//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 // Story: The Ap-parent Trap // by Bakmah Genesis //------------------------------// There was roar of shouting and lights as Chrysalis stepped away from the podium, taking her seat off to the side.  Celestia was left in a state of shock, not sure how she should respond. Not sure if Chrysalis was telling the truth or not. The next couple of minutes Celestia answered the questions of the journalists that had gathered.  All the while, Chrysalis’ statement rang in her mind. Along with shock, Celestia could feel a warm sensation that swept over her.  She did not know why, but she felt happy. Just as it was approaching time for the sun to start its downward descent behind the horizon, Celestia finally called the conference to a close.  As the barrage of lights picked up again, the alicorn turned to start entering the castle. She caught a glimpse of Chrysalis, the changeling giving a warm smile and wink.  Blushing, Celestia turned away as she hurried into the castle. As the doors closed behind them, Celestia whipped around to face the changeling. “That was your idea?!” exclaimed Celestia, her voice cracking slightly.  The changeling chuckled as she walked up to the alicorn. “Yes, it was.  It proves, in a sense, that I am not just merely lying about all this and am trying to control you.”  said Chrysalis walking past her. “Some of that was true, though. It is up to you to find out just how much of it is.” “You are getting some kind of satisfaction out of this, aren’t you?” asked Celestia.  The changeling cackled, glancing back at the princess. “We are going to spend a lot of time together, Celestia.” said Chrysalis.  “You will learn that I only mess with those I care about.” Celestia’s cheeks burned red as the changeling disappeared down the halls.  The princess huffed, before shaking her head with a smirk. “This will be an interesting wedding.” The sun had just gone down as Celestia sat in front of her desk with a heavy sigh.  In front of her sat a stack of suggestions from Cadence. After they had agreed to the wedding, the younger alicorn spent days thinking of ideas for the wedding.  Celestia ended up being the final decision, as Chrysalis didn’t really know much about weddings, despite having invaded one. The suggestions ranged from color schemes, flower choices, if the castle should cater or if they should higher one of the nearby restaurants.  Cadence had spent months doing almost nothing planning her own wedding, and Celestia didn’t doubt that she would spend every waking moment planning. As she combed over the list, her mind couldn’t help but wander over to the conference earlier that evening.  Chrysalis’ ‘confession’ played back in her mind, her cheeks growing red. Many stallions and mares alike have tried wooing her over the many years she has lived.  She has been flattered, but never was really interested. Few have claimed to have gotten to her heart, but they lasted only weeks before they simmered out. However, something felt different with Chrysalis.  Another being who has stood in her hooves, that cared only for her people and would go to extreme lengths to protect and save them.  Out of the other ponies that have courted her could never understand her pain, but Chrysalis did. “Has Little Celly been lovestruck?”  Celestia jumped, looking up to see a smirking Luna on her balcony.  “I heard how the conference went. True or not, one has to think.” “True or not, things will go as they are planned.” said Celestia, trying to rid herself of her blush to no avail.  “What was said will not change anything except how the country views things.” “We both know that is a load of crap.” said Luna, rolling her eyes as she approached her older sibling.  “One just look at you and see that you see Chrysalis as more than an ally. She wooed you, lying or not!” “Fine!” exclaimed Celestia with a groan, flopping onto the ground.  “I will admit that I feel like a school filly all over again, crushing on a pony who I don’t even know likes me back.” “Then find out.”  said Luna, laying next to her.  “You two spend a lot of time together as it is, are engaged to be married within two months, you have plenty of time to find out just how she feels about you, and explore more on your own feelings.” “When did you become my counselor?” asked Celestia. “When you couldn’t figure things out yourself.” said Luna, sticking her tongue out.  “These next few months are about you, whether you want it to or not. If you try, it can be about both of you.” “You sound like Cadence, you know that?” teased Celestia.  Luna chuckled as she stood up. “I wonder who she got it from, then.” said Luna with a sigh.  “Anyways, I will leave you to your thoughts. I must prepare for my walk.”  With that, the younger alicorn disappeared in a plume of smoke. Casting a quick spell to remove the smoke from her study, Celestia let out a sigh. “I do hope you are right, sister.” Chrysalis sat at the desk that was in her bedroom.  On it was a stack of books on pony wedding rituals. After learning of her lackluster knowledge of weddings, Cadence was quick to pile on ‘homework’ on the subject.  She had already finished one of the books and had a good idea on how they functioned, but out of boredom decided to read all of them that was given to her. Aside from the conference and a quick dinner, Chrysalis spent her evening alone.  Luna went back to her evening schedule to do her dreamwalk, and Celestia had been busy trying to close some bill that she did not try to understand.  When your nation functions more like a beehive than mess that needs to be directed, you tend to be confused by most politics. With a sigh, Chrysalis closed the book before her before moving over to her bed.  With a slight groan, the queen fell backwards onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.  Without realizing it, she wrapped her hooves around the very slight bulge that had began to grow. “How the hell did you get her, Chryssie.” muttered the Queen to herself.  She jumped as she heard a slight thud outside her door. Quickly, she put out the candles in her room and watched the door.  It opened to reveal a couple changelings that quickly entered the room. “My Queen, we are here to rescue from the treacherous Princesses!” said the lead changeling.  Chrysalis let out a groan, a hoof planting itself firmly on her face. “I am not a prisoner here, you idiots.” said Chrysalis with a sigh.  “I came here on my own accord, and plan to stay here, possibly permantelly.” “Then what about the guard outside the door?” asked the changeling.  “If you are not a prisoner, than why was he guarding you?” “Because Celestia has the next room over, you dolt!” growled Chrysalis, causing the changelings to back away.  The Queen let out a deep sigh. “Look, I am not a prisoner, I am not under any control, physical or mental, I don’t plan to take over Equestria, there is no plot against the Princesses.  I came here for the months of pregnancy and to give birth to the foal I did not plan on having. I will be wed to the Princess of Equestria, and if things go well, changelings can live in Equestria without fear.  That is the plan, if there is one out of this mess.” “Then who shall lead in your absence, my Queen?” asked the changeling. “The Alpha Drone.” said Chrysalis with a sigh.  “He will organize any feeding missions, but you must not harm a pony nor must you get caught.  Only go on feeding missions if you need to. Use reserves for now. We must tread carefully from now on.  If the Alpha needs me, he can find me here.” The drones bowed before leaving her room.  As the door closed, Chrysalis let out a sigh as she fell back onto her bed.  She was going to have to get used to living at the castle. Even if the marriage goes smoothly, she doubt she would be able to leave often without painting a large target on her head.  Especially with her foal on the way. She wrapped her hooves around her stomach once again as she stared at the ceiling.  Her declaration of love wasn’t too far off from the truth. She had been surprised at the kindness she had been shown, and her overexposure with Celestia had taught her a lot about the mare that was as old as she was. Celestia would make a great mother, even if Chrysalis wasn’t.