The convoy drove through the silent streets, towards the immense spire in the city’s center. Rivalled in height only by the Changelings’ hives, the Crystal Palace was rather prettier, she felt. Chunks were missing, and many surrounding buildings were less than rubble, but the Crystal Empire had always been one of the most beautiful creations of Ponykind. Occasional gunfire was most telling as her forces cleared out those few hold-outs that persisted even after more than a week of full occupation.
A short while later, Daybreaker walked into the throne room. Her wayward niece sat on the floor beside the throne, leaning against one of the impressive crystalline pillars with visible exhaustion, but still managed to shoot her a sad look. The distance between them was gone in moments, and the Empress sat on the throne. Neither said anything while the larger mare surveyed the room. Nearly immaculate, likely because both had ordered the palace to be off-limits for fighting. Still, stray shells had hit the construction, but it would likely not take too long to repair that. The silence stretched, enough to become awkward.
It was Cadance who spoke first, however. “How is Aunt Luna?” she asked.
“Well. As well as she can be, considering she allowed the Nightmare to subdue her.” Again. “She is being held in a secure location. Until a way to purge her of the Nightmare can be figured out-”
“The Elements don’t work?” her niece interrupted. There was no need to note that her sister was incarcerated very near the Tree of Harmony, in the hopes that its energies would have a positive effect.
She could only shake her head, allowing a sigh to escape her. “Some of them… still cling to the past. Rarity is missing entirely. I dearly hope she did not flee Equus. She would not find many sympathisers to her former Mistress’ cause abroad.” Neither would she in Equus, but here she would be treated according to her status as an Element, at least. A few more moments passed.
“Your husband was captured yesterday. Sunrise led the advance personally. I hear even she had trouble subduing him. His shields truly are among the best.”
“You’re not going to… hurt him, are you?” The fear in Cadance’s voice was palpable.
“Shining Armor is family, and I do my best to treat family well.” Upon the dubious look from her niece, she rolled her eyes. “You think me a tyrant, then? I, whose people bled the Changeling war machine as you stood by? I, who offered even the worst traitors redemption? Who yet hopes to redeem her sister once more? I am no tyrant, Cadenza mi Amore. I am the Empress-Mother of all Ponies. I have always loved and guided my little Ponies, but only recently have I realised the need to be more proactive,” she explained. “The world changed radically in recent years. It was my duty to adapt just as rapidly, so that I may protect and guide all ponies.”
“Like you guided Twilight? I’m not sure if you noticed, but she is nothing like the vibrant, happy filly I got to know years ago.” She turned away from Daybreaker. “If that is your love, I don’t think I want anything to do with it.”
“War changes ponies. You and I both know this, of course. Either way, very well. You may have nothing to do with ‘it’.”
Surprise was written on Cadance’s face as she turned back to her elder. “What?”
Daybreaker suppressed the feeling of superiority and put a benevolent smile on as she leaned down, and spoke in a gentle voice. “You may live as you wish. Cadance. A nice mansion in the outskirts of the city, together with your husband and daughter. No longer will you be forced to bear the burden of ruling the Crystal Empire, to worry about your decisions affecting millions of ponies. I truly do not wish ill upon you and yours,” she spoke with conviction. Whatever Cadance’s response, this was but the beginning. Some mares needed a little more time, or something of a gentler touch to see the Truth of Light. Even as the once-Princess nodded with the hint of a smile, Daybreaker knew that in due time, mi Amore may be permitted to resume her rule of the Crystal Empire - reduced to a subject of the Sun, of course. Until then, Sunrise Sparkle would govern faithfully.
And perhaps one day the Mare of the Moon would see the Light as well. That thought brought a genuine smile to Daybreaker, even as she concluded her first of many more talks with her niece.