Discord in his unicorn self had a large cup of coffee by his side as he sat on his throne listening to Twilight go over the schedule he would have to do today. Feeling peeved, he set the cup down with a clank, startling the unicorn out of her rambling.
“Shouldn’t we focus more on how I can win this bet?”
Twilight scowled for a bit before her face soften, and sighed, “I suppose so.”
That genuinely surprised him and uttered, “Really?”
“Yes, because if you lose this bet, you’re going to lose your kingdom regardless of you actually doing your duties.”
“So you’re going to help me win Fluttershy’s heart?”
“In a way, yes.”
“Excellent! Now, what do you suggest?”
Twilight pondered on it, but the more she thought about it, she didn’t know much about the pegasus at all! She knew nothing of her likes or dislikes that it made her stump.
“Well, I guess the first step is for you to get to know her better so you have a way of properly courting her.”
“But aren’t we doing that with the lunches?”
“But having lunch alone with her isn’t enough. You should do other activities with her, maybe do some things she likes doing?”
King Discord thought over her words and was actually intrigued by them, and said with an actual smile, “Sparkle, you just might be on to something.”
Twilight was taken aback by the compliment, normally whenever she suggested something he would just ignore or scoff her off all together. But this was the first time he ever praised her!
Maybe the princesses were right. If falling in love with Fluttershy is what’s going to change him, then that’s what I need to do. Unfortunately, I will need to require some help because I can’t do this alone. But I know the girls and their loves are not going to be thrilled with this. So I’ll need to find some way to convince them otherwise…
Fluttershy was getting ready for her lunch with the king now that he was back and a sense of dread over her. The last lunch they had together made her see who the king really was, she didn’t like the idea of going down there but since all of the straw still wasn’t made of gold, she had no choice but to stay. Not that she minded too much, she was rekindling her friendship with Rainbow nicely and she has been having a splendid time with Rarity and Pinkie. She even helped Applejack in the kitchens a few times. She was even getting along with Rainbow, Pinkie, and Applejack’s husbands as well other servants like Flash Sentry, Lyra Heartstrings, Bon-Bon, and Derpy Hooves, and she even played with the children a couple of times.
Yes, it wasn’t so bad being here but it pained her to no end how everypony in the castle was forced in servitude and are living like prisoners all because of a contract the king made them sign. It reminded her she wanted to help them by looking more into the king’s curse and hopefully help him to change his ways. With a deep breath she left the room.
Twilight whispered in the king’s ear, “Remember, listen to her. Don’t change the subject to you; you’re here to learn about her.”
King Discord replied, “But of course. I look forward to knowing about her.”
Twilight nodded in approval.
At the sound of hoofsteps they turned to see Fluttershy entering the room and made a curtsy, “Your Highness…”
He bowed in turn, “My dear, you honor me with your presence.”
She lifted her head in confusion, “Didn’t you say that at our first lunch?”
“Well, it’s the truth; you do honor me with your presence. You being here makes my day feel so complete.”
She ended up blushing and stammered, “Um, I… I am flattered, your majesty.”
He smirked, “Of course you are.” he motioned for her to sit. When she took it, he began asking, “Tell me, Miss Fluttershy, what is it you like most in this world? What are your favorite pastimes?”
She was a bit speechless from these sudden questions and slowly started, “Oh, well, I… I like gardening and tending to animals that come across me. I also like to knit, it’s very relaxing and fun for me. I will admit I don’t do very much when it comes to doing things outside my home. I mostly help my mother with the shopping and look after my brother so he doesn’t get himself into trouble…” she frowned at the thought her family and how she hasn’t seen them in almost two weeks now.
The king saw her look and inquired, “Is something wrong, my dear?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I was just thinking of my family and was wondering how they’re handling themselves without me…” she sighed.
He looked back to see Twilight’s glare that was saying, See?! I told you to let her say goodbye! He slightly scowled back but he couldn’t deny the unicorn’s ‘I-told-so’ look. Nor could he denide the sad look on the pegasus’ face. He addressed her, “If it’s your family you want to see, I might have something that could help with that.”
Fluttershy looked at him curiously, asking, “You can?”
Twilight who was just surprised, repeated, “You can?”
He summoned a hand mirror and levitated it to the pegasus, “With this magic mirror you merely have to look into it and request that you want to see your family. It’s as simple as that.”
Slowly, she took it and said, “Can I please see my family?”
The mirror glowed and it revealed her home and the mill with her parents working it and her brother being lazy as usual was relaxing on top of sacks of flour watching them. Tears of joy welled up in her eyes from seeing them.
Twilight was shocked by the king’s sudden kind gesture and thought with excitement, It’s working! It’s actually working!
He stated, “It’s yours to keep so you may look back on them whenever you want.”
Fluttershy was astounded by his generosity, “Your Majesty… I… I don’t know what to say…?”
“Well a thank you would be nice but-“
She exclaimed happily, “Thank you! Thank you so much!”
He smiled, “You’re quite welcome, my dear.” then he summoned another item-a ruby ring- and gave it to her, “Here, something to go with that pearl necklace I gave you.”
“Oh… thank you…” She received the ring with a slight frown on her face thinking how she gave away the necklace as payment to Discord but given how nice the king was acting to her just now, she felt guilty for giving it away.
He noticed the look and frankly felt touched that she was conflicted on giving away her necklace when he knew deep down it was just a ploy to prevent her from discovering his truth identity. Even when she becomes my queen, she must never know the real me… She may have seen my true shelf a couple of times now but I needed to gain her trust since my cursed half was forcing her to spin the straw into gold. Besides, as a pony I got a shot of being with her, as a draconequus it wouldn’t work…
King Discord walked around his castle shortly after his lunch with Fluttershy. It definitely went better then he thought it would now that he had some idea to the mare’s interests. Of course, Fluttershy’s words still echoed in his head from last night about her feelings toward his servants and remembering how she told him about the servants having fun while he was away left a bitter taste in his mouth. As much as he would love to punish them, he can’t, because that would mean giving away his secret identity and also since Fluttershy had a fondness for them, he would lose what little favor he got from her just now.
He got to his study where the Marquis was as he was going over documents. Fancy spotted him and bowed, “Ah, there you are, your highness.”
“My apologies for being late, but I was detained by the most lovely pony in all of Equestria.”
“I take it lunch was good with Miss Fluttershy then, sire?”
“The best! Now, what is it you wanted me to look over?”
“My travel bills from this year.”
“Ah, yes, you have certainly have done a lot of traveling this year, that you haven’t been at the castle for some time.”
“As I recall it was at your highness’s expense that I gain a cultural experience so I could return to you all sorts of trade goods.”
“That I did.”
“I’m starting to question why that is. Ever since I presented Rarity to you to be your new Head Maid, you’ve been making sure that I travel around the country only for me to return whenever you’re called away on business.”
The king replied innocently, “You are my most trusted diplomat when it comes to the kingdom’s foreign affairs why wouldn’t I send you away?”
Fancy eyed him and firmly stated, “Don’t think I know that you know about me and Rarity.”
He made a slight chuckle, “You caught me. I was doing you a favor, after all, she is a maid and you’re a marquis. It would be improper.”
“I don’t care a wit about that! She is more of a lady then those born with the title!”
He lifted his brow, “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“Yes. I want to ask for Rarity to marry me.”
King Discord’s eyes widen with him thinking, No! It’s too soon! I only had Rarity under my servitude for three years, if she and Fancy get married now this will cause the other servants to hope and I can’t have that! Got to think of something fast! His brain rattled for an idea and with luck, he got it.
He told the marquis, “Now, now, Fancy, don’t you think you’re rushing into this?”
“I most certainly am not! If I must, I’ll go straight to her right now and ask for myself if she will.”
“Well if you have to, but before you do propose I have another assignment I need you to do.”
Fancy furrowed his brow, inquiring, “What is it?”
“I need you to dig up some dirt on a certain count that is staying with us currently…”
“You mean Count Capper? But what reason do you have for me to do that?”
“I just want to make sure I have one over him should he decide to pull something on me. Despite his refrained manners, he can’t be trusted. I don’t like how he suddenly came into the summit acting all high and mighty. He’s quite the smooth operator as he was able to earn Blueblood’s respect within a matter of seconds!”
Fancy gave a concern look, “I see what you mean… Maybe I should look into him after all.”
“There, see! So, you should leave right away.”
“Very well, your highness, but at least let me say goodbye to Rarity.”
“Fine, but I suggest you don’t take too long, I want those results as soon as possible.”
Fancy nodded and went out.
“How long will you be gone?” the prim and proper unicorn inquired as she met with her lover in a deserted hallway.
Fancy replied, “I’m not sure, the king wants me to gather as much as I can so it might be awhile.”
“I certainly hope not.” she gave off sad eyes.
He made a small smile as he held her chin, “I know… it seems we’ve only seen each other again for a short time, hardly giving us the chance to truly spend time together…”
“My friends think it’s because I refuse to shame you but the truth is… I miss you so much that it hurts…”
“I promise you this, when I get back, things will change for the better…”
Her eyes lit up at the notion and they leaned in for a kiss.
Once they broke away he whispered, “Oh, and keep a close eye on that Count Capper fellow…”
Her eyes widen, “Why?”
“Just be careful with him that’s all I ask of you.”
“Of course, my love, as you wish.”
They leaned in for another kiss before they parted.