The next morning Applejack was packing food for her brother as he was getting ready to go for his day-off.
His sister commented, "It's no secret what you're going to do today."
Spike was by the doorway and smirked, "Yup, he's going to see his fair Sugar Belle, aren't ya?"
The stallion stated, "Eeyup."
"Just make it count, big brother," she said as she put the saddle bags on his back, "you know this maybe the only chance you'll get to be with her before well…"
Mac simply nodded before hanging his head.
Spike went to him and patted his back, giving him some comfort that would hopefully ease the pain.
Meanwhile, Discord and Fluttershy met up in the hallway that wasn't far from Big Mac's room with her inquiring, "What are we going to do today?"
"Ohhh, I was thinking of going out and take a stroll around the village square, wouldn't you like that?"
She furrowed her brow, "That does sound nice, but I didn't think you like visiting the village that much."
"Point taken since I rather stay close to the only place that allows me to change back every night however I need to take into consideration of how coop up you must be feeling after being here so long."
"That's… surprisingly thoughtful of you… A little too thoughtful of you…"
He gasped, "Fluttershy! Are you implying I'm up to something?! I thought we had an understanding that everything I'm doing now is all for you!"
"I do understand that, Discord. But it does seem rather sudden that you want to visit the village right as I help gave Big Mac a day-off who will be visiting the village to see his special somepony… That I can't help but wonder… are you afraid he'll try to make a run for it?"
Discord was stunned by her deduction and sighed deeply, "There's just no fooling you is there?"
Fluttershy made a small smile, "I grew up with a little brother that tried to charm his way out of things all the time."
He released a chuckle, "That is so true. But you know what that just makes you more extraordinary ever before. The fact you were able to have the patience to deal with him is… is just amazing." giving her half-lidded eyes.
She blushed from his loving stare and said, "How about this, we can go to the village but you must promise me you'll not disturb Big Mac and his date, alright?"
He used his hoof to touch his chest and made a proud stance, "Upon my word of honor as a king."
She sighed, it'll have to do.
With some convincing on Fluttershy's part, Big Mac strapped himself to an open carriage for the king and Fluttershy to ride in. The deal was they would take separate ways once they reached the village. Twilight, Spike, and the Apple sisters were there to see their send off.
Apple Bloom called out to her brother as they were leaving, "Say hi to Sugar Belle for me!"
Mac called back, "Eeyup!" before going pass those gates for the first time in his life.
Applejack beamed at the sight and told her husband and Twilight, "I am so glad Fluttershy chose him. This may be the only chance of freedom he'll ever get."
Twilight mentioned, "And did you see the way the king was looking at Fluttershy? I've never seen him that happy ever since I've been here!"
Spike said, "Fluttershy really is changing him for the better. Looks like the princesses were right."
His wife added, "Yeah, especially since Dash's knighting was a surprise to all of us it's given the entire castle hope that things will finally turn around."
Twilight said, "Only time will tell."
The ponies had made it to the village where to Big Mac's delight he spotted a pink unicorn with dark purple hair selling her baked goods from a cart. He looked back to the king who said.
"You may park the carriage here, but remember to be back here at sundown, understand?"
The red earth stallion nodded his head.
Discord and Fluttershy got down giving Big Mac the chance to unstrap from the carriage and quickly went to the unicorn who Fluttershy could see was overjoyed to see him. She could see how animated their conversation was making Fluttershy think that Sugar Belle brings out the talkative side of Big Mac that it was just too sweet.
Discord hadn't been paying attention to the couple instead he had been busy looking around the village trying to decide where he should take Fluttershy. Then he realized that he didn't know much about the village given he's never visited before that it was a bit intimidating. Fluttershy saw his discomfort and told him.
"You don't know where to go do you?"
"Admittedly, I do not. It's interesting really, I have passed this place so many times in my travels but I've never once actually step foot in it."
"Don't worry, I can help you. I grew up here so let me show you everything."
He smiled and asked, "Can you show me where you were born?"
She nodded happily and took him down a road that would lead them to the mill.
In moments they made it and Discord saw just how rundown everything was suddenly he remembered Fluttershy's father asking for more time on his taxes and it made perfect sense now. And it was no wonder now why Fluttershy's brother made such a boastful claim in the first place, he was that desperate to escape such dreary conditions that he was willing to turn his own sister over as a prize. While he was grateful he got to meet Fluttershy at all he was starting to see the way they met was almost sickening.
He thought to himself, I swear if that stallion ends up becoming my brother-in-law I'll make sure he's taught a lesson he'll never forget. Looking ahead he saw said stallion and mused, Speaking of which…
Zephyr was lounging about in a hammock between two small trees beside the mill making Fluttershy sigh in exasperation.
"Oh Zephyr…"
"I take it he does this often at home?"
"He always takes advantage of mama and papa, in fact I always had to make sure he did his part for the mill so we didn't fall behind on work but ever since I went to the castle he's been doing nothing to help! I know because I check the mirror every single day!"
Guilt filled Discord realizing he left the Shy family at a disadvantage by taking the one pony that helped keep it steady. He asked, "Fluttershy, would it be so terrible of me to get that lazy lump to work again?"
Her eyes brightened at the idea and declared, "Not at all! But please don't do anything dangerous, I don't want him to get hurt even if it seems he deserves it."
"And once again your golden heart wins out." he smiled before directing his attention at the pony in the hammock and used his magic to turn the net upside down causing the lazy stallion to fall out.
Zephyr exclaimed, "Hey! Who's ruining my siesta?!"
"Zephyr Breeze."
The pegasus turned his head to see… "Sis? Sis!" he ran to hug her, "I can't believe it! I thought… but you're here!" he embraced her again.
Discord cleared his throat reminding the stallion of his presence.
Zephyr gasped and bowed, "Your Highness! Forgive me, I didn't see you there!"
Discord formally addressed him, "Mr. Breeze, am I to assume that you were napping instead of working?"
A sweat ran down Zephyr's forehead, "What?! No! I… I was just taking a break!" he wiped his forehead and dramatically moaned, "Working in the mill can be so hard and tiring! You remember, don't you Flutters?"
Discord could see Fluttershy was resisting the urge to roll her eyes. A tiny smirk crept on his face as he said, "Well then you wouldn't mind showing me how the mill works won't you?"
Zephyr let out a strangled laugh, "O-of course not! Anything for his majesty!" he went inside with Fluttershy and Discord following behind as they exchanged sly smiles.
Discord saw the inside of the cottage and thought with a frown, Such a small place isn't it? He saw Fluttershy's expression and she seemed to be reminiscing of all the wonderful times she had growing up here. It just goes to show that even though he tried to spoil her with luxury back at the castle she would always prefer the simpler things in life making her all the sweeter.
She uttered out, "It feels like forever since I've been here…"
Zephyr heard that and commented, "Indeed things just haven't been the same without you, Sis!"
Discord mumbled, "Gee, I wonder why…"
Fluttershy had to stifle her giggles.
A soft voice came, "Zephyr, who are you talking to…?" Mrs. Shy entered from the kitchen and trailed off when she saw… "Fluttershy?"
The mare was on the verge of happy tears, "Mama…"
Mrs. Shy rushed to her daughter in joy and hugged her tightly, "I thought… I thought I would never see you again!"
"Oh Mom…" Fluttershy hugged back with tears running from her eyes.
Discord watched the reunion feeling happy for the girl he cared about but at the same time it made him a little sad thinking of a certain part of his past he wished he could forget.
Zephyr came between them and interrupted their sweet moment, "Mom, we have company, royal company for that matter."
Mrs. Shy saw the unicorn dressed in a rich cape and gasped before bowing low, "Your Majesty… Had I known…"
Discord dismissively waved his hoof, "No need for that. For this is a casual visit. Now where is your husband?"
"He's out back gathering the wheat that will be grinded into flour. If this is about him being behind his taxes, we apologize, it's just hard for my husband to handle the work by himself… He's not as young as he used to be…"
"But your son has been helping has he not?" eying Zephyr across the room who had a guilty look on his face.
"Well…" Mrs. Shy started before Zephyr cut in.
"Of course I've been helping!" he made a nervous laugh, "I help Pops in any way I can!"
Fluttershy innocently inquired, "Can you do so right now? I'm sure Father could use a break himself."
"Oh, you bet I can!" he ran out of the house and in minutes Mr. Shy entered saying.
"How strange, one minute I was getting the wheat and the next thing I know Zephyr shows up to do it for me, how-" he gasped when seeing his daughter, "Fluttershy?"
"Papa…" she smiled before going over to give him a hug.
"How…? How did you escape?"
Fluttershy made a wince before moving aside to show Discord there making Mr. Shy gasp in shock and quickly bowed.
"Forgive me, Your Highness! I did not see you there!"
Discord muttered under his breath, "Story of my life apparently."
Fluttershy gave him a small smile as he addressed the aging stallion, "Please stand."
Mr. Shy did as he was told but still had a frightful look on his face when facing the king.
Discord continued, "I must apologize you to you miller. My behavior toward you when we first met was poor to say the least and on top of that, I imprisoned your daughter without so much as thinking how it would affect her and your family. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness but I want you to know how much your daughter means to me and I humbly ask for your blessings as I court her."
Fluttershy and her parents were stunned to say the least when hearing Discord's apology. Making her think, This just maybe the first time he's ever apologized to anyone! It just made her so happy!
Mr. Shy and Mrs. Shy were beside themselves before the patriarch replied, "Why yes, of course you may. That is if Fluttershy is alright with it." he turned to his daughter for an answer.
Fluttershy smiled bright as she said, "Nothing would make me happier."
Discord's heart pounded furiously when she said that. Then he cleared his throat, "Well then, I shall leave you three alone so you can catch up," he went toward the door, "I'll just be outside making sure certain things are going as they should." he made a wink to Fluttershy while her parents were confused by the words.
Once he had left, Mr. Shy spoke up, "Fluttershy, I… I don't understand, how… when Zephyr and I were force to leave you, you had to spin straw into gold for him or else we would have been all banished but when nothing happen I only assumed the king changed his mind and just had you as his prisoner as punishment for us lying to him in first place. But now… he seems much kinder than before and here you are happy to be with him. Why is that?"
"Oh Papa, Mama, so much has happen since we've been apart that I don't know where to begin."
Mrs. Shy suggested, "Just start from when you were imprisoned."
Fluttershy nodded and took a deep breath.
Discord watched with a careful eye of Zephyr getting the wheat all the while it was amusing to see the stallion fumbling around in order to work hard as proof he was making the effort.
He debated telling Zephyr that Fluttershy was able to spin the straw into gold after all just to see what his reaction would be but then chances were the stallion would try to use this information to his benefit like he did with his parents so instead he told the pegasus.
"You're quite lucky, you know. To have a sister that is charming and beautiful that she was able to win me over in a second. But you should know I saw past your lies from the moment you spoke about her turning straw into gold."
Zephyr nearly dropped the wheat and questioned, "Then why…?"
"Force her to turn the straw into gold? That was just a lesson to teach you not to boast about things you shouldn't. I never intended for her to turn the straw into gold, I just wanted to get to know her better. But I really must thank you though."
"F-for what?"
"For introducing me to her, I daresay that just might have been the only good thing that you did right for her. So be grateful that things worked out after all in your favor."
Zephyr looked like he was on the verge of being smug and Discord knew he had to deflate that ego before it got too big.
"Keep in mind though that your sister has told me everything about you so I know that you really are a lazy bum and that you haven't done squat to help your family since Fluttershy's been at the castle."
Fear flashed before Zephyr's eyes and this time he did drop the wheat, "How…?"
"I gave your sister a magic mirror so she can see her family whenever she wishes so she always sees you goofing off."
Zephyr gulped and ended up groveling at the king's hooves, "Sire, please, I beg you… I-I-I'll do better!"
The king raised his brow, "Is that fact?"
"Yes! Yes! I'll work hard and help my father around the mill more!"
"Very well. I grant you this second chance."
Zephyr sighed in relief.
"But remember…" The unicorn made a menacing look, "Should I find that you haven't been keeping your promise…"
"You won't! I swear!"
"Alright then, show me how you turn the wheat into flour."
Zeph let out a nervous laugh, "You got it!" as he quickly gathered up the wheat and headed inside where the mill grinder was.
By late afternoon after a bittersweet hug and farewell that Fluttershy exchanged with her parents, she and Discord started going back to the village as Discord asked.
"So you told your parents everything?"
"I did. They were surprised to learn that you were really a draconequus under a curse but as long as I was happy that's all they cared about. I noticed that Zephyr was working harder than he's ever had in his life the entire time we were there, what did you do to him?"
"I told him that I knew the truth about him and that you have a magic mirror so that we can keep a close eye on him so if he slips up just once… well you get the idea."
She smiled at that before saying, "I told my parents not to tell Zephyr or anyone else about your curse."
"That's good."
They kept on walking down the road with Fluttershy taking in the scenery and hearing the birds singing much to her delight making him say, "I wasn't lying before about you seemingly coop up in the castle. I've seen you in the gardens feeding the animals, you just look so at ease whenever you do that."
She blushed and stammered, "I… I didn't think you noticed…"
"How can I not? You're so different from other girls I have met over the years."
She stopped in her tracks, "Wait… there's been… other girls?"
Discord was confused until he realized what she was asking with wide eyes before smirking while teasingly asking, "Do I detect a hint of… jealously?" he wiggled his eyebrows.
She blushed and moved at a fast pace to avoid his gaze, "No! I just thought… Oh, never mind!"
Discord kept at her pace and questioned, "Fluttershy, are you afraid there was someone before you?"
"Well… um… maybe a little?"
He quickly grabbed her hoof to have her face him as he seriously said, "My darling, I can assure you that there never was…"
Her own eyes widen with her softly inquiring, "Really?"
He nodded, "No one has ever caught my eye the way you did. I was just a cranky old king that was bitter from the fact everyone else got to be happy instead of me. But… you have changed that…" he gave off big eyes.
She smiled back at him then they continued walking while giving each other loving stares.
Once they were back in the village, Fluttershy took them to a nearby tea shop and explained, "This was one of my favorite places to visit in the village. Jasmine Leaf, the owner has shown kindness to me by letting me sample different teas like rose hip green tea."
Discord lit up in intrigue, "Oh, interesting, does it decorate your hips in roses or turn you green?"
She giggled, "I never thought of that before! No, it's doesn't to do anything like that but I would love to see that happen! I would also love it if Ginseng tea could actually sing!"
His eyes brighten at the prospect and commented, "How clever of you to think so!"
"It's just so funny thinking of different teas that can do something to you. Like if lemon tea turns you into an actual lemon! Or if peppermint makes you look like a candy cane! Or green tea that makes you green with envy!"
He joyfully laughed at her ideas making him exclaim, "I love it! Such creativity is too good to be true! I must admit, Fluttershy I always took you as well liking normal boring things…"
"Well yes, I do like things that are normal but I also like new ideas. Upon meeting you, you have opened me up to so many more possibilities and impossibilities! Like say that chaise lounge that's in the drawing room back at the castle I would love it if it could come to life and chase me around the castle like a puppy would!" she tittered.
He smirked, "I'll have to remember that when we get back."
They entered the tea shop where Jasmine Leaf greeted them, "Fluttershy! I haven't seen you in awhile!"
"Hello, Jasmine, and sorry for not visiting but I've been… occupied…" she looked at Discord.
He said, "Meaning she's been with me."
Jasmine Leaf gasped, "Oh my! My congratulations to you two! Can I offer you some special tea you need for a date?"
Discord waved his hoof, "No, no, nothing like that. However I would like to buy every type tea you have here in the shop."
Jasmine's eyes widen in surprise, "Every… type of tea…?" looking around the large store full of tea on every shelf.
Fluttershy was surprised herself until Discord whispered, "How else are we suppose to get creative without every single tea there is?"
She got his meaning and beamed.
As they were leaving, Discord said over his shoulder, "Just send the tea over to the castle and bill it to me, the king." he saw the look on the shopkeeper's face going from confusion to shock in a second much to his amusement.
Fluttershy sighed, "You just love to have the last laugh, don't you?"
He grinned mischievously, "Is there any other way?"
She looked up in the sky to see Celestia's sun had almost reached sundown, "Oh dear, we better go and meet Big Mac."
"Time certainly flies when you're having fun. But it's just as well, I need to be at the castle to transform back."
Fluttershy gave him a reassuring nuzzle making his insides melt.
They searched around the entire village before they found the large stallion sitting at a table outside a café with his mare as they exchanged big puppy eyes at each other. Discord was going to go up to them when Fluttershy held him back while pleading with her eyes to give Big Mac another moment.
"What's the big deal? He can always see her like he always does by the palace gates."
"It's not that simple. She's engaged to be married to another stallion."
Discord raised a brow at that, "She's cheating on her fiancée? And you approve of this by letting Big Mac see her?"
"Big Mac and Sugar Belle were already in love before she got engaged. He knew he couldn't let her be trapped within the castle like himself so he insisted that she get engaged to a former lover of hers. Sugar Belle did so with a heavy heart."
"You know this how?"
"Applejack and Spike told me."
"Ah."
"The point is, this maybe the first and only time for them to ever be together without restrictions getting in the way."
Discord looked at the couple and saw genuine love between them. Flashbacks ran through his head and he could see Bright Mac and Buttercup exchanging those same loving looks between them. Now that he was getting a better look at Big Mac and Sugar Belle together they do resemble his old friends greatly. With this revelation he made small gasp.
Oh Fates, why must you be so cruel to me…
"What's wrong?" Fluttershy asked.
He stared straight at her for the longest time before he made for the couple. Fluttershy worried on what he was going to do and quickly tailed after him.
Big Mac saw the king coming and pointed it out to Sugar Belle as she said in disappointment, "Oh… I guess it's time for you to go…"
Mac hung his head sadly, "Eeyup…"
Sugar took his hoof, "I won't forget this day as long as I live… For one day, I got to be with the stallion I truly loved."
Mac smiled softly at her words and leaned forward so they could kiss but were interrupted when the king said, "Big Mac."
The couple turned to face the king.
Sugar Belle started to beg, "Please, sire, I know he has to go, but allow us this one last kiss."
Mac pleaded with his eyes and said, "Please…"
The king had a stone face on before stating, "You can have all the kisses you want as long as you break off your engagement so Big Mac can come visit you whenever he likes."
The couple gawked as well as Fluttershy from behind him.
Discord went to the stallion and placed a hoof on his shoulder, "Big Mac, you remind so much of your parents but just now I saw how much you resembled them with the one you loved. I would never forgive myself if I let their son be unhappy for the rest of his life…" he looked back to Fluttershy who was on the verge of happy tears then faced the stallion again and uttered softly, "Cherish your love just as I will mine…"
He moved back with Mac gapping.
"Meet us at the carriage in five minutes." he took his leave while taking Fluttershy's hoof to come with him.
The mare exchanged a look with the couple before going.
Big Mac and Sugar Belle faced each other again mulling over what the king said before smiling happily and shared a heartfelt kiss.
Big Mac was in a daze as he pulled the carriage with Fluttershy and Discord sitting inside. She faced the cursed unicorn and told him with a smile, "I'm so proud of you."
Discord sighed, "It was not an easy thing to do…"
"I know…" she nuzzled closer to him putting her head on his shoulder.
Feeling excited by the gesture he put his hoof around her shoulders and put his head on top of hers, smelling that sweet fragrance from her mane.
Fluttershy enjoyed the closeness between them and they stayed like that for the entire ride back.
As they were getting closer to the gates of the castle another carriage was heading their way in the opposite direction. Discord knew that was Fancy Pants' carriage with it stopping just in front of the gates. Big Mac stopped the carriage he was pulling and Fancy got out of his carriage making Discord do the same. With the nobles facing each other, the king said.
"Fancy, I see that you have returned home."
The marquis responded, "That I have, sire. And I'm surprised to see you out here."
"I was on an outing with Miss Fluttershy."
"Really?" then Fancy shook his head, "I'll have to ask about that later, right now we got a serious problem."
"Oh?" the king raised his eyebrow, "What?"
Fancy took a deep breath, "Count Capper is in fact… a fraud."