Twilight and I marched alone towards my prison cell. Cadance had already been deposited in a cell elsewhere, screaming and crying the whole time, of course. Shining left us to attend to other duties, including preparing to tell the Crystal Ponies exactly what had happened. The worst news being that, one way or another, they had lost their Princess. He also said he had a lot of thinking to do. Twilight and I had let him excuse himself. I don’t think he wanted to watch as I was stuffed away in a cell. I knew it was too much to hope for him to love me, but I prayed that somewhere in his heart he found the ability to forgive me.

The prison was underground along with the disaster shelters. Prisons were considered unsightly, and the populace desired to keep them out of sight.

Along with the undesirables.

We traveled down the hallway of what looked like a concrete bunker with black iron bar cell doors. There were no windows in this underground labyrinth. It reminded me of my hive except it was much more symmetrical. A far cry from the beautiful and sparkling decor up above. We turned the corner and I was surprised to see Pell sitting quietly in a cell by herself. There were no guards at the moment. Twilight and Shining must have seen them as unnecessary.

“My ladies.” Pell stood up and immediately bowed to both of us. She didn't look at all surprised to see me looking the way did now. In fact, I thought I saw a whisper of a grin before she bowed. How she could stay so reverent and professional after being locked up unfairly (as far as I was concerned) was beyond me. I couldn’t say I wouldn’t hold resentment. Did I hold resentment now considering I was about to replace Pell in that same cell?

“Miss Pellucid.” Twilight pronounced her name perfectly. I couldn’t help but notice that Twilight’s voice was in serious Princess mode.

“By royal decree, you are hereby released and free of all charges.” Twilight offered as I snapped my head towards her in surprise.

“My lady?” Pell looked confused as well.

“The circumstances have changed since you were arrested.” Twilight’s cheeks blushed as she looked between me and Pell.

“At least… my understanding of the circumstances has changed.” Twilight admitted. “Given the full context, I’ve decided not to charge you with a crime. Regardless of the outcome of Chrysalis’s trial, you’re free to go.”

Twilight opened the cell door with her magic. Did she have to use her magic for everything? The door didn’t look that heavy.

“My lady.” Pell bowed with just her head and neck. I wanted to learn how to do that, and still make it look good. I’m ashamed to say I tried it in the mirror way too many times.

“I understand your position, and I am truly grateful for your grace and wisdom.” Pell began.

“But…” I couldn’t help blurt out, as both of them looked at me. It was my turn to blush.

“However…” Pell said with a spiteful smirk in my direction. “Let it officially go on record that I have indeed been assisting Queen Chrysalis while knowing her true identity for the better part of a year.”

“Pell!” I hissed. “Don’t!”

The crazy pony smiled at me “I am fully an accomplice. If she is deemed an illegitimate ruler, then my crimes must stand as well.”

“Don’t do this, Pell.” I shook my head. “Just take the free pass and go. Please, do it for me. I don’t want to see you punished for what I did.”

Twilight looked stunned. She stood with her mouth agape. Not very Princess-like of her. Although, admittedly, I had been there many times. Especially when it came to Pell.

“I’m sorry, my lady.” Pell tightened her lips as she looked at me. “But I must refuse your request. I cannot accept freedom when the Queen I believe in, the lady I have sworn to serve, is branded a criminal. If Chrysalis is to be charged, then I am as well.”

The three of us stood in silence for a moment. The cell door sat wide open as Pell refused to walk out of her cage. I decided to take the initiative and walk in. Standing side by side in our single room cell, which thankfully had two beds, we both looked at Twilight.

“I-if that’s what you want.” Twilight gently started closing the cell door with her magic. She kept her gaze on Pell, looking for any sign of her changing her mind.

“Thank you, my lady.” Pell told Twilight as the iron gate closed shut. The sound resonated for a moment before being absorbed by the concrete walls.

“Chrysalis…” Twilight stared at me. “I… I want to hate you. I’ve spent so long hating you. But now I… I wish we could…”

“Thank you for being my friend, Twilight.” I smiled at her. There was no politics or past resentment. “A year ago, when I opened my eyes for what seemed like the first time, you were there for me. It feels like a lifetime ago. Even if it was a different body, a different identity, a different life, you helped make me who I am now, and I will always be grateful.”

“I…” Twilight’s eyes drooped as she struggled to speak. I wished I knew a way to let her know that I was at peace with my fate.

“I gotta go.” Twilight spun as quickly as she could and darted back down the hallway we came in. The poor mare couldn’t stand an awkward situation.

Once she was gone, I let out an audible sigh and sat down on the concrete floor.

“Tired, my lady?” Pell grinned as she sat down next to me. Her movement was much more graceful than mine.

“You have no idea.” I buried my head in my hooves. “Or maybe you do, you seem to know everything.”

Pell sat in silence staring at me until I felt uncomfortable.

“What?” I finally asked. “Do I look weird to you now?”

“Don’t get me wrong.” Pell started, and I was already nervous. “I love the new look. It’s gorgeous. But…” She sighed. “I’m going to have to change the color palette of all your clothes and accessories. Emerald and turquoise are a good eye color combination to match your pearl fur, so that’s a start. Your horn is much longer now, that’s going to influence accessory choices and hair styles. Speaking of hair, the sparkle is a nice touch. Very Crystal Pony like, fitting indeed.” She nodded proudly before going on.

“Your golden midsection looks like some sort of natural armor. Now, many stylists would cover that up, but I say we roll with it. Maybe some sharper and more military looking garb could be worked into your wardrobe. How do you feel about shoulder pads?”

“Uh…” My mind was blank while trying to think of an answer. Fashion was not my thing.

“It’s just as well that I have to change out your wardrobe.” She said before I could really answer. “Because your new height requires new sizing anyway. And your mane is a completely different texture. I’m going to need different hair products, and styling tools. It…” She trailed off.

“It sounds like a lot of work.” I offered.

“Oh does it, my lady?” Pell narrowed her eyes. “It hadn’t occurred to me. Between you and me, and I’ll deny it if you say I said it, I was growing rather bored of all the pink. But this…” She gestured at me. “I can work wonders with.”

“I trust whatever you come up with. You’re a genius.” I grinned at her as the concrete was already starting to hurt my tailbone. I pulled my tail out from under me to make sure it wasn’t getting damaged.

“Hmmph.” She grunted. “You’re lucky I’m weak to flattery.”

I chuckled for a moment before the smile on my face faded.

“What’s wrong, my lady?” Pell asked.

“Twilight said that you knew who I was.” I said and Pell sat up straighter. “When did you figure it out? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Pell pursed her lips as she thought for a moment.

“It was when you asked me about the ancient stories of the Changelings. I told Cadance those same stories, but she just dismissed them like everypony else. You were the only one, older than a filly, who thought for a moment that they could be true.”

I nodded at first, but then thought about it for a second.

“Wait, because I liked some old stories, that meant I had to be Chrysalis?” I raised my eyebrow at her.

She looked up to the ceiling and appeared to be talking to it.

“I guess it’s time we told her.” She said to no one.

“Who are you…” The realization hit me like a wheelbarrow of bricks. “No… no flippin’ way!”

I heard his laughter in my head. It was both annoying and infectious.

“Are you… part of the Crystal Heart.” I stared amazed at Pell.

“Well yes, but also no.” Pell said out loud in unison with the Crystal Heart in my head.

Think of Pell as my personal assistant. The Heart said.

I raised a skeptic eyebrow.

What? I’m not allowed to talk to more than… two ponies since the beginning of time? That’s just unreasonable. The Heart grumbled, albeit lovingly.

“Are you moonlighting on me?” I turned my cocked eyebrow on Pell. She grinned as the Heart laughed in my head. I assumed Pell could hear him too.

“I thought I was your steward?” I asked, feeling just a little jealous.

You are. He reassured me. But in order to get the right steward, I need someone I can trust to find and guide them. Think of Pell as my legs and hooves in this world.

“Oh wow, so you must be way older than a thousand years.” I looked amazed at Pell.

“Watch it!” Her eyes narrowed and the Crystal Heart cracked up laughing.

“I was born, and still am, a Crystal Pony.” Pell explained, still perturbed by my insinuation of age. “The Crystal Heart reached out to me to be his aid, and I graciously accepted. Then the unfortunate business of Sombra and the thousand year sleep occurred.”

“I’m sorry about that.” I offered, feeling awkward.

“Did you put us to sleep, my lady?” Pell cocker her head to the side.

“Uh, no.”

“Then don’t be sorry for it.” She smiled at me. That reassuring, motherly smile of hers. As the mother of countless children, I hoped that my smile did the same for them.

“What about my children?” I asked as my tone turned serious again. “Will the Crystal Ponies accept them after all those attacks? Integration may be difficult.”

Some may need time. But the fact of the matter is that this was always supposed to be a joint kingdom. The Heart explained as Pell nodded. Just as the stories say, I am a Changeling artifact.

My eyes widened. I had glossed over that detail of the story.

I was a gift to the Crystal Ponies. My very existence is a representation of the marriage of these two peoples. Now, after multiple millennia of separation, my peoples are united. All due to your efforts, Chrysalis. You have my sincerest thanks.

“So what you’re saying is that we’re just gonna have to figure it out.” I bluntly replied.

Now you’re getting it. They both laughed, and all I could do was laugh with them. Although, the fact that all Changelings now looked physically reformed was certainly going to help the situation.

Minutes turned to hours which passed quickly. I lost track of how long we sat there together. Two guards brought us a meager meal. They stared at me a lot until Pell shooed them away. Despite the bars separating them, they obeyed her. Pell and the Crystal Heart kept me company, I didn’t feel like I was in prison at all. Sure the weight of the situation was making my shoulders tense, but it felt different. I was in my true form. My hungers now were only for food. I had felt more trapped in years past when I was Queen of my hive, free to do as I wished.

Free to commit any atrocities as I saw fit.

That’s why I was here. This is what I deserved. It was too late to make up for what I had done.

Do you really think they’re gonna keep you locked away? The Crystal Heart asked.

“I would assume so.” I reflected on the past through the eyes of Shining and Cadance. Their wedding. My deception. “I would keep myself locked up.” I stared at the floor.

Chrysalis, maybe you… I interrupted him, which surprised even me.

“Let me ask you a question, for once.”

Pell looked taken aback, I felt the same from the Crystal Heart.

Very well. He sounded thoroughly amused.

“Did you know how to break the curse the whole time? Why did that have to be kept from me?” I didn’t want to sound ungrateful, but if my children could have been freed sooner…

I had an idea, but I couldn’t be sure. It was about 50/50.

“It was a coinflip whether I transformed or starved myself?” I could hear the frustration enter my voice.

In the abstract, yes. However, once I saw how pure your heart and intentions were in the crystal cave, I was hopeful. Then I felt the energy building up for you to feed your children. I knew it was a sure bet at that point.

“Wow, that’s very comforting.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m glad to hear you had good gambling odds on me. Who should I put my money on in the next Equestria Games?”

Pell and the Crystal Heart laughed so loud, I couldn’t help but join them. Laughing was good, and I felt good. Despite everything that had happened.

“What’s so funny?” Shining said as he turned the corner to face our prison cell. Flurry Heart was in a sling around his shoulder. I stood up instantly. I didn’t expect to see him again so soon, if at all. And he had brought Flurry Heart to see me one last time. Bless him.

“I’m hearing voices.” I grinned sideways. Shining gave me a puzzled look. “It’s a long story.” I shook my head, but Shining was already distracted by the baby. He held a green and yellow stuffed snail over her head. She gleefully laughed as she reached for it, ripping it out of Shining’s grip and hugging it tightly.

“This is for sure her favorite toy.” Shining wiggled her in his arms as she sucked on the snail’s head.

“We know.” Pell and I said in unison. I looked at my child wrapped up in her sling under Shining’s shoulder.

“M-may I hold her?” I asked, and Shining looked confused. “Just once more, before I… before I go away for a long time.”

Shining smiled warmly at me as he carefully removed the sling. He opened the cell door with his magic, and we stood face to face. No barrier was between us.

“Of course you can.” He handed Flurry Heart to me, my precious bundle of joy. She was sleeping, so I quietly wrapped the sling around my shoulder. I looked down at her pudgy pink face and my heart melted.

“Although, I don’t believe this is going to be the last time.” His face looked overcome with joy as his eyes beamed in my direction. It meant the world to me to see him look at me like that.

“I’m sorry I took so long.” He rubbed the back of his mane, as if he had something to be embarrassed about. “I’ve just been topside explaining the situation to the Crystal Ponies.”

“You called for a statewide announcement?” My eyes went wide.

“Yep.” He nodded as if he had rescheduled his game night. “It was pretty last minute, but just about everypony showed up. And it was broadcast throughout the Crystal Empire.”

“Oh…” Anxiety swam into my head. “H-how did it go?”

Shining took in a deep breath. Not a good start.

“I told them everything. And I mean everything. That’s why it took me so long. I told them about your memories, and how you’ve been our Princess and protector for a year, and how Cadance…” He paused as he tried to suppress a frown.

“They know everything now.” He concluded. “And on a whim I asked the Capital if you should be pardoned. I told them I wanted you pardoned.”

Shining stared into my eyes as our child stirred in my arms. I couldn’t get myself to take a breath until he told me what the Crystal Pony’s verdict was.

He smiled wide, reading the question on my face. “They overwhelmingly supported your pardon. There were group chants as they shouted your name. Your real name. It was unbelievable.”

I could barely believe it myself. My heart raced as I looked into his eyes. Did he… did he love me? Did the Crystal Ponies love me? The real me?

“I made a royal decree, and Queen Chrysalis was officially pardoned.” He declared with his confident smirk, and chiseled jaw, and toned chest muscles…

I couldn’t stop myself. I grabbed him by the back of his head and brought his lips to mine. He kissed me back, as our essences bonded together. It was just like the last time we had kissed. And the first time. And every single time in between.

I finally let go of him, ready to walk out of my prison cell. Except, one last doubt riddled my mind.

“What about Equestria?” I asked. “My trial is going to take place in Canterlot. How do they feel about…?”

“I can answer that.” Twilight gleefully walked into view from around the corner. She smiled at me as she came to stand next to her brother.

“As a Princess of Equestria, I formally second Prince Shining Armor, and the Crystal Empire’s pardon.” She nodded with pride.

“Twilight I… I don’t know what to say.” I looked down at Pell who was standing a few feet behind me, pleased as punch.

Shining Armor caressed my cheek with his hoof, so I turned to look into his eyes. His face was right next to mine. I could smell his musk as a shiver went down my spine.

“You could say ‘yes.’”

“Yes to what?” My breathless voice said.

“To rule by my side. To raise our child together. To be my wife. Again.” Shining’s eyes looked hopeful like the day he had asked me to date him in front of everyone during the parade. As if he had anything to worry about. I was a sucker for public displays of affection.

“Yes.” I said kissing him again. I pulled his face into mine and held him there, careful not to squeeze the baby in my arms. We stood there for what seemed like an eternity. Our horns resting against each other, and the only sounds being our breaths.

“You’re not mad at me? At the way I look now?” I whispered.

“I see your heart, Chrysalis. I see you.”

I closed my eyes and let his words float around me. I let myself believe that this was real. I pulled Flurry Heart in tighter and she let out a breathy coo.

“You realize.” I said, breaking the silence. “That this makes you step father to an entire hive, right?”

Shining drew back suddenly, and stared with bulged eyes.

“I hadn’t thought of that.” His thousand yard stare pointed down at the concrete.

“Is that a deal breaker?” I asked, not too concerned.

“Nah.” He looked up at me with that military brat confidence, and boyish smile on his face. “They’re all potty trained, right? We only have one of those?” His nerves dripped into his question.

“Yes.” I rolled my eyes. “I haven’t had a new clutch in a long time.”

I was surprised when Shining took my hoof into his.

“Chrysalis…” he paused. “Everything is new to me, including your name, but I’ll adjust. I’ll get used to it. I’ll raise all of your children, and change any diapers because…”

My heart leaped before he even said it.

“I love you.” I melted at his words. I was surprised I was still standing. “And I always will.”

“I thought you liked pretty pink mares?” I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Pink is overrated.” He leaned in and kissed me again.

“Ugh, can you two do that later? When I’m not around?” Twilight blurted out.

I glanced at Twilight over Shining’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, should we go find a broom closet?”

Twilight’s eyes grew about three sizes bigger, and her purple face turned the brightest of pinks.

“I see that pink is still trending.” Pell added dryly, and we bursted into laughter.

****

Pell, Twilight, and Shining stood next to me on the royal balcony overlooking the entire capital. It had been barely a day, but it felt like so long since I had last seen this view. The sun was setting, and the afternoon light bounced off the city and ponies gathered. The crowd of Crystal Ponies filled the entire plaza. Everyone wanted to see what the new Chrysalis looked like. I heard some ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ as I stood before my kingdom.

Was it still my kingdom?

I saw some of my children in the crowd. They had been permitted into the capital. Some ponies avoided them, but others were fascinated by their new color scheme and made little crowds around them. I giggled to myself. My babies had become mini celebrities.

I had already been introduced by Shining Armor. Everyone was waiting for me to say something.

“Crystal Ponies.” I began, realizing I had no idea what to say to them. “I am truly humbled by your compassion and forgiveness.”

I guess there was nothing to say except the truth.

“I’m sorry that I deceived you. Even if it wasn’t intentional, it still wasn’t fair to you. You suffered because of me, and no amount of pretty words and empty promises can fix that. But I hope to make a difference through my actions. So, I say unto you all, I thank you for giving me my freedom, and my family back. However, if you don’t want me as your ruler…” my voice choked up. I couldn’t afford to stop now.

“If you can’t accept the Queen of the Changelings, the one who has hurt you so much in the past. The one who has caused you so much pain and torment. I completely understand, and I will step down. I only ask that you give my children a chance. I hope that we can all coexist, and start a new future for the Crystal Empire. Regardless of what my future may hold, I am and shall remain your most humble and obedient of servants.”

I couldn’t face them anymore. I turned to look at Shining Armor holding Flurry Heart. Pell and Twilight stood quietly looking out at the crowd.

“So what do we do now?” I asked as Flurry Heart started sneezing. “Do we hold a vote or something to see if I…” I paused as Shining simply pointed behind me.

“I think they’re voting right now.” Shining smiled as he reached for a wipe for Flurry.

I turned back to face the Capital again. Rows and rows of Crystal Ponies were bowing. Their heads bent all the way to the crystal street as they acknowledged me. I couldn’t help but feel the emotions overtake me. That they would stand by me despite who I was and what I had done left me speechless.

It’s exactly what you have done for them that makes them bow. The Crystal Heart spoke to me. Here, let me put in my two cents.

I heard a small explosion come from above us. We craned our necks to look up at the Crystal Heart chamber at the top of the castle spire. It was projecting a bright white light that spread all throughout the city. It rained down on the Crystal Ponies, meeting their fur and making them all glow in the late afternoon sunset. Even Shining and Twilight were blessed with a crystal glow.

Pell stepped forward to the edge of the balcony, filled with ambition.

“The Crystal Heart has blessed this union!” She shouted to her people. I had never seen her engage in public speaking before, but her voice was well suited for it. The Crystal Ponies stood up and cheered as Pell addressed them.

“Long live Queen Chrysalis!” Pell shouted and they echoed back.

“Long live Queen Chrysalis!” over and over again they chanted.

I felt Shining walk up to the left side of me.

“You know, it’s weird if I’m a Queen and you’re a Prince.” I gave a crooked grin in his direction.

“I guess I’ll just have to be a king.” Shining grinned back. Pell heard us and looked over. She gave a nod of approval before shouting down to the crowd.

“Long live King Shining Armor!” She declared and the crowd obediently repeated it.

“Well that settles that.” I shrugged. “Who’s idea was it to be Princesses and Princes instead of Kings and Queens anyway? We rule kingdoms, do we not?”

“Uh, I think it was Princess Celestia.” Shining confirmed.

“Oh really?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah she thinks King and Queen are arrogant titles.” He shrugged.

I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

“I think you’ve earned a little bit of arrogance, my King.” I whispered in his ear as I saw his whole body quiver at the sound of my voice.

“King Shining Armor?” He tested the words on his tongue. I watched my nerdy but strong stallion puff up his chest with a boost of self confidence. “I do like the sound of that.”

I gave him a little curtsy, fluttering my eyelashes. “My King.”

He bowed back. Regal and formal. Eyes bright and focused. “My Queen.”

****

“How does my hair look?” I asked Shining as Pell spun me around in my vanity chair by my bedroom mirror.

Shining was about to reply when there was a knock on our bedroom door. He was holding Flurry Heart in her sling. I swear he insisted on holding her as often as possible. It was nice to have such a doting father around for once.

Shining answered the door, and I heard Jadiz’s voice.

“Forgive me, my lord, but there is a courtier from Canterlot Castle here to see you.” He said in his prim and proper voice.

“Oh, yes I can see him standing right next to you.” Shining replied and I could imagine the look on the courrier’s face. Shining’s demeanor had gotten much more casual since we had Flurry Heart. I suppose all of his social energy was drained.

“Well, come on in.” Shining gestured to them as he stepped back into the room.

“In your bedroom?” The poor royal court noble sounded very uncomfortable.

“Yeah, sorry. We kinda have our hooves full at the moment. But, please, share what you have to share with us.”

Shining’s attention was still on the baby as Jadiz held the door open.

“After you.” Jadiz said to the Canterlot courtier with a knowing look of apology on his face.

“As you wish, my lord and lady.” The cream colored unicorn gingerly walked into the room and stood next to the dresser by the door. He was wearing a golden bow tie and black vest. He bowed with his face nearly on the floor before standing up again.

“Greetings from Equestria and Princess Celestia.” He cheerfully said. “I hope this meeting finds you both well.” His politeness was top notch.

“As well as we can be.” Shining said as Flurry Heart started to cry. He did his best to shush her and still reply. “What can we do for you? Or for the Princess rather?”

“I’m glad you asked.” The messenger had to speak over the crying baby. “I-is she alright?” He nervously asked.

“She’s fine.” Shining waved a dismissive hoof. “Just normal baby stuff. Isn’t that right Flurry? Just widdle biddy baby stuff.” He nuzzled his nose into her belly, and she cooed with crying laughter.

“Right, very good.” He adjusted his bowtie. “Our great Princess of Equestria requires your presence in her court. Both Prince Shining Armor and Miss Chrysalis.”

The smiles left mine and Shining’s faces. I wasn’t given a title of any kind. That was definitely on purpose.

“It’s Queen Chrysalis, actually.” Shining corrected. “And I go by King Shining Armor.”

“Oh!” The courtier blushed. “Forgive my rudeness, I wasn’t aware.”

“It’s a fairly new thing.” Shining let him off the hook.

“Indeed.” He cleared his throat. “As I was saying. The Princess has ordered your presence in her court, post haste. She wishes to speak to both of you as soon as possible. And without delay, she told me to add.”

He stood up tall, looking like he may break into a sweat. The mood in the room had certainly shifted. Shining opened his mouth to speak, but I held my hoof up and he let me go first.

“Thank you for delivering her majesty’s very important, and time sensitive message.” I said with a politically cheerful voice. “Please tell Celestia, in these exact words…” My crooked grin widened. “That Queen Chrysalis, and King Shining Armor are no one’s subjects to be ordered anywhere. If she wishes to speak to me in person, she is more than welcome to request my presence. And if I feel so inclined, I shall acquiesce.”

All of the color drained from the poor stallion’s face.

“Y-you want me to tell P-princess Celestia that?” He looked panicked, finally breaking decorum.

“Yes I do.” I stared sternly at him. “Verbatim.” I punctuated.

“You may also add, ‘We appreciate the alliance and mutual friendship of our two kingdoms. And we look forward to continued friendly relations in the future.'” I concluded.

“Is that all?” He fearfully asked. We had already broken him, poor guy.

“That is all.” I smiled sweetly. “Is there any other business to discuss?”

“No, my lady.” He rubbed his forehead with his hoof. “I… I will pass on your message. As is my duty.” He swallowed so hard it looked like he was downing a cue ball.

“If she fires you over a message, there’s always room for good servants in the Crystal Empire.” Shining offered with a smile.

“I’ll keep that in mind, my lord.” He bowed about half as far as he did when he first entered. He left the room with the most unconvincing smile I’d ever seen.

“You didn’t have to scare him.” Shining chastised me with a grin.

“I was nice.” I threw up my hooves. “It’s not his fault.”

“Rumor has it, Celestia is throwing a fit about what happened over here.” Shining grimaced. Twilight had relayed as much to us when she returned back to Canterlot. Although she was also being smart and staying out of it. Since Shining and I declared our status as King and Queen, we were our own nation now. Not bound by the rules of the Equestria. Our first act was to welcome all into our borders, reformed Changeling or not.

“I’ve heard.” I nodded. I wasn’t looking forward to this eventual meeting. Certain boundaries had to be set first. I was sure Celestia would understand - from one monarch to another.

At least I hoped.

“Jadiz, I think we have other duties to attend to.” Pell marched over to the door, tilting her head at Jadiz.

“Indeed.” Jadiz nodded. “My lord, my lady, we leave you to your privacy.” He and Pell exited as he closed the door behind them.

“What are we going to do?” I asked him as he came over to my vanity seat and sat beside me on the floor.

“Whatever happens, we will do it together.” He said as he rubbed Flurry Heart’s mane.

“I hate to ask, but…” He clearly wanted to change the subject. “Is Flurry Heart… is she…?”

“Is she half Changeling?” I finished for him.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with that.” He quickly stammered apologetically. “I was just curious.”

“When my hivelings change form, it’s just a magical illusion.” I explained. “But my Queen anatomy is different. When I change, my DNA alters. I fully become the creature or species I’m imitating. I was a pony when I conceived and carried her to term. She is fully pony, genetically speaking.” I looked down at my cute baby pony. The only pony child that I had.

“Speaking of conceiving.” Shining’s crooked grin looked downright mischievous. “Are you busy this morning?”

“Hmmm.” I grinned back at him as I leaned into his face. I kissed him softly, holding the back of his head with my hoof. I could feel him melting away in my touch.

“You have a baby in your arms.” I pointed out.

“Uhh…” I could hear the gears turning in his head.

“There’s no crib or cradle in the room.” I shook my head.

“Well maybe…” I interrupted him again.

“We’re not leaving her on the floor, Shining.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Dang it.” He tapped his hoof in frustration. “I could go get…” He started to say but I kissed him again before he could go on.

“Later.” I said as softly and sultry as I could. I stood up and walked toward the door.

“Let’s get through today first.” I stretched out my front hooves. “We have to explain what the future will look like to an understandably confused and mixed populace.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” He sounded deflated as he stood up to join me by the still closed door.

“Don’t sound too disappointed.” I winked at him. “Because I have plans for you later.” I flicked my luminescent tail into his face.

He grabbed me by the shoulder and spun me back to face him. I couldn’t help but have my heart flutter at his insistent touch.

“Plans you say?” His boyish grin widened. “I do love a challenge.”

I went to grab the door handle, but he kissed me first. I could feel Flurry Heart wiggle in her sling. The future may not be easy or simple going forward. However, Shining and I had a future together, and that’s all that mattered. I couldn’t wait to spend every day with him, my kingdom, and my family.

All of my family.

The End

Author's Note

You made it to the end of book 1! Thank you for indulging my novel, and I hope to see you in book 2.

Best song to pair with this chapter: My Way - Frank Sinatra