//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 // Story: The Ap-parent Trap // by Bakmah Genesis //------------------------------// Twilight let out a heavy sigh as she took another swig of coffee.  In front of her was the invitation that she got earlier that morning.  She could see the point, even though it wasn’t a smart idea. She just wished she got a better heads up before they sent out similar invitations to the other five elements of harmony. “I think we should just go over there and kick Chrysalis’ butt!” yelled Rainbow Dash, slamming her forehooves together.  “This has to be some kind of trick. Celestia would never marry a creep like that monster!” “Now, now, darling.” said Rarity calmly, taking a sip from her own cup of tea.  “While I agree that Chrysalis is up to something, I do think that we should come up with a plan first.  Just running in there blindly is how we were defeated last time.” “Now Ah agree with ya and all, but if we wait, it may be too late for the princesses.” said Applejack.  “We already tussled with her once, Ah’m sure we are more prepared this time than last time.” “We aren’t going to go and attack anyone.” said Twilight with a sigh, pushing aside her cup.  We will just do as our invitations asked of us. Rarity, I’m sure you have been requested to do their dresses.”  The white unicorn nodded before Rainbow Dash pushed herself into Twilight’s face. “What do you mean we aren’t going to go attack?!” exclaimed Rainbow.  “Princess Celestia is in trouble! As the Elements of Harmony we are obligated to go help her!” “If she was actually in danger, than yes, we would.” said Twilight, standing up so that she stared back into Dash’s eyes, causing the pegasus to backup slightly.  “But since I know she is not in any kind of danger, then we will just prepare for the wedding in two months.” “Now hold up, sugarcube.” said Applejack, walking towards Twilight.  “There is something ya ain’t tellin’ us.” Twilight let out a deep sigh as she massaged the bridge of her nose.  She sat down for a moment, taking a quick sip of her coffee. “Before I came back from Canterlot, I went to the Castle and saw Chrysalis on accident.” said Twilight calmly.  “Celestia assured me that she was not brainwashed and that Chrysalis was staying under goodwill. And that… there is more to her stay and this marriage than it seems.” “Like what, darling?” asked Rarity.  Twilight bit her lip, turning away. “What do you mean, pregnancy?!” shouted Blueblood.  Out of courtesy, Celestia invited him to the wedding only because he was of noble blood.  If it weren’t for that, Celestia would never invite him to any kind of formal castle event, maybe even ban him from the castle. “I mean that my bride to be is pregnant, Sir Blueblood.  I don’t believe I stuttered.” said Celestia calmly, not showing emotion either way.  “This unexpected event is why I chose to declare a political wedding. I deemed that it was the best way to solve our differences between our nations.” “She is an enemy!  Just a few months ago she tried to take the throne!” cried the stuck up noble.   “So would you if it meant you could save yourself from starvation.” said Celestia.  “This is political move to make an allie out of an enemy. We have done similar things to gain friendship from the gryphons, zebras, and even the yakks.” “Yes, but you didn’t have to marry to achieve that goal, and neither of those invaded the country.” said Blueblood.  Celestia let out a sigh as she stood from her throne. “My decision has been made.” said Celestia.  “In two months time, I shall be wed to Queen Chrysalis and our nations shall be united.  It will all happen whether or not you want it to. Now if you don’t mind, I have a press conference in a few minutes.” The white stallion huffed before turning around and storming out of the courtroom.  There was a flash, and Chrysalis appeared next to Celestia, causing her to jump. “He’s bit of a dense idiot, isn’t he?” remarked Chrysalis.  “Also, I was the chalice on the ground next to your throne. I appreciate you not attempting to drinking out me since the water was just an illusion.” “Eavesdropping aside, yes, he is quite an idiot.  Unfortunately, he had the luck to be born into a rather influential family that just so happens to have a slot in my cabinet.” said Celestia with a sigh.  “If I could, I would ban him from Canterlot, some of the restaurants in town would praise me for it, even.” “Your politics confuse me, Celestia.” said Chrysalis, making her way down the short flight of stairs, Celestia following behind her.  “So am I to join you in this press conference? It has been a few days since we sent out the invitations, news of our engagement should have travelled halfway across the world by now.” “I’m sure it has, my star pupil already shared with me the chaos it caused between the other elements of harmony.” said Celestia.  “As for you joining me, it would probably be best if you did. I can no longer hide you, so we might as well answer as many questions as possible.” “And what of my pregnancy?” asked Chrysalis.  “Should we explain that, or leave it for after the wedding?” “Hiding it now would be pointless.” said Celestia.  “It will already stir up controversy as it is, but if we wait until you are visibly pregnant during the wedding it would only be worse. The trick is trying to find a way that doesn’t sound like you seduced me.” “Accidental pregnancy through magic conception isn’t enough?” asked Chrysalis, raising an eyebrow at the alicorn.  “I am not sure how else we can really explain it. The whole situation sounds ridiculous to anyone who doesn’t know how magic works, even then only a few unicorns are bound to know this sort of anomaly.” “I normally don’t try to just hope things work out.” said Celestia with a sigh.  “Any other ideas? Or should we just say how it is and hope it works well?” “I may have an idea on how to get them to be less against me, though it could easily go the opposite direction and prove against me.” said Chrysalis, stopping next to the main entrance. “I don’t suppose you would like to share this plan with me?” asked Celestia, questioning the Queen.  Chrysalis just shook her head. “You will just have to play along, and try not to seem like you are under my control.”  said Chrysalis. Before Celestia could question what she meant, the doors opened to reveal the crowd that laid beyond.  Celestia took a deep breath before collecting herself and walking towards the podium, Chrysalis in tow. Lights flashed as a flurry of pictures were taken.  Looking around, she could catch some of the nasty looks that were thrown towards Chrysalis.  However, the changeling kept a neutral, almost glossed over look as she followed behind the Princess.  It was only then that Celestia noticed that Chrysalis had taken off her crown. As Celestia took her spot at the podium, she took a minute to look over the crowd before her.  On top of the normal press and journalists, there was an increased number of guards that patrolled the courtyard, as well as a fair number in the sky.  Celestia also suspected a number of changelings hiding in the crowd of civilians that came to watch as bystanders. Chrysalis even admitted that a few changelings approached her after the invitations went out, believing she was being forced and needed rescuing.    The emotions in the crowd was a mix of curiosity, anger, and fear.  The ponies gathered at the base of the stairs fidgeted as they awaited the announcement to confirm the rumors.  Celestia took another deep breath before clearing her throat to gain their complete attention. “In the past couple of days, rumors have spread that invitations have been sent out to the noble families as well as out to certain ponies throughout the kingdom, inviting them all to the wedding of Queen Chrysalis and I.  These rumors are correct. For multiple reasons, Queen Chrysalis and I have decided to a political marriage that will bring together our nations.” “Only two months ago, we were invaded during a time of celebration and love.  The changelings attacked, trying to feed on love, only to be defeated by the very thing they seeked.  However, we have come to an understanding, and have found the true reasons behind the invasion was merely starvation.  A motivation similar to the zebras. We went into their territory and started taking their food. They would attack our citizens to regain the land we were taking over.  And yet, the zebras are a strong ally of ours only a few centuries later. “The same can be for the changelings, a species that merely needs food that has become increasingly harder to get.  However, if we accept them into our society, show them the respect that we show for our fellow pony, than the changelings can prosper, and we can no longer fear for another attack, no longer fear if a pony is who we thought they were.  It is a step we must take to gain another powerful ally, and friend, and not another enemy.” As Celestia finished, there was another frenzy of lights and shouting as the crowd processed what happened.  Before the crowd got too rowdy, Chrysalis stepped forward to the podium, causing the crowd to go quiet. “Our understanding on our needs is not the only reason why Princess Celestia and I have decided to marry.”  said Chrysalis, scanning the crowd as she picked her next words carefully. “After the failed invasion, I noticed a change in my health in behavior that was later found to be pregnancy.  However, before hooves are pointed, understand that the only way I was able to become pregnant was through magical influence. It has found to be, that during my duel with Princess Celestia, our DNA was mixed in a rare instance that can result in conception of a foal. “For one reason or another, I was impregnated with the foal of princess Celestia.  It was not something I planned, nor was it something I was aware was possible consider the difference in species.  However, I have stayed in the castle with Celestia for over a month now, shortly after I became aware of my condition.  I have been treated with a shocking amount of kindness I did not expect considering the circumstance. Princess Celestia has showed me hospitality that one would give and old friend, and has made sure to keep up with my condition and try and work this throw with me. “That is why, prior to our wedding, I want to declare my love for Princess Celestia.”