majestic clothes she was wearing were torn away. Aside from cutie mark, no one would ever guess this now shivering, scared, yet angry mare was the great unicorn of legends. Her color palette was lighter, mane was longer, flank was rounder, and her sheath was replaced by a plump and tender looking pussy. Blueblood only continued to laugh, making her cock throb more and more, swaying and oozing out heavy globs of precum.

“My, my, my, Starswirl. If I had known you’d make such an adorable mare, I would’ve broken you years ago.” Blueblood laughed, magically grasping the now mare. “Well, no time like the present, and the future will soon be mine.”

“No, you can’t. You can’t do this!” Starswirl protested, feeling as Blueblood’s magic was taking a hold of her. “There are others, my friends will-”

“You’re friends aren’t coming, my little whore.” Blueblood replied, laughing as she was savoring this feeling. “Soon enough, they’ll all fall. All according to my plans.”

“All of this, all of this madness just to claim me?” Starswirl asked, looking at the mare. “Why? What could you possibly gain? To become Queen? To conquer the other kingdoms?”

“Well, yes and no. I suppose I should actually explain, since your new mare mind couldn’t begin to understand my greatness.” Blueblood commented, letting her magic envelop Starswirl while she monologue. “You see, I’ve always known I was destined for greatness, from this cock to my cutie mark, my House was meant to be the best. But all those vulgar, vile, and violent other tribes, other races. Disgusting creatures who need proper rule. So, I came to a solution. I would cater to their baser natures. And who better to be my offering to the ambassadors and leaders, than the famed Pillars of Equestria?”

“You’ll never get away with this.” Starswirl hissed in hatred, glaring with a burning anger at the mare. “There will be others, even as mares, my friends and I will-”

“They won’t do anything but be whores in my new world.” Blueblood interrupted, raising a hoof to smack Starswirl. “And don’t interupt your betters. A cocksleeve is to serve, and only speak when she moans for more of her mistress’ cum.” Her lips then curled into a playful smirk. “Then again, you’ve never been one for belief, only substance. So why don’t I show you how wrong you are?” Changing her spell, the mare projected a magical display, showing the large crowds in the Gala, especially Flash and Rockhoof. “Now, let me show you how little your hopes are worth.”

Starswirl’s eyes widened in horror at the sight before her. She could see her friends, Flash, Rockhoof, as well as Meadowbrook and Somnambula. But they were all being subjected to passions, pleasures, and horrors that the unicorn never would’ve imagined Blueblood would’ve done. Both stallions have become mares, with plump, bubbly asses, and milk leaking teats that nearly matched how soaked their plump pussies were. From what she could tell, only ponies were affected by this, with nearly half the stallions in the Gala becoming mares, with the non ponies only becoming infused with a massive desire to breed these new sluts.

Somnambula was among the first to offer herself to a trio of Saddle Arabian stallions. Despite being ponies, these dignitaries were unaffected, and in fact, were plunging their long, thick, and curved cocks in and out of the pegasus’ holes. The one proud and beautiful Pillar of Hope was now a cocksleeve, with her throat bulging to match her swelling belly as no part of her wasn’t being violated by these dicks. She only moaned out, feeling the pleasure of these tall stallions fuck her. Starswirl could hear any words, only the whorish sounds of the mare’s euphoric bliss, as well as the wet slapping sounds of these stallions ruining every fuckable inch of her body.

“I figured she would enjoy the Saddle Arabians.” Blueblood commented, watching on with Starswirl. “I believe her homeland neighbors them, so I doubt this is the first time she’s taken such impressive girths.”

Meadowbrook was given a similar, but more brutal treatment. The Pillar of Healing was being gangbanged by a small flock of Griffons. The vicious brutes were thrusting not just one or two, but often even three cocks in her holes. Her mouth, which once spoke some compassion and wisdom, was now deepthroating the knots of these panting and cawing of these creatures. As well as this, her pussy and ass wasn’t spared, relying only on her Earth pony durability to handle taking more than one cock in her pussy and ass at once. It was clear, when Griffons fucked, they didn’t take turns; they swarmed.

“Oh my, such savagery.” Blueblood mocked, feeling her cock getting harder as she watched on. “I wasn’t aware that Griffon's greed could extend so far. It’s a good thing she can heal herself afterwards.”

Rockhoof, the Pillar of Strength was putting his, or rather, her body’s might to use. Enduring the brutal and deep mating press of a pair of large zebra stallions. Though still impressive in size, this earth mare was moaning like a whore as she was feeling a cock in her pussy, and another in her throat as she was being heavily, and deeply bred by these zebras. Her mind was clearly in euphoric bliss, feeling as every inch inside her was eagerly begging to bear these Zebras’ foals. She craved strength, and now she was being overpowered, fucked, and mated by these dignitaries; with each hard thrust causing her fat teats to splatter milk all around them.

“I’ll admit, I was worried about her strength, even when I turned.” Blueblood smirked. “But it seems her instincts to be bred by the strongest overpowered her. And those zebras are quite the breeders.”

Flash, the quick and proud Pillar of Bravery was certainly putting her title to the test. While Rockhoof was being pounded and bred by zebras, this pegasus was being spit roasted by something bigger; Yaks. The current King of the Yaks, as well as his eldest Son, were shoving their fat, musky, and vulgar sizes in and out of her mouth and pussy. The pegasus was practically drowning in the overwhelming musk. The funky, sweaty smell was too powerful, burning throughout her senses, and yet it was triggering a massively addicting quality, which drove her own to moan and flap her wings eagerly to be fucked more.

“It’s fitting really.” Blueblood commented. “Did you know that many pegasi, despite craving freedom and space, enjoy being grounded, pushed down, and fucked into the dirt? It’s quite a strange but adorable fetish of theirs.”

And finally, Clover, Starswirl’s precious student, she wasn’t spared from the foreign leaders, and was currently being fucked between by the Abyssian ambassador and the Diamond Dog’s Captain. Both cat and dog were fighting over who could fuck her holes the most, competing with her pussy and ass at a rapid, almost blinding pace as both beasts panting, purred, and barked in orgasm. The two continued, even as the mare was shaking and shivering out from near constant orgasm.

“Now that is ironic.” Blueblood said, licking her lips. “You should be proud of her, Starswirl. Your precious student had managed to find the one thing both those stupid beasts can agree on. Clover has proven to be quite the perfect slut.”

“So this was your plan? To break us, use us for your plans, only to sway all the leaders to your side?” Starswirl asked, almost crying in shame and anger over the fall of her friends. “So what now? Offer us over to them in exchange for their loyalty?”

“Well, yes and no.” Blueblood laughed, gently rubbing her hoof under Starswirl’s chin. “Keep watching, cause I have something especially special for you. Your real failure.”

Looking back to the arcane projection, Starswirl’s eyes widened, and her heart sank into despair as she saw the one thing she feared above all else. It was Celestia and Luna. It the Pillar’s being fucked into sloppy, whore messes, they were defenseless, vulnerable, and as both of Blueblood’s sisters approached them, she knew what was to come. She had failed, and this bitch Duchess was going to force her to watch. The dread was overwhelming, causing her to collapse to the floor.

“Yes! Yes! That’s it! That’s the look I wanted!” Blueblood laughed, almost cheering as she saw the pain and horror on Starswirl’s face. “Aww, Starswirl the Bearded. Now, Starswirl the Broken. And very soon, Starswirl the Whore.” Levitating over another glass of wine, she raised it. “A toast, to my greatest rival’s fall, and my glorious rise.” Knocking back the drink, she tossed the glass, shattering it against the wall. “Now, enough of your problems, let’s watch as your precious hope gets just as fucked as you’re about to be.”

Both Celestia and Luna, though somewhat resistant to the potions and magic, were already naturally durable and flexible. As well as this, they were so pent up that when the two noble mares approached them, they barely had to flash their cocks to the fillies before the alicorns leapt at them with slutty eagerness. Despite their much smaller sizes, both Celestia and Luna were very strong, easily able to knock both mares on their backs, which allowed their impressively fat and thick cocks to point upwards, throbbing with anticipation.

Celestia was the fastest, leaping at this cock, but in her haste, she missed her delicate pussy, instead taking this huge dick in her tight ass. The filly moaned out in the raw pleasure, feeling as she was already cumming from feeling the near arm thick cockhead delve deep in her flank. Settling within a few short moments, she was panting, with her eyes rolling back as she was slipping more and more on this length. Once she was fully on it, she came again, spraying her sweet juices all over the mare’s belly.

Reaching up, the mare grabbed at Celestia, pulling her into a deep and passionate kiss. Cumming again, the alicorn’s body started to bounce and grind, riding this dick as she was feeling herself fully submitting to this pleasure. She loved this feeling, from the tongue of this experienced mare in her mouth, all the way to the belly bulge forming in her as the cock was rubbing in and out of her. She was in a orgasmic surge of pleasure, feeling nothing more than the instinctive desire to fuck and be fucked. The air around her seemed to echo with the noise of her ass, which seemed to be swelling out, clapping together with each bounce on this dick.

Luna, despite being just as horny as her sister, was a little more in control of her emotions. Taking her time, she was laying on the mare’s lap, but rather than ride her dick like Celestia was, the younger alicorn was leaning back, rubbing the thick, throbbing, precum oozing shaft with her filly teats. Even though her teats weren’t the biggest, there was something strange happening. They were swelling, almost as if filling with creamy milk as she was rubbing along the shaft of this mare. The mare winced and moaned out in ecstasy, as Luna teased her, licking along the dick but not enough to make her cum.

Faster and faster, Luna was rubbing her swelling, milk leaking teats along this cock, even igniting her horn to send more pleasure, as if she was licking it with numerous unseen tongues, it was becoming too much for this mare to handle. At once, she gasped and moaned out in pleasure, splattering her orgasm out and on Luna’s face. The filly quickly, though through some struggling, got her face to take as much of this musky, jelly thick spunk in her mouth and all over her muzzle. She shivered and moaned as she felt the warmth run down her body and onto her teats.

“Impressive, so very impressive.” Blueblood commented, dispelling the projection as she looked down at Starswirl. “Those alicorns will need proper teaching, but there will be plenty of time for that. For now, it’s time for you to be mine.”

Igniting her horn, she blasted the mare with a barrage of magic. Starswirl’s body was erupting in a massive, primal heat. She could feel every inch of her cumming over and over again. The soft kiss of the room’s air, the way she could smell the overwhelming, sweaty musk of the Duchess, as well as even the memories of the pain and horrors she had endured, it all came to her, bombarding her with a painful, yet pleasurable sensation. Starswirl’s mind was breaking, shattering as the pleasure was destroying the last remnants of the unicorn’s pride and resistance.

“It’s over, Starswirl. You’ve lost.” Blueblood laughed, striking at the mare again and again with her magic. “You have nothing left, you are nothing without me now. It’s time you accept your place in the world, in my world. You…are…my…whore!”

When the spell finally stopped, Starswirl laid there, twitching, weak, and whatever remained within that was the previously powerful and proud stallion was gone. Whether buried or broken, Blueblood didn’t care. And she had seen enough broken mares to know how destroyed her old rival was now. Taking her cock in hoof, she swayed it at Starswirl. Precum oozed out, dripping and dropping on the floor, which only added to the musky smell in the room. She smirked, almost content in her victory, there was only one more thing left to do.

“Now then, my dear, oldest friend.” Blueblood taunted, swaying her dick in front of Starswirl. “What do you say?”

“... … …” Starswirl hesitated, but more so because she was so fatigued. Through some degree of strength, she dragged herself up, looking at this dick with empty, glazed eyes. “I am your whore, a broodmare to be fucked my your cock.”

“Very good, and just one more thing, before you get your reward.” Blueblood snickered, smirking down at the mare. “Swear it. I want you to swear an oath, that you, your allies, and all who follow you, are now mine, and you will forever be my cocksleeves; loyal to me, my House, and my bloodline.”

“I swear…by the ancient ways…the old magic…and all that binds our world together…” Starswirl replied as she pledged to the mare. “That I, Starswirl the once Bearded, and now Starswirl the Broodmare. I and all who serve and follow me shall serve House Blueblood, their allies, and their bloodline, so long as the House so exists; forever more.”

“Very good. Very, very good!” Blueblood hummed, giddy with excitement over finally winning her decades old rivalry. So much so, she nearly came from the joy. “Now it’s time for me to reward my newest whore. Come and service your new mistress.”

Approaching her new mistress, Starswirl, the once proud and powerful unicorn, turned around to present herself to the mare. Blueblood’s lips curled into a smile that rivaled the size of her throbbing cock. Using her magic, she pulled the mare over and with a hard and mighty thrust, she rammed her cock as hard and deep as she could. Starswirl screamed out in orgasm, her eyes rolled back as she could feel the girth of this mare destroy what was left of her dignity.

“Finally! You’re all mine!” Blueblood declared, her horn igniting as she was savoring the feeling of this victory. “But don’t worry, my new whore. I’ll make sure your friends see just how much of a bitch you’ve become.”

Laying her forehooves on Starswirl’s flank, Blueblood started thrusting faster and faster, impaling the mare’s insides on her thickness. The mare’s cock was burying itself so hard and deep, claiming every stretching inch she could claim. She didn’t slow down, show mercy, or care. All this was, the fulfillment of so many decades of being rivals to this unicorn. Now it didn’t matter, the past was the past, and Blueblood’s new future was bright and filled with the euphoric screams of Starswirl’s new place as the Duchess’ whoring broodmare.

Fucking faster and faster, Blueblood’s voice, whatever mocking tone or words she might say, they were replaced by her own moans of pleasure. She was drunk off her victory, sweeter than the strongest wines, and more alluring than anything she could ever have dreamed of. Blueblood was driven only by her primal urge to breed, and Starswirl’s newly crafted pussy and womb were in the prime condition to bear her mistress’ foals.

Pumping with each huffing breath of her panting mouth, Blueblood’s excitement was more than she considered. She could feel as she was getting closer and closer to an orgasm. Panting hard, her hot breath was becoming visible, Blueblood’s eyes were rolling back to match with Starswirl’s. She couldn’t hold herself back any longer, she needed to cum. As if feeling this, the unicorn mare being stuffed with cock was backing up and bouncing her ass faster and faster on her mistress’ size.

“Fuck…Starswirl…keep going…fucking…” Blueblood panted and moaned, feeling as her balls were tightening against her body, while her cock was swelling, which made the unicorn moan more and more. “Take my load and have my foals!”

Screaming out in orgasm, Blueblood bottomed out in Starswirl. Both mares twitched and moaned, feeling as if they were being overwhelmed by the pleasure. The Duchess’ cock swelled and stretched out the unicorn, ruining her for any cock after this, not that Blueblood would ever let her knew fuck slave out of her sight ever again. The cum was thick, very thick and potent. Like a steaming hot jelly was being pumped in Starswirl’s womb.

Blueblood felt as the torrent of her orgasm flooded in Starswirl’s hole. The mare’s womb stretched and bloated from it, saturating her ovaries in her hot spunk. There were no doubts about it, Starswirl was being impregnated, and even then, Blueblood’s cum wanted to ensure she was going to birth not just one or two foals, but an entire bloodline, a new legacy for her to mother. Holding herself in place a little longer, the Duchess slowly pulled her cock free of Starswirl’s fuckhole.

Looking at the mare, Blueblood admited her handiwork, savoring the sights of Starswirl’s fucked open pussy was gushing out her hot load. The mare’s belly was well rounded, bloated from the cum, and the Duchess only loved the idea fo fucking her more and more. But for now, she came far harder than she thought, and felt the fatigue hit her. Panting, Blueblood leaned back, but still wanted to remain in control. Looking at Starswirl, she smirked.

“Come, slut. Your whore hole had made your mistress’ cock all messy and sloppy.” Blueblood commented, gesturing to her still hard cock. “So come, clean me up before I fuck more of my heirs in your darling womb.”

Starswirl did as she was told, turning around and dragging herself over to her mistress. Gazing at the cock that had ruined her, that broken her, and that impregnated her, she could only moan as she reached out with her tongue, running along the length of this sloppy meat with her skilled mouth. Blueblood only savored this feeling, leaning back as she continued to watch as Starswirl was orally worshiping at her cock.

“Such a good feeling, to win.” Blueblood boasted, laughing as she savored Starswirl’s tongue on her cock. “That said, I feel like I’m forgetting something. Whatever could it be?” Eventually, it dawned on her. “Oh right, yes. The Rich House’s little urchin with the big dick!” Igniting her horn, she brought back her projection spell, letting her look in on the Gala. “Let’s see…where are you…”

Looking around the Gala, Blueblood eventually saw it, the pony she was told about, but put almost no thought into. Little Rich, who was still dancing with Princess Platinum. Because they were so focused on dancing with each other, neither had eaten or drank the tainted food. And even as the air filled with the potent potions, the two of them seemed otherwise unaffected. Blueblood’s eyes went wide as she saw this. Among a literal orgy in the Gala, those two were the only ones not fucking.

“How?! How is this possible?!” Blueblood gasped, shocked at this revelation. “The Princess, I can explain, she is a powerful caster, despite her age. So maybe she put up some protections. But this colt?! He’s an earth pony! How is he immune?!”

“Um…Little, are you feeling…okay?” Princess Platinum asked, looking at the colt she danced with. Though her eyes were mostly on him, she could still see what was happening around her. “It looks like the entire Gala has become…well a bit of an orgy.”

“I saw, but I don’t care about them.” Little replied, recalling the lectures and lessons Coal taught him about wooing the Princess. “I only have eyes on you.”

“Oh…Little.” Princess Platinum cooed, leaning in to kiss Little’s cheek. As she was close enough to it, she whispered seductively in his ears. “You know, I’ve been thinking about when I first saw your cock.” Her magic seemed to reach down and under the colt, making him shiver. “And I was thinking…maybe later on, we can continue our fun?”

Though Little didn’t show it, the lessons of self control and endurance had certainly paid off, he was still fully under the effects of the potions, mists, and other effects that had turned the Gala into a debaucherous outbreak of primal carnality. But he only needed to look over at Coal, who was smiling a look of pure pride at the colt, that Little wasn’t going to give into the mindless fucking. But Princess Platinum’s playful behavior certainly wasn’t helping.

“Maybe after this dance.” Little commented, whispering back. “We have all night, so there’s no need to rush.” He then leaned in, reaching behind her as best as he could with his hoof, gently rubbing her flank. “Besides, good things come to those who wait.”

If these two were alone, or if the lingering effects of the massive halls were affecting the Princess any more, she would’ve thrown him on his back and rode his cock like a mare looking to get pregnant. But the mare restrained herself, though through great reluctance. Looking around a little, she could see so many ponies, nonponies, and even the Pillars turned mares were being fucked in so many different ways. But unbeknownst to her, Blueblood was still watching them.

“Hmm, maybe a delayed reaction? There has to be some explanation!” Blueblood commented, grunting in growing frustration as she was magically monitoring everything, all while one hoof was on the back of Starswirl’s head, making the new mare throatfuck herself on this cock. “My plan was perfect! Every step, carefully calculated. Every alliance, carefully planned. And yet this colt’s very presence spots in the face of my brilliance!”

It was then that she noticed Little would occasionally look over in a direction. Curious, or rather obsessed with knowing, Blueblood adjusted her spell to look where the colt was looking. Upon seeing the prideful smile on Coal’s face, the Duchess’ expression blurred into some bizarre mix of anger, amusement, and anguish. She and Coal weren’t exactly equals, but the former had made many names for herself in the upper ranks of the noble ponies, so it was well known that she was an exceptionally clever mare.

“Coal Rich…that bitch…I see what you’re doing…” Blueblood chuckled, almost laughing maniacally as she believed she was figuring out Coal’s plans; despite most likely being grossly incorrect. “You find some colt nobody, and use some dark magic to give him a cock, all to help the population crisis. No, no, no, I see what this is. You can fool the Princess, you can fool those Noble fools, you can even fool the King. But you can’t fool me, you prissy whore!” Her frustation only added to the facefucking she was giving Starswirl. “You made this abomination to mock me, to rival me, you plan on usurpring my new power with this little brat?! No, no, no, no I fucking refuse to hand over all I’ve done to some Earth pony mudwalker!”

Little felt a small shiver run down his spine, but couldn’t figure out why. Blueblood’s magic was so intense, her feelings of anger, as misplaced and misguided as they were, was almost pressing through her clairvoyance spell. But the colt only shook it off, believing it was only the tingling pleasures of Princess Platinum magically teasing his cock in its leathery sheath. And while Coal was looking on at the colt, she could only feel immense pride. Not only in the success of her plans, but also in how the colt had grown in such a short amount of months.

He went from some forgotten street urchin, to possibly closer than anyone could get with the royal lineage. Nothing else mattered, and while she too felt the arousal swirling from the Gala wide orgy, she simply put it to the side. The idea of Little with the Princess, and how together they could usher in a greater future for the kingdom, that’s what mattered. As well as this, Coal couldn’t care less what schemes Blueblood was planning.

Blueblood, however, even as she was thrusting and humping in and out of Starswirl’s mouth, ws staring at the scene before her with great anger and curiosity. There was no way this colt could hold back forever. But what if this was all part of Coal’s scheming? She had to know. Ignoring her victories over the Pillars, the foreign leaders, or even the Alicorn sisters, Blueblood turned her full attention to Little and Princess Platinum. Her eyes were fixed on those two, with only Starswirl’s throat-pussy being the only other stimulation she felt.

“Little Rich…yes, yes, that is your name, isn’t it?” Blueblood almost obsessively as she looked over the colt. “Well…if Coal’s little pet wants to challenge me, to compete against my might, then bring it on!” Her misplaced pride swelled as she beamed from her boasting. “I’ll show you that I am the greatest, and my cock is the mightiest!”