Cold Confrontations

by Dapper Guy


Virtue & Vanity

Twilight sat motionless, her eyes dwindling to pinpricks as she watched as Prince Blueblood strode into the room haughtily, as if he was a guest of honor. A long, ear splitting noise rung out in her ears. She could feel her coat starting to lose color as Blueblood sat right next to her.

Somepony who is noble.

“Twilight?”

Somepony she’s known for a long time.

“Twilight?”

Who’s well cultured, knows how to deal with royalty and has a well-known reputation.

“Twilight?”

“You’re sending me with Prince Blueblood?!?”

A few seconds passed before Twilight realized she was screaming up at the ceiling. Her cheeks exploded into a crimson blush as she turned her head down to see Celestia and Blueblood looking at her with shock. An air of unease began to fester as the three stood, no pony making a sound.

“Yes, Twilight, I will be sending you out with my nephew,” Celestia's angelic voice shattered the silence. “Prince Blueblood, normally I wouldn’t ask you to undertake this task but I’m short hoofed at the moment,” stated the solar monarch. Very, very short hoofed at the moment.

Blueblood merely smiled back at his aunt as his pearly white teeth seemed to glow. “No worries dear auntie, I myself, am amazed that I will be escorted to the North with Princess Twilight Sparkle,” he said, tossing back his mane as he spoke her name. “To imagine, the highest royals of Equestria save my aunts themselves gracing another country. What an honor this is for them.”

Twilight sat back, clenching her teeth as she looked back at Celestia with pleading eyes but still maintaining her regal composire. Celestia, however, merely stared at Blueblood with her usual stoic composure.

“There is a reason I’m sending the two of, specifically you two.” Twilight could feel her ears twitching slightly however Celestia took no notice of it. “Buckland is one of our closest neighboring nations but Equestria has never had an established means of direct contact with them. If we are to form any kind of long lasting ties with them, we must show we are worthy of being trusted.”

Celestia stood up and walked over towards Twilight, the younger princess leaning back to look at her face. Standing over Twilight, Celestia looked down, a stern but caring expression on her face. “To send Equestria’s newest princess, one of the wielders of the Element of Harmony and one of the saviors of our nation shows how strong our conviction is.”

Turning to face Blueblood, she dipped her head down. “And one member of the royal family,” Celestia continued in a slightly higher tone. “One who shares the same blood as my own. We prove how far our trust will build the foundation of our future.”

Celestia returned to her seat, a slight slump from her usual composure. “Now then, what is said here mustn’t leave this room. I am placing my faith in the two of you." Celestia watched as Twilight's eyes sparkled with obvious hope while Blueblood merely looked back at her, her words seeming to wash over him. “I fear our situation would become more complicated than it would need to be if news were to leak out.

"It would be best to start from the beginning of our, no, my mistakes.” A strong feeling of shame hung in the solar alicorn's voice. “A year and half ago, we were besieged by the changelings at your brother’s wedding even infiltrated by their Queen,” Celestia began, raising a hoof to her chest. I can still feel the searing pain from Chrysalis’ magic, she recalled as she rubbed the patch of fur that had been seared by the queen’s vile magic. “Canterlot suffered for my inability to stop the invasion, leaving our capital nearly in ruins. We were lucky your brother and Princess Cadence were able to use their love and banish the changeling from our kingdom before the swarm took over. But on that day another evil took root inside of my city.”

Twilight merely nodded her head, recalling that fateful day when the giant insectoid-like pony had ransacked Canterlot. Even now, buzzing sounds gave her the chills. Blueblood meanwhile stood as still as stone, his mouth not so much give a twitch.

“While the invasion was thwarted, we had to rebuild our city. A certain group of ponies decided to take advantage of the situation. While the reconstruction was underway we issued out scribes to take care of how much money was going to be needed for reconstruction,” Celestia explained. “We had construction team scout and assess the damages made to the shops and homes and figure how many bits this would be needed. However, it seems that somepony may have cooked the books.”

“Ummm ‘cook the books’, princess?” Twilight asked, a quizzical look on her face.

“It means Twilight that they cheated the numbers in the books to get away with other pony’s bit lining their pockets. They exaggerated the costs on their homes and how severely they suffered to ring more bits out of the treasury. We sunk twice the amount of money we should have into scheming hoofs because I failed to oversee the situation. When I noticed how much bits were spent, I implemented several new laws to be passed within the House of Governance. Sadly this was only the beginning of our problems.”

Celestia craned her head up, staring absently at the ceiling. “Soon after, the seal on the Crystal Empire was broken. You and your friends, Twilight, set it free from Sombra,” Celestia said, looking down at her student with pride.

“But Princess, it was Spike who saved the day in the end,” Twilight interjected.

“You don’t give yourself enough credit Twilight. You were able to overcome Sombra’s trap, you were able to find the Crystal Heart and you ensured that Spike was able to deliver it Cadence. Since its reemergence into the modern world, I’ve had to help rebuild the Crystal Empire. We’ve sent over soldiers, building materials, food and other necessities.”

So this is what Spring was talking about earlier. Twilight felt the pieces of the puzzle forming in her head but still there seemed to a large piece missing.

“I had to pull from the treasury directly to help fund the reconstruction of the rails for the Crystal Empire.” Celestia pawed at her pillow in an irritated manner. “It wasn’t cheap to fix up a rusted railway under a freezing tundra.”

“But what’s the point, Auntie?” spoke up Blueblood, raising an eyebrow at Celestia’s explanation. “Why are we going through so much trouble to restore the Crystal Empire? Why would we even have a railway that travels towards to the freezing tundra in the first place?”

Twilight looked over at the prince, disgust plain on her face. While still sounding like a pompous brat, he had raised a very critical point. Twilight eyes squinted as she recalled the less than comfortable ride to the frozen north. How the rest of the elements and her had to step out of the train for what seemed to be miles away from the empire. I was surprised that the train could even get that far with how much snow was covering the tracks.

“I knew the curse of Sombra would be ending soon, nephew,” the regal alicorn simply replied. “I wasn’t sure but my agents have kept a close tab on the Crystal Empire as it slumbered. The spell’s power waned till it could no longer maintain its control over the crystal ponies.”

“As for the financial problem, the empire is currently bankrupt.” Celestia shifted her hooves beneath her, taking a deep breath before continuing on with her explanation. “Sombra wasted away all of the bits within the empire on his own personal desires. If I hadn’t intervened, the Crystal Empire would have collapsed under growing tension.”

“Auntie, if I may be so bold,” Blueblood interrupted again, in his usual haughty tone. “We spent a huge portion of the national treasury and instated a tithe merely to help the Crystal Empire?" His voice was laced with tones of betrayal and anger.

“Prince Blueblood, while it may be odd for you to help another pony, Celestia thought it was a good idea to save the crystal ponies from starvation,” Twilight snapped back, venom underlining her words.

Blueblood turned to Twilight, his face impassive despite her jab at him. “You misunderstand me, Princess,” retorted the prince. “What I’m asking is merely how the Crystal Empire plans to compensate us when we’ve finally conducted business. It seems to me to be a major sinkhole, loaning hard-earned bits to somepony who can’t repay them. Surely you can’t fault my line of thinking?” The white unicorn's cultured voice never wavered as his eyes were leveled with Twilight. “If we spend so much money on somepony’s problems then they’ll be expecting a hoofout every time,” he said waving a hoof. “Who knows what will happen to Equestria, next especially when we have a demon like Discord bungling around.”

Twilight looked back at Blueblood, her face switching between loathing and deep thought. While she despised how he phrased the situation, she had to agree that putting money into the Empire was an act of good faith it would put a strain on Equestria. Raising the taxes of your own country to help a foreign kingdom sounded, a tad illogical.

“While I do not care for how you’ve assumed the situation, dear nephew,” snapped Celestia. “The Crystal Empire is still a part of Equestria and I will see no pony starve because I failed to act." The prince returned her hardened look with his own bored one. “I will deal with how we can restore the treasury, after, you two have completed this assignment.”

Celestia levitated a large map from somewhere behind her bookshelves, unfurling it in the air beside her. "This is a map of Equestria's current borders." Flipping over the map, it showed another continent right behind the Crystal Mountains. “Beyond the Crystal Mountains of the Crystal Empire, there lies the continent of Equiope. This is one of the largest continents on the planet of Equis and it’s one of the most powerful nations of trade.” Celestia paused, letting the information sink in. Twilight stood still, drinking in the words while Blueblood let out a yawn. “While being a main hub for commerce, there is no direct connection between the two of us. Now, however we have a chance to finally unite our two nations.”

Twilight’s brain throbbed as she took in her debriefing. “Wait princess, why haven’t we ever had a direct means to Equiope?” We’re so close to each other, why wouldn’t we be on better terms? Something sounded out of place as to how Celestia was explaining the situation.

“The safest route to get to Equiope was established when the Crystal Empire was still part of Equestria. When the throne was usurped by Sombra, he destroyed all means of contact within his domain.” Celestia eyes narrowed in anger as she recalled the tyrant's foolish actions. “With the fall of the Crystal Empire, all ties with our northern allies ceased as well.”

“Now, we stand at one of the turning points in history. Where Equestria will open its doors to the North.” A divine smile grew on her muzzle. “This is your assignment, to negotiate the terms and welcome in the country of Buckland.” Celestia finished, her wings flaring briefly as her excitement grew.

Twilight sat back, her eyes seeming to swirl in place as her mind wrapped around what was going on. Blueblood however, grinned from ear to ear. “Auntie, I am honored by your request. When do we depart?” he said eagerly, his voicebarely restraining his obvious eagerness.

Celestia’s face drooped slightly at her nephew’s question. “A train will be taking the both of you to the Crystal Empire tomorrow. As I'm sure you already know Twilight, the weather of the Crystal Empire is wild, no pegasi can control it. A large snow storm is expected to hit it soon.”

“Primitives.”

Twilight head jerked slightly at Blueblood’s snide remark but kept her attention on Celestia. “With winter coming, the crystal ponies will be put under greater strains and Equestria doesn’t have the resources to feed another nation." Her tone brook no arguments. “There is no room for error, the fate of the Crystal Empire lies with both of you,” she said rising up from her seat.

Celestia walked walk an air of grace up to the pair as they themselves stood up. Bowing her head down, she tapped the shoulders of both her student and her nephew with her horn, “Your actions from here on out will reflect on Equestria, you will define who we are.”

“Now then, take this time to prepare yourselves for this journey,” Celestia continued as she opened up her door. “I’d suggest researching into Buckland.”

“Well then auntie, I’ll take my leave then,” Blueblood said with a toothy grin, bending his head down in a deep bow. Turning to face Twilight, his eyelids dropped slightly, “And to you Princess Twilight, I look forward to accompanying you on this excursion.” His usual tone deepening marginally as he spoke to her. Turning to leave, he turned to face the two princesses and waved a hoof in a courteous manner before traveling down the stairs.

As soon as Blueblood was out of sight, Twilight turned back to Celestia, her eyes filled with grief. “Princess, why are-“

“Stop,” Celestia said in a commanding tone, raising her hoof to Twilight’s face. Twilight’s mouth shut as Celestia drew in a deep breath and let out a sigh. “I’m well aware of what you think of my decision Twilight, you weren’t exactly subtle about it.".

“Princess, with all due respect none of what you said makes sense.” Twilight felt a fire building growing inside her chest. “You’ve sent me on several missions before. You can send anypony you want but you’re sending Blueblood, just because he’s your nephew?

Celestia didn’t do anything, not even the tiniest flinch as her student spoke out against her. “Twilight, I respect your concern on the matter. Sadly, I'm afraid that you’re not well versed in the leviathan infested waters of politics,” Celestia said, her tone growing somber. “A strong presence must be shown up front, to show how deeply concerned we are. We need a strong bond with Buckland right now. I know how you feel about Blueblood lack of common courtesy,but he has been taught the etiquette of nobility.”

Celestia walked away from Twilight towards her desk, wrapping a large red quill in her magic as she began to write on a few pieces of parchment. “I trust my nephew, Twilight, and I want you to trust me in my decision,” her voice a little weaker than before.

“But princess, I trust you,” Twilight said, taken aback at what Celestia said. “I know you’re doing the right thing but Blueblood, well, he…”

“If you trusted me, Twilight, I doubt you would be so adamant against my nephew journeying alongside you.” A soft chuckle escaping Celestia while she levitated a scroll into the air, followed by a loud pop as it disappeared in the air. “While I’m glad you’re not afraid to voice your concerns Twilight, I want to know that no matters what happens, you’ll be ready. Who knows? Maybe you come to understand why nephew became the stallion you see today. ”

A knot grew in Twilight’s stomach as she let Celestia’s words take hold. Before she knew it, she was grasped by two strong legs, pushing her into her teacher’s soft barrel. The two stood there in silence, letting her teacher’s warmth pour into her. Letting the smaller alicorn go, Celestia faced her student. “Now I’ve sent word to the head librarian at the university, they’ll be gathering every book they have on Buckland’s history, culture, any book that has the word Buckland in it.”

The purple alicorn’s smile stretched to the back of her head. “Thank you princess,” Twilight said. “Uh, princess, I-“

“No pony is at the front gate Twilight." An impish grin was spread out on the white alicorn's face, “The guards just received instruction to send away anypony who comes even close to my castle without proper authorization.” Celestia watched as Twilight flashed her grin and left with a spring in her step.

Closing the doors, Celestia trotted over to her bed, stretching out like a cat lazing in a sunbeam. “Now then,time for Princess Celestia to be just Celestia.”

-Library, Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns-

After making her way out through the castle’s front gates, Twilight leisurely strolled to her old school’s library. As she walked through the doors, her nose caught the scent of old books and ink, reminding her of all the days she spent locked up here.

“Hold up there,” shouted somepony’s voice.

A small, wiry old teal green unicorn mare was slowly making her way over to Twilight. Creases lined her aging face, a thick pair of blue horn-rimmed glasses perched on her muzzle and a quill stuck out of her hair bun. A small piece of paper with a magnifying glass over it with a small check mark in the center was emblazed as her cutie mark. The mare approached her, close enough for her to be muzzle to muzzle, squinting her eyes as she looked into Twilight’s eyes.

“Ah!” exclaimed the mare, “Miss Sparkle, the only student I’ve ever had the pleasure of watch reading even after the library closed.” Her cheeks rising up slightly in a genuine smile, “How good to see you back here again.”

“Hello again, Miss Index,” Twilight said, giving the old librarian her most sincerest smile. “I’m here for some books.”

“Why of course you are, sweet child,” Index replied. “We got Princess Celestia’s message but an hour ago. Sad to say there Miss Sparkle, we don’t have much.”

The pair walked in silence as they headed towards the back of the library, the older mare walking with a slight limp while Twilight followed behind at a slower pace. Passing the endless shelves of books, the pair made their way to a table stacked with four individual books placed with great care. “Here we are, Twilight. This is everything we have on the nation of Buckland.”

Twilight stared at the table expectantly, “I’m sorry Ms. Index, I was expecting more than this,” Twilight said with concern.

“Yes, well I’m afraid after severe categorizing and referencing, it seems our library is lacking in the particular subject Princess Celestia wanted.” Index explained, somewhat miffed about how small her collection was. “Had I known how limited we were in foreign countries, I’d petition for more books in foreign matters, but no one listens us librarians, no siree,” whinnied the old mare. Twilight held up a hoof to her muzzle, trying to repress her laughter.

“Now then Miss Sparkle, while you may hold these books for longer than usual, I’m still holding you to the same principles as anypony else who checks out a book from my library. Even if you’re a princess now. Knowledge isn’t something to be wasted, all of these books are like my children, and like any mother, you never dare tempt the mother of a child,” she said, turning to face Twilight, her muzzle only an inch apart from hers.

“Understood.” Same old Ms. Index, never misses a thing. Even after all the years, she still has the fire of somepony half her age, lamented the alicorn princess. Looking over each book, Twilight could help but notice that each tome seemed to be weathered by time.

- The Geographer’s Collection of Buckland.

- Mad Beasts of the North.

- Facts & Fiction: A Guide to Equestria’s Northern Friends.

- Tales of the Untamed North: Myths & Legends

Twilight’s eyes skimmed over the titles of each book, her expression shifting from fascination to unease as she read over each title. These books don’t seem to be that specific, she thought as she skimmed over the titles. The school housed over tens of thousands of books, why is it that a small quantity of books on Buckland? It seemed unusual for the university to carry such a limited selection.

“Now be careful with these books princess, they’re first editions and the library doesn’t get as much funding as it used too,” Index said, snapping the princess out of her inner thoughts. “I expect them in the same condition as you’ve received them.” Index eyed the princess like she was a student, one eye gathering her attention as she leaned forward at Twilight.

Twilight couldn’t help but smile at the old mare. “I promise Miss Index that I will return your books in pristine condition.” Levitating the books in her grasp, each one beginning to waiver and fade in the air. “Don’t worry, I just teleported them to my room in the castle."

“Well you take care of yourself now, Twilight. I’ve got to go back to searching our records for overdue books,” wheezed out the old librarian.

Gathering her magic, Twilight took one last look at the library before vanishing in a burst of sparks.

-Banquet Hall, Blueblood Estate-

Prince Blueblood sat by himself at a grand mahogany table, enjoying a late lunch. The prince requested for a bowl of cream of mushroom soup with parsley for added affect with a bottle of Gallopagos Golden chardonnay from the kitchens. The prince ate in silence, only the clinging of silverware were the only sounds made.

“Ahh…” Blueblood sighed contentedly. “Perfect as usual.” Grabbing a silver bell by his side, he rang three times. A dark green earth pony maid with gold hair wearing a white apron came through the doors of the kitchen. “Do get those dishes back to the kitchen now.” Getting off his pillow, the prince made his way up to his personal quarters.

Twilight Sparkle, you’re such an unusual mare. You ascend to the status of a princess but you don’t even wear your crown, so undignified. Why did Auntie even bequeath such a revered title if wasn’t not even going to become a rule over a nation? Sometimes I think I’m the only one sees the big picture. Blueblood had been pondering on his meeting with his Aunt and the so-called Princess Sparkle. Walking out of the hall, he headed towards the main entrance for the stairs, the sun shining down through the glass windows high above.

“Daily Planner!" called out the prince. "I have need of you.”

A slight gust of wind, followed by the sound of hooves clicking on the floor greeted Blueblood’s ears. A purple Pegasus with a solid black mane stood behind the prince, two saddlebags strapped to his sides. A thick set of glasses perched on his muzzle, giving him a constant surprised look in his face.

“Planner, do remember that mother has asked that you refrain from flying indoors? We’d rather not have feathers in the rafters again.”

“My apologies, Prince Blueblood,” said the pegasus.

“Now then, tomorrow I will be leaving for the Crystal Empire with Princess Twilight Sparkle. I need to make a formal announcement to the staff, and while you’re at it I’ll need my personal train car hooked up to the train tomorrow as well,” Blueblood said, planning out the following morning. “I want to ensure that the Blueblood Estate is to remain the same, not a painting out of place, understood?”

“Of course, Prince Blueblood.”

“Very well then. Pass onto the rest of the staff that I’m not to be disturbed for the rest of the day.”

“Very good. By the way sire, Steel Wheel arrived at the front gate several minutes ago." Pulling out pocket watch and clicking it open. “He should be at the door in roughly three minutes.”

Blueblood eyes widened slightly, the head of Equestria’s shipping industry was coming to his estate without any formal warning? “Tell the chefs to prepare something, anything for our guest immediately!” he shouted, his mane slightly going askew. “And get one of our best bottles from the cellar, nothing that my father will notice missing but not commoner’s fare.” Wheel, what are you doing, showing up uninvited?

With a curt bow, the Pegasus took off with haste while Blueblood prostrated himself as he walked to the center of the entrance. Close enough to see his guest but not far enough that Wheel wouldn’t see him. A sudden knock on the door alerted the young prince that his guests had arrived. Adjusting his mane to its usual perfect position, he opened the door slowly.

A large red pegasus stood under the arch of the open doorway, sporting a white dinner jacket with a blue hoofkerchief in the barrel pocket. His mane was a delicate yellow and his eyes were electric blue. Walking in with a causal swagger in his step, he smiled at Blueblood.

“Greetings Prince Blueblood, how do you do on this fine day?” he asked, his smile never wavering.

So forward aren’t you? “Oh it’s been a rather calm day,” replying in a nonchalant tone.

“That is wonderful to hear, my prince,” as the pegasus strollined up to him. “Now I’m sure you’re wondering as to why I’m here unannounced.”

So you do have some tact, I’d never have guessed. “When you’re the head of one of Equestria’s shipping industries, you’re certainly welcomed inside my home.” Pointing his hoof towards the banquet hall, “Please follow me, Wheel, I’ve had the staff to prepare a suitable meal for you.”

Blueblood sat exactly opposite of Wheel at the table as soon as they sat down, watching with interest as the Pegasus consumed some of the leftover soup from the kitchen. Blueblood poured a generous amount of wine into his guest’s glass. Eden’s Fruit, he read to himself. Almost forgot we had this in the cellar. “I must say,” Wheel said in between swallows, “they weren’t joking about the chefs in your service.” The prince nodded his head in thanks.

“Now, Prince Blueblood, my ears extend as fair as my companies’ rails do," began Wheel.

Blueblood’s ears flickered for a brief moment. “Mh-hmm,” was his only reply as he began to sip from his wineglass.

“And quite recently, I’ve heard that you’ll be going on a trip to the North.”

Years of composure and tutoring kicked in as Blueblood tried to not choke on his wine, his eyes widening from the words. Lowering his glass, the prince gave Wheel his undivided attention.

Wheel sat there, sipping the wine leaving the two in silence. “You’re surprised I know?” chortled the pegasus. “Like I said, my ears are all over Equestria.”

Blueblood sat there, eyes focused in on Wheel as his tried to think how he could have gained such information. Twilight wouldn’t have been as stupid as to talk about our assignment, would she? No, she’s utterly devoted to my aunt, so how then?

Wheel relaxed back into his seat, his wings raising and lowering as he reclined back. “You have nothing to fear my prince. I merely wish to extend my hoof to you with the opportunity of a lifetime.” Wheel sat in his chair, the air around him growing still as the prince of Canterlot put up a mask of indifference. The slight shifts in his posture were there but Wheel’s face never showed his intentions. “Now then, dear prince, would you like to hear what I have to say?”

“Of course,” his tone as sweet as poisoned honey. You knew you already had me when you brought my assignment from my aunt into this.

“Well then, I had an interest in establishing a warehouse somewhere near the Crystal Empire,” Wheels began, pausing for a moment to let Blueblood dwell on the statement. “I would like to gain the rights to own land but since the empire is its own country I can’t just buy the land itself. I’ve appealed to Empress Cadence but she shot down my offer to her, and I honestly doubt she’ll let me, anywhere in the near future, build anywhere remotely close to her domain.”

“You want me to petition for a plot of land Wheel?” Blueblood asked in an innocent tone. Odd, he could’ve gone to Celestia with this request, stroking his chin absent mindedly.

“No,” he said flatly. “I want to build beyond the Crystal Empire, beyond the restrictions of Equestria.”

Blueblood nodded his head, He’s baiting me in but I won’t be played so easily. “You want me to find an investor for your company up north,” posing it as a statement. "You wish to sell your idea to establish a warehouse between them and the Crystal Empire? Is that correct?”

“Exactly so!” Wheel’s response was so abrupt it nearly made Blueblood fall over.

“Well this does sound like an amazing opportunity for you," Blueblood said, emphasizing his point as he flashed his eyes at Wheel. “But why would you come here just to come and get me?”

Tugging at his left barrel pocket, Wheel removed his hoofkerchief and dug deeper until a small and vanilla folded paper popped out. Unfolding it on the table, he nudged it towards the prince who grasped it in his magic.

“What am I reading?” Blueblood said, he knew full well what was written but he wanted to see how honest Wheel was.

“It’s merely a contract drafted up by my board of directors to let you be entitled to a founding fee and a yearly percentage of our profits will be paid to you, and only you.”

Blueblood looked over him, no twitch or shifting of the eyes. It wasn’t an act, he was dead serious. He wants this bad enough to work around my aunt. “Well this is a most generous offer, what must I do?”

Wheel removed his wallet from his other pocket, opening it up to pull out a small mirror roughly the size of his hoof. “This is an enchanted mirror. It’ll allow you to talk to me wherever you are. You’ll need to charge it with your magic for it to work but it’s virtually undetectable and nopony will be able to use.”

Odd. “Why did you make it undetectable? Does the north have mages?” he inquired.

“No, they have no magic to them,” said the pegasus. “The problem is that no magical instruments are allowed beyond Equestria’s borders without going through the proper channels. This will be strictly between the two of us of course. You’re free, of course, to reject my offer. We'll both walkaway and pretend this never happened.”

After how you just spilt your plans to me, you would think I wouldn’t refuse. The prince sat there, knocking his fore hooves together, closing his eyes. Wheels gets a hoof into new territory while everypony else has to wait. The contract would guarantee me money but he comes out with the lion’s share of the profit.

“A thought occurred to me." Wheel straightened up as the prince’s mood suddenly changed. “What if I were to buy the land whilst I was there and I could let you build it there?” Wheel’s tucked his lips back into his mouth. “You wouldn’t have to pay me of course for the founder’s fee but still have stock in your company.”

Wheel’s shoulders slightly slumped at Blueblood’s words. “Well I’m not sure. It would cost you greatly to do all of that for my sake.”

“Think nothing of it, my friend. Do wish to accept my alternative?”

Wheel sat back mulling over his words, the prince watching as the cracks were starting to show. Sweat formed on his brow, his wings quivering. “Well, I’ll have to think on that but you’re still willing to work alongside of me, yes?”

More like over you on this one, Wheel.

Fwish

In a burst of yellow sparks, Blueblood stood beside Wheel, his hoof extended out with grace. “To a long and stable partnership.” he said as Wheel gripped his hoof and shook. And soon an even greater legacy in the name of Blueblood.