The train began to slow as it pulled into the station. Hissing brakes followed by the shake of the trains halt shook her from her slight shock. The mares began to put on their saddlebags and moved to the exit ramp located in-between the train cars. Bolt looked at Highness Heartstrings and he looked on edge.
“Calm down.” She said with a glare. Boren had quickly torn off the dress and wiped away lipstick and eyeshadow. She did think for a moment that the colors chosen had suited him. She walked behind the group and every butterfly that had began to flutter in her stomach. Another reason she loved to deceive others was for the thrill of being caught. Twilight finished with a hug and greeting as Highness Heartstrings approached. Many ponies looked at her for her odd black coat as well as standing a head taller than most.
“This is a friend of ours Highness Heartstrings.” Twilight introduced her to ponies she knew all too well. Shining armor in his white coat and two toned blue mane and tail looked up at her and memories of her and him intertwined in… she shook her head and smiled at them. Cadence looked up at her and smiled warmly.
“Welcome Highness Heartstrings.” She said warmly.
“Nice to meet you.” He said oblivious to who he was addressing.
“Pleasures all mine Prince.” She said as she lowered her head in a bow. Cadence looked at her for a moment with squinted eyes.
“What did you say you're profession was?” She asked. Highness raised her head and looked at her holding her gaze.
“I hadn't said, but I am a relationship counselor. But I do tend to dabble in the cultivation of love as well as study of changelings. Twilight and company looked at her.
“I never knew you studied changelings.” She said with a tilted head.
“I didn't think to bring it up but since you gave me to opportunity to meet one. I couldn't pass it up.” She said looking at her. She knew she was making a huge gamble as both Bolt and Boren held their breath.
“Any expertise is appreciated. I also hope I can maybe speak with you later… in private.” Cadence said as she turned and Shining armor followed with his head hung slightly lower and the taste of guilt could be tasted in the air. Bolt stepped beside her and looked up at her as Highness's eyes seemed to become slightly wider as she looked back at him, and both thought the same question 'what in Tartarus would she want to speak with her alone about?’
They walked along and Twilight trotted up beside Highness and she didn't notice and on the third time her name was said she heard it. She blinked and looked down at the purple mare.
“I'm sorry what?” She asked.
“I said what do you know about changelings? You said you also study them. Why and what do you know?” she asked. Highness Heartstrings was quiet a moment.
“I knew about them before the Canterlot fiasco, truth be told I researched them because of their reason to need love to survive. But what I've discovered was surprising. I've never met one or I can't say for certain because of their shape changing ability. Emotions are what they feed off and the one that fills them the most is love.” Highness Heartstrings said simply.
“Where did you learn this, is there a book?” Twilight asked hopefully. Highness shook her head.
“I'm afraid not. Most of it is my own research. I did a lot of traveling, before I decided to settle down in ponyville.” She said. Which was true the changelings hadn't really had a home till her reign. She had murdered her mother but she was too narrow minded. She was just as susceptible to being just as narrow minded as her mother but she decided on a different course of action.
“Do you have notes? Documents I could look over.” Twilight pressed.
“Probably I do but then again. It's not something I can simply give away I'll get Boren to make you copies.” She promised, of course that would be not all of the information about them. Too much knowledge to anypony could prove troublesome.
“Alright.” She said with a smile. The group of them walked and Bolt seemed uncomfortable and she knew why. The entire area was awash with love, if one wasn't harshly trained in keeping up one's appearance they could falter and expose themselves because of the sheer amount of love that was in the air around them. A part of her wanted to stow away Cadence again and do away with her for good and take her spot just for the amount of power it had given her. But she knew that would only end poorly again.
They made their way to the large crystal spire that stood up in the center of the city. She couldn't help but think of the times she had made visits to see King Sombra when he had control. Sure the atmosphere was full of pain and suffering, but then he was always a different pony then. Highness Heartstrings began to feel the waves of power emanating from the core. She looked at bolt who began to look around nervously.
“Bolt.” she said and he looked at her startled as if he had forgotten she was there.
“Y-yes Highness Heartstrings?” he said breathlessly. The core was affecting him in a way that he was having trouble keeping his composure.
“Can you go find my appointment and tell them I will be running late.” She said with a look that conveyed to him to leave. He nodded with a look of gratefulness as he turned to leave.
“Ill let them know you're in town and will be running late.” he said as he turned to go down a street. Boren looked up at her but kept his mouth shut.
“Is there something wrong with your friend?” Princess Cadence asked.
“Oh it's nothing, he's a bit tired because of the train ride. Hes also a bit antisocial.” she explained to the princess. Cadence smiled and fell back to walk beside her.
“Your very caring for your friends. I tend to be the head of relationship advice but i seem to be in a bind, do you mind if I can ask you for a favor? I usually wouldn't ask a pony I just met but if you're a friend of Twilight that's all I need.” she said looking forward. ‘Naive’ was the first thing so come to her mind before she put on a sweet smile.
“Of course, what kind of favor?” Highness asked not having the foggiest idea why the princess of love would want her for well….anything relationship related.
“Shining Armor and I have been having….problems and a marriage counselor is just what we need.” she said quietly that nopony could hear but her and Boren. She stopped and the entire entourage halted, Boren grabbed his side as he covered his mouth to stop himself from laughing at the irony.
“Highness? What is it?” Twilight asked with a perplexed look on her face. Highnesses shook her head and began to walk again.
“N-no everything is fine, just forgot something at home.” she lied before everyone continued to walk. Cadence was quiet a moment.
“Is that a no?” she asked. Highness looked at her a moment.
“I-I wouldn't mind if you think i can help i'll do my best.” she said before she could think Boren looked at her wide eyed, then the voice inside her screamed. ‘Why the BUCK does stuff happen to me all the time!’