Two days in, and he was in a suit and tie.

Sombra’s mind drew back, falling into boredom. The thick padding in the jacket made the already warm room feel hotter and uncomfortable. The pony responsible was the “element of generosity” with whom Starlight had left him with.

The mare was white unicorn and purple mane, but also had not stopped talking since the king had arrived. Something ‘Twilight’ something ‘best she can’. Rarity pulled Sombra back to reality with a hair brush snagging on dozens of tangles in his mane, pulling his head back in agonizing popping as the knots were ripped out.

“The most important part of my job is listening to the customer, so darling, I am here.” She set the brush on the work bench, Sombra’s mane neatly put back.

“Listen?” The dressed-up stallion’s mind went blank, standing on this platform and seeing himself in all the mirrors around.

“Yes darling. When one pony, me, hears about another pony’s life and experience and why they think they messed up and I offer whatever advice I think of.”

Sombra whipped around and stared at her, turning to a glare as the small mare smiled at him. She turned and went back to sorting ribbons, humming as she compared Sombra’s colors to large pink bows. The stallion rolled his eyes, “Fine, what would you like to hear.”

Rarity looked up at him, nodding. “Very well. How about your stay in the castle? You’ve only been there a day, but I’m wondering if starlight is treating you well.”

“Hm, she’s not as bad as the guards. And I’m not aloud to walk freely, and my ‘room’ is empty.” Sombra grumbled the whole time, ending with Rarity starring, the mare speechless.

“Well…” She looked away, “I suppose I could have a word with her about that, not that I don’t think you deserve anything more.”

The comment made Sombra snap his now shocked look at her, jaw dropped. “Don’t deserve?!”
He quickly silenced himself, remembering his situation.

Rarity however did not leave on that, looking at him sternly. “Yes, as a matter of fact.”

Sombra glared at the wall, growing uncomfortably warm in the suit.

“As much as it seems unfair, she’s doing a lot to make sure you stick around.” The fashion pony chided as she turned to face him.

“Sure, keeping me around to plow fields and play dress up.” Sombra grumbled.

Rarity nodded, glancing at some neck ties on display. “Arguably dress up is better than garden work.”

She turned her back and began looking over the accessories, “Not to mention our time does have a purpose, much like the work you did yesterday.”

Tipping his head too that, Sombra had no response but to listen. After Rarity heard nothing from him, she went on.

“You are a king, or at least knows something about being king.” She levitated a red tie up to the stallion’s chest, “It is important to balance your role as a leader, and a pony who understands his subjects.”

The tie slid through the coat collar and lopped into a knot.

“Even if you may dislike it, surely it is better than making those big decisions on your own.”

Sombra looked down at the tie, glare completely gone, and raised his eyes to the unicorn.

She had her hoof to her chin, examining the mix of colors. “If you can be generous with your time, I’m sure there’s lots of things we can learn from each other. And open about how you feel.”

She set her sewing kit in its drawer, and removed the spool from the sewing machine. One last thing before she looked in the mirror beside her tall mannequin.

“I’ll see to some decorations be moved into your room. Hardly fit for a castle of Friendship to be a prison.”

Author's Note

wow, short chapter, like i didnt know what else to write :/