“And you are sure? Despite everything, they would still revolt?”
“Yes, Your Highness. With so little personally done, her subjects have begun to doubt her. Her own soldiers, too. They all think she has made too many mistakes, for too long. They want, no pun intended, change.”
The advisor looked up at the crowned changeling upon the throne. Releasing a sigh, the royal stood from her chair and trotted toward the door, passing the advisor.
“My sister must know of this. There are things we can do to ensure this turns out to be… favourable. Find her, and have her meet me in the Tower of Light.”
The Tower of Light was a tall spire, reaching almost one kilometre into the sky. As the only aboveground part of the Changeling fortress, it was the primary meeting spot for scouts, soldiers, merchants, and the occasional couple. Today, however, the entire spire was empty, having been cleared for the diarchal meeting. Chrysalis paced anxiously up and down the halls, awaiting her sister. Thoughts buzzed around in her head, and she explored each one thoroughly. As she narrowed down several useful ideas, a resounding pop echoed from around the corner. Turning the corner with a smile, Chrysalis beheld her sister, Princess Carapace.
“I just saw the report, Chrysalis. Are they really that foolish? To revolt against Celestia… That’s suicide! Although, I am surprised at you, sister. Why should we worry about this? She certainly knows, and I bet she—“
Chrysalis interrupted her sister with a quick gesture. “She doesn’t know. No matter what people say, she is not omniscient. These rebels are skilled at covering their tracks. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought they were our own agents. The reason we need to care is quite obvious. Without Equestria, what is there to stop some of those griffon families from going hunting down here? We both know the only reason they haven’t exterminated us is because they fear the power of the Sisters. What we need is a way to reinforce the ponies’ respect for their leadership without using disguises. If we hide as ponies, our words will mean nothing. They need to behold the true might of the alicorns.”
Carapace blinked slowly. She was unused to military strategy, having a much easier time with diplomacy and economics. “But, how can we show them that might? We could always wait for the North to return, but if their morale breaks before then, that… thing… that possessed Sombra could overwhelm us all! I don’t want to… I still hear the screams in my dreams…” Carapace looked down and away, tears forming in her eyes.
“We only have one option. We must force a threat to attack them. It would need to be a creature we could control, and if things go poorly, one we could overthrow easily. I am half tempted to call in our treaty with the Aranea, but they are much too soft. While they could startle the ponies, I would give them about ten minutes before they came back with tea and apologies to their victims. I have one idea, but you must trust me. One hundred percent trust.”
Carapace felt her heart fill with dread, expecting the next sentence.
“I will be the threat. I will be the one to lead an attack on Canterlot. I will be the villain, and in the end, I will die to ensure our protection.”
Chrysalis hated her new title. Queens were almost always evil, despotic rulers, and the title alone brought to mind stories of executions, dungeons, and needless frivolity. In short, it was the perfect rank for a villain. The newly promoted “queen” looked over the ten changelings she had assembled with her. This was a suicide mission, and all of them knew they would not be returning home.
“Mirage, Echo, Narcissus, you three are skilled in illusionary magic, correct?”
At once, all three responded, “Yes, Prin—My Queen. Our illusions will hold”
Chrysalis nodded. “Excellent. It is fine if you allow a bit of weakness in them. I am an evil queen, am I not?” All of the changelings chuckled quickly.
“Ok, you seven… I need four willing to assist me in the throne room after everything falls apart. It will be very hard, and you have the lowest chance of survival, but it is needed. The other three will have to capture random ponies around the town and generally be the evil, mindless thugs.”
Quickly dividing themselves up, the queen took stock of her followers. Each one looked brave in their own right, but she knew better. They were all terrified of what could happen.
“Alright, that’s it. Go home. Spend time with your families. We will meet up again in three days to catch a train north. If you do not show up, then I wish you and your family well. There is no shame in refusing to follow a suicidal order.”
They boarded the train in various disguises, sticking close to each other to maintain visual contact. Queen Chrysalis, disguised as a Saddle Arabian noble with a long, flowing dress, chose a seat near the front, next to a light pink unicorn wearing an expensive looking gown. Turning to the mare, Chrysalis began to cement her disguise.
“Assalam alaikum, my lady. May I share this seat with you?”
The pink unicorn turned to the disguised queen, smiled, and patted the seat. “Wa alaikum assalam! Of course, you may sit here. I am surprised to see a mare of your standing so far from home, though. Going to Canterlot on business?”
Sitting down, Chrysalis smiled at the unicorn. “I am surprised to see that you know our greeting. Most ponies are unaware of the common response. As for your question, I am indeed on my way for business. My family has a vested interest in the capitol and its citizens. Ah, my apologies. I forgot to announce myself. My name is Arwa Pearlcrown. Now, may I ask your name and business in the capitol, my unicorn friend?”
Blushing, the unicorn shifted her dress, showing wings hidden beneath the folds. “Well, I’m not exactly a unicorn… Anyways, my business is pleasure. I am going to be married soon! He is the captain of the royal guard. I’ve known him for so long, almost fourteen years now! He never could get up the courage to ask me, though. I just hope his sister comes. She is very special to me. I used to foalsit her. Oh! I seem to have forgotten myself. My name is Mi Amore Cadenza, but you can call me Cadance.”
“Ah! I have heard of you. Pray tell, do you know of a spot on this train for refreshments?”
“Of course! Right this way. Although, be careful. Moving on a train is hard enough without a dress on!”
As they crossed between carts, the train entered a tunnel. All became dark save for two green, glowing eyes. Attempting to get into the next cart, Cadance found the door to be locked. Turning toward where the Saddle Arabian was standing, she jumped at the sight of the glowing eyes.
“Cadance… I’m so sorry.”