How Twilight Lost the Throne

“Master…” The head of Heph’s harem nervously asked, watching as her master had only just returned from escorting Twilight and Moondancer back to Canterlot. “The next mare’s tattooing is about to begin.”

“Excellent, Circe.” Heph nodded, smiling a little. “Lead the way.” The mare bowed her head, guiding her master to the next room.”

Within this room, Night Glider, naked and panting, was laying on a similar padded table to that the Twilight and Moondancer were on. The thestral marking her wasn’t like the one who had marked the previous mares. She wasn’t nearly as gentle, and the tattoo being placed on Night was far more intricate. She was trembling a little, moaning out as she was clearly getting back and forth in her coming orgasm. She was almost constantly on the verge of her wet, sloppy release, but then was pulled back from it, only to then nearly reach her breaking point. When the marking of this tattoo was complete, the mare’s own cutie mark was set in the center. Heph smiled at this, eager to see what a permanent tattoo would do, especially to a mare who he had already brought into his sway. And from what he was seeing so far, he was not disappointed.

“Who is she being brought to?” Crice asked, speaking a mix of curious and somewhat playfully jealous. “Is she to join the harem?” She didn’t mind sharing her master, and knew her position secured her a place at the top, but Heph enjoyed it when she teased like this.”

“No. While she was amusing, she was more of a small snack.” Heph explained, keeping his eyes on the procedure. “The weaponsmith’s apprentice seemed to have caught her eye the last time she was here, and the two seemed to get along well. So I feel a little gift would be nice for the lad.”

‘Your kindness is always a joy to witness, master.” Circe cooed. But as the two continued to watch, a curious thought still itched and ached at the back of her mind. “Master, I’m sorry, but even if you would like to take your time with them, wouldn’t it be better to have the Princess abdicate the throne to you?” She felt nervous questioning her master, but she was far too curious not to ask. “When they are broken in, will they not join the harem? Or at least Twilight Sparkle, given how rare alicorns are?”

“I understand your confusion.” Heph replied, still watching the procedure. “But I’ll explain myself after this. I want to see how Night reacts to the tattoo.”

Night hissed, cooed, moaned, panted, and let out any and every possible, whorish sound she could utter, with a look of pure, euphoric bliss on her face. Her body was brought to the point of such an intense sensitivity, that even the fainted breeze in the room against her sweating form was going to make her cum. The artist who was marking the mare continued to work, completely unfazed by how Night was almost on the verge of thrashing about. But eventually, the procedure was complete, the tattoo was placed on the mare’s body, just about her womb. No sooner had the thestral artist backed away, the mare screamed out in her orgasm. Arching her hips upwards, she came several times at once, soaking and spraying out her sweet and sparkling nectar before finally collapsing weak and panting on the table.

It wasn’t the same type of reaction that Twilight and Moondancer gave off. It was far more intense, but far too primal and chaotic. Night looked like she was ready to be fucked by every stallion in TwilightForge, but at the same time, looked like there were so many wild emotions going on through her head at once, she was almost paralyzed in it. Still, she was cumming from just the temperature of the room, and Heph was confident her new master would be incredibly pleased with her. Still, it was tempting to try her out one more time, but he restrained himself, not wanting to spoil and ruin this now slutty mare anymore than she already was. For now, he was beyond impressed with this reaction, and was only more curious as to how other mares would react to these tattoos.

Heph looked on at the way Night Glider was handling the afterglow of her orgasm. He pondered for a moment. From when he had his way with the mare, she fell somewhat easily. Perhaps she was just sexually repressed? Hard to say, but he was enjoying the way she had taken this tattoo. Her entire being was overly stimulated, and it looked as though even the hot breath of her weakened panting was going to get her aroused all over again. He couldn’t help but wonder if she would be able to properly walk without getting close to another orgasm. Either way, he was thoroughly entertained by her reaction. Cooing and moaning weakly, Night Glider looked to be clearly not only repressed, but must’ve been unaware of what her desires were until this tattoo helped awaken it.

“What a beautiful reaction.” Heph commented, chuckling a little as he clapped a little. “Have her cleaned up and brought to her new master.”

“Of course, Master.” Circe commented, looking at Heph for a moment. “I’ll ensure she is cleaned and brought to the apprentice.”

“Good, and then when you return, we can have our discussion.” Heph commented, only to look at the artist. “The tattoo seems to be far more effective than I have ever anticipated. Excellent work.”

“I am honored by your praise.” The thestral artist bowed respectively. “I live to serve, my lord.” With that, the artist was given leave to go, and the mare helped the wobbling, gurgling Night to her feet to bring her to the baths.

Now alone, Heph pondered for a moment. Why was he taking his time when it came to Twilight and Moondancer? The unicorn was just an advisor, perhaps a close friend to the Princess, but she was just a simple mare, no different than Night Glider, and he fucked her into a somewhat babbling stupor. So what was he taking his time with those two? His mare was correct, he could’ve easily taken advantage of their heightened arousal, and made them worship at his cock, to submit to him and serve him like faithful cocksleeves. And yet, when he had a chance, he only let them indulge in themselves before sending them back to Canterlot.

Leaving the room, Heph made his way back to his throne room, and as he walked, he continued to think. Then again, Moondancer was so very similar to Twilight. Not only some mannerisms, but she also looked a little like her. Heph couldn’t help but picture the two of them together. The two were natural submissives, and he felt this urge to just dominate them. After their previous performance, he knew all too well how easy it would be for him to just have them. And yet he just couldn’t, at least not like this. The mares were different, they were special. In truth, he had no real explanation for this. Twilight and Moondancer were not like other mares he had met, they had some influence on him. Or rather, they fascinated him, intrigued him.

The now numerous meetings, brunches, and other such chances to eat and speak together had brought with him an insight and amusement he had never known. Twilight was different from any alicorn he had heard about. She was smart, kind, caring, and so insatiably curious about the world around her and learning new things. She was sincerely respectful to him and his culture, something he honestly did not expect from an alicorn. While the mares in his harem were by no means ignorant, stupid, or otherwise fools, none of them had a level of intelligence that Heph could enjoy speaking about. But the Princess was different, there was a sophistication about Twilight that Heph just couldn’t fully understand. Not even just for the sake of learning how to speak and manipulate her, but he enjoyed learning about her. As well as this, there was something about her he could fully relate to.

It was something with her eyes, a look she held that he was familiar with, responsibilities. Since taking the throne, Heph has had to take charge of so much about his people. And from the look in Twilight’s eyes whenever they spoke, she seems to have been the same. For a moment, he couldn’t help but wonder how things may have been different if they had met under different circumstances, maybe the two of them would be able to be closer. But such fantasies were only that, delusions and pointless thoughts. She’s a Princess, and beyond that, Celestia’s own student, she had to be brought to heel. It would delight him to see her in the enchanted items. To see that inner submissive inside of her brought to the foreground. To make her a member of his harem or something more.

Now in his throne room, he sat on his throne, leaning back as his mind continued to wander. The look in her eyes, the burden and weight of royal duties reflected in them. This feeling, it was like a rarity that Heph couldn’t fully understand. And yet, he wondered if the enchanted items would be enough, or even necessary. Shaking his head, he all but slapped himself for such an idea. No, no, Twilight, no matter how pure she might seem, she was Celestia’s student, she had learned from the wicked alicorn. Heph couldn’t allow himself to trust her more than needed. She was now marked by a tattoo, and he had no doubts that she would choose to make it permanent, once the enchanted items would be placed on her body.

Heph could understand why Circle was thinking the way she was. However, he could tell Twilight wasn't ready. Not fully, the way he wanted her to be. Heph had his plan. He was going to bring the mare under his control, but not now. There was so much more time he could’ve spent on them, they were on the verge of true submission. Moondancer would have then been sent to the harem, and Twilight could’ve handed her kingdom to the thestrals. But he didn’t, so he sent them home. But this was only a fantasy. They weren’t ready, not yet anyways. Heph would need to put in a lot more work into these two. Not that he minded this, he rather enjoyed his time with the two.

Twilight was a fascinating mare, one that Heph felt like in another place, another time, the two might’ve had a wonderful relationship. But he knew this was only a fantasy. Moondancer, however, despite her amazing qualities, was a somewhat easier target. He could see it when he looked her over. She was a needy mare who seeks to learn but also desires validation through her efforts. What's more, given how close they were, if he just targeted Twilight then she would notice. But then another thought crossed his mind. Since Moondancer also helps Twilight with her daily plans and scheduling appointments, manipulating her also makes things easier. He would just have to make sure that the unicorn would be pushed into submission more subtly.

“I have to do this.” Heph quietly told himself, barely speaking above a whisper as he muttered. “She’s an alicorn. I must never forget what Celestia, what Equestia, did to us.” Closing his eyes for a moment, the haunting memory returned to him.

The sound of Heph’s armored feet echoed against the well carved, marble floor. His metal armor gleamed in the glow of the crystal’s light that lined these halls. His eyes were focused, fixed on his destination, the war room. The thestral guards stood firm, saluting as Heph approached them. Without a word, they let him in. The King and General didn’t even bother to look up from the massive map of Equestria before them. They hadn’t even noticed that Heph had even entered the room. This room was massive, with grand archives of scrolls, tomes, and slate carvings of their people’s history. As well as this, maps of all of Equestria, and even some landmasses that even the other kingdoms didn’t know about.

Looking over these many maps, King Hamel, and General Vulca were deep in discussion. Despite his age, the king was a strong looking stallion. Regal in his robes that hung over his well crafted armor. It was ornate, showing not only the history of the Forge, but that of its many kings and rulers. It was the King’s Regalia, forged to be the living history of the thestral people. Its platinum shine matched that of the aged king’s graying mane. His son, General Vulca, was similar, and yet there were clear differences about them. The middle aged thestral’s mane was still dark, partially dyed by the endless soot and smoke of the forges. His armor was a darker metal, rough, bulky, and clearly heavy in design. He wore the armor of a warrior, and his silver sword rested comfortably at his side.

“Grandfather, father.” Heph called to the King and General. “Are you both mad?! War with Equestria?!”

“Heph?” Hamel grunted, looking over to his grandson. “Why do you bother your father and I? What is it you have to say? Can’t you see we’re busy.”

“Didn’t you hear me?!” Heph snapped at his grandfather. “You plan to go to war with Equestria?! Have you both gone insane!” Storming forward, he got a better look at the map. His face was twisted in disgust and horror.

This map wasn’t just a map of Equestria, but the neighboring kingdoms of Griffonstone, Mount Aris, and the Kirin Forest. As well as this, numerous figures depicting the many parts of the thestral’s military were displayed, positioned in places to imply how not only they would attack the capital of Canterlot, along with the Castle of the Two Sisters, but even the neighboring kingdoms’ pieces were displayed as if they were going to go to war. Heph couldn’t believe what he was looking at. Was his grandfather and father truly planning on attacking Equestria, to challenge the might of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna? And why were the other kingdoms on this map? Were they planning to attack these places next, or seek to ally with them against Equestria.

“This…this is terrible. This is an abomination.” Heph snapped again, staring at this map in shock and horror. “You can’t do this. This war would utterly destroy us.”

“Nonsense!” Vulca snapped at his son, slamming his fist on the table. “Equestria has lost their alliance with Griffonstone, Mount Aris, and the Kirin Forest decades ago. They are weak, vulnerable, ripe for conquests.” His eyes shone with an almost maddening arrogance. “We will claim what is owed to us, we are entitled to what they have denied us. And will have it!”

“And you think going to war is the answer?” Heph asked, trying to calm down as he debated with his family. “Equestria’s power is far too great.” He then gestured to the other parts of the map. “And why are you directing our forces to Griffonstone, Mount Aris, and the Kirin Forest? Are we at war with them next?”

“Not with them. But once they see Equestria fall under our flag, they will come up.” Vulca said, striking with an oozing arrogance. “We would then control the greatest economic domination, Equestria’s resources, the land will be ours.”

“Such an action would require far more resources, which need I remind you, would be spent on a pointless war.” Heph countered, starting to argue more and more with his father. “And how do you even expect to take over all those resources?”

“Equestria is a vast land. And while it doesn’t have as many mountains, our magic can bring forth any minerals we desire.” Vulca explained, sounding quite smug in his tone. “Once we have all that territory, we can mold it to our needs. And the other kingdoms will have choice but to accept our new dominance. Our mastery of the metal trades will ensure they will ally with us when it’s all said and done.”

“And if they don’t?” Heph asked, challenging his father’s logic. “Do you really think any of these kingdoms will stop?” He gestured to the map. “Griffonstone’s banks, merchants, and traders will second guess working with conquerors. Mount Aris might have had concerns and political tension with Equestria, but Queen Nova and Princess Celestia have been allies for centuries. And the Kirin’s Forest supplied almost half the number of lumber to Equestria. Wiping out Equestria would only mean making enemies of these three.”

“Actually, it’s the opposite.” Vulca replied, speaking as if he was talking down to his son. “We have already received pledges and loans from the Griffonstone banks for our campaign. And the wealth of Equestria is more than enough to pay off those debts, even the ones they themselves must’ve accumulated. Queen Nova won’t do a thing, we have prepared for the hippogriffs, should they decide to intervene. And the Kirin haven’t been quiet about the slow loss of their forests, and will welcome an Equestria that doesn’t devour their lumber.”

“We have also been receiving information from a few allies and agents in Griffonstone.” Hamel said, sounding a lot more calm than his son. “We have been trading smaller scale armaments for information regarding what is currently happening in Equestria. We know many nobles there will be too busy fighting each other to muster any defense fast enough. And I believe if we wait too long, then this opportunity will slip by us.”

“You honestly think this would work?” Heph asked, looking utterly shocked at his father’s words and confidence. “I’m sorry, but have you forgotten that we’re starving!” Reaching into a side bag he wore, he pulled out a large stack of papers. Slamming it, he spread it out. “These are the latest census records, as well as countless grievances regarding the food shortages.”

“This is why we must conquer Equestria.” Hamel cleared his throat, speaking a lot calmer than his son. “We’re thestrals! A proud people, and I would rather see Equestria conquered, than to beg Princess Celestia for food.”

His grandfather was strong willed, often stubborn, but he was still a fair and just king. To hear him speak about conquering another kingdom, to march his citizens, his soldiers to try and attack another nation like this. Starvation was bringing desperation to the people, Heph couldn’t deny this, but he couldn’t see any justification in the plans to attack Equestria. His father, however, was always a very ambitious man. He strongly cared about the thestrals of the Forge, and he wanted to see their kingdom spread and thrive. No doubt he was the one who pushed the idea to invade and conquer Equestria to the King. Still, Heph couldn’t see anything but defeat if they tried to attack, and wanted to talk them out of this.

“I understand your concerns, Heph.” Hamel said, sighing a little as he placed his hand on his grandson’s shoulder. “But these are the burdens of leadership. And sometimes, for the good of the kingdom, sacrifices and tough decisions have to be made.”

Heph couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He understood that Equestria supplied nearly all the food to the other kingdom. Given their developments in metallurgy, smelting, and mining, the thestrals were not keen or skilled in agriculture. As well as this, they were an isolationist kingdom, and so what little food they could grow was just barely able to keep the citizens fed. But it wasn’t enough, the population had grown far too large for the limited food stores to handle. Heph wasn’t king, but he wanted to do the best he could for his people, and over the last several months, he was noticing the rapid decrease in food stores. It wasn’t a perfect solution, but he had been investing far more into trying to establish more food production.

Roughly a year ago, King Hamel issued a rationing system,trying the best her could to hold back the growing hunger. But every month, the Forge was growing less and less food. Heph did everything he could, going about the city, speaking with the citizens to get as much information as he could, as well as gathering food, even from the royal stores. It was only a temporary solution, and Heph was in the middle of planning some negotiation ideas to be run by his father and grandfather. But when he learned that they were in the war room preparing to go to war with Equestria. And now, he was standing there, hearing his king and general, grandfather and father trying to justify it.

“Please, father, grandfather, we can’t go to war with Equestria.” Heph said, trying to still sway the two away from this course of action. “Our people are starving, they would barely be able to fight for less than a year. And even if we did march on Canterlot, the capital is a massive, highly defensible place.”

Walking around, he gestured at the map around the mountain the capital rested on. Hamel and Vulca only watched, saying nothing as Heph shifted the map to get a better view of Canterlot’s mountain. Taking the pointer, he gestured to the numerous thestral figures. His face was stern and serious. Even from what he read in that letter, even if he was well aware of the information regarding the unfair trade arrangements, Heph just couldn’t bring himself to agree with these plans to conquer Equestria. He had to convince Hemal and Vulca to stop this, he just had to. After several short moments, he took a deep breath and continued his explanation.

“Canterlot is too highly defensible, given its location. And starving them out is impossible, as the unicorns can easily transport their food and materials there. Which, may I remind you, is how they transported the metals we used to craft the city.” Heph explained, trying his best to keep his composure. “And the pass to get up there is far too narrow to move an army smoothly or quietly. Princess Celestia would see us coming miles away.” He then gestured to the surrounding lands. “And even if we were to try and starve them out by taking the farmlands, we don’t have nearly enough soldiers to defend every spot. And finally, while we have superior weapons and armor, we have absolutely nothing that can possibly defend against their magic.”

“Heph is right.” Hamel said, looking at Vulca. “We cannot rule out their magic. Unicorn magic is still a mystery to us. And there’s no saying how powerful Princess Celestia’s magic could be.”

“Then perhaps more surgical strikes?” Vulca commented, tapping at various parts of the mountain’s base. “What if we were to mine our ways upwards? If we were to move the mining to the mountain, we could slowly work our way up.” He then sighed. “In theory, anyway. We cannot possibly mine fast enough, but perhaps we could convince the Princess that this is a benefit to Equestria, and before she realizes it, we’ll have our soldiers marching right though the backdoor.”

“You can’t be serious!” Heph snapped, slamming his fist down on the table to get their attention. “I’m sorry, but surely there’s another plan. Can’t we open up-”

“Absolutely not!” Vulca snapped, shouting down his son at the very notion he was about to suggest. “We are never, and I mean never, going to negotiate with Celestia, Equestria, or anyone or anything!”

“Father, you can’t be serious?” Heph said, trying to remain calm, as hard as it was. “Princess Celestia has sent no less than a dozen requests for peace.” With that, he all but slammed a stack of letters on the table. “Every single one of them has been ignored. We could open up trade with Equestria.” That seemed to have gotten their attention, he had to continue. “Father, Grandfather. I don't like the idea any more than either of you. But, as you said, sacrifices and tough decisions are required of a king. If I thought there was any way to defeat Equestria then I would agree with you. But when you take in their magic, the power of Celestia, and the sheer number of advantages that they possess then it is a foal's dream. At least with this we will get more for our wares than the scraps we are receiving from the Griffons before they betray us for half a bit.”

“Heph, you must understand. Any negotiations with Equestria will only risk putting up in bondage, and debt with them.” Hamel tried to explain to his grandson. He then sighed, seeing the intense look on Heph’s face. “But, I am not close minded. Please, explain what you have, but I will not promise I will agree with them.”

Heph’s face brightened a little more, seeing this as a possible hope. Vulca clearly wasn’t interested in what his son was saying. So much so, he wasn’t even paying attention as the thestral started pulling out more and more documents, charts, graphs, and other statistical information. Hamel was the only one who was at least seriously considering what Heph was going to say. Off hand, what the papers looked to be were numerous records on now only economic and agricultural information, but geographical information regarding minerals, metals, and other materials that the Forge produced. After several long moments, Heph gathered everything he could, and was ready to begin his explanation to his father and grandfather.

“Right now, Equestria produces nearly sixty percent of all the grain and produce that has been sold to the other kingdoms.” Heph explained, presenting everything he could as he spoke. “While relationships with the other nations had clearly soured, this only means we could better capitalize on the excess of food they produce, and use it to feed our people.”

“And how do you propose we establish such a trade?” Vulca somewhat rudely asked, showing no real care for this suggestion. “Should we get on our hands and knees, then beg her to give us food?”

“Of course not!” Heph snapped, only to clear his throat and compose himself. “According to our records and readings, Princess Celestia has every indication of being a strong dominant, so any show of force would be met with heavy resistance, and failure.” Vulca rolled his eyes in annoyance, but he continued. “I understand what it would look like if we came to her and asked, but I believe that if we only swallow our pride, and offer some of our metals and masonry to her in trade, we could establish not only a way to better feed our people, but secure a powerful bond.”

“I’m sorry, Heph, but while you have clearly thought this through, I cannot allow myself, or any of my people to cast aside their pride for this.” Hamel said, trying to somewhat sway his grandson. “But I will never, ever throw away my pride to Princess Celestia, or anyone.”

Heph was shocked, his father was a stubborn, proud thestral, he knew there was little to no chance of swaying him. But when it came to Hamel, he at least hoped he could be convinced. Still, to hear the King all but confirm that he would rather see his kingdom starve itself into ruin, all because he would rather die than sacrifice his pride. This wasn’t the greater good, this was madness. Heph was almost horrified by this. Hope slowly left his eyes. Looking at the papers, hours, days, weeks of research and progress. So many long nights of speaking to a mirror to prepare himself for this, all of it meant nothing to them. Hamel and Vulca had already long decided this was going to be their path, this was going to be this course of action, and nothing Heph could say would convince them.

“Well…” Heph eventually said, sighing slightly as he was trying to compose himself again. “How would you two do it? Since you both seem to be so set on conquering Equestria, how would we possibly attack them?” He looked at Vulca. “Would you have our soldiers marked with enhanced tattoos, welding our finest blades, wearing out finest armors, and sneak into Canterlot to slit their throat as they sleep in the night?”

A slight attitude was forming in his words. He just couldn’t bring himself to just let these two make such bold statements, such strong claims to plan such a suicidal conquest. He loved his grandfather and father, but this plan, this military strategy, it was only going to doom them all. Even if they were to take Equestria, to raze Canterlot to the ground, it would only spark the other kingdoms to attack the now weakened thestrals. Or maybe they wouldn’t even get that far. Celestia’s magic may be more than they believed, and so all of this would be for nothing. Heph couldn’t allow this, he needed to stop this, he couldn’t let his people be thrown into such a doomed war.

“Oh wait, there’s a Princess of the Night too, isn’t there?” Heph said sarcastically, almost mocking his father, mimicking the same tone he had previously given. “Princess Luna had only recently seemed to have returned to the capital, and from what we have on her, she had previously enjoyed the craftsmanship of our work. We could use this to establish a proper trade. We could have Luna function as a middle ground rather than go with Celestia.” Hamel and Vulca looked at Heph, both having heard what he had to say, but it was clear on their faces that they had already long decided on their plans.

Nothing the thestral could say would be enough to convince his grandfather and father. The two were too fixed in their ways, and there wasn’t anything that could be done about it. Any chance, any hope, anything that Heph believed would be able to sway them away from this, but it was nearly impossible. Hamel and Vulca were far too into their beliefs, they were far too into this scheme of theirs. Looking again at the map, Heph could only imagine what the other nations would do after this. And after several long minutes of his silence, Heph cleared his throat. He knew he couldn’t sway them, he knew there was nothing he could say, but he couldn’t just leave this chamber in silent compliance. Looking at both grandfather and father, he let out only the faintest sigh.

“Even if you will not speak with Princess Celestia, surely Princess Luna could be at least someone to speak with.” Heph suggested, almost sounding desperate as he was hoping for the impossible by this point. “We can negotiate with her first, then we eventually negotiate with Celestia afterwards.” Hamel and Vulca looked at each other, as if silently discussing what was just said.

“I understand your concerns, Heph.” Hamel said, looking at his grandson with calmer eyes compared to his son. “And while I fail to see what this will accomplish, I will give it a chance.” Heph only nodded his head, bowing respectfully, trying not to show how excited he was that his grandfather was going to listen, even if his own father only remained silent and stubborn. His heart ached, and only hoped that things would turn out well.

The negotiations between King Hamel and the alicorn princess were set. And Princess Luna met with them with a show of unexpected respect. She was polite, courteous, and spoke to the three as though they were all equals to her. This was something not even Hamel expected, and took some comfort in this discussion. As Heph listened on, he could hear so many possible trade arrangements, cultural exchanges, and other mutually beneficial things that Luna was suggesting. She would listen to what Hamel had to say, and offer numerous amazing ideas. And while Vulca still held a frustrated look on his face, he kept his mouth quiet. After their discussion, Luna would begin to spend some time at the Forge. She would learn about the thestrals, their customs, and treat it all with the highest show of care and respect.

Heph was impressed by this, so much so, he pondered if the alicorn was a switch, about to be both dominating and submissive at once? Luna was able to engage in discussion, carry herself throughout numerous talks, and yet when she was spoken to, she would listen. It wasn’t that she would absentmindedly nod her head and not care, she looked Heph in the eyes, she looked Hamel in the eyes, she even looked Vulca in the eyes. Luna reopened ancient wrongs, made amends to them, apologized, and justified everything in a manner that showed care to the thestrals. For a short time, the idea of a negotiation between these kingdoms wasn’t just an idealistic dream, it was slowly becoming a reality.

But it was Celestia who showed how much of a dominant personality she was. As soon as she caught word of what her sister was doing in the Forge, she demanded a chance to speak. Perhaps Heph was still naive to this, or maybe too hopeful, but when he helped arrange the meeting between his father and grandfather with the alicorn sisters, there was clear tension. Luna’s expression was a strange, yet familiar one. It was as if she didn’t want things to turn this way, but also that she had no choice. Celestia, even before speaking, held an air as if she was looking down at the thestrals, saw them as lesser than her, and while Heph was remaining calm, Hamel and Vulca’s prides were becoming more and more inflamed. Still, given her previous experience with them, Luna did her best to keep things as calm and civil as possible, but Celestia seemed to have other plans in mind.

No matter what Luna tried to say as she would speak with Hamel, Celestia would always interject, interrupt, and otherwise push whatever she was thinking on the matter in this discussion. From where Heph was sitting, it looked as though the alicorn princess was more interested in having herself be heard, and would be difficult in anything that wasn’t her idea. Luna did her best to be patient, letting her sister speak, but trying to still make her mutually beneficial ideas to Hamel. And while Heph did his best to not escalate anything, the same couldn’t be said about his father and grandfather. Eventually, frustrations boiled over, and both king and general snapped at the Princesses, even accusing them of trying to deceive and manipulate them. Suffice to say, all talks ended then and there.

Heph partially blamed this failure on Hamel and Vulca’s attitude and poor decisions, but they didn’t share all of it. Celestia, constantly trying to assert herself, which only added to the already inflexibility of his father and grandfather. He was impressed by Luna’s behavior, regretting how things ended, but Heph was just disgusted with Celestia’s display. So dominating, controlling, and just obsessed with being the one to speak. Even if she never directly said it, it was as if she wanted to get overly involved in the Forge and its people. They would’ve been, at best, an allied kingdom, not subservient to her. And yet, she spoke as if they were going to be under her rule. Eventually, when the new few seasons came, and the thestrals were further starving, the King made a decision that would alter the course of their history.

By command of King Hamel, the thestrals abandoned their kingdom, relinquished their gem and ore rich lands, never to return. With heavy hearts, the citizens of the Forge followed their ruler as he led his people away,far away, where they would never see the lands of Equestria again. Heph did what he could to lead the efforts in gathering everything they needed, leaving what was not wanted. But his grandfather and father, in a show of petty hatred, ordered that everything be taken. They did not want to leave even a scrap of their civilization behind. They did not want Equestria to prosper from this in any way. Because of this, travel became even slower. Weeks turned to months as the remnants of the Forge were forced to march in a direction.

The march was terrible, with the weakest of the surviving soldiers dying off, collapsing as they lay. The travels were delayed, so that everyone who died would be given a proper funeral. But soon enough, as the thestrals carried on, eventually reaching the western shores of Equestria, so many had died, that they couldn’t all be given proper funerals, only a mass, unmarked grave dedicated to them. Heph’s heart was heavy with grief, even as his father’s heart was filled only with deeper and further hate for Celestia, Luna, and the rest of Equestria. He couldn’t see, even after all that had been lost, that this could’ve been avoided. Still, Heph said nothing, only focusing on the well being of his people first.

Construction of vessels capable of carrying them across the western seas, into the far unknown of the maps. Despite the lack of the best resources, the thestrals managed to sail across this sea. Thankfully, the cartographers were wrong. There was land beyond these western seas, massive amounts of land. And it was here, that the thestrals continued their travels, dismantling their vessel to make as much use of the raw materials as possible. And when they finally reached the mountains that would be the new Forge, more than half of the thestrals had died from the journey. But they would build a new Forge, an UnderForge, where following the passing of King Hamel, Vulca was crowned King of the Thestrals, Grand Smith of the UnderForge.

The UnderForge held itself together for many more years since, and Vulca’s reign was that of industry, development, and the rapid expansion of their magically infused lands. Ores, gems, and other minerals grew and spread about the region, providing all the thestrals needed to build a grand kingdom, rivaling that of the Forge. And yet, despite the improvements, the developments, and even the previous food shortage had been solved through the discovery of countless, edible grains and vegetables that were native to these mountainous regions, King Vulca never let go of his hate. Even to his dying day, he hated Equestria, believing that they could’ve won the war. Heph, now taking a more direct and active role in the growth of the UnderForge, focused all he could to make sure his people were safe, fed, and happy.

Some time passed, and eventually from the stress of the migration, King Vulca’s day came . Coming to his father’s chambers, Heph was escorted in. Within this chamber, laying upon a bed of platinum, covered in the finest and shiniest of rubes, emeralds, and sapphires. At his sides, were a retainer of his elite, royal guard. Unlike before, where the thestral guard dressed in simple armor, King Vulca pushed for the development of newer, stronger, and greater armor and weapons. Even to his dying day, he was obsessed with making the UnderForge, and the thestral as powerful as possible. It was as if he was planning to attack Equestria again, but thankfully, the day never came. Approaching his father, Heph bowed respectfully, but kept his distance.

“H…Heph…” Vulca weakly called out to his son, gesturing with his aged, weakened hand. “Come…come here…” Heph silently approached him.

King Vulca looked to be in such an elderly state. Thestrals had incredibly long lifespans, through their own biology, and the implementation of magical tattoos, but he was old, even by their standards, surpassing the age of the previous King Hamel. And even as he was laying there, dying in his bed, Vulca refused to give up. He was so weak looking, thin, almost boney and pale in complexion, and yet his eyes were filled with the same hate filled fires that fueled him. Heph, remaining silent, only looked down at his father. A mix of sorrow, love, and pity were clear on his face. He still blamed Vulca, along with Hamel for what had happened to their people, but he had worked so hard to make sure the UnderForge would prosper. And yet after all of that, he still loved his father, and wanted to be there for his final moments.

“I…I want you to lead our people…” Vulca weakly said, looking at his son. “We…we are strong, and I know you can do it…”

“Father..” Heph said. “Our people are thriving. The UnderForge has done things we could never have done. We’re happy, crafting things we could never do before. This land, it’s all ours, and we can finally achieve what we’ve always wanted.”

“And when…the Princesses come for us…what then?” Vulca said, too weak to snap back in anger, but it was clear that was what he was trying to do. “Equestria…will never let us live in peace.” His eyes were starting to fade, his time was ending. “They will come…one day, they will come. You must prepare, you must make our people great, strong, and ready.” Holding his son’s hands, he let out his final breath. “Heph, my son. Protect…our people. Make them…strong. Never…trust…Equestria. Hate…the alicorns…” With that, the elderly thestral laid back, and passed peacefully.

The funeral service was massive, with the royal pyre illuminating every inch of the UnderForge as Heph personally lit the fire. The crowning ceremony of the now King Heph, Grand Smith of the UnderForge, a week after Vulca’s funeral, was met with the echoing cheers of the thestrals, nearly shaking the land itself in their celebration. Sitting upon the throne, the newly crowned king immediately felt the weight of his crown. He still didn’t agree with Hamel, or Vulca’s beliefs. But he couldn’t help but be haunted by his father’s last words. For weeks, even months, he asked himself if Equestria would come for them. He wondered if Princess Celestia and Luna would hunt them down, seeing the UnderForge as some new threat in the works.

The years rolled by, and as he handled his new position, Heph grew to feel his concerns only grow and grow. He wouldn’t be the one to engage in a war with Equestria. But he would be prepared. Developments in mining, smelting, tattoo enchanting, and everything else the thestrals could smith and craft were refined to the point of utter perfection. Their culture had become even more work focused than before. And even with the returning concerns of agriculture and lack of food, the population thrived under the rule of King Heph. Princess Celestia, no doubt finding them by having Luna seek the thestrals out in their dreams, had contacted Heph, offering a deal, a trade for food and other goods. And while before all of this, he would’ve gladly accepted, to honor his late father and grandfather, Heph politely declined.

For many years now, he ruled his people. And while he was sometimes worried about the day Equestria would come for them, unlike Hamel and Vulca, he did not tell his people. He wanted the UnderForge to grow and become better and better. But when Equestria would come, Heph would be ready, the UnderForge would be ready, and the thestrals would be ready. It was when Night Glider came, and hearing that Princess Celestia and Luna were gone, that Heph felt it was time. A newer, younger ruler, this Princess Twilight, who had no previous history with him or the thestrals, would be the perfect one to speak to. A new opportunity of sorts, one that Heph would use to its fullest capabilities.

“Master? Master?” Circe’s voice roused Heph from his reminiscing. “Master, are you okay? I’ve been trying to wake you for a while now.”

“Huh, what?” Heph murmured before yawning. “Oh, Circe. I’m fine, I’m fine, just a little tired.”

“Ah, good.” Circe nodded, smiling warmly. “And I am sorry to ask this, but please, I’d like to know. What is so important about Twilight Sparkle and Moondancer, that you want to take your time with them?” She loved and was devoted to her master, but Heph had always encouraged her to speak her mind on matters that worried her. “But you had the perfect chance to claim them, and yet you only gave them temporary tattoos, and didn’t command them to service you.”

“I understand your concern, and I know it seems strange.” Heph responded, yawning again. “But those two are different from the other mares we shall be going through, different from Night Glider.” Taking a moment, he continued. “The tattoos have amplified their pent up, lustful urges. While it would be far more favorable to dominate their minds, we both know tattoos can only bring out their deepest desires. And so things must be taken slowly and carefully.” Seeing the way Circe looked at him, he considered a different way to explain it. “Think of it like forging a blade. You need to heat the metals to the right temperature, then strike it to ensure it becomes the desired shape.”

Heph paused for a moment, contemplating his next words carefully. He wasn’t going to tell Circe that he was developing feelings for Twilight, at least not feelings strong enough that they would threaten the grand plan. Still, he was considering it all. The Princess and her advisor were now marked. The tattoos meant he could play into their lustful, heightened pleasures, meaning he could easily manipulate them. Or at the very least, he could manipulate Moondancer. Twilight was the hardest part. He knew that her very alicorn being alone was enough to consider more than the tattoos. The special jewelry, the silvery accessories came to mind. They would be the perfect tools to fully bring her under his control. But he couldn’t force them on her, only her free will would allow her submission to be complete.

“Then she would make a fine addition to the harem.” Circe commented, accepting her master’s words. “But I’d like to ask one more question. Why not just break her, dominate her, and just have her abdicate the throne to you? Then you can have her all to yourself whenever you want.”

“I considered it, I really have.” Heph replied, still trying to piece his words together. “She is…in a way, she is like me.” He paused, realizing what he had said. “She has the eyes of someone who bears the heavy duty of royal responsibilities, she speaks with a kindness and curiosity I would not expect from an alicorn. And I would like to take my time with her.”

“But what of Moondancer?” Circe added, still full of questions. “Surely she would be better put in the same state as Night Glider?”

“I considered it, and having possibly the most trusted advisor to the Princess under our sway would surely help things along.” Heph nodded, piecing things together. “Yes. Having Moondancer fall under our sway would certainly speed things along. But the sudden shift in her personality would alert Twilight, and all the work and trust will be ruined. Then again, having them experience this together, she will not easily notice any changes, as she herself will be slowly changing. The adjustments will feel more normal this way.”

“Even if both of them join the harem, or you allow the Princess to keep her throne as a proxy, surely that would still be what you want, right?” Circe commented, leaning her head against her master’s arm with a gentle sigh. “I just don’t want these things to take too long.”

The look on Heph’s face, it was clearly stressed. But just as quickly as he revealed such an emotion, he took a deep breath, calming himself. He needed to be in more control, he had to. Taking another breath, he hummed a little, thinking about what it would be like to see both mares in TwilightForge. Twilight would continue to rule Equestria, but when she would come back to the thestral’s home, she would be by his side as one of his top mares in the harem, maybe even make an official wedding, a royal event to unify the kingdoms. Moondancer would have a great place in the harem as well, but her brilliant mind was one to respect, and perhaps she would also do well as a potential advisor, should his current one ever retire. A faint blush ran across his face, making him clear his throat again, not wanting to fully admit his feelings to Circe.

“You are correct and they shall. That is why it is important that we take our time as we need to be sure that the enchanted items will have their maximum effect on Twilight.” Heph said, taking his mare by her hands. “Anything less will ruin our plans.”

“But, Master...I’m sorry, but it sounds like you do not believe we can do this.” Circe said, trying to calm her master down as he was getting more and more emotional. “We have the finest smiths in the world, and the items were personally crafted for such a reason.”

“Crafted, but untested.” Heph nodded, almost sighing a little. “Regular mares, like Moondancer and Night Glider have shown to be much more susceptible, our craft will do fine with them, even if they didn’t have the tattoos.” He paused for a moment, sighing a little. “Twilight is not like any other mare, she is an alicorn. Whether she knows it or not, we are at her mercy. She has too many forces, and far stronger magic. No, we must move slowly, carefully.”

“Our metals, our magic, and everything else should be enough.” Circe commented, speaking with great pride. “Surely we could just conquer them both with our crafts?”

“Yes, but for an alicorn like Twilight, the effects will only remain so long as she wears them, and only if she wears them willingly. Should anyone, or even she herself remove them, all that work runs the risk of being undone.” Heph explained. “As well as that, while Celestia and Luna are gone, they are not unreachable. Should they get word of what happens to Twilight before the time is right, they will no doubt free her, and unleash their full wrath upon us. So as I have just said, we shall move with caution.”

“Yes, Master.” Circe bowed her head, still rubbing on Heph’s hands. “So what will we do?”

“We will play the ally, I will personally ensure Twilight becomes more and more enthralled, and when she dons the gifts of her own free will, she will be mine.” Heph said, leaning back on his throne. There was still the chance that Twilight’s friends could free her. He had to make sure his domination of the mare was absolute, and this meant taking his time. “But this only works so long as they are wearing the bindings. While there is little chance they will want to take it out once in a while, I will leave nothing to chance.” At that, he started laughing.

“M-Master?” Circe asked, a little nervous as she saw the way Heph was practically cackling. “W-what’s so funny?”

“It’s more ironic than anything.” Heph replied, rubbing his eyes for a moment. “It’s incredibly ironic that the very items that were commissioned by our ancestors for Princess Celestia will be used to bring about the end of the alicorn’s empire.”

Arching forward, Heph’s head was in his hands. Sighing, he couldn’t help but think back to his father, his grandfather, and how everything fell apart. After so much time, he felt it, shame. He was ignorant of what it meant to be a ruler, he was just the second in line for the throne, behind his father. But now that he was a ruler, now that he was Grand Smith, ruler of the thestrals, he couldn’t help but recall the words his grandfather told him. Sighing again, the painful feeling of these memories still fresh on his mind. Leaning back, he gasped out an exasperated sigh again. He knew what was going to come, and part of him was nervous. Regular mares were one thing, but it was difficult, if not almost impossible when accounting for alicorns.

“Sometimes, for the good of the kingdom…” Heph muttered quietly to himself, mimicking his grandfather’s words. “Sacrifices and tough decisions have to be made.”