//------------------------------// // Shining Armor I // Story: Perspectives // by StunningSwan //------------------------------// “Do you have any last words?” “Father please! I’ve been framed! Please listen to your daughter”  “You were never my daughter” Shining said as he stared at her with his usually cold glare. Skyla suddenly barges in shouting, “Father wait!” You might be wondering what is going on here. Who am I? What did I do? Well, we have to rewind a bit in order to get the story. Most of my subjects know me as the great and powerful Emperor of the Crystal Kingdom. Others know me as the cruel and stone cold ruler. In my defense, a great ruler has to be that way in order to have a great and powerful empire.  But, I wasn’t always meant to be the Emperor. Though I was the oldest child of the former Emperor of the kingdom, my younger sister, Twilight, was chosen to become the next ruler. I did not mind though, I never wanted to have all that weight over my shoulders.  My sister on the otherhoof showed everypony what great leadership and determination she had so, I knew the role would fit her. Besides, I could never feel bitter against my sister who I love dearly. Though I never felt any bitterness towards my sister, I felt it against everypony else. I was treated like a spare. One that is not worthy to be treated as an equal.  The one that supported me through all my hardships was a pegasus mare named Cadance. Cadance was Twilight’s personal maid but overtime, a relationship developed between us. She helped me overcome the feeling of being in Twilight’s shadow. Overall, she made me feel I was worth more.  Despite her being a commoner and I a royal, we thought each other as equals and, that was all I ever wanted.  We planned to run away and live somewhere far away from the kingdom after my sister’s coronation. As you all can guess, that never happened as the tides turned for me. Twilight fell in love with a prince of our neighboring kingdom, Prince Flash Sentry of Canterlot. My sister left the Crystal Kingdom to marry Flash, leaving me with the Crystal Throne. Thus, I became Emperor.  Of course, there were many obstacles but I overcame them and proved them wrong. I might have spilled blood along the way but, that is not important. There is more to tell but, it’ll be saved for another chapter.  Today is the Debutante Ball. A ball that is hosted every year to introduce the new young grown nobility into society. It is very boring but is a tradition for the Emperor to attend. I was going to skip the ball like I have been doing every other year but, this year my niece, Darling Star, will be attending. I was doing paperwork in my office until Darling Star walked in. “Uncle!”, Darling said. I look to see my niece. “What is it Darling?” “I feel troubled Uncle Shiny. I need your judgement on which outfit looks better on me”. She then shows me two dresses, “Which one will look better on me?”. I chuckle, she is just like her mother. “I think you would look beautiful in any dress, my dear niece” Darling grunted. “Uncle! You are not helping!” “It is true though. Besides, you are only fourteen, your debutante ball isn’t until another two years. You are lucky you have such an amazing Uncle to allow you to go this event” Darling rolled her eyes and went to sit on one of my sofas that I have in the office. “That reminds me, didn’t Cousin Flurry turn sixteen awhile back?” I scoffed. I forgot about that bug, it would have been nice if I wasn’t reminded about her. “Why would I care about that insolent thing?”, I said coldly. “Geez Uncle Shiny, I was just asking” I sighed, “I apologize Darling but, I just don’t want to think about her”. “I was just wondering if she is going to the Debutante Ball or not” “I don’t care if she does or doesn’t but, if she does, I want you to avoid her” “But Uncle-“, Darling said before a knock from the door interrupted her.  “Come in”, I said. A dragon comes into the room. The dragon is Spike and he is my personal assistant. “Your Majesty. Your highness.”, he greeted both me and Darling. “What is it that you want?”, I asked. “I am here to pick up the paperwork I’ve given you three days ago. Today is the deadline. Have you finished Your Majesty?” I look at the work I was doing. I still had two stacks to go. Darling gasped and said, “Mother would be very disappointed in you Uncle! Shame!” I snickered at her joke. It looked like Spike wanted to laugh but I gave him one glare and, he knew to keep himself in control. “I’ll get these done by the end of the day. If that is all, you can leave” Spike, who didn’t want to argue with the Emperor, sighed and said, “Fine”.  As he was about to leave he turned back to me and said, “I almost forgot. I have something about Marquis Zephyr” “Is he the teal weasel you have mentioned Uncle Shiny?”, Darling asked. I chuckled and nodded. Darling isn’t wrong, that Marquis is a weasel and such a bothersome. “What does he want?”, I ask. “He wants an audience with you sometime around the ball. He says he has something important to present to you. Whatever that means” I scoff. “You’re dismissed Spike” Spike nodded and bowed before leaving. After he left, I turned to Darling. “You should get going to. Don’t you need to get ready?”. Darling got up from the sofa and said, “I guess you’re right but, how about you? When will you be at the ball?” I sighed and said, “Whenever I finish these last two stacks of paperwork” “I’ll see you there then Uncle Shiny”  I finally finished my paperwork. It’s been an hour since the ball started and I was getting ready. “Are you finished Your Majesty? You are already an hour late!”, Spike said. “Don’t rush me Spike. You were the one that wanted me to finish the paperwork. Aren’t you happy I did?” “Of course I am but, I wouldn’t have to rush you if you did procrastinate” “Just be happy I finished. Let’s go, I’m ready now” I walked out of my room as Spike trailed behind.  I finally reached the doors of the ballroom and the guards saluted me. They then open the doors and I walk in. Trumpets start to play as a pony announced my arrival. Everypony in the room bowed as I walked to my throne.  As I sat down, I said “Continue as you were doing”. I felt too tired to be here. The ball was too boring anyways, but I am just here for my niece. I looked around to find Darling. When I did, I saw her wave at me and I smiled at her. I then see that teal weasel weaseling around to get to me. When he got closer, I noticed a pegasus mare following him Once they got to me, they bowed while I glared them down. What does this weasel want?  “I heard you wanted an audience with me Marquis” “Yes Your Majesty, it is true. I wanted to present my niece to you” I scoff. “What is so special about your niece?” This is not the first time he mentioned her. Almost every time I see him, the Marquis always brings his niece up to the point I wanted to kill her to spite him. Luckily for him, the feeling of having a niece has stopped me. Marquis Zephyr cleared his throat and removed the necklace off of his niece’s neck, revealing her Crystal Eyes. “She is also your daughter” I stagger from his statement. Daughter? It can’t be?!  I start to become suspicious. What trick is the Marquis playing?  Everypony started to turn to us. It was quiet for a moment. I finally broke the silence, “My daughter you say?” I guess I have to see this for myself closely. I decided that I should take this somewhere else, I don’t want a bunch of strangers getting into this business.  I got up from my throne and said, “We can continue this discussion in the Audience Room”. I started to walk out of the ballroom, going to the Audience Room. I sat on the throne in the Audience Room, waiting for the Marquis and his niece. Once they did I commanded, “Tell me everything Marquis”. “Well, from her eyes, you know I’m not lying. To be honest, I didn’t even know you had another daughter myself” I can clearly see her Crystal Eyes but, I need more proof. I can’t stand him stalling anymore. “Get to the point Marquis”, I coldly demanded. I continued, “Well, my sister Fluttershy, the late Empress’s personal maid, was the one who took care of her for ten years. When she died, that was when I found out about your daughter”   It can’t be. Fluttershy had her all along? I got up from my throne and walked to them. “What is your name?”, I asked. “S-Skyla, Your Majesty”. Skyla. That was the name she wanted to name our baby. It can’t be. I lifted her chin, to get a closer look at her and our eyes met. Her eyes are like mine, there is no sorcery behind it.  And though she has my eyes, I realize she looks just like her.  I can’t believe she is alive. After all the years I thought she was dead, she was right here, before me. Her warm atmosphere reminds me of her mother’s. I missed that feeling. “Welcome home”, I said with a smiled. It’s been a month since I was reunited with Skyla. By now, she has gotten accustomed to her new life. I’m still getting adjusted to having her back. I’m still shocked Fluttershy had Skyla all along. Still, I’m glad Skyla had a mother like Fluttershy to raise her. Today, Skyla and I are attending the Chevalier Games, an event where knights compete in games. Afterwards, there is a ceremony where knights are promoted to a new rank. The games have already begun and I was rushing to the arena. I really need to stop the habit of procrastinating while doing my work. “Your Majesty, can you slow down? You’re not that late. I thought you hated these things. Why are you in a hurry?”, Spike said, who was trailing behind me. “Don’t ask stupid question like that Spike. Every second I miss, is the time I’m losing with my daughter” Even though I couldn’t see Spike’s face, I could feel him looking surprised after what I said. To be fair, I would have never thought I would say that out loud but, it’s true. I need to make up for the time I lost with her. I finally made it to the balcony, where Skyla and I would be watching the games. I go through the curtains and I see Skyla already sitting on her throne with Lady Polomare standing next to her. She turned back to me and said, “Father, you are finally here!” “I’m sorry I am late Skyla. I hope you did not have to wait long” “Of course not. I am glad you are with me now”, Skyla said as she gave me a warm smile. “I just wish Flurry was here to watch this”, Skyla commented. “Skyla! You know His Majesty doesn’t want you to bring her up. Stop trying to get your father upset”, Lady Polomare scolded. Skyla pouts. I sighed. Skyla has been mentioning that bug for awhile now. I have heard she has been helping Skyla get adjusted in the palace so, she and her have been getting close. I know Skyla has been trying to get her into my good graces but, it’s not going to work.            “Okay, I’ll stop . . . for today”  “Skyla!”, Lady Polomare said. I roll my eyes, “It is fine Lady Polomare” Skyla giggles, “I’m sorry Father” I smile, “You are forgiven my dear daughter”. The trumpets started to play, signaling the next game as the crystal knights started coming out. Skyla stood up from her throne and got closer to the balcony. It looked like Skyla was looking for somepony.  “Skyla, sit down. It’s improper for a lady to do that”, Lady Polomare scolds. “But Auntie, Pound Cake is going to compete this round” So the stallion is Pound Cake. The adopted son of Marquis Zephyr and Lady Polomare. Skyla’s cousin. “Let her be, Lady Polomare” Lady Polomare sighed and nodded. I can see my daughter’s eyes flash once he walked into the arena. Her eyes and fainted blush tell me everything. It’s the same look I had whenever I saw Cadance.  The Marquis suddenly arrives. “Your Majesty”, he greeted. “You’ve made it just in time to see our son’s event”, Lady Polomare says. “Uncle, come get a closer look” “You ladies can continue watching, I need to talk with the Marquis about something”, I say. “Oh okay, please hurry. I don’t want you to miss when Pound wins”, Skyla says. The Marquis winks and says, “We’ll be right back” Me and Marquis Zephyr get out of the balcony and into the hallway. “So what is it you want to discuss with me Your Highness?” My heart feels uneasy. What I’m going to say to Marquis Zephyr will hurt. “I want to offer an engagement between my daughter and your son” “W-wait what?”, the Marquis said in shock. In all my years with him, I have never gotten that reaction from him into today. Who knew I would finally stricken the weasel.  “It is clear that my daughter likes your son. It makes sense as he was the one that took care of her when I was not there. I will give you time to think about it. I can wait until-“ The Marquis interrupted me saying, “Deal!”. He cleared his throat and corrected himself, “What I mean to say was, my son will happily accept and Skyla will be overjoyed after hearing the news”.    “We can discuss more after the Knighting Ceremony” “Of course Your Majesty. Shall we head back to the game?” I nodded and we went back to the balcony. Skyla,  who was leaning on the balcony, turns back to me and says, “Father! You’re back!” I go stand next to Skyla and see her eyes move to Pound. “You like him, don’t you?” Skyla suddenly turns to me while her blush becomes brighter. “W-what?!” I chuckle. “Like father like daughter” Skyla turns back to Pound Cake and says, “Well, you’re right. I guess you can say I figured out my feelings for him during this last month”. I could tell she was hesitant to keep on going. I smile and nod at her, letting her continue. “I was thinking of confessing to him but I decided not to since he’s been preparing to become Captain for the last month. And today, I got to witness him becoming that. Him becoming Captain will be enough for me”.  “Well, I made an offer with the Marquis that will definitely make you happy” Skyla chuckles, “But father, you have already given me all that I want. Beside, what more would I want if I already have you” Her words somehow always warms up my heart. Only a few can do that to me. It’s going to be hard giving her up when I just got her back. It’s been a week since the Chevalier Games. Skyla and Pound Cake are now officially engaged. And after all of that, I never thought that day would come when I become an in-law to Marquis Zephyr. I was in my office doing my regular work until Spike barged into the room. “Your Majesty!” I usually get angry whenever someone barges in without notice but I currently feel a troubled tension around Spike. “What is the matter Spike?’ “There is urgent news regarding Princess Skyla” My heart started to beat fast. “Is something wrong? Is Skyla fine?” Spike shakes his head. “Skyla has been poisoned. And the culprit seems to be Princess Flurry Heart”