The early rays of the sun passed through stained glass windows and gently kissed the silky bedsheets, caressing the surface with their warm touch. Filling the air were the smells of scented perfumes and exotic herbs that were pleasing to the nostrils; sounds of birds singing their melodious song danced merrily through the walls and floated freely around the room. Though continuing to slumber in bed was very tempting, the morning atmosphere felt too good to pass up.
“Yawn!”
That was the best sleep anypony had ever had, It was a feeling of bliss that could last for an eternity... eternity, why did that word ring a bell?
'Knock! Knock!'
The polite knocking was followed by a voice requesting entry into the room.
“Come in.”
One side of the double door opened and in walked a mare with a maid's outfit. She was an earth pony with a pale yellow coat and slanting eyes that had an oriental look about them. Her thick wavy brown mane hid half of her face as she gave a little bow before speaking.
“Good morning, Lord Spike. Would you prefer having breakfast in the dinning hall, or in bed?”
Spike pondered for a moment. Having breakfast in bed sounded like a wonderful idea, he never had the pleasure of being served breakfast in bed by royal servants before. Well, before he was king that is...
“Where is Rarity? Is she awake?”
“Her majesty is currently dressing up in the royal make up room. She should be ready shortly.”
“Really? Um... you know what, I'll have breakfast with my lady Rarity in the dinning hall!”
“As you wish, milord.”
“Wait, one more thing, please prepare a bouquet of the finest roses you can get. I want to give them to Rarity, as a token of our love!”
“Of course, your majesty.”
'Heheh, Rarity is going to love them!' Spike thought to himself as the servant-mare left the bedroom. He leapt out of bed and was about to go out the door when it occurred to him that it would be nice if he got dressed in a fancy outfit. Sure it was just breakfast but now that they were royalty, he wanted to be on his best presentation for his lovely queen. Spike walked over to what he assumed was the wardrobe and opened the sliding door. As he rolled the wooden door away, it flew wide open revealing a huge closet of clothing that spanned several hooves in length. There were shirts, pants, hats, and footwear of every color, shape and size. Spike stood there dumbfounded at sheer amount of clothes available at his disposal. Perhaps he shouldn't be so surprised, Rarity would want him to always be ready to look his best. This entire wardrobe was probably her idea to commission in the first place, Spike wouldn't put it past her after all, she may be a queen but Rarity will always be a fashionista at heart. Now the problem was finding the right set of clothes, only it could take him hours even days to figure out what to wear with such a tremendous variety.
“Oh brother, I could really use the help of some royal dressers right now.” Just as he finished the thought, the sound of knocking vibrated from outside.
“Knock! Knock!”
Spike gave permission to enter and wondered who it could be this time. Two ponies entered, one was a stallion that had an air of haughtiness about him that suggested he was a pony with very high confidence in himself. The other one was a mare who carried a saddle on her back with whole bunch of items sticking out, such as measuring tape, scissors, sewing kits, and the like. Like the maid before them, they gave Spike a bow of reverence before speaking.
“Your royal eminence.” The stallion started. “We are your assigned royal dressers. And we are here to aid you in whatever fashion necessities that you may have.”
“Huh...” Spike scratched his head questioningly. “Talk about good timing...”
Twenty minutes later...
The royal dressers had done quite a commendable job at helping Spike with his attire; dressing him up in a suit of red and gold with plenty of frills. He had his crown tucked under one arm while his other claw was holding the bouquet of roses he had requested from the servant-mare earlier. Spike couldn't wait to show off how smart he looked to the love of his life. He witnessed the main doors to the hall opening and heard the announcer herald the arrival of the queen.
“Presenting her royal highness, Queen Rarity!”
Trumpets blew as Rarity entered the hall, walking gracefully along the red carpet while being accompanied by an entourage of hoof-maidens and servant-mares. Spike's eyes popped wide open and threatened to fall out of his head at the sight of her. He could hardly form a proper sentence as she approached him in all her radiant glory.
“Wow... Rarity, you... you look...”
“Fabulous?”
Rarity tossed her indigo mane majestically and it fell in luscious curls around her head. Covering her body was a purple and white cloak embedded with rare jewels, it rested on her back and trailed off into a long train behind her. A magnificent golden crown of pearls and rubies adorned the sides of her head in tall arches, resembling a lucrative laurel that accentuated her brow and horn. But the most special thing to Spike, was the gold-framed fire ruby that was clasped around Rarity's neck.
“A-absolutely amazing...”
“Aw... why thank you Spikey-Wikey. You look simply adorable yourself. 'Gasp!' are those for moi?”
Rarity gestured towards the flowers that Spike didn't even realized he was holding up. So captivated he was by the beauty of his queen. Rarity took a sniff at them and cooed lovingly at Spike.
“They are simply marvelous! Thank you Spikey-Wikey!”
Rarity leaned down and planted a long wet smooch on Spike's cheeks. Spike froze, his heart fluttering with joy as the bouquet of flowers fell from his claw and was caught in time by Rarity; who used her magic to levitate the flowers and pass them over to one of her many hoof-maidens.
“I believe it's time we had our breakfast yes? I'm sure the chefs have cooked up a delectable spread fit for royalty. And we wouldn't want to miss that now would we?”
And with that, the retinue of ponies followed their queen to the dinning hall, with Spike still head-over-heels from the kiss he received.
It turned out to be a wonderful breakfast, in fact it was the best Spike ever had in his entire life. He never thought there were that many different varieties of gems he hadn't seen before, never mind being able to taste all of them! The chefs had outdone themselves with the creative dishes they were able to create; there was a cake made with turquoise, salads of greenstones and rubies, puddings encrusted with topaz, a sapphire chocolate fondue, and many, many more dishes Spike could not bring to mind right now as his thoughts were mainly focused on the one memory that surpassed even the most delicious of gems... having his Rarity spoon-feed him each mouthful adoringly. She had been by his side all morning, insisting on pampering her Spikey-Wikey, who was he to deny such an offer? Their laughter and merriment continued throughout the morning meal while musicians played soothing tunes on violas.
'Sigh...' Spike heaved a sigh of contentment. It was a good morning, and things were only getting better. Spike was laying front down on a massage table, his front claws folded under his head as a rest while slices of cucumbers covered his eyes. A light yellow masseuse pony masterfully knead his back firmly and meticulously; another pony filed the claw-nails on his feet before applying a sleek shine to them. Queen Rarity had announced that there was going to be a grand ball in the evening at the palace, and everypony who was anypony will be attending. Naturally, the Queen was adamant that a day of spa treatment for herself and her Spikey-Wikey was a necessary requirement as part of the preparation process. If all evening balls required this kind of royal servicing, Spike could live with it.
After a final rub from the masseuse, Spike hopped off the massage table and stretched his now relaxed muscles. He than walked over to the sauna room when Rarity came out from it's steamy interior, her mane bundled up nicely with a fancy robe wrapped around her body. She proceed to head in the direction of a bubbling pool that had a mini waterfall at one end, and several water spouting statues surrounding it. Spike tagged along beside Rarity as she engaged him in conversation.
“Enjoyed your massage Spikey-Wikey?”
“Are you kidding? It was wonderful! I think I dozed of a few times while I was on that table.”
“Quake is simply the best at what he does isn't he?” Rarity chuckled. “That's why I decided to relocate his services from Ponyville to the palace here. One of the many perks of being queen.”
“I'll bet...”
“In fact, I decided to move the entire staff of Ponyville's spa to my own personal one here!” Rarity squealed with joy.
“Excusez-moi, your highness... the aromatherapy bath is ready for your enjoyment.” a light blue mare with pale rose mane addressed Rarity with a bow.
“Very good Lotus, carry on.”
Rarity allowed the mare to remove her robe and towel. She flickedher mane back ever so slightly, approached the pool and dipped a hoof in gingerly. Satisfied with the temperature, she daintily stepped into the pool and eased herself elegantly towards the edge near the mini waterfall. Bringing herself right beneath the fall, Rarity gave a gasp of delight as the sensation of flowing water cascaded down her mane and rear. She did a small dive under the surface of the pool and emerged with her soaking mane clinging to her face and neck. The world slowed down considerably for Spike as he gawked at Rarity tossing her head from side to side. Her wet locks streaming exquisitely through the air, spraying droplets of water like little raindrops in a globe around her. Spike didn't even care if he was hit by some of the water, he was too busy enjoying the captivating sight before him. Lifting both front hooves to her head, Rarity pushed her mane back lavishly and gave Spike a dreamy look that nearly stopped his little dragon-heart.
“Spike... aren't you going to join me in here?”
“Wha... Bu-but of course your gorgeousness!”
Spike was all too eager to dip himself into the pool to be by his queen's side, though his entry into the pool was less graceful than Rarity's. Leaping two feet into the air, Spike hit the water with a big splash near Rarity who squealed out in alarm. Spike broke the water surface next to her, spewing out a fountain of water and gave an apologetic look to Rarity who glared at him in annoyance. But her glare didn't last long and eventually, the sides of her lips turned upwards into a smile. They both burst out laughing together, Rarity patted Spike's head playfully before wading off to the edge of the pool where a groove had been sculptured for the purpose of relaxation. Rarity laid stretched out on her back with her front hooves on the edge for support; her hind legs paddling in slow, elegant strokes just below the water surface. Sending out ripples of waves outwards Spike. The little waves broke against the dragon's body as he quickly waddled to Rarity's side. Spike snuggled comfortably next to her, mimicking her laying position and placed his arms behind his head. While he settled down comfortably, Rarity casually wrapped a hoof around his neck, pulling him closer and pressing his body against hers. Rarity moaned softly while fondling Spike's ear and head. Spike was taken aback by the sudden act of intimacy she displayed and shifted uneasily trying to pull away. This didn't go unnoticed by Rarity, and she looked at him questioningly.
“What's the matter Spikey-Wikey? I thought you enjoyed getting all cuddly-wuddly.” Rarity perked up her lower lip forming a pout and her eyes widened like those of an innocent puppy's.
“I...”
Spike hesitated, he wasn't sure how to answer Rarity, he didn't even know why he had reacted that way. They were the royal couple after all weren't they? Then why did it feel like it was his first time being this close with Rarity?
“...I was just surprised by how sudden it felt, that's all. It's not like we do this in public... Do we do this in public?”
“Tee-hee! Aw, my little dragon-king is feeling shy is he? Gasp! And that blush is sooooooo adorable!”
“I, I'm not blushing!” Spike protested, his cheeks red like cherry tomatoes.
While Rarity had her fun at Spike's expense, a pale-rose mare walked up to them with a silver dish in her mouth; on top of it were a pair of elegant glasses filled with a light-cream-colored drink. The pony placed her load by Rarity's side before bowing courteously.
“Your pineapple, coconut, and hay colada, your majesty.”
Rarity nodded her thanks and the mare left them be to continue her work. Rarity lifted the glasses of the silverware with her magic and offered one glass to Spike who took it gladly, forgetting his fumble earlier. She raised her own glass in the air as a sign for a toast.
“To my Spikey-Wikey. The kindest, sweetest, most generous dragon-king in all of Equestria!”
Spike gave a moment of thought to figure out what to say at Rarity's impromptu toast.
“To, my reason for living, the queen of my heart.” he said with an earnest smile.
Rarity squeaked delightfully as their glasses connected with a 'clink' sound.
That Evening...
The entire great hall was filled with ponies made up from Canterlot's elite, from the rich and influential, to famous celebrities, and even the acclaimed Wonderbolts were here. Everypony was dying to have a chance at being in the presence of the king and queen, and it made Spike feel a bit nervous. It was not the crowd per say that freaked him out; he had been to many formal occasions with Twilight before so it did not bother him. But the attention was always on somepony else and not him, this time however was different now that he is king. Thinking about Twilight made him feel a little gloomy, it was too bad she couldn't attend the ball which was a shame, she was a princess after all. It just didn't feel right not having his closest, oldest friend not being with him for such a grand event.
Two ponies broke his train of thought as they came up to him to pay their respects to the new king. Spike did the usual formalities while smiling. As they left, Spike sighed to himself, that was probably the hundred and one pony he had to 'socialize' with since the ball started. He and looked over to Rarity's, at least she appeared to be enjoying herself immensely. After the initial greeting session at the start of the evening, it was customary for the royal family to mingle with their subjects, and Rarity ate up the role eagerly. She basked in the adoration of ponies who showered her with praises of her boundless beauty, and they were right, Rarity's regal attire was quite a thing to behold. Spike swore every time he thought Rarity couldn't get anymore perfect, she surprises him with each new and fabulous dress she revealed. Her shimmering platinum-purple-gold hued gown drew the attention of every eye that looked upon it. And even though she had a ton of jewelry on, the heart-shaped fire ruby still stood as the most impressive of all. She seemed to be wearing it more often now that she was Queen, not that he was complaining of course. Again, he was torn from his reverie by somepony looking for his attention. Spike turned to see who it was this time, he came face to face with a mare in a Wonderbolt uniform. Her coat was a brilliant-gold and her combed back mane had streaks of orange and amber in it.
“Excuse me your highness, but I don't believe we have been formally introduced. My name is Spitfire, Captain of the Wonderbolts. And I would just like to say that my team and I are at your back and call whenever you need us.”
“Spitfire? Hmm... I know you, I've seen you on numerous parades in the past. Plus my friend Rainbow Dash always bringing up your name whenever she was fangirling over you guys.” Spike's unintentional mentioning of his friend made him realize something. “Wait, didn't Rainbow Dash joined the Wonderbolts? Why don't I see her at the ball?”
“You're friends with RD? Well she never said she was in the circle of royalty! Ahem, excuse me your highness. Rainbow Dash is back at the Academy, she has been given charge over a new batch of cadets we recently recruited. I'll admit, she's really dedicated to her job. It's her first gig and she is determined to bring out the best in those fillies and colts.”
Spitfire saw the depressed look on Spike's face and tried to rectify her words.
“But, I could relieve her of her duties for a day if you have need of her. I'll make arrangements for somepony to be her temporary replacement... tomorrow in fact.”
“No! no... that's quite alright. We could always meet another day, I'm sure she will have time in the future.”
“As you wish, your majesty.”
After the chat with Spitfire, Spike didn't feel like entertaining anypony else. As soon as he saw a chance to slip away from the crowd, he took it. It wasn't very hard to escape, most ponies were to bewitched by Rarity to take notice of the missing king until it was to late. Spike soon found himself atop a balcony of one of the castle spires. He stood at the edge, reached for his crown and took it off his head. After staring at it in a moment of silent reflection he tucked it under one arm and looked out into the night's sky. It was a pleasantly blissful night; the stars shone from their respective constellations, bringing back memories of endless nights he would spend with Twilight when she stayed up late studying about them... well, the nights he didn't fall asleep from tiredness at least, or from Twilight's ramblings about a new constellation she had just learned. He never thought that he would miss hearing those ramblings as much as he did right now.
“Spike...?”
Rarity's voice caused him to turn and face his queen who was standing at the doorway with a concerned look on her muzzle.
“Why did you leave? We missed you at the ball. ...I missed you...”
“I'm sorry Rarity, it's just... I've been thinking about a lot of things lately...” Rarity slowly trotted to Spike, who was trying to find the words to describe how he felt.
“Go on.”
“All this royalty business, it's really great, all the perks, the authority, the attention... but somehow, it just doesn't feel right.”
“Why, whatever do you mean Spike?”
“I know we were just crowned as Equestria's royal queen and king but... why?”
“Gasp! Oh Spike, don't you remember? All those heroic deeds you did to save us all from those dastardly devious villains?”
“I know we defeated Chrysalis with our love when she and her Changelings attacked us again, and discovered Discord's secret plan for world domination so that you guys could use the Elements of Harmony to seal him away forever this time, and... I guess those are pretty good reasons.”
Trailing off, Spike tried recalling back the time when his life change. He seemed to remember events, images in his head that popped up as he searched for answers, but most of them did not seem to fit or make any sense. He saw his coronation, and Rarity's; he remembered the dangers and victories they went through, Discord's betrayal, Celestia and Luna's ascension, he saw Fluttershy getting married, Pinkie Pie traveling throughout Equestria with her family circus, Applejack leaving Sweet Apple Acres to be a star in Applewood, and Twilight... why couldn't she stay? The more Spike thought about everything the more confused he felt, and became quite agitated.
“But it still doesn’t explain why Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had to leave Equestria and become one with the sun and moon! Couldn't they just have stayed on and be Princesses? I never understood the whole 'it was their time' excuse, there was no real reason for them to go! It's just not fair...”
Spike was quivering with emotion, and only stopped his ranting because of Rarity's hoof to his lips. He looked up into her big blue eyes and calmness washed over him from her loving gaze.
“This is about Twilight isn't it? I know how much she meant to you... and how painful it must have been when she decided to leave the physical world and enter the plane where dreams and magic in it's purest form co-exists. She said it was her destiny Spike, to learn the very secrets of magic and master them all.”
“But did she have to go so soon? Everything just seemed to happen so fast, team harmony just isn't the same anymore...”
“Everypony is still around Spike, we're just not living in the same town anymore, that's all. All the excitement that has happened recently may have just gotten to you a little. I have no doubt we will have plenty of chances to get together again. As for Twilight... I may not be her, but Celestia as my witness, I will do my best to fill the gap in your heart that she left behind...”
Her sincerity and the emotion on her countenance melted Spike's heart, making him blush bashfully. His eyes caught sight of the fire ruby glinting beautifully under the light of the stars and it brought back memories of the very first time he gave it to the love of his life. He took Rarity's hoof in one claw, and kissed it tenderly.
“Being with you is the single greatest thing that has ever happened in my life. You are right, our friends are still around and that's what matters, I don't know what came over me. I guess... I guess I was afraid that I might one day lose you too, and I don't know what I'll do if that ever happens.”
“Aw... Spike...” Rarity started to get teary eyed.
“And maybe it's not so bad that Twilight gets a chance to live her destiny right? If it makes her happy that she can learn more about magic in another world, than I'm happy for her... Hey, that gives an idea! What if I can send her letters like I did with Princess Celestia? I mean, it's a magical realm isn't it? I haven't done it before but it's totally worth a sho... Mmmph!”
Rarity's lips locked tightly with his, stunning the little royal dragon. The crown under his arm fell to the floor with a clutter. But the sound didn't reach his ears, nothing else in the world mattered other than those few precious seconds with his Rarity. She broke away from the kiss and smiled enticingly at Spike who wasn't quite done yet as he nearly toppled over from trying to hold on.
“Wow... I... Rarity... letters... diamond cupcakes... love you...”
“Shhh... no more words my little Spikey-Wikey, let me take your worries away...”
Rarity knelt down to Spike's height and used her magic to gently pull him closer. This time however, he didn't resist. He wrapped his claws around Rarity's neck and embraced her tightly. Spike closed his eyes as Rarity closed hers, and the royal couple shared a passionate kiss under the moonlit night...
The End...?