Blue Wedding Belles

by David Silver

Rating: mature
Tags: Original Character, Prince Blueblood, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 59784

Blueblood adores Cadance, his cousin. When he hears she's ready to commit an act that would leave her miserable, he leaps to interfere, and throws himself into a situation he couldn't have predicted. How will she adapt?

Blueblood adores Cadance, his cousin. When he hears she's ready to commit an act that would leave her miserable, he leaps to interfere, and throws himself into a situation he couldn't have predicted. How will she adapt?

Published 2024-03-08 04:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2025-02-05 16:08:30 UTC

1 - A Modest Proposal

Cadance hadn't married Shining Armor. The two were joyfully dating, with even being betrothed not yet set in stone. When Saddle Arabia's letter came, it was met with mixed feelings among them all.

Celestia shook her head at the scroll. "How antiquated, to put it mildly."

Cadance crossed her arms. "They want a princess?! We don't exactly have a surplus of those laying around."

Prince Blueblood looked between Cadance and Celestia. "Aren't you two the only—"

Celestia raised a hoof. "They certainly can't have my hoof. I am a touch pre-occupied." Her sister had not yet been returned to her, and Twilight had not yet ascended, removing those two possibilities. "Let me consider this properly." She stormed off with a heavy frown, tail flicking once before she went around a corner.

"That was, uh—" Shining Armor was equally displeased, with his marefriend having received such an offer, but it was tempered with the realization that she had already made her decision. "You're saying no, so that's that. Princess Celestia just has to decide how she's going to tell them no. We don't have to worry about it."

Cadance nodded a little at that. "You're right, we're worrying about nothing."

It was a pity that Blueblood found her later, sobbing softly on a balcony. "Cousin, dear cousin. What brings tears to your eyes? Is there any hoof I could bring to your aide, to comfort your soiled soul? An oaf to knock back? A dragon to slay, for any slight?"

She had dabbed the tears out of her eyes before turning to face him, steeling herself. "Thank you, Cousin." She forced herself upright with a little sigh. "But none of that would do the trick."

"You have but to name the task!" He set his hoof on his chest. "Where is Shining? Should he not be comforting his mare?"

She managed to laugh, briefly. "He knows he can't help either. Blueblood, a union with Saddle Arabia promises too much for Equestria. Celestia has reviewed it, and the other options. I will be sad, for a small while." She did her best for a brave face. "But I will recover. This is for too many ponies besides myself. It's my royal duty."

"Royal duty," Blueblood muttered with disdain. He stormed off, angered with a system he only sometimes minded. "This is bollocks!"

Princess Cadance winced when the door slammed behind him.

He stormed through the hallways, glaring at any servant that dared to be in his way at that moment. "Auntie! Auntie!" He kicked open her door. "This is completely unacceptable! My poor, dear cousin's heart is about to be broken."

Celestia rose slowly from the couch, putting aside the book she'd been reading. She rubbed her temple with her hoof, gathering her strength to deal with this new problem. "I see."

"It is a most grievous of affairs!" Blueblood stomped from hoof to hoof. "How could you even so much as consider trading away Cadance like that?! She's in love!"

"Shhh," Celestia ordered gently, with a hoof up. "Come here. Please?" He reluctantly walked to her. "Blueblood, you shouldn't be so rash with these things." She managed a patient smile, which was tempered only by how much she could sense how upset he was. "Sometimes, we of nobility—" She pointed to herself, then Blueblood. "We must do things we would rather not, for the good of the ponies that rely on us."

Blueblood huffed, sitting up tall. "Pray tell, Auntie dearest, when did that prompt you, of all ponies, to make such a choice?"

"I did not." Celestia took a slow breath. "Cadance did. I was ready to decline the whole thing and she suddenly stepped up. I'm both proud and, no, just proud. She is doing a very brave thing, for so many other ponies."

"They should still not make such a selfish, outlandish request. Just to speak for the menfolk, I think it's unfair that one of them so much as has a right to order about one of the fairest fillies in all the land." He frowned softly before those brows shot up. "Did they ask for her specifically? They didn't—" He cut himself off. "I mean, not as if you would not be a wonderful mare, but you are clearly spoken for, Auntie."

She took in a slow, steady breath before speaking. "Why don't you see for yourself?" She slid a scroll across the table to him, her horn glowing as she unfurled it for his eyes to take in.

The request was not for any specific pony. Any 'princess of Equestria' would fit the bill. But there remained only one princess that could be referring to. "Still, they only wrote this." He clopped his hooves together and rested his chin on the meeting. "I am getting ideas."

She gently scratched the back of his head. "As long as you behave yourself."

"Don't worry." Blueblood tipped his hat down in salute. "You know me. Always a gentleman. I will give them precisely what they've asked for." He curled a hoof back at himself. "I will offer myself."

Celestia blinked in clear surprise. "Blueblood, I appreciate the offer, but you, dear prince, are not a princess of Equestria."

"But I very well could be." He nodded firmly. "And such a fee seems paltry compared to the heavy tears I saw flowing down that pristine face. I would gladly take a thousand blades that I could prevent even one of them from falling! I know it would mean an increase in tension between the lands, but I cannot let the anguish of such a delicate flower—" He cleared his throat, tapping his throat lightly. "I know not all eyes are so sympathetic, but I could be just the pony for this endeavor. Besides, we have magic."

Celestia inclined her head at that. "We do have magic, but how is that at all involved?" She sat back on her haunches. "You are very confusing this evening."

"I don't mean to be, Auntie, but if I am made a mare, then I am a princess. If I am a princess, then we are following the letter of the agreement precisely." He nodded with complete confidence. "And none can whisper a word otherwise."

Celestia huffed and shook her head. "Blueblood, such a ritual is quite powerful, and permanent. You would be rewriting your very physical self. I don't think you understand how much you're offering." She let her shoulders droop. "You cannot change yourself back. What you're suggesting—"

Blueblood laughed. "Auntie, Auntie. If I do this, I will have saved my sweet Cadance the torment of marrying any stallion of the tribes. But for me, a life where I may better serve my fellow ponies?" He set his hooves down hard, chin up and chest out. "This is my opportunity to do more."

She shook her head in wonderment at this strange young prince. "That's...very nice of you, but I feel you are leaping before you—"

Blueblood was quick to jump in, "Auntie! I mean it. I can do this, and I will do this. I will be a princess of Equestria, and I will offer myself to the Saddle Arabians. Cadance will remain and be free to shed no more tears. This is the least I can do, the very least. Allow me this."

"You sound quite certain." Celestia fought a smile.

"As ever have I, Auntie. But I cannot go alone. This is a dangerous journey I embark upon, and I feel certain I will need guidance." Blueblood turned for the door. "Call for the royal magicians. We should be sure this is done correctly." He shook himself, feeling quite confident, certain, and nearly arrogant in his pride.

Celestia slid on a couch pillow, getting more comfortable. She wasn't entirely sure how to take it all, but things felt more certain. "Send Cadance in, and I will explain this to her. If she chases you to yell at you, don't be surprised. Perhaps she will have more luck than I have at convincing you to change your course."

"I will do just that, Auntie dear." Blueblood headed for the door with a proud step. "But she will not change my mind either. Better my tears than hers, given the choice. Let my last act as a stallion be the safeguarding of a mare. I can think of worse ways to bookend that, hm?" He left with a soft click of the door behind him.

Blueblood passed Cadance in the hallway. He had clearly just left Princess Celestia. He cleared his throat, walked straight past, and did not acknowledge her in the slightest.

Cadance wasn't quite sure how to react at first, so she just kept on going to Celestia's chambers, knocking gently. "Auntie?"

Celestia smiled from within. "Please, come inside. It's rather urgent we talk." She watched the mare do so, moving with the slightest swish to her hips. She was quite beautiful. "You have done your best to look wonderful, as if there is a time you fail to do so." Celestia pointed to the floor. "Sit. You will not be going to Saddle Arabia."

Cadance did not sit, instead staring at Celestia. "Auntie, I already agreed! You agreed! Why are you changing your mind now?"

Celestia did her best to not show frustration on her features. "No, you agreed to try for a political marriage. You still have the option to decline and walk away, and Blueblood stepped in to give you that very chance. In fact, you needn't even formally decline. We will be sending them a different princess."

Cadance blinked rapidly. "You're going!?" she shrieked out. "You're not just a princess, you're the princess, the one in charge!"

Celestia made gentle placating motions. "I will not be going. Blueblood will be. He's quite firm on this. You are welcome to try to convince him otherwise, but the more you pull him when he's dug in his hooves, the harder he pushes them down."

"He's not a princess. That's nonsense! Even if he went, he couldn't help the way I can." Cadance just looked up, confused.

"Actually, he is." Celestia coughed into a hoof. "I should say, she will be. They have agreed to become a mare, and thus they will be a princess, and then we will offer them up, as a princess of Equestria. We will have done as they asked, and we can put this all behind us."

Cadance staggered over and landed heavily in front of Celestia. "B-But why? Why would she do that?" She tugged on Celestia's mane. "Auntie!"

Celestia gently brushed Cadance's grasping hooves away. "This is her idea and her desire, not mine. Go and convince them to do something else, or stand in solidarity with them. I have chosen to support them however I can, for they remain my nephew, or niece, and my love will not end so easily." She stood tall once more. "They are very passionate. Don't talk them down. Let them make this decision as the fully realized individual that they are. Sometimes, my sweet, people are complicated."

Cadance pointed to the door. "You don't want me to change their mind?"

"You're welcome to try." Celestia crossed her arms slowly. "But, when that fails, please support them, just as they are trying to support you."

"How?"

Celestia flared her wings. "With love." She smiled gently. "I know you two are not family by blood, but he views you as practically a sister. Return the favor, if you can."

Cadance sprung up on her hindlegs, one hoof resting on Celestia's chest, as she leaned close and gently bumped noses with her. "I will. That moron." She tapped her horn to Celestia. "That stupid, brave, moron. Let me try to talk some sense into him." She fell to all fours and stormed out of the room.

Author's Note

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2 - A New You

Cadance paced fitfully. "If this has to be done, for my sake of all things, I intend to help." She met Blueblood's determined face. "Are you ready? This is a big thing, a lifechanging ritual. You—" She danced in place a moment. "—Being a mare is more than wearing different clothes to formal events. Do you understand what you're walking into, and, perhaps, I should be asking if you even could have any idea."

"My dear," Blueblood whispered, tipping his nose under her chin. "I know not what the future will hold, but I trust myself. You know who I am. I am brave. I am resolute. I am dashing! And most importantly, I am gentle." He drew Cadance into a hug. "And I am in the hooves of my dearest cousin, who will guide me through these times quite properly, I feel. As Auntie Celestia said, this is for you."

"When was the last time you washed a dish?" Cadance demanded, grabbing him by the shoulders. "Can you cook for yourself?" She clopped a hoof to her face. "That wasn't fair. There are mares who are terrible at either of those. They aren't lesser mares for it." She took a slow breath. "We've had this conversation before. You're probably tired of hearing me worry about it."

Blueblood nosed at her cheek gently and briefly. "That you care so fiercely is no hardship. I thank you, and I understand your feelings on the matter."

Cadance tapped his cheek lightly, letting him go. "Well, as your guide and the one that's going to be staying, I have to ask about these changes." She flicked her ears back. "As usual, magic is partially formed by the will of the pony casting the spell. Do you have any requests? Do you wish to be a more plain mare, or?"

"Plain?" Blueblood pinned his ears back. "Plain is not a word I associate with myself, dear Cadance. Mare or stallion, I make the room stand up and take notice when I enter a room."

Cadance quietly abandoned one of her plans to try to make things easier. Transforming Blueblood into a mare that was easy to miss had seemed one such way, but not Blueblood's way. "Of course. You are going to new rooms, but you'll make a splash all the same. Sit please. No more moving until it's done."

Blueblood found his mane flowing out further in cascading waves, curling just before it touched the floor. His muzzle felt lighter, as if it wasn't quite finished growing in. "Why, this isn't so different after all." He stood up, midsection rumbling as internal changes caught up with the simple exterior changes.

He blanched, taking a shaky step. "Dizzy..." He gave Cadance a surprised glance as his torso cracked, shortening from the change and from the internal changes that left him, er, her feeling stranger by the moment. "I say," she got out with a lighter tone. "Was that me?!" Her cheeks colored, in a very interesting fashion as Cadance's spell rewrote her underlying anatomy, completing the exterior.

Her back legs started to round out at the shin and ankle. Blueblood's old shoes had been remolded along with her body, settling on her hooves. Her belly swelled in places, but her thighs thinned slightly, bringing the hips closer together in a fuller shape. "Still," she reminded herself, as Cadance had ordered. "Must be still." She swayed her tail as the spell tingled through her whole body. "Do my teeth feel the same?" She lifted her chin. "I do feel bigger. It is said mares tend to be—" She spun, noticing that the dress was simply flowing off, tightening around the curves where the looseness of the cloth before was.

"Mare fashion is different." She reached up a hoof to play at the cloth gently. "But I'm getting distracted. Are we finished?"

Cadance's horn gave one last flash of power. "We are. How do you feel. Blueblood?"

"Old names for old ponies." She pointed to herself. "And I am brand new, thanks to you. Call me Blue Belle instead. Yes, a much more fitting title for a new mare." She hopped forward into a trot towards a tall mirror. "Oh, lovely job! Look at me. Look at my legs! If only all new me was—" She winced. "Oh. I think we have company. Oh, my tummy." Bluebell grinned from ear to ear. "This will take some getting used to."

Cadance managed a gently pat on Blueblood as Celestia walked in. "Ah, Auntie. We just finished."

Celestia's eyes were on Blue Belle. "You've done a remarkable job. Niece, how do you feel?"

Blue Belle didn't even notice at first, only eventually catching on to Celestia staring at her. "Yes, Aunt"

Celestia smirked softly and pointed at Blue. "You are my niece now, are you not?"

Blue Belle flushed dark. "Right you are, Auntie dearest. As for how I feel, a little chilled from the changes. But otherwise, it was rather like I could feel the magic inside me and it felt as natural as could be to allow it to reshape me however it deemed. Now it's my turn to deem. You wouldn't happen to have some dress slippers, would you, for an evening at the theater? I can't have my first appearance as a mare be in something that looks as though I'm heading out for some battle, eh?"

Celestia reached out to rest a hoof on Blue Belle's head. "You are quite eager. The castle seamstress will gladly help you upset your wardrobe, but don't forget why you've taken this step. You are to go to Saddle Arabia, where your prince already waits for a 'princess of Equestria', which you are one of now."

Blue peeked back over herself. "Princesses of Equestria normally have wings, Auntie dear. Do I get a set of those?"

Celestia moved her hoof to Blue Belle's snout. "That is a whole other ordeal. You are, by all technicalities, a princess by hereditary means, not alicornhood. Still a princess, just as you were once a prince."

Blue Belle sighed at that, with a hint of relief. "That will do just nicely." She tossed her mane. "Theaters first, of course." She leaned close to Celestia.

Celestia folded her wing over her new niece. "Are you entirely alright? You don't have to play brave for us. We're family."

Blue Belle rested her hoof on Celestia's wing. "Thank you, but I do not play at anything, Auntie dearest." She was shakier than she thought she was going to be. "I have adjustments to make, but I am still me, on the inside."

Celestia was visibly surprised when she saw Blue Belle move off and bump snouts with Cadance as well, pushing down her uncertainty.

Cadance sighed softly. "You're brave, Blue Belle." She pushed some mane away from Bluebell's face. "You shouldn't have to do all of this for me, but I'm beyond words with how proud I am of you." She hugged Blue Belle tightly. "Write me often, and I will respond to each." She kissed Blue Belle's cheek before trotting towards the door.

"She's quite bold," Celestia softly remarked as Blue Belle cleared her throat and shook herself off. "Now, to get your wardrobe in order." She waved for Blue Belle to join her as they went to see a pony about a new fashion line for the new princess. "It would be quite improper to send any princess not looking her best."

Cadance just trotted towards the window as Blue Belle left. She idly rubbed at her neck and only barely noticed when Shining Armor joined her and leaned gently against her. She smiled at his presence, swaying her tail to lay over his. "I know, dear. She's my friend." She met his gaze. "But it's nice that you understand that's why I'm worried about her. We've only got three more days."

Shining Armor put a hoof to his own chest. "I'll help make them days worth remembering. Bluey deserves a great time!" He chuckled with his wild ideas for what amounted to a bachelor party, for a new mare. "This will be so fun!"

Cadance rubbed at her stomach. "That will take getting used to. Now we call her Blue Bell. Does the change of names feel..."

Shining Armor leaned gently on his marefriend. "Honestly, I didn't feel it, and I'm her brother. The clothes don't quite fit and I kind of think of her like you mentioned before, a good friend." He nuzzled gently at her. "And she's still a friend, mare or stallion. She's still family on top of that."

"She is." Cadance forced herself to her hooves. "You're right. Let's make these last days count."

So it was that Blue Belle was treated like the star of the show for those last few days. Parties were thrown for her, almost at random. Ponies came from across the city and beyond to wish her will and compliment her new self. By the time she was boarding the wagon to take her away from Equestria, she was beaming with joy, which made it all the harder as it sank on her that she'd be leaving all of that behind.

Even after the carriage had taken off and started trundling away, Celestia, Shining Armor, and Cadance remained and waved at the princess-to-be until they had vanished from view.

Blue Belle looked out the window of her carriage as the terrain became sandier by the hour. They were fully in the desert. "That makes sense," she muttered to herself. The Saddle Arabians were a desert people, and large. She pinned her ears back, thinking about how large they were. She was already destined to marry one of those immense ponies. What if the pony was massive?! She calmed her breathing. "That would make them hard to miss."

She laughed to herself and did her best to calm herself. "Be composed. You represent all of Equestria!" She tossed her mane, smiling. "I wonder if they brought sweets for our meet and greet. Would be a nice gesture." She tried not to focus on the size of the stallions that awaited her, at least as best as she was able.

The door of the carriage opened. "Ma'am, we're here," called the pony outside They were an Equestrian pony, so they were perfectly normal sized. Blue Belle nodded towards them as she stepped out onto the warm sand. Her eyes widened as she took in the grand desert city before her.

Sandstone structures rose all around her, elegant in their simplicity. In fact, much of it appeared to have been carved right into the rock itself. Blue Belle was so entranced she had nearly forgotten her own entrance.

"Ahem, Princess Blue Belle of Equestria," came a voice from up in a tower. A figure was pointing down at her. "You will forgive me. I sent your name ahead to expect you, so we're prepared."

Elsewhere, several large ponies glared at the princess Equestria had sent. "She doesn't have wings," noted one.

"She isn't a real princess."

"Can we send her back?"

The last sighed deeply. "Let us first find out if she is a princess or not. We'll look daft if this mare actually is one. Go greet her."

So it was that a prince of a Saddle Arabian walked out, bedecked in the finery of his station. "Princess Blue Belle, a pleasure to meet you at long last." He bowed slowly. "I am Prince Star Mark. Your uncle has informed us you are the princess we asked for. May we see you properly?" He gestured with his hoof. "Please, bring us proof of your authority, my dear princess."

Blue Belle inclined her head. "Proof? I am the niece of Princess Celestia! I have been so related since I was born. I can scarcely imagine more proof than that." She looked over the massive pony. Everything about him felt overmuch, and it left her reeling even as she tried to calm herself. "But it is a pleasure to meet you, my prince?"

Star Mark shook his head with a heavy sigh. "Well, that's rather inconvenient. My compatriots are waiting for confirmation." He gestured with a hoof. "Please come with me, dear princess." He touched her, but his hoof landed with barely a feather of pressure. "I don't think you came all this way just to deceive us."

He brought her towards their stately palace and towards her new life among them. "We have much to discuss."

Author's Note

Welcome to a new life, Blue Belle. Everything will go quite smoothly now, assuredly.

Join the special community of folks who like my stories and/or get your own here at atreon!

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3 - A Proper Introduction

"We were supposed to get a princess." A dour stallion crossed his arms. "Instead—"

"She is a princess." A mare, just as large as the others in the room, nodded with a huff. "Just not one related to Celestia."

Another stallion stomped a hoof down. "I didn't know they even had any princesses that weren't so related! That was the plan. They aren't an alicorn. They don't have the power of one, and haven't passed the tests one must to become one. They sent us a simple mare."

The mare huffed at that. "And what is wrong with a 'simple mare'?"

The stallion had the manners to look a little embarrassed. "Sorry. You know this wasn't the plan. What do we do with her, send her back?"

The first stallion shook his head firmly. "They have followed the letter of our request. To return her would be an insult. Keep an eye on her. Perhaps she'll do us the favor and give is an excuse to send her away."

The mare huffed at that. "If she is rude, she has no place here. If she is incompetent in court, much the same."

All three of them shared a nod of solidarity. They would watch their new guest.

Blue Belle gazed from her new balcony. "I say." The view was spectacular, looking down on the city as she did. Even being made a princess was less impressive than her quarters in this strange land. She went back inside, letting the curtains fall closed behind her. The room she'd been assigned was very sparse.

"Hm." But, she supposed to herself, perhaps that was for the best. It was up to her to decorate it. She smiled with growing thoughts. Was that a test? She went to the door and peeked out into the hallway. Spotting a guard, as tall as most residents of that country, she waved him closer. "Pardon, but I was wondering—"

"Yes, Your Highness?" The guard dipped his head at the small nobility before them. "How can I help?"

Blue felt heat rise, holding back a giggle. Having power over such a large pony felt a little thrilling, if she was honest with herself. "I was hoping to secure a book, one that shows the local trends in decor. I would like to decorate properly, and just bringing Equestria here feels a bit uncouth."

"As you command, ma'am!" With a firm salute, the guard marched off to see it done.

Blue Belle continued to smile, even as the door shut. "Oh!" She was already having a blast, even if she did miss the comforts of home.

Blue Belle found herself in a library. It was not as grand as the Canterlot Archives, no. Auntie did love herself some books, even ones she didn't want the random pony to be reading. Still, it was quite the collection, and Blue slowly walked down the aisles, inspecting the spines of the tomes ready for her browsing. "I'll get that decorating book, but there are so many others here."

"My princess."

Blue jumped in surprise, coming down facing a pair of legs. Right. She looked upwards to find the face of that dashing stallion from earlier. "Ah! A pleasure to see you again."

"And I." He lowered himself, sinking to his belly, and still being larger than her. "We should meet, properly. We have words to share, my princess. You must be confused, perhaps scared. I would not have my princess feeling either of those things."

Blue felt heat rising in her cheeks. "What a gentlepony." More than that, that such care was directed specifically at her was a new thing. As a prince, only her servants cared so much, and often only hesitantly, as they were required. "We've scarcely met."

"If you are to be my bride, then we should meet far more than the curt greeting we began with." He looked past Blue. "What book were you searching for? Perhaps I could assist?"

"This one, about décor!" She waggled it out, glowing with her magic. "I should do my part to make this place more comfortable, don't you think?"

"Hm." The stallion rolled that word around in his mind for a moment. "Is your room not to your liking?" He rose to his hooves.

"Of course." She laughed tensely, working around her new prince. "Um, but." She trailed a moment with a new frown. "It was a little sparse. I thought that was intentional?"

"Sparse?" He nudged her, his touch gentle, as if Blue Belle could shatter if he used any real force. "May I see? I did not realize my princess would be so unhappy."

She flailed her hooves in a panic. "It's not your fault. I've only just arrived, so I—"

He stood tall, turning for the door.

With things decided, she tucked her new book away and marched past him to lead the way back to her room. "It's not in shambles, I assure. It's just in need of some decorating touches, you see?" She willed the door open, as large as everything else in that country. "Here we are. See?"

He swept inside, quickly pacing from point to point, eyes darting about. He soon stopped to let a frown form on his features. "Where are the furnishings?" He pointed to a spot. "There should be a dresser here." He glared at the bed. "They found one thing from Equestria, and it was a bed barely fit for noble blood?" He twirled on Blue, proving he was quite agile despite being such a massive creature. "You have my most heartfelt apologies, my princess. I will have the servants responsible punished for even showing you this room in this state."

Part of Blue liked that idea. Somepony suffering for slighting her? "Let's not be too hasty," she mumbled out instead. "You wanted to talk, did you not?"

He brightened at that. "Ah, yes." With a swat of his tail, he knocked the door shut, giving them some amount of privacy. "Thank you, my princess. Let us begin with the name you'd prefer me to address you with." He flashed a smile. "Unless you prefer 'my princess'."

Blue put a hoof to her fluttering chest. Why did his words stir such feelings? She stepped awkwardly in a little stationary shuffle. "I am Blue Belle, but to be addressed as Blue by a peer would be—" She forced a smile. "Entirely acceptable." And new, and daunting, but such was her responsibility. "And what is your name, I would ask?"

"Prince Sand Star." He dipped his head at that. "But you can call me Sand. If two betrothed ponies cannot use their first names, who could, I dare wonder?"

"Who indeed." Blue considered Sand in a new way. It was like having his name was enough to change how he appeared in her eyes. "Betrothed, that word. I am not used to it."

"If I may confess." He sank before her to his belly. "Me neither, Blue. This is daunting, but we'll face it, together? If you need anything, please, let me know. We're both scared, but, at least, I'm home. You've been far removed from yours. I feel like I owe you at least a helping hoof."

"I am grateful for the offer." Blue blushed deeply. "But you've already been so kind. It would not do for me to impose more on you."

"Please, I insist. This is the start of something beautiful." He leaned in, touching his large snout to her cheek. His breath was like a warm wind off the desert, ruffling her fur with the warm breeze. "You are, if I may admit, quite comely, Blue."

Blue attempted to change her name posthaste to Red, at least if the color of her cheeks was any hint. To be called pretty by another stallion. No, she was a she, a mare. They weren't 'another' stallion. They were just a stallion, and she, a mare. Their mare, actually. Their betrothed mare, that they thought was pretty. "T-thank you," Blue got out stammering. "And, um, you are—" What was the word she used to want as a stallion? "Handsome. I like your attire, dashing." She circled around, reaching with her magic to pluck gently at his desert attire. "This is quite striking, and you wear it very well. I feel you fill it out just right." She was glad the embarrassment was covering up how awkward her walk was.

"I think I am not the only one, mare of my dreams." He reached for her, never forcefully. It was more like he was cradling the most delicate of glass work. "I know this is an awkward time, for both of us. Let's get past it. Tomorrow night is a celebration of your arrival and my birthday." He grinned broadly. "How do you feel about birthdays?"

Blue perked up at that. "My birthday is coming up as well!" She twirled an ear back. "I say, if I may be so bold as to ask, how many birthdays have you celebrated?"

"Mmm." He brought a hoof to his chin. "Including the one we're about to, about two dozen."

Blue laughed at that, a merry and genuine sound. "We are about the same age then, how delightful. Perhaps we were born on the same day even. What sort of luck would that be?"

Sand touched his massive nose to her smaller one, carefully rubbing snouts. "Then, perhaps, we can blame all of this on destiny itself."

Blue felt her heard thumping loudly in her ears. "Please excuse me." She took a hesitant step back. "I should prepare myself, for dinner tonight, and, um."

"Say no more." Sand stood up tall. "I have pestered you far more than enough, Blue, my princess. Relax. Should you need anything, ask the guard outside. And if he cannot, have him call me, at any time of day or not. Rest well."

"Thank you." Blue's voice was as quiet as a whisper. She watched him leave and didn't move until the door closed. Only then did she collapse on her bed, on her back and kicking her legs back and forth. "I have a prince," she wailed to nopony in particular. "I have a prince." And she just wasn't sure how to feel about that. She had just been a prince such a short time ago. But then, she stopped being one, and had gotten one instead.

"For Equestria," she whispered to herself, trying to find her resolve.

She rolled off her bed to her hooves, lashing her tail. "I agreed to this." She looked back at her body, considering it. "Am I displeased with it?" She was still for a time before shaking her head, shallow, but faster with each sway. "No! No. I am still a noble. I was striking as a stallion, and now, enchanting as a mare." She giggled a little at that, cheeks reddening.

"I even like the notion." She trotted out onto the balcony, to savor that view that had captivated her earlier that day. "I'm just overwhelmed. Look at this place. It's not built for a pony like me." She sank to her haunches. "I have so much adjusting to do."

She laughed tensely. "At the least, my future prince appears to be a kind sort. I could have done far worse." She stood up and turned for inside. "Let's look on the bright side." With a glowing horn, she drew out her decorating book. "We have a room to manage."

She flipped through it, smiling at some of the illustrations and scowling at others. "This." She tapped at a page. "This looks just wonderful." She began planning out the layout, leaving little circles and crosses at different parts of her room. "Guard, if—" She didn't get to finish her request, the door open with that same guard looking in with concern. "Ah, very good. I was hoping you could assist."

She trotted over, book held up in her magic.

"I would like the things shown here, to be placed there." She indicated the marks she'd left behind.

The guard scanned quickly over the book, comically large compared to Blue, but just right for him. "Of course, ma'am. I will get this request to the right ponies." He reached for the book. "May I?"

"Of course." Blue Belle surrendered the book from her magic into the guard's waiting hooves. "We'll really make this place shine, yes?"

"Of course, ma'am." With a sharp salute, the guard headed out to make that happen.

Blue sighed with a pleased smile. "Step one, control where you sleep, at least."

Author's Note

Blue Belle is learning a lot, but so is their new prince. It's a growing time.

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4 - Coming Out Party

Blue Belle adjusted her new outfit, an article of clothing from Equestria designed by Cadance herself. She loved how she looked in the dress, and the layers of cloth concealed her alien form. She turned left and right in front of the mirror, adjusting her legs and tail with soft hums. "If I saw a mare like you." She leaned in closer to her reflection. "I would consider approaching her. Would she enjoy my presence?"

A knock on the door surprised Blue. She hustled over to peek out the door.

A maid smiled at the peeking face. "Dinner is ready, ma'am."

"Thank you." Blue turned from the door, but didn't close it.

This was invitation enough for the maid to trot in and begin cleaning without another word between them. That was just as well, as Blue saw it, as that was the meaning she had intended. She looked herself over one more time, nodded, and headed for the door. "I'll be back after dinner."

The maid tipped her head at that. "The prince has asked to join you." She offered a sweet smile. "Would that be alright, Princess?"

"Uh." Blue stared at the maid. "I mean, yes, I suppose I should expect that." She resisted the urge to touch her face, instead being still. "I would be unsightly for a mare to refuse the presence of her betrothed, would it not?"

"Ma'am." The large maid, large like most ponies in that land, bowed low enough to meet their eyes before she got right back to work. "I doubt that the prince would hold it against you, if you asked to be alone."

Blue sighed gently. "I do appreciate that." She thought a moment before going to the door. "But, for now, I shall let the arrangement stand." She slipped out, accelerating to a proper trot as she made her way to the dining hall. She'd learned where such vital rooms were in the time she'd been there, and felt proud of herself for navigating to it without having to ask any guards.

One of those guards stood beside the door. "You are expected." He opened the door with a hoof and stepped out of the way for Blue to enter. "Have a nice evening, Princess."

"And you as well." She smiled at him as she passed.

A moment later, a soft groan of pain echoed from the guard.

Blue spun to look at the poor pony.

He smiled at her. "I'm fine, princess. Just a little sore." He rubbed at the leg that had been injured.

Blue Belle pinned her ears back. "You poor thing." She'd never seen a guard looking injured, especially one of those large ponies. "I should be able to help." She said that mostly to herself, frowning. Alas, healing magic was considered legendary, at best. Doctors had to work with medicine, or potions, and Blue had neither. "I'll check inside."

The guard put a hoof out. "No, ma'am. Your highness, it is my duty to be strong." He assumed a tall stance. "I won't give up just because of an ache."

Blue Belle stared at him, before bowing her head. "Very well, then. But please, go rest, and don't injure yourself further." She waited until he resumed his position before continuing to the door. With a sigh, she pushed her way in, revealing the many noble and wealthy ponies that already had a seat at the grand table.

She put on a proper smile, trotting up to her assigned chair and sliding up into it. Climbing it would be more accurate. The chair was sized for a pony twice her height, which meant she had to take a moment scaling into position and sinking to her rump with a sigh of relief.

One of those nearby snorted at her. "Equestria seems quite pitiful for a princess of theirs." He laughed as she glanced away in shame.

A flash of light appeared next to him, before fading to reveal a plate with a steak on it. Blue peered at the plate. Not fish, perhaps logical in that desert climate. What was that a steak of?

"My princess." The prince, her prince, had arrived with a kind smile. "I am gladdened to see you well." His mane was much neater than it had been before.

Blue Belle nodded at the sight of him. "You as well." She scanned over the room, noticing the glares at Sand. "Is today a particular day? There's a feeling in the air." She didn't mention the pointed looks.

Sand slumped in his chair, leaning to rub at his chin. "Well, yes. Today, we celebrate my birthday, and the union of Saddle Arabia, and, by extension, my kingdom, and Equestria."

Blue Belle beamed with pride. "Ah! How delightfully timed. We start many new things." She glanced away a moment and back at Sand, her voice lowering to a whisper, "The guard, just outside. He didn't want me to say anything, so, kindly, notice this yourself, but the poor thing is injured. He can hardly perform his job well while in that state, but he is ready to do it, out of loyalty."

Sand put his hooves on the table, shoving himself up. "I will tend to this personally. Excuse me, for just a moment." He slid off his chair, then out the door.

Blue shrank back a little. "Did I put my hoof in the wrong place?" She could only imagine what words Sand was sharing with the poor guard. "I hope not."

A maid stopped by Blue's chair. "Ma'am, are you not hungry?" She gestured at the vast spread of assorted plates and the foods they offered.

"I am." Blue glanced at the offerings, none of which looked particularly appealing. She swallowed gently. "I'm just not sure what to get, honestly."

The maid leaned in to whisper to Blue. "You are not the first Equestrian. I suggest that one." She gently pointed with her snout at a lone plate. "Unpopular with locals, but quite liked by all visitors from your home, hm?"

Blue's ears flicked. "Oh!" She lit her horn, grabbing a fork, and lifting up that plate, of all things, spaghetti. "You're a gem." She set the plate before herself. "But I won't learn if I don't try." She swayed her tail gently. "What is the most traditional thing on offer, hm? What would a true Saddle Arabian just not refuse?"

The maid went pale at that, before scanning the table. "That one, perhaps?" She pointed to a chunk of meat sitting on a platter, not on a plate, but the tray it was cooked in.

That mysterious steak from before. "Ah, of course. Thank you." She shared a nod with the larger maid and reached with her magic to slice off a portion of that steak. "I won't know until I try it at least."

"If it is unappetizing, I could..." The maid blushed, obviously in a bind.

Blue Belle gently patted the maid's flank. "Please, no. I've chosen this. If I change my mind, I will know what to avoid in the future, yes?" She looked up and over at the maid, meeting her gaze. "Tell me, are you local?"

The maid bowed her head. "I am."

"Well, then." Blue waved a hoof as if dismissing the very notion of a problem. "I could hardly complain, as my choices are new. I'm quite excited, to tell the truth."

With a wide smile, the maid moved on to attend to the other ponies at the table.

Sand returned to his chair with a heavy sigh. "They insisted that I must not trouble myself over this. I wouldn't even have noticed if you hadn't told me, dear princess." He reached for her free hoof, stroking it gently. "I will bring this matter to attention when there is a lull."

Blue Belle smiled at Sand. "Thank you." She grabbed her utensils and speared a clump of the mystery meat, to have her first bite. Chewing slowly, she tried to decide how she felt about the texture.

"Oh!" Blue's eyes widened. The spices flowed over her tongue in a mighty rush, her eyes watering a moment.

Sand offered a glass of water, placing it near her without water. Blue drank it quickly, but silently. "Ah, mmm, that is quite potent." Despite that, she tried a second bite, carefully measuring it with each bite.

Sand nodded his head slowly. "Our finest cooks and chefs. Each dish has a unique flavor." He sniffed the air. "Ah, you chose one of the more popular, if not common, dishes, the beef."

Blue felt her limbs stiffen. Beef? Were cows different in Saddle Arabia? The idea of eating one in Equestria was unthinkable, but she was already chewing her second bite. She could see no delicate way to retreat from the problem she had created. "The cooking is exquisite."

She gave no sign that she was secretly cursing her own bad luck. She kept her smile and avoided embarrassing herself, at least in that fashion.

"Ladies and gentlecolts." A stallion at the far end of the table stood up, towering over it. He was tall, even for one of their kind. "Thank you all for coming, to celebrate the joy that enters our lives." He waved a massive hoof towards Sand. "My son is twenty two, and I am filled with joy as a father to have him mature and healthy, and I know my queen would agree, and know the same joy, had she not fallen to illness."

The room grew quietly somber in a moment to honor that passing. He went on, undeterred save for that pause. "Also, we have a guest, a new family member. Duchess Princess Blue Belle of Equestria."

Blue tensed at that. They knew her full name?! She raised a hoof to wave at the many ponies examining her. "It's a pleasure to meet you all." She did her best to smile, feeling all that pressure bearing down on her. She ate mechanically, feeling that unease.

The stallion nodded firmly. "Princess Blue Belle will be wed to Sand in one moon's time. They are betrothed already, and getting along so well."

Understanding the prompting, Sand reached to draw Blue closer. "She is a delicate but wondrous mare. I am still learning of her, as she is of me, but we have found nothing unfavorable, father. My princess is a charming pony."

"As glad as I am to hear that." He chuckled gently. "I also must tell you, Sand, that you've inherited much, and that is your responsibility." The room applauded gently. "And you, Blue Belle, you will carry a weighty title as well. Are you ready for it?"

She put a hoof at her chest. "I will proudly be Sand's—" She hesitated, just a moment. She had not been raised to be anything but a prince, and perhaps a husband in time. "—wife, and do my best to support him, and the kingdom as a whole." She realized her misstep, and saw that some ponies had caught on to it.

Still, the applause was gentle and polite.

The king huffed with a nod. "Let the party continue."

Sand lifted an ear. "Apologies for that surprise. Were you raised to become a proper princess of Equestria?"

"No, I wasn't." She touched her forehead as she slinked lower. "I was always expected to take my uncle's role—" She bit her lip, realizing she was about to give away her secret. "As ambassador! I didn't expect such a role to involve a political marriage, but here we are." She covered her eyes.

Sand lifted a hoof. "Now, now. We have time yet." He bumped her gently, setting his hoof down. "Why don't we get some fresh air?" He slid easily to the floor and offered a leg in front of her like a makeshift step. "We've attended the most important part of the function."

She lifted a hoof. "We haven't even had cake yet!"

Sand chuckled at that. "But we have eaten, have we not?" He turned his gaze up to her. "Besides, a little walk won't make us miss dessert."

Blue reached down a hoof to step down, gracelessly falling on the extended arm.

Sand lowered the arm, Blue along with it, to the ground. He slid the arm up between her forelegs, powerful hoof rubbing her underside as he left her standing. "Shall we?"

Blue was a bright shade of red, floundering to figure out how to answer him. "Y-yes." She trotted a few steps to the door. "Yes. Please."

Sand was right behind her as they made their way out into the crisp desert night. As hot as the sun blazed during the day, the moon seemed to radiate only the deepest of chills, carried by the soft wind that kissed their snouts.

Blue Belle had already wrapped herself in her tail as they walked out into the courtyard. She lifted her face to the sky, eyes closed as she relaxed.

"We have much to do, my princess." He undid his cape and threw it over Blue, concealing her entirely a moment under its fluffy mass. "You look cold, even if you are quiet."

Blue Belle was in the darkness, but also there was a scent, Sand's smell was all around her, as if he were embracing her in welcome warmth, chasing away the chill of the evening. She let it hang a moment before reaching out with a hoof and poking Sand.

He poked back, as if she were one of his pals, rather than his princess.

She poked again, pulling the cape back until her head could poke free of it and see more than the back of the cape. "Thank you." She pulled it close, finding that it did keep in the warmth from his body quite well. She walked side by side with the stallion as they moved through the castle grounds, admiring the starlit night.

"You must have so many questions." He turned an ear to the side. "We are alone. You may ask me anything."

Blue considered this with a little frown. "I would ask, what do you expect from me, as your princess?"

Sand paused at that. "Direct." He leaned in, touching his nose to her side. "I like that. From my princess, I would have love. I would have honesty. I would have your support." He sank to his haunches. "With some amount of fortune, I would have children. I would have a happy life."

Blue's gaze followed his. "What do you mean?"

Sand folded his hooves before him. "I don't have any brothers, nor sisters, nor cousins. The closest heir I have is a distant one. In some ways, this is good. I don't have to fear that struggle."

Blue perked her ears at Sand. "Ah, I see." She glanced back at herself, a mare, a potential source of such children. She just had to do one little thing. Well, two. Mares had to do those two things, and children would happen. Neither felt like easy things to do.

The thought of either sent trembles of nervousness through her. "If we did have children, would I be permitted to care for them? I wasn't allowed to be a mother or anypony's wife." She bit her lip. Of course they would let no prince try to do either of those things.

Sand stroked his chin with a hoof. "You will have help. No one princess raises her foals. You will have me, and the maids, and the tutors, and the nannies, and every other pony to assist in raising our family, when we are ready for it."

Blue sighed at that. "That's a relief." She stood up slowly. "I just don't want to make a shame of it. There are, hm, there are things I would have had my own parents do different, had I that power. I would prefer any foal of my own to not have such thoughts."

Sand looked Blue over a moment, seeing her shake a little. "You're in need of something." He rose and began to walk slowly, inviting her to follow him with just that movement. "Perhaps some of that dessert? A sweet, for my sweet."

Blue blushed. "You're too much." She trotted alongside, holding the cape up so she could see him. "That sounds pleasant, though. You were correct." She smiled over at him.

Together, they made their way back inside.

Author's Note

The family arrives at home, yay! And have a little together-time, ahem.

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5 - Small Problems

Blue ran her eyes left and right over the scroll, its words, and its arcane symbols. "I see." She sat and tapped at her chin. "How someponies make this look so easy." She shook her head and returned to the top. "But it does sound useful."

The sorcerer with a wizard's hat beamed at that. "So, you have heard of it, have you? What is your impression of the spell, hm?"

Blue furrowed her brow at that. "Tell me again, why did you read it before it reached me?" She pointed at the scroll. "I am quite used to sealed scrolls remaining sealed until I fix that myself."

The sorcerer reached up, removing his pointed cap to reveal a horn. "Ma'am, I'm an Equestrian, like you. Saddle Arabians don't have horns, and don't have magic. They hire me to make sure nopony sends them an unkind bit of magic in the mail."

Blue's eyes widened. "I see. That is a good precaution, even if it is one that would seem to imply the entire magical community is untrustworthy."

The sorcerer waved his hooves in a panic. "Most aren't! Just means I get paid to make sure of it. But, with royal health on the line, they pay for it, and I also assist with matters magical when they come up." He glanced past Blue to the hovering scroll. "You can read it, obviously, but do you understand it?"

Blue Belle waved the scroll with magic and pointed at the first symbol. "It is a summoning. I cannot guess at what. It requires a component, but no direction as to how to obtain it."

"If I may?" With her nod, he slipped in closer for a peek. "Looks like you need a prism, not a large one. You are a princess, ma'am. I'd ask one of the guards for a prism that'd fit neatly on a hoof and you'll be ready to give it a try."

Blue lowered the scroll, glancing from the scroll to the sorcerer. "So, if I were to summon a creature and it threatened Saddle Arabia, you could counter it?"

"Oooh." The sorcerer tapped his chin with thoughts of it. "That would be something, but, no. That scroll will summon something that is not alive, solid." His eyes wandered over the arcane letters, picking them apart with moving lips. "I'd almost guess furniture? I doubt I'll be called in a hurry to deal with any furniture emergencies. Just don't summon it over anypony."

"Good." Blue Belle dismissed the scroll into her saddle bag with a glow. "I will look into this after lunch." She smiled at the sorcerer. "And I appreciate your help."

"Think nothing of it, your highness." The sorcerer bowed low and properly. "You are free to summon me at any time, if you would like assistance with that spell, later."

Blue sent the court magician on his way and went off herself to find one of the guards. She found a different pony instead. That one looked at her with a cold glare, a larger pony, as Saddle Arabians tended to be. They were a mare, looming, and well-dressed, Blue had to admit.

"What did you call for a guard for?" The mare stared at Blue, her mouth open just slightly.

Blue Belle shuffled a little, but met her stare. "To get a prism." She held up a hoof that felt so comically small compared to any Saddle Arabian. "For a spell."

"What manner of sorcery?" She huffed, towering over Blue somehow more than most others. "Your princess has made a fool of us."

Blue pinned her ears back at the sharp turn in the conversation. "Beg pardon?"

The mare prodded Blue with enough force to send Blue reeling back a few steps. "We had requested a princess. They would be large enough to match our prince. Instead, you, a little doll. If you were not so small, you would be ugly. Your neck is too long, your mane is not right. You are not a princess, you are a charlatan."

Blue felt a mix of shame, anger, and worry. "My composition is entirely within guidelines!" she hotly defended, cheeks burning at the sudden attack. "I beg pardon if my manestyle is uncouth for the local taste, but it is quite in line with the needs of Equestria, that I assure."

"Oh, I'm certain you're certain. Go to your room." The mare waved a hoof with disgust. "Disgraceful little runt. You had best prove your value another way."

Blue felt the heat growing, but it wasn't just shame. The shock of it was wearing thin, and a new emotion rushed to fill it. "I may yet be learning, but I remain a princess! Watch your tongue! Do not address me like some mewling filly that needs to be send to their room." She glared with as much fury as she could muster. "If you do not, I will—"

"Or what, you have no power over me." She turned away from Blue with a soft snort. "You won't until you are properly wed." She began to walk away. "And who is to say that will actually happen?"

Blue felt that new sensation boiling to the surface, like a raging fire from a candle. It couldn't contain the flame inside anymore, and it burned white hot. "I'll show you, I'll—"

"Make a scene?" The mare glanced back over a shoulder. "Please do."

Blue bit it down, trembling with poorly-held urges. "You are—" She took a moment to take a shaking breath. "—unkind." She spun, her face red, and she marched for her room with all the speed she could manage without running.

"And you are a princess." The mare huffed. "A proper one should be able to stand up for herself." But she let Blue flee, instead turning for some other business of hers. "As expected."

Blue crashed onto her bed, belly down in a graceless flop. "What had I done to deserve such treatment?" She hugged her pillow and turned her face down into it. "What had I done, to merit being called so many unkind things." Her shoulders trembled with a gentle sob, but she kept any louder noises to herself.

A gentle knock sounded from the door.

Blue peeked up towards it, gathering herself in a roll off the bed to her hooves with a sigh. "Who is it?" She wiped at her cheek just a little with the edge of her scarf.

The door creaked open, and in trotted a maid, carrying a plate in her magic. "Hello, your highness." She set the plate on the end table and bowed, though was still higher than Blue despite the motion. "If there's anything else you might like, I'm a call away at any time." She bowed again and turned for the door.

"Wait!" Blue squeaked out in a gasp. "You're... very kind to me. Why? I'm smaller than you, and less striking, I know that." She folded an ear back. "My, hm, small frame appears to be bothersome to some."

The maid colored faintly in her cheeks. "Ma'am! It is not my duty to question things like that. Large or small, you are a pony I am serving." She smiled a little more naturally. "Your being smaller does mean I can carry smaller servings of food and drink, which is easier. Aside that, why should it bother me, ma'am?"

Blue touched her chin and looked aside with a gentle sigh. "That's good enough reason, I suppose." She tapped the plate with a hoof. "Thank you, for your kind words." With her magic, she pulled the cover free and set it aside, allowing her to examine the meal and its appealing scents. "Mmm, send my chef my compliments. I have yet to have a meal here that I did not enjoy."

The maid dipped her head. "I will convey that message to the kitchen, ma'am. If you are not in need of anything else?"

Blue considered for a moment. "Is the prince busy? I would speak with him, but only if I am not drawing him away from more pressing engagements. I wouldn't dream of doing that to a prince, especially one as kind as Sand." She sighed softly, the name leaving her feeling warm.

The maid smiled at that. "His schedule is light, if I recall properly, ma'am." While she was there, she took a moment to pat down the blinds and fluff up a few flowers before moving for the door. "I'll let him know you'd like to speak to him."

Blue flickered an ear. "Perhaps that is why it bothered me so." She frowned faintly. "Most have been so kind and wonderful, to meet what I had feared when I first arrived was quite unsettling indeed." She closed her eyes a moment and sighed gently, letting her tension escape in that single breath. "But, it was just one pony being cruel."

Left alone in the quiet, Blue Belle gathered herself, thoughts drifting to the prince she had summoned. "He remains so large." She paced, nervous energy building in her. "And I am to wed him." She darkened at the thought. "That I would wed any stallion is already strange enough."

She paused to eat some of her meal. "At least I shall wed a fine prince. Hmph."

As if called, a brief knock came just moments before Sand saw himself in. "My princess, I was told you are full of heavy thoughts." Despite his size, he stepped so lightly his hooves didn't clop on the floor. "Can I help?" He settled onto his haunches, giving Blue Belle an opening.

She sagged, a deep sigh escaping her. "I am sorry for my condition, as I had not been taught to be a princess." She realized that sounded a bit odd. "Of another land," she hastily amended. "I do not want to make waves, but a mare was most unkind to me." She stared at her hooves, shuffling them. "I'm not used to that."

Sand's ears sank. "There are some ponies who will never be kind." He reached to pet Blue's cheek with gentle motions. "If you tell me who they were, I will see them punished for their actions. An attack on my princess is an attack on me."

Belle stiffened at that. "As tempting as that offer is, it could very well be me that made the mistake." She touched her nose to Sand's petting hoof. It smelled of warm sands. "Am I too small? They mentioned you were hoping for a much larger princess than the one you were afforded."

Sand stared at her for a moment, before gently leaning to brush noses. "It would be hard to call any princess of yours 'large', my princess." He laughed as he said it, just a little, his breath warm on her muzzle. "Still, if we were to go by your largest, Princess Celestia is comfortably around the average. Cadance would be on the lower end of that average."

He brought in his hooves, gathering Belle in closer. "You are small, this I can't entirely deny." He sat up tall. "But if you were too small, I would have already said something. Am I too large? I would hope you'd return the favor. Let us speak frankly with one another. We have to hide behind politeness for the rest of the world, but if ponies cannot be truthful to the one they wish to pledge their life towards, that is no world I desire."

Blue Belle blinked up at Sand's intense stare. "I. I have had complaints about your height." She giggled a little nervously. "But I have not once been dismayed by your appearance." She raised a hoof to her height, then further and further, trying to match Sand's with little luck. "I worry that I may shatter, but that is more, hm, a fear that I won't be enough for you." She squirmed as she said it. "I know that it is the proper role of a prince to have a strong, majestic husband, but, I am not that prince. Not anymore."

Sand tilted his head at that. "Anymore?"

Belle colored sharply. "That mare left me frazzled, apologies. I'm speaking strangely." She took a slow breath. "I want to live up to your needs, my prince. You've already exceeded mine." She tried to be poetic. "My future with you is one filled with new and exciting opportunities I'd not be granted otherwise."

"It will be a challenge, Blue, but I accept it." He nuzzled at the top of her head, breath warm over her. "I will be gentle. If I do anything that hurts or scares you, I would have you tell me immediately."

Blue felt her heart pounding. "My, Prince. I. I'm not quite ready for that just yet, but, perhaps soon. Soon enough." She nuzzled him back, shyly, timidly. "Thank you, truly. You are truly a prince, in every meaning of the word, hm?"

"I hope I am." He pulled back just enough to look at Blue Belle, watching her intently. "But I've come to wonder about that, myself." He watched her ears flick and his eyes narrowed. "About you being a prince. You used that term to describe yourself. 'You used to be a prince'. Did you mean to say 'ambassador'? Or do you have another role?" He drew her closer still.

Blue felt her entire body warming as her tongue slip was brought up again. "Yes, I had been an ambassador once! Successfully, I note." She coughed into a hoof gently. "Put tensions down and we had a happy ending, thankfully. There are many meanings behind 'like a prince', is there not? To be chivalrous and kind, to be the bigger pony, in behavior." She rolled a hoof in the air, laughing nervously. "In my case, as an ambassador, I had to be capable of defending my friends and our cause. Equestria was, and still is, far from this place, and quite safe."

Sand watched her, his eyes narrowing as she continued to dig herself deeper. But he did let it go. "I just said we were to speak frankly, but watch yourself, my princess. Others would find that turn of phrase quite confusing."

Blue Belle smiled awkwardly. "Sorry!"

Sand returned her smile. "That being said, I understand perfectly, Blue. We both are still adjusting to new roles." He sighed and stood up, leaving her suddenly alone in the cool of the room. "I have duties of my own to tend to."

Blue pinned her ears back. "Oh! I said not to call you if you were busy."

Sand held up a hoof. "For my princess, I had time enough to make sure everything was alright. You've done nothing wrong." He moved to the door. "Call if you need anything at all." He slipped out, turning to close the door with his teeth gently.

Blue flopped to her haunches. "How does one stallion manage to be so perfect?" Some small part of her burned with jealousy. When she was one of those, she could never burn so brightly, she felt certain. That sort of stallionhood was always beyond her. And, hm. "It's even more so these days." She looked back over the soft curves of marehood that she sported of late. "At least I fit this well." She swayed her tail with a little smile.

A fresh knock. Blue jumped in surprise. "I am certainly popular today."

"I have your prism," came the muffled call of a servant outside.

"Oh!" Blue hurried over and willed the door open to accept the prism, comically small in that pony's hoof, but just the right size in her own. "Thank you." She sat with the prism and worked through the spell. Her magic glinted off the prism, forming stairs that led upwards in a smooth ramp. "Twilight! You wonderful dear!"

Blue circled the stairs she had summoned. "This will make navigating so much easier."

Author's Note

I didn't promise there'd be no friction here.

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6 - Dressing Up

"Your highness." The king was waiting for her with a solemn expression, his gaze heavy upon her as she entered the dining hall. "Please sit. We have much to discuss."

Blue Belle glanced around. Large ponies were moving swiftly to vacate the room without a command spoken, as if it were just common knowledge that a discussion with the king required they not be there. Only her prince and his father remained, at the table, opposite ends, with her at the center.

Her plates of food and cups of beverages were being taken by servants, as they hustled to leave the room. She coughed gently into a hoof, feeling even more dwarfed than usual. "A pleasure to speak with you. How can I be of assistance?"

"Assist?" The king's voice was as rumbling and thundering as his form, like the gods themselves had dropped a large mountain in the shape of a pony. "No, you misunderstand. I require little." He gestured across the table at his son. "It is him whom you will spend time. Which is what I wish to speak of. You two have been quite cordial, it warms the heart to see. But there is no fire there. Without a fire, we cannot forge his heirs. I would be a lacking father not to have some concern."

Blue Belle nodded along. "I see. I must say, I do admire you. I could only ever wish to have the wisdom you possess. I have learned much in my time here, but I sense it pales before what you can offer." Sure, a lot of that was her trying to be on the king's good side.

The king did not seem moved. "Perhaps, in Equestria, chastity is a virtue. In Saddle Arabia, it is assumed a stallion shows their love, and a mare reflects it, like an exquisite mirror. That is how any can see the love between them is strong and well. I know that you and my son are trying to have that bond, but, sadly, it is invisible. Where are your dresses?"

Blue Belle shifted. "Dresses?" She blinked, staring at him. "I'm not sure I'm following."

The king waved a hoof. "Do you not know?"

The prince cleared his throat. "I had not explained those to her, nor have we shopped for them, Father."

The king rested his head against a massive hoof. "I see. I apologize, little Belle. I was putting the blame all on you when my son carries some of this." He took a slow breath, his sides expanding and somehow becoming even larger a moment. "I will not be here forever. You know this. I want you to be well, even when I am not around to ensure it."

The king stood and turned from the table, facing the wall with a picture of a stallion hung over it. "My brother was the eldest of us. He was destined for the throne, as you would expect. Fate can make a foal of us all." He huffed and turned back towards them. "One cannot predict when the end will come for them. Take your future wife and hold her dearly. You two seem to be getting along, what delays you, my son?"

Sand stood as well. "We've a busy day. Until later, father." He gestured towards the door. "Come, Princess. I shall explain your current situation."

Blue Belle took that as invitation enough to bolt for the exit, rushing to catch up with Sand's movement. She quickly fell behind, unable to keep pace with those powerful legs. He paused to wait for her. "Sorry!"

Sand waited patiently, not seeming to mind. "Dressmakers have come for you, and they have already crafted a selection of gowns for you." He sighed gently. "Forgive me for not telling you sooner. These are no normal dresses."

"Truly?" Blue Belle caught up at his side. "What makes them different? I've worn a dress or two." Two, literally. She hadn't been a mare for long enough to wear many more. The thought pinkened her cheeks with the reminder of that change.

"They are as much a symbol of me as they are something for you to wear." He turned a hoof at himself. "Each is done in my colors, and has my crest worked into them. To wear them is to state, no, scream to the world that you are mine." He leaned in, lowering himself so their eyes were even. "You may present a suit in kind for me to wear."

Blue Belle squirmed gently. "I-I see. A bit presumptuous, to assume we will wed, but, perhaps we are at that point." She fidgeted with a nervous laugh. "That is why I came here, is it not? The agreement reached with Equestria, all that." She shook her head. "I'm rambling now, apologies. May I speak with the seamstresses that made the dresses I'm to wear? Surely they would be good contacts if I'm to order a suit for you, Sand."

"Seamstresses?" He chuckled at that, eyes softening. "Blue, please. They are not here for just some dresses." He stroked a hoof over her cheek. "They are here for your wedding gown."

Blue didn't think she could go more red, but she managed nicely. "Yes!" she squeaked out, louder than she intended. "Of course. Um, well, yes. We should match. I would still like to speak with them, if that's alright?"

So he dared. He kissed the top of her head, and could feel her tension. "My little flower. How can I get you to blossom, and relax? This new garden has you on guard, and I would see you flourish."

Blue Belle squirmed gently under the kisses and touches. "I. I can't answer that question. But I would like to try that, with you. I want to be ready." She stared into the golden eyes above her. Suddenly, a smile erupted and with it an idea. "One moment." She backed from him just a few steps, her horn glowing. "Behold." She willed stairs to lead up and she followed those spectral steps until she was eye to eye with the prince. "This is so much better." She brushed her nose against his own. "I was right to cast the spell. Now I don't have to fear of breaking my neck to reach you."

Prince Sand chuckled at that, pulling back just an inch. "It is easy to forget at times that my little wife is a unicorn, and those have magic." He gently brushed noses. "You know, magic is quite rare around here. Saddle Arabians do not have unicorns. We are all, in Equestrian terms, earth ponies. Though there are differences. We aren't exactly the same." He gently rubbed his cheek against her. "Would you do me a small favor? After you get fitted for your wedding dress, could you do a little demonstration? Magic, for my people?"

Blue Belle met his gaze, the two touching nose to nose, the shared warmth radiating. She felt, with her eyes even to his, a little safer there with him. "I would be delighted. I am not, hm, a wizard, but I know a few spells I would be delighted to share." His breath teased her with its exotic scent, that personal hint of 'him'. "For you. I would be happy to show them off."

"I look forward to it." Sand pressed a little closer, gently, carefully. "My dear, I have an idea, if you'd care to hear it." He reached up a hoof and brushed it down her back. "If you trust me there, let us go gather your wedding apparel, and see to mine at the same time. We will be seen as a couple." He glanced down and around. "Ponies will be watching, so, behave accordingly."

Blue felt a thrill in her stomach at the thought of being more physical with him, in front of others. "As they should." She shook herself out gently. "If I may ask, are you alright? I mean, to have a wife so much smaller than yourself. Do I—" She fidgeted in place, horn glowing with keeping her stairs there. "Do I disappoint?"

Sand reached up and with tender care he tugged Blue free of the magical stairs to land in his embrace. "You have my every approval. If it were not true, you would have heard about it earlier." Surprise at being plucked free made her stairs vanish, and he started forward into the space they had held. "Come." Not that he gave a lot of choice, putting her atop his back as he trotted along. "Let's get dressed."

Blue Belle grasped the edge of his saddle bag with a hoof and braced herself. "This is fast!" She could feel the powerful muscles under her as he ran. It was an oddly exhilarating feeling. The whole of the castle felt smaller and less imposing with how quickly they were striding through it, and she, on the back of her prince, felt secure and protected. She wanted to laugh and cheer, but that felt incredibly inappropriate, so she sat instead, though her tail did wag more than strictly required.

Sand stopped outside of a massive door that swung open to him. He lifted a hoof to nudge it close and held it in place by a metal handle with a hook on it. "The dressing room is through here."

"Your Royal Highness?" A Saddle Arabian mare peeked out from further within. "I thought you'd be sending your lady to be. We've little for you."

But sand approached anyway. "I have brought her, and she wishes to speak with you all, wanting to get an article of clothing made as well."

The mare gasped. "How rude of me, please come in."

Blue Belle lifted her head and the door opened, letting her in. As she entered, she found herself in a sea of fabric. There were at least six dresses arranged in a row, and they were clearly sized for her, not a standard huge pony of that land. She slid off of Sand, wind rushing a moment before she met the ground with a clop and trotted over to examine what she'd be expected to wear, eyes locked on them.

They were all bright, and they had Sand's color scheme, the gold and silver and green that he wore proudly. Every dress seemed to be made with a long skirt, and it was a single piece. They were eye catching, and wonderful. Blue Belle smiled at their sight. Sure, she had worn bedazzling suits as a stallion, but they were different. She couldn't quite place what it was. She reached out, running a hoof over one of them. "Wonderful. Just wonderful." The material was so very soft to her touch. She could only imagine what it'd feel like to actually wear it.

"If you would be so kind as to pick the one that feels best, we can prepare it for you, my princess."

Blue Belle hesitated a moment, considering. "Well, that one has a nice pattern and it looks like it would be comfortable, but I do like the color here, hm." But she knew how to select a clothing of the day, and she pointed at one. "This one, kindly."

The mares were on her, as if called to action. They took fresh measurements and spirited the dress away into another room. Only one remained behind. "Ma'am, the prince mentioned you wanted something new from us? Are the dresses we made not up to your satisfaction?"

Blue waved her hooves quickly. "No no! Nothing of the sort." She turned that same hoof on Sand. "I just want something for him." Her horn glowed as she conjured her own crest, her family crest. "These are my colors. We should match, proudly wearing one another's marks."

Sand examined it, holding it up on a leg to examine it. "I agree." He nodded. "If we are to be married, we should represent one another's kingdom. This is quite an important gesture."

The maid bowed so low, her chin almost brushed the ground. "As you command. I will see to it at once. Prince, we already have your measurements, unless you've grown in the last moon?"

Sand waved his hoof dismissively. "You know me. I haven't. My princess would you like to be involved in this process?"

Blue Belle stepped over and admired his side, eyes slowly moving over every bit of him from rump to neck. "I am no tailor. I fear I would only get in the way. Leave an expert to an expert's task. I trust the ponies that crafted these wonderful dresses to make one more suit."

Author's Note

That stair spell's already paying off! Life changes when you can stare it in the eye properly.

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7 - Big and Small

Sand stepped free from the back, each step making his new suit flow over his sleek form. It was gold, with accents of green, a bit brighter than what he usually wore. The clothing flowed, accenting his form, and yet, there were parts of it that remained rigid, accentuating his strength.

Blue Belle began applauding as he approached, her smile stuck on her face. Having an echo of her family crest casually approaching her was too much. "Prince, I'm speechless. That looks amazing."

"You have done well." Sand trotted over to Blue Belle and paused for a moment before leaning in to nuzzle her cheek. "It is with honor that I wear the colors of my betrothed." He sat before her, looking her over. "You are wearing one of yours. Good. Does it find favor with you?"

Blue felt oddly exposed, not just because she was in a dress, but because it was hers, and not what she had picked out. The mares had chosen well, it fit snugly, comfortably. The colors were pleasing to her eyes, and none of it got in her way when moving about. How had they gotten her precise measurements? "It's quite good. We're both ready then."

Sand dipped his head at that. "Have you decided on what spells you would demonstrate?" He stepped aside to let her by.

Blue Belle shivered, and the gentle press of Sand against her flank helped ease some of that. "I'm about the only one that would be considering magic." She turned to sand, pressing nose to nose, even if his was so much larger. "What sort of magic are ponies expecting to see?"

"Our people have stories of your kind having such great power." Sand gently leaned in, rubbing his cheek against hers. "And great evil. That is what they fear, most of all." He stroked his hoof over her shoulder.

She considered his words. "Then we don't want any frightening magic, clearly. Something harmless and uplifting." She snorted with sudden humor. "I could call the stairs. Nothing is much more 'uplifting' than that."

Sand grinned at that. "Perhaps we should lead with that one? Show that your magic can be useful and practical. And then we will see if they are ready for something a bit more playful."

Blue nodded, some of the tension fading. "I am ready for that. Now, as gorgeous as we are, we should change. These are for the big day, not to be sullied in day to day use." She giggled a little. "Oh, I know I'm nervous. I'm so sorry."

Sand raised his chin. "Showing off your abilities makes you anxious?"

Blue Belle blinked at that, then shook her head. "I'm not nervous about, hm, that." She glanced away and back to Sand. "Have you time to talk, after we change back?"

Sand put his hoof to his chest. "I always have time for my princess."

"What if you are busy? It feels odd to command a prince to interrupt whatever duties he has to listen to me." She hurried behind some blinds and tossed her dress up over them to rest atop before she emerged, wearing only the chest ornament she usually wore. "But if you are offering, I would be foalish to say no. It's, um, private."

Sand blushed at the sight of her. "I will clear my schedule. And you can always ask anything of me." He quickly removed his own suit, allowing the servants to retrieve it as he quickly joined Blue Belle in being sans official wedding attire.

They went, side by side, to her room, where she closed the door gently. "We are fast approaching when a certain something is expected." She twitched her tail. "And it's not something I've ever done before. To be blunt, I am a little scared, magnified by how much larger you are, Sand." She paced back and forth, tension returned to her form. "You have struck me as a gentle and loving pony, but the realities of the situation, you understand?"

Sand nodded. "I do. I am quite large." He shifted in place. "And I've not had a wife before. I can't claim that it won't hurt. But I know it won't hurt on purpose." He took a slow breath. "I will only go as you permit me, dear wife. I may own everything in this kingdom, given time, but I will never own you." He touched his snout to her side. "Your body is your own and none other to make decisions on."

Blue Belle hugged herself with a heavy sigh. "Thank you, husband-to-be. Those are words that needed to be said." She leaned against him and rested her head on one of his legs. "So we are both untrained in this? We'll have to take it slow, and carefully."

"But I will." He angled both ears at Blue Belle. "As slow and as carefully as we need. It is my responsibility to satisfy, not harm, my new wife." He lowered himself to the ground, gently sliding an arm around her, pulling her against him. "My beautiful little wife."

Blue Belle giggled, squirming gently. "So close. But, please, I like you." She nuzzled gently, considering her past state. Part of her wanted to gush out the truth of her origin, but that would risk so much. She had to be wed, or the agreement with Equestria would be threatened. No, if she was to reveal that truth, it'd have to be after the wedding at soonest. "Thank you, for tolerating the fears of your wife to be."

Sand laughed a little. "Fear is a sign that something is worth fearing. Your caution is as appreciated as your openness." He ran a hoof down her back, sending shivers along her spine. "When we are married, we become a team, you understand? Our actions will be for the support of the other, so that we can both lead our best lives."

Blue Belle sniffed gently at his mane. "It seems like it's been forever since I had someone to lean on like this. Sand, I was the only child of my parents. There was no brother or sister for me to love, nor did I ever have a lover. All I have is my country." She stared up into his eyes. "I promise to you, in front of all of your subjects, to do all I can for them as well as you."

Sand nipped at her closer ear, a soft gesture, his tongue playing over it briefly. "My dear, there is little more I could ask." He rolled with her, putting Blue atop his considerable form. "There will be some that will be upset, to have a queen that is smaller than them."

Blue Belle had to steady herself on his broad chest, sitting there with legs apart. "Perhaps that's a good thing. No other pony will be allowed to sit upon their prince." She snickered at the idea. "That is a privilege I will carry alone." She sat up, tail swaying against his front. "You make an admirable seat, if you don't mind my saying."

Sand moved his hooves slowly, holding her in place on him. "My wife to be seems comfortable." His nose nudged her underside. "Perhaps we should let her remain so."

The two remained like that for a time, both comfortable with the presence of the other in the quiet. At least until a knock came from the door. Sand opened his eyes, breaking the peace he had slipped into. "That will be one of the servants."

Blue Belle yawned and turned to glance at the door. "Then, shall I let them in?" She smiled as she felt Sand's hooves pulling her a bit tighter. "Or do you wish to keep me here longer?"

"If it were up to me, I would do that." Sand gathered her up and set her on the ground as he rolled to his hooves. "We don't need them spreading rumors, even if some of them are true."

Blue snickered at that, trotting for the door. "Who is it?" she called as she sped towards that great entry to her room. She was a step away when it swung open, two of the servants ponies from before bowing in unison. "Oh!"

"Princess," said the lead of the two, "the King has requested your presence at supper."

Sand nodded at the two. "My princess, I am called." He strode away without hesitation, simply gone in a moment.

Blue Belle stood there, staring at where he had been, before glancing back at the servants. "Do you two know where my dress is?" She knew exactly where it was, but she wanted them to say it.

"You left your collection with the seamstress'." One maid angled her head back over herself. "We'll be bringing it here shortly, ma'am."

The other leaned in, snuffling gently at Blue. "Ma'am, may I ask a question?"

"You just did." Blue chuckled at her little joke. "But why not make it two?"

"Ma'am." She pointed at where Sand had hurried off towards. "Our prince is so much larger than you. Aren't you scared of being hurt, just being with him? I mean no offense, you two are quite cute together, but are you safe, ma'am?"

Blue put hoof to chest, and sagged down onto her haunches. "Safe. That is a complicated question." She sighed as she stood again. "I trust he won't harm me intentionally, but. It's like when I first cast stairs. I knew that it would help me get around easier, but I also knew that if I wasn't careful, I could end up tumbled on the ground, or worse if I really botched it. Life is full of little choices like that." She rested a hoof on her belly. "It's like this dress. I am comfortable in it, but if I got too energetic, I'd feel like an utter fool, probably to some laughter."

The maid pinkened at the mental image. "I would assist you, ma'am."

"And I would appreciate it, but that possibility remains." Blue circled in place. "Wearing the dress could get me hurt, or embarrassed. So I will be careful with it, but I'll still wear it." She touched nose to the maid's own. "We've much in common with my prince, he and I."

The maid glanced aside. "But he's so very much larger than you, ma'am."

The other maid nudged gently. "You are pressing. The princess is patient, but that isn't eternal."

"He and I have the same issue." Blue sighed with a smile. "My being small in height makes many worry about me, doesn't it? We all wish to be larger, I think." She clasped her hooves together. "Because being larger gives us greater confidence."

Blue lifted a hoof and started counting on it. "When I was much smaller, I had many friends that were also smaller than myself." She was also a stallion back then, but she kept that part to herself. "But that didn't stop us from tumbling about as foals are wont to do." She touched the first of her hooves. "I remember tripping once and skinning my knee so badly I needed bandages. All it took was one fall, a single stumble, for me to injure myself."

The maid drew a soft breath. "You are a warrior, ma'am. I am accustomed to royal ladies being are more, mmm, prim? Soft, delicate. You don't seem to be scared of those things." She smiled brightly. "I like it, ma'am. I'm glad to be your servant."

Blue Belle giggled at that. "I'm not always like this, my maid. I can be a delicate flower as well. But, those times aren't here now." She leaned in closer. "And with all the respect in the world to you and yours, I am still quite hungry."

Both maids squeaked and hurried off to address that.

Author's Note

Being a Teen rated fic, we will skip over the specifics of that when the time comes. Still, lots of good heart to heart in this chapter, I think.

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8 - Magic Display

The room was packed, both with ponies and heat. Every pony who could enter the grand hall had done so, leaving the door open for relief. Belle stood atop the stage, sweltering under the ponies gazing upon her, judging her every movement. She cleared her throat softly. "I may not be a wizard, but I can do a good enough showing, hm."

Belle extended a hoof to the prism at her side. Her horn glowed, letting her pull it into the air with her magic. She set it spinning in place before she closed her eyes. She took a step forward, to come down on the stair she fashioned at the same instant, ascending up slowly until she was even with them. Belle could feel the heat of the unblinking eyes staring at her, but they didn't see the tiny shake of her hooves, how much nervousness filled her form. But, even if they didn't notice that, there was one who did.

The one who looked on her kindly, her prince. She smiled nervously as she turned the stairs she was making, producing an even platform as she strode out over the crowd, hovering thanks to her platforms. Behind her, the stairs ceased to be, no longer needed. "Prince Sand."

He tilted his head. "Princess Belle?"

Belle swished her tail. "They've seen stairs. They need something more, I feel." She held up a hoof as if telling him to wait, horn glowing as she lifted herself and the prism higher, just a little with her standing entirely straight. "I learned this trick long ago. I hope it is to all of your liking. If it isn't, please know that it is at least safe."

Blue's horn flared brightly, the glow extending down her body. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as the magic surrounding her blazed brighter and brighter until she became nothing more than a ghostly outline, like a transparent moonbeam was taking her place. But that wasn't all. The prism also grew brighter, colors joining in. Orange and red, then blue and purple, then green, each mixing to produce a whole rainbow of color around her.

Some of the large ponies clapped gently, but the room wasn't exploding in cheers.

One, an older female, stood. "You are showing a trick to please the senses. Lovely, but worthless. Show us something practical, kindly?"

Blue Belle glanced back at the prism. "They can be practically used. Just a moment." She looked ahead and took a breath as she solidified again. She started making new stairs. She reached up, touching the ceiling.

"We've seen your platforms, of some use. Can you do anything else?" That old matron seemed to command respect in the room, others nodding along with her questions.

Belle squirmed, tail swishing as she pondered the options she had, glancing back at the prism that hung in the air. "I can craft pillars and walls as well." She set her hooves and pulled down, the walls leaping out of the floor as she crafted them, surrounded by more stairs that spiraled up into a delicate dome.

"You are a builder now? You must be trying to impress us, surely?" The matron shook her head with disapproval clear to see. "Of some use, but can you do anything else? The walls you make aren't permanent, I imagine."

Belle took a breath. "They fade when they're not being used, or if I dismiss them. I can't maintain this building forever." She scowled at that. "Are you telling me what I am doing is pointless?"

The matron stood on her back legs, a hoof in the air. She could almost reach Belle, hiding near the ceiling. "It is small, like you. I have heard tales of the amazing magic of Equestria. We would see that. Masters of what is and is not, show us something besides very temporary walls and steps."

Belle took a breath and considered. Her next spell would be based on this. She strained to remember a spell that had something entirely new in it. Her eyes widened as she remembered one that was perfect. She flicked her ears, ignoring the whispers of the crowd as she lowered herself. "Behold, my Princess's powers!"

Her horn flared with power and she focused, putting everything she had into her magic. She struggled to draw in air as the effort rose, like she was trying to breathe soup. But she focused and poured magic into that spell, light spilling out of her form to become something else.

In a single moment, from the ground beneath everypony's hooves came a wonderous blooming of green. The dusty floor became lush grass, full of life and beauty, growing rapidly from a brown tint to brilliant greens, purples, blues, reds, and others are flowers erupted between the hooves of the startled guests. Their sounds of surprise rippled, even the matron crashing backwards as various flowers erupted around her. The other guests were just as stunned, staring at their new surroundings.

The prism fell, forgotten in the confusion, but she couldn't catch it, not in her condition. It struck a wall that was solid now and cracked into many pieces, shattering like glass with a suddenness that made her flinch. Without the prism, her platform was no more, and she fell with a squeak, plummeting with the rushing wind of it.

She landed on a broad back. "Are you alright, my princess? That was quite a fall." The massive form of her prince moved under her as he rose, allowing her to be helped down.

Blue Belle sat down, lungs burning from effort. "I tried a spell I'd not used before, and I hope it was more pleasing?" She looked around to see the expressions of the other ponies. They were stunned into silence, if they weren't crying out with delight. Many hooves moved through the grass, disturbing it as they gaped at the display she had given them.

The matron went flat to her belly and rolled in the grass, squirming like a foal. "Oh, yes! These are amazing!"

Belle smiled as she sat up on top of Sand. The room was filled with laughter and whispers of amazement. "I think I found the right spell."

"That you did." Sand touched his nose to his little betrothed. "You did quite well. Are you tired? I can take you back to your room."

Belle pushed herself to her hooves and stood with a shaky sigh. "I'll be fine. It's not too far of a walk." She gave a few happy blinks. "Or do I need a prince to help me all the way there?"

"You may not need it." He gently huffed warm air over her. "But your prince stands ready. Little princess of green, you are a blessing on me and us all." He rested his muzzle on her side. "A treasure like no other."

Belle brushed her cheek against him with a tired smile. "I aim to please."

Sand trotted off carefully with her atop. "I do not mean to burden you, my princess, but is that a trick you can do as you please?"

Blue Belle looked up at him. "Yes, it is one of the easiest spells I know. It will need more effort if I was to cast it over a larger area, but it is well within my limits." She nodded firmly. "In fact, I could do it again right now."

"Please, no." Sand nudged her playfully. "You need rest, little wife." He considered as he walked along. "And a new trinket. What do you call it?"

"A prism." Belle huffed gently, remembering that moment it shattered into bits of dust. "I would like another, if you can. Thank you."

Sand nodded firmly. "Consider it done."

It wasn't long before they reached her room. "Your room, Princess." Sand stepped inside with Blue on his back, entering it quietly and moving to set her down on the floor. He sat, gazing around at the decorations that filled the space. "Quite lovely. You have a good eye for decor."

Blue Belle wobbled in place, feeling an odd tingle as she brushed against him. It made her shiver with strange delight, the feeling of his fur against hers. "Thank you." She cleared her throat. "I tried to be true to the culture I now reside in, while giving it a little touch of myself, for it is where I reside, is it not?"

"It is." He gently nuzzled the top of her head. "And you did a commendable job. Many would have made their room only to their own tastes. You put the taste of my people first." He gave her a firm hug. "But I should be going now. Rest, Blue Belle. Rest and recover your strength."

Blue Belle grinned as he moved away from her, the little shivers running down her spine as his touch left her.

Once he was gone, she strode to her mirror to behold the mare that stood there. "You are a mare." She huffed gently, knowing she hadn't always been. "You'll have to do all the things mares do." She glanced backwards as she flicked her tail, contemplating all that'd be. "And soon. But for now, rest."

She collapsed onto the bed with a relieved sigh, tired and a little sore from all that magic she'd just used. That sort of work was normally reserved for emergencies, not entertaining ponies. At least, that was what she had told herself. She rolled to her side, considering it. "I may have to add spell practice to my schedule." She had skipped so much of that, using the excuse that she didn't need it as a princess. "Princesses should know at least some spells, and I've barely used any in forever."

The word 'forever' struck her. Forever wasn't all that long ago. "I did learn the stairs." She smiled, thinking about that spell, even if she couldn't use it until she had a new prism. "I simply must be more careful with the next." An idea struck her. "Oh! Yes." She raised a hoof to her chest. "If I wore it, then I couldn't drop it. It'd make a delightful necklace bauble." She closed her eyes, laying on her back and tail draped off the bed. "Mmm, yes. That's the plan."

Blue Belle looked forward to practicing more spells. At least the basics, things like she could do as a foal. She'd work on her stamina as well. The way she had gotten tired shamed her. "None of that," she sleepily sighed out to herself, stretching.

A knocking at the door woke her up instantly. "Yes?"

The door cracked, and a maid's voice came in lightly, "Ma'am. They've set a date for you."

"A date?" Belle sat up sharply, realizing there was only one thing there could be a date for. "The wedding?!"

"Yes, ma'am." A card slid into the room. "Here are the details, ma'am. Sorry to bother." The door shut, leaving Belle alone again with the card.

Belle rolled onto her stomach, reaching out with her magic and pulling it in close. She turned it over in her hooves as she lay there. "We've been here two moons. Why so long? Or are they stalling?" Her ears flicked at the thought. Still, a date had been set, she could see it. It wasn't terribly long away. She would be wed to that immense, but lovely, prince. She colored at the thought. "I had always wanted to be married to a true and proper noble."

She sighed gently, her former dreams having been of taking a noble mare at their side. That was clearly not to be, as she was the noble mare making somepony else's dream come true instead. "The basic idea has still been fulfilled." She burst into laughs. "At least there will be a proper noble mare involved. And, even if I say so myself, she is a catch. My Sand seems to be quite enamored with her."

Blue Belle stroked the card in her hooves as she spoke. "Yes, he does." She squirmed gently at the thought of him and Blue Belle, or the imagined memory of how he felt, warm against her. When they got married, that heat would surely grow even more intense. There would be expectations on them both. If they didn't meet them, the whole wedding could be called off.

With nobility, love was certainly not enough. Sometimes, one did without it entirely.

Author's Note

Wedding time is drawing close. Is Blue Belle ready?

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9 - Be Prepared

"Enough." Blue Belle sped towards the door of her room and cracked it open. "I will not advance on this blindly a moment longer!" She stuck her head out, looking in both directions.

Spotting a maid busily dusting, Blue brightened and hastened towards them. "Excuse me, ma'am. A quick question, if you would."

The maid peeked over her shoulder with a smile. "Oh! Yes ma'am?"

"Where would I find knowledge or supplies of a more—" She rolled a hoof in the air, coloring. "—intimate nature?"

The maid blushed a bit. "Ah, ma'am, we are, that is, you may request a book, but, hm." She gave an awkward smile. "Do you know the way to the library?"

As it turned, she had been there before. "Lovely place. It has tomes I'm thinking of then? I had imagined those a bit too tawdry to have right there."

The maid laughed tensely. "They are there." She coughed into a hoof. "If one looks. The ponies who work there can help you locate them if you don't find them. As for supplies, hm." She was coloring deeper the more she thought about it. "I confess, I am unsure. I have not purchased such things before."

"I have some ideas." Blue gave a wry smile. "I shall hunt up what I need. I wanted to confirm if I'd need to do so or not. Thank you."

"A pleasure, ma'am."

Blue sped away down the long hallway. Every hallway in that castle of giants felt like a long and tall opulent cavern. Wide as well. "If I suffer anything, it it will not be a lack of motion." Perhaps she'd become more toned in time, hustling from place to place as she'd have to do to get anything done in that land of giants.

There was an odd feeling in her chest, something like sadness mixed with panic, at the idea that her time there might go beyond the marriage ceremony. She did realize, even thinking about it, that it was a silly thought. Of course she'd stay. Wedding mares remained at their husband's side. That was how the world operated. She'd be a poor partner if she wanted to flee him.

She darted into the castle library and huffed. Even the book shelves felt too large. Fortunately, she did see ponies who worked there. She waved a hoof, trotting over. "Hello! Do you have books here on sex?"

A young mare cleared her throat. "We have many on reproduction, yes."

Blue Belle nodded firmly. "Excellent. Between two ponies of course. I have no skill or interest in base animal husbandry." She brought together her forehooves. "The specifics regarding the act, how to prepare. The dos and don'ts. That manner of thing."

The librarian adjusted her glasses as she scanned the shelves. "Let's see here." She trotted along them slowly, moving past several in her search. She stopped at one and took it down, grabbing it in her mouth and putting it on the ground. She inspected it briefly before tilting it for Blue Belle to read.

Blue advanced curiously. "Wonderful! Thank you. I can read it from here." She formed a small ramp to ascend to a better angle to do so from. "You've been a lovely help."

"Our pleasure." The librarian moved to leave. "If you have need of me, simply call."

Blue Belle spread her front hooves, stepping onto the book with care. "Do you have anything for hygiene, as well? There's an intimate region I must keep clear and clean."

The librarian tinted, but only faintly, as if she'd been asked worse things before. "Yes. It is aimed primarily at younger mares, but its information remains useful." She strode away, just to return with a far smaller book she placed next to the first. "Here you are. Do let us know if we can help you further."

Blue Belle felt relief from her curiosity flowing through her body. "Thank you! Yes, I will." She shifted her hooves and made more stairs to bring herself up onto the book to sit on it as she leaned down to start reading. The book went into detail on pony courtship, going over basic courtesies from both sides in the romancing parts of things.

Blue flipped forward. "We've already finished that. I am to be wed. A bit late for either of us to go wooing the other. Why does this cover so much? That part is so tiny in the end."

She stopped on a page that spoke of the magic of unicorns and their horns. Apparently the horns were sensitive. Blue reached up for her own horn, colored gently. "Perhaps I'll save this information for him." She imagined him teasing her horn and felt heat building in her. Part of her wondered what it'd be like, and an even larger part of her wanted to experience the techniques they described, performed by a loving Sand on her.

She gave herself a small shake to stop that line of thinking. She could feel dampness down there at the thought of it, which told her that her body was certainly eager to find out. "Focus," she muttered to herself. "Royal duties come far before such distractions." Horn play wouldn't help her fulfill her role as the mare of a prince.

Blue gasped as she reached the part, the important part. Where a stallion slid over a mare, and they performed the primal dance of life, the one that created new life.

It didn't cover dramatic differences in sizes though. That just wasn't something whoever wrote that book even considered a potential issue that could come up. Blue Belle had the distinct feeling that whoever did write it never saw a Saddle Arabian pony before. She inclined her head. "Or, they are one, and never considered taking an Equestrian pony as a partner."

She huffed softly and looked around for that helpful librarian. "Pardon me? Would you have anything regarding the unique aspects of my situation?"

The librarian's ears turned, directing her to Belle. She trotted over, moving quickly for such a large creature. "Ma'am? Which unique aspects are you referring to?" She leaned in. "Your horn? Your magic?"

Blue smiled gently at that. Both were unique aspects. She couldn't argue that. "I meant my size." She held up her forehooves. "I am small, as you can see. Prince Sand is large." She envisioned him, in all his massive glory. "Perfectly sized for his lineage, but one I do not share. I wish to do my part properly. Do you have any books concerning that?"

The librarian hummed as she considered that. "I can think of some things that might help, if you'll be patient with me a moment." She bowed, ducking away to look over the shelves. Blue watched as best she could, but largely remained where she began, waiting patiently.

"This should help." The librarian returned with a new book that looked more like a novel of some kind. "A story, of another mare who found love with a Saddle Arabian stallion. It's not explicit, but I believe you will get a good idea from it, along with the encouragement to continue forward."

Blue Belle stared at the book for a long moment before taking it. "Thank you." She flipped it open with her magic and eagerly devoured it with sweeping eyes. The book lacked formal details, written far more as a testimonial than any manner of proper documentation. Still, it gave her ideas, and warnings.

A large pony could cover a small mare. They could come together, but there were warnings. It had to be done carefully, from both sides. Dire warnings of how either had to only move gently and never with any sudden motions, not until they had become accustomed to one another. If she allowed him in too fast, or he pushed in too fast, either would get injured, either physically or mentally.

"To avoid the former," Blue Belle quietly read to herself, "the little mare must prepare herself and him." The book went into detail about what the mare who had wrote the book did to work herself up. She suggested the use of specific 'toys' to prepare herself for her lover. "Use ever increasing girths. You can, with patience and care, slowly make it not only possible, but even a delight." She nodded as she read the words out loud.

Blue Belle smiled, glancing up at the librarian. "So I will do that." She put hoof to chest, more firmly than she would have otherwise, given her nerves. "I will need some of those toys, and perhaps a more proper place to take care of this."

The librarian inclined her head. "Your room would be proper, but we don't have any of, hm, those here. This is a library. You'll need to go into the city to find a store that sells such things. Considering it's for his benefit, Ma'am, perhaps you could ask Prince Sand to accompany you?"

Blue colored rapidly. "That feels like such a tawdry request! 'My dear prince, please take me to shop for toys to prepare myself to make love with you.'" She winced. "I can't imagine doing that!"

The librarian tipped her head, smiling. "Who else would be more suited to ask that very question? That you wish to prepare for him would only please him, Ma'am."

Blue groaned, putting her hooves over her face. "You do have a point. But still. I couldn't do that!" She lowered her hooves. "It would be easier if he just did it for me."

The librarian patted Blue's comparatively tiny head. "He would have no idea which to get, or what size. Only a mare knows themselves that well. You will have to go, I'm afraid." She laughed gently. "But I don't think you'll be alone when you do so. My prince will want to make sure you are well guarded."

Blue Belle slowly nodded at that. "Ah. Yes." She curled a hoof to her chin. "Actually, that is a fantastic idea. I could ask a guard to take me and spare Sand hearing his betrothed make such indecent requests of him." She closed the book with a flick of her magic. "Thank you."

The librarian giggled softly. "You're welcome, Ma'am. Please, do let me know if you need anything else."

With her mission quite set, Blue strode down her stairs and let it vanish as she marched out of the library in search of a guard. The first one she saw was big and burly, but she asked him anyway. He glanced around awkwardly. "I, ah, am afraid I have duties to attend to, Ma'am."

Blue nodded lightly. "Of course. Do you know a guard available to take me into the city for some shopping then? It's important." She trotted closer, whispering into his ear, "Intimate supplies. I am a proper mare, I have to take care of such things."

The guard stared at her before turning his head to look at the guards on either side of him. He pointed to a specific one, picked out of the others. "That one is unique qualified for this."

Blue blinked. "What makes them best?"

The guard huffed gently. "Ma'am, they're a eunuch. They can be trusted with a princess while she buys such things. I'm not one of those, so I shouldn't. Good luck. Please don't ask me again." He trotted off, leaving Blue and the eunuch staring at each other.

"Well then." Blue shuffled in place, uncertain what to do or say.

The Eunuch smiled. "A pleasure to meet you. I hear Equestria doesn't really do this gender of mine, with the exceptions of tragic accidents. Mine was quite intentional. Now, how can I assist our future princess?"

Blue Belle nodded slowly. "You can accompany me into the city to purchase things for the royal bedroom." She blushed as she said that. "To better prepare myself for the marital act."

The Eunuch blinked at her before giving a single laugh. "That does sound important, and like something you'd ask somepony like me to do." He paused a moment. "Would you like a ride, Your Highness? With you on my back, we can go faster."

Blue Belle went pinker still at the idea. "I wouldn't want to be an imposition. I'm small, but still, I don't want to harm your ability to fight if it's needed."

He snorted gently. "I would hope that doesn't come up. Still, I can move at your pace. Let's go." He led the way out of the castle. "Have you been into town before yet?"

Blue shook her head. "No. I haven't really left the castle grounds." She gave a single laugh. "Except for my little magical display in front of everyone, and that was just the castle grounds."

"I heard of that, quite the display. I would have liked to have seen it myself." He walked at her side, matching her stride without complaint. "You can consider me just another mare, if you're unsure what you can mention, or not, ma'am."

Blue simply agreed and talked about the act she wanted to prepare herself for. She gave all the details on the larger stallion that needed preparing for. He did grin a bit at that. "All part of my job, handling such delicate matters without becoming involved in them. I know a shop that has what you want."

Author's Note

Well, we went Mature, so, time to prepare for Mature acts. Blue was pretty sure there were steps to take to not just get injured, and she's found some intel!

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10 - Big Bottomed Mare

Blue Belle's eyes were as wide as they dared permit. "My word." All around were various tawdry items designed for use in private places only seen by other very trusted ponies. Some of them, she determined, perhaps hidden even from them. From the outside, the store was blank, with only a single sign that itself gave no hints of what was sold within. The door inside was a thick sheet that ensured light was always blocked from the outside.

Inside, there were many shelves packed with books and display cases with devices in all sorts of shapes and sizes. "My word," Blue repeated, but softer, almost a gasp.

The Eunuch walked easily through the store. Their interest in the items seemed academic at best. Most of their time was spent keeping aside Blue Belle. "Should I summon the proprietor for you?"

Blue nodded. "Please." She swallowed nervously, trotting after the Eunuch to reach the counter.

"He'll be here in a moment, Ma'am." The Eunuch didn't sound even slightly stressed or upset.

But it wasn't a stallion that poked their head out from a bead curtain leading into the back. It was a middle-aged mare with a warm smile. "They weren't lying!" She cantered the rest of the way free. "The future princess visits me! To what do I owe this honor?"

Blue blinked, taken aback. "I am going to marry your prince." She wondered if she should curtsy. "A pleasure to meet you, Ma'am."

The owner gave an airy laugh. "That much I have heard. You are even more adorable than they said. Look at you! Now, how can I help our little future-princess? I did not think you would come here, of all stores to visit first."

Blue colored at that. "Well, this is the store I came to, so it must be the correct one, even if I don't know where else there is to go." She fluttered her eyelashes with a momentary self-consciousness. "May I be frank?" She ascended some stairs of her own magical crafting to reach the counter and be closer to eye level with the shopkeep.

The shopkeep's gaze moved from Blue Belle to the Eunuch before returning. "How can I say no to a request like that?" She leaned in with a smile. "In this place, a pony is either frank, or entirely silent. Rare is the middle ground."

"I am a tiny mare, in more ways than one." Blue's cheeks felt like they were on fire with how warmed with blood they'd become. "And Prince Sand, he is, hm, a bit, shall we say, large, in all ways. I would not wish to fail to uphold my duties, as princess."

The shopkeep clasped her hooves to her chest, face awash with glee. "You do him proud! I do not think we've had a princess from Equestria before. We've had stallions of ours marry little mares, but a princess? This is a first." She leaned in. "But don't be worried! Prince or Princess, the matter is the same." She inclined her head. "Though I was told princesses of Equestria were larger. No matter! Here you are. I am quite pleased you came to me for help."

Blue Belle smiled. "I cannot ask Prince Sand to take me here. What would his subjects think if they saw him doing that?" She fluttered her eyelashes. "So, hm, what do you suggest, exactly?" She turned to marvel at the selection of items. "I will confess I haven't the slightest idea where to begin."

The shopkeep blushed a bit. "I am the same way. Perhaps we could start with what you know of making love?"

Blue tilted her head. "Do you have any books? That would be easiest."

The shopkeep put a hoof before Blue. "No. This is not a matter for book learning. What we speak of is in here." She moved that hoof to her own chest. "What do you know, without looking it up?"

Blue Belle's ears wilted slightly. "Not much."

The shopkeep inclined her head slowly. "Oh! Oh. Our little princess has come to us as virgin as the white snowy fur she wears. Poor thing, no wonder you are confused. Well, then you put yourself in my care, and let me guide you through. I did not realize I was helping in that special time."

"In that?" Blue Belle felt a little lost, like she had been thrust into deep waters with no boat.

The shopkeep said gently, "Sex is one of the most important events of a pony's life." She winked. "Though we like to pretend it isn't. I know better." With soft laughter she went to an aisle and began running her hoof along the shelves. "Now, to begin, I will dispel some rumors. Despite our size differences, a stallion of ours is not larger than a foal of yours. However—" She looked over her shoulder back at Blue. "That doesn't mean that you want to feel like you're giving birth every time you come together, I imagine, hm?"

Blue Belle stared a moment before shaking her head. "No! Certainly not. I would much prefer not to even think about that."

The shopkeep giggled gently. "Then we start here." She pulled down a box with a few items in it. "Mmm, this. Then that. And this one." She came back with three things cupped in her hooves. She let them fall to the counter, revealing them to be three sexual toys of increasing size. The largest was larger than any part of Blue Belle. "You'll begin with these. Start with the first, working up to the last, when you're ready."

Blue Belle looked at the series of 'toys' with something like fear, maybe awe, and a little dread. "You really think I'll be able—" She tapered off, unable to finish the question, just staring at that last one.

The shopkeep giggled. "It is a remarkable feeling, your first time." She stroked her chin as she leaned in. "But you must tell me something, dear princess. How often will you be coming together?"

Blue flipped her ears back. "As often as is proper!" She turned her mind back to when she was a prince, and their thoughts on it. "Once a week?"

The shopkeep laughed gently. "The doubt in your voice. Do you not have your own urges, or do you plan to follow the prince's step in this every hoof of the way?"

Blue Belle felt color rising to her cheeks. "I don't think he would object to more than once a week."

The shopkeep rubbed her hooves together with glee. "Come come, you must tell me what manner of stallion Prince Sand is!"

Blue flopped to her belly. It was all too much. "He is kind and courteous and I already deeply admire him. I wish to be good princess for him."

The shopkeep tapped the first. "Start here. Get used to having something in there, think of him and how nice he is. When you are used to it, move to the next." She slid a hoof to the second. "And do it again. The last." She slid to the largest, final, tool. "You'll be more ready by that point, but take it slow. Imagine it is him, being slow and so loving to you."

Blue Belle nosed one and gulped. "How long does it take?"

The shopkeep put her hoof to Blue's back. "Oh, child. It will be different for you, but I would guess a week or two, before you could manage this last." She raised a hoof to her own cheek. "Mmm, but don't take that as a requirement. You take your time, and enjoy the process if you can. There is no time limit, and if you are trying genuinely, and the prince is as kind as you report, he will understand that you are not turning him away, but preparing for him, and he will wait."

Blue Belle rolled onto her side, snuggling into that hoof. It was very nice, not unlike a mother's hoof. "Thank you." She breathed out slowly. "But I think I'm ready to buy the first one."

The eunuch coughed into a hoof. "I suggest you purchase all three. We don't want rumors of the royal princess coming and going from here too often."

Blue hopped up, suddenly entirely awake and sharply alert. "Dear no! That's the sort of rumor that can sully one's name quite badly. Good thinking. Please, I'll take all three."

The shopkeep shrugged, completely unconcerned. "Fine with me. Shall I gift wrap them?" She rubbed her chin, considering. "I'd charge extra, but you're the princess, so it's on the house."

Blue's color rushed back. "You're teasing me! It's for me, from me. Who would I be presenting it as a gift as? No, just in a bag, a plain bag, will do."

The shopkeep was solemn. "I understand, Ma'am. Not even from you to you. Mm, this might take a little longer than expected." She grinned brightly. She looked to the eunuch. "Are you the purse?"

"Correct, ma'am." The eunuch turned and got out a bag of bits, paying for the three items. "Do you recommend anything else, while we're here?"

She perked. "Oh, silly me." She rushed off and came back with a little jar. "Use this on a toy before you begin playing with it, it'll help it slide more easily. Wash the toy afterwards, but I shouldn't have to mention that. Still, I did, and I mean it."

Blue Belle blushed anew, just looking at that little jar. "I see." More questions brimmed in her mind, but her ability to actually ask them was at an end. Mental stamina drained, she just nodded. "Thank you."

The silence dragged between the group before the eunuch spoke up. "Anything else? A book, maybe?"

The shopkeep tilted her head. "For the shy princess? Only if she wishes to learn things beyond the basics." She flashed a smile. "She can send you to pick that up, when she is ready, and if she wishes. She does not need that today."

Blue Belle nearly covered her face with both hooves in embarrassment. "Oh, dear. Is it that obvious?"

The shopkeep shrugged, gently indifferent. "I am very good at my job." She shooed the both of them away. "Now, off with both of you. Thank you for making my day, and I hope you make his night; when you are ready."

Blue Belle gave a wan smile. "You are more helpful than I had hoped, thank you." She nodded to the eunuch as well. "To you as well. I never thought about needing guards, but they're quite helpful."

The guard chuckled at that. "That is why we come in different varieties. Eunuchs are the ones to call for such matters, and some others beside." He reached to scoop Blue onto his back. "You are worn. Let me carry you back."

Blue discovered she could still color more. "Won't ponies talk?"

"Perhaps, but nothing offensive. A eunuch providing a ride is hardly new." He set off back to the castle.

And so ended their little shopping trip, but began Blue's mission to be ready to prepare for the mission she had accepted.

"Cadance, I hope you're happy." She huffed as she examined her new bag of goodies. "I hope you and Shining are both happy." She drew the bag closer. "I hope I'm happy."

Blue swallowed thickly. "I suppose we are to find out."

Author's Note

Blue begins training! She got some good information, and made some friends while she was at it. A good day?

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11 - I Was All By Myself

Blue was alone, in her room. She glared at the new toys she'd gotten as if somehow part of this was their fault. "This isn't complicated," she sighed out, pacing on her hooves. "Just take the small one and put it there."

Unfortunately, 'there' was that part of her she'd not had just a short moon ago! "It's no big deal. Every mare in this world knows what that is, and likely has experienced something like this with it. Some... I imagine... quite often." Her cheeks grew warmer, just thinking about it. She lowered herself onto her side with a slow groan. "Fine. Fine. Let's just do this."

Blue wiggled and curled until she had a nice view of the first of the toys she had been told to try. She plucked it up with her magic and drew it close. "Now, before we begin." She brought over the jar and smeared it in the lubricant, leaving it with an even sheen that glimmered in the low light. "Here we go." She nudged it gently with her magic and rolled onto her back, aiming it between her hind legs. "Pushy, pushy," she chided her magic, prodding at the soft skin of her entrance with it.

It was odd. She had touched herself there before, when cleaning, but that wasn't the same as letting something into her. Blue gasped softly as the first little bit slipped in. As a stallion, she has been quite simple about anything trying to go that way. Don't allow it. As a female, the rules were different, and sometimes that was to be allowed. It was necessary for her prince to be able to claim his bride properly. She breathed slowly as she pushed more of the toy in.

It didn't hurt, or at least, not yet. A little uncomfortable, perhaps. She could feel her insides adjusting around the toy. To their credit, they were doing it quite smoothly. The more she gently guided it, the simpler it became, though the more intense the feelings were becoming. Her breath caught as it seemed to press against something inside of her. "Oh," she whispered out, trying to move past it, but the moment that part was nudged, she shuddered with delight.

It took a little wriggling to figure out she wasn't aiming correctly, and the pleasure was actually coming from closer to the entrance, a magic little button that made her jump every time it was touched. She decided not to explore that, though she did arch herself and tap it once more just to get a good feel for how strong it could be. Blue shook as her body seemed to turn into lightning and energy. "Oh my." She sighed out, imagining what it might be like on that big day.

She glanced up at the bigger two and gulped. There was a way to go yet before she'd even consider being ready for those. But she had made a start, and now that she knew what felt good, and what felt good where, she felt she could do this without needing to ask somepony else for advice. Her cheeks flushed at the thought. Really, asking somepony about such things? Did anypony dare to do such a thing?

Blue Belle realized the answer to that question was quite obviously 'yes'. Still, that didn't make it any less awkward, especially when one considered who had to be asked. She laughed as she pictured herself trotting up to her prince and just out and out saying, 'Sand, darling, would you explain to me how to be a mare properly?" She giggled lightly, unable to help it. It was a comical image, and one she could just see happening, given how proper and stiff he could be. She could almost hear him answering in that courtly tone, "But of course, my dear."

She shook those thoughts away. No! She would be ready to be a mare for him. He'd done everything on his side. It was the least she could do. She worked the smallest of the toys against herself. "I will be ready," she breathed out heavily, body trembling from her own work. "This isn't so hard. Why had I been so afraid?"

Her lips quirked with amusement at that question. She already knew the answer. As a prince, she'd been taught that sex was bad, dirty, and only something filthy stallions did. At least, until one was well and properly married. She was preparing for a marriage. That was close enough?

She pulled the toy free with a huff. "Easy. Easy." The only challenge that slender wand offered was her getting used to the idea of something being inside her like that. "My poor husband is going to be in for quite a surprise." She chuckled as she wondered how he would react if he found out what she was doing.

With a grunt, she pushed it back into herself and felt that flash of energy flowing through her, but it was smaller than before. She really was getting used to it. Well, she was a mare. This was part of being a mare. "With stallions." She closed her eyes and imagined the great form of Sand above her. She gasped softly, body shuddering at the thought.

Blue Belle let her hoof touch against the magic button, sending shivers through her. It seemed such a little thing. Just a little bump that stuck out. But, combined with her thoughts of her future husband, she was paralyzed a moment with the pleasure of it. "Oh," she moaned out, her head rolling back. "What is this feeling?" It seemed like her whole body was focused on that small spot. Every motion she made just added to it, bringing her further along.

She drew the wand out and placed it aside. "This, mmm, fascinating perhaps, but it won't help me be ready for Sand." She grabbed with her magic for the next size up. "My large prince, you need me to be ready for you."

Blue stroked the tip of the toy with her magic, leaving it slick with the lubricant. "Maybe it will be easier this time." She rolled onto her side, tucking one hoof to herself to leave her vent exposed. She slid the next one in and felt the gentle push as she was working something her body was very new to. It wasn't hurting anything exactly. It just felt like some things had to stretch a little. Her teeth gritted slightly, more with annoyance than anything else. She wanted to be done with this process. She wanted to be prepared to marry her prince, and finally, after all the moons of waiting, the time was near!

Working the larger shaft into herself wasn't any more, inherently, pleasurable. It wasn't less either. It was the same thing, just larger. Fortunately for all involved, working one of those was proving to be quite the pleasant experience overall. If that enjoyment held true for her larger mate, she was looking forward to being together in more ways than just a matter of paperwork. She hummed happily as she wriggled the new toy about, learning how to use it to make her insides feel good.

The advice had said to stick with each for at least a few days before trying the next. The starting one had felt foalishly easy. The second had some resistance. Perhaps it would be best? Blue Belle pushed herself to her hooves, reaching out for the final toy. It was thick enough around that it seemed a strange thought it could ever fit into a mare. "You, into me," she mused softly, giggling at the thought. She was starting to enjoy the strange power a mare had, to accept and hold things inside itself like that.

She worked the lubricant all over the large toy. "No way you're going in there without being prepared." She gave it a pat with her magic, considering how much larger it was than what she'd taken to begin with. "All right, you big guy. Get on in there."

With the first little bit in, she let out a soft breath. It pushed her delicate inside out firmly. She could feel her passageway struggling to contain it. There was a warm burning, not like something was being ripped, but it was a firm shove her body had to physically adjust to. Her teeth gritted as she gave a few short shoves to drive it in deeper. With the whole head of it in, she arched her back, panting softly. "This is more like it," she grunted out.

Her stallion, Sand, would be at least that massive. He would drive into her. She moved the great tool with the imagined motions of Sand over her. Her breath grew heavy as she imagined what it would be like, feeling his great bulk upon her, crushing her. "Oh my."

The build up of pleasure in her belly was too much to ignore. She let out an unseemly cry, losing herself in a world of pleasure she had never imagined for herself. Her body shuddered, her insides danced around the toy with what felt like tiny electrical shocks. Each one just made her body clench down harder, milking the toy she'd taken as if it were Sand himself. The mental images of what the toy stood in for seemed to help in ways Blue was helpless to explain.

It was several moments before she recovered enough to remove it, falling to her side as she worked it free, panting softly. "Wow." She blinked slowly, mind processing what had happened. It was only her first attempt with that one. "You know what they say. Practice makes perfect." She giggled lightly.

It took a few tries to get it back into herself. It was then that she noticed there was a little nub on that one. The other ones had lacked it, right near the end that'd never get into it. She felt over it with her magic. A button? Curiosity burning, she pressed the button, and things changed. The thick wand began to buzz and shake within her. "O-oh my!" Her voice came out a gasp. The quivering wand against the tender inner walls of her body was enough to make her see stars. The sparks of pleasure rippled through her.

She fell over, melting against the floor as she let out a delicate cry of delight. It seemed to go on for ages before her body shuddered around the toy, hooves wriggling about at random, her tongue sticking out. Blue's vision blurred. She'd never had something like that happen to her before.

Was that what it'd be like? She pressed the button, quieting the toy within her. She just flopped, leaving the toy in. It wasn't hurting her, so why not just get used to it? "Big thing, I already have you in there." She snorted gently, blushing at the thought. To be full of such a thing. It seemed so unlikely, and yet.

She glanced down at the jar of lubricant. "You served your purpose." And yet. Did stallion shafts lubricate themselves? She didn't remember her own doing that any time during her years as a stallion, no. She rolled to her belly and tapped at the jar. "I might have used for you in the future." Surely Sand wouldn't be too upset, having his wife gently slather something over him. She warmed at the thought. He would never object to such an intimate act from her.

But, it had been quite a long time since she had felt so, blissful. And still, the toy remained inside her, like an uncomfortable reminder of what she had decided.

She stood up slowly, tool jostling about with each movement. "I will get used to you, my large friend." She began cleaning the other two. One at a time, she bathed them, carefully scrubbing out any grime that might have been on them. Then she left them to dry. Her last little friend had no need of that, still inside her. They'd have to wait until later before getting their sudsy bath.

Author's Note

Did I just do a whole chapter of that? I think I did. I feel no shame.

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12 - A Date

"Madam." A severely cut stallion nodded at Blueblood. "We need to go over your responsibilities, as princess-consort of His Royal Highness. You have his favor, for now, but you won't keep it if you are lax in your duties and composure."

Blue tilted her head, lifting a single eyebrow. "Oh? But I'm from Equestria. Isn't the rule that he has to come to me?" She considered, shrugging a little.

"Madam." He leaned in, looming over her. "You are the one marrying into royalty here, in these lands. If anypony is to 'come to the other', it would be you, madam. Are you prepared to begin the instructions?"

Blue tipped her head, waiting for him to explain further. He simply stared back at her. She decided to be nice and give him the answer he was waiting for. "I suppose I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Proceed."

"Very good." He casually stepped over her on the way past her. "This way. Let us begin where you are familiar. You demonstrated a unicorn spell, we will have need of it. Our land is prosperous in many ways, but where and how much can be grown on it? That has always been a limiting factor."

Blue shook herself at the memory. The Saddle Arabian prince had been so very impressed with what she'd done with a simple bit of growing plants. He'd bowed his head to her. Not as low as a bowing mare did, but far more than the bow he would offer anypony else. That told her a great deal about how much he truly liked her, or at least her spell.

They emerged out onto a balcony over blowing sand below. "I invite you to inspect the grounds. At first glance, all one sees is driving sands, but there is life here. See it, and know it."

Blue glanced about, fluttering her eyelashes as she squinted into the bright light. It was surprisingly clear that day, allowing her to see the patchwork of greenery that survived amid the sandy wastes. Some of it was even colorful, patches of wonder amid the beige sea. She smiled at them, wishing they'd spread a bit more. "I see them. What do you want me to do about them?"

The teacher sat down, watching her expectantly. "This is your first assignment, Blue Belle. Study the flora of the desert. Isolate why they are so resistant to the harsh conditions. We will make a spell of it. One that helps our crops grow faster and stronger. Not to simply grow a wild mass of what you know, that will die swiftly, but to encourage local plants that can weather the conditions they exist in."

Blue frowned lightly at the suggestion she might kill a whole field of plants, but he was correct, she could be much more subtle with a proper spell than her last. That had been designed to shock and amaze, this one would have to be more practical. "I see." She curled a hoof to her chin. "Then might it be beneficial if I were allowed to view them closer? And to see the plants you fully wished, rather than what are weeds, as tough as they are, and sightly in some cases."

The teacher chuckled softly. "Well said, Madam. Now, you will not go unescorted. Two guards will attend you."

Blue glanced about. "I shall need my Eunuch then."

"Present." The eunuch from the other day emerged with a bowed head. "A pleasure to be at your service."

The teacher nodded at the guard. "They will suffice. Take her." He pointed a large arm outwards. "Take her to the farm and allow her to safely examine the produce there."

The Eunuch pulled out a scarf. "Cover your mouth and nose, Ma'am. It isn't a long walk, but we can still leave a little early, to be safe."

Blue nodded as she drew the scarf around her face, doing her best to keep it in place. She grabbed it with her magic, twinkling with the force that held it securely as she trotted along behind the guard. "I say, this is the second time we've met. If it isn't rude, might I ask your name?"

"Riddled." He laughed softly. "A play on words and my profession. My sword is never rusted. That which goes into it shall be forever lost." He cast a grin over his shoulder at her.

She frowned with consideration, trying to figure out Riddled's riddle. "Curious. Now, it would seem they want me to gain an understanding of the local flora."

Riddled smiled again. "You are rather famous, Ma'am. That is the spell you used to dazzle our prince, isn't it? What better spell could a princess cast for him?"

She colored faintly. "And I will be called upon to cast it again, but less for show, and more for, hm, practical purposes."

Together, they left the palace, skirted the town, and approached a farm. The ponies that worked there reminded Blue of ponies who worked farms in Equestria, though they were clearly more accustomed to the hot weather that was inherent to the region. Some looked up as she approached, though most pointedly avoided looking at her.

The eunuch let out a low whistle, calling attention to himself. "Well met! The princess has been sent to help you."

"Princess?" An older stallion shuffled forward, rubbing a hoof on his forehead to keep the sweat from his eyes. "They got married already?"

Blue Belle coughed into a hoof. "That has not happened, but I was a princess before I got here, just not of this land. Now, if you'd be so kind as to show me what you grow here? All the varieties, if you please."

The pony rubbed his chin, glancing about. "Uh, sure. I suppose. Mostly dates, but we grow other things too. Follow me." He led the group through the patchwork rows. As they went, he showed them what he knew about the plants, and how they'd gotten them, and how he encouraged each to thrive for latter sale and use.

Blue Belle nodded appreciatively, even if she made quiet mental notes that she was not a farmer. Working all day, outside, to tend food? She shuddered at the very notion. But using magic to help? She could do that. "May I see a young date?"

"One hardly calls them dates at first. They are trees, and the trees make dates. Until then, we have these." He moved to a few green clumps on a tree that looked like nothing so much as small prickly leaves. "These aren't to eat yet. They're good for medicine though."

Blue Belle trotted around the little thing that could one day become a mighty tree. "I see! Mmm, so you are what I would grow." She leaned in, studying it intently. "It has a delightful aroma to it." She turned her eyes up to the sky, using her magic to probe and feel the weight of the fruit that would come from it. "Mmm, what a heavy burden. This would be too much for the branch of such a tender plant."

The farmer chuckled at that. "That mewling babe of a tree? I expect no dates from it for quite some time. Little princess, how do you plan to assist us?" He moved a bit closer to her. "Surely you're not to provide labor?"

She waved a hoof dismissively. "Oh goodness no. I'm small and delicate. I couldn't do such hard labor, I have others for that." She lit her horn as she mouthed the spell she'd used before. "But with the proper spell, perhaps." She looked up and down the aisle, taking in how the trees were arranged. The smell, the sight, and the feel. She held all close as she focused on the spell. "Come forth," she bade as she exploded in light.

The branches of the tree expanded with the force of the spell, bearing the burden of what had come from it. It was several times more fruit than they would ever be able to bear from such a young plant. New saplings peeked from the ground in places, forming new plants along the same rows she'd seen.

The farmer's relaxed expression turned to shocked awe. "Hey now!" He wiped his brow. "That. You. You did something! That's incredible." He turned, hopping about in place with excitement. "Get over here, you louts! Our princess is making us dates!"

All of them came rushing, dashing through the fields. They got to quickly harvesting what had become ripe and ready for them, as others watered and tended to the new little plants that had joined the rest. One by one, they harvested and placed in a bin. Their voices were full of merriment and cheer as they collected their good fortune.

Blue Belle's breathing was heavier as she collapsed to the ground, feeling like she'd been running herself. "Mmm, that spell is more draining when I'm trying to be specific about it." Compared to before, when it had felt so much easier to just bid any plant anywhere to grow as it pleased.

Riddled looked down at her. "But what will the townsfolk say if the first thing our new princess did was help make dates?" He chuckled, glancing back at the fruit trees. "What a fine thing for her to do, and on her first day of exploring the land."

Blue smiled at that, fighting her way back up to her hooves. "Let them know that their princess wants them to be fed, safe, and successful. I can think of worse habits for a princess to have."

Riddled blinked. "You really mean that, don't you?"

Blue Belle tilted her head. "Of course. What good is a princess that can't provide for her subjects?"

Riddled put a hoof under her, drawing her up and onto her back. "You are tired. Have you learned what you will from this place for now?"

She nodded wearily, feeling all the drain from the spell on top of the travel. "Mmm, let's go back to the castle." She curled into him as he began to trot away from the farm.

Riddled faithfully carried her without further words, retracing his route back to the castle with the tired princess atop his back. When they arrived, he dropped her off in her room and sent a servant in to offer cool drinks and treats to her.

He went on to find her original instructor. The severe stallion looked up as Riddled approached. "Back? How did it go?"

"She was magnificent, Sir. I am proud to serve her. She assisted the farmers of the land in their date harvest." He puffed up with pride. "I've never seen such an impressive spell before."

The severe stallion showed a faint hint of a smile. "Good. Was she as the first, chaotic and vibrant?"

Riddled shook his head quickly. "I was not there for the first time, but I heard rumors. No, this time she put things where they most needed to be. The farmers are ecstatic for the boon she's delivered to them."

The severe stallion waved a hoof dismissively. "Come, Riddled, be truthful with me. Does our new princess have what it takes to keep her husband's interest?"

Riddled saluted sharply. "I cannot speak for his private interests, Sir. But as a caring princess, I say she qualifies. She is ready and willing to serve her ponies. Nothing would make me happier than to see her chosen."

"But does she have the right qualities?" The instructor squinted at Riddled. "In body? To produce the next in line? Our prince requires heirs. Is she capable of providing them?"

Riddled leaned in. "I am not permitted to speak of her secrets, but I can say that she is already working to do this. She takes all aspects of her duties seriously. Unlike some nobility I will not name, she accepts the tasks put before her with dignified acceptance."

The severe stallion chuffed. "This is well. You are dismissed, Riddled. You have done good work today."

"Thank you, Sir." Riddled went to offer his praises to Blue Belle's other teachers for the day, to tell them what he had seen.

Author's Note

Blue's learning to be a helpful princess for her kingdom! All hail!

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13 - Redecorating

Blue turned in place, looking around her oversized room. "It's time I spruced you up, I think." With her horn glowing, she played the magical song of growth, focused on local plants in a soft calling towards them.

"Mmm, there you are." She settled into a soft bedding of flowers as the various plants began to sprout around her. Exploring tendrils of local colorful vines and shrubs spread from her window. "Bring your local color, mmm, yes, go on."

She kept the spell going, eyes locked on the new plants as they spread. They seemed to know what she wanted. No wild explosion, just the plants growing in their proper places. The more they grew, the more the room was covered with them, a garden made of living walls and coverings.

She let out a sigh, horn ceasing its glow as she sat back. "That's lovely. If I am to be the life-giving princess, I should live in a room that really screams it. Oh!" She leaned in to sniff a flower that had appeared. "Mmm, so this is what our date trees smelled like when they were young. Not bad."

She laid herself back, covering herself in petals and flora, her new blanket and bedding. "This is a lovely room." She couldn't see the hard stone under the covering she had made. It was all soft and colorful. "And soft, very soft. I can sleep like this. And smell all these flowers."

With a giggle, she set about improving the room. Soft plump pillows and plants made for the perfect relaxation area. "Now, I have princess duties to attend to." She started for the door. "You all be good, and be just as colorful and ready when I return, hm?"

Blue slipped out the door and headed towards her teacher of the day. He had spent several days going over how the nobility worked, what their expected behaviors were, and so on. The lesson today would be on etiquette. The room was already set up for it, with a long table laid out before them, bearing three places of food. Which was she to sit at?

Considering her old Equestrian etiquette, she went towards the one closest to the edge of the table. She paused as her teacher lifted a hoof. "Is something wrong?"

"This place is not prepared for you." He waved a hoof to the last place. "You are the guest of honor. With no prince or monarch in attendance, you are the highest ranking pony in the room."

"Ah, very good." That made sense to her, and she took the spot without resistance. "Are we covering dining today?"

"Correct. It is difficult enough to know where to sit as a guest in another's home. Even harder when you are expected to dine in public view." He nodded towards the plates before them. "Reports have been whispered that you eat 'acceptably'. Being a noble of another realm, I would expect at least that. But let's aim for higher."

Blue Belle could hear the distaste in his voice. Clearly this pony didn't believe a princess of any quality could live if they weren't stuffed with fine food and drink. She remembered when she had felt that way about all princesses. "I await your instruction."

"You await many things." The instructor coughed into a hoof. "Slip of the tongue. First." He started drilling her on how to approach each food. Which utensil would be used which way, and the order one should approach their food to look proper.

He described how to interact with the staff and any ponies dining with her. He held up examples of dishes she could expect, the kind of high-end fare she had eaten a few times before. "Now this is a subtle thing. In Equestria, I am told, it is proper to eat quietly. Not so here. To make noises of pleasure after eating is the highest, unspoken, words you can give to the quality of the food you've just eaten. It tells the chef you appreciate the food."

Blue Belle breathed in, slow and steady. "I think I can do that." She made sure her napkin was in place. "If this is the speed you teach at, we will be done well before dark."

He smirked faintly. "You are prepared to belch?"

Blue started at that. "Pardon?"

He rolled a hoof in the air. "That is the most common noise of approval a pony has. After eating, let out a pleased belch. That makes it clear to all ponies around you that you approve of what you have eaten."

Blue blinked several times. "Then you must use more spices."

"Another lesson for another day. For now, shall we begin our meal?" He raised his own utensils, letting Blue copy his movements.

They ate together, his eyes on her and how she ate, what she ate, and each step of the process. He chastised her each time she was off a step, and just nodded silently when she got it right.

She held in the belch until the last bite, giving a satisfying release once her plate was clear. "Mmm, that was good." She licked her lips slowly. "It's good to know that I will not embarrass my prince, when we dine together."

He smirked faintly. "If it does not make you uneasy, perhaps we should get started on the other etiquette lessons. As a unicorn, your horn is where attentions will rest naturally. It is your greatest gift, but also your deadliest weapon. That creates etiquette demands." He clasped his hooves together. "Is there a way to show you don't plan to use it?"

Blue nodded slowly. "I can lower my horn, or simply bow my head, or cover my horn with my hoof." She demonstrated each action. "But the Equestrian style is to bring our heads down to be even, so no pony is above the other."

He stomped at that. "A princess should not be lowering her head for many, save her prince, or a king or queen. No, that won't do. Standing with your hoof at your head is also out." He grumbled with thoughts on the matter. "Surely there's another way to disable that horn of yours?"

Blue Belle rolled her shoulders, stretching her neck from side to side. "It's only a problem when one doesn't know if I will use my magic or not. I, being a polite pony, will not use magic if not asked, sir, at least any that affects another pony." She flicked an ear back. "To use magic on another pony without their leave is an attack."

"That could be taken to imply you intend to use your magic on ponies, if they give you permission." He frowned at that. "Let us skip past that. What you are telling me is that in Equestria it is common to ask a pony for permission to use magic on them?"

Blue tilted her head at the idea. "Most ponies are polite enough to ask first. It's just good manners, I should hope, anywhere to ask before doing something to somepony." She nodded with certainty. "I do hope that is the case here?"

He shrugged lightly. "Magic is no different than a hoof or a lance. We don't ask to strike somepony with those either." He blinked slowly, thinking over what he had just said. "In combat," he added. "I admit, one does not typically apply a hoof or a lance to somepony outside of combat."

"That's my point. We ask before we do anything to anypony. Why would we use magic without asking? It's a powerful thing." Blue shifted to her hooves and moved towards him. "May I?"

He jumped back in surprise. "May you what?"

"Use magic." She smiled gently at him. "It won't be harmful, I promise. I just want to show you."

He grunted, lowering his head. "Very well. Use your magic on me, then." He sighed softly as he felt the air around him lift up slightly. "This is your magic? What is it for?"

With a bright flash, the frumpily dressed etiquette coach was suddenly bedecked in noble finery. Blue applauded with soft clops. "It will only last a few minutes at best, but doesn't it look lovely?"

He blinked rapidly, pawing at his chest, to find he was now draped in rich fabrics that had never been within his grasp. "I. Um. I don't understand."

Blue Belle nodded. "A silly little spell I learned long ago for trying out new clothes. With it, I can see how I appear with different ensembles before selecting the one I truly desired."

"And so you wish me to dress fancier? But I am not high enough to wear such fine fabrics." He snorted lightly. "Princess, I am happy you appreciate this, but we must remove these things before anypony sees me in them." Suddenly, they were gone, back to his plain dress. He let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you. A pony dressing above their station can raise uncomfortable questions, Princess."

Blue Belle sat on her haunches, peering at him. "But this was not above your station. You are an instructor, who must look respectable." She narrowed her eyes. "I suspect you already own finer clothing than what you normally wear?"

He colored faintly. "I have some nicer suits. I save those for special occasions. In these days, the idea of 'being ready' has changed, even for me."

"I see. Do you find my dress to be acceptable?" Blue showed off her blue silks with a little spin.

His color only grew worse. "It is improper for the princess to ask that of any save her servants or her prince!"

Blue waved a hoof dismissively. "You are of fine breeding, are you not? I have seen you among the nobles at court. You do know what looks good and what does not, yes?"

He pursed his lips as he nodded, slow and silent. "This is correct." He turned his ears back. "Then, speaking as your etiquette instructor, I would say your attire is tastefully modest and will raise no concerns. Speaking as a noble, I feel that the silks do suit you well. Speaking as a fellow stallion, I must confess that you are a fine sight, for certain."

He turned away. "And that is the end of your lesson, Princess."

"Very well. But if you want to see more finery, you need only ask. Perhaps, given the hour, we should move on to ballroom dancing?" She wiggled a hoof at him, causing him to scoff lightly.

"Princess, I am not a dance instructor." His color grew worse as he looked about nervously. "And if I am not giving instruction, dancing with the princess, even a future princess, is reason enough for execution, or joining the ranks of the eunuchs."

Blue Belle sniffed at that. "You know this for certain? Who gave you such rules?"

"Our traditions demand that an unmarried mare's dance partners must be limited to her father, or her male relatives, or those married to female relatives, or those betrothed to them. Unattached males, being seen dancing with a mare, and especially a princess, will always raise suspicions." He let out a slow breath. "So, I must decline, without any slight on you, Princess."

Blue rolled her eyes, horn glowing. "Why are the Saddle Arabians so attached to their traditions? Every time I think I understand, something like this happens."

He turned his ears back at that. "Do Equestrian mares simply dance with whomever they lay their eyes on?"

Blue paused a moment. She had been a stallion back then. Did mares just dance with anypony? She wasn't actually a hundred percent certain. She just knew that she, back when she was a he, saw all sorts of couples moving on dance floors. "I believe they did?"

He grumbled softly at that. "Truly?" He shook his head slowly. "A strange realm, but you are learning our manners. Here, that is not how it's done. In these times, no mare dances with any stallion without the right to do so."

Blue nodded slowly at that. "At least that much makes sense. So what is proper in this situation?"

He bowed formally. "For me to take my leave, Princess. Unless you have a pressing etiquette question?"

Blue shook her head. "No, I believe that's all for today." She stepped over and planted a kiss on his cheek. "And I think that's proper, isn't it? We thank our instructors, hm?"

He scrambled back as if the kiss had burned him. "Your highness! Please, never do that again." He shuddered powerfully. "I." He stammered for words, then fled the room rapidly without another word.

Blue blinked after him. "That was strange. Should I ask him about it?" She shrugged a little. "Another time. That was well and good, but what next?"

Author's Note

So, class, what did we learn today?

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14 - Drills in the Sand

"A missive." The maid set down the scroll at her door. "At your pleasure, madame."

Blue Belle paused with her bowl of berries to take in the scroll. She opened it slowly, finding it was from Princess Cadance. "Dear Princess Blueblood," she read aloud. "We are pleased to hear that you are settling into your new role. Is everything as you hoped?"

She turned to her staff, motioning for them to remain at their distance. "Hmmph, Cadance dear, that is not what you should be asking." But she pressed on in the words, "Thank you for what you've done. Shining Armor and I are properly betrothed."

Blue lifted a single eyebrow. "That is good news. Should I invite them? To see how happy I am with all they've done for me?" She giggled lightly. "Perhaps I will. Maybe she can help with all these silly etiquette questions I'm having." She imagined Cadance being about as clueless on the local culture, though watching her stumble might, itself, be amusing.

Blue Belle turned in place. "Word has reached us that your magic has shown growth." She paused, considering that. She had shown more magic, but then, she had never been asked to try as much before. "While we cannot promise to assist you in expanding that gift, we offer you a warm welcome to Equestria whenever you should feel it time to visit us again."

She licked her lips gently. "Sincerely, Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor." Blue hummed softly, looking up at her staff. "How very fascinating." She set her scroll aside, popped one last berry in her snout, then stood up properly. "Do you know what duties Sand has today?"

The maid Blue had been looking at startled. "Is that directed at me?"

"Who else would it be?" Blue approached with a chuckle. "Do you know?"

"You had been speaking to yourself, ma'am. Prince Sand is leading the guard on some training rounds today." The maid pointed in the direction that should happen in. "Or perhaps they've started already. I do not know."

Blue Belle closed her eyes and drew a deep breath. She started for the door, stepping out into the sunny day outside. With each step, she felt a bit of new excitement. In the time she had been there, she had not spent much time watching the guards, but now it seemed like an ideal thing to do. She trusted her future husband and his words, but that was a different matter from seeing them for herself. "Sand wants me to be happy," she mused softly as she set off.

"Ma'am." Her eunuch, Riddled, closed at her side. "You should not be alone." He trotted easily at her side. "Allow me to accompany you. Where are we going?"

"Sand is practicing with the guard today. I thought I would watch. To see my future husband in action." She put a hoof over her heart as she blushed faintly. "Isn't that something a good wife would do?"

"Verily." He didn't sound especially agreeing, or disagreeing. "He should be right here." He took a turn, guiding Blue towards a wide field. "Perhaps you will find it a worthy experience."

They went past several other guards who had been staked out at different spots along the way. They nodded in unison as Blue went past. At the field, Sand was speaking firmly to several more guards. They were lined up before him, their spears at attention before them. Sand trotted up and down the line, checking their posture.

Riddled nodded once and called out. "Sir, your betrothed wishes to witness."

Sand perked an ear, eyes moving to Blue and Riddled. "She is welcome to watch." He turned back to the guard he had been inspecting. "Now, spearhead." The guard raised it to bear against Sand. He nodded once. "Well done. Now, strike me, if you can ."

The guard twisted his body, aiming the spear right at Sand. He was on target, but the thrust was weak and slow. Sand batted it away easily. "Again." The guard attempted several times, each thrust missing or being deflected easily. "I see you cannot harm me. Withdraw."

Sand moved to the next guard. "Can you do better than your peer? Are you afraid to strike a prince? I have invited it. I will have only myself to blame. So, strike me." The guard's hoof shuddered with fear as he raised his spear. Sand opened his arms, turning his head away. "You know what to do."

The guard shut his eyes, taking a deep breath before leaping forward, bringing his spear around to point at Sand, but Sand was already dodging away with a laugh. "Better. I could feel some intent behind that one. You are the defenders of the realm, and what you defend it against can take many forms." He looked past the guards at Blue Belle. "At times, those you must protect from can be right next to you. Be ready for it."

He trotted down the line of guards. "What is the worst thing you could face?"

One of the guards shuffled nervously. "Sir, would we ever have to, against her? She's so small, like a child."

Sand waved Blue closer, waiting until she was within earshot before he spoke. "She may be small, but she has her ways of defending herself, does she not?"

Blue colored, but still turned to face the guards. "I am ready to try." She glanced about. "Riddled, be my example. I want you to approach me. Attack me with all you can, using only your body."

"Madam?" Riddled glanced back at Sand, who nodded slowly. "As you command." He took a slow breath, then galloped at her with dreadful speed.

"Such simple tricks!" Blue Belle lifted a hoof. "Cover your eyes, it is time for a lesson."

Sand did so, but the guards didn't have time to obey before she went into action, horn and magic flaring so brightly at the oncoming Riddled that he stopped short with his own hoof over his eyes. She stepped forward to slam him back with a kick. He fell to the ground and rolled back. "Take a few moments to catch your breath. But you see, I am small, but I can protect myself."

Sand applauded the defensive measures of his wife-to-be. "Lovely! You have more fire in you than I had expected, my little flower. I approve." He turned back to the guards, lowering his hoof to face them again. "You see? Even the smallest among us can defend herself from attack. But if it should come to it, to protect our people, we will be there for them. And in the same breath, we may have to fight them. Hesitation means ponies get hurt, or worse."

He turned away. "Anyone who volunteers as a victim, step up and give us your best." Sand pointed at a guard, motioning him forward. "Attack me."

The guard dropped his spear. "Sir." Unlike the others, he came for Sand with hooves rather than a weapon. He didn't bother trying to hide his intent as he swung hard at Sand's head. He expected Sand to move away, but the prince stood his ground. The blow connected with his nose, sending a spray of blood into the air.

But Sand laughed, rather than show discomfort. "That! That was more like it. My nose hurts now, and will be sore for some time, but that is a minor price to pay." He raised a hoof to it, feeling how it was bleeding. "One day, we may be called to fight our own family, or friends, or perhaps somepony you love. When it is time to battle, you cannot doubt yourself." He pointed to the spear the guard left behind. "Don't forget that."

Sand stepped aside as another guard approached. This one held their spear properly, gripping it in their mouth. They lunged for Sand, who sprang aside, moving away from them. They twisted in place, following his movements. They continued to do so, hooves stirring up dirt as they followed him from side to side. It was a proper dancing spar. The doubt that had held them finally shattered.

The guard jabbed again and again, trying to find an opening in Sand's defenses. Each time, he dodged with fluid grace. When the spear got close enough, he used his hooves to slap it away. "I can feel your intent, but we need to practice harder on your technique. Next!"

Riddled moved behind Blue Belle, whispering softly into her ear. "There is something I must tell you. You were correct about your room being not up to your station. I spoke with the steward, and he agreed to have it remodeled. Tomorrow, it will be a fine and regal room fit for your position."

Blue blushed, fluttering her eyelashes. "Why thank you, Riddled. But I've already handled that with my own hooves. The room is perfectly lovely, now. It took a little care to get it there, but I am quite pleased with it. It's perfect for me, as it is."

He bowed his head to her. "Wonderful! You truly are an excellent princess, ma'am. Much more dedicated to our customs than many of the others I've met in my time. It's good to see that we picked well for our future princess."

Blue Belle glanced up at him. "What was your life like before?" She paused, shuffling her hooves. "If it is proper for me to ask. Otherwise, ignore it."

Riddled laughed at her permission. "You are learning. I admire that. A clueless foal, but with your eyes open and ears up. Stay alert, madam, and you will do well in your new station."

She turned away from the display, frowning at Riddled. "You never answered me."

"I'm not sure it matters much, Ma'am. All I have ever known is serving royalty." He dipped his head. "That is why I am what I am, physically, that I could be trusted entirely around females of noble standing without a hint of worry. I was raised in this manner for the purpose of being what I am. And my devotion to my cause is such that I would never disobey the traditions I was born into."

Blue Belle smiled at that. "Truly? You were born to be, uh." She glanced furtively. "Marked in such a manner?"

"Oh yes, madam." He shifted his scarf to show his chin. "A noble lady, a princess in fact, proposed to me long ago. I said yes, but when she found out that I was infertile, she could not go through with it."

Blue blinked with clear shock. "Did she not know you were a eunuch?!"

He nodded softly. "She had known all along. But it was only when she learned of my physical shortcomings that she could not follow through. After we broke our engagement, I decided to serve the realm directly." He motioned to his scar.

Blue frowned, pondering that situation. "She blinded herself to what was inconvenient, until pressed. How unkind of her. I'm sorry."

"It is fine, Ma'am. In a way, it brought me closer to my dream than I could have been otherwise. When the head of the eunuchs retired, they put me in his place." He dipped his head just as a shout went up.

One of the guards had been knocked onto his side, Sand holding them down. The guard rolled on his back and let out a defeated huff. "Alright! Alright! I yield."

Sand let him go. "Well done. Now take care of your brother in arms. He is bleeding."

The guard scrambled up and moved to the fallen one, lifting his head up carefully. Blue watched as the practice started up. "Sand is quite the warrior, isn't he? Was that always the case?"

Riddled shrugged slowly. "He was the eldest son. Such a position is almost required for any such leader. But we have never seen anything like you, ma'am."

Blue colored, feeling in the spotlight once more. "Am I that unusual? I am but a unicorn. Surely there are others in your fine realm."

"Perhaps, ma'am, but they are not of a noble house." He pointed his hoof back at her. "I say this not to cause alarm, but to let you know that I expect things to be different for you. Besides, most ponies in Saddle Arabia are Saddle Arabians. Tall, powerful, but without horns, nor wings. Any unicorn we have is an oddity by default."

Blue Belle chuckled lightly. "Yes, I suppose I should be prepared for that. Well, maybe I can make some sort of impact. Let's say a pony wants to study the stars and make maps of them. What would they do?"

Riddled tilted his head, pondering that. "They would use a telescope, ma'am. Do they do it differently in Equestria?"

"No, that exactly." Blue thought of a telescope she had seen before. "Is there one in the palace? Can we see it?"

"I will speak to the guards and have you taken there, ma'am." He slipped away from her side, returning a short time later. "I have secured permission, but visiting it during the day would be fruitless. If you are willing, we can visit it come this evening, and you may look on our stars."

Blue Belle sat on her haunches and clapped her hooves in glee. "Wonderful! Will you show me where to go? I must admit that this place is still strange to me."

Riddled bowed formally. "Certainly, ma'am. Would you like to take some refreshments first?"

"In a little while." Blue stepped back as Sand approached, taking her head in his hooves. "Lovely, my dearest!"

Sand smiled at his smaller wife. "Your approval warms me, just as the sun blazes down on us." He kissed her at the end of her snout. "How was the demonstration?"

"Mmm, quite the show, dearest." She touched her hoof to his nose. "It was well worth coming to see. But we are going to go look at a telescope."

"Truly?" He glanced towards Riddled.

Riddled quickly nodded. "Come the evening, m'lord. When the sun sets and the stars begin to appear, we'll have a look at them."

"Wonderful!" Sand stretched his arms over his head. "So long as you get permission from my father."

Blue Belle scoffed at that. "Why does he have any say in it?" She paused an instant later. "Other than being the king, of course. Does he care who looks through the telescopes?"

Sand grinned with mirth. "He is King because he cares who looks through the telescopes, at least here. Just go to him and ask permission, my little flower." He took her chin in his hoof and leaned in to plant another kiss on her lips.

Blue went stiff in surprise. She could smell him, the work he'd put into training, and just him, all of him. She melted, pressing back against the kiss with burning cheeks for that moment that felt far longer than it was. "Warn a mare before you do that."

Sand laughed again. "As you command, my dear." He stood up properly, lifting her back onto her own hooves. "Ah, and here comes our meal." He turned, eyes on several servants coming with a repast for all the guards and Sand to recover from their hard work. "Let's see what they brought us. Shall we?"

Blue Belle settled into a nearby patch of grass, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched him join the guards to eat. Even though he was obviously one of them, his demeanor and words were enough to make him stand out. He was their prince. He was also her prince. Her chest tightened at the thought. "I have a prince." She giggled at her own words, even if it made her more giddily nervous. She was supposed to be the prince, before. Now she had one.

How life had changed.

Author's Note

Warriors need to be able to fight, no matter who they are set against.

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15 - Settling In

The night air was cool, bringing with it the smell of trees and plants that were near. But above all that, there was the distant, tempting scent of Saddle Arabia's desert. A dust-like scent that left Blue Belle breathing deep. Her new country had points of appeal that had taken some time to learn to appreciate.

She gazed out over the land as the sun settled slowly. From this tower, she could see much of the castle. Blue Belle trotted the length of it, coming to a halt at the spot she had started at. A single servant watched over her, remaining silent at the side of the royal telescope. "I will have to thank them." She went to the telescope and finally put her eye to it to view the stars above. "I didn't think it would be my 'thing', but this has its appeals as well."

She turned the telescope ever so slightly. The moon was round and bright above. "When the moon is this big, I can see the ponies on it." She leaned back, flaring her horn. With her magic, she was able to adjust the telescope precisely instead of hoping to wrestle the considerable object sized for Saddle Arabians. "There it is. There's Canterlot." She could see the familiar structure in the distance. She took another breath. "Ah, familiar things in strange times."

The sky began to change in hue, the world growing dim as the sun retreated and night came up. It grew steadily darker, with fewer lights on the horizon. The view from the telescope became clearers and darker at once. The night sky, more visible. Trying to sneak peeks at afar, less. "No more spying on those silly Equestrians." She giggled at the very idea. Spying on her own people, really. As if that were even possible.

"You look pleased." Sand sank to his haunches beside her. How her large prince could move with such stealth, a mystery.

"I am." Blue turned away from the telescope towards him. Her voice grew soft and content as he wrapped an arm over her back. She leaned into him with a little coo. "My country is a pretty place at night. I didn't realize I could see it, just barely, with the right tools."

Sand craned his head back to view the sky, and his sister, a pale sliver high overhead. "What you are viewing, dear princess, is unlikely to be what you think it is." He nuzzled her despite that. "Equestria is far too away to view so easily. You must have seen a local city. Perhaps one you'd care to visit?"

Blue Belle narrowed her eyes slightly, but not at him. "Perhaps we can. At some point. This place is not what I know, but it could grow on me." She smiled at the large stallion, considering him a quiet moment. "Sand."

"Hm?" He perked an ear at her.

"May I ask a question in confidentiality?" Blue glanced at the servant, standing there quietly.

Sand waved for that servant to leave. "Always." He sank down to be on her level, flat on his belly. "If you cannot whisper to your spouse little secrets, I know not who one could."

She moved close enough that their noses could touch. "Dearest. Will your people ever accept me as princess?" She panted with his own breath, eyes searching his. "I am so little, compared to the ponies that have filled these halls, that this role is something I fear outsizes me."

He rubbed nose to nose. "It is not a matter of your physical presence. You are large in other ways, and they begin to whisper of it. I am quite pleased with how far you have come in a short time, little belle." He paused then. "When I say that, I mean it with fondness. Your size is a thing I consider charming and, dare I say, attractive. You are a dainty flower. My flower."

She perked, smiling. "Would you let me blossom? A little room for a little wife?"

"No one has made much protest to your magical skills. From what I hear, your magic practice continues well." Sand breathed out slowly, lifting one arm over her head. "They all have their reasons to fear and worry. You are Equestrian. Your father's tribe and our lands have had our little hiccups in the past."

Blue Belle moved in under his chin, pressing his head up a little in the process. She curled there, feeling cozy in his warmth as the air chilled. "I will use my magic responsibly." She nodded to confirm that. "As a princess is expected."

He dropped his head back over her, that powerful neck hiding her entirely. "I would expect no less, dear one." His tail settled over her as he curled up around her for extra warmth. "And if there should be somepony that needs reminding on it, let it be me that does it."

Blue enjoyed the warmth a quiet moment. "It's not fair."

"Hm?"

"You are ever the gentlepony." She nuzzled into his warm fur. "I feel I owe you a thousand times over, but I'm not paying back."

Sand's teeth showed. "And here you have given me another. Your trust is its own reward."

Blue Belle smacked the side of his face. "Sand! I owe you something for this, as we will be together forever more."

"And you are already delivering it, Little Bell." He nipped her ear gently. "For one, you are my companion, a role you seem to welcome. For two, you are a bringer of life, and our farmers already sing your praises. They write and hope that we send you out to their fields, that you can sprinkle your blessings on their trees and crops."

She pressed her head up into his chin. "Then that I shall do. Anything else you require?"

He growled deeply and without menace. "Come to bed with me tonight. Do not wait until we are wed." He drew her a little closer. "Some traditions demand we remain apart, but others say it is good sense that partners know what they are agreeing to. For one night, if you would, settle with me in that private place." There were a thousand things he wasn't saying. It wouldn't be polite to go into details, but that he meant them seemed quite obvious.

Blue Belle purred for a moment, lost in that sense of security that she never knew before him. But he was asking her to finally do what she had been preparing for. She would surrender what little tiny sliver of stallion she had left. She would be a mare, his mare. She trembled at the thought of it, cheeks warming. "Y-yes. Yes! I would, I think, like that." She fidgeted in place. "I would ask that you be gentle. Your little flower, as you've said. Be gentle, or you'll smash it."

He let her squirm there until the idea had a chance to percolate into her. "Come with me, then, Princess Blue Belle." He drew her gently closer with that massive arm. "I know many things, but the magic of one night together, I would savor that. Gently, of course." He kissed her back and hefted her up onto his to carry her away. As they passed that servant waiting just below, he pointed up. "Secure things. We're done with it for the evening."

The servant scurried away to see it done as Sand marched with purpose for his own quarters.

As Sand trotted to his private wing of the palace, he touched his nose to her own. She leaned in and met the kisses in kind, eyes closed. For Blue, there was nothing but him, a set of familiar strong arms, and the excitement and concern that came with what was to come. He nodded to the guards in front of his room. "I am not to be disturbed."

To their credit, they kept entirely straight faces, though it was pretty clear he was entering with his betrothed. There weren't too many other reasons for a stallion to do that. In his own private quarters, with her set on her own hooves, Sand closed the door. "One more chance to reconsider, Little Flower."

Blue Belle stepped over to a cushion placed aside the door and turned in place before her prince. She considered what was being asked of her, and how to approach it. "Forgive me. I don't want to renege, but I really don't know what to do next." Her thoughts went to steamy romance novels, but she wasn't a lovelorn mare. Throwing herself at Sand felt inappropriate, and they had no vows to swear to uphold against a hostile world.

Sand laughed softly as he circled her, nosing into the back of her neck, and inhaling a little at that scent. "Be present. Listen and try things. As to what will happen next, do not think too far." He gathered her up and hefted her into the air just long enough to set her on the soft bedding, sinking into the blankets. "I will guide you, but know I am also a little new, my dear. Let us forgive each other our mistakes, and learn from them."

She settled into the cushions there as he rubbed her gently in all the right places to set her heart pounding in her chest. She let out a shaking breath, tail flicking. "This." She took off her top and tossed it aside. "Has no purpose here." She blushed, so used to having it on.

"Excellent point." He began removing his own clothes, setting each aside with more care than Blue Belle had. "This is a time for us to bare ourselves entirely to one another."

Blue Belle went shy when he set a hoof on her shoulder to ease her onto her back. But there was nothing in his eyes save concern and adoration. Her concerns faded when he moved over her, large form just visible in the candlelit darkness of the room. His weight was comforting, not smothering. It was like the universe as a whole was hugging her and caring about her. She was safe.

That moment of peace shattered as he kissed and nuzzled into her neck. She let out a gasp, hugging him from beneath. It was like he was everywhere, his scent overwhelming her, but in such a delightful manner. The kisses ran up her cheek until they met her lips. They kissed, face to face, and the world shattered anew. She was naked. He was naked. They were, here, alone. No duties, no expectations, no eyes to witness.

It was all she had waited for and desired. A soft groan came out, escaping past the point of resistance. She inclined her head, allowing the kiss to deepen as she held him, and he held her. The embrace felt like little charges were jumping between them. But with how close he was, they were enough to steal her breath from her. His size left him hovering over her. He could have easily squashed her beneath his mass, but she was safe.

He drew back from the kiss, only his nose touching hers. "My lovely one. I can feel your affection, and it stirs me. Are you prepared for the next step? I will be gentle, but I will not be soft. One can't be and do this next part, hm?"

Blue Belle's entire face went crimson, knowing exactly what Sand was speaking of. "O-Of course not!" It was the absolutely last chance for her to run away. But she let out a slow rolling breath. "I am ready. That is part of you, Sand. And I wish all of you, not just parts."

He breathed a faint laugh, sliding in closer. "Then it shall be, for I give all of myself to you, Little Bell." He kissed along her belly gently. "And I claim all of you. There is no inch of you I do not want, especially right now."

He pushed her up a little as he shuffled. "It is time." It was time for the final moment.

Author's Note

Next chapter will be steamy, just warning you now.

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16 - Consumation

Her heart was doing its level best to escape her chest. The large male atop her was at once both soothing and all too frightening, and she knew what her job would next be, which only made it worse. He was also not moving. "Sand?" She looked up at him, one ear pinned down. "Is something wrong?"

Sand sat up slowly. "You are shaking like a leaf. Little Belle, is it only the first time, or have I scared you in some other way? Speak truthfully."

She let out a breath in one large gust. "Sand." Her tongue dragged slowly across her dry lips. "I would be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous. A pony's first time is something she only has once. We've kissed before, but this will be our first time." She reached up, pressing her hooves to his chest and lower on his belly. "But I do want this. Emotions are a fickle thing, and not always agreeing with what we have decided."

Sand looked over the shaking Blue Belle a little more closely. "And what are we trying to decide?" He knew. But if she needed him to speak it, to be asked, then he was willing.

Part of her wanted to admit it, to admit what she had been, born a male, raised a prince. It all felt so vast. How would he react? Would she ruin literally everything for Equestria and Cadance? She swallowed back that urge. "My prince, please cover me and make me forget my silly problems. Show me that you are not only safe, but loving. A thing to delight in. Show—" She squeaked, words aborted as he buried his snout between her hind legs and his massive tongue ran over her sensitive nethers.

He brushed through the hair that was there, the trail that started just behind her delicate entrance. He focused in on her tiny sex. The soft warmth there was electric for her, a storm of tingling that jolted her nerves and robbed her of thought. When he focused and began to press gently, exploring into her, she squealed in joy and threw back her head to bare her throat.

His nose ground and rocked over her mound, sending ripples of heat that felt like fire racing across her. Sand made her world turn to fire. There was no hurry and he felt like he was settling in to inspect her for maybe forever, that it would take a whole week before he finally brought her to some grand completion. A week she would be quite fine with, honestly.

The tongue going up and down made her whimper and squirm with need, though. It was the first time she had felt something besides a toy, and the difference was beyond her belief. She was convinced the delight of the toys was fine, but the actual attention of a living pony? It was nothing. "Sand! My prince! M-more!"

He hoisted her up to slide a pair of pillows beneath her before settling down with her offered body. The deep musk of him reached her, tickling the back of her tongue and making her tingle and squirm in the pillows. "Now you are moving more as I would hope." He pressed his snout to her belly, nuzzling at her. "Little Belle, feeling better?"

Blue Belle stared up at him. "S-sand. It was strange at first, but the feeling is much more intense."

Sand snorted faintly. "You sound surprised." He blew warm breath down on her from his flared nostrils.

Blue clenched her teeth a moment. "I was! But only in delightful ways." She ran her hooves over his head. "Thank you, for being patient with a silly mare."

Sand bared his teeth as his mouth parted slightly. He scraped her mound gently. "Hmmm? Patience is nothing I know. I am not gentle, I am strong, my lovely." He sat up and it came into view, that massive equine pillar that rose from his groin, ready and twitching with his restrained readiness. It was a thing of legend to her. Not that she hadn't seen other stallion's before, but having it poised right over her felt like it had risen from myth and legend to offer a challenge to the goddess. "Are you scared of it?"

She colored a little as she eyed it, reaching up to touch it with her magic. It was large. And she was quite aware that it could pierce her easily, no matter her wishes on the subject. Still, it was like her toy. If her toy had been warm, and attached to a living pony. She felt giddiness building in her, wondering if that largest toy had actually been a bit larger than the thing in front of her. "I am not scared of it, because it is you, my prince, and I am losing my fear of you quickly."

Sand blew softly down at her, offering his heat in ways that seemed like more of him. She drank that up, panting with need. She'd only ever felt like this during a thunderstorm, waiting for the rain to fall. He moved himself over her, pressing that considerable pole against her nethers. He arced his back with a groan. "Oh, I have your permission." She had winked, the truest way a mare could invite a stallion. He advanced, confident she wanted it. He had made sure before even approaching, but then, it was always good to check a lady twice, as one might only have a moment to.

Sand slipped slowly and with great care forward. She squealed out in joy, hooves dancing. Blue Belle flailed with a squeal as it made its entry. The front hooves latched around his neck while the hindlegs flailed the air behind him. It wasn't going in very fast, but it felt like her world was being split in half, not in pain, but just the reality of it. She was welcoming in a pony, and the feelings were difficult to describe. Her tongue lolled in a joyous pant as her senses slowly regained control over themselves. It wasn't like one of her toys, not in the slightest. It had its own agenda, but for some reason, her mind was glad for that.

Sand bit and nipped across her powerful neck as he sank further and further into her. Behind him, his tail lashed fitfully. "I had, mm, my own fears, Little Bell. Silly fears, that I would not be able to enter my little bride." But he was doing just that, inch after inch. "That she would be a little doll I would admire, but never share this with."

Blue Belle clung tight to the prince, licking along his cheek and lips. Her heart had now only one duty. And she wasn't exactly sure what that duty was, only that she had to live for that moment, right there, where nothing was real. Her eyes shot open as she felt another new thing in a sea of so many novel experiences. His groin pressed to hers. He was buried in her entirely. She had taken all of him. "Oh! Oh my goodness..."

The sensation was electric and terrifying. It made her shake like a leaf, the shivers running up and down her whole body. Her breathing changed to the shallow panted gasps that left her shivering all the more, and only her love for him made it an exciting fear. "Oh my dear. Sand. This is not the love of two friends."

He laughed at her words. "My Belle, we are and will remain friends, but there is more to it beyond that. A couple who are not friends may be sad creatures indeed." He kissed her, lips to lips. The words died with the motion, but his emotions seemed quite clear to her. They kissed slowly, tongues coiling against one another with eager need. It felt like the right moment, their heartbeats quickening to meet each other's.

As she drifted into the rhythm of it, she found that she wasn't fearful or shaking, at least no longer. With his lead, she followed him along the same road he trod with such confidence and control. Their passion built together, emotions rising from the depths, uncontrolled, until they were sharing every breath, their hooves roaming over one another and delighting in every thing they could find in the other.

She stroked over the flanks that led back to him, those firm haunches that moved the stallion. His warmth and masculinity all became one to her. Sand moved with perfect rhythm. It felt as natural to her as if it was some music they had both danced to for so long together to. Worse, perhaps, was she was performing her part of it, rocking and bucking against his body as the throes of passion took her. "S-sand. S-sand. Sand." She whispered his name in a soft mantra, like some kind of prayer. "S-something!" She didn't get to finish the thought, her body seizing as a peak washed over her with so little warning, rippling all across her form.

Her eyes locked onto his, seeing in them the concern and care he held for her, for her little flower. And even if she was trying to enjoy her first true orgasm, shared with the stallion that would be her husband. She clung to that idea in her mind and to his body both. His mouth dropped to her throat.

"Yes! Yes, I'm yours!" The words just spilled from her. "Mark me! Put something, anything, something that proves it to the world that I belong to you and only you."

He obliged, in the way that only a stallion could. He jumped inside her, member twitching powerfully as that bulge shot up along it, firing into her in thick gushes of life-giving seed. He buried his teeth into her flesh, biting tight and leaving a clear mark. Sand threw back his head and loosed a roar of his own pleasure. It was all primal, and all her own doing.

She was shaking harder than before, heart and head aflutter with what had just happened. The heat spreading through her insides left her boneless, but smiling. She was his. She had become a mare at long last.

As her body slumped from the excitement, Sand came with her to the cushions. He pinned her beneath him, that hefty warmth keeping her pinned securely. To his credit, his arms propped himself up from crushing her, even as he panted softly, recovering from his own half of the experience.

It had been one of those moments that changed everything. Her cheeks flushed as the moment replayed in her mind's eye again and again. Even the simplest part was making her heart jump a little in her chest, his strong voice when he had let that roar go, an absolute sound of fulfillment and command both.

He pressed against her gently. "My sweet little one, are you confident? Do you trust me?"

Blue lifted an ear at him. "I, hm. I do not fear it, or you." She trembled around his gentle pushes. "Allow me to recover, My Sand, but I am only happy. Maybe too happy." She laughed at that last part. "Overwhelmed with it in only the grandest ways."

He looked down at the mare and chuckled softly. "You are a little flower, so delicate, but strong enough to still stand, in your own way." He sighed, not with displeasure, but with contented relief. "We can rest until the world stops spinning." The two nestled in close, both seeming to be happy to be there with one another.

As the couple slumbered, Blue Belle was stirred by a little nudge. She shifted with a tired grumble. "Sand? Dearest, I'm not sure how much more I can manage for tonight." She looked up at him as he rose. The way his body was coiled was like a predator looking over the horizon. "Is something wrong?"

His nose twitched, scenting the air, as he went to a window. What he saw had a measured scowl on his face.

Author's Note

They crashed together, and neither broke from the experience. I liked the emotional play of things, even as things were very physical.

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17 - She's On Fire

Sand marched out to the main room. From her perspective, Blue Belle could only see him talking to a shadowy figure. "The fires?" That question came through the walls, almost quivering with alarm.

A male voice responded, but not one she could recognize. Part of her considered retreating. The words were clearly important ones, and likely one beyond her ability to tackle personally.

Sand spoke up louder, forcing her thoughts to shift. "A few deaths."

She swallowed heavily, trembling hard enough to hear it herself. Something terrible had happened in Saddle Arabia. What was more, the prince sounded upset, maybe even devastated. She was to be his wife. A wife did not hide when trouble came. She got up and stumbled towards the door, wanting to support him. She wanted to reach out to comfort him in the way a princess should. Instead, when she stepped out into the antechamber, her eyes locked onto the guard that stood there. She'd been wearing something else, earlier. She blushed brightly and ran to try and dress herself properly.

"Blue." Sand glanced at her.

The tone wasn't cruel, but the bite was a sharp as a whip. She hesitated, considering hiding to dress. But then, he was already familiar with every intimate detail of her. "Sand. Can I help?"

He looked towards her with concern and hesitation. But she remained naked to his eyes. She doubted he would be bothered, but her naked body wasn't why he had frozen. "It seems my kingdom is in distress. A fire rampages, and fires do not break out often. Somepony is likely to blame, possibly several." He stepped towards Blue, holding his arms open wide for her.

Blue Belle didn't hesitate further. She dove into his embrace, cuddling into him as hard as she could, kissing his jaw. His scent was different, as if his distress were coloring it. "I'm here. You must speak with your father, yes?"

Sand squeezed her gently. "You're learning quickly."

She blushed harder, wiggling against his grip. "My love, we will attend the fire issue. But you must promise me you won't fly off in search of vengeance first. It does none of us any good if our king and prince are slain seeking retribution alone."

Prince Sand raised a brow high. "My little bell, when did you begin spouting wisdom's words?" He laughed gently. "Tell me, do you have a unicorn trick for battling blazes?"

"Me?" She perked her ears up. "Why, I do."

Sand snorted. "Of course, my magical one." He dipped to her side, kissing her neck gently. "Then give succor to my people, Belle. We will do the rest for you." He swept up a robe, setting it about her shoulders. He nodded for the servant to escort them, Blue Belle riding in regal silence.

When she reached the location, smoke rolled from one building to another. She was flanked by guards, as if they feared for her. She shivered despite the heat of the fire, thinking of what they would need to protect her from. The city itself was busy around her. All the guards were scrambling to fight the flames consuming one of the tallest structures.

Blue Belle flared her horn as she looked over the buildings below her. Smoke poured from one, heat searing at her, though the unicorn barely noticed it. The acrid scent brought tears to her eyes and filled her with dismay. She looked around for water. There! A fountain burbled, undisturbed by the chaos around it. She focused her horn on it.

The unicorn closed her eyes as she felt the magic start to flow. She focused on the fountain, drawing forth a single droplet of water. But that droplet expanded, becoming larger. It hovered in the air, pulled towards the flaming inferno as she guided it there. Her ears folded as she focused on it, teeth grinding.

With a loud pop of some immense bubble, the water exploded forth as if from a broken dam, pouring towards the blaze and crashing with full force upon it, flooding it as if from a dozen hoses at once.

The crowd cheered at the miracle, seeing the water vanishing into steam and clouds. Ponies rushed out, stamping out the remains with cloths before they could reignite and renew the blaze. One building was saved, and she was already working on the next.

She focused her magic again, struggling to pull from the fountain once more. As she tried, something interrupted. Several somethings. One small glob of flame soared through the air towards the bucket brigade of ponies, several of whom were struck by the burning bits. She backed a step, sending a fresh drop of water in her place to bathe those brave firefighters. The building was smoking anew, but she had given them time.

The flame was like an angry warrior, and her battle just as true as any duel. She did not waver, clashing with water and determination, trying to beat it away step by step.

The flame raged on in fury, challenging her at every turn and counter strike. She sent wave after wave of water, slamming them into the fire to defeat it, blow for blow. Water against fire, life against death, good versus evil.

She let out a tired laugh, amused by her own internal thoughts of the grandness of her battle. In the end, she was smokey, exhausted, but the fire was coming under control. "By Celestia, we've done it." She wiped her brow with a hoof. She looked around to find Prince Sand, eyes searching as the area began to fill with more panicked guards.

One of those guards hurried to Blue's side. "The blaze is calming, Princess. Thank you for your aid." The mare looked over her shoulder at the structure Blue Belle had just spent so much magic quenching. "What caused such a thing?"

"I don't know, but—" Before Blue Belle could fully speculate, one of the nearby windows shattered open, shards of glass bursting in every direction.

Smoke billowed out of the building. From it came a pony in dark leather armor, armed with a pair of sharp daggers. In one fluid motion, the pony flung a dagger right at Blue Belle.

A guard drew a blade just in time to connect with the dagger as it flew, knocking it aside. "Halt! Assassin!" Guards descended on the attacker in force. In seconds, they'd surrounded him with swords drawn.

The pony showed no hesitation at being outnumbered and charged in the fray. Swords clashed, blood stained the ground as the assassin refused to back down.

Blue backed away from the scene, eyes wide. Never had something like this happened in Equestria. Never had she imagined so many ponies fighting at once. The air carried the thick and rusty smell of blood mixed with smoke. A stallion fell back, clutching his stomach as red stained his fur.

She had never had to battle, to fight for her life. She did what felt natural for that situation, she fled, back towards the castle at a full gallop.

She kept running through the city. She fled back to the palace, though every step felt like she was betraying Sand, herself, and the citizens. At some point, a few royal guards realized Blue Belle had vanished. She stopped with a snort and cough. Heaving for beath, she fell against a wall. Ponies were asking her questions, but she was in no condition to give them many answers.

"You fought hard, Princess, but what happened back there? We must protect you! An assassin in broad daylight!" The guard looked quite upset, enough to not bother with the fact that it was night, not day.

Blue Belle collapsed to the ground, drained physically and emotionally. Her muscles burned from the galloping marathon and her mind buzzed with fear from her narrow brush with death. "I-is the fire out?"

The guard inclined an ear. "Oh, yes. You did quite well." He saluted sharply. "Thank you again for your aid. This is our failing, ma'am. No princess of ours should have to fear assassins in her own city!"

Blue Belle nodded faintly and gave a vague murmur. "Yes," She blinked a moment later, realizing she'd agreed without meaning to, then looked around again. "Has anyone told Prince Sand? His majesty?"

The guard nodded sharply. "Indeed. Both of them know you are safe." He inclined his head. "I expect his majesty will wish to speak to you later. Until then, we've doubled your guard and I would advise retiring to your chamber until tomorrow."

She was glad she didn't have to argue that point. "Good. Tell Sand to come to my bed tonight." The words escaped before she could think about them. "Not for, ah. We should speak, about the fire, and the attack."

"Of course." The guard marched away to tend to other things.

Blue Belle made her way through the palace to her chambers. The curtains had been closed around the tower, blocking out the moon and stars. Everything felt more claustrophobic than comforting that night. With the doors barred, the windows shut, and the fireplace covered over, Blue Belle prepared for bed.

But sleep felt miles away. Some evening. She let out a sigh as she thought over it, from the wonderful start with Sand that brought color to her cheeks, to the raging battle against the fire to followed by a battle of her own life.

She bathed in silence, lost in thought. Her muscles were sore and her mind numb with exhaustion. Eventually, she found the bed, curling up and sinking into it.

"Little Bell?" She opened her eyes to see Prince Sand coming into the room with worry on his features. She trembled faintly. "They told me. I was so worried. Little Bell, I cannot even begin to explain my gratitude for you, or my horror. No pony has tried to kill any royal family members since the last war!"

Blue Belle sat upright, "Sand." She felt relief washing over her. He was a safe place. "Are you alright?"

"Me?" He laughed at the very notion. "You are the one that spent time in danger, my love." He went in to touch noses, rubbing his snout's end to hers. "I am fine."

She embraced him, hugging him around the neck, clinging to him like ivy. "Come to bed and tell me what you know." She knew they were supposed to be apart until after marriage, but the entire world had gone insane. "The fire was a thing possessed. It did not want to yield."

"And yet, you forced it." Sand sank next to her and drew her to hug next to him. "The rumors are already spreading of our Equestrian angel, covered in soot as she rode to battle against the inferno." He laughed softly. "My little one is a hero."

Her blush warmed him. She coughed weakly. "Hardly heroic. I saved a couple of buildings. That's all I really did." She settled onto her belly as she rested next to the strong stallion, inhaling his scent, taking it deep into herself. "Did I really help?"

"You did." He nestled with her, some manner of calm returning after that excitement. "My guards say you prevented a city block from becoming so much as ash." His hoof thumped once in pride, the floor vibrating. "If they are correct, you did more than expected in preventing loss of life. More importantly, you've shown yourself to them."

She nodded slightly as she accepted that, looking at her own hooves. "I am still but one mare." She bowed her head forward. "Though if the city needs me, I will do what I can."

"A fine sentiment from any princess." He nipped her closer ear. "You look tired, and for good reason. Come to bed and rest."

Blue Belle shook her head and swallowed heavily. "Sand, I wish to ask for you a favor. Would you..." She bit her lower lip, wondering how bold she should dare be. "Would you stay with me tonight?"

Sand nuzzled Blue's cheek gently. "Tonight? Of course. And I will hold you, and kiss you until we sleep, my bride-to-be." His large nose touched to hers, a gentle bump of affection.

Sand climbed into bed behind her. Whatever chaos brewed in the city beyond, they were there for one another, and sleep came for them.

Author's Note

Can't a mare just enjoy an evening with her stallion? Sheesh.

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18 - Dear Visitor

Prince Sand watched the parade march through town. It was a grand occasion, not to mention a distraction from recent troubles. But most importantly, the commoners were going wild for a visit by Princess Cadance.

Blue Belle was right beside him, waving at ponies in an official way as they looked. "This is far better than that night, but did they ever discover the true source of it?"

"I was waiting to inform you until after the visit." Prince Sand glanced over, voice pitched to keep others from hearing. "It was no accident. Assassins, all signs point towards. None of what transpired was an accident. I hesitate to even use that word. A good assassin does not try to murder an entire block while practicing their trade."

She looked forward and swallowed. "So why attack them instead of... us?" She had been meaning to ask a question along these lines for days.

"Many reasons, dearest." Sand put a leg around Blue Belle and squeezed gently. "Most simply, I doubt they anticipated your skill in magic. I think, perhaps, we must prepare for further attempts. There have been two in Saddle Arabia since you arrived, but we suspect three other 'accidents' beforehand."

"Oh, sweet Celestia," Blue whispered in sudden realization. "Those guards and mages we lost on the way here?"

Sand nodded, waving at some onlookers with the same bright smile despite the dark topic of their talk. "I think some ponies are displeased at my acceptance of you, Little Bell. Perhaps they would have been happier had I sent you back to Equestria."

"No!" She objected fiercely, feeling a pang of panic in her chest, as if the decision were imminent. "I would stay. There are plenty of things I can do here."

He smiled. "I need not convincing, my fierce little wife. You are mine, and I will not release you so easily."

Blue Belle snorted. "I still owe you." The idea of leaving now wasn't appealing. "And I do love you."

He nodded quietly. "I love you too, my dear." Both waved as they continued the parade, abandoning such dire talks for later, in a less public place.

When the festivities were completed for the day, the trio were brought together in private, which meant a company of guards watching the meeting carefully.

Princess Cadance took stock of her former annoying distant family member turned princess. "Saddle Arabia has been really good for you, Bluebl—"

"Belle," corrected Blue. "Silly girl, we don't use that old nickname anymore."

Cadance giggled. "How cute! I remember when you used to be all 'wah, my sister doesn't love me,' and now you're being loved by Prince Sand."

Sand let out a low chuckle as he rose. "Thank you for coming. The people were quite excited to lay their eyes on a full-sized Equestrian princess, the alicorn variety."

Cadance hummed gently. "Are you upset, that Blue Belle isn't one of those?"

Sand shot Cadance a sour expression, disliking the implications, even from the pleasant natured princess. "I enjoy my betrothed the way she is." He grinned at Blue Belle. "She has talents, this I have seen. But, there are others who are clearly upset, as you just asked."

"Oh." Cadance frowned slightly and crossed her hooves on a pillow to sink down. "The fire."

"Yes." Sand pointed a hoof at the window. "Two more accidents during your travels here. The land is simmering with disorder despite our best attempts. We will have to act, and soon." He rose and walked to the window. The world seemed a different place than he remembered from childhood.

Blue Belle swallowed as she glanced between her fiance and her cousin. "Do you really think Cadance can assist with this? Is that why you are telling her about it?"

"Oh, heavens no!" Sand barked with amusement. "Cadance may be many things, but the solution is not in her to quell riots." He eyed the princess coolly. "Though I admit, it seems she might make the people happy for a short span of time. It is a welcome distraction, which I welcome."

Blue Belle followed Cadance to dinner, letting their chatter serve as a background drone.

Cadance slid closer, voice dropping. "I want your honesty, Blue. Are you really okay?! Are you two, you know, doing things?"

Belle blushed. "We are getting closer." The pink tint faded quickly. "But now that the kingdom is on edge, we haven't spent time together intimately."

"It's okay. These things happen." The princess set her hoof on Belle's with a soft squeeze of comfort. "But I meant you, you you! Blue, you haven't forgotten where you started, have you? Are you comfortable in this, hm, position? I can only imagine." She glanced about to make sure she wasn't being overheard. "You were a stallion, and now a mare. Not just a mare, but lifting your tail for a pony almost twice your size. You're sure you're okay?"

Blue Belle squirmed, chewing her bottom lip in thought. "I have nightmares, sometimes." She rubbed her muzzle. "Sometimes I'm back at home, as Blueblood. Sometimes I have no real form and can only watch. I think about the fool I acted, back then. I wish I could take it all back, but life does not work that way." She nuzzled into Cadance's side. "But I can be the best pony I can be from now moving forward. I am princess Blue Belle, and I am more than 'okay' with that idea."

Cadance hugged her tight and sighed softly. "Good to hear! And hey, Shining Armor and I will be married soon. Can you believe it?! Maybe our children can be playmates and become super close, like you and I never were."

The statement made Blue Belle frown as she thought on it. "True." She chewed her lip, feeling a sense of sorrow well up, followed by resolve. "I hate to ask, a tawdry question, but am I invited to this?"

Cadance blinked, realizing she hadn't actually invited Blue Belle. "Of course you are! I haven't sent out the formal invites yet, but I will. Since you brought it up, I'll tell you now that yes, you are invited."

"Oh, good!" Relief came as a long slow sigh from her lips. "I will need to speak to Sand, to see how we can arrange that. It would be a true delight to be there, and celebrate with you." She flipped an ear back, thinking quietly about how much better it'd be rather than chasing dangerous shadows in Saddle Arabia. "Now, let's eat and be merry, hm?"

With Cadance settled into a guest room at the palace, Blue Belle was left with Prince Sand, wandering the garden at midnight. Stars twinkled overhead, reflecting in the surface of water pools and glittering in his eyes. "Dear one." She slid closer. "As lovely as these walks are, do you not think we may be taunting them into action, being out, in such an open place, when so many are resting and away?"

"Do you?" Sand posed the question lightly.

Blue Belle flicked her ears as she listened to the darkness. "Maybe." She nuzzled him softly. "Or maybe it is just instinct, that fear."

"You are not incorrect." Sand walked with a sedate smile. "It would make our job more dangerous, but easier, if it provoked them into attacking. At least then we would have somepony to fight directly." He gazed overhead at the stars above. "The fires were bad, but it could have been far worse. Had you not helped..."

Blue Belle smiled up at him. "But I did help, and there's nothing wrong with admitting you had assistance."

Sand put an arm over her, drawing her closer. "And I am not. There is no shame in having a wife one can depend on. Speaking of that, I hear you would have us travel, to see Princess Cadance's wedding."

Belle swallowed lightly at that. "Well, I—" She let out a breath. "Sand, please forgive me. We should wait to discuss this matter after we have taken care of what plagues your land."

"No," countered Sand firmly. "Your cousin is locking arms with another. Truly, a wonderful day." He lifted his head with a growing smile. "We will invite them to ours, will we not? It would be rude to not return the favor, by being there that day." He stopped by a bush, examining a flower closely in the moonlight. "I wish to attend, and I would wish to have my wife there. Or rather, my betrothed."

Belle stepped up onto a construct she summoned, ascending the magic staircase to smooch Sand on the cheek. "It would be an honor to stand at your side. Thank you, dear." She licked his ear. "Perhaps, should things be resolved shortly after the wedding, we can go somewhere for ourselves before returning to Saddle Arabia."

"A honeymoon?" Sand chuffed. "What an exciting thought. But that must wait until after we are properly wed." He touched noses with her gently. "Only then can we be away for such a thing, my beloved Little Bell. For now—" He continued walking alongside her in the embrace of the cool night. "I think you will enjoy what we can arrange here for our marriage ceremony. If you wish to incorporate customs from your homeland, I would be pleased."

She grinned. "As if you know them." She raised a hoof to her chin. "As if I know yours. Dear, point me towards a book on the topic. I need to know how they differ before I can make any reasonable suggestions on how to bring them together in any proper way."

He laughed gently at the seriousness in her tone. "In good time, sweet. When you aren't worried about getting stabbed or poisoned, then you may fret about wedding details to your heart's content."

She cringed mildly at that thought, looking around. But they didn't come that night. They finished their walk without trouble. Even with her fears eased, Blue Belle didn't manage much sleep.

***

At midday, Blue Belle and Cadance decided to explore the gardens outside of the city center. The fresh air did them both good, though their retinue of guards and aides made things feel slightly crowded. Cadance threw an arm over Blue, pulling them close. "I'm so happy to hear you're getting along, with this, and yourself. To be honest, I feared for you and your happiness."

The two strolled through the rows of flowers and greenery. Cadance drank in the beauty of the plant life as it swayed in the breeze.

Blue's horn shimmered as she made some of the flowers increase in number. "I have found a place to belong, and with it, my magic has gotten better. I wonder how many other unicorns are simply in a less than ideal place for their arcane studies." She kissed her cousin's cheek lightly. "But truly, I am glad things worked out. Even though I was not expecting this sort of result. Well worth the trip."

"Even if you had not been transformed." Cadance paused. A quick glanced showed the others were not paying much attention to their words. "What do you like most of your betrothed? Tell me about him."

"Hmm, I like how big he is. No, no, listen first." She wagged a hoof as if to admonish a giggle from the other mare. "He makes me feel secure. Not physically, but emotionally. Like, he is not afraid to be himself. When he stands up and says something, it sounds so natural."

Cadance colored in a new way. "That sounds how I feel about Shining at times. When he takes charge and knows what to do, he can be very attractive. So, I know what you're saying there." She gestured towards a tree ahead. "Over there looks nice to sit awhile. Come."

Cadance trotted over to the tree. She used her unicorn magic to grab an apple off the nearest branch and chomp down on it. "Hm. It tastes different."

Blue sank to sit next to her. "Different places, different apples. They grow different fruit entirely here. I lent a hoof with the process. Have you tried a date? Lovely things." She gestured to a palm. "They are rich, though, so don't eat too much at once. They also make alcohol out of them."

"We'll see." Cadance took another bite of her fruit, clearly hungry and enjoying the local treat. "I'll have to head home shortly. I have a wedding to plan. No rest for the wicked, they say."

Author's Note

She had to check in on Blue eventually, didn't she?

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19 - Running Away

"Running away?"

Blue paused in her walk down the hallway. One of many state functionaries had addressed her. "Pardon?" She turned towards him. "Who's running away from what?"

"The assassinations. Your engagement to Prince Sand is well known by everyone of standing, madam. The attack upon you has only added to the awareness. Now that Princess Cadance is arriving, surely this is part of the process of returning to Equestria." The functionary inclined their head faintly. "You had no intention of going through with this, I imagine. A fine time to stop this charade."

Blue Belle froze in alarm at the implication. Was she ready to abandon everything she'd done in Saddle Arabia?

A surge of emotion rose inside her chest. She pivoted and stalked back to confront the servant, leveling a glare. "I am most certainly not fleeing. Prince Sand will escort me to Equestria, where we will attend, together, a lovely wedding. Afterwards, we will return, and our own wedding will be attended by that same couple. This is a chance for our countries to grow closer, not for me to tuck my tail like some common coward!"

The retainer recoiled as the anger hit him straight-on. "Apologies, Princess. I did not intend offense."

She drew near, forcing him to tilt back and look upward to her. "The mere notion that I would flee from danger is beyond insulting. My life is not the most precious thing to me, do you understand?" That she had forced the taller pony to be below her was notable, though the shaking stallion wasn't thinking that through.

"P-p-please forgive me."

"I will," she hissed softly. "But never forget again that I am devoted to this country, and to its prince. I expect you will still be available to oversee my return to this place, when we are done in Equestria?"

"Of course, ma'am." He bowed and turned away. "I should hurry to my tasks."

"Yes." She stared at his receding back with a thoughtful air about her.

Cadance popped her head out from the doorway and gave a wink. "Aren't you supposed to be packing?"

"Ah, Cadance, cousin dear." Blue closed to rub snouts gently. "Your presence warms the day. Yes, I should get to that. Apologies for the delay. Speaking of, I thought you would be ahead of me? Why are you still here?"

"Oh, I'm just waiting for my guard escort and taking a moment to catch my breath," she said. "It's funny, Blue Belle, seeing how much you've changed since coming here." She drew Blue closer with her glowing horn. "You've really grown, in ways I would not have predicted." She leaned in to whisper, "Little Blueblood, neither of us saw this coming, but you have become quite the noble mare."

Blue Belle swallowed, recalling her original thoughts on how nobility worked. How she had treated others. She had deserved to be stripped of that rank and privilege. How low she had fallen, and how high she now stood. "Thank you." She chewed the inside of her cheek. "For believing in me, enough to send me here, despite everything."

Cadance nudged Blue. "Don't act as if I didn't benefit. You saved me. If it weren't you, I'd be here. And this Prince Sand seems lovely, but he isn't Shining. I would have been quite devastated. You are my hero, now and forever."

Blue Belle blushed as the title got assigned to her. "Hardly a hero, Cadance, merely someone willing to put myself into a situation from which another could not escape unscathed."

Cadance burst into soft giggles, a hoof held up to cover her face. "That is exactly what a hero does." She kissed Blue's cheek and fled away with her head held high.

Blue Belle shook her head in mock defeat and turned back to her room to pack.

***

"Is my mane alright?" Prince Sand ran a brush over his neck. "I don't want them thinking us backwards because I did not look perfect."

"Dear." Blue set a hoof on his leg. "I am mildly biased in this regard, but you look absolutely stunning. Aside that, Celestia has fine servants that will see to your every need when we get there. They're quite good at their work, just like the servants here." She kissed his chest.

His grooms were making finishing touches, so they couldn't comment as she complimented them. "Good. Let us finish preparing."

Blue Belle focused on finishing preparations for their departure. "I have little in the way of possessions I simply must bring. Just a few outfits to switch between, really." She tapped at a suitcase packed with just that. "And you? Anything you intend to bring?" She scanned the large chambers filled with the wealth accumulated over decades.

Sand finished having his bags packed by servants. His gaze wandered over all his personal belongings. "What we cannot take will be protected for our return." He grabbed his case in his teeth just to drop it on a cart, then took Blue's and added it to the same. "You are right. I should trust Equestria to be a fantastic host, should other needs arrive. Then, when they attend our wedding, we can offer the same quality they provided us. Do you agree, Little Bell?"

Blue smiled as she was turned, nodding at the cart. "Exactly. This is, beyond a wedding visit, a chance for a little diplomacy just by merit of us being there. They shall see your majesty, as do I, and it will elevate relations between our lands." She peered out the window at the world beyond. "It is exciting, and frightening." She hugged him around his neck. "They've not met you, not personally, and certainly not with me. I feel certain they will bombard me with questions about this."

He patted her head gently. "Then let us depart." He led her away with a smile. "Together. Two kingdoms united as one."

The two strode among the train of guards and servants towards an airship. It was an elaborate wooden ship covered in magical runes. Some kind of artifact used for long range flight, presumably by magical means.

Servants went aboard to store baggage for the trip to the Crystal Kingdom. Sand offered a foreleg, which Blue accepted. Linked, the two took purposeful steps up onto the ship. It felt solid under her hooves and she looked around with interest.

"Amazing." She nodded with approval. "I have not ridden airships very frequently. Every time is a delight. To soar so high over the lands, a true treat for the senses."

"My little wingless bird." Sand pecked her neck lightly, sending tingles through her. "Come, let me show you around." He seemed quite happy to show her about the ship. The vessel was larger than Equestrian ones, clearly designed to house the larger ponies that rode them. They had smaller servants for the finer jobs, however.

Sand and Blue explored the airship before finding seats. "They must launch quickly if we wish to land early enough."

She nodded quietly. "That makes sense. When will that—" She lurched as the room moved around her. They had just taken off. "Never mind that question, the answer arrived before I could finish it." She laughed at her own foalishness. "We'll be there in no time at all."

He touched noses to hers. "Precisely. We are to meet with Shining Armor and the princess that left just ahead of us, I am told."

She rubbed up against him affectionately. "Both of them! But Princess Celestia will also be there. A chance to share words with her is certainly worth the trip, even if weddings don't interest you." She sat back in the cushioned seat. "This whole venture will prove interesting indeed."

Prince Sand grunted as he got comfortable. "Are they not similar, Cadance and Celestia?"

Blue considered that question. "They are both princesses of Equestria, yes, but Celestia is the one truly in charge. She raises the sun, and she sets the laws we abide by before any other. The bit, as it were, stops with her. In a manner of speaking, of course, since I would never use such crude phrasing to her directly. Or Luna, for that matter."

"I've heard much about her sister, but never met Luna." He took a slow breath. "Princess Celestia I have at least seen. My father took me once, to visit Equestria. She stood tall and powerfully, as large as any of us. I was amazed at how much she towered over her subjects, and me. I was but a foal at the time."

Blue nodded. "I've lived there for most of my life. Her castle has always been that regal. You cannot help but respect her, unless you are simply awful." She chuckled weakly, remembering her past. "Like me." She felt the pang of guilt strike within, as she compared herself to a true monarch. "But she is a good ruler, just as you will be, my prince." She leaned against him.

"It is strange." Sand wrapped a foreleg about Blue. "I've never thought about the future like this. Before you, it was training, feasts, parties. All the usual things." He drew her closer. "Now I think of the future, and our place in it. I am told the princesses, the ones with wings and horns, do not age. You are not one of those. Perhaps for the best, the idea of being outlived by magnitudes by my queen? Difficult to accept. My only choice in the end would be to join you in the dirt, where I would belong far sooner."

Blue swallowed hard. "If there was a way to extend our lives, or return youth to an aged body, I would have read about it." She rubbed at her neck. "But let's not belabor that thought. We are both normal ponies. We will live a normal amount of time, a long normal amount of time, I do hope. More than anything, I desire a lasting peace and friendship with my old land, while we rule my new one."

"I love that about you." Sand bumped muzzles with her. "Let's change topics before I start crying."

Things became quieter, but companionable. They could hear the soft rumble of the rotors spinning about, keeping the airship aloft and pointed in the right direction.

Blue perked suddenly. "Why don't we go to the deck? I mentioned the view, and we can't see much from here. A lovely view to occupy the mind and bedazzle the senses."

"As you desire." Sand followed as Blue pulled him out from the comfort of their lounge seats. Together, they walked until the floor turned to railings and wind caressed them both.

From the bow of the ship, they watched the desert landscape rush beneath them. She pointed ahead of them, into the wind. "And that's where we're headed. I can't wait to show you around. Canterlot is a true delight, with all manner of places to be and ponies to bump into. It's going to be quite crowded, with this being such a major event."

"Yes." Sand squinted at the horizon. "There are days when I envy you, Blue."

"What? Why?" She whirled on him, eyes up at him and her head tilted faintly. "You're royalty, why would you possibly envy a transplanted unicorn?"

"I've lived my life in comfort and security," explained the massive prince, drawing a hoof through the air as he gestured and explained. "You've tasted freedom. While you are of noble breeding, clearly, you speak as if you were allowed to largely go where you wished. To find a path and follow it without having it paved ahead of you from birth. The joys of a commoner, where we come from. Those of noble birth must attend to their duties, and those duties do not often take breaks."

"Not often." She leaned against the railing with her forelegs wrapped around. "But this is exactly one of those times. You will be with me, dear Prince, and I will not judge you harshly if you simply smile and enjoy what Equestria will gladly share. Come now. Enjoy the breeze upon your mane and fur. Feel the sun on your face."

He tilted his face towards the warm light. "You are too wise for me, sweet Belle." He smiled broadly, arms splayed out atop the railing. "This trip feels more enchanting by the moment. I can barely imagine what things you have in store for me.

Author's Note

Yay, Equestria! I hear that's a nice place. Where do you want to see Sand visit while he's there?

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20 - Welcome to Canterlot

They landed, or at least came in as close as they intended. A broad plank was set down by the workers of the ship for them to actually reach the ground, and Canterlot.

The ramp struck the stone with a solid thump. There was a general feeling of release around the ship as guards formed a perimeter, ensuring nothing dire would happen with the ramp exposed. After a few moments of anxious silence, a small team of guards preceded the royal party down to the pavement.

At the bottom, a delegation of Equestrians stood with serious expressions. As Prince Sand and Princess Blue Belle started down, they bowed their head respectfully. They watched as the royalty moved from plank to stone.

Sand looked over the welcoming committee with an open smirk, eyes half-lidded as he took in their number and general demeanor. "My Little Bell tells me that the grandness of our reception does not indicate lack of joy, but rather custom. What of it, hm?"

One of the attendants blinked in surprise. "We meant no offense. Welcome!" They waved at Canterlot as a whole. "We hope you have a lovely time here for this joyous day. It is not often we get foreign dignitaries for a wedding, but it is most welcome." The stallion rose and gestured towards the gates, starting to walk them inside.

"That is good." Sand nudged Blue. "Lead me in, my love."

She inclined her head regally, falling into step as Sand's hoof bumped her forward. "Well, I know this city like the back of my hoof." She joyfully began calling out almost every building they passed and its function, pausing but once. "Oh, hm. It is a city. I suppose some things do change."

Prince Sand squeezed his large frame down the streets and passageways of the town, led by Blue Belle. A guard cleared a route for them towards a structure fit for royalty. Servants opened double doors and stood aside for the visiting Prince. They had arrived at Canterlot Castle, home of Princess Celestia, and shining with the resplendence she had earned and demanded. "I had only heard stories of Equestria's palace."

Blue grinned as she pulled him inside. "I used to call this place home. Oh, not here, of course. This place belongs to Celestia, but I visited it quite often enough." She turned to a passing maid. "Pardon." The maid jumped, seeing Blue, eyes widening as she realized who she was talking to, and their odd appearance. "Where is Auntie hiding herself?"

"Oh, uh." She stared a moment longer then remembered to look respectful and proper. "Her Royal Highness is busy preparing for the wedding festivities, Miss Blueblood—ma'am. She asked me to tell you she was unable to attend to you until after."

"I see." Blue sighed deeply. "Very well. Please, show us to our quarters for this visit." She gestured back at Sand and their guards. "We would put our things down before I begin my tour of the city."

The mare looked at the Prince. "Of course." She inclined her head as well as she dared and departed briskly.

Prince Sand was amused by all the activity. "So many servants. I can see that Equestria is thriving."

"You needn't worry yourself over the prosperity of this place." She slipped closer as they followed. "Equestria is powerful in its own right, but not at threat to your lands. We can be sure of this." Blue followed as the maid led, ears up and a genuine smile on her face. "Your people are considered beloved friends and allies. May the sun never set on the friendship between us."

Sand grunted at that phrase, looking over the decorated interior of the hallways, and the portraits hung there. "Yes, well said." He followed behind the others towards an assigned room. A servant hurriedly opened the door.

As one, they all headed inside and began setting down all they had brought with them.

Blue gestured around the first room. "This is where the guards should be, and their rooms are there, and there." She pointed as she went, nodding. "And past those doors would be our portion of the suite, with all the amenities one would expect." She smiled up at him. "I do recommend the bathing facilities."

He chortled. "Perhaps later. I should make sure that everything has made the journey safely." He waved at servants. "You may put those in there, and these in there," Sand instructed the guards. He did keep an eye on the process as each piece was put somewhere proper.

Soon though, everything was in its place, and Blue clapped lightly. "Now, the proper way to end a journey it with a meal, dear prince. Are you in the mood for something light, or does your belly rumble for a more substantial offering?" She stepped over to a display of fine fruits and breads, with drinks in chilled bottles.

"I confess I am more thirsty than hungry." Sand poured himself something red and sweet to sip. "Fruit juice. But not of a sort I am familiar." e took a sip, small for him, massive for an Equestrian. "Mmm. Each nation, fruits all their own. I approve." He thrust the same glass towards Blue.

Blue drank from it with a bright smile, draining the glass of its remaining contents before letting it drop. "I suppose I'm dry too after all that excitement. Did you see how many Equestrians were pointing and gawking as we walked through Canterlot? Ponies of your stature are very rare around here. Unicorns, Earth ponies, Pegasi, none of them tend to stand half-again taller than a standard pony. I suspect many of those younger citizens have never laid eyes on a Saddle Arabian before."

Sand huffed gently at that. "Then we offer them a chance to see something new in return for what we are seeing. It seems fair." He leaned down to bump his snout to Blue's own. "Now, I am no longer parched, and in this enchanted land. You were thinking of a tour?"

"Absolutely, darling." She pushed his shoulder playfully. "Come on then, let's see what we might find today. So much adventure and sightseeing awaits us both. I insist." She drew him towards the front door as servants fled out of their way. "I am positive you shall be absolutely amazed by what there is to experience in Equestria." She pushed open the door easily and led him out into the halls, two guards trailing behind.

"So I said—" Upper Crust paused in her speech to another pony as she noticed Blue Belle. "My word." She shook her head quickly, looking past Blue to Sand and the others. "Have I missed some holiday?"

"No." Blue blushed as she shook her head. "We're here for the royal wedding, of course. And we'll have to catch up after that."

Upper Crust stared openly at Blue Belle's changed body and demeanor, blinking. "I see." She leaned in closer. "Who is that tall slice following you?" She looked up and up and up at Sand.

"Oh!" Blue pulled Sand close. "Upper Crust, Duchess of Canterlot, I'd like you to meet Sand, Crown Prince of Saddle Arabia, heir to the throne of Saddle Arabia, and my fiance."

Upper Crust's eyes grew wider than she had thought previously possible at the avalanche of new information. "I see! I see I see I see." She put a hoof to her chin. "Pardon me, but where are you going in such a hurry then?"

"He's new in town, and needs a proper tour." Blue Belle grinned over at Sand. "Just seeing Canterlot, nowhere dangerous. There shouldn't even be traffic this time of day. Don't worry about it, seriously." She led Sand on past Upper Crust, headed towards the exit of the castle.

Upper Crust shook her head slowly. "Can you even?" She turned to her previous conversation partner, that chat forgotten. "That was Blueblood! He... She? They looked awfully female from here. And with a husband-to-be! Whatever shall this world throw at us next?"

Blue was joyfully unaware of that converstion, leading Sand out onto the streets of Canterlot. "I do hope this place is still there. It was one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon, with lovely sights and treats to avail oneself of."

"Here, my little bell." Sand squeezed Blue Belle tight to his side. "Lead on, wherever you wish to go. This place is your playground. Mine too, if I will follow."

She laughed at that, smooching Sand on his lowered cheek. "I do love the way you phrased that. Come, let us enjoy this little pony playround, hm?" She led the way with a jump in her steps to a cafe and a particular seat out on the patio. "Now, they have lovely seats here, but none that could house your impressive size, so let us all settle aside the table."

Blue sank to her haunches at the table, roughing it, if one asked her. She used her magic to pull up a menu and offer one to Sand. "Consider this entirely my treat."

Sand picked up the menu delicately. He had some experience handling objects smaller than him. "Please. You are too kind. What would you suggest, my blue bell flower?"

"Well..." She giggled. "I would certainly go for any of these delights." She turned her menu, her magic highlighting the words she means. "It dances lightly on the tongue, but doesn't occupy much in the belly for later delicacies. A perfect thing for a lazy afternoon, I dare say."

"Mmm, that does sound tempting." Sand stroked his muzzle lightly as he eyed the listed price. He chuckled gently. "I do believe this is far below market price. Such bargains are unseen at home."

"Equestria is full of wonders, for sure, but perhaps the best thing is the kindness that shines out from within." She put a hoof to her chest. "That, and this is unconfirmed, but I hear this place receives a healthy stipend from Auntie to stay where it is, with the menu unchanged. It is a place she visits, when she can."

Prince Sand gave Blue Belle a playful squeeze of affection, smiling over at her. "Whatever the reasons, I do appreciate your knowledge of this wonderful place. Your insight, as ever, is appreciated."

"You have no idea!" Blue waved a waiter closer. "It's delightful to be in a place where, for once, I can teach you a thing or two, dear prince. Saddle Arabia is new to me, but Canterlot? There is little I am not aware of."

Once the waiter was in range, Blue ordered for them both, then sat back with a contented sigh. "What a joy it is to see old sights once again."

"You must share it, to feel complete, of course." Sand gestured the waiter closer. "Get the same for my guards." He inclined at them. "They deserve a little treat."

The server's expression brightened and she hustled away to fetch them their order. For her, two well to-do patrons was almost as good as the royal sisters paying a visit.

Sand sipped at his drink with relish. "It is, perhaps, not surprising that Equestria, land of water, knows how to make its water especially delectable in so many ways."

"Another mark of a proud and prosperous people." Blue finished her cup and set it aside. "A testament to what Equestrians can accomplish." She looked off over the rooftops of nearby buildings to gaze out over the city in general. "Ah, I missed it." She glanced aside at Sand. "Not that I regret the path I am now trotting, Beloved. I will faithfully discharge my duties, with pleasure."

"A pleasure I am pleased to return." Sand reached down to stroke her mane gently. "I did not mean to cause doubt within you."

"You have not," she assured him softly. "You merely draw words from me." She inclined her head faintly. "Perhaps, just my own doubts playing with me. I want you to enjoy this trip at least half as much as I am."

Author's Note

And we all know nothing bad happens at Cadance's wedding, so this will be a lovely trip! Off to a good start at least.

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21 - Troubling Vacations

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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22 - A Canterlot Wedding

Sand lay on his belly, sprawled out after a full day of exploring. "Equestria has many wonders, and so much have you shown me in only the first day here." He chuckled lightly. "I'm going to look like a balloon by the end of this visit if I keep feasting upon these delicacies you offer me. I could not have imagined the flavors here."

Blue laughed with a nervous edge. "My apologies, my dear. I'll err towards lighter dishes from now on. I am glad to hear you're enjoying yourself." She leaned against him, laying beside him as she was. "What did you think of the movie?"

"I enjoyed it greatly, my little bell. That manner of showcase was remarkable, bringing me close to the story as it happened." He rolled slightly towards her, giving her a one-armed hug. "But I have a question." He drew her closer. "Some ponies, they call you Blueblood, why is that? They were all quick to fix themselves, but it was a habit shared by more than one."

Blue sighed deeply. "I used to be, but things have changed. In part thanks to you. Now I'm Blue Belle. I think this is the name I was meant to have." She nuzzled Sand's neck softly. "But it is still an adjustment for some."

Sand was quiet a moment. "I know of Blueblood. I've done my research on Equestria, how could I not? Our powerful neighbor, one of our primary trading partners, I would have been a foolish prince to not look into it quite thoroughly."

"You are not wrong." Blue Belle giggled weakly. "We are rather proud of ourselves."

"Prince Blueblood." Sand frowned lightly. "That pony was... well." He snorted. "All mentions of him revolved around avoiding him in court, if one was able. Entitled, aristocratic to a fault. There were other descriptions, but I will spare you those." He put a hoof on Blue's snout. "Were you this pony?"

Blue nodded slowly. "It's true, I was rather stuck up." She ducked her head. "But I grew up in the last six months." She peeked up at him through her bangs. "In part because of you, as I said."

Sand let out a slow breath. "Equestria wanted to protect its princesses so sorely, they sent me a prince?" He leaned in closer to her, coiling around her. "And he accepted that fate? You were a stallion, and you laid beneath me." He turned an ear back. "Were you attracted to stallions already?"

Blue shivered and shook her head quickly. "I'm a mare, dear." She blushed fiercely. "You know how we can be."

Sand tapped the top of her head. "You were not one. I am asking of your past, Blue flower."

She bit her lower lip, looking away from him. "I... I never liked ponies like that before, no. I was... focused elsewhere."

Sand huffed, nostrils flared wide for a moment, then pulled back. "You deceived me. That was quite intentional. You knew what you were, I struggle to imagine how you wouldn't, and it's late to bring up that defense, considering what you've already said."

Blue fidgeted, looking away sharply. "I was being honest with you." She rubbed her hooves together as she sat upright. "I was a stallion when the call began, but I am now a mare, because of that. The moment I was, I tried my utmost to fit that role, to be the princess you had requested."

"You wanted out so badly, you were willing to do this?" Sand frowned at her. "You could not come to any other way?" He sat up as well, glaring down his nose at her. "Was Equestria that desperate?"

"I-it was my idea." She laughed nervously. "I did it, um." She rubbed at her cheek. "You have met Cadance, the wife to be? She was already deeply in love with what will soon become her husband. If I didn't act, she would have been sent to you, sad and heartbroken. Instead, um, you got me. I was not already attached, and I gave you a fair chance to win my heart."

Sand huffed. "I suppose." He looked away, then back at her sharply. "You would do that to yourself? How can I know if you really love me then? It feels all too convenient that I had no choice in the matter."

Blue's ears pricked. "I swear! You have shown yourself to be quite the lovely pony." She sat up on her haunches, one hoof pawing at him. "I was scared at first, you cut quite the imposing figure. But you were always gentle to me, but you had strength, that you used for your country. I saw both sides of you, and I fell in love. I want to be nowhere but at your side, my dear Sand. Your words made me a better mare."

Sand pulled away and rubbed at his chin. "You have a silver tongue, I will give you that." He leaned in close to her. "You are a mare now, truly?"

"From snout to flank!" Blue Belle took her chance to press against him. "Besides, you had opportunity to, ahem, examine me. You know entirely how much of a mare I am." She colored as that part went by. "I couldn't be much more of one. In the future, we will have foals, and I will raise them alongside you as best I can."

Sand chuckled softly, calming. "If you are so concerned, perhaps you could prove to me just how much of a mare you are?" He rolled onto his back and grinned at her. "I will leave it all in your hooves."

"Oh dear." She slid in and noses at his belly, inhaling that mixed aroma of masculine scents and the work of moving about that day. "You must have forgiven me, if you are inviting me to play." She nipped gently at his delicate belly. "I am glad. Blueblood is dead, dear Sand. There is only Blue Belle."

"Show me how glad you are, my Blue Belle," Sand murmured down to her, resting a hoof on her head.

Blue nuzzled up his tummy gently. "I will be the best mare possible for you." She slid up atop him, facing towards his back end, and the swelling sign that he was as surely a stallion as she was a mare. She didn't waste any time diving down to begin licking at him, teasing out his flesh from its tender hiding place.

Sand let his head flop back, relaxing and letting out a soft noise. "Good mare," he groaned, shifting lightly as her tongue and lips worked their magic.

She kept on licking and suckling, taking each bit of horseflesh slowly into her mouth to suckle on it and feel it growing deeper down her throat. It was just as big in one side of her as the other. She felt her insides tense, wanting to expel it, but she fought against such desires. It felt so right, so proper, to feel him filling her with his virile stallion flesh.

He grunted, feeling her swallowing around him. His own muzzle was far from idle as his tongue probed back at her, delving inside of her to make her whinny and shiver. Whatever their past secrets, both forgave the other, living in that wonderful present with one another.

Blue pulled away slowly, a strand of spit joining her lips to the stallioncock she adored so deeply. She turned about as best she could to give him an upside-down look. "I can hardly wait any longer." She drew away and slid down his belly to present her rump with a wag of her tail. "This is yours, my prince, and it has need of you, if you would oblige."

Sand gave her a wicked smile as he sat up. "I am never one to keep a mare waiting." He rolled up and slipped behind her, lifting his forelegs around her middle and drawing her back against him.

Blue braced herself with her hooves and breathed in deep, letting out a long sigh as she felt his thick stallioncock penetrate her. The two performed that ancient dance, the one that allowed future generations of ponies to dwell in the land. Both were quite certain there was one mare and one stallion involved in it, and which of them wore which gender.

When that was complete, the two weak, but with little smiles, they retired in one another's arms. Tomorrow would be the day that would change the lives of Cadance and Shining Armor, hopefully for good. As they slept in one another's company, they were certain that no matter what, everything would work out for the better.

***

"Prince!" A knocking woke up the two of them. "The wedding begins shortly," came the muffled call of a guard outside.

"Coming," Sand answered the guard.

Blue stretched herself with a yawn. "We'd best get ready. I'm sure Cadance would want us as presentable as we can be."

"Yes, of course." He slid off the bed and busied himself with dressing in the fineries they had just gotten the day before. "It's been a while since I attended such a formal gathering. I may have to rely upon your knowledge to avoid any embarrassment."

"Don't worry." She slipped out of bed after him and started to get herself prepared. "Fortunately, Equestria is more forgiving than Saddle Arabia has been about formalities. The effort is worth at least as much as the end-result. I blame Auntie for this."

Sand turned his head to watch Blue slip into her dress, a smile on his lips. "I wouldn't be so sure. Princess Celestia seems quite capable of enforcing a point. Perhaps it was her influence after all?"

Blue swatted in his direction. "That is who I meant, dear. She is my aunt." She turned that hoof to her chin. "Many times removed, but aunt she remains. She is quite the ancient pony, but she doesn't look it." All dressed and ready, she marched towards the door. "Shall we be off?"

"Yes, quite!" He held out his hoof, and she took it with a smile. Together, they walked out of their guestroom and through the halls towards the great doors to the wedding area.

Out there, there were many other ponies, some nobles, and even more just common folk eager to cheer and applaud for the newlyweds. Blue nodded towards the ponies she recognized as she slipped along towards their designated spot. She waved to Sand, both soon ready to stand near the aisle the stars of the show would stride along.

Princess Celestia stepped up to where all eyes could see her, calling out over the crowd to silence them. "Welcome, my subjects. It is a pleasure to see you here." Her voice carried well enough that everyone turned their heads and hushed up quickly. "Today we are not here for me at all. The star of this show is Princess Cadance and soon-to-be Prince-Consort, Shining Armor." She nodded at either of the two just below her. "We are gathered here today to bind them together, to make them wedded ponies in the eyes of the nation, the lands beyond, and all the spirits above and below. Let us proceed with this joyous event."

The wedding proceeded with promises, vows to be faithful and good to one another. Rings were exchanged with cheers rising from the crowd. It was perhaps unfortunate when Celestia was just about to announce them husband and wife, the doors flung open, revealing Twilight Sparkle and another, far more bedraggled, Cadance.

Blue blinked and waved to Twilight, but when her friend didn't return the gesture, she bit her lower lip.

Sand shifted, his guards doing the same as the ceremony came to a stop. "What is the meaning of this?"

He didn't have to wait long, it becoming clear that this rough-looking Cadance was the true one, and the one before them all was a copy, a ruse. Rather than argue it, the other Cadance laughed. With green flames, she revealed herself to be Queen Chrysalis.

She let out a low, hissing laugh. "So, at the final moment, you have discovered me. You have undone my plans, but you will never thwart me!" She gestured with her horn and the sky filled with changelings. "You won't stop them, or me, from taking over Equestria to feed my subjects." She snarled with hate at Celestia.

Sand whispered to Blue. "This is bad."

She nodded sharply, then looked around. "It would seem, oh." Blue stepped back at Celestia and Chrysalis dueled with their magic. "Gettem, Auntie! You can—" Her cheer fall to shocked horror as Celestia was overwhelmed in the match, sent back to the ground with a scorned horn.

Chrysalis laughed as she flew over the crowd. "We've waited and prepared, and now we will take what is ours!" Changelings were swarming in everywhere as she cackled with triumph over the whole thing.

Sand lashed a hind hoof at one changeling that drew too close. "This is not a safe place."

"I dare say there are no safe places." Blue shook her head quickly and whinnied in horror as a group of guards fell before an onslaught. "We need to hide! The wedding guests are not warriors." She pushed him into motion. "Quick, follow me!"

He instead pulled her close. "If I cannot protect you, what sort of husband am I?"

"You won't have to." Blue winked. "I know this castle well enough, come on." She darted down the stairs and broke away from the crowd.

Sand stuck right behind her, his guards giving them a little space.

When his guards paused to battle a few changelings attacking them, Blue whirled around and zapped one with a bolt of her magic. "You leave them alone, you brutes!" When another drew in, she kicked it back into a third. "This way, quick!" She darted towards one of the servant's doors. "Inside!"

Sand ducked in with her, the guards close behind, the last slamming it shut. The guard examined the door quickly, found a bar and slid it into place just in time for a heavy thump of something trying to get in after them.

Blue was panting as she stood on the landing of a spiral staircase. "I think we're safe. Few ponies know of this." She traveled up the steps quickly. "And we can get a more commanding view of things, if you've the mind to assist."

"Of course." He peered out at a high window. "What do your eyes behold that the crowds did not see?" he whispered down to her.

Blue squinted, and she saw a group of five ponies, the one leading them looked to be Twilight. "Ah, very good. The champions of the realm are in action." She clapped her hooves but turned her gaze onwards. "Oh dear." She pointed to a mare shrinking back, foal hiding behind her as changelings closed in. "That poor thing is in a bad spot."

Sand grunted as he turned about and hurried off down the steps again. He took them two at a time, almost tripping once but righting himself with a swing of his forelegs against the wall. He threw the bar that held the door shut aside and charged out with a force that sent changelings flying from the suddenly open door that had swatted them like flies.

The mother cried out and hid the foal behind her back with her own body as a shield.

But these new ponies had come to save them. Sand bit one and flung it aside while his guards kicked and stomped others, scattering their formation. The changelings came in an angry swarm towards them, but the guards were too disciplined for them. "I hope you don't mind us rescuing you," Sand remarked as he pried one off his foreleg. "I know we are rather foreign looking."

Blue emerged from between the great ponies around her. "You're safe, ma'am!"

She relaxed and let her foal come out to look at these new creatures. "Thank you," she said with a heavy breath, looking over Sand and the four guards with him. "We'd been hiding out here, but one of them found us and called more."

"I should imagine that was dreadful." She paused to blast one zooming straight at her. "This is no kind time for any pony. Ma'am, terribly rude to ask, but how skilled at you with that horn on your head? We need every available hood right now."

"I, um, I've never been very good with magic, not like you." She looked down. "I suppose we're pretty safe here now. I could help a little, but I'd be of better use watching the foals."

"We only have the one." Blue looked back to her to see there were, instead, two of them. "Where did that one come from?!"

The mare smiled sheepishly. "They feel safe around me." She hugged the scared children close. "I'll keep an eye on them, you focus on those, hmph, things."

"Don't need to tell me twice," Sand agreed as he kicked aside another changeling. "Not the best wedding."

"It would be a bit worse if we couldn't defend ourselves," Blue Belle said to Sand as she charged her laser with gathering power. "There seems to be no end of the things."

Sand glanced over at her. "I thought the same thing about your family, but it was worth the effort to know all of you."

She blushed and let off a blast from her horn that shattered the pavement under two Changelings. "You've composed yourself quite well, my dear. I expected some manner of freakout."

"I am not entirely immune to such things, but this is hardly the time for them." He looked around quickly. We are far too exposed. Let's head there." He led the way towards a smaller building, his guards fanning out to protect the mare and two foals.

The mare was still uncertain about the new ponies, but they were protecting her from the swarm of creatures. "So I don't mean to be rude, but what sort of ponies are you?"

Blue laughed gently. "First time seeing a Saddle Arabian? Great big ponies, but still ponies." She touched against Sand's leg. "Filled with the same love and needs as any pony, just larger, is all. They have a few traditions that are very different than ours, but we are working on those."

Sand nodded as he poked his head out of their new hiding place. "It is a strange turnabout, being the ones defending Equestria. I've heard the stories, half legends I imagine, of the times Equestria has served as a bulwark for the rest of the lands. My people were always glad to be defended, I'm sure, but now we have opportunity to repay some of that debt. We will not let you fall." He charged out to stop a trio of changelings from getting at them.

The battle raged on for what felt like hours, though may have only been minutes, when a great expanding sphere emerged from the castle. Whenever it came into contact with a changeling, it carried them away. It swept them all away, but passed harmlessly through ponies. The battle, just as suddenly as it started, ended.

Sand breathed deeply as he looked out. "It is over?"

Blue nodded slowly as she joined his side to look. "Yes, we did it."

"We did nothing," Sand replied, looking down at her. "Whatever caused that magic saved the day."

"You saved me." The mare stepped forward. "Even if you didn't take care of all the changelings, thank you, for protecting us."

Sand smiled softly and bowed his head to her.

"Thanks to you and your guards," Blue agreed. "You are the ones that have done the most of all, putting your bodies on the line to protect others, even when you don't know them." She cleared her throat. "We should get back. If that took care of those nasty insects, I imagine auntie will want to resume the ceremony as quickly as possible."

Sand blinked. "Wedding now?"

"Of course." She winked. "A royal wedding isn't exactly something you can schedule on short notice. Everyone's already gathered, and I doubt anypony has the heart to wait. Even Cadance, as tired as she looked, is likely eager to embrace her stallion as a wife." She nodded towards the castle. "Let's go see if we can help set things up again. I can only imagine how many things are going to be out of place now, after that whole mess."

"Indeed." Sand started walking, his guards falling in around him. "I do not understand this, but we'll trust your lead."

***

The wedding had been a success. With the changelings gone, there were still a number of ponies left in attendance. They were eager to get right on to happier times, and set to work putting everything right again for the bride and groom.

Blue Belle had been part of that effort, cleaning up the mess the fight had made of the banquet hall. "I am glad that is done with."

Celestia tapped Blue gently on the side. "I heard you and your betrothed were quite occupied during that brief, if fierce, exchange."

She blushed and bowed her head quickly. "Forgive me, princess. We merely did what any pony with power should do in such a crisis."

"And he did well by you." Celestia smiled warmly. She glanced off to see Sand busy elsewhere before she leaned in, voice a whisper, "Are you alright? Say the word and I will rescue you, Blueblood. Just ask it."

Blue Belle looked up and shook her head gently, a warm smile on her face. "No, your highness. He is gentle, kind, and strong. He's been good for me." She laughed suddenly. "Oh dear, after this, me and Sand will need a wedding of our own. Have you the time, Auntie, to attend another? I would be quite—"

Cadance shoved herself into that conversation, cutting Blue off. "Not happening. I'm officiating that one and I will not accept no for an answer."

Celestia chuckled softly. "Cadance has spoken." She nodded gently. "But it is nice to hear you are well. I look forward to hearing how you fare in the coming months."

Cadance hugged the surprised Blue. "Thank you, for coming and being here. For everything you've done. This wedding wouldn't be happening were it not for you. You gave up so much, just for me. I owe you more than I can even put to words." She took a shuddering breath as her eyes watered. "It means a lot, Blue Belle."

The two held one another as ponies worked to clean around them. Blue pulled back first. "We did our parts. You're welcome, but you don't owe me anything." She inclined an ear. "In the end, we both got to be happy, and marry a pony that wants to make us even happier. A fair trade, I dare say."

Cadance giggled lightly. "Fair enough. We shall have a long talk later. You shall tell me all about Saddle Arabia and what I've missed in your lives in the six months you were absent."

The wedding continued with the proper bride in place. The ponies cheered, stomped, and applauded as the vows were properly sealed and the two kissed. The afterparty turned to loud modern music about the power of love that had ponies dancing in joyful revelry until the sun went down.

Once all was said and done, Prince Sand settled beside Blue Belle. "I do hope that mine will not be so exciting." He chuckled at her surprised look and smirked. "Saddle Arabians do not play music quite this, hm, full of, hm." He struggled to find the right word. "Spirit? But I think it was quite well done." He bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Equestria has proven itself once more, and I am glad to be allied with you."

"Wedding parties are meant to be wild." She leaned up to touch her nose to his. "I trust the one we have will be wild, just in different ways. I pray not with any of those nasty insects involved. Terrible things, the lot of them." She shivered as she thought of them for too long.

Sand shook his head. "You are fortunate they came for the wedding, that gave you the advantage."

"Oh?" She leaned against his great bulk. "In what way do you mean?"

"The Elements of Harmony are in this city." He gestured out towards Canterlot Castle. "I have read about them in my research. I do not know how they would function, but that was not a fight of soldiers and swords. That was a magic far greater. Were they responsible for it?"

"I imagine so." She rubbed at her cheek, unsure in truth. "But that does feel likely. I saw Twilight advancing with her friends in that. They likely secured the Elements and got to cleaning up." She sighed deeply. "That is good to hear. We won't need to worry about more of those things."

"Yes." Sand looked around slowly. "I think we should retire for the evening."

Author's Note

I hope you enjoyed this altered path that still had some common points. We're not ignoring canon around here, but there's plenty of space to wriggle about.

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23 - Growing Larger

"And this is our home," Blue Belle said as they stepped into a palace much grander than any they had seen in Canterlot. She swept her foreleg around to indicate the entrance. "We are now safe in Saddle Arabia, far from Canterlot and whatever mess the Changelings may have created."

Twilight examined the palace with wide eyes. "It's quite impressive. Different from Equestrian architecture in a myriad of ways, but it all looks so beautiful."

Sand puffed up his chest and took a deep breath, letting out a contented sigh. "I am glad you find it pleasing. My little Blue flower mentioned you have the ear of Celestia directly?" He watched Twilight nod quickly. "That means my words would reach her as well." He cleared his throat. "Please, send Celestia my warmest regards and my thanks for her part in this."

Twilight perked up, relief clear on her. "I'll gladly pass that along. Spike?" Her assistant and little brother got out some parchment. "Take a letter. Dear Princess Celestia, I met Prince Sand and he wants you to know he's still thinking warmly of you and sends his thanks for helping him. I plan to explore and enjoy Saddle Arabia now. Though the ponies here are larger than us, they seem to have the same hospitable hearts." She paused there and glanced over to Sand. "She's still your fiance, right?"

Blue nodded with a smile. "Indeed." She touched his leg. "We can finally set our own wedding date. It felt rude and awkward to do so while in the midst of another's, but now, nothing stands in the way." She looked up at him. "Do you have a date in mind, my prince?"

Sand nodded gently. "I've had time to consider it. What about the first day of spring?"

Twilight watched them with a smile as she dictated the letter to Spike.

Blue guided Twilight into the palace to show around. "I will confess, when I first arrived, it was like they towered like giants over my head. That feeling subsided bit by bit as I got used to being around them. Now I just feel short, instead of a tiny doll at their hooves."

"I can imagine that." Twilight rubbed the back of her head gently. "They are all so large. It's amazing how you fit in here without any trouble. They've been nothing but nice, despite me not being a noble or princess or anything."

Blue smiled and nodded. "There is some prejudice here, I admit. Some do not like that we have Equestrians visiting, but they're the ones that don't want to trade with us and be involved in the world at large." Blue shrugged. "So we can just not pay them much mind. Now! Are you eager to fill your belly, or your mind?"

Twilight gave a nervous grin. "Both? If you don't mind, that is. I'm just so excited to be here, I don't know what to explore first. This place has books on things we don't even have back home, like this one that was recommended for me." She dug through her bags and came up with a book on desalination processes.

"Quite an interesting choice." Blue Belle blinked, looking over it. She shook her head, convinced it would not be her reading choice. "Spike, you could break Twilight's indecision. Which would you prefer?"

Spike rubbed his chin. "Hm. I vote food. After that flight, I'm hungry enough to gobble up a mountain of gems!"

Twilight giggled and tapped Spike on the head. "Don't go too wild, Spike. Eating too quickly after you're hungry could make for an upset belly."

Blue laughed softly. "Follow me." She walked them into the dining hall, where a meal was already spread on a relatively short table. "They keep something ready, in case one of us wander in, needing a snack." She used her unique spell, creating steps to allow more poise on rising up to sit on the chair. "Oh! Twilight, you are quite the wizard, are you not? There I am, showing a new spell without sharing it with you."

"You can share it with me later." She settled into her chair and examined the food, pulling out a fork and knife as needed. "This all looks good, I hope you don't mind if we try a bite of everything?"

Blue waved lightly at the offerings. "They are there to be eaten, Twilight." She stepped down, horn glowing as she made steps to keep that dignified. "Enjoy your meal. You don't need me hovering over that. Ask any servant to find me if and when you wish." She slipped from the room.

Twilight dug in with eager abandon, talking about each dish in between bites. Spike did the same, though he ate more quickly than she did. Soon, they were full of foreign dishes, but none would complain they lacked variety or flavor. "That was really good. I didn't think you'd be so kind to just let us eat our fill like this."

She looked around, only then realizing that Blue had left. "Oh. I guess she wanted to give us some space." She turned on her chair. "Excuse me?" One of the many servants came over, their uniform clean and pressed. "We'd love to look at the library now."

Gathering Spike up onto her back, she followed the large pony through the hallways of the massive palace until coming to the library. The doors loomed high, reminding Twilight of the entrance to Canterlot's great library.

The servant pushed the doors open. "I am pleased to be of service to our guests," he said in his deep voice.

Twilight bowed gently. "Thank you for your help. We'll be careful with the books, promise." With a smile of genuine bliss, she trotted into the library, palace of books, her truest of homes.

Twilight spent her time eagerly exploring the shelves and shelves of books, reading at a rapid pace. Spike helped her locate subjects of interest and brought books from areas of the shelves that were out of her reach.

"You have her ear."

Twilight blinked at the question from some new person. She started to turn, but a hoof pressed her head forward. "No need to look," assured the voice, barely a whisper. "Tell your princess that the Sand Fleas remember what she did, and we will act. That is all."

She twirled around, to find nothing. "How does a pony so large move that quickly?! I didn't hear anything."

Spike dropped down from a ladder and trotted over. "What's wrong?"

Twilight shook her head slowly. "I'm not sure. I just can't put a name to that pony's voice. He sounded not at all happy, and he had a message for Princess Celestia."

Spike dug out a quill. "Am I writing another letter?"

She nodded, looking off to where she was sure the voice and hoof had come from. "To Celestia. Dear Princess, I have encountered a pony that wanted you to know something, even if he refused to give a name to his message." She cleared her throat softly. "The Sand Fleas, capitalize that name, remember what you did, and will act. That's it. Ominous sounding. Please let me know if I should do anything. Yours faithfully, Twilight Sparkle."

***

Sand approached Blue Belle with a smile as she examined some paperwork on the edge of the bed. "Hey you," he whispered as he drew close enough to stroke her mane. "You look busy." He leaned in around her to peek at the documents. "We are not even wed and already you are learning how to assist with this?"

"I'm trying to find ways to be useful." She rubbed the back of her head gently. "I want to help, not just be your plaything." She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

He laughed at that, loud and booming. "Little flower, I would have been joyful had you been the pretty ring I wore on my hoof, that could dispense miracles when I wished it. But that alone is clearly not enough for you." He nuzzled into her mane gently. "You please me more with every passing day. That you're beautiful as well as driven and intelligent, it makes my heart yearn to be one with yours."

"Oh you sweet-talker." She giggled and rubbed his cheek, stroking the flesh and fur there slowly. "Now, since you're here, perhaps you could assist?" She pushed the paper towards him, asking a few questions on the proper way to approach that particular form.

He took his time in guiding her, showing her the best methods. He was gentle, understanding, as he took the burden off of her shoulders.

Blue nuzzled him softly as she set the paperwork aside. "All done! One less paper that needs looking at, and I'll know how to handle them in the future. Now, how is our little guest doing? I really hadn't expected Twilight to stop by, but it's nice seeing another Equestrian darting about."

"She seems quite eager in the library," Sand admitted with a soft laugh, "I think she may try to read every book before she departs."

Blue nodded, rubbing her chin. "That sounds about right. I doubt she'll actually finish them all, but not for lack of trying. She does love herself a good book. Perhaps we should go see what she's up to? Just to check on her."

He nodded in agreement. "She could be hungry after spending hours among the books. Let us fetch her for lunch." Sand slid to his hooves and caught Blue before she could dismount the bed, placing her on his back instead. "Let us away."

***

The day of the wedding drew close. Blue Belle had already been through all the rituals she needed to, so it was just a matter of waiting now. Celestia sent a reply that she knew exactly what the Sand Flea had been talking about, but would not elaborate beyond that. As curious as Blue Belle was, she didn't pry.

Focusing on getting her part in the Saddle Arabian wedding felt far more pressing. They were far more strict in their rituals, and she had to remember each and every one of them.

She stood in the gardens, reciting one of them as she paced back and forth. The palace's gardener watched her with a gentle smile. "That is quite well done, your highness."

"Thank you." Blue turned towards them. "Oh, and what lovely flowers you're tending." She walked over and leaned in, inhaling deeply. "Quite a sweet smell to them." She paused, then gasped as a realization struck her. "We haven't discussed flowers for the wedding!" She looked at the gardener. "Would it be possible to have these at the wedding?"

The gardener bowed gently. "If that is your will, my princess. I would be honored to serve some small part in it." They stood and pointed. "This way, to see which ones we have in stock."

Blue Belle followed behind, nodding. "Good, good, I want everything to go exactly as planned."

The gardener led her into a massive hothouse where plants grew in every direction. "These were all bred for their beauty and smell, the best of the best. I hope they are pleasing to your eyes, my princess."

Blue gasped at the sight. "How have I never seen this before? Every moon, I am shown something right under my hoof that amazes me." Pleased despite the surprise, she wandered up and down the aisles of flowers. "Oh, the hardest part will be deciding. I know! I'll pick one of each."

They chuckled gently. "If that is your wish."

Blue clapped her hooves, then paused. "No, that was a selfish thought, and not well thought. A riot of pleasant scents will confuse things. Ah! Yes, something with a nice firm smell, and a subtler, sweet aroma, to go with the newlyweds." She started down the rows of flowers until she found one that seemed to fit her idea, pointing at it with glee.

The gardener bowed again. "As you wish. I will ensure they are blooming and ready for your wedding." They bowed with the formality of his tribe.

Blue nodded. "Then I will put it free of my mind, knowing you have it well in hoof. Thank you. Forgive my interruption of your gardening work."

"I serve," the pony said simply.

She left the gardener and wandered into the palace, content that all would go well. Twilight waved to her from the entrance to the library. Blue hastened mildly towards her with a chuckle. "What manner of literary wonder have you located?"

Author's Note

That felt nice compared to the ADVENTURE they had just made it through. One hopes her wedding will not be quite as exciting?

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24 - Princess Consort

Twilight had been busy, that was clear. Spike helped her lug a cart full of books around behind her, though the weight of them made it clear that she needed the dragon's help. She looked over at the two larger ponies that had fallen in line behind them. "Thank you both for your assistance."

"Of course." One nodded, keeping perfectly in line with the procession. "Do you require all of these books at the same time?"

"I am a very fast reader," Twilight replied, "So yes. I'll have them back on the shelf in a few hours, I think. This is everything I haven't had the time to look at since I got here."

Spike pushed his along. "You may think she's joking, but she can really devour a mountain when she puts her mind to it." He tapped the side of his head, snickering. "It's a wonder to behold."

Blue Belle giggled. "Then we can safely leave you to it, Twilight." She turned to Sand and smiled. "Come, my dear. I think we should go and prepare for the afternoon."

Sand abandoned the procession to the guard trailing them. "If you are certain. I had thought perhaps you wanted to spend more time with what appeared to be a pony you knew."

"I hardly know her, on a personal basis." Blue Belle led the way with purpose. "I know of her deeds, but we've not really shared words, let alone a meal. Charming enough."

Sand fell in step alongside her. "I see. Then what are your plans, oh princess?"

She grinned. "To make sure this wedding is perfect."

Sand laughed, the sound echoing through the halls. "That is a plan I can support. What part of it do you wish to shore? I doubt we'll need more food, but perhaps you have some other idea on how we can improve our ceremony?"

"I just want to be sure that we're all ready for it." She rubbed the back of her head, blushing lightly. "I feel confident on my part of the ceremony, but I was hoping to practice our part. The parts we do together. It's hard to practice those without you at my side."

He turned sharply towards her, giving a gentle smile. "Then of course. I would never refuse such an offer." Sand took her to a garden outside the inner walls of the palace. "Shall we practice our dance?"

Blue colored at the idea. "I had thought to start with the more rigid wedding details, but if you're offering, I can hardly turn down such an invitation." She giggled and spun about as Sand started a slow beat on a drum.

He watched her with his soft smile, one hoof on a traditional Saddle Arabian drum. The rhythm was slow at first, but it slowly increased until they were twirling and jumping about at high speed. Other instruments joined as servants sat down nearby and played without being asked, freeing Sand to focus on his part of the two-pony routine of the dance itself.

Sand danced with Blue, the two spinning around in a graceful arc as the servants played. The music grew softer and more gentle, their steps slowing to the beat of it. As the music died out, he leaned towards her with a smile, lifting her gently up into the air by her arms and touching his nose to hers. "My lovely Blue flower, how I look forward to showing the country how well we match." He let her back down with a soft sigh. "I have never seen such grace in my life."

Blue blushed furiously at that, glancing from side to side quickly before she leaned up to nuzzle him. "Your moves were exquisite, and don't allow anypony to tell you otherwise, Sand, my dear." She brushed back over herself. "Now, I ask you not think of me as Blue a moment. How well did I perform that dance?"

Sand inclined his head slowly. "Very nearly perfect. There was one part where you stepped incorrectly, but I do not believe anypony would recognize that. You're a quick learner, Blue, and that makes things go very smoothly. I can hardly imagine anything going wrong." He gestured for the servants to stop their music.

"Perfect is what we desire." She nodded firmly. "But not something easily obtained, when it can be felt with one's hooves at all." She closed with Sand. "Now, much as I'd love to soak in your praise, we should move to the less exciting parts of the wedding. Exchanged vows and gifts and such, hm?"

Sand nodded. "As you wish."

***

Twilight Sparkle examined a scroll as she walked along the hallways of the palace, reading carefully over it. She glanced up to make sure she was not about to walk into a wall or somepony and went right back to reading.

"Must you read to the very last moment?" Blue Belle walked along at her side, Spike between them. "You should visit again, if our libraries entrance you so thoroughly."

She giggled and nodded. "I just might." The three had come to the landing pad on which Twilight arrived, where the guards waited. "Thank you for the hospitality." She bowed gently to the guards.

Spike gave a far more flippant salute. "Thanks."

With that, both went up towards the airship that'd take them home. Blue waved to the two. "Tell Auntie I'm doing well, and I hope to see her at the wedding if she can carve out time enough for it."

Twilight waved back. "I'll be sure to pass that along!" She stepped onto the airship and turned to look at Spike. "I am going to miss that place, all those books and things to learn."

Spike rolled his eyes with a smirk. "You never stopped reading. I wanted to see more outside that palace, but I couldn't drag you away from it."

Twilight blinked softly. "Why didn't you just go on your own?"

Spike rubbed at an arm lightly. "Because I didn't want to go alone? Besides, you might have needed me."

She smiled and patted Spike's head. "Thank you for thinking of me." She looked towards the palace as the airship rose up into the air and started back on their route. "Sorry for getting so absorbed. Next time, you get to set the itinerary, promise. I'll even let you drag me away from the books."

Spike snorted and gave a thumbs up. "You're gonna regret that one." He chuckled. "So, how did you like meeting Blue Belle? She seemed to keep herself busy too, at least."

Twilight shrugged slowly. "It was nice to see her, I guess. I think I'd have liked to spend a little more time with her, but I'm glad I wasn't in the way of all the wedding preparations. I feel like we were both thoroughly distracted, and that happened to work out."

***

The wedding was finally upon them. Blue Belle was fitted in her Saddle Arabian wedding dress. It was as lovely as any Equestrian dress, but its cut and design was unique to the sand people, leaving no room for confusion as to where it had come from. In it, she strode up along the aisle in the view of the others.

Most of the ponies there were Saddle Arabians, looking down on her with a mixture of expressions. Some were supportive, others she could feel were far less so.

Others were visiting Equestrians, smiling in their kind way. They hadn't visited from so far away just to scowl at her, at least.

There, among them, was also Princess Celestia. She had come all this way for the ceremony, to make clear her support of the two.

But she stood next to a great pony in a mask and shawl, which was a bit more unusual.

Blue knew who it was only because Sand had warned her. The current king, face concealed, watched the marriage of his son. There were rumors he opposed the marriage, and his presence was an indication of how far the royal family had to bend to please their populace.

She could think of worse fates than becoming a princess, if that's what they wished. She took a slow breath, banishing those thoughts. It was no time to face the past. It was time to approach the future and welcome it with all the pomp it rightly deserved.

"Do you..." Cadance was dressed as richly as either of the ponies to be bound. She spoke with deep solemnity in each word as her eyes moved back and forth depending on which pony she was addressing. "Prince Sand, Princess Blue, do you swear on your name and life, to love and cherish one another for as long as you shall live?"

"I swear it." Sand's voice was even more firm than usual.

"Until the last breath has escaped me, I will support him!" She tapped a hoof on the ground, a stomp, muted for want of being proper.

Ponies clapped behind them, a sign of support that all went on for at least three minutes, some of the Saddle Arabians taking their time with that, a bit of silent judgement that they could offer as a warning of what might come if they were unhappy.

"I then announce you, Lady Blue Belle, Prince Sand Storm, to be Prince and Princess consort; husband and wife from today into perpetuity. May your reign be long and blessed."

She trotted up alongside Sand, both turning to face the crowd. Celestia applauded louder than any pony there, though her size alone might have had something to do with that. With the applause done, all stood, giving one last look over them before they made their exit from the altar. Flowers rained upon them from either side, physical manifestations of the blessings the ponies could offer them.

Celestia and her companion stepped away as the newlyweds came down the aisle. The great stallion in a mask stared at her, but she never looked at him.

***

Blue Belle was surprised to see Celestia at a table with Sand's father. Though that surprise faded quickly. "Of course." She pressed a hoof to her forehead. "Why am I surprised the rulers of the two nations would share a table?"

Celestia giggled gently at the sight of her. "Dear Blue Belle, your wedding was beautiful. I'm so glad I could be here to see it."

The masked stallion sat back, sipping his drink slowly. "I don't think we've had the pleasure of speaking." He raised a hoof to his face. "If you are now a wife to my son, hiding my face from you is no longer proper."

Celestia reared back in surprise. "Should I leave?"

He turned the mask around on its hinges, his eyes visible at last as they fixed on her with all the intensity of a hawk's gaze on a field mouse. "No need. You will hear it all, and faster if you are here." He brushed the mask aside, allowing his face to be viewed. Despite the power of his voice, he was clearly aged, well in his senior years.

The king fixed Blue Belle with his dark brown eyes. "Welcome to the family, Blue Belle." He tapped his hoof on the table. "My son, the crown prince and heir to Saddle Arabia. He will need ponies at his side, and I pray you will be another, to support him, and through him, this land as a whole."

Blue bowed her head slowly. "I swear that I will do all in my power to aid him, and give him the strength he needs."

"Good." The king nodded gently. "Though I must say, Blue, that I had hoped to see a bride of our own kind for my son." He chuckled at some distant thought. "This was an idea of some advisors. I had my reservations, but you have shown me to be quite the foal. You have stood strong against winds seeking to blow you over. you have lent gentle hooves when called, but not an inch to those that decried you. These are lovely traits in a princess consort. I welcome you."

She bowed again, this time deeper. "Thank you, my king."

Celestia glanced between them. A slow smile spread on her face. "She has grown immeasurably in her time here. Perhaps she needed the warm sun of this realm to finally blossom, and what a marvelous pony she has revealed herself to be for all of us."

Sand stepped up to his wife. "It is a good thing that she was allowed this chance. I am forever grateful." He smiled at Blue, then turned to embrace her, holding his little wife close. She no longer felt like a foal in his arm, just a little short, but to be lost in his grip still was a wondrous thing. His powerful limbs holding her so safely.

"My son," said the king, "I have approved your marriage to the Equestrian princess, but I must ask that you do not become too attached."

Blue frowned. "Attached? What manner of thing is that to say on our wedding day?"

Sand set her down quickly. "My father speaks of propriety. A dinner table is no place for embraces such as that." He lowered his head with shame. "I got carried away, Father. Forgive me."

The king inclined his head. "You are forgiven. Now, I see many dignitaries waiting for their turn at speaking with you." He waved towards the tables nearby where Saddle Arabians sat. "Do not keep them waiting too long." With a brush, his mask returned to its rightful place, hiding just how old their king was.

Author's Note

What, no sand changelings?

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25 - Reception Night

Blue stood off to the side with a thin glass of wine held in her magic. She heard hoofsteps approaching and saw Cadance making her way across the reception hallway. "What a lovely party, hm? You've had less interruptions than I had to deal with, thankfully."

"Twilight and her friends have proven themselves quite the helpful bunch." Blue inclined an ear at Cadance. "Thank you, for officiating."

Cadance dipped her head. "I said I would, and I meant it. It's the least I could do, considering what you did first." Her horn glowed, snatching Blue's drink from her. "But how are you enjoying things? You and Sand are together now, officially."

"I never imagined getting married would be so..." She sighed. "It was a wonderful day." She glanced over to Sand where he was making small talk with some Equestrians. "But it feels like we've already been married for months, if not years."

Cadance let out a dreamy sigh. "I know that feeling. We were united long before we said that final 'I do'." She took a good swig of the glass, licking her lips afterwards. "But it's still nice, isn't it? For the whole world to finally know what you'd been ho—" She fell back half a step, staggering.

Blue blinked at her actions. "Have you had too much?" She couldn't get much further, Cadance collapsing to the ground in an ungainly pile. "Cadance!" Blue rushed to her side and knelt next to her. "Are you alright?" She turned quickly towards the nearby crowd. "Somepony help! Please!"

Sand rushed over. "My flower?" He had heard Blue first, only spotting Cadance a moment later. "Guards!" With his call, activity became frantic. They swarmed around all three of them and kept all others away. "Call a physician, immediately."

He grabbed the fallen glass, chipped as it was from the fall. "Get this checked, now." He thrust it into the waiting hooves of a guard. Whirling on Blue, he grunted. "Your guest will be given our best, little flower. This is entirely inexcusable."

Blue Belle watched Cadance be carted away by the guards before she looked up at Sand with concern in her eyes. "Could something have happened? What if she got sick, and I didn't notice?"

Sand scowled with clear thought. "I have my suspicions, but best they be confirmed before I sully our day any more than has already been done." He threw a leg over her, but it seemed more of a protective measure than any real intimacy. "Stay close. Do you know where Cadance found that drink?"

"I, well." Belle pointed to herself. "I had it myself, but I'm a light drinker. I mostly had it to play the part. It hardly does to give off the appearances of—"

"Enough. I understand." He clutched her a bit tighter. "That habit of yours may have been quite the blessing. Let us see what is found first."

One pony as large as most of the others approached, but got the guards to hesitate on blocking her. Celestia nodded towards Sand. "What happened? I saw my niece hurried away."

Blue Belle looked up at Celestia. "She collapsed. We're not sure why, and they took her off somewhere. I'm so worried, Princess."

Celestia turned to Sand. He stood tall despite it all. "We are investigating the manner as we speak. Your niece is in the hooves of our best and we will keep you appraised as her condition changes." He turned an ear aside. "Does she have any enemies I should be aware of?"

Celestia recoiled faintly at that. "I am glad to say not, changelings excluded. She is a beloved pony. Please, do what you can."

"Princess," he said softly, his arm now more a friendly touch than protective. "I cannot promise her safety, but I will promise that Saddle Arabia itself shall pour out every effort into seeing she's well again." He nodded to Celestia. "For now, if you wish to retire, your room awaits you."

She looked off in the direction Cadance had gone. "I believe I would like to see her myself."

One of the guards spoke up. "The princess has been moved to a private room, your highness. The physician has arrived."

Sand gestured towards that guard. "Follow him, and kindly stay out of the physician's way. He works for her sake." With Celestia moving off, he turned his attention back on Blue Belle. "A pity this besmirches our day." He kissed the top of her head. "If we were alone, I would promise you my affection, but even a hug seems improper with a princess so ill."

Blue nuzzled against him lightly. "I entirely understand. To think." She hissed through clenched teeth. "How close I had been myself to such a fate. I do hope Cadie's alright. She has poor luck at weddings, dear thing."

Sand grunted at the mention of that. "Luck is fickle, for certain. They should have results soon, though." His hoof tapped with slow thought on the floor. "I do not wish for this to be a poison, but my instincts tell me otherwise." Despite that, he nudged her along into the throng of others. "But we shouldn't allow ourselves to look too paralyzed by this. Others are watching."

***

Celestia stood by as the physician hovered over Cadance, examining her with his eyes and using the tools of his trade, though he knew nothing of the magic she used. "How is she?"

The doctor offered no words at first, occupied as he was with a storm of checks. "She doesn't appear to be dying." He opened Cadance's snout to peer into it. "But she is showing severe symptoms. She will not regain consciousness tonight."

"Will she awaken?" Celestia's question had a slight note of demand within it, as if daring the pony to try and hide what he thought.

The physician drew a deep breath at that question, then sighed it out softly. "Not tonight, Your Majesty. Tomorrow, perhaps. Tonight, it would be a miracle. That she still breathes is already one of those." He pulled a glass vial out from his pack. "This is the anti-venom we keep on hoof for the most virulent local poisons."

Celestia took that and examined it, sniffing at it. She made a quick face at the smell that greeted her. "Some say medicines should be foul, so you avoid needing them for long." She took a slow breath, eyes not leaving Cadance. "Thank you, for looking after her. Please, do what you can."

The physician bowed deeply to Celestia. "The princess is in my care, and I would never neglect any pony."

She turned to the guards nearby. "Keep an eye on the doctor, if you wouldn't mind." Detecting little more for her to do other than getting in the way, Celestia rose and strode from the room into the hallway just beyond. "What a dangerous place you have found yourself." She sighed at the thought.

There, Celestia had a visitor.

A guard approached the Princess of the Sun cautiously. "Forgive my interruption, Your Majesty. Prince Sand and his consort request your presence, if you are available."

She perked at that. "Oh?" She weighed the options of moping in her room or seeing what they wanted. "Lead the way. I'll be of more use there than what I had in mind." The guard turned with a smile and led Celestia through the palace until they came upon a large room full of guards, Blue Belle, and Prince Sand.

Sand stood next to a pony-sized table, on which lay the remnants of the wine glass and its contents. He waved to a pony she didn't know. "The royal toxicologist." That stallion dipped his head. "He has examined the glass."

"A nasty poison." The stallion circled the discarded glass. "Designed to be fast acting. If Princess Cadance weren't so large, it would have ushered her from beyond our reach by the time she hit the ground." He turned sharply to the table. "Worst, the poisoner hedged their bets. I detected no less than four different toxins, in case any one were resisted. Somepony wanted the princess consort to never see the sun rise again."

Blue Belle stared with horror at the news. "That's awful!"

"I am so glad that you were not struck down, Blue," Celestia said with a nod. "And so sorry it was Cadance who did." Her frown was small, but, for her, immeasurable. "Do we know anything about who could have done such a thing? They have much to answer for, towards both of our ponies."

Sand gestured for the toxicologist to speak. "My focus is on poisons. Not who would dare to employ them. But if you seek one with knowledge of poisons, you might start with the Sand Fleas."

The prince took his part from there. "The Sand Fleas are a nomadic ponies. Saddle Arabian in appearance, they avoid the larger cities and barely acknowledge that we have a king. They are well known masters of such arts, but rarely use them directly. Others, on the other hoof, can pay them to secure such things." He pointed at the glass. "And, from the sound of it, somepony did. That isn't an idle mixture an angry chambermaid would concoct."

Celestia looked off to the side, deep in thought for a moment. "I will look into this matter myself. This is a crime against Equestria as much as Saddle Arabia." She drew herself to her full height. "They weren't aiming to get Cadance, but they did. If they didn't want us involved, they shouldn't have used such a tactic in the first place."

Sand placed a hoof on Celestia's chest, where he could feel her trembling faintly despite her even tone. "Princess, allow me. This is my responsibility. I will find whomever tried to attack my wife, and who dared to injure your niece. They will pay, but it would not do to have two angry suns over the desert. We barely stand the first."

Both he and a few others chuckled at that joke, even getting Celestia to relax a little. "Very well. This is your country, not mine." She smiled gently to the others. "I will stay with Cadance instead, until she wakes." She bowed to Sand and turned away. "Thank you for inviting me here to hear this. Poor Cadance." She hurried away with her measured frown.

Blue leaned closer to Sand. "She meant it. I know Auntie. She doesn't want to leave this to us, but it was the right thing to do. She just needs to calm herself down."

"Indeed." Sand walked past her towards the doors of the room, flanked by guards. "But we have work of our own to do. We are about to make some ponies feel the burn of their own poison."

Blue raced to his side. "While I adore the wordplay, how do you plan to do that?"

"We follow them backwards." He turned towards her in a whirl. "We find which Sand Flea sold it, and to whom. We follow that trail. With a bit of luck and speed, we'll catch them before they can flee from our fury." He leaned down to plant a gentle peck on Blue's nose. "I am quite angry, dear flower. None may strike my family without response. You will see what I am capable of."

On one hoof, his fury made her weak in the knees, but on the other, she knew it was for her sake, and she could but smile. "I will allow you to chase backwards, dear, but I will follow a different route." The arched brow was enough of a question. "I will find which ponies could have given me that drink and work down that line as you work the other. It'll be a bit of a race, my prince. Let us see who reaches them first."

Sand gave a slow, solemn nod at that. "You will make an excellent partner in my work as well. Go." He pointed with finality. "Seek the answers we need. For Cadance."

"For Saddle Arabia." Blue bowed with proper formality before hurrying from the room, but never too fast as to be proper for a princess consort. There were appearances to uphold, even on a case such as that.

***

The next day was a whirlwind of activity in the palace. Celestia remained at Cadance's side while Sand and Blue worked to locate the pony behind the poisoning. She watched over the pink princess herself, keeping the room peaceful and calm for the princess to rest in until she groaned.

Celestia was at her side in an instant. "Niece, how do you feel?"

"Like a cart decided I'd make an excellent brake by plowing into my side." She snorted with some faint amusement at the image even as she fought to sit up a little. "What happened? I was at the reception, I remember that."

Celestia held her back. "You had a bit too much to drink, it seems." She let out a sigh. "I can only thank the spirits themselves that your accident didn't happen while we were in the air on our way home. You might have fallen off into the sands below."

Cadance gave a weak chuckle. "You're teasing me. I feel awful, but it's not from some alcohol." She groaned, eyes closing against obvious pain. "Is everypony else alright? Was it just me?"

"Just you, dear one." She kissed Cadance just beneath the horn. "Everypony else is just fine. You focus on resting. Now, since you're awake, you can bother me for any little thing you want and you can trust in your aunt to look after you."

Cadance blinked at that. "There's something you're not saying, Auntie."

Celestia let a slow breath out. "You were poisoned." She turned towards the door. "Poisoned quite severely." She made sure the door was firmly closed. "You were caught up in local politics. If you felt guilty for what you caused Blue to do, know that your presence is likely why she trots about at all right now. Somepony tried to remove a foreign agent from Saddle Arabia's heart. Sand and Blue are working to find who."

Cadance lay back with a groan. "I didn't do enough." She pulled a pillow atop her face. "Oof, but I'm glad I get to complain about it instead of worse. Wait, you said Blue's looking? I appreciate the effort, but Blue? Seriously?"

Author's Note

What a foul way to start a marriage. This will not be tolerated.

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