Luna seeks her own place in the world. Her sister is the sun in more ways than one and she's grown tired of always being eclipsed by that light, so she makes a decision. She will go on sabbatical, see the nation she was exiled from, participate in it, and what better place to start than an empire as timelost as herself. But stepping out of the light of the sun can lead to places full of shadows, and not even the Mare of the Moon commands all darkness.

Written for Ice Star
Cover Art by the Illustrious SilverWolf

This story is a sequel to Loyalty to the King

Slight gore in chapter 2.

Sombra and Rainbow Dash took over the Crystal Empire, Equestria now finds itself at war. Then after the first major battle Sombra makes an unexpected move, a peace treaty. But what will it mean for the future of both nations.

Cover art by SpectrumBlaze on DeviantArt.
Tags may be subject to change depending on how the story progresses.
Made the popular stories 9/17/16.

A/N: Even though the cover art is bad ass it's not what Rainbow will be wearing in the story. Also certain events won't happen like Twilight becoming a princess as it took all the elements to make her into an alicorn.

Searching for any records King Sombra may have left behind, Twilight learned of the shadowy king's tragic past. However, she also discovered his horn, in which his mind and remaining power were contained. Determined to learn how to use his Dark Magic for Good, Twilight brought Sombra back to Ponyville with her. After all, what could he possibly do as a horn? ...Or will he stay that way?

Edited by Darth Vendar and Myrkur
Inspired by Issue #1 of FIENDship is Magic
Gore tag just to be safe.

Edit 06/15/23: Now in the top 2K stories on the site, by rating! Thank you all!

Prince Sombra has just inherited the crystal empire from his late Father. The young Prince is grief stricken but tries to find happiness in his dark times. Having the Grand Galloping Gala going on in Canterlot seems like the best place to go for a good time. Upon arriving he surprise to see the reason why his family never went to these sort of things. Many believe that this is the last Gala that King Dawnbreaker will be alive for. His two daughters Celestia and Luna are suspected to be have begun training in the art of raising the day and night. With the entertainment of the evening being a barbaric circus run by slaves, Sombra tries to save the performers afterwards from their life of misery. He fails to safe them all but he does manage to save one. A young changeling. Taking her away and inserting her into his daily life, she soon becomes a close friend to him. Eventually Sombra starts to feel that there is something more between them. What fallows is a tale of passion which leads to many changes in the life of the young prince. Sombra spirals down the path of blind love not caring what may happen.
"Love can sometimes blind us to reason. Which leads to insanity."

"Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn."

Mere months after the events of "A Canterlot Wedding," the memories of cold shoulders and dismissals remain fresh in Twilight Sparkle's mind, which causes her to question her ability to face the next task that Princess Celestia bestows upon her.

Alone, she must find a way to protect an entire empire. She's afraid and unprepared, but when a mysterious stallion lends a hoof to her success, she soon discovers a friendship that threatens to blossom into something much greater.

(6/9/2016): Made it to the "Featured" page again! You're so awesome, guys!

(( "Of Magic and Masquerades" is the first story in the Crucibles of Harmony series. It is an alternate take on "The Crystal Empire," with some alternate events from Season 3 and minor Twilight/Sombra shipping. ))