Chrysalis let a loan groan as her head throbbed. She barely remembered much of the night before, but she knew enough that she shouldn’t let Cadence take her out on any more of her parties.
“I do hate you.” said Chrysalis as she took a sip of water. Cadence stood behind her, brushing out her mane. Chrysalis let out a small growl as the alicorn hit a snag in her hair.
“You enjoyed it up until you passed out.” said Cadence, rolling her eyes. “Besides, how was I supposed to know you’d get wasted off of lust?”
“By actually asking me and finding out?” suggested Chrysalis. “I just have to hope this hangover passes enough that the wedding won’t give me more of a headache than I feel creeping on already.”
“If it makes you feel better, I heard Celestia got just as wasted, and I sure the others are no better.” said Cadence with a giggle. “I am sure that Luna and I are the only ones who won’t be battling a hangover during the wedding.”
“Good for you.” said Chrysalis. She watched as put her mane up into a tight bun, a hairstyle that she admittedly never tried. Once Cadence was finished, Chrysalis started putting on the tux that Rarity delivered earlier that morning. The tux was a normal black tux, as per usual with weddings. However, the tie was a dark red that matched with Chrysalis’ mane and eyes.
The changeling let out a sigh of relief as she buttoned up all the way, the suit fitting perfectly over the slight baby bump that she had grown. Chrysalis doubted she would get much more use out of the tux considering the size difference, but it was serving its purpose for today.
“I do have to hand it to Rarity.” said Chrysalis, examining herself in the mirror. “I somewhat doubted her ability to make this tux fit a pregnant mare.”
“There is a reason I have her custom make my dresses.” said Cadence with a giggle. “Though I have thought about commissioning some more… risque clothing from her.” Chrysalis rolled her eyes at the comment as she looked herself over once more.
“Ignoring your comment on lingerie, I should give the mare my thanks next time I have the chance.” said Chrysalis as she sat down with a sigh.
“I did wonder why you chose to be the groom.” said Cadence, brushing through her own hair. “My color choices hinged on you both wearing gowns. “
“Celestia wanted to stick with tradition.” said Chrysalis with a shrug. “I told her that she was the ruler of a country and could do what she wanted, but she wanted to keep to tradition and said the the roll of groom fit me better.”
“You have the blunt attitude of a stallion.” said Cadence, putting her man into a bun. “Blunt, stern, quite different from the more relaxed behaviors of the rest of us Princesses. It is no wonder why ponies are afraid of you.”
“You’re saying I’m scary?” asked Chrysalis, raising an eyebrow at Cadence.
“In a way.” admitted the alicorn, turning around to face Chrysalis. “Getting to know you, you can be sweet in your own way, but when you address those who you do not know personally, you come out as strict and uptight. Combined with your intimidating looks, it could come off as terrifying to some.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” said Chrysalis dryly.
“Someone could have warned me about Pinkie Pie parties.” said Celestia with a groan. The alicorn was in a similar position as Chrysalis, battling a hangover she did not intend to give herself as Rarity wrestled to tame her mane.
“If we warned you, it wouldn’t have been a surprise party.” said Rarity, running a brush through the alicorns mane. “Though, her parties is why I now bring my own beverages to parties if I can. Hangovers are very uncouth.”
“You’re telling me.” said Celestia. The princess took another swig of her water as she hoped for her headache to calm down before the ceremony starts. “I am still not sure if I really want to go through with this.”
“I thought you really couldn’t get out of a political wedding?” asked Rarity, raising an eyebrow.
“Well, you can, but that's not what I’m talking about.” said Celestia with a sigh. “I mean telling Chrysalis how I feel. While I have started to find a friend in the changeling, somehow, I am not sure if I want to risk making this political nightmare we are in any worse than it is.”
“Oh I am sure it will be alright, darling.” said Rarity, thinkin back on her previous conversation with the changeling. “You just have to look into your and decide if this is something you want to do. I am sure it will go better than you expect it to.”
“I do wonder how you know so much about these things.” said Celestia with a chuckle.
“One too many romance novels, I am sure.” said Rarity, finishing off the braid she was constructing. “There, I will leave you to put on the dress. I am sure you will find that it fits exceptionally well.”
“I have no doubts about your talents.” said Celestia as she walked behind the changing screen.
Chrysalis took a deep breath as she stood outside the doors to the hall. It still felt like everything she was doing was unreal. In a short amount of time she was back in the same room she invaded only a few short months ago. It was unbelievable how fast everything moved, almost as if it was all being written by someone who did not understand the concept of pacing.
“Don’t look so nervous.” said Cadence, walking up behind her. “This isn’t your first wedding.”
“It's the first that was actually meant for me.” said Chrysalis with a sigh. “In all hindsight, I should have picked something less personal to invade. It would have made this a lot easier.”
“On the brightside, it looks like a good amount of ponies that aren’t nobles showed up.” said Cadence with a smile.
“Half of them are changelings in disguise.” said Chrysalis with a sigh, causing Cadence to look again. “I invited a couple, a few are here out of interest, others to make sure nothing goes wrong.”
“I’m not sure if I should be alarmed on how well they blend in or not” said Cadence, shaking her head. “I still haven’t fully realized the idea that the are hundreds of changelings walking around that I never notice.”
“Just means they are doing their job correctly.” said the queen with a smirk. “It looks like it is time for you to go up.” Chrysalis nodded to Shining Armor who was walking up to them in his formal wear.
“Then I will see you at the altar.” said Cadence with a smile. “Good luck.” Chrysalis flashed a quick smile as the mare made her up the aisle. Once she made it up there, Chrysalis would have to make the journey by herself.
As Cadence made it to her spot on the altar, Chrysalis took a deep breath before she started making her way down the aisle. As she passed them, multiple ponies gave her odd looks while the changelings had a look of happiness yet hesitation. It wasn’t everyday that a pregnant, former terrorist gets married to the Princess of Equestria.
Chrysalis let out the breath she didn’t know she was holding once she made it to the altar. She turned herself to look down the aisle, flashing a quick smile to Cadence before going back to her straight face. She jumped a little as the music started, barely enough for anyone to notice.
Escorted out by Luna, Princess Celestia made her way up the aisle. Chrysalis felt her breath hitch as she stared at the Equestrian Princess. She felt like she was a filly once again with a crush on the most popular filly.
Celestia was adorned in a beautiful long, white dress that blended perfectly with her coat. There were dashes of green that flaked in with the dress that still managed to compliment her features. Chrysalis will have to make a reminder to thank Rarity once she had the chance.
Finally, Celestia stood across from Chrysalis, giving her a warm smile. The Queen felt her cheeks burn as she returned the favor. Luna gave a slight chuckle as she took her place in between them. The Lunar Princess cleared her throat, the echo that followed gaining the full attention of the audience.
“Ladies and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here for the binding of Princess Celestia and Queen Chrysalis in marriage. For hopes of peace and coexistence.” said Luna, motioning to the two of them. “And may the two of them live on in love.”
“Now, Celestia, do you vow to support and care for Chrysalis, through highs and lows?”
“I do.”
“Chrysalis, do you vow to support and care for Celestia, through highs and lows?”
“I do.”
“Celestia, do you vow to listen to Chrysalis in her times of distress?”
“I do.”
“And do you, Chrysalis, vow to listen to Celestia in her times of distress?”
“I do.”
“Then do you, Celestia, take Chrysalis Nymphadora as your wife, till death do you part?”
“I do.” said Celestia, her smile staying true. Chrysalis could feel her cheeks heating up.
“And do you, Chrysalis, take Celestia Solar as your wife, till death do you part?”
“I do.” said Chrysalis, holding her head high. Luna gave a small smile before continuing.
“Then by the power vested in me as Princess of Equestria, I pronounce you as wife and… wife.” said Luna with a small giggle. “You may now kiss the bride.”
Chrysalis’ heart started to beat widely as Celestia leaned forward. Not wanting to delay the inevitable, Chrysalis closed her eyes with a slight squint as she met her halfway. Not wanting to linger to long, Chrysalis pulled back with a blush.
Three fillies that Chrysalis never learned the names of, despite having been at Cadence’s wedding, brought the rings up to them. Being the groom, Chrysalis took Celestia’s ring in her magic first before carefully slipping it over the Princess’ horn. She let a small smile creep on her face as Celestia did the same to her. This was the happiest she felt in a long time.
Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea.
The reception moved out into the gardens. Toasts were made, though little was said to Chrysalis. Cadence made a joke or two about the invasion that gained a few chuckles. It became slowly obvious just how unwelcome she was.
Only a few ponies were comfortable with her. Cadence seemed to change her tune rather quickly, making Chrysalis nervous. Shining Armor was hesitant, but got over his grudges after Celestia spent an hour ripping him a new one after he was caught spying on her.
Luna didn’t require any effort to make a friend, declaring Chrysalis her best friend shortly after meeting. There were also a number of guards that she befriended. But aside from the small group, most other ponies stayed suspicious of her, waiting for her to act up.
Dinner was served and cake was cut. Chrysalis had to give it to the castle staff, the cake was the best that she had in awhile. She never got to taste the cake for Cadence’s wedding, but she almost wished she had tried to sneak a taste.
As dinner came to a close, focus was brought over to the dance floor that was built. Chrysalis was content with watching the others dance, but before anyone made their way onto it, she found herself being pushed towards it.
“The Bride and Groom dance first.” said Cadence as she shoved her onto the dance floor. Before she could protest, Celestia made her way towards her. Chrysalis gulped as she made her way over.
“I have to confess, I never did learn how to dance formally.” said Chrysalis as Celestia started to place her hooves on her.
“Then follow my lead.” said the princess with a soft smile. “And careful not to step on my hooves.”
Chrysalis silently nodded as she wrapped her hooves around Celestia. The music started to play, causing Celestia to take her first step. Chrysalis carefully mimicked her every step, trying to keep in time with the music.
“See, it isn’t so hard.” said Celestia with a chuckle. Chrysalis smiled back before biting her lip.
“Celestia, I have to something I need to tell you.” said Chrysalis with a sigh. “Over the past few months, I have found myself becoming more attracted to you. I don’t know what started it, but I started to see you as more than a friend that took me in when I became pregnant.”
“Then I should tell you that the feeling is mutual.” said Celestia warmly, nuzzling into Chrysalis’ neck. The changeling could feel her cheeks heating up as she smiled. That stupid, pink alicorn was right after all.