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// Epilogue 
// Story: A Love as Rare as Dragonfire 
// by Alabenson 
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A few days later at another royal table, Princess Cadance was enjoying her morning coffee alongside her husband and daughter. As Cadance watched Shining Armor attempt to convince Flurry Heart to eat something else besides her bowl of Discord-Os (Now containing a full daily dose of vitamin aardvark!), one of Cadance’s maids entered the room bearing the morning newspaper. Or, curiously, papers, as the maid had elected to present Cadance with a copy of The Canterlot Tattler, a notorious tabloid, in addition to the usual Equestria Times.

“Your highness,” Velvet Glove, the main in question, said with a curtsey. “I’m happy to report that Operation Emerald Vision has concluded with a complete success.” As Velvet Glove spoke, she gestured towards the tabloid’s front page, which bore a large picture of the Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious embracing the fashion icon Rarity in a passionate kiss.

“Wow, that was even easier than I expected,” Cadance said, sounding quite pleased with herself. “I’d figured I’d need to stir up at least a bit more drama before those two actually got together. I’m guessing a few of our operatives were looking forward to that part, too.”

“What’s that, sweetheart?” Shining Armor said as he temporarily abandoned his efforts to coax Flurry Heart to eat something that wasn’t 80% sugar (and 20% material not native to his universe).

“Oh, nothing. Just enjoying the satisfaction of a job well done,” Cadance replied as she set down the paper.

“Ew, is that Uncle Spike and Miss Rarity?” Flurry Heart said as she noticed the tabloid’s front page.

“Huh, those two actually got together? Way to go, Spike!” Shining Armor said before several things suddenly clicked into place in his mind. “Wait…Cadance, were you playing matchmaker with Twily’s friends? Again?”

“I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about,” Cadance said with feigned ignorance. “I would never meddle with any of Twilight’s friends’ relationships.”

“Uh huh. Does the phrase ‘Operation Cheesecake’ ring any bells? Or how about all the books on relationship advice that mysteriously got shipped to Discord’s home?”

“How did you even know about that?” Cadance exclaimed. “I mean…I have no idea what you’re talking about. Besides, I’d never have the time to set something like that up since none of the bookstores in the empire deliver to Discord’s dimension and setting up deliveries through a separate service is a complete hassle and I’m not helping my case, am I?”

“On the upside, you’re absolutely adorable when somepony catches you red-hoofed,” Shining Armor teased. “But, seriously, try to tone down the whole ‘ninja matchmaker’ thing. Twily’s friendship journal has a whole chapter on how that can go wrong.”

“I’d like to think I know at least a little more about matchmaking thana trio of fillies who hadn’t even gotten their Cutie Marks yet,” Cadance huffed. “But I guess if it makes you feel better then I guess I can leave the rest of Twilight’s friends alone.” Shining Armor gave a sigh of relief as he turned his attention back ot Flutter Heart, while Cadance leaned over to Velvet Glove. “Put Project Zap Apple on hold for now; we’ll refocus on Operation Over the Moon instead.”





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