Cadence let out a sigh as she made her way through the castle halls. Shortly after the return of Chrysalis, Cadence thought that it was the perfect time to start that honeymoon her husband decided to push off. He protested, but a couple sleep spells and a quick flight later, she was able to forget the troubles that had been brewing in Canterlot.
Unfortunately, she could only slot a one month leave and she returned much to her own annoyance. From the lack of panic in the news articles and only the usual rumors going around, it was safe to say that Chrysalis’ existence was still hidden to the country, but for how long was still to be determined.
Cadence knocked on her Aunt’s study, waiting a moment before entering. Much to her surprise, Luna sat at the cluttered desk, Celestia and the changeling queen were both absent. Luna turned at the sound of the door opening, standing with a warm smile.
“Ah, Cadence. It is good to see that you have returned.” said Luna, giving a slight nod. “I hope you enjoyed your late honeymoon.”
“Thank you.” said Cadence, looking around. “Where is Celestia?” Luna chuckled before turning back to the pile of paperwork.
“Chrysalis and her went over to the Medical Wing for an appointment.” said Luna. She levitated a small pile of papers. “Meanwhile, I have been attempting to iron over how we can bring the changelings into Equestria.”
“A well crafted plan can go a long way.” said Cadence with a sigh. “Celestia is sure she wants to go through with this? My own reservations about Chrysalis aside, she is still an enemy to a majority of the country. I don’t see how we can convince the populace to this.”
“If you remember, so were most of our allies.” said Luna, putting the paperwork to the side. “The zebra colonies, gryphon territory, the dragons for a long while thought of us as only food. It will probably be a few years before things will mend between our two species, the newest member of the royal family could be a young adult by then, but it is a process we have to start before it will eventually come to fruition at the end.”
“It will still take more than a sudden pregnancy to make me change my mind.” said Cadence, rolling her eyes. She sat down, levitating the pile of paperwork Luna was working on towards her. “But I might as well try to help with this train crash of a plan.”
“Well, you seem fairly healthy, as far as I can tell.” said the doctor as he stepped back from Chrysalis. “I haven’t really worked on changelings, you being my first, so assuming you are similar to ponies in most cases, then both you and the foal should be in rather good condition.”
Chrysalis and Celestia sat in an office tucked in the medical wing of the castle. The doctor demanded to see Chrysalis around the one month of the conception of the foal, seeing as he was her maternity doctor since he was the only doctor aware of her presence in the castle.
“And as you two are aware, I am more of an emergency care professional, pregnancy is a ways out of my field.” said the doctor, sitting himself across from Chrysalis. “I suggest bringing an a professional in the next couple of months. I can do regular physical check ups, but I am not qualified to deal with the rest of the care you require.”
“I am sure we can figure something out.” said Celestia with a warm smile. “Now if you excuse us, we have other business to attend to. Thank you for seeing us.” Celestia stood, motioning for Chrysalis to take the lead out of the office.
“I still have questions.” said Chrysalis with a sigh. She followed behind Celestia as she led them back to her study. “I know it is not in his field, but it might still be good to ask him about the risks.”
“And that should wait till we find a proper specialist.” said Celestia. “Not only do we have to find a doctor who specializes in foals, we always have to find one that has some knowledge in magical conception and is less likely to freak out that his patient is a changeling queen.”
“I… can see how that may be difficult.” said Chrysalis. “We also have to figure out how to deal with the situation between our nations before I go into labor.”
“I asked Cadence to assist once she returned from her late honeymoon.” said Celestia, stopping outside her study. “She may not be thrilled by you, but she does have an idea on pony relations and can probably find a somewhat easy way to go about this.”
“You cannot be serious!” cried Luna from inside the room. Celestia and Chrysalis glanced at each other before quickly entering the study. Inside sat Luna, looking appalled at the pink unicorn that sat opposite of her.
“What’s the matter?” asked Celestia, closing the door behind them. Cadence glanced at Chrysalis a moment before standing. The queen could have sworn she saw a plotting look in her eyes.
“We were discussing possible solutions to try and mend things.” said Cadence, a smile on her face. “I think I found one that may work, and is fitting with everything that has occurred lately.”
“And I am shocked that she thought of such a thing!” exclaimed Luna, shaking her head. “Even if it did work, there would be rumors of a scandal! The nobles would go into a panic. It would fix things, yes, but the panic ensued would be tremendous.”
“May I ask what exactly we are talking about?” asked Chrysalis, slightly confused. Cadence walked up to the queen, her smile making Chrysalis nervous.
“I want you and Celestia to get married!” said Cadence proudly.
“What?!” exclaimed Chrysalis and Celestia in union.
“Mirroring what Luna said, that would cause mass panic!” said Celestia, shaking her head. “Let alone the rumors that I was brainwashed into it!”
“Mind control magic doesn’t really work on Alicorns.” said Chrysalis. “It's why I chose Shining Armor instead of Cadence. I could mold his mind more than I could hers.”
“Look, I know it seems crazy, but it fits everything we need it to.” explained Cadence. “We need to find a way to unite two nations, as well as the fact that both of you are expecting a foal together. Foals normally mean a marriage and a merger between nations if it is between two rulers.”
“I hate that this makes sense.” said Celestia with a heavy sigh. “And if this were to work, we would have to do this within the next few months, since I rather have my future child under legal, royal protection by the time they are born.”
“May I just add, that in two months, I failed to invade Canterlot, got pregnant, and basically got engaged to the ruler of the country I tried to invade.” said Chrysalis. “This at all doesn’t sound insane to anyone else?”
Twilight busied herself with cleaning the bookshelves in her library. Even though she knew it was unhealthy to try and hide from her friends, Twilight made sure she was spending as little time with them as possible to prevent her from accidently spilling her teacher’s secret.
“Twilight, you got mail!” called Spike from downstairs. “It looks like its from the castle.”
“Weird.” said Twilight, trotting down the stairwell. “Normally I get those messages from you.” The unicorn took the letter from the drake, unrolling the scroll.
You are cordially invited to the marriage of Princess Celestia Solar and Queen Chrysalis Nymphadora.
The wedding will be held in two months time at the Canterlot Castle Event Hall. Upon request by Princess Celestia, you are asked to be the Best Mare. Both the Bride and Groom would appreciate your response and if you could find time to make it to the wedding. Please reply soon.”
Sincerely
Princess Celestia Solar and Queen Chrysalis Nymphadora.
“Oh horseapples…”