Equestria provides safety for all its citizens. There is no discrimination. No economic strife. It's a flourishing country under righteous leadership. For Twilight, it's the epitome of perfection. She never imagined that the life she knew could be ripped away in a moment's notice.
The invasion was swift and terrible. The attackers' king, a lying and manipulative stallion known as Salvator, has a different opinion of Equestria. Twilight doesn't believe his lies - his seditious claims about Princess Celestia. Her ruler can't be a tyrant. Celestia is perfect.
But then Twilight finds the clues. The clues that force her to consider the legitimacy of Salvator's claims and rethink her zealous devotion to Celestia.
Now, with both her life and the future of Equestria hanging perilously by a thread, Twilight must ultimately decide who she trusts. She then comes face to face with the most critical choice of her life - harmony, or freedom.

Cover art by the talented CMBrony. He graciously provided not only the picture for this story, but also helped enormously with story arc consultation.

Rated T for harsh language and moderate violence throughout.