A cool night breeze breathed across her carapace and through the doorway, playing through the sea green mane of the stallion holding it open. He stared dumbly ahead, gazing deep into her eyes with his own tinged an eerie green glow, and his mouth curved into a vacant smile.
Her slitted eyes shone with wicked delight. Queen Chrysalis caressed his cheek with a gentle hoof, her spell strong even a full night after their meeting in the pub and end in his apartment. “Good boy,” she praised, rewarding his efforts with a deep kiss that drew a whine and eager swish of his tail.
She purred. Chrysalis did so love ponies, what with their nice, malleable minds. Mare and stallion alike, they all just melted in her hooves like the good little morsels they were meant to be. Playthings and food alike.
Presently, she had business. And the steady drizzle upon her carapace meant she’d have to speed up her feeding. But first, she needed his leave to cross the threshold. A simple matter, really, now that she had him under.
“Take me to her room, dearest,” she whispered huskily. “Take me to my little snack, and once I’ve finished, you and I will pick up where we left off last night.” Leaning in close, she breathed a heady sigh into his ear. “And you’ll know pleasure unrivaled.”
He shuddered, his eyes fluttering and a moan of pure want sounding from deep within his chest. The images conjured by her magic had him wrapped around her hoof and ready to melt, and that delicious little deal he made while under the perfect opportunity.
The stallion stepped to one side to admit her and bowed low. “Right this way, my Queen,” he intoned.
Chrysalis grinned as she stepped through and felt the threshold’s power wash over her body, but didn’t snap shut. She shifted into one of her favored disguises—a beautiful mare of primrose coat and platinum gold mane, with eyes of molten gold. Then, she cupped his cheek and kissed him once more.
He smiled as though he’d been touched by a living deity, and rightfully so. Offering his hoof like a lover, he guided the disguised changeling through the halls of the opulent Crystal Palace at a leisurely pace, enough that Chrysalis could survey it all with idle amusement, and perhaps just a hint of approval. Mortal enemy or not, the Princess of Love did have good taste in décor. Let it not be said that Chrysalis denied another her due. Even if that prissy little thing stole her rightly-won groom and kingdom.
But how kind of her to offer a little snack in return!
A crash of thunder and flicker of lightning made her ears flick. The pegasi had certainly put their all into this storm. Getting out would be tricky.
They passed by other guards posted along the hallway, her enthralled guide nodded dutifully at each in turn. As they rounded the corner, she let out a relieved breath. The tough part was done. Now, she could relax and enjoy her ill-gotten treat.
Ahead, she could see a door made of soft blue crystal, adorned with foalish drawings of family, friends, familiar guards, and that disgusting usurper, Thorax. All a testament to the innocent little filly awaiting inside, her name written in her mother’s elegant, flowing cursive on a placard mounted at the center:
Flurry Heart
Such a sweet name for a tasty little snack. Chrysalis ran her tongue along her lips, her mouth already watering.
When they reached the door, she turned, pressing her nose against her thrall’s. “Thank you, my love. Such a good boy,” she crooned. “Get your raincoat. Go home and take off that silly armor, then lay on your bed and await my return.” Another kiss drew a needy whimper and splaying of his ears. “Think of us and the night we’ll share together.”
He jolted, standing up straight and tall, his ears erect and tongue lolling as a silly grin spread on his face. Chrysalis watched, humming as he turned to trot away with a twitch in his tail and a clumsy stagger in his every step.
Oh, so delicious! She might just have to keep him. Maybe if he performed well again, she’d even learn his name.
“Thoughts for later. But for now,” she sang to herself as she turned and tugged the bedroom door open with a flick of magic, “snack time!”
The little princess’s room was just as sickeningly sweet and full of mushy-pony love as she imagined, and then some. Several more of those messy foalish drawings littered a tiny desk or had been taped up on the wall, little rugs in the shapes of hearts were placed to lead a stepping-stone path to a dresser, a closet, and—oh, look! A little vanity! Was she learning to dress and do makeup like a proper princess? How sweet. It certainly had been a couple years since she’d been suspended in a cocoon.
Still, not quite ripe, but it would have to do. Vengeance was sweet, and so was love.
Chrysalis resumed her natural form in a flash of green fire. Her eyes shone with hunger and utmost glee as she stalked toward the princess’s bed, her fangs glistening in the moonlight. As she drew near, she noticed Flurry Heart’s little face contorted, her brows furrowed, and wings twitching and unfurling at random. She writhed in bed, a soft, sleepy moan and mumbled protest escaped her lips.
A nightmare.
Years of tending to needy, hissing hatchlings roused from their sleep by dreams of hunger gave her pause. Any mother would recognize the signs. A little one in need, no matter the race, would rouse those feelings. And Chrysalis had been a mother, almost a lifetime ago. She had protected her own with jealousy and fangs ready to rend any who denied them happiness or food apart.
A right ripped from her twice over—once by that usurper, the other by the little filly’s parents and aunt.
Chrysalis’s blood boiled, she bared her teeth in a fanged snarl then reared up and set her hooves on the mattress. The slumbering filly rolled over, her shoulder brushing against the Queen’s carapace. With a whine, she pressed against it, like she thought it that of a protector rather than a hungry predator.
Oh, how she always loved the moments she revealed her treachery. They were too far and few between for her taste.
“Poor, delicious little thing,” she whispered, leaning down to plant a mocking kiss on Flurry Hearth’s cheek. “Be good and keep still for your Queen. It’s time to feed.” With a hungry hiss, she made to swoop down and drain the little filly dry.
A crash of thunder and flash of lightning bathed the room in blue-white light. Flurry Heart’s eyes shot open. With a startled cry, she latched onto Chrysalis’s hooves like a babe clinging to her mother and pressed her face into her warm carapace. Her shoulders shook, her little rose-pink and purple wings unfurled to cover her head.
Stunned, Chrysalis blinked twice and drew back, her snarl fading away as she regarded the quivering little filly through questioning eyes. With furrowed brows and wrinkled snout, she stood still, her ears twitching at the sound of tiny, high-pitched sniffling. Then came the familiar feel of hot tears rolling down her leg.
Crying. The little princess was crying.
So many nights spent with her hatchlings flashed through her mind at blurring speed, she simply couldn’t count. They waged war with her anger, her thirst for revenge, and immeasurable hunger. All those nights she spent soothing them, lulling her little ones to sleep with promises of full bellies and trickery on the morrow.
But this was Flurry Heart. The offspring of her greatest enemies, and favored filly of that false King!
And she was crying.
Chrysalis’s free hoof raised off the mattress as if of its own volition, and began to run soothingly through the frightened filly’s messy mane. She felt Flurry Heart stiffen, her own black heart leapt into her throat. Those motherly instincts dared pray that the filly not look up and recoil, to begin her sobbing anew.
Slowly, though, Flurry Heart did raise her gaze, her bright blue eyes following along Chrysalis’s black, hole-ridden leg, up her chitinous body, until they settled on her face, her fangs, her slitted eyes, and long, messy mane, and gasped.
There it was. Recognition. A monstrous face, a frightened scream, resignation, and then … a play of charms before slow, sweet feeding until breathing came shallow and a little heartbeat came to its final rest as the last vestiges of love and life energy were drained from a helpless pony. The same as it had been for centuries, just as her own mother vowed.
“Uncle Thorax?” Flurry Heart breathed. Her grip tightened, a hint of a tiny, relieved smile began to tug at her lips. At last, her protector was here! “You’re … black and holey? Like all my old pictures?”
Again, Chrysalis blinked, her eyes wide as dinner plates. Uncle Thorax? she couldn’t help but muse. What a bond her least worthy hatchling held with this one. She could smell its strength—oh! It nearly made her eyes cross! Just a little sip, a little taste, and she could have it for herself!
The mother in her refused. Slowly, Chrysalis resumed stroking her mane, offering the little filly a sad smile. “Not quite,” she replied softly, her voice a near musical, soothing tone to it. One she hadn’t used in so long. “Nor am I Pharynx. But yes, I am one of their kin.”
She watched the little filly relax, then tighten her grip once more. “You look like them,” Flurry Heart whispered.
“We are closely related.” Irony dribbled from her fangs like venom. “One might say I could be their mother.”
Flurry Heart giggled. “You could. You’re bigger than them.” With a shaky breath, she pressed herself against Chrysalis’s leg, nuzzling her shin. “And you came. Just like they would when I was little and had nightmares. Just like they do whenever they visit and smell that I’m afraid or sad.”
A wave of relief and affection rolled off the filly and nearly sent Chrysalis staggering. She could feel it, she could smell it, and those words! The power of the love in each syllable nearly made her mouth water.
What were her sons to this little one? Before she could think to voice her question aloud, Chrysalis found herself met with those bright blue eyes once more, transfixed in place by the little princess’s gaze.
“Did they send you?” Flurry asked.
Chrysalis raised her brow and gave an incredulous laugh. “I beg your pardon?”
“Pharynx told me once he sends a changeling to check up on me every now and then,” the little princess explained. “I never see them, but he says that’s ‘cause they hide and watch to make sure no pony’s being mean or scaring me when they think I’m alone. That way he knows if he should be mad when he visits.”
Always a cunning strategist, her son. “I see. And what does Thorax think of that?”
“He wrote me and said he had to ask Uncle Pharynx why he was sending another changeling to do something he already asked another to do.”
Now, there was a surprise, indeed. Perhaps she’d misjudged her youngest. Even if he was an ungrateful little wretch, turning on her so. Still, credit where it was due.
Though, that also meant her visit might be known to the hive sooner than she wished. That was a major problem.
Her stomach churned and voiced its protest. There was food, delicious, savory food clinging to her leg, and she wasn’t doing anything about it! Wincing, Chrysalis hoped against all reason her sons and enemies hadn’t told Flurry what their race ate.
Flurry Heart’s gaze fell to her belly. A tiny frown marred her face. “You’re hungry,” she said with all the gravity a foal could manage.
It could hardly be blamed on her. It was just too perfect, too precious. Chrysalis chuckled and nodded. “Starving,” the deposed Queen replied. “I was just out for a snack.” She thought hard, eying the little filly a moment. She couldn’t help it.
Lost or not, she could see all her little hatchlings in Flurry Heart.
“But then,” Chrysalis whispered conspiratorially, “I remembered a little filly who needed checking on and decided to stop by and chase her nightmares away.”
Flurry Heart’s little face lit up like a sunny summer afternoon. “I knew it!” she said, hugging her tight. “I knew they sent you!”
“They asked a favor,” Chrysalis lied. “One I was …” Thinking hard, she smiled sweetly. “Already inclined to grant on behalf of a filly so … dear to my old heart.”
Rose-pink ears twitched. “I am?”
“Oh, yes.” What was she doing? The hole was getting deeper with her every word! But it was too late, all she could do was run with it. Stupid though it was. “Why, you and I have a much deeper bond, one which transcends mortal comprehension.”
Silence fell over them, save for the steady beat of rainfall. Flurry Heart released her hold on Chrysalis’s leg, covering her mouth in surprise.
“Are you …” she trailed off, her mouth working wordlessly in search of the words. “Are you my faerie godmother?”
Again, the two sides waged war within her heart. But her growling stomach bowled both over. Suddenly, an idea came to her. A chance to get out of this without screams or chasing guards. Sure, it might mean she’d go hungry a little longer and put off revenge for another day, but …
At least she wouldn’t see her hatchlings in those eyes when it came.
By the First Mother’s eggshell it was stupid. But at this point, what hadn’t been? “Yes,” Chrysalis replied with a wooden smile. “I am. Or at least, I could be. If you wish it.”
“Yes!” Again, Flurry Heart caught her leg in a tight embrace. “You mean it for real?”
“Of course I do. But, there’s a special rule you have to follow if you really want that.”
Those bright blue eyes widened. “What rule?”
It should have been a crime to make Chrysalis’s heart stop like that. “You can never tell anypony that I was here tonight,” Chrysalis said solemnly. She slipped her leg out of Flurry’s grasp and cupped her chin so she could look her in the eye. “Not until the day I come before you and your family with this face. Will you promise me to follow that rule, Flurry Heart?”
Flurry Heart bobbed her head. Then, she went through a strange series of motions. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!”
Chrysalis didn’t bother trying to make sense of it. A ridiculous pony ritual, no doubt. Smiling, she nodded in kind. “Then, my dear goodfilly, know that I will always watch over you,” she said, gently patting her head. “Now, it’s time for you to sleep. And time for me to be on my way—I do have that snack to find.” Turning away, she trotted toward the door. Unfortunate, but at least she had that enthralled guard to work out a little tension and eat. He’d just have to deal with being bedridden for a week or two. If he met her approval.
“Uh, faerie godmother?” Flurry called.
She stopped in mid step. Affixing her smile in place once more, Chrysalis turned to glance over her shoulder. “Yes, dear?”
Flurry Heart’s eyes fell to her covers. She squirmed in place and bit her lip, then looked up to meet her gaze again. “Does this mean you’ll watch over my family and friends too?” she asked.
Oh, the innocence of youth. “Ah, I’m afraid not, dear godfilly.” Chrysalis feigned a sad smile. “Our deal was between you and I. Watching over them would carry another price.”
“Oh. I see.” Her ears drooped. “What price?”
Chrysalis blinked. “Excuse me?”
“You said it had another price. What is it?”
Once again, she found herself cursing her mouth. Why had she mentioned deals? Now her very blood screamed for her to offer terms, just as she had with the guard the previous night. Her stomach growled, crying out its protest over all of it.
To Tartarus with it. She was hungry.
Her control broke. “Love,” Chrysalis said bluntly. “I want your love. Whenever I ask of it.” She turned fully and began to walk slowly toward the bed, her gaze cool and impassive. “I’ve journeyed many miles and many nights, and I hunger greatly, my dear godfilly. And without a regular supply of love, I will wither away to nothing or be forced to take drastic measures.” Again. “If you truly wish me to protect those you love, you will add me to that number, and offer it as nourishment.”
The deposed Queen came to a stop a mere step from the bed. She grinned, baring her fangs and gleaming, sharp teeth at the little filly, as if to test her mettle. “Do you accept this bargain, Flurry Heart?”
Flurry Heart thought for a second or two at most. Then, she turned and slipped her covers off. “Uncle Thorax said the first time he saw me as a baby, he couldn’t see an end to my love,” she said, looking up at Chrysalis. “My family and I help feed him and Uncle Pharynx when they’re here.” She didn’t so much as blink, or hesitate before she said those last two words, “I accept.”
A small, satisfied smile played upon her lips. For the first time in months, Chrysalis could truly say she was full after a good meal. No, not a snack as she’d thought. But a full meal offered by a little filly so full of love none could fathom, and offered willingly at that.
She gazed down at Flurry Hearth’s slumbering form, watching her tiny chest rise and fall with each breath like as she once watched over her hatchlings. The changeling Queen sang an old lullaby, older than memory itself, in the ancient tongue of the changelings.
How long had it been since the last time she’d been like this? Calm, peaceful, nurturing her own young.
A lifetime ago. Or, less poetically, some eighteen years.
The sounds of the storm had long since died off to a dull drizzle. Waiting for her at her room would be that delicious stallion, yet she had no need of his love. His companionship, though? Perhaps. Even she had need of affection.
After she finished, she’d decided. Their deal had been to watch over little Flurry as her godmother, and that entailed certain duties. Ensuring that she fell asleep after a nightmare when her mother wasn’t around to offer comfort, high on the list. And rending to pieces or draining dry any who threatened her person, chiefest among them.
As she began the final verse, Chrysalis heard a steady beat of hooves against the crystalline floor—the slight metallic tip-tap, tip-tap betrayed either Royal Guard boots, or …
The telltale tinkling of magic floated to her ears. Chrysalis watched, still singing softly, even as the door pulled open to reveal the mare she so envied and hated.
Princess Cadence’s eyes were the same color as Flurry Heart’s, but held none of the foal like wonder or curiosity. They widened just slightly, her mouth opened in muted horror before her admittedly beautiful face twisted in fury and hatred. A cerulean glow, brighter than the Northern Lights, wreathed her horn as a spell began to charge.
Chrysalis held one hoof to her lips as she finished her song, the final lyrics trailing off in a soothing warble. Without looking away from the furious princess and mother, she tugged Flurry’s blanket up to cover her little shoulders, then rose and stepped away from the bed, and began to walk calmly toward her longtime foe.
“What,” Cadence spat, her spell glowing brighter still, “do you think you’re doing in my daughter’s room?”
“I’d be happy to explain, away from here, if you don’t mind.” Chrysalis raised a brow. “That way we don’t wake her either with talk or with whatever spell you’ve chosen to end my existence.” She paused a beat, then added, “Would you mind cancelling that? She awoke with a nightmare and I only just got her back to sleep.”
Cadence’s spell died in the blink of an eye. Her face contorted in a most amusing mix of confusion and horror. “You … lulled my daughter to sleep?” she repeated.
“Indeed. And I should think you and I both would much appreciate it if she stayed asleep, yes?” At Cadence’s muted nod, Chrysalis aimed her most saccharine smile. “Lovely. Then, after you, Princess.” She mockingly bowed and gestured toward the hall with a wave of her hoof, grinning at the renewed which came in reply.
With a snort, Cadence stepped to the side and beckoned Chrysalis out of Flurry Heart’s room with a jerk of her head. The instant Chrysalis’s tail was through the doorway, the Princess of Love pulled it shut with a click and rattling of the latch. Her magic then flashed bright, bathing the door in an arcane glow before it slowly tapered off.
Again, Chrysalis was forced to give her due. A protective spell to ward her away should she try to sneak double back and enter. A clever mare.
“Walk,” Cadence commanded, glaring daggers out of the side of her eye even as they began their slow trek. “How did you get into my castle? The threshold should’ve kept you out.”
“The only way a threshold can be broken, of course.” Chrysalis smirked. “I convinced a charming young stallion, one of your guards. An eager lover, if I do say.”
A sharp intake of breath earned a dark chuckle. “If you’ve harmed him—”
“He’s fine. Awaiting my arrival at his home, eager to return to our activities last eve. He was to be dessert, in one or more senses.”
Cadence’s hoof struck hard on the floor. “Then you came here to feed on my daughter,” she said. There was no question in her tone.
Chrysalis stopped and turned to look at her, only the slightest hint of morbid amusement in her smile. “Would you like me to lie and pretend I came with benign intent as I ended? Or would you prefer honestly?”
“Well, that would be new ground for you, wouldn’t it?”
She had to laugh. “Touché, Princess. A well-placed barb.” Inclining her head, Chrysalis smiled. “But no. I am often honest to those who listen. Your daughter, for example, though no small bit of what I said were lies, heard some form of truth and listened well.”
Cadence’s eyes flashed, alert as ever. Chrysalis could almost see the gears turning in her head. “What did you tell her?” she demanded. “What lies did you tell my daughter?”
“She seemed inclined to believe that my sons had sent me to check in on her,” Chrysalis replied with a shrug. “I felt no inclination to correct her assumption. It served well to convince her to keep quiet and allow me to leave in exchange for always watching over her.” A crooked smile made its way across her face. “As her faerie godmother, no less.”
The Princess of Love took a step back, and positioned herself between Chrysalis and her daughter’s door. “Out of the question!” she snapped. “If you come near my daughter again, if you even think of touching her again, there aren’t words for what I’ll do to you!”
Yet another note of praise. Chrysalis nodded once, this time, out of respect. “As a mother many times over, I respect that. However, you need not worry, dear Princess.” Slowly, she allowed herself a toothy grin. “Your daughter has a most interesting mind. Would you care to guess what deal she made with me?”
The look of utmost horror which flashed across Cadence’s face would’ve made her dance, if only an hour prior. “No …” she whispered. “You tied my filly … what did you do?”
“Oh, I’m sure you can guess what I demanded, dear. Love, of course.” Chrysalis took a step closer, looking down on the princess. “I demanded to be counted among her loved ones and be fed as she, and you, apparently, do my sons. But that’s not the part which I find most interesting—as delectable as hers was, I must say.” She paused a moment, savoring the heavy silence as Cadence waited for the horseshoe to drop. She swiftly cupped Cadence’s chin and darted in to nuzzle her nose. “I have been asked to watch over all of her loved ones. Over you, loving mother.” With a purr, she pecked Cadence’s nose and added, “Such an intriguing little one you’ve raised.”
Cadence didn’t even jerk away. A choked gasp rattled in the back of her throat as she struggled to find the words.
Oh, this was better than screams of dismay!
Chrysalis released her after a moment and stepped back to allow her space. “I do believe we’ll be seeing more of one another,” she mused. “Say what you will of me, Princess of Love. Say that I am wicked, evil, and more, and you will be right. But know one thing—I am Chrysalis. I keep my deals, whether made by design or by a frightened little filly who awoke from her nightmare to find a monster in her bedroom, and thought her a protector like her sons.” Turning to trot away, she called back over her shoulder, “Enjoy your evening.”
She made it three steps before Cadence found her voice again.
“I don’t understand.”
Chrysalis stopped in mid step, just as she had for Flurry Heart. Amused, she perked an ear. “Oh? Why is that?”
She heard Cadence approach, a hint of hesitation in her steps. “You came here to kill my daughter,” Cadence whispered. “You came here to drain her dry—”
“As if any one changeling could,” Chrysalis quipped. “You and she possess unfathomable depths of love.”
“Yes. But that doesn’t take away from my point.” Cadence stepped around her to look her in the eye once more. “You came to kill my daughter, and you leave full and her willing protector. And all of ours?” There was a beat of silence. “I can’t pretend I’m not … relieved. But how? Why?”
Her words cut through Chrysalis’s carapace and pierced deep into her heart. She closed her eyes tight and sighed.
“I saw what I lost,” she whispered. “I saw the hatchlings I raised and loved, the same I oppressed and lost due to avarice. And, for a moment, I was a mother again.” When Chrysalis opened her eyes, she found herself met with a look of … pity?
How she hated pity.
Cadence looked away. “She’ll ask about you.” Rustling her wings, she added, “I suppose if you’re going to abide by your deal, you’ll need to be close by.”
Wrinkling her snout, Chrysalis fixed her with a look. “Have you lost all sense, mare?”
“Have you, changeling?” Cadence glanced back at her, an odd smile playing upon her lips. “Have you, faerie godmother?”
Chrysalis growled and pushed by her. “When she says it, it’s endearing. You? Disgusting. Don’t call me that again.”
“Of course, faerie godmother. Flurry will be thrilled to hear you’re staying.”
“I’m serious, shut up.”
“No. Also, that guard you enthralled.” A golden horseshoe tapped on the floor. “I expect him returned. Whole and undrained. And his senses returned to him. To show a good example to Flurry, of course. Dear, sweet faerie godmother.”
Groaning, Chrysalis squeezed her eyes shut. “Fine! Fine! He’ll be returned at sunrise! Now, shut up! If I’m to keep my end up, I must be feared by those who would threaten, not adored!”
“Of course. Well, I suppose you’d best be going then.” Chrysalis could almost hear the smirk in her tone. “But before you do, I’d like to offer you a deal.”
Her ears stood erect. Sometimes, she hated her nature. “I’m listening.”
“Talk to your children and the rest of your former hive, and apologize,” Cadence said. “And I’ll talk to Shining about letting you near Flurry.”
Chrysalis turned to fix her with a wry look. “You realize you’re asking me to mend ties with a thousand changelings, while you merely speak with one stallion. This is hardly fair.”
“And you realize nothing can compare to my husband’s disdain for you,” came the retort. “Except, perhaps, my own. But for Flurry’s sake, I suppose I can work on that. And if you really feel it’s not fair, I’ll add another piece.” Her smile slipped away from her face. Cadence fixed her with a flat look. “Come to the front door like a proper guest. And don’t sneak into my daughter’s room like that again.”
A low, dark chuckle escaped her lips. “Dear Princess,” Chrysalis purred, “that’s a deal I can’t accept. After all …” She grinned and raised her brows. “I’m her faerie godmother.”