CHAPTER 8
♥️THE TRUTH OF THE HEART♥️ - PART 1
“Did I do good?”
Her Knight asked, with the softest, most loving whisper, which just made her want to start the whole ordeal all over again. She was helped off of the boat and onto the riverbank, and they simply regarded each other with adoration.
She couldn't help but grin ear to ear, face red. “Applejack, you were perfect…”
Clearing her throat, the Peasant nodded. “Well, um, I just ain’t never done that kinda thing before, so–”
She was interrupted by another loving kiss, one that lingered, up until the princess released her, once again with a loving smile. “Applejack, you were perfect. You were perfect because it’s you.”
Soft, quiet giggles that they shared, as they leaned foreheads together. Fireflies once again flew around them, and it just led them to giggle more.
They both walked, side by side at a leisurely pace, away from the river of fireflies, stealing loving glances at each other, and nuzzling often. “We should probably apologize to Pinkie for takin’ so long, heheh…”
That smile did not leave the Princess’s face. “I’m not sorry.”
More snickers they shared, before she continued. “But I will definitely thank her. She played a big part in us being able to do what we just did… And not just because she ditched us tonight.”
An exhale, as the Farmer looked back at the previous weeks they shared. “Heheh, yeah, that Bard definitely was cahootin’ this whole damn adventure. And for once, I couldn’t be happier. Hell I’m just… I’m just so damn happy to be with you, sugarcube…!!”
Rarity couldn’t help it, as she kissed her cheek multiple times, then nuzzled her neck, with a sigh. “Keep talking like that and we’ll keep Pinkie waiting all night, dear.”
Applejack did not hesitate, nuzzling back, and kissing back harder.
Both of their hearts fluttered with each affirmation, as they shared in the comfortable silence of the night, walking forward.
It was not long before they could hear the subtle music of the Bard strumming on her guitar in the distance, knowing where to go.
Pinkie had already started a fire, and set up her sleeping bag, and she sat, leaning on a rock, looking smugly at the two lovers who arrived as she fiddled with her instrument. Their manes were messy, Applejack’s hat was on backwards, (Something Rarity was quick to tidy up when she noticed) and they had a distinct look of delightful embarrassment as they smiled at the Bard, approaching the camp.
“Soooooo how was the boat ride, lovebirds? I take it you both enjoyed yourselves?” Pinkie didn’t need them to say anything. She could easily guess exactly what had happened between the two, and had been waiting for that horseshoe to drop for a while.
She simply tilted her head, as the two looked at each other awkwardly, but ever with those silly grins.
The Peasant was the first to speak. “S-sorry we took so long, Pinkie. And umm, I just want to say… You were right. About everythin’. Sorry I doubted ya…! And thank you…”
The Bard tilted her head even further, her smug grin turning into a peppy grin.
“Thank you, Pinkie. From both of us. Best bard ever, darling.” Rarity was genuine. She could tell that Pinkie had been helping them both figure out their feelings for a while, and that she was incredibly supportive. There had been many unseen small ways in which the Bard had helped before then, and she deserved a thank you for all of them.
Words were unnecessary. Pinkie squealed and leapt forward, hugging her two friends tightly, which they both reciprocated happily. Applejack even lifted them both off the ground, with a wide smile.
And so, the Bard took out her guitar and strummed on it gleefully.
I was right and you were wrong,
This is the Pinkie's right song!
And i saw with absolute clarity,
that you're in love with Princess Rarity!!
And don’t worry friend, I've got your back!
‘Cause I know you’re in love with Applejack!
And gosh, I'm just so darn excited!
Because you two are finally UNITED!
She finished strumming on her guitar, delighted at the giggles the two lovers shared. She had waited to play that small song for weeks.
The Bard hopped back to the fire she had made, grinning. “Weeeeeell you two must be veeeeeery tuckered out after all that. How about dinner and then we all get some well deserved rest?”
“Wonderful idea pinkie!” Smiling, the Farmer unpacked their meal, not before Rarity stole another loving kiss off her; And it would not be the last kiss she stole that night.
The final moments of the night passed with ease, and felt weightless. The three friends shared meals and laughter as they allowed nothing to worry them. The Princess and the Peasant sat side by side, often unable to contain their desire to show their love for eachother.
The two lovers slept intertwined once more that night, and unlike the previous day, both felt utterly at ease, and perfectly safe.
“...Applejack?”
This was it. The softest, easiest way she had ever been woken up; with a whisper from a lover, as they awoke embracing each other still.
“Goodmorning, sugarcube.” A warm comfortable smile; Not that the Princess required any more warming up at the moment.
They leaned foreheads together, smiling softly, simply being there, as the sun slowly rose between the trees.
A slight flash of worry appeared on the Princess’s face, and it spread to concern, as she tried finding the right words to say, or perhaps ask.
“...What’s wrong…?” Her lover could notice.
“Well… I… How… How far is the Castle of Prince Blueblood?” Her words felt softer, as if she hesitated speaking them.
Applejack closed her eyes, fearing the subject. “...Not far. Not far at all. We’re real, real close…”
A moment of uneasy silence the two lovers shared.
Until The Princess found the strength to speak. “...What are we going to do, Applejack…?”
As if either of them knew the answer to that question.
“I… I… …I don’t know, sugarcube…”
Another moment of uneasy silence, one in which the Peasant could see the worry and fear in her lover’s face. She couldn’t bear to see her Princess scared. She spoke the only thing she could think of that would make the day bearable.
“Well… How about we just enjoy the day together, and see where it takes us? We don’t have to think about it…”
The Princess responded with a kiss, bringing her Knight closer, and then an exhale. “...I can do that. Come here, handsome.” Kissing her some more.
After delivering a satisfied yawn and a long stretch, Pinkie giddily clapped her hooves. “Alrighty!! What’s next for the legend of the Princess and the Peasant? What’s the plan?” She smiled at her two friends, who were tidying up their sleeping bags, preparing to set off.
A confident smile from Applejack, as she finished stuffing the few supplies that remained with them in her backpack. “We go forward, and enjoy our day!”
Another kiss stolen as Rarity embraced her again, with them both almost tumbling on the ground. “I am very much planning on enjoying you, darling.”
They both embraced each other with adoration. Pinkie, however, felt a slight tinge of concern.
“Um. Girls? Are we going to Castle Blueblood, or are we going somewhere else? What’s the plan? What’s next for us…?”
“Like I said Pinkie, we go forward. Let’s not worry about it!” The Farmer led the way, with her love following very close beside her.
Pinkie’s minor concern grew larger. “Um. But girls, the– What about your farm? The contract? What about the–”
Swiftly interrupting her, the Princess spoke plainly. “Let’s not worry, darling. Can’t we just enjoy a day without eventualities for once?” She said, rubbing herself along her beloved’s flank.
Pinkie, however, groaned. "Ughh come on, we have never have a quiet day so far!"
Still gleefully on her lovers embrace, Rarity smiled. "There's a first time for everything, darling."
Lingering there for a little longer, the Bard felt uneasy. She understood exactly what would cause the two lovers to act this way, but it didn’t mean that it wasn’t a dangerous attitude.
She still felt happy for the two, having truly found each other at last, but…
As the day progressed, it seemed almost like it would be all devoid of struggle, and only with love and joy. The Princess and the Peasant shared many tender moments, not letting go of each other for anything.
Entangling their tails together, they walked side by side, nuzzling each other endlessly, whispering loving affirmations, and exchanging kisses. The pace was leisurely, as they felt no rush to go forward, feeling a cool breeze on their hides, listening to morning birds, and watching the lovely blue sky accentuated with clouds.
All while their bard wondered what would become of them.
They shared an Apple together, as they had lunch at the shade of a tree atop a lovely grassy hill. Rarity levitated the apple between them, and they took bites out of it together, maintaining loving eye contact. And as they reached the core, she simply tossed it aside, and they kept going at it, kissing each other with loving passion. They intertwined themselves and rolled down that hill together, giggling and kissing all the way to the base of the road.
All while their bard couldn’t shake her concerns.
Once again the Princess mounted her Knight, on this loving leisurely stroll, and once again she brushed her mane, but this time, with a slowness, a silkyness to it, a loving touch, as she whispered sweet affirmations, as they giggled and snickered together. As she finally dismounted, having braided her Knight’s mane once more, she teased her by stealing her hat and wearing it. An action that flustered Applejack to oblivion, given that Rarity could indeed pull off any look. A simple “Come and get it, handsome.” Was all she needed before they rolled on the grassy road once more, accentuating every kiss with giggles.
All while their bard felt uncertainty for the near future.
As they passed by the countryside, more and more Peasant farms and homes were seen amidst the grassy fields. And often, they'd be noticed by ponies that Applejack knew. Oh, the shock they felt, coming to greet a friend they were glad to see safe, only to witness the strongest Peasant they knew lovingly nuzzling the most Beautiful Unicorn in all of Equestria.
All while their bard hesitated with every step.
At times, they almost considered stopping, finding a discreet place, and simply letting themselves go on a not-so-quiet storm of passion once more, something they likely would have done, were it not for the presence of the Bard. They did not stop from physically demonstrating their affections, as at times, their kisses turned to bites that turned to licks that turned to giggles that turned to more kisses.
All while the bard feared for what might come next.
They shared each moment with passionate fervor. Every kiss was a gift, a treasure. Every nuzzle, a grand gesture, returned with its appropriate loving reward.
Until they stopped, atop a hill. And their hearts stopped too.
“Applejack, dear… Is that…?”
“Eeyup…”
In the distance, less than an hour's walk away, they could see the Castle of Prince Blueblood. Grey rain clouds formed atop it, as an omen. The two lovers froze, unsure of what to do next.
Pinkie approached them, with hesitancy and pity. “Okay girls, moment of truth, what are we going to do? C’mon, we gotta decide something…!”
Silence. Eyes on the ground.
Applejack was the first to speak up. “T-those look like rain clouds over there. Looks like a big one, too, we should take shelter for the night!”
Rarity followed her lead. “Y-yes, darling, I agree! That looks like a tavern right there. Perhaps we could enjoy some drinks together?”
Applejack was quick to agree. “Of course, sugarcube! We could rent some rooms for the night, and take a well deserved rest.”
Rarity added more. “Indeed, dear! Let’s rent a room for Pinkie. And another for the two of us. Separately.”
“E-eyup!! Couldn’t agree more, sugarcube!” Flustered, forcing smiles, They both started walking together, not on the direction of the castle, but to a simple tavern on the road.
The Bard let out a loud groan, directed at the two. “Ugh come ON girls! We can’t keep delaying this, we’ve gotta make a decision! The sun isn't even that close to setting, We’ve barely got any bits left; and not to mention EVERYONE IN THE TAVERN WOULD BE ABLE TO HEAR YOU TWO FU–”
“--We are living in the moment darling!! And in the moment, I would like a refreshing drink!” A swift interruption from the Princess as she ignored the commentary.
“I’m with the little lady! I’m parched!” They nuzzled, ignoring the massive, dangerous issue.
With an annoyed and sorrowful sigh, the Bard followed.
The Tavern was quite quaint, wooden floorboards and walls, and lovely little lamps of candlelight lighting up the handful of ponies on it enjoying their time. No bands were playing, it was only the quiet delighted sounds of chuckles and conversations.
The two lovers took a seat in the bar, eyeing each other with smiles, quickly considering what they’d like to have, and coming to an agreement easily.
“Applejack, goshdarnit, it’s good to see you! It’s been a minute!” The bartender greeted her gleefully, and she barely mustered the attention. “Heya! Good to see ya! Can me and the lil lady get two milkshakes? Thank ya kindly!”
Pinkie entered the tavern and sat next to them, leaning on the bar table, frowning, with a sigh. “...So you two are just gonna ignore this? For how–”
“Yes.” The two lovers said in unison, beholding eachother with adoration, staving off worry.
Searching her bag, Applejack struggled, and let out a concerned chuckle. “C-consarn it, I only have the bits for one milkshake. Ah, darnit–”
Her love was quick to quell concerns. “I don’t mind sharing at all, darling.”
The bartender made them two milkshakes with a smile, and placed them on the bar. “Here you go, AJ. On the house. Not only are ya a folk hero nowadays, after that legendary beating ya handed out on the Blueblood colosseum last month, but I’m just happy to see ya finally found some lovin’. Enjoy!”
Not used to accepting gifts like these, the Farmer got a bit sheepish. “T-thank ya kindly, but I just couldn’t accept, I just–”
“Yoink.” Pinkie snatched the second milkshake and started sipping out of it, annoyed.
Rarity immediately grabbed two straws and placed them on the remaining milkshake. “Let’s share.” She commanded, plainly.
Pinkie groaned. “Hey, we don’t have money to rent rooms. After we drink, are we deciding on what to do? Finally?”
Waving her mane, the Princess was quick to plan. “Excuse me bartender, it was so generous of you to offer us this, but would you also be willing to allow us to rest here for the night? We are quite weary, and devoid of money, but…”
“--But nothin, darlin. It’d be a delight to have Applejack and her love here for the night! I got two rooms, if you'd like the pink one to rest here too.” The bartender gave his guests a delighted smile, knowing they’d be better off with a roof over their heads that night.
“That’d be perfect! Thank you very much! See, darling? When there’s a will, there's a way!” Rarity snickered, once more delighting herself in her charm. She offered a straw to her Knight. “Well dear, shall we?”
With a sly smile, they both drank from the milkshake together, looking into each other's eyes lovingly as they did.
Pinkie blew raspberries, unsure of how in the world she would convince those two to actually face their problem, concerned for what would happen. She hoped for a miracle to intervene and save their love from the imminent problem of separation.
The doors of the bar swung open, and the armored frame of a Unicorn walked in, taking a seat in the bar as well.
“Rain’s coming. Big one, too. What a fucking day…” Sunset Shimmer sighed in annoyance, addressing the bartender. “Give me something light. I’ve got to hit the road again in a bit.” She removed her dark paladin helmet, placing it in the bar, and adjusted her chestplate, with another long exhale, which translated what amounted to days of exhaustion.
“Rough, travels, traveler?” The bartender addressed the captain, curious about her story.
“Like you wouldn't believe. I’ve spent days looking for these three–” She stopped. Her eyes narrowed, gazing to her left, in silence.
“Hi Sunset!” Pinkie smiled, delightedly.
The Princess and the Peasant continued to drink from their milkshake together, but this time, looking at the Captain, giving her what resembled the look of a filly caught in the act of stealing cookies. The noise of the straws slurping on the bottom was the thing that made the Captain speak.
“Are you fucking serious.” She gritted her teeth.
The Princess and the Peasant eyed each other awkwardly, still drinking the remains of their milkshake, then back at the captain, still in silence.
“Hi Sunset!” Pinkie affirmed, giddily.
“Hi, Pinkie.” The Captain contained herself not to do her usual familiarities with an old friend, since she had the absolute right to be angry.
Taking hooves to her temples, she continued. “I have been looking for you three. For days. You kept me from my Princess. For DAYS. and you’re sitting here…? Drinking Milkshakes?!?!?!”
Pinkie rolled her eyes with a smile. “I know, right?!?! Thank you!” She agreed.
Rarity finally let go of her milkshake trance to speak up. “Sunset darling, wonderful to see you again, we’re okay! Why were you gallivanting around the countryside looking for us, anyway?”
With another exhale, the Captain turned to the Peasant. “Applejack. Twilight asked me to warn you. There’s a bounty on your head, and it’s pretty damn high.”
The three friends looked at eachother, and snickered a bit. “Already dealt with, darling. We’ve not been caught or spotted yet! Applejack handled the guards, and I handled the disguises.”
Sunset continued, unfazed. “That’s not all. There’s an assassin after you. One with poisons–”
“Yeah, we dealt with him too.” Applejack smiled, reveling on how many adversities they survived, and her Princess giggled with her.
Pinkie couldn’t help but snicker. “Yeah! Rarity killed the fuck out of that guy!”
The Captain blinked, and that was the only reaction to that statement she allowed.
She sighed, reconsidering the importance of her mission, but relieved that it was over. But she was not done, as her gaze landed on the Peasant once more.
“Okay then, Last thing. Prince Blueblood has advanced the deadline in which your farm gets claimed and bulldozed. It’s tonight.”
The mood dropped instantly. The three friend's eyes widened in extreme concern and shock.
As if the entire bar had gone silent, they struggled to find their words as well.
Applejack mustered a quiet, stuttered question. “Wh– w-what?!”
Sunset turned away. “Might be happening right now. There, that’s all I needed to tell you. Mission complete.” She took a long drink of what the bartender gave her, not caring what it was.
The Peasant breathed uneasy, as her vision blurred. Her heart pounded with anxiety and guilt.
Her home was about to be destroyed. Her family was in danger. And she was drinking milkshakes.
She gritted her teeth, demeanor changed to rage, getting really close to the Captain. “Have you people not taken enough from us?!” She snarled.
Sunset didn’t even blink, staring her back down. “Don’t. Shoot. The messenger. You don’t want this fight. Besides, Your enemy lies elsewhere.” She turned back to the bar, voice a little softer, looking at nothing. “You should hurry while you can still salvage some of your family.”
The Peasant sat back down, anger leaving her with a desperate exhale.
“A-applejack…!” Her Princess desperately beckoned her to turn.
She choked on her words. “Rarity, I– I can’t, I…”
With a sorrowful nod, and hooves cradling her Knight’s cheeks, she mustered a fearful response. “I-it’s your family. We— we have to go…”
The two of them ran out of the bar desperately, ignoring all around them.
The Princess mounted on her Knight once more, for what felt like would be the last time, much to her dismay.
Applejack galloped at high speeds carrying her towards the castle of Prince Blueblood.
Pinkie sat close to Sunset at the bar, where they remained silent for a little longer.
The Captain was the first one to speak up, tiredly. “Pink. What the hell happened this month, with you three?”
The Bard sighed weakly, concerned about what she should be doing, her voice frail. “W-well, I may have umm, I may have helped those two fall in love, and they found passionate happiness with each other, and well, now, i’m afraid that, oh gosh, It’s– it’s all falling apart, isn’t it?” She shivered, hesitant to cry.
A look of pity, and slight shock from Sunset, as she turned back to the bar. “They… They looked pretty happy.” She knew what being in true love looked like.
Looking down, Pinkie chastised herself. “Oh, Pinkamena Pie, what did you do…!”
Gritting her teeth in anger, the Captain took another shot. “Ugh… That asshole Prince… What a fucking mess.”
She had never galloped this fast. Applejack gritted her teeth, her heart in her throat, as she pushed herself to her absolute limit of speed, ignoring all else that was around her.
The Princess clung to her desperately, fearing what might come next.
Ignoring the guards, ignoring the rain that would come, ignoring her anxiety of losing the one she loved, The Peasant pushed forward.
They entered the town that surrounded the castle, and she only dared to stop once she was at the gates of the bastion, surrounded by its stone walls. Two guards failed to halt her, as she knocked on the door fiercely with her hooves. “PRINCE BLUEBLOOD COME DOWN HERE RIGHT DARN NOW!!”
Flinching, the two guards looked at eachother, then back to the oversized peasant. “U-um… Do you wish for an audience with the Prince…?”
She raved, angrily, considering breaking that oversized door down. “Audience nothin!! I’ve got his prize, and he better come down RIGHT NOW to give me my goddamned reward!! How DARE that rat bastard alter our deal?!?!”
Exchanging confused and fearful looks, the guards spoke up again. “A-are you Princess Rarity?” They addressed the Unicorn that clung desperately to the Peasant’s back. The only response they got was an incredibly concerned and frightful nod.
One of the guards ran into the castle through a small door, intent on summoning the Prince. “U-um we’ll relay your message to the Prince right away… Just wait around here a bit?”
The Peasant walked back, overlooking the tall doors, and now that she was here, second thoughts plagued her, heart pounding with anxiety.
A sorrowful, quiet whisper from the Princess. “A-applejack…”
“...It’s gonna be alright, sugarcube.” She lied.
The Princess dismounted hesitantly, refusing to leave her Knights side, as if she let go of physical contact for even a moment, she would fade away. She nuzzled her neck with extreme worry, as the Peasant breathed unsteady.
Neither of them dared to speak, and the silence felt heavy. They leaned on each other in fear, as the gray clouds covered the sky around them, and small droplets fell off the sky.
Finally, after what felt like a fearful eternity, the doors swung open.
A handful of Unicorns played instruments in celebration as confetti was thrown in the air. Prince blueblood arrived, surrounded by an entourage of happy music.
As soon as the music subsided, the Peasant snarled. “I got your darn Princess. You BETTER let my family–”
The Prince ignored her, as if she were an insect. “Princess Rarity! What an honor it is to finally meet you, my loving bride! I am simply bursting with joy–”
And Rarity ignored him, too. “Prince Blueblood. Applejack here was my valiant protector this entire journey. She rescued me from the dragon keep and kept me unharmed through many adversities; She deserves the reward for her mission in full– and you MUST call off the destruction of her home, and call off the bounty on her head at once!” She stated, plainly.
A blink of confusion from the royal, that led to a suppressed groan, as he sighed in minor inconvenience and annoyance. He had not, for even a moment, considered that the Princess would have sided with the Peasant on anything whatsoever. “Eugh. Well, if this really is so, then your will is my command, dear Rarity.” he waved his little dainty breakable hooves dismissively at servants behind him, who left to relay messages and fetch rewards.
He then turned to the Princess once more, smiling with his incredibly punchable teeth. “Do not worry, my Princess. The nightmare is over! You will not have to galavant around the countryside with Commoners anymore!”
No response from Rarity, other than simply getting closer to Applejack, flank to flank. The Peasant proceeded to rummage through her nigh-empty backpack, and took out the contract she had held safe all this time, slapping it on the floor. “Sign it.” She commanded the Prince, once more containing her rage.
Raising his chin in disdain, the Prince levitated the contract near before him, and inspected it thoroughly.
The Princess and the Peasant hesitated to look at eachother, but they could feel each other's uneasy heartbeats.
“Rarity!!!!” The joyful yelp of a filly came from the inside of the castle, on its way. The Princess’s ears perked up, as she recognized it immediately.
Sweetiebelle gleefully ran to her sister, and leapt on a loving hug, with incredible relief.
“Oh, Sweetiebelle…!” Rarity couldn’t muster coherent words.
“Sis!! Sis!!! I’m so happy you’re here! Did you get my letter? Did you see my writing?? It’s gotten better, hasn't it?” The Filly giddily hopped in place with excitement.
She was happy, but the sorrow underneath still slowed her words, and drained her of a real smile. “Yes, Sweetie, it has… very much! I am so proud of you…!”
The Little filly’s gaze moved to the Peasant who had a look of despair that stared at nothing, and then she took notice of the extreme proximity of her sister and her.
“Who are you?” she tilted her head curiously, having to back up a bit even to make eye contact with the tall Earth Pony.
Rarity answered for her, placing a hoof on her Farmer’s chest, one that her Sister took notice of. “T-this is Applejack! She is the one that rescued me from that tower, and escorted me safely here…”
Sweetiebelle leapt onto one of the Peasant’s legs, hugging it with a smile. “Thank you for saving my sister!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!”
Finally snapping out of her despaired trance, the Farmer mustered a smile, looking down at the little filly. “It was… it was nothin’. Sweetiebelle, right? Your sister told me a lot of real nice things about you…!”
With a mischievous giggle, the filly hopped around joyfully. “Nice things about me? That doesn’t sound like Rarity. And I'm surprised she’s so close to you, too! You must be really really nice!” She pointed at the fact that those two were flank-to-flank.
“She is. She really, really is.” Rarity spoke softly, tragically, leaning her head on the Peasant’s neck.
Two more cheerful Unicorns emerged from the castle, with relieved smiles.
“M-mother! Father!” She Proclaimed, with a slight relief, and yet, did not leave the Farmer’s side.
“Rarity!!! We’re so happy you’re safe!! We’ve been so worried!!” Her mother cheerfully proclaimed, with immense relief.
“We know how much you wanted to marry a Prince, sweetie, we’re so happy to have accepted this offer for you!” Her father gleefully stated. They both ran and hugged their daughter, with Sweetiebelle following suit. The only moment in which the Peasant took distance from her.
As soon as the hug was over, she got closer to Applejack again. “Mother, Father, this is Applejack, my rescuer–”
Prince blueblood cleared his throat, garnering everyone’s attention, magically placing the contract and a feather pen in front of the Peasant. Besides him, four of his servants placed a large bag, whose contents were 1 million bits, in small, silver ingots.
The reward.
Silence, only cut by the royal’s voice. “Well, commoner, you may deliver a final signature upon this parchment, and our business will be complete. I’ll have my princess, you’ll have your reward and your farm, and we won’t ever have to be in each other's presence again. Everybody wins happily!” He stated, clapping his very breakable hooves with a delight to never have to be in the presence of the Commoner again.
The Peasant leaned forward, looking at the contract. “I’ll uh… I’ll just look over the contract again, if ya don’t mind.” She stalled.
The Prince scoffed impatiently.
Sitting down, leaning over, she didn’t read a thing. Her vision went blurry, and her mind went static. Her thoughts incoherent, she considered everything, anything, anything at all that would keep from having to say goodbye.
“Make sure to look at the fine print, dear…” A soft, desperate voice of her love, still flank to flank, they both gazed at the contract quietly, thinking of the same desperations, stalling once more.
Time stood still, only the faint sound of the droplets picking up as they both breathed in unease, together.
Gritting her teeth in sorrow, and closing her eyes, Applejack whispered. “Sugarcube, I…”
“Y-you have to.” Rarity responded with words she did not want to speak.
More silence.
Interrupted only by the Prince, who was getting impatient. “Eugh, I simply will NOT have my precious mane slick with rain water!! Does the Commoner require assistance reading?!”
Quietly, Applejack took the pen with her mouth, and signed the contract. An action that felt akin to moving a mountain, considering how drained she was upon doing it.
“Everythin’s in order.” She spoke, weakly.
The Prince clapped his hooves dismissively, and the four carriers delivered the bag with Applejack’s reward, absentmindedly leaving it right next to her. Her entire focus was on the Princess, even as she put the contract away and placed the oversized sum of money inside her own bag.
Smiling joyfully once more with his extremely punchable teeth, the Prince spoke. “And so, at long last, our annoying business is concluded. We may all depart happily, knowing we’ll never have to deal with this inconvenience again!” He stated, implying with clarity that the Peasant was the inconvenience.
The band of ponies that had played the congratulatory song headed inside the castle, and Rarity’s parents followed, waiting for her by the door. Sweetiebelle observed their final moments, analytically.
With an exhale, the Princess let go, standing in front of her Knight, eye to eye, muzzle to muzzle, with a distance that she desperately wished to break. The Farmer felt tremendous pain on seeing her love’s sorrowful expression.
“Will… Will I see you again?” The Princess spoke, fraily, akin to a tragic whisper. Desperately containing herself from asking her Knight to take her far away from here.
“I… I don’t know, sugarcube...” The Peasant looked down, in profound shame and sorrow.
Only a few moments of silence, then the Princess approaching her, just a few more inches, making eye contact.
“I would really, really like to see you again...” She muttered in desperation.
For a moment, the Peasant considered it.
As she looked at her love’s mournful expression, she considered what she would do to see her smile again.
She considered taking the Princess, and galloping far away from that place, anywhere that wasn’t here.
She considered breaking the Prince's face, throwing him so far that he’d see the curvature of Equestria, and fighting an army of guards that would attempt to separate the Princess and the Peasant.
She considered how she would indeed, flatten an army, bulldoze that castle, slay a thousand dragons, if it meant that Rarity would smile again.
She considered how she would do all of those things, and more, how she would do all of that, if only Rarity would ask.
But, for the sake of her family… How could she?
She closed her eyes, with a frail exhale, afraid to open them and meet the mournful gaze of her love.
“Yer… Yer a Princess. And I’m a Peasant. That’s just how these things go.” Every word hurt to say. Every word felt like a lie. Every word felt wrong.
Rarity looked down, closing her eyes for the same reason, biting her lips so as to contain herself from asking Applejack to do the unthinkable, to betray her family.
“...............O-okay.”
She finally stated, fraily, the word almost failed her.
Forcing herself to move, she finally turned around, every step a struggle.
Applejack felt as if she was taking her heart with her.
And likewise, she forced herself to turn around using all that was left of her strength.
The Prince joyfully giggled, finally seeing the Princess come to his side. She, however, was looking behind her the entire way. “Don’t worry, my fair Rarity, you will never have to deal with filthy commoners like that ever again!”
Silence, only accentuated with the rain picking up. The Peasant forced herself to move away from the castle, she forced herself to take one step after another, and it felt as if she was carrying an unimaginable burden.
She turned her head only once, and regretted it immediately. Far apart, her eyes met with her love, and the look of sorrow they both shared nearly made her collapse then and there.
She forced herself to look forward. She forced herself to move forward.
It was only when she heard the castle doors close, long after she was out of eyesight, that her legs buckled and that she collapsed on the floor, her head partially soaked in a puddle, taking ragged, uneasy, anxious, fearful breaths.
There she remained, devoid of strength, laying on the street alone, considering all her failings, considering all she had just lost.
It felt worse than poison to have her heart taken from her like this.
She only raised her head weakly when a familiar concerned voice called out to her.
Soaked with rain, mane now utterly slick, and with a look of pity, Pinkie stood in front of her.
“A-applejack– Where’s Rarity? What happened???” The answer was clear, but she still desperately needed to ask.
A frail exhale from the Peasant, as she couldn’t meet her friend eye to eye.
“...I… I… I need a drink.”