The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza could not be happier. “I’m getting married!” She was bouncing around the garden releasing her pent up emotions.
With a sigh, Princess Luna sips her coffee. “That’s what the 30th time she said that?” She asks looking to her sister Princess Celestia.
“That’s 30 times since you woke up to spar,” Celestia states smiling as she samples another slice of cake. “Oh... I like this, what is this flavor?”
“That one the Luscious Lemon, Princess Celestia. For those who love all things citrus, we layered a tangy Meyer-lemon cake with sweet berry compote for a laid-back last course. Great for a spring or summer wedding we can add berries and fruit to it as well.”
Buttercream smiles offering Princess Luna another sample cake slice. “This one you might like Princess Luna. It’s a Coffee and Cream cake, chocolate cake topped with coffee buttercream. A special blend of buttercream I mixed up myself while thinking of you. It has espresso-Kahlua ganache and hazelnut mousse, all atop of the chocolate torte.”
“You don’t have to say princess every time Buttercream. We are friends after all, and you are too kind making a special icing just for me” Luna blushes a bit as she takes a bite of the cake.
“I’m officially working and being professional, Princess. You know I love baking it’s my special talent after all, so what if I make gifts for friends while doing so.”
“Careful Buttercream if you keep it up Luna would be as big as Celestia.” Cadence walks over after coming off her bridal high. “I don’t think Coffee and Cream cake suits my taste for a wedding reception. Is that Red Velvet cake there?”
“A spiked red velvet. The cream cheese icing is laced with decadent amaretto. More thrilling than just vanilla or chocolate, but less extreme than some of the more exotic mixes.”
“Sorry, we are late!” The group turns to see three unicorn ponies walking into the garden. The first was the light aquamarine, Lyra Heartstring, then was the light blue Minuette, last looking slightly nervous was the light goldish gray Twinkleshine. It was Minuette’s voice that spoke up. “The train was running a little late. Not to mention all the decorating going on.”
“Oh, my gosh... I can’t believe we are in the royal gardens. With the Princesses!” Lyra pranced a bit as she looked about.
“Lyra we have been friends with Cadence since school. Why are you going all fanfilly now?”
“Well duh, Cadence is like a normal pony princess. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are like capital letters Princesses. They are the rulers, Cadence was... well a foul sitter and went to normal school.”
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet the bridesmaids, come there still plenty of cakes to taste test.” Celestia smiles as she samples another slice of the Luscious Lemon cake.
“I think I found what I want Buttercream,” Cadence speaks up after she bites a slice of cake.
“Oh that’s the Strawberry Bagatelle Kirsch moistened sponge cake filled with fresh strawberries or raspberries and light Bavarian Cream.” Buttercream reply after checking her notes. “That one from Chief Sourdough. Thought more of our bread maker he does make good cakes.”
“Could I have that spiked red velvet frosting instead. for this one with filling?” Cadence asks nibbling on some of the spiked red velvet.
“It’s your wedding Cadence! Of course, you can.” Lyra laughs as she hugs her friend.
“Oh good now that the taste testing is finished, we can just enjoy the cakes!” Everyone laughs hearing Celestia.
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In the basement of Club Arcane other wedding planning is taking place. “42!” Chrysalis screamed out as she looks over the notes.
The changeling in the disguise of Mixer comes forward and bows dropping the disguise “Yes my Queen?”
“Is everything prepared?” Her hoof tapped the chair arm as she looks at the changeling 42 his annoying habit of keeping that bat pony disguise on till the last moment annoys her. But of all the hive he has been the most successful in this stage of the plan.
“Soon we have replaced key figures in the guards, hiding the real ponies in the abandoned mines. The swarm is now camping in the Everfree forest, they were extremely careful to avoid notice.”
“Good, is this Cadence bachelorette party surprise ready?” Her green eyes narrow was that a smirk on 42‘s face?
“Yes, my Queen. The extra strong knockout drugs should be enough to knock out even an Alicorn.”
“It better... because you are betting your life on it 42.” Nodes or as the Queen calls him 42 swallows. “Yes, my Queen.”
“I want you to lead Princess Luna away to the decoy site. Take the chosen operatives with you. If she gets back, make sure you don’t.”
“But the club... EEPP Yes my Queen.!” Nodes back away and flys up the steps just missing being hit by Chrysalis' magic blast.
“He’s becoming too independent. 49!”
Another changeling comes forward “Yes my Queen?”
“Make sure he doesn’t return.”
“Of course my Queen.” 49 smiles she has been wanting to get back at the club loving Nodes. ------------------------
This wasn’t good. Nodes paced back and forth in the office of the Club Arcane. Why was he being sent to deal with Princess Luna? Sure he took pride in managing the club it was a hotbed of Love for the hive. The whole plan for the swarm was foolish, but what the Queen wants the Queen gets. He looks to the mirror and his insect-like face. With a flash of green, the face of Mixer returned.
“I’m an infiltrator, not a soldier.” With a sigh, he headed out of the club and made his way carefully to the abandoned mines. Of course, they didn’t use the main entrance even if it was blocked off. The changeling had long ago taken over a warehouse and tunneled their way into the mines. He passes two Colts that seem to be the age of 14 playing ball. Seem is the keyword as both focused on him and nodded their eyes flashing green for just a second.
He returned the silent signal and headed into the warehouse. Making his way down the twisting paths to the chamber filled with green cocoons. Stopping just a moment to look at the real Mixer before heading to the location of the already captured Royal guards.
He looked to the gathered Changeling chosen for operation Diverting Moon. “By order of the queen, I will be leading Operation Diverting Moon.”
“Yeah, so you say. What proof do you have?” One of the Pegasus changeling spoke up thrusting his hoof in Nodes face.
A green blast smashes into the Pegasus. “Is that Proof enough?” Queen Chrysalis walks forward with 49. “My changelings, its time. Things are changing and we are masters of change.”
She starts moving forward each step a step of a predator. Only stopping once to brush the side of a cocoon. “A shining new era is coming nearer. Be prepared” The sound of a song starts filling the old mine. A song that would so cause a lawsuit if some mouse overlord heard it.
“NOW FLY MY CHANGELINGS! SOON WE WILL NEVER GO HUNGRY AGAIN!” Her laugh echoed off the mine crystal.
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A royal purple filly wakes up with a scream looking around something was wrong but what. Nightshade hushes up as Peppermint Heart trots into the room.
“You okay my little princess?" He came over and picked up Nightshade into his hooves. “You just had a nightmare. It is alright, I'm here to keep you safe.”
Deep in the filly mind, a premonition echoed. Just like her Aunt Celestia, Nightshade's power is tied to the sun, not the moon. The brighter the light the darker the shadows... so she does have the power of premonition thought it unfocused. Just a faint sense of dread and green flames.