The next morning, Blue looked out the window with some confusion. "I say..." She tapped it lightly. "Is that... a shield? Why is there a shield over the city?"

Sand got on his hooves surprisingly fast for such a large pony. "A shield?" He stormed to beside her, looming over, though his eyes were entirely on the glittering shield that held the entire city in its grasp. "What is the meaning of that? I was not aware Equestria was in the grips of any wars or threats."

"It isn't." Blue's tail twitched anxiously as her mind raced. "It couldn't be. Something bad has happened, that's for certain. Perhaps the ceremony was threatened by attackers of some form?" She started for the exit. "I will question Auntie about this. No more delaying tactics. This is something that must be answered."

"Hm." He narrowed his eyes at the distant barrier. "If a foe of Equestria dares meddle with the wedding of Shining Armor and Cadance, I do believe they will regret the consequences."

"I should think so!" Blue stomped a hoof. "I will not allow this." She stormed off without further word, last seen with an agitated swish of her tail.

Sand poked his head out into the front room. "Be on alert. Something stirs in this peaceful land. If trouble befalls them, we will aid as we can. Ready yourselves for either war, or celebration."

Guards nodded, standing taller than before. They had been lounging before, but now were on active duty, ready for action. Hooves hit the floor in a firm salute. Sand withdrew back into the bedroom, satisfied they were taking orders well.

Bell hurried to the front court. As she had hoped, Celestia was there, speaking to ponies around her. Shining Armor was there, horn glowing. Since he seemed more available, she rushed for him first. "Shining! Very good to see you, but do you know why the city has a great shield around it?"

His head snapped to look at her directly. His face lit up. "Blue Belle! Good to see you made it back in time, we hadn't been certain." He coughed slightly. "No need for alarm, we decided that a wedding, plus unknown guests, required increased security measures." His eyes darted and he leaned in. In a whisper, he continued, "We got intelligence that the changelings may try something. This is just in case. Nothing concrete."

She chewed her bottom lip lightly at that news. "Are you... certain it's alright? That sounds bad, honestly. Is the wedding safe?"

"Oh yeah," he assured her swiftly. "We'll be fine. Changelings won't get past these defenses." He gestured at the ceiling high above. "Nothing can pierce this barrier."

"Pleased to hear it." She smiled wanly at him. "And where, ah, might I find Cadance, anyway?" She blinked rapidly. "I think we have some matters to discuss." She paused a moment. "Oh, and I've simply forgotten every bit of manners I have." She went in to hug Shining. "Congratulations! I swear, it took long enough. You two were obviously smitten for how long now?"

He accepted her hug and gave one back. "Thanks! Yeah, it's hard to wait when you feel so certain, but here we are." He rubbed at the back of his neck sheepishly. "Also, you—" He rolled a hoof in the air. "Looking good? I, uh, thanks? I know this, all of this, was for Cadance, and past that, for me. How are they treating you?"

"They're amazing. Just lovely." She shook herself. "I feel, whole? Like nothing really went missing. I mean, okay, sometimes I remember I used to be different, but I feel happy with myself as I am." She stood tall and proud of herself. "Besides, as you said, it was for a good cause. Knowing I allowed this wedding to happen makes me even happier." Her cheeks colored with a little laugh. "I have a wedding of my own to invite you to, sometime after this."

"Really?" His face split into a wide grin. "Congratulations to you! Glad things are working out for you. Maybe Equestria wasn't right for you after all, huh?" He patted her back warmly.

"I suppose not." She leaned up to peck his cheek. "Maybe a lot of things hadn't been where they needed to be, to find the best me." She flicked her tail. "But we found it eventually. Now, hate to be a bother, but why is your horn glowing?"

"Hm? Ah." He waved his head around. "Keeping up the spell." His teeth grit and sweat was upon his brow, his voice straining, but steady.

"Oh, are you alone doing this, now? Aren't other unicorns helping?" She moved to inspect him more closely. "That does look like it's taking quite a bit from you, poor thing. I'm not terribly good at shields, I admit. The idea of making one that covers an entire city? No, perish the thought."

"Only I am trusted to protect everyone here." His head wobbled. "Gonna make for a memorable day. One way or another." He licked his lips briefly and took a breath. "Could we talk about something else, please?"

"Apologies, dear Shining. I see you are quite occupied. Let me get out of your mane." She turned away. "See you at the wedding proper!"

"Right back at you!" Shining called after her.

She trotted, a faster pace than she normally used inside the castle, back to Sand to report what she had learned.

As Blue returned, Sand noticed a bounce in her step that betrayed the concerns she had shared. "You are concerned about the shield, yet I spy good tidings. Care to enlighten me on what has transpired?"

Blue touched noses with her larger husband. "The shield is a 'maybe', not against a for sure threat. Shining Armor is casting it, the groom. They plan to go ahead as planned. Oh, changelings, that's the potential bother. Uhm..." She scratched her scalp lightly. "I don't know what a changeling is, truth told. Something unpleasant."

"If something unpleasant is trying to ruin this ceremony, I wish to stop them." Sand raised a hoof, which quivered ominously. "Shall we scout the perimeter?"

"That could work, but the castle guards already are." Blue shook her head. "We are guests, not guards, dear Prince. We shouldn't get in the way of the locals. We might come off as boorish at best."

"Fair points, sadly." Sand pressed his hooves together. "Perhaps instead of worrying about the shield and whatever enemy it hides from, we might ready ourselves for the impending wedding?"

Blue clapped her hooves. "A marvelous idea! Let's go shopping and get ourselves dressed the Equestrian way. Some dashing suits or flowing dresses, to show off our national colors."

"Oh, most certainly. Let us go find outfits suitable for the occasion." Sand waved a guard to start dressing themselves.

Blue took her fiance's arm as she headed to the door. The worries of the morning were put aside entirely in favor of thoughts of a pleasant shopping trip. She hunted down a pony she knew could help. "Upper Crust! Good to see you again."

The mare paused when called by name. "Hm? Oh! Blueblood."

Blue clapped a hoof over Uppercrust's snout. "Blue Belle," she hissed before she took it back. "And I was hoping for your assistance. You know how to look spectacular, and Sand and I want to look our very best for the wedding. Where would you suggest we do our shopping?"

Upper Crust looked the prince and princess over slowly before nodding. "I see. I think I can point you at a boutique that offers exactly the styles you desire." She started walking. "Follow me, and I shall lead you straight to the place you need to be."

Blue fell in behind Upper Crust with Sand behind her. "Ah, marvelous. I knew you would be precisely the pony to ask."

"Think nothing of it. You had the good sense to ask the best pony for this particular job." She nodded, looking quite sure of herself and pleased to be acknowledged. "Now, you'll want a place that knows how to handle a plus-sized stallion. Your stallion is quite the size, isn't he?"

Sand perked up. "We are larger built, yes. Our diet and training differs. It's not an issue to alter clothing to fit us, correct?"

"Not with the sort of clothiers I know." Upper Crust led the way out of the castle and wove through the streets of Canterlot. "She knows how to get dazzling clothes onto anypony, no matter how large. She takes this seriously." They rounded a corner, putting them on the path to a dressmaker shop.

"Exemplary work thus far." Sand patted Upper Crust on the shoulder. "Much obliged. We will ensure your recommendations go rewarded."

Upper Crust looked over her shoulder back at Sand. "I don't need money." She laughed at the very idea. "But a prince owing me a favor and knowing I helped them to look their best is payment quite enough. Here we are." She strode inside without pause. "Darling, I've brought your day's project for you!"

The unicorn working at a loom stood up and adjusted her glasses to regard the entering party. "Goodness, that's quite the challenge to present me. A foreign visitor?" She circled around him, measuring from each side. Proper tape flew in under her magic grasp, helping to get precise numbers for Sand. "Just for him? What's the occasion, that wedding?"

"Got it in one." Upper Crust winked. "Don't let us down, dear. Give him the works." She sauntered up to the counter, digging in the box of sweets there. "Oh, I think Blue here wants one too, shouldn't be nearly as exotic."

Blue coughed into a hoof. "I am Prince Sand's betrothed. We would like to look like a pair, if you would."

"And to employ Saddle Arabian colors." Sand nodded at the unicorn circling him. "If you are aware of them?"

"Don't you worry. I'll have the two of you done up proper. Saddle Arabian, yes. I have those fabrics in stock. This will be fun." She clapped, just thinking about the vision she had captured. "And this will be such an excellent day, making this." She pushed him towards the changing area. "You strip down there and I'll throw some ideas around. You want matching, or complimentary?"

Blue inclined her head. "I hadn't considered that, but complimentary sounds delightful. We are not two of the same, but we do fill in spaces the other lacks. Yes, complimentary would be perfect."

"Well spoken," agreed Sand. "Let the lady do her work."

The rest of the afternoon vanished in fabric choices and tailoring to get things just right. Each of the royals were soon fitted out with splendid new wedding guest garb. It was only a shame they had to take them off almost as soon as they put them all. Each in a little box they could hold in the end. Blue hugged her boxed dress. "I can't wait to wear this and show it off. We will look so marvelous."

"Now you know who to go to." Upper Crust waved them farewell as the pair departed the store, having stayed through the entire thing. Not entirely required, but there were things she wanted to see.

"I must say, that was rather invigorating." Sand grinned over at Blue. "I am used to my tailors being close servants. To have an outside party involved? New, but not a bad new." He drew her over for a hug. "You are showing me wonderful things, Little Belle."

"As are you, dear Sand." She hugged him in return. "I am finding enjoyment from showing you Equestria."

They were close to the castle, which was reason enough for Blue to lead the way there. "Hopefully, dear Cadance has a moment to speak with us now. Poor thing, I didn't realize marriage preparations could fill a pony's schedule so well."

"She has always been good at planning. I'm certain she has time." He opened the main doors with one hoof to usher her inside.

Inside, they searched until they spotted a familiar form and coloration, working away at decorations. There was an aura of uncertainty, which kept anyone from interrupting her for mere frivolities.

However, seeing as how she had known Cadance for quite a while, Blue took her chances. "Cadance, looking radiant, as usual. Have you a moment?"

Cadance jumped with surprise as she turned to face Blue and her company. Her eyes went up to Sand, then back down to Blue. "Blue."

Blue turned a hoof on herself. "That's me. You must be quite distracted if that's your only reply." She offered an arm.

But Cadance didn't take the offer. "I'm busy right now. You'll be at the wedding, right?"

"Of course!" Blue watched her spin, fidgeting in a nervous fashion. "You seem so worked up."

"What would you know?!" The retort caught Blue totally unaware.

Sand snarled, stepping between the two females. Blue looked ready to try pouncing her betrothed, but he just nudged Blue away. "We will leave you to your plans."

"Wait—" she cried, stopping at a glare from Sand.

"I hope everything goes according to plan tomorrow, my little bell flower." Sand bowed politely, gesturing her to lead on. Blue sighed heavily but relented in her own turn before starting to walk away from where Cadance was.

She stepped out of the room and sank to her haunches. "Cadance must be truly beside herself. That wasn't like her at all."

"I don't like the way she spoke to you." Sand huffed angrily at Cadance's back as they departed. "Why must this be such a complicated time for us all?"

"Why indeed?" Blue smiled at Sand. "Let's promise to not let our own wedding make us on such broken glass. We'll plan it out well in advance and know what to do."

"Yes, I would prefer to avoid such a stressful situation. If I was acting like she is now...? I'd have a stern talk with myself." Sand let himself laugh a bit as he imagined himself snapping at him.

Blue snorted at the very notion. "I am uncertain you could do that, beloved. I might have to step in to assist with that, should that time come."

"Yes. Well, the issue is set. We must prepare for the wedding properly." Sand ruffled his mane with one hoof.

"Exactly, and we want to be ready at any moment to attend." She tugged on him. "We have the dresses we need. Being guests, and not even the bride or groom of honor, our responsibilities for this will be mild. For the most part, all we have to do is not get in the way of the ponies who do have things to do."

"Yes, I suppose." Sand stroked his chin. "What else is there to do for such an event? Do we need anything besides what we wear? Presents, perhaps?"

Blue considered that. "You are such a clever thing, a present might be wonderful." She paused. "Did you already bring something, from home?"

"It felt fitting to bring along a gift for our hosts, since we also aim to curry their favor. But I believe another trinket or two from Equestria's heart could not go amiss." Sand swept a hoof towards the exit and the street beyond.

"Marvelous idea!" Blue hopped to her hooves and got trotting. One advantage of having Sand as a partner, she had no fear that he could keep up with her with his great strides.

"So where shall we acquire a gift? Is jewelry acceptable?" Sand mused as they walked. "It is always my go-to choice when I am presented with a dilemma on gifting."

"That is because you have an exquisite taste in jewels." She peeked over her shoulder at him. "While that is an option, I imagine she will be getting many such things. I don't want to be lost in a sea of others. We should try to stand out a little. Not too much, mind you."

"Delicate social rules." Sand chuckled low, but agreeable. "I shall follow your lead."

She came to a jewelry shop anyways, inspecting the window display. "Inspiration, hmm." She clopped her hooves together with a smile. "I have it!" She turned and trotted back over, speaking with a hushed excitement. "It isn't much, and some might even call it trite, but I feel it will be quite the conversation piece." Her eyes sparkled up at Sand.

He smirked and ruffled her mane with one large hoof. "Whatever makes you smile like that is worth every second." He followed behind her, head held high.

Blue led Sand down to a jeweler she remembered fondly. He greeted them happily and gladly accepted her order. After handing over a bag of bits, she went back to him, giggling. "This will be no casual jewel lost in the crowd. It will proper symbolize the event, standing out for its purpose in a sea of bland glitter."

"Good work! I look forward to hearing what Cadance thinks of it. From the look in your eyes, she will enjoy it." Sand stroked her mane softly, clearly more interested in her than their shopping. "The day is not over yet, will you show me more of the city?"

"My pleasure!" Blue perked up instantly. "So, since we're here, we may as well wander by the school."

"The academy of young ladies. Yes." Sand strode out beside her with easy confidence.

"Actually, a school of magic." Blue trotted along with a bounce in her steps. "Run by Auntie. It's a marvelous place that shows how to perform at any unicorn's best. A few lessons there are what allows me to work my magic for you. While there may be classes in session, I don't doubt we could arrange a quick tour of the grounds."

"How fascinating." Sand admired the buildings they passed, wondering if he could build one half so grand back home. Equestrian architecture seemed to lend itself to shows of their wealth and fortune in quiet but persistent ways.

He couldn't complain, being royalty had taught him that keeping up appearances is half the struggle in a royal's life. He wasn't particularly enthralled in keeping up those appearances himself, however. With a soft cough to help clear his mind of such thoughts, he noticed Blue was speaking to an equally small mare.

"—so I thought I should give my betrothed a tour of the grounds." Blue waved back at Sand.

The mare looked surprised. "O-oh! Yes." She craned her head to look up at Sand. "Hello, Sir. Welcome to Princess Celestia's School for Talented Unicorns. Bluebl—Blue here attended a number of classes in her youth."

"Belle. I'm Blue Belle." She gave a small bow. "Anyway, we shouldn't distract you for too long. Would you be so kind as to unlock the gates?"

"Certainly!" She hurried over to do just that. "Don't enter any classes in the middle of, well, class. Other than that, enjoy the grounds."

Sand turned towards Belle. "Come." He followed behind her, admiring the buildings as they approached.

"I wonder what is scheduled to begin today." Blue pointed at a group of unicorns rushing to and fro. "They have the look of students trying not to be late, poor things." She tittered, imagining their plight. "I can't say I miss that time all that much, but it was educational."

Sand watched them pass with a smile. "They seem enthusiastic about their studies. That is wonderful to behold."

He settled back into silence as he admired the school. "Equestria is full of beauty." His eyes fell to Blue. "But it pales before my little wife to be." He brushed his lips to hers softly, purring in approval as she squeaked and blushed under his gaze.

Blue basked under his attention for a long moment. "We mustn't be lewd on school grounds," she reminded them both as she drew away. "It sets a poor example for the foals."

Sand laughed at that chastisement. "You aren't wrong. This is a place of learning. Hm." He looked around, spotting one student not in a hurry. "You." He pointed to the young stallion. "Would you come here? I would like to see a bit of the magic you are learning, if you would?"

"Eep!" The young colt froze in place before turning to face his accuser. He stared open-mouthed at Sand. "Uh..." He looked like he was trying to remember something. "C-can do!" He hurried up and stood at attention. "I just figured this one out, and it's amazing, um, sir."

"Do not worry about formalities, young one." Sand waved him on. "Please, show me a trick."

"Yes! Yes." The foal flicked his ears and summoned up his focus, bringing a little coin out of nowhere, holding it with magic between his outstretched hooves. "Just a coin, but." He rolled his hooves at the side of it as it split like an amoeba, becoming two. Another roll, and there were three coins, all dancing back and forth between his hooves.

Sand leaned down to eye level and whickered warmly at the display. "Quite impressive! What else can you do, hm?"

The colt squeaked, all three coins falling to the ground. Two vanished in puffs of smoke with the magic broken. "Oh, yes. I learned other spells." He focused on a nearby tree, aiming his horn. "I'll cast a spell on that tree to change it temporarily!"

As he tried to focus on casting, nothing happened. Sand waited expectantly, giving no hint to impatience or frustration. The colt stuck out his tongue a little, tilting his head as if to focus the magic better, but still, the spell sputtered out. He groaned loudly as his head drooped and he shook himself quickly. "Um. Yeah, that's all." He darted away quickly.

Blue shook her head gently. "Poor thing, put on the spot like that. That first trick was quite nice at least." She turned back towards Sand with a bright smile. "So, what do you think?"

"Fascinating display," Sand answered honestly. "It's interesting how magic comes to different ponies. Even for the gifted, some fail." He put a hoof on her far side, drawing her closer. "I remember your struggles to perform for us, Little Bell. But you were quite persistent in your wish to amaze us, and that you did."

She blushed and ducked her head, leaning against him. "It wasn't that amazing. All I could manage was to make flowers grow, then wilt. Hardly something to brag about."

"Possibly." Sand drew her into another hug. "And yet, you showed the power to create life where there was none, a gift of purpose in my desert home, dear one."

Her cheeks flushed as she tucked her face closer, rubbing his leg happily. "Your praise means the world to me." She shivered lightly as they began to sway. "To think, I once sought nothing but the joys of Canterlot." She waved over the city as a whole. "My world has grown since then. Come, let's not bother these students any longer."

Together, they left the school proper to find other distractions. Blue led the way to a movie theatre. "I didn't see any of these in Saddle Arabia. You will be quite amazed, I should imagine."

Sand peered at the front marquee. "Showcases? Yes, we have such events. Our dancers are truly excellent. Or are these more plays?"

"Sort of." Blue led the way inside. "Imagine, if you will, that performers could put on their best just once, then others a world away could enjoy it, later. That is what a movie allows." She stepped up to the ticket booth to secure their seats, if the next showing had seats left.

A voice issued from within. "Sorry, miss." She leaned forward, gaping at Sand. "Two tickets, that is... hold up." She looked over his form, taking notes with a slight blush on her cheeks.

"Four," she corrected as she waved back at the quiet guards. "They're with us." She handed over the bits required. "So, what sort of movie did we get tickets for anyway?"

The cashier cleared her throat quickly. "Historical fiction. Based on the Maresey region expansion, fighting off raiders and natives alike." She stamped the tickets as fast as she could with trembling hooves.

"Sounds intense!" Blue clapped with approval. "How exciting." She accepted the tickets and floated most back towards Sand and the guards. "This will be quite entertaining indeed."

"Hm." Sand squinted at the poster, trying to decipher its meaning before giving up. "I guess I will have to watch it to understand." He squeezed after Blue into the building.

Blue found she had to spend much of the show explaining things to Sand, and making sure he didn't react too strongly to the moving images that loomed so large before them with sounds that made him and the guards jump at times.

Author's Note

Shields up! It's just in case. Probably nothing... What was Upper Crust looking for? Also, welcome to the month of double-thick updates for this patron!

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