Cadence is a scared little filly who has just become an Alicon Princess. She feels that she isn't ready for the trials that come with this title. She's only eight after all, I'm sorry eight and a half. One night while confiding her fears in her pony bear Shiny a storm rages on out side of Canterlot castle. Frightened by both the storm and the stress of her new responsibilities young Cadence goes to talk to her aunt Celestia who always has a story to tell. Maybe this story about the Crystal Empire will help take Cadence's mind off of things. This takes place in the same universe as my other story "Dual Melody." I hope you all enjoy "Ballad of the Crystal Empire"