Spike couldn't sleep.
He knew logically it was pointless to worry - after all, Twilight was a full grown mare more than capable of taking care of herself. And yet he couldn't get her out of his head.
Maybe if he had stayed....maybe he could have talked her out of leaving....or at the very least he could have gone with her, so she wouldn't be by herself......
He also couldn't stop thinking about Shining Armor. He could understand him being angry at the rehearsal - Twilight had gone overboard, noble though her intentions were - but when they told him she had left.....it was jarring to see how cold he was.
No, scratch that. He didn't even have a reaction.
Spike had known Shining Armor since he was a hatchling; he went into full on protection mode whenever Twilight got a splinter. Angry or not, Shining would have at least asked about her.....
Something definitely wasn't right here.
Sighing, Spike sat up and climbed off the bed. Maybe a midnight snack would help....
Careful not to wake the other ponies in the castle, Spike slowly opened and closed his bedroom door and tiptoed down the corridors to where he knew the kitchen was.
Along the way he passed a few of the night guards, who merely nodded and let him continue on his way. He noticed that they had the same glazed look that Shining had earlier, but just assumed that they were tired.
As he neared the stairs, he noticed light pouring from underneath the door to his right. Curious, he tiptoed over and opened the door a crack.
Inside was Cadence, and she seemed to be using her magic to pull something out from under the bed. Looking closer, he realized the object was very familiar....
It was Twilight's suitcase.
Before he knew what he was doing, Spike opened the door fully and entered the room.
Cadence turned in shock, and upon seeing who it was, scowled.
"What are you doing in here? Get out before I call the guards!" she snarled.
Spike stayed where he was. "Cadence....why do you have Twilight's suitcase?"
Cadence sniffed. "I fail to see how that's any of your business. And that's Princess Mi Amore Cadenza to you, lizard."
Spike ignored the insult, staring at the suitcase intently. Something clicked in his mind.
"Where's Twilight?" Spike asked softly, his eyes widening in horror and anger.
Cadence rolled her eyes. "What are you talking about? She went back to Ponyville after acting like a-"
"No." Spike interrupted, narrowing his eyes. "Twilight may overreact and act crazy sometimes, but she wouldn't leave without her stuff. Now where is Twilight?"
Cadance stared at the baby dragon for a moment, then smirked as her horn lit up.
Spike heard a click behind him, and turned to see the doorknob encased in a magic forcefield. He was trapped.
Cadence allowed the suitcase to drop to the floor with a crash as she advanced on Spike. "Well, aren't you a bit of a nosy parker?"
Realizing just how serious the situation was, Spike opened his mouth to scream, only to find his air supply cut off.
"Ah ah ah." Cadence purred, her magic surrounding Spike's neck. "We wouldn't want to wake anypony up, would we?"
Spike clawed at his neck as he was lifted into the air. Without even turning around, Cadence fired a spell at the suitcase. It was immediately reduced to ashes.
"It's a shame, but it really couldn't be helped." Cadance said, speaking casually as if she were discussing the weather. "She was poking her nose where she wasn't wanted. I had to get rid of her." Her grin became feral as she tightened the magic around Spike's neck. "Maybe I should make you disappear, too."
Spike's eyes watered as his visioned blurred.
Cadence sighed, then loosened the magic's grip. "Never mind. Two disappearances in one night? Not even your friends are that stupid."
Spike took in large gulps of air as he floated in Cadence's magical grasp. "Gasp! Gasp! Twilight was right! Gasp! You are evil!"
Cadence pretended to look offended. "'Evil' is such a strong word. I prefer to think myself highly ambitious."
Spike kicked his feet as he struggled. "Where's Twilight? What have you done to her?"
"She's alive. For the moment." Her eyes narrowed as she pulled Spike close to her face. "And if you ever want to see her alive again, I suggest you keep your mouth shut about what you saw tonight. And tomorrow, you just carry on with the wedding as planned, along with the rest of your dimwitted friends."
She released her magic, dropping Spike, and moved towards the door. Spike rubbed his neck and turned his head, his face filled with anguish. "Cadence...why?"
Cadence turned to face him, smiling sweetly. "For love of course. I worked very hard to get where I am now. I will marry Shining Armor tomorrow, and nopony is going to get in my way."
She unlocked the door and opened it, revealing two guards, whom Spike realized, to his horror, had bright glowing green eyes. "Take him back to his room. Use force if you have to."
Knowing he didn't stand a chance, he stood up and walked towards the door. He shot a glare at Cadence as he left. "You won't get away with this."
She smiled smugly back at him. "I already have, my little drake. Sweet dreams...."
"We would appreciate if it you stayed in your room for the rest of the night." One guard monotoned.
"Good night, Spike." monotoned the other.
Spike heard the door close softly behind him, and hoof steps slowly walking away from the door.
After a moment of silence, he collapsed to to the ground and sobbed helplessly, biting down hard on a fist so as not to be heard.
At that very same moment, Twilight Sparkle awoke, dazed and confused, in a dark and cold environment......