//------------------------------//
// The Meeting 
// Story: Politics Makes Strange Bedfellows 
// by Manaphy 
//------------------------------//

	"Maybe this isn't such a good idea," Twilight Sparkle mumbled to herself. Her hooves shuffled the scroll before her, its color a faded light brown. It was a letter addressed to her and sent by none other than Queen Chrysalis. It was a request for a meeting, if the message could be trusted. Gazing down at the rolled up paper, Twilight's throat tightened on instinct as she analyzed the symbol printed on it. The black ink formed two wing-like shapes with holes in them and a spear-like object passing through the center. Below it was a small phrase, which simply read 'Power in unity.' Twilight licked her lips. "Power in unity. Well, the changelings are a closely knit society."

Looking out of her carriage's window, Twilight surveyed the gray, gloomy landscape that surrounded her. A thick blanket of dark clouds blotted out the sun. Only small rays of light managed to pierce the cloudy cover and touch the world below. A winding river roared and splashed below where she was. Sharp crags poked out from the earth, but all of these paled in comparison to the citadel that lay before her. Its radiant green light inside some of the windows made the air feel thin, causing Twilight's heart to beat faster as she approached the structure.

"Princess Twilight, are you okay?" a raspy voice asked.

Twilight shivered for a split second, her head swiveling toward the voice's owner. Sitting next to her was a pale yellow mare donned in the Royal Guard's signature armor, its gold-like plates somehow shimmering despite the lack of light. Twilight locked gazes with the mare and bobbed her head. "I'm fine, General Thunderstorm, but seriously, it felt like a good idea at the time."

"I understand that you're nervous about meeting with her again—" Thunderstorm cracked a slight grin. "—but let's be real here. She'd have to be a complete idiot to try and trick you."

Twilight sunk into the carriage's plush, maroon seats. "But what if I fall into a trap?"

Patting Twilight's shoulder, Thunderstorm then crossed her legs. "Look, you're one of the most powerful alicorns— no— beings in the known world. Chrysalis knows this, as you've defeated her with the help of your friends once already. And do you remember why we're heading over to the Changeling Hive in the first place?"

"Of course I do."

"Good." Thunderstorm paused and rubbed her muzzle. She turned away to clear her throat, then brought her attention back to Twilight. "Well, I think it will go swimmingly."

Raising an eyebrow, Twilight cocked her head. "Um, are you sure? This is Queen Chrysalis we're dealing with. We should still be careful, after all."

"Good point." Thunderstorm nodded. "We should be extra careful."

"Definitely." Twilight glanced towards the window, the citadel now covering her entire field of view. "Anyway, I have a feeling we're almost there." Her stomach tied itself into a knot.

"You're right." A single drop of sweat trickled down Thunderstorm's face. "This place is absurdly huge."

"Are you nervous as well?"

"Come to think of it, maybe a little."

"Well, I guess we—"

"The diplomats have arrived!" a boisterous roar echoed from outside the carriage. Twilight lost her train of thought at the sudden shout. "I repeat, the diplomats have arrived!"

The carriage rolled to a stop, Twilight grasping onto a handlebar as she felt her weight shift forward. Pausing, she then took a deep breath as time slowed around her. A changeling, clad in black armor, passed by the carriage's window before halting. He stepped back, his cloudy green eyes sending a chill down Twilight's spine, and peered into the carriage. It was the same story on the carriage's other side. Twilight bit her lip as the two changelings just stared at the carriage.

The longest ten seconds of her life passed by, and with two rapid nods, a cacophonous squeal pierced the air. The earth shook as the noise continued. As Twilight glanced to the outside world, her jaw dropped at the sight of a towering front door opening up. It had to be at least fifty hooves high, maybe even more. The shaking finally ceased and the door was now wide open, revealing the town within.

Twilight took a deep breath, leaning towards Thunderstorm. "Ready?" she asked with bated breath.

Thunderstorm slowly nodded as not a single word escaped her mouth.

The pair of Royal Guards pulling the carriage kicked their legs and marched forward. Twilight clenched her teeth, her body pushed against the seat as the carriage resumed moving. The carriage shook as it traversed over the cobbled roads, with the two ponies inside bouncing inside with straight faces. Twilight glanced back at the group of changelings now behind her, all of them gazing at the ragged road towards the citadel. A screeching squeal pierced the air, which sent something similar to an ice pick into her ears. Twilight shielded them with her hooves and watched as the castle doors closed, which let out a clunk once the deed was done.

"Do they really need a door that big?" Thunderstorm inquired to herself. "How do they go about each day when that thing is so loud?"

Twilight uncovered her ears and turned to Thunderstorm with a shrug. "Maybe changelings are more tolerant of such noises."

"Huh?" Thunderstorm raised an eyebrow and stared at Twilight with wide eyes. "How could anyone deal with that?"

Twilight was about ready to roll her eyes at her repeated question, but physically restrained herself before she could do so. "Don't worry about it." Peering out the window once more, she could make out rows upon rows of elaborate houses. Many of them were in the shapes of cocoons, but had niches and cuts inside of them to act as doors or windows. The cold, gray stone that each home was constructed out of gave a smooth appearance. However, for every three or so houses that stood, there were at least four or five that had scars running along the walls. Twilight could even make out a few that were heavily damaged. Those homes with some or entire segments razed into rubble were all replaced with thick, curved beams surrounded by changelings with tools.

As the pounding of hammers polluted the air, Twilight couldn't help her jaw from dropping. This was the home of the changelings? Rubbing her eyes, she studied the numerous changelings buzzing about with hammer and nails in hoof. Some of the nearby changelings trotting along the rough roads had no tools and were merely spectators like herself, but the scale of the operation and the rate at which they worked made Twilight's pupils dilate in response.

"I've never seen this before," she noted, her expression stupefied. "I mean, I know that I'm visiting here because of matters related to a reconstruction effort, but that's. . ." Twilight took a deep breath and blinked. "I'm pretty much speechless."

But what if they have plans to return to Canterlot? Twilight's teeth chattered, a chill coursing down her spine. Queen Chrysalis has to have some sort of scheme, right? She stared blankly at the carriage's golden wall ahead of her, which was above a set of adjacent seats. An elaborate floral etching decorated this part of the carriage, its flowing design marvelous to the beholder. I'm going to have to get the words out of her if it's true. I also want to hold her accountable to what she did last time, come to think of it, but I don't want to make anything worse.

"Princess Twilight?" Thunderstorm asked, breaking Twilight out of her trance. "Are you there?"

Twilight bobbed her head. "Of course I am," she replied.

"Do you see the spire up ahead, your highness?" Thunderstorm pointed her hoof forward.

Twilight shifted her attention to the world straight ahead. Upon spotting the colossal spire, its tip seemingly touching the sun overhead, she let out an elongated gasp and rubbed her eyes. A green aura pulsated at the top of the spire, emanating a feeling in the atmosphere that tied her heart into a knot. A series of green lines that twirled around each other ran down each wall of the octagonal spire. Twilight knew that such a structure had to be Queen Chrysalis' home. At least she could take solace in knowing that she wouldn't get lost.

The carriage continued traversing down the Changeling Hive's main road, the crowded areas and banging tools still dominating her field of view until she approached the spire. Its exterior was as dull and cold as the buildings before it, but managed to have a sheen bright enough to where Twilight could spot a reflection of the adjacent world. The carriage slowed to a halt, the towering structure's scars now visible. They were rough at the edges and had at least two parallel wounds running alongside them. A number of changelings grasping onto scalpels were slowly patching the damages to the tower, squinting at their work before running further down the crack. Whatever was there, Twilight couldn't help but feel her legs tensing up. Something about those scratches looked eerily familiar.

The carriage's door swung open, a freezing swoosh rushing past Twilight. Shivering, she turned toward the open door, where a changeling guard was pointing his hoof at the tower's front door. It was quite modest in size compared to the Changeling Hive's front door, but she couldn't help but notice the winding vine pattern carved on its faded, wooden surface. A crown was positioned in the middle of the cluster of vines, it being the most vibrant of the patterns.

Twilight stepped out of the carriage and Thunderstorm followed close behind. Her legs wobbled about as she touched the earth, the rocky, solid feeling alien to her for the briefest of seconds. Straightening herself out with a coy smile, Twilight approached the front door, her steps heavy and lacking poise.

"You know, for the newest alicorn princess, the one that saved the world, you sure are anxious over something so small," a changeling noted out loud.

"Silence, you idiot!" a second changeling next to him shouted. He slapped the top of his comrade's head, a clang echoing in the air as soon as the hoof met the metallic helmet. "I know she's from Equestria, but it wouldn't hurt to show our visitor some respect!"

"Sorry." The first changeling shrugged. "Just speaking my mind is all."

The second changeling rolled his eyes and groaned. "Well, keep it to yourself."

Turning away from the altercation off to her side, Twilight's foreleg reached out towards the front door, vibrating more intensely as it got closer to touching it. She placed her hoof on the wooden surface, its coarse texture rather itchy and uncomfortable. For something designed to house a queen, such a feature struck Twilight as being quite out of place. Glancing at the floor beneath her, she then let out a gulp. I can't look like this in front of a queen. She'll just laugh and tell me to leave. That was Twilight's main thought and the only thing coursing through her brain. Pushing the door with a gentle touch, she heard a slight creak as it moved out of her way. Twilight looked up, wondering if any changelings were standing at the other side waiting for her with ghostly gazes.

There was a changeling standing in front of her, but with a cracked smile. Her tall, slender body and protruding fangs were a far cry from the other changelings' features. And with the small crown perched on her head, Twilight knew who was standing before her.

"Queen Chrysalis," Twilight muttered with a short breath, somewhat surprised she was already there.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle," Chrysalis responded with a soft, but harshly pitched tone. "I've been waiting for you."

"I know."

"Let's get this over with." Chrysalis twitched her eyebrows. "I can't stand wasting any more time."

Twilight nodded, not saying a peep and pursing her lips. She lifted her foreleg up and followed Chrysalis, who trotted down the velvet carpet that ran down the middle of the floor. Twilight's hooves itched as they made contact with the carpet's soft, smooth, and almost soothing material. Silk was her first thought as she made her way down the carpet. As she glanced below her, Twilight noticed yet another pattern with winding vines. Shifting her eyes from left to right, she noticed one cabinet on each side running down the hallway, all filled with gold-plated jewelry adorned with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds in particular.

Chrysalis glanced at Twilight, her eyes twinkling, before turning back ahead. "Do you like my decorations? They're quite fitting for a queen."

"Um, yeah," Twilight replied, looking back toward Chrysalis. She scrunched her muzzle for a brief moment and then rubbed her face back to normal. "They're special, but how did you get such valuable things? Did you get them with tax money?"

Twisting her head toward Twilight, Chrysalis' eyes shone a fiery green and stared into her. "You're a Princess of Equestria, right?"

Twilight bit her lip and bobbed her head.

"Then you should know that sometimes, a royal family passes down heirlooms and treasures from generation to generation." Chrysalis hissed before rolling her eyes. "I'm not so monstrous to where I'd spend all of my time just collecting trinkets, no matter how beautiful. I have a kingdom to manage and subjects to look after."

Have you seen yourself in a mirror lately? Twilight cracked a smile, but declined to say anything. Be the better mare, Twilight Sparkle.

Pointing to her right, Chrysalis ceased trotting and glanced back over to Twilight. "Over there is my conference room." Her voice then became even harsher. "Follow me."

Twilight looked back to where Thunderstorm and her fellow pair of Royal Guards. She cleared her throat and cracked a small, crooked smile. "Stay close just in case things go south."

The trio of guards nodded simultaneously.

Chrysalis waved toward a pair of changeling guards, both of whom leaned against one of the walls and wore their usual, foggy expressions. Both of them stretched their limbs, the one on the right opening the plain wooden door. It was perhaps the only humble part of Chrysalis's ornate tower, and as Twilight followed her into the conference room, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at what was waiting for her.

It was a square, gray table with two chairs of a matching color on each side. That was it. Twilight cocked her head, her mind empty of any possible comments. All of those gaudy decorations and the room she would be in alongside Chrysalis lacked a pulse. Twilight rubbed her eyes, but what was before her was still as lifeless as ever. There was even a cobweb or two resting on one of the room's corners.

"Yes, I know that it's underwhelming," Chrysalis confessed. "We haven't had a use for it in quite some time. Our, well, recent actions toward your precious kingdom might give you a hint as to why."

Twilight shrugged. "You mean the fact that you invaded Canterlot? But there are kingdoms outside of Equestria, you know?"

Chrysalis made her way to one of the chairs and sat down, letting out a sigh as she rested her forelegs on the table before her. "You're new to this princess thing, aren't you?"

Twilight's eyebrows ruffled. "Hey, I've been princess for only three months. I'm still learning, so cut me some slack, please."

Covering her lips with a hoof, Chrysalis cackled. "I remember when I went from princess to queen, but let me tell you that I had training first. I know that your little transformation into something special came as quite a surprise, but you should know a little something about being a princess. Our invasion didn't sit too well with the other kingdoms. They saw us as belligerent and bloodthirsty, though they may have had a point." 

"Saying things about how you dreamed of that day since you were small might have contributed to that."

"I know I did. It's a long story about my father." Chrysalis winced, her body shivering for a second. "I'd rather not talk about him." Straightening herself out, she gestured toward the chair Twilight stood next to, her lips curling into a grin. "Enough about that. Have a seat. I want to ask you a quick question before we get started."

Twilight did as instructed and slumped onto the gray chair. Its hard, cold exterior felt akin to a stone, though perhaps it was a stone to begin with. Leaning on the table, she felt its rough surface rub against her body. "Okay, what's on your mind?"

Chrysalis cleared her throat and sat straight. "Simple. Princess Twilight Sparkle, on your trip toward my spire, did you notice anything peculiar going on?"

"The construction." Twilight maintained a straight face. In what world is that peculiar? Maybe it's just changeling culture. She then resumed speaking. "I mean, there was banging and dust flying around. What else could it be?"

"There was more to it than that." Chrysalis swiped her hooves across the air, her sharp teeth visible. "Did you see what was on my tower?"

"You mean that thing some of the changelings were patching up."

With a widening grin, Chrysalis slowly nodded. "Right on the mark. And that's the main reason why I invited you."

"The other was to ease tensions, and the materials you asked for must be important to finish the reconstruction as quickly as possible."

"You're a quick learner. You see, I actually do need your, well. . ." Chrysalis paused, her face taut. Her eyes looked up, then to the left, and then to the right. "Well, you know, what's the word?"

"Help?"

"That's it." Bringing her vision back to where Twilight sat, Chrysalis cracked a smile. "That's the word I was looking for."

"But why do you need my help?" Twilight rubbed her muzzle, her mind trying to unearth any possible answers. However, nothing was dug up. "The changelings seem to be doing a good job of keeping things in check."

Chrysalis sighed. She clamped her hooves together, pursing her lips. "Princess Twilight, do you remember Lord Tirek?"

"How could I forget?" Closing her eyes, the visions of that fateful day returned to her. Charred landscapes formed in her memories, her nostrils twitching as they recalled the unmistakable, burning scent of ashes. Wait a second. If Chrysalis mentioned Lord Tirek, does that mean what I think it means? "Queen Chrysalis?"

Chrysalis gazed toward Twilight, her sparkling emerald eyes giving off a intimidating aura. "Yes?"

"Did Lord Tirek drain your magic when he went on his rampage?"

Burying her head into her hooves for a fraction of a second, Chrysalis slowly nodded with sagged shoulders. "Embarrassingly, yes. He took my magic and the magic of many changelings. We somehow got it back after a bright flash filled the sky."

"Well that was from—"

"I know. We found out what happened shortly after. Anyway, getting our magic back was like being brought back from the dead." Wincing, Chrysalis visibly grit her teeth. "I don't know how you and your friends managed to survive that ordeal."

"Same here." She could have at least thanked me. Twilight's face formed a stern expression, her eyebrows raised. "Tirek made those scars on your tower, right?"

"Correct. That scar was from Tirek."

"So that's the story behind why you need Equestria's help."

"It is." Chrysalis took a deep breath. "Now then, as you recall, I'm willing to pay a generous amount of money for steel, stone, and various food supplies."

Twilight's ears twitched, her body leaning towards Chrysalis. "Name your price, please."

"Five million bits. No strings attached."

Twilight raised her left eyebrow, her face taut. "You invaded Canterlot during a wedding. You hurt tons of ponies."

"Princess Twilight Sparkle, another question if I may."

Twilight sat against the chair's back, her eyes widening. "Huh? Well, of course you can ask another question."

"How many ponies did the changelings kill during the Battle of Canterlot."

"Zero." Twilight massaged her muzzle, her face forming a puzzled expression. What does this have to do with anything?

Chrysalis bobbed her head. "Spot on as usual. And why might you think that?"

Twilight paused. She sighed, her shoulders shrugging. "Beats me."

"It's actually quite simple. You know that we gain a lot of power from love, and my subjects and I know that all too well."

"But then why did you trap ponies in goo?"

Chrysalis waved her hoof sheepishly. "Princess Twilight, please. We saw an opportunity and took advantage of it. At the time, we could increase our powers exponentially if we not only took over Canterlot, but Equestria as well. The wedding was a prime host to feed off of, and if we were successful, we would have let you live a ninety-nine percent normal life."

Twilight glared at the changeling queen. "I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask what that one percent was."

"Well, we planned for all of you to become assimilated into the changeling way of life. We'd only try to influence ponies, not force them to do so, by having facilities represent our culture." Chrysalis' voice trailed off. She rubbed the back of her neck and chuckled for a second. "Okay, maybe it's a lot less than ninety-nine percent similar, but we would have let you continue life as normal if you so desired."

"That cultural assimilation part is rather tyrannical."

"I know. I got too caught up in the moment, but that was then and this is now."

Twilight's muzzle scrunched up. "Well, at least I now know what I want in this agreement. I have an offer I'm willing to make."

Widening her eyes, Chrysalis jumped up a little in surprise. "You do?"

"We'll give you the resources, but in addition to your five million bit offer, I'd like something else."

"Which is?"

"You leave Equestria alone, and you have to promise that if you do expand your borders, you let the inhabitants already there live their lives peacefully and freely. I also want an additional three million bits to cover the damages caused by the Battle of Canterlot." Twilight slipped a smirk, crossing her legs. "Do we have a deal?"

"No deal." Chrysalis shook her head. "The financial cost of the supplies plus the damages is too high in my opinion."

Out of nowhere, a soft knock against the wooden door echoed in the air. Twilight's ears twitched, but her eyes were glued to Chrysalis.

"Queen Chrysalis, the tea is ready," a gruff voice on the other side announced.

"Bring it in, please," Chrysalis requested.

A creak pierced the air as the door swung open. Twilight flinched, shielding her ears from the brief cacophony. Blinking, she glanced over to her left and noticed two changelings, one carrying a tea set complete with a platter, kettle, and two cups. Staring at her warped reflection in the large kettle, Twilight couldn't help but notice the whole set's lustrous, silver body and intricate floral patterns. There was something oddly appealing about the tea set, if a bit lavish.

The changeling carrying the tea set placed it in the center of the table. His partner then lifted the kettle up and poured the tea into each cup. A warm aroma filled the room, tickling Twilight's nostrils. With their deed done, the two changelings bowed to Chrysalis and scuttled out of the room, shutting the door behind them as they departed.

"Nothing like a nice cup of tea to calm things down," Chrysalis muttered to herself. With her magic, a green aura levitated the teacup towards her, making a soft clack as it touched the table's surface once more. "The second cup is yours, Princess Twilight."

Twilight brought the teacup towards her, staring at the liquid inside with an empty gaze. She looked up to where Chrysalis sat, who had a wide smile on her face, and then back to her teacup. Slowly lifting it toward her, Twilight paused without taking a sip. She stared back at Chrysalis, her smile as wide and crooked as before.

"I don't drink tea," Twilight said. She placed the teacup down and furrowed her eyebrows, aware of her white lie. "Shall we continue?"

Chrysalis let out a hearty cackle, her lips arcing into a sharp grin upon calming down. "You don't honestly think it's poisoned, right?"

Twilight's lips remained sealed, not a single word escaping her mouth.

"It's not, but you're more than welcome to ignore it." Chrysalis took a large sip of her tea. She licked her lips in between drinks, consuming the entirety of her teacup's contents in a mere minute. "Now then, I'd like to ask you another question."

Twilight's mouth hung agape. Did she just drink all of that so quickly? She shook her head, regaining her composure. "Um, I'm listening."

"Remember how I said that I attacked Canterlot to take advantage of the event?"

Twilight slowly nodded. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"It's not related to our agreement, but it's something that you should know."

Cocking her head, Twilight pursed her lips. "Something I should know?"

"Yes. See, as a princess, queen, or whatever title you so desire, it's important to analyze situations that arise and know how to take advantage of them. If getting involved is bad, then you stand back. Otherwise, you plan accordingly, and the most suitable option was for me to strike. There was a wedding that was perfect for harvesting love and there was an outmatched Royal Guard. I just didn't expect you, your friends, and some Lunar Guards and Wonderbolts to put up such a fight." Chrysalis cleared her throat. "Let that be another lesson to you. Always consider external variables."

"Um, okay. I guess that makes sense."

Chrysalis hissed. "Of course it does."

"Hold on a second." Twilight raised her hoof. "But remember how much pleasure you took in the destruction you caused in Canterlot?"

"I know I said those things and laughed." Chrysalis groaned, her lips forming a frown as she rubbed her cheeks for a brief moment. "Look, I know that I've said this before, but I just get caught up in the moment. Have you noticed my hospitality toward you during our little meeting?"

"I have." With a deep scowl, Twilight felt a fire burn within her chest. Her cheeks then blushed. "But your behavior that day was unacceptable. Look, I don't know how your father raised you, but that doesn't excuse how you acted."

"Let's move on to the agreement!"

Not a single peep polluted the room for a minute, the awkward tension crushing Twilight's limbs. Another minute passed, the only sound was the faint breeze outside. Taking a deep breath, Twilight shivered. "Look, sorry if I opened up some wounds."

"No, it's fine."

Twilight bit her lip. "Are you sure?"

Chrysalis nodded. "Yes. It's perfectly fine."

"So then, shall we—"

"Complete the negotiations?"

Blinking, Twilight then nodded slowly. "Yeah, that's what I was thinking."

"I have an offer to make," Chrysalis's lips curled into a wide grin, "and I hope that you find it more pleasing."

Twilight's posture perked up, the muscles in her limbs loosening. "I'm ready to hear it."

"How about this. Seven million bits. The Changeling Hive will also maintain a peaceful relationship with all kingdoms for fifty years unless provoked. However, I'd also like for the amount of resources sent to be one-point-five times the original offer."

"One-point-two-five. Take it or leave it."

Chrysalis extended her hoof towards Twilight. Stretching her foreleg out to her, Twilight grasped a hold of the hoof.

"You have a deal," Chrysalis announced.

Twilight let go and slumped into her chair, sensing a colossal weight lift off of her shoulders. Her lungs cried out in joy as they could breathe freely once more. "Thank goodness," she said in a relieved tone. "I'm so glad that it worked out." A radiant smile adorned her face, her eyes twinkling and wide open.

Chrysalis got up from her chair, stretching her forelegs and letting out a brief yawn. "I'm glad as well." An ugly smile ran across her face. Pausing, she leaned down and grabbed something below the table. "But before you go, there is something I need to show you."

Chrysalis revealed a card-like object to Twilight, tossing it toward her like a dart and causing her to flinch. Twilight halted the card's progress with her magic, her horn glowing a bright purple. She flipped it a few times until the picture printed on it was facing her and in the correct position. Squinting at the photo, Twilight studied every last detail she could. It was a grainy photograph of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, the pair trotting next to each other along a red carpet as onlookers waved and gasped at their presence. The background revealed a luxurious, villa setting, but other than that, there wasn't much to it.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" Twilight asked. She raised an eyebrow at the card, a puzzled expression painted on her face.

"I hope you're ready for another question," Chrysalis replied.

"What is it this time?"

"Do you notice something off-putting about Celestia?"

Twilight blinked. She examined the card once more, focusing on Princess Celestia in particular. She seemed like her usual self, but now that Chrysalis mentioned it, Twilight couldn't help but notice something a little off about her. It tickled the back of her mind. That straight face and slightly slumped posture seemed a little off for her. She knew something was there, but the words in her mind refused to unearth themselves. Seconds passed, until something pierced the surface.

"Princess Celestia is worried about something," Twilight answered blankly. "That's it."

"You're still perfect," Chrysalis replied. "That photo was taken not long after the plunder vine incident. Do you know why she's concerned?"

"Because she's worried about the ponies she looks after, right?"

"If the rumors are true, you're one hundred percent correct. Celestia is going through another difficult moment in her life. She realizes that she is no longer able to reliably protect her subjects in all situations. She's afraid of what the future would hold if such incidents continued, and she was right to be anxious."

"Poor Celestia." Twilight frowned. "But why do you mention this now?"

"You're a princess, and one day you'll be confronted with such situations. You need to be aware of such a possibility, even if it hurts you in the moment."

Twilight looked up at Chrysalis. "One more thing. Why are you quizzing me on these things? Why are you giving me advice?"

"Because one day, we'll be ruling kingdoms at the same time. I'm almost certain of it."

"Well, okay." Twilight rubbed her head. "Still, it doesn't make much sense."

"Politics makes strange bedfellows, Princess Twilight Sparkle." Chrysalis opened the door, gesturing toward it. "Keep what I've told you in mind."

Nodding, Twilight approached the door, her entourage closely following her. "Understood."

"And now, I bid you adieu."

Twilight and company made their way out of the spire; trotting to the carriage they parked by the front door. Upon stepping back into the outside world, the carriage awaited them, appearing as posh as it had always been. Twilight opened the passenger door and climbed inside, as did Thunderstorm. The two fellow Royal Guards attached themselves to the carriage and after only a minute, the ponies were back on the road again.

Shifting her eyes around, Twilight let out a sigh before settling on gazing downward, her body sagging. The words that Queen Chrysalis lectured her still played in her mind, remembering exactly how they were said and presented. Twilight felt a chill down her spine just thinking about it.

"I know that Chrysalis has her own way of doing things, but you can easily find a good strategy that you like," Thunderstorm said. She raised her hoof up and massaged Twilight's back. The cold, smooth armor felt soothing against her, causing Twilight to smirk a little.

"I guess so. Still, it does sound tough."

Thunderstorm merely nodded.

"But it's something I know I can do." Twilight sat up straight, her eyes glowing brightly. "It may be hard, and I may be placed in all sorts of crazy situations, but I've made it out of all of them in one piece."

"That's the spirit!"

Twilight gazed toward Thunderstorm. "Still, I never expected to see that side of Chrysalis."

"Me too."

"I guess there's more to ponies, or changelings in this case, than meets the eye."

Curling her lips into a smile, Thunderstorm then bobbed her head. "I guess so."

The carriage left the Changeling Hive at last, and as it traversed over the rough roads once more, the roads went from rough and bumpy to smooth and comfortable. Twilight was eager to let Princess Celestia know what happened, and she knew that Equestria's relationship with the changelings had planted the seeds of peace. And peace was what she truly wanted most of all.