My life in Equestria

I was just beginning to recover from my return to Ponyville after my captivity. The memory of Feferley's dark cells and his magical traps still stuck to me like a bad spell that you can't get rid of. Mentally, I was like a half-empty cup and physically... Well, let's just say that we have seen better in the princesses. My dark circles had dark circles, and my muscles were screaming for help with every movement. In short, I was the living definition of "I've seen better days".

As I tried to regain some semblance of dignity by sprawling miserably on my bed, convinced that the universe would finally give me a moment's respite, a guard knocked on my door. "Princess Mady, an urgent letter to you."

"Great," I thought, "maybe that's the notice to evict my own room? Given how lucky I have lately, it wouldn't be surprising. "

I straightened up, because yes, despite my internal grumbling, I was still a princess and I had to at least pretend to be civilized. With a more dramatic look than necessary, I took the envelope and opened it. Surprise! An invitation to a party. Solar, of course. Mr. "Everything is a pretext for a grandiose event" had not been able to resist the call of his own celebration.

"Solar and its parties... I bet he's going to give us another 45-minute speech about his deep sense of fashion or why the sky is 'too ordinary' without some artificial rainbows. Oh joy." I said thinking.

I let out a sigh, the kind of dramatic sigh that only the heroes of Greek tragedies should be able to utter. But hey, it wasn't like I had a choice. Party = Mandatory attendance. Princess obliges. And on top of that, I was one of the guests of honor, which gave me exactly zero valid excuses to stay hidden under my sheets and ignore the world.

"Because of course, who would refuse the opportunity to be the target of a clumsy speech and to be suffocated by overpriced perfumes, eh? I know I can't. Long live the life of a princess." I said, moaning in my thoughts.

I got up from my bed with the grace of a cat who had eaten too many cookies, a little stiff, not really motivated, but I had to do something with my day. My hair was in a state worthy of a crime scene, and I wondered if a simple brush would be enough to straighten it out. "Okay, come on. A small party is not the sea to drink, just a lake of small social malaises. Nothing insurmountable. At least there will be food." I took the brush and began to untangle what looked more like a ball of wool than a hairstyle. The repetitive gestures had something almost soothing about them, even though my head still looked like a battlefield. "Seriously, why do I bother doing my hair? I might as well make a dramatic appearance with my hair in "I'm just getting out of hell" mode and no one would dare say anything... although... Solar might think that this is a new trend."

I glanced at the invitation still on my dresser and tried to motivate myself. After all, it was a party, and if I did well, I might be able to escape the endless discussions and sneak to the buffet unnoticed. "Come on, Mady, stop daydreaming. You have to dress up and prepare your best smile, even if deep down you feel like a cactus in a fashion show." I said to myself, with this most encouraging (and totally realistic, if I may say so) thought, I went in search of a dress. But not just any dress. No, I needed the one who would say, "I'm here, but I was lazy, and I could very well leave in the middle of the party without anyone noticing."

My choice fell on a midnight blue outfit, simple but elegant, because why not, with a little silver touch, just to remind me that I was still, despite everything, a princess. I put it on, sighing. Once ready, I studied my reflection in the mirror. "There you go, there you go... That will do. You can't always be a work of art, but with a bit of luck, I at least look like a passable sketch. Well passable, passable, way of speaking huh..."

I made one last quick check, vaguely hoping that a cataclysmic event would prevent me from going to this party. An earthquake, an invasion of griffins, anything, really. None of this happened, of course, and I resigned myself to the inevitable. It's not that I don't want to see my brother or everyone else, but I've exhausted my social bar. Anyway, I said to myself: "Come on, let's go. After all, what could go wrong at a party?"

Spoiler : tout….

When I finally set foot in the ballroom, the first thing that assailed me was a mixture of smells. It was as if each guest had decided to transform themselves into a living painting in a museum of the absurd. I made my way through the guests, taking care to avoid meeting the eyes of those who, like me, had no desire to be there.

I started thinking as I looked around. "If I faint now, will they take me home? It must be an emergency plan, right?"

My brother's party had been entirely organized by PinkiePie but hey, my brother is a big pretentious. In the center, Solar was enthroned, a smile from ear to ear, it looks like he hasn't grown up. He was surrounded by all my relatives. "Every time, he explains to them why fluorescent pink is the color of the year. Poor souls." I thought.

I headed to the buffet, my sacred goal. Like a hunter in the savannah, I analyzed the situation. The small canapé-shaped bites glistened in the light, while a guy with a snake-shaped mustache was busy restocking the trays. I slipped discreetly up to him, praying that he wouldn't ask me to make an engaging conversation. If I was, it was only for my brother and for food.
I grabbed a small mozzorela sandwich, I swallowed it almost whole and told myself that at least I didn't have to listen to Solar yet. This moment of respite was short-lived, because just as I was picking up my second piece, he turned to me, looking triumphant, as if he had spotted me in the crowd of a sea of faces.

"Ah, sister! Finally among us. "

I was thinking about what I could say "Great, I'm on the verge of giving a speech about the art of festive gastronomy. I'm going to get booed by the crowd if this continues." I thought. I looked at my brother before finally saying something, I approached him, a frozen smile on my face. "Well, Solar, I'd say your taste for directing is as eccentric as... well, as eccentric as you big brother! "

The nobles around us burst out laughing. Suddenly, I felt a little less like a princess in exile and more like an actress in a play. "Why did I wake up this morning?!" I thought to myself. Before I could find a way out, Solar grabbed me by the hoof and dragged me onto the dance floor, which was already occupied by a group of dancers fidgeting in some sort of absurd dance that resembled a confrontation between a flamingo and a deranged robot.

And there, I found myself, all dignity gone, here I was dancing with my brother to try to keep up with the rhythm. My hooves seemed to have a will of their own, twisting in movements I didn't know I had inside me. After a few minutes, I was already out of breath. But Solar was visibly in great shape, swaying his hips as if he had swallowed a full dance class in one meal.

"Solar, I think it's time to take a break before I fall into a coma of fatigue." I said in a voice exasperated by my brother's motivation.

But even this attempt to escape was in vain. I barely had time to slip away when ponies I didn't know were playful surrounded me, completing the picture of my social suffering. One of them, a lady with a tight bun, began to ask me about the latest fashion in ball gowns, as if my survival depended on my knowledge of trends. "Perfect. This is my new nightmare: fashion. I'm a princess, not a fabric expert!" I thought to myself

I sat up, taking a deep breath, trying to keep an air of indifference.
Suddenly, in a totally unexpected burst, Sombra jumped on me like a hungry pony that had spotted its prey or should I say its snack. He embraced me with such incredible force that all the ponies present remained frozen, their mouths open and their faces totally perplexed. Their expression of incomprehension in the face of a Sombra too... affectionate? It made me burst out laughing, one of those laughs that is not necessarily pleasant to hear.

I started to struggle, due to my lack of contact with other people. "Heeeeeeelp!"

I was trapped in this unexpected embrace, like a candy stuck to the bottom of a pocket. My brain was trying to scream for help, but I felt as amused as I was worried.

"You can always dream, my lovely. I won't let you go so easily." Sombra replies with a proud air.

Ah, well, it was an attempt that was fruitless. I felt like I was in a bad horror movie: you know you should run away, but you just stand there, frozen, a silly smile on your face.

"Sombra, let her go!" Twilight said, approaching Sombra and me.

At these words, Sombra released me with a mischievous smile, one that said "I know something you don't". Looking at it, I wondered if it was my imagination or if Twilight was, let's say, a little bit jealous. My cheeks turned pink, but I don't think anyone noticed. Maybe I'm getting a little carried away, but let's face it: I find her so cute when she gets upset.
I was tired, so after taking the time to clear up the situation with my hilarious abuser, I said goodbye to my brother. We headed for the castle, crossing the city. The Manes 6 also came with us and following up on a discussion with them, I even learned that PinkiePie had tried to make a cake with mystery ingredients – spoiler alert: it was inedible. Once at the castle, Sombra and I took our seats in the throne room. The great hall resonated with the echoes of our footsteps, a bit like a concert, but without the fans or the lights.

In a moment of silence, I began to reflect on my situation. What if I talked to him about how I feel about him? I felt nervous, as if I was about to give a speech in front of an amphitheater full of angry examiners. After all, sincerity is essential in a couple, isn't it? That's when Sombra looked at me, her eyes shining with intensity, or perhaps excessive intensity for a Wednesday afternoon.

"Hmm, Sombra?" I ask him, my voice trembling with apprehension.

He turns his gaze towards me, his expression serious and attentive. "Yes, sweetie?"

I take a deep breath, preparing to dive into the unknown. "I have something to tell you... and it's not just Pinkie Pie's latest song. "My sarcasm seeks to lighten the mood, but the weight of my revelation is already heavy in the air.

"I'm listening to you. It looks serious. "His voice is deep, betraying a real attention to my words.

"For the past few days, I have felt changes in myself and... "My words are knotted, but I know that I must continue.

"Is it so serious as to make you hesitate?" He scrutinizes my eyes, his concern palpable.

"Not exactly, but it's... complicated. "I try to add a touch of humor to lighten the tension.

"Then go ahead, tell me." His encouragement pushes me forward.

"Well, I feel like I love Twilight too... "The words come out of my mouth, heavy with meaning and consequences.

He takes a moment, his gaze darkening slightly. "I understand. That's why you hesitated. It's always the same scenario, isn't it? Love for three, an inevitable drama. "

"I'm sorry, Sombra... "I feel a lump in my throat." I really like you very much, but it seems that I also like Twilly..." My heart pounds as I peer into his face, hoping he understands the complexity of my feelings.

Sombra took a moment to think, his eyes staring into mine, and I could almost feel the weight of his thoughts, as if he was trying to lift an invisible elephant.

"Honestly? It showed. I know you, Mady, and I love you too. Since your presentation, I have seen that there is something else that unites you. It was like an episode of a show where everyone knows what's going on except the main characters. "

At these words I began to blush like a ripe tomato, an incredulous smile on my face.

"Mady, I know you love me. I give you my consent, because deep down, I know that you love him. "

"Is it true? Don't you mind? I asked, a little surprised.

"But no, sweetie, it doesn't bother me. I know for a fact that you love me. And then, little Twilight also interests me. "

"Really? I thought you had an ulterior motive, but I'm warning you, you don't force it. Otherwise I'll break your balls like an overcooked cookie. "

"I promise you, sweetie. I'll do absolutely anything for you, even if it means doing the dishes. "

"Thank you, my king. I'm waiting to see that. I said

He stood up and approached me, looked at me intensely before kissing me tenderly. It was crazy how he had changed. I'm always surprised that he gives me his approval. Usually, he is as possessive as a dragon over his treasure. Maybe he doesn't feel threatened by Twilight. I also wonder what's in the back of his mind. With him, you can expect everything, including a ballet of dancing ponies. I think I'll have to mediate between these two. I just hope everything goes well. Maybe I should go talk to the girls to get some advice, especially after missing several changes in Twilight's attitude and tastes. Who knows what's going on in his head? I bet she's planning to conquer all the books or something just as crazy.

So I got up, kissed her cheek tenderly, and went in search of my friends. When I arrived, I saw Twilight leave with Spike and Starlight. A strange impression invaded me, as if she were avoiding me. Never mind, I went to the friends of Twilight, because why not?

" Tiens, salut Mady ! " s’exclame Rainbow Dash.

"Hello Mady! I have to tell you something !!!! " cries Pinkie Pie, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Pinkie Pie, no, you promised not to talk about it," Applejack interjects, looking serious.

"Hi girls, oh okay, I guess it's a secret. Cool, I love secrets" I answer, a mischievous smile on my lips.

"Mady, don't even think about it!" exclaims Applejack, pulling down her cowgirl hat.

"But I didn't say anything!" I protested innocently.

"Yes, but I know you, you!" she retorts, arms crossed.

"I'm so predictable" I answer, feigning exaggerated indignation.

"Totally! You're really like Twilight on this one. Rainbow Dash said, with a smirk.

"By the way, speaking of Twilight, do you know why she left as soon as I arrived? If I had known, I would have disguised myself as a monster, it would have given them a reason to leave," I say, my curiosity piqued.

"It must just be a coincidence, honey," Rarity replies, looking convinced.

"If you say so, but I feel that there is something strange. You girls are very suspicious. It looks like you're plotting something," I blurt out, frowning.

"Are we suspects? No! Rainbow Dash exclaims, feigning innocence.

"Rainbow Dash!" reprimands Applejack, his hoof on his forehead.

"Hmm, I think I'm going to go for a walk. See you later! I said as I took my leave, a mysterious smile on my face.

I know I wanted to ask them questions, but their behaviour is really strange. As I walked, I got lost in my thoughts. And then, I don't know if it's me or my imagination, but I think I heard them talking about me as I walked away. I hate it when people talk behind my back, it's like someone is making jokes about the quality of my attacks! I smiled thinking about it all, ready to take on the world, one step at a time, while juggling my emotions. After all, life is too short not to have a little humor, even in the craziest situations. I decided it was high time to venture into space. What for? Because, let's be honest, there's no better way to escape reality than to get lost in the stars. And after all, I'm the princess of astronomy and astronomy, so space is my element, I have to honor it. I needed a good excuse to ignore my problems. So, I was already imagining myself, floating in the void of space, looking for a starstone. No less! An epic quest in search of intergalactic gems!
As I took flight, I spoke to myself, because of course, who else would have the pleasure of listening to me? "So, Mady, where are you going today? In a galaxy far, far away to find a magic stone? It looks like the beginning of an epic adventure... or a B-movie. You know, the one with a three-dollar budget and actors talking to plants." The stars twinkled like diamonds against a black background, and I couldn't help but be amazed. "It's beautiful here! Who knew space would be so glamorous? I should probably consider doing an intergalactic photo shoot. "Mady in space" sounds good, doesn't it?" As I sped through the constellations, I began to feel a little lonely. Space can be a beautiful place, but it can also be incredibly quiet. It was a bit like being at a party where everyone is there, but no one is talking. The only sound I heard was that of my own sarcasm resonating in my head or my heart but that was in my head since in space there is no sound... But hey, who needs an audience when you have your own indoor fan club? I continued my quest, and suddenly, a twinkling glow caught my attention. I moved closer, impatient, thinking about my future career as a starstone hunter. "Ah, finally! This is the star I was looking for! "
As I approached, I realized that it was a magnificent starstone, brilliantly lit as if it had decided to make itself beautiful just for me. It sparkled like fireworks. I approached the stone, my hoof outstretched. The moment I touched it, a bright light enveloped me entirely. I closed my eyes, wondering where this was going to lead me. "Hopefully it doesn't lead me to a boring debriefing with an alien. I've heard that they don't really have a sense of humor. And then I had enough social contact"
Suddenly, a voice echoed in my head, like an alarm in 'surprise!' mode. It wasn't Sombra who was coming to save me, but rather a halo of twinkling light.
Voice from Space: "Mady Sky, you're chosen for..." I felt a wave of energy wash over me. It was as if the whole universe accepted me into its bosom. But part of me wondered if I should return to Canterlot to see how Sombra would react to my new adventures. But for now, I was too busy enjoying my legendary quest to worry about that.

After retrieving the stone, I returned to the castle. Once I arrived at the castle, I collapsed on my bed like a big larva. I had scarcely closed my eyes for five minutes when one of the chambermaids opened the door.

"Good evening princess, King Sombra invites you to dinner in the castle garden and he would like you to wear this dress for the occasion," she said politely.

"Oh hello, okay, but you know, you can just call me Mady and call me "tu". No need to treat me like an important personality," I replied with a smile.

"Very well, as you wish, Princess Mady," she said, smiling slightly.

"And then, what's your name, by the way?" I asked her

"My name is TreeFly. I'll put the dress on the bed," she said, looking at me kindly.

"Okay, thank you very much!"

"No problem! I'll leave you," TreeFly said before leaving the room.

I approached the dress in question. It was a beautiful black dress with a star motif. I went to the bathroom, taking a nice hot shower. Once I was ready and looked in the mirror, I think it was the first time I thought I was beautiful. Yes, beautiful, well I would say more drinkable, you shouldn't exaggerate either haha. I stepped out of the bathroom, ready to join Sombra in the garden. I was a few meters from the meeting place when I discovered Sombra... with Twilight?! Of course, it was the perfect time for a surprise meeting.

"Hmm, hello? I didn't know it was the day of the surprise party at the Villa des Amours. I said, half amused, half intrigued.

The two looked at me, then stopped dead in their tracks, like two kids caught in the jam jar.

"Hmm, is something wrong? I was laughing, huh," I added, arching an eyebrow.

"Yes, yes, everything is fine. You look absolutely beautiful in this dress," Sombra replied, his eyes shining with admiration.

"O-yes, I confirm... And FYI, I'm not here to watch you in heightened light," Twilight added awkwardly.

"Um, thank you, but you're exaggerating a little. I'm barely drinkable, well drinkable that's a big word. I said, a little perplexed.

"Absolutely not. It's just that... uh, how can I put it... Twilight stammered, uncomfortable.

"Can we know what you're both doing in the same place without killing each other?" I asked, half sarcastically.

"Heh! "I have a modicum of dress and principles," Sombra replied, smiling.

"Really? Is that new? I replied, giving him a mischievous look.

"Ouch, the stray bullet that hurts a little," Twilight commented, shaking her head.

No matter how much I observed every detail of the room, looked for the slightest trace of betrayal, nothing came through. Twilight and Sombra kept their secret with infuriating calm. My eyes went from one face to another, looking for a flaw, a clue... but in vain. So, in a last ditch effort to spice up this evening that was seriously starting to annoy me, I made a bottle of apple vodka appear, right in front of their eyes.

Twilight frowned. "What's that?"

I looked innocent. "A little spice for the evening."

Sombra, apparently intrigued, looked at me, his eyebrows slightly raised. "No, but seriously, what is this?"

"It's called a bottle," I replied, a mischievous smile at the corner of my lips.

He rolled his eyes, falsely annoyed. "Hahaha, dead laughing... "

I took a sip before answering, savoring my little moment of power. "It's annoying not to know, isn't it?"

Twilight gently put her hoof on my forearm. "Mady, please... "

I sighed, ready to confess. "It's apple vodka."

Sombra shook her head. "Mady, what did we say about alcohol?"

"Oh, come on, it's going to spice up the evening!" I replied, raising the bottle, looking mischievous.

Twilight folded her arms, her gaze firm but not devoid of tenderness. "No, Mady."

I pouted sulkily, before throwing the bottle back with a simple gesture. "You're really not funny, you know."

Sombra smiled smirked. "It's for your own good, little alcoholic."

I rolled my eyes, a little offended. "yes, yes... Well, what do we do now? "

He stood up slowly, heading for the door. "I'm going to get dessert."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Why don't you teleport him directly?"

He shrugged. "I also have a servant girl to go and see."

He walked away quietly, leaving me alone with Twilight. I followed him with my eyes, my suspicions renewing with renewed vigour. Then, as if to confirm my doubts, he gave a wink to Twilight before leaving the room. "What the hell are they hiding from me?!"

Twilight broke the silence, her voice soft, but a little tense. "Mady...?"

I turned my head towards her, still immersed in my thoughts. "Yes, Twily?"

She hesitated for a second, visibly searching for her words. "I have to tell you about something important."

My stomach knotted slightly. "I am listening to you."

Twilight looked down. "It's not easy to say, but... "

I stared at her, impatiently. "But what?"

She took a deep breath, as if to give herself courage. "Do you remember the day we were locked in Feferley's cells?"

I nodded. "Of course I do."

"Well, that day I realized something important... about the two of us. "

I narrowed my eyes, trying to read his eyes. "And what is this thing?"

Twilight seemed to hesitate for an eternity, before finally letting go, almost whispering, "I'm in love with..." you. "

My heart missed a beat. For a split second, the world stopped. "What? Twilight... my best friend... is in love with me?! "

She continued, her voice trembling, but resolute. "We've been best friends for so long. We have lived so many adventures together, shared so many moments... And, even though I didn't really enjoy friendship at first, there was something more between us. Something I hadn't been able to see right away. But today, I know. Mady... I love you. I know it sounds crazy to you, but Sombra is okay with it. He even told me that he didn't have a problem with it as long as you love him too. "

I was speechless, trying to understand what had just happened. Twilight... Between Guimet, the girl I love the most in the world had just told me that she loved me. And, somewhere deep inside me.

"You... You took the words out of my mouth," I whispered, a shy smile beginning to appear on my lips. I love you too, Twily. I just didn't know how to tell you. "

No sooner had I uttered these words than she threw herself into my hooves, squeezing me so tightly that I gasped. I couldn't help but smile, savoring the moment. "I have been dreaming of what you have just told me for a long time!"

Twilight, her face beaming, stepped back slightly to look into mine. "So do I, princess. How long have you known this? "

I think for a moment, still a little dazed by this sudden confession. "I really found out a few days ago but otherwise I hadn't noticed it before, but I guess it was before we separated. "

"Really?" she asked, visibly surprised.

"Yes, really. I've always felt good with you. "

She smiled, blushing slightly. "I, too, have always felt very close to you." Then, after a moment's silence, she added, almost embarrassed: "So... Does that mean we're in a relationship now? "

I nodded with a smile. "Of course. "

She snuggled up to me again, and we stayed like that for a few moments, savoring this new complicity, until the door opened and Sombra burst in and ruined everything, such a man worthy of the name.

"Ohoh, take it easy with the galoshes there," he laughs.

Twilight sat up, falsely annoyed. "But it's not possible! You're ruining everything! "

I shook my head and sighed. "You are not going to start together... "

Sombra walked over, winking at me. "Don't worry, little sunshine."

I glared at him. "Don't call me that."

"But it's cute," he replied with a smile.

"No, shhh, it's too grumpy."

Twilight renchérit, taquine. " Sunshine~ "

"No, I said!"

And despite everything, I couldn't help but smile. This evening, strange as it was, had taken an unexpected turn. Under the moonlight, the three of us decided to go for a walk, savoring the sweetness of the night. A light wind caressed our hair, and for the first time in a long time, I felt at peace. With Twilight and Sombra by my side, I knew we could take on anything together.