I stared down into the main cavern from my bedroom window, bored, tired, hungry... but most importantly I was scared. Scared for the lives of my remaining subjects in the ‘city’ below.
It had been two weeks to the day when I sent my letter of distress to the pony princesses. Two weeks to sit, wait, and worry. I could feel spring approaching with each passing minute, and when the rest of the hive woke up from hibernation, our stores of magic and food would be exhausted in no time.
My robes pulled tighter as I tried to hold in what little warmth there was. Changelings were not made for cold environments, and the interior of an arctic mountain in the dead of winter was no exception. I slowed my breathing, trying to keep as much precious warm air inside me as possible.
It wasn’t the simple arrival of a reply letter that worried me, but the contents of it. If they refused my plea for aid and forgiveness, we would surely be extinct by next year’s winter.
I can’t say I would blame the royal sisters for declining me. Any sentient race would think twice before aiding somebody who had attacked them not even a year prior. The lights down in the city where the remaining changelings slept were as faint and dim as my odds of being forgiven, I thought to myself.
When the hive was in hibernation there was not much I could do around the palace. With my most loyal servants tending to the minor tasks, most of my time was spent just thinking, and that was slowly killing me.
I pulled myself away from the window and paced around my room, once more feeling the crushing boredom that had been plaguing me.
I decided to turn in early that night. It was cold, and there simply wasn’t anything for me to do other than pass the time the quickest way I knew how. I slid under my fur beddings with a quiet moan of pure bliss. My momentary happiness was once more halted by my nervous thoughts.
“What will I do if they refuse me?” I asked myself. “What will become of my people?” I already knew the answer to that one.
A knock at my bedchambers stopped all of my thoughts as I snapped my head around.
Nobody was supposed to disturb me today, unless it was very important.
I flew out from under my bed with a flitter of my wings and landed in front of the door. I could hear somebody clearing their throat on the other side.
“Permission to ent—”
“Granted.” I interrupted and threw my door open before they could even finish. On the other side of the entryway was my trusted advisor and most loyal servant, Skeer.
He stood momentarily stunned, surely not expecting me to be so energetic.
“Y—Your Highness!” Skeer quickly bowed. He reached inside his cloak, rummaging for something. “This came for you today, I’m sure you already know what it is,” He brought out a small envelope. Even from my distance from him I could feel the sealing magic that was cast on it.
“Thank you, Skeer.” I took the letter from him and examined it. It was addressed directly to me, not the alias I sent it under. It had no return address. “Where did this come from?”
I knew a letter with the changeling queen’s name on it would raise some questions, and likely not reach its destination, especially with royal seals all over it.
“It appeared at the entrance to the tunnels, Your Highness.” Skeer quickly replied. “Somebody reported a strange flash to me, and this was there when I went to investigate.” He stated as I went over to my desk to examine it further.
“If I may... is this the reply we’ve been waiting for?” Skeer asked from the doorway.
“It most certainly is.” I answered as I stared at the envelope. I was just as equally excited as I was nervous to open it.
“I had better get back to my duties, but before I go...” Skeer hesitated. I looked over to see what had stopped him. He rubbed one of his forelegs over the other, nervous. “Whatever happens, it has been an honor to serve you, my queen.” Skeer gave me a quick salute before bowing and excusing himself.
I thought it was odd of him to say something like that, but dismissed it. He was likely as scared as I was about the hive’s future.
I turned my attention to the envelope. Such a curious thing, able to carry so much weight in such a small package.
There was a magical seal on it that wouldn’t open for anybody but the recipient. As I peeled the back flap of the envelope open I could feel the spell release itself and dissipate into the air, granting me access to the treasure within.
Inside appeared to be what I expected, a lengthy reply from Princess Celestia.
I steeled myself and began to read.
Queen Chrysalis,
Allow me to begin this letter by expressing my surprise at receiving a letter from you. More so, you are asking for assistance from us even after invading our capital with the intent of taking it from our control.
I winced at that, feeling like it would be just like the others. I bit my lip and continued onward.
We would be more than content to let you pay for your heinous mistake of attacking us, but we will not hold your subjects responsible for your decisions, Chrysalis.
We shall assist your changelings, but only under our strict conditions shall we do so.
Firstly, you and you alone will arrive in Canterlot under a pre-determined disguise and make your way to the castle. On the 1st of the upcoming month, you will use your magic to don the appearance of a pink pegasus mare and ask for an audience with the royal sisters. You will find a guard captain and tell them you have an appointment with us. The guards will grant you access, and you will be led to us for a private discussion far from the public.
Second, you will remain under our watch in a location of our choosing for the entire duration of your stay while negotiations are made. If at any time we feel you have not come alone or wish to deceive us, you will be forcefully removed without hesitation, and you shall have to fend for yourself once more.
Lastly, you will remain inside the castle at all times and only travel to heavily-guarded areas we deem accessible to for you. Breaking this condition will void negotiations, no exception.
If you approach us at the pre-determined date, then we shall assume these terms and conditions have been accepted.
A reminder, Chrysalis. This is not for you, but for your subjects.
We await your arrival
-Princess Luna
I could hardly believe what I had just read. They had actually accepted my plea for assistance, instead of spitting in my face like the other species.
The only thing that troubled me was Princess Luna replied, but it was to Princess Celestia I had written my letter to. That could prove problematic down the line, but I was too elated to care. Even if Celestia spat at me and hated me for the rest of time, at least my species would get what it needs to survive.
I allowed myself a laugh to release my nervous energy that had been building up over the weeks. To know I was essentially going to be their prisoner was hardly a concern to me. I did not expect to be there long, only until I got what we needed.
’On the 1st of the upcoming month...’ that line repeated in my head. It took me a few moments to realize how soon that date actually was.
I quickly stood up from my desk and went into the corridor outside my room. If I was going to be leaving the hive, there were preparations to be made, and quickly if I was going to be there on time.
My pace down the corridor quickened the closer I came to my destination, which was only down a couple of short turns.
I didn’t stop as I pushed the door open and went inside the little room, into Skeer’s quarters.
Skeer was understandably alarmed and fell out of his bed on the opposite wall. I was glad his quarters were so close to mine, and he was not yet sleeping. Time was of the essence.
“Your Highness!” He said as he gathered himself at my intrusion. “Is... what can I do for you?”
“Fetch me my travelling gear, and gather my other advisors.” I ordered. “I’m leaving in the morning.”
“Y—yes my queen!” Skeer gathered his cloak and quickly readied himself to leave. “If I may, Your Highness... where are you going in such a hurry? What’s so important that you must leave the safety of our home?”
I smiled to him as I felt the realization of the moment sink in further.
“I’m securing our future. Now go get my things, there is not much time.”