Rarity and the prince walk through the lush garden maze, adorned with vibrant roses, dandelions, and Verbena in a variety of colors - some in full bloom, others just beginning to show their petals. The tall hedges provide a serene barrier, obscuring the hustle and bustle of the city beyond. During their walk, they constantly found themselves batting eyes at each other.
"Aren't they beautiful, my future queen?" He asked, offering her a rose.
"They are, my king." Rarity replied, this time, she meant it. The scent smelled excellent.
"They are said to be from Briddlewood, the birthplace of Unicorns." Blueblood mentioned. Rarity already knew that, so she didn't react much.
"I know." Rarity replied, vaguely.
Another wave of silence laid over them as they wondered deeper into the garden maze. As they did, the prince noticed the soft look in Rarity's eyes. "What’s wrong, my queen?"
"Nothing much." Rarity replied, chuckling. "I'm just very nervous about the joining of our houses. It's never been done with the Silvershines before."
Blueblood's voice softened, his tone betraying a hint of vulnerability. "Do not fret, my queen. Yes, the weight of our houses' legacies can be burdensome. The responsibility to maintain our reputation, to ensure the stability of our lineage, can consume one's every thought."
"Indeed." Rarity's eyes met Blueblood's, searching for a connection beyond their shared duty. But she struggled to find any in his disgusting eyes. "But sometimes, I can't help but feel suffocated by the expectations that come with my heritage. The pressure to conform and uphold the family name can be overwhelming. And yet, in the midst of it all, I yearn for something more. A love that transcends politics and obligations."
Blueblood's expression softened, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "I too, share that desire, Rarity." He lied.
They walked in silence for a moment, the weight of their unspoken desires hanging in the air. Rarity's voice trembled as she broke the silence. "But alas, our marriage seems to be more about uniting our houses than about the connection between us. It feels as if we are pawns in a game we did not choose to play."
Blueblood felt his body tense, a touch of sadness in his voice. "I won't deny the political aspect of our union, Rarity. Our houses intertwine in ways that demand this arrangement. But I promise you, I will do my utmost to ensure that we find happiness within this alliance."
Rarity's gaze softened. "I appreciate your honesty, Blueblood. But, I still feel indifferent about this..."
Those were the words Blueblood did not want to hear. He could just feel his crown slowing slipping away out of grasp. It was clear that she didn't want to commit to the marriage, but, then again, Blueblood knew she had no choice. And yet, thoughts of worriness still flooded his mind. No, no... you have to marry me, or else, my chance of being king will—
Blueblood then broke the silence among them, "Well, perhaps, in time, we can forge a bond that goes beyond duty." He suggested, his voice wavering. "After all, understanding is essential in marriage... So, would you like to tell me more about your house? What was it called again, the house of Exciliber?"
"Excalibur." Rarity corrected, her tone more angry yet still silent. "Has your father taught you very little about our house?"
Blueblood blushed and nervously rubbed his hoof through his mane, slightly making it more messy than before. "Um… yeah?" He answered, trying to hide his nervousness.
Rarity sighed. What a fool she thought. "Would you like to hear it?"
"Hear what?"
"My house's great conquest. The creation of the Excalibur." Rarity replied, Blueblood nodded in approval. Many generations ago, Chisaki Silvershine, a white-skinned unicorn with a spiky red mane and a cutie mark symbolizing a sword, was honored to be chosen as Princess Celestia's personal advisor. His admirable loyalty and bravery, along with his being the only pony able to wield the legendary magical sword Excalibur, which was said to combine the swords of his father's enemies, were the reasons for his selection. He served her loyally and became one of her most trusted court members. Over time, other members of the Silvershine family followed suit and grew close to Queen Celestia and the royal family.
"Well that was… quite the tale." Blueblood replied.
"And yet, many ponies despise us, because we weren't loyal to the first emperor of Equestria, Grogar." Rarity said, hanging her head low. "I don't understand, he wasn't even that good of an emperor. Sure, he was a member of the Creator's Four but he wasn't as honorable as they say."
"Disbanded?" Blueblood asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes," Rarity nodded. "We rebelled against the previous queen of Zephyr Heights two-hundred years ago. It was the Diamond rebellion, I believe."
“Is that true?” Blueblood asked.
“My family tells no tales as far as I know.” Rarity told him. “But what do I know? I am only a young mare who knows very little about the ways of war. I don’t think I have a say in the matter. Well, if the creator is kind, we’ll have another dragonslayer in our family.”
Blueblood smirked and took a quick glance at the flowers. “You shouldn’t bet on Elohim, my queen. It won’t get you very far.” He told her, causing Rarity to raise her head up and turn her gaze over to the prince.
“What do you mean?” Rarity asked. “Do you not believe in the creator?”
“Oh, I do.” The prince assured her. “However, I don't like him very much.”
Rarity’s eyes sparked with interest. “Ah, I see, and what would be your reasoning for that?” She asked.
“Well, for one, the war involving all creatures still rages on. If this god, as almighty as he seems, loves all of his subjects equally, then why let it happen? Why let countless creatures die? If it’s truly magic that bonds the world together, then why do we still continue to fight over it? Why create some creatures stronger than others? That’s not equality, now is it?” Blueblood explained. “Well, to be fair, the world needs order. But the ones who wield that order aren’t worthy of it. And he’s yet to answer the prayers of his subjects."
“You mean the wielders of the sun and moon?” Rarity asked. “If that’s what you mean, then I understand, and, in all honesty, don’t want to be a part of such tyranny.”
“You resent the Alicorns as well, my queen?” Blueblood asked, turning his gaze over at Rarity in curiosity.
“Yes,” Rarity answered. “But more so of their flank-kissing. Just like the first emperor, they aren’t as noble as they seem. Sure, they were handed the responsibility by the omnicorns of Skyros, but what have they done to prove their worth to it? That is, if proving their worth was the extinction of countless creatures in the Evolution Era. They were the spawn of devils as they claim, but were they really? Were the reindeer wrong when they told them visions of the future? Were the Elephants guilty for not committing their efforts to Equestria years ago? I think the answer is clear there.”
“And now again with the Lions,” Blueblood added, his eyes searching for an answer within the clouds. “When will it all end?”
“Well, if the creator is kind, Discord will make a grand return.” Rarity said in a joking tone. “Maybe if he snaps us out of existence, this war will end. Now doesn’t that sound like a good solution?”
The prince chuckled in response.
Rarity couldn’t believe it, but the prince she hated so dearly had similar opinions of the world. It didn’t make him any more attractive, but it did interest her. Rarity's eyes then met Blueblood's, searching for a connection beyond their shared duty. “Say, since we’re getting to know each other so well, why not tell me more about your family?” Rarity asked. “I’m interested to hear more about the so-called house of gold.”
The prince’s eyes dilated in interest as Rarity smiled, he then closed his eyes for a moment and turned head to the ground, staring aimlessly, smirking. “Tell me, Rarity.” He opened his eyes and looked back at her, the smirk still on his face. “Have you heard of the fall of the whispering woods?”
Rarity’s eyebrows rose with mild surprise. “The Forest Rebellion.” she muttered to herself, loud enough for Bluebood to hear. Strangely enough, she had heard that name before, her grandfather mentioned it one time when she was a filly. She’d never heard the full story before, as she told Blueblood.
“So you’re unaware?” Blueblood asked, his smirk growing wider. “Well then, I’m honored to tell you the tale.” He came to a stop, and Rarity did the same. He then walked right in front of her, and their eyes met. Rarity felt her hooves trembling, she couldn’t bear those eyes of his. They reeked of evil and arrogance, and pierced through her soul like a knife through her skin. He then slightly leaned forward, and he spoke in a sinister tone:
Ah, Whispering Woods... Once a tranquil sanctuary of harmony, where earth ponies communed with nature and claimed they could hear the leaves speaking. Alas, after my ancestors' decree of deforestation, their haven became a battleground of misery. The clash between the oppressed and the oppressors was a harrowing reminder of the pain endured in the pursuit of autonomy. Throats were slashed, trees were burned, and a thousand screams echoed in the blazing forest.
Despite their valiant efforts, the ponies of Whispering Woods were powerless against the insurmountable odds and their extinction became an inevitable truth.
This harrowing event serves as a warning of the repercussions of unchecked power, and a reminder of the price paid by those who challenge it. It is quite amusing to me, that even in their meekness, the earth ponies of Whispering Woods still chose to take a stand... Why?
The tale was more sinister than Rarity would have imagined. "The decree of deforestation, why?" She asked, her voice whimpering.
The prince chuckled once more. "Malum the terrible had that name for a reason, you know? He didn't hate the forest, no. He just got tired of their constant chanting. It annoyed him and they paid the price. Simple as that."
Blueblood finally took noticed of Rarity's discomfort, and stepped away. "I apologize for my rudeness." He said.
"It's... fine, my king." Rarity said, trying her beat to control her labored breathing. Blueblood then gestured to her to continue their walk, and Rarity accepted his offer. Those eyes, how dreadful. She thought
Once again, Blueblood noticed Rarity's look of discomfort. Did I scare the poor girl? He asked himself.
"Is something wrong?" Asked Blueblood.
"No, it's not that." Rarity said in a reassuring tone, waving her hooves in the air. "I just… I'm indifferent about the dress…"
"You are? But your sister wore the same dress and she looked fine." Blueblood mentioned.
"I'm not my sister." Rarity's face flattened in disappointment to Blueblood's comparison. He stared down in shame for a moment, and they continued to walk, an immense wave of awkwardness filling the air. Blueblood, hoping to break Rarity's silence as well as his own, he turned and asked her, "So, about our marriage—"
"I do not wish to get married, if that's what you want to know." Rarity blurted out. She just couldn't hold it in any longer.
"What?! But, the vow! Both of our fathers agreed on it!" Blueblood reminded. "You must marry me!"
Rarity sighed. "My father, he forced into this, as I stated before. I never wanted to get married, nor become queen." Rarity stated once again. "Look, It's not like I hate you, or anything, I just despise having to get marry like this..."
Blueblood pouted. "Am I not worthy enough for you?!" Blueblood asked.
"N-no! It's nothing like that!" Rarity assured, "You're definitely worthy of a thousand honorable mares, my king!" Like hay you are! She shouted in her mind.
"However, I still wanted a chance to choose my beloved, and know very little of you, even now, and even less so of your house. My father never said as much as a peep."
Blueblood's eyebrows narrowed in anger of Rarity’s words. “Don't worry about your father, queen." He said. "Under my rule, there will be no such thing. My queen will be free to do whatever she likes without any complaints from her father.” Blueblood vowed, placing his hoof on Rarity’s chin.
“And how are you so sure?” Asked Rarity, trying her best not to gag. Blueblood removed his hoof and walked over to a statue of queen Celestia in the heart of the garden.
“Once we tie the knot, I’ll announce a vow renouncing the order of your father. He shall no longer be in control of your decisions as queen.” Blueblood offered, turning his gaze over to Rarity. ‘I will also place the vow upon my family.”
“But if you announce that vow, your claim to the throne will weaken, and so will my family's.” Rarity stressed. “Are you sure that such a law is necessary?”
Blueblood’s eyes dilated in confusion. “You said it yourself, my queen. You yearn for the freedom of your own choices, correct? That’s the offer I’m giving you. Furthermore, my claim to the throne will hold its strength. I’m Tavern’s firstborn son, and the laws of order state that once two ponies of royal descent marry, the claim to the throne will be certain for both.”
Your claim... that's all you ever think about, is it? Rarity thought.
Blueblood then approached Rarity, and firmly kissed her on her muzzle. Rarity tried to refute, subtly stepping away, but Blueblood wouldn’t allow it. He pulled her closer to his face, kissing her once again in the same spot. “Blueblood, please!” She shouted, yanking away from his hoof.
“Why do you resist, my queen?” Blueblood asked
“Because it’s my choice, my king. I don’t want to be touched right now... or possibly ever” Rarity said. “And you won’t force me too, not the day before our marriage, and not after our marriage either. It’s ill to do so, as they say.”
Blueblood pouted and snorted, steam releasing from his snout. For a moment, they stared aimlessly at each other. Blueblood’s eyes radiated anger and shock, and his face told the same tale. Rarity wanted to turn flank and run away, but her body wouldn’t allow it. Her hooves were shivering, nearly bringing her to fall.
The tension continued to rise for a few more moments before Blueblood eventually nodded and walked away. I just… disobeyed my husband… oh dear, what will father think if he knew… he would most surely have my life…
Chapter End