//------------------------------//
// A Proposal 
// Story: Kindness and the Heart of Shadow 
// by Raven-Flight 
//------------------------------//

“The problem was, Celestia is so confident that her light penetrates all corners and exposes all truth.  She could not fathom she would be deceived!”  King Sombra laughed heartily, and the resulting motion in his body bounced Fluttershy back and forth, for she was lounging on the bed against him.  

Fluttershy said nothing in response, merely taking a bite of the pemmican that had levitated up to her mouth.  She had not questioned the unfamiliar food any further after Sombra informed her it was a traditional provision in the far north.  It was a little tough and chewy, with a strong taste of berries smothering an alien yet appealing tang.  The King levitated the mysterious treat back up to himself and also tore off a bite.

“It was most humorous to hear my informants’ reports,” he continued enthusiastically around his mouthful.  “Apparently, Celestia took her Royal Guard and camped outside of Chicoltgo, and Luna with her Guard watched Foaledo.  My spies spent several days knocking out a fire hydrant here, or starting a minor fire there, just anything small to keep the Princesses in place and distracted.  They ran themselves in circles looking for my attack, when all the time I was storming Manehattan and having such a delightful time of it, too!”  He laughed again.

“I take it you were successful, then, my King?”

“Oh yes, perfectly so,” he purred.  Sombra ate another bite of pemmican, and then, still holding the stiff snack with his mouth, lowered his head and offered the rest to Fluttershy.  She took it.  The King, while his mare worked on chewing, let his lips find the line of her jaw and took a moment to explore it with a few gentle nibbles.

Fluttershy finished her bite and coyly pushed Sombra’s head away from hers, so he continued his story.  “Once all the Manehattan citizens were rounded up and released from the poison of Celestia’s light, they were quickly convinced of the justice of my cause.  Every last one of them joined my growing army.”

“I’m not surprised, Your Greatness.  Your arguments are very persuasive.”

“Indeed, I told them exactly what I told you not so long ago.  Only,”  Sombra rested his chin on top of Fluttershy’s head, “None of them were intelligent enough to understand as quickly as you did.”

Fluttershy giggled.  “I think you’re just flattering me.”

“I am flattering you, but not only just!  It’s true, you know.”  The mare giggled again, and they shared a moment of contented stillness.  Then Sombra lifted his head again and sat up.  “Fluttershy, I have always ruled alone.”

The seriousness in his tone caused Fluttershy to sit up as well and face the King.

He continued:  “But I believe my next reign will have some permanence at last.  I’ve been thinking; perhaps it is finally time I took a Queen.”  Then, whispering in Fluttershy’s ear, he asked “Will you be my Queen?”

A shiver ran down her spine.  Queen?  Wife of this powerful stallion, who seemed to have the whole world dancing on strings controlled by his own hooves, and yet cared so much for her?  It was an intoxicating thought.

Something deep in her mind, so deep it might have been not in her mind but her bones, objected violently.  This isn’t right.  You must say no.  You must say no and flee.

Fluttershy did not like her angry bones.  She wanted the sweet wine of Sombra’s promises.  After only a moment of hesitation, she smiled broadly and succumbed to the enchantment of temptation.  “Of course, my King.”

“Good,” he returned, voice low and savory.  “I think we will have a very happy reign.”  The mighty stallion delicately brushed a lock of hair out of the dainty mare’s face as her smile shifted from euphoric to captivated.  King Sombra began to lean forward, and Fluttershy closed her eyes.

Then he froze.

“What’s wrong, Your Highness?”

“I sense I am needed elsewhere immediately.  Here is some water and a few Tackish delights.  May they tide you over while I am gone.”

“Thank you, good King.”  Fluttershy offered a final smile and Sombra teleported away, leaving the treats and even the bed behind.  Alone again, the mare sprawled out on her back, sucking on a candy and reflecting giddily on King Sombra’s attentions.