//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: A Queen's Lament // by lollipopchica //------------------------------// "I practically hand you your salvation on a silver platter and you mess it up!" Celestia's garden had quickly become one of the Changeling Queen's favorite spot to visit. This morning however, she found she had a walking companion as she traversed the botanical area. "I'm not messing 'it' up… No one is the wiser." Chrysalis put on a pleasant smile for the benefit of a passing maid. Princess Cadance did not associate with the God of Chaos, so she had to make this look as 'nice' as she could. Discord scoffed at the disguised changeling below him. "Your biggest critic is…" His expression turned sly. "To be a creature obsessed with love, one would think you'd better be at this." He flipped his body upside down as he rested his forehead atop of Chrysalis. "What's with all the 'I'm-a- princess-so-woe-is-me'?" Ugh! She knew she should've wiped that maid's memory… Not that it would've mattered with the scene she caused yesterday. Cadance raced through Celestia's castle at an almost breakneck speed. Her voluminous mane flew with the wind as she traversed stairs and rounded corners, sprinting down long hallways. "Princess!" "Hey! What the-!" Her un-princess like behavior would be the talk of the day as she bumped into various staff not even slowing to apologize. Her only priority was finding Shining Armor before he left the castle grounds. After her spat with the stallion, she'd sworn her maid to secrecy and retired early claiming the day's events had taken their toll. The next morning she had awoken to a note beside her bed. It read: 'Sorry about last night… I do have feelings for you but maybe we're just trying too hard. I'll be leaving for a week and hopefully you'll have made up your mind by then. A break will do us good I think.' -Shining Armor After pushing away her initial discomfort, Chrysalis found herself racing to see the other off. She honestly hadn't meant what she said the way he took it. She was more frustrated with herself than anything else. Time was of the essence and it felt like she wasn't able to use hers the way she wanted to. Moments later she had finally reached the great hall catching sight of the tail end of Celestia's diplomatic party. There were about six military ponies, two griffins as well as Celestia herself. Shining!" She yelled somewhat breathlessly as she pushed forward knocking over her third maid of the morning. "Hey!" The stumbling pony shrieked. "Shining, Aunt Celestia- Wait!" The party halted turning to look for the interruption. Chrysalis could taste a mixture of confusion and annoyance, but the only pony's emotions she cared about was Shining Armor. She couldn't let him leave thinking Cadance didn't care about him. When she finally reached him in her breathless state, her face was flushed from exertion as her chest rose and fell in time with her speeding heart. "Hi…" She breathed somewhat winded. Shining Armor raised a brow but otherwise remained stoic. He was shocked. "Cadenza?" Princess Celestia took a step forward confused. "Aunt Celestia," she addressed never taking her eyes away from the stallion in uniform. "I'm sorry for interrupting, but I wanted to wish your guard, all of your guard," her eyes swept over the group as a she allowed a small smile," safe passage." "Thank-you," the stallion finally spoke up prompting the return of her gaze. "We're very appreciative of your concern." Chrysalis leaned forward and truly studied his features. There was nothing boyish about the stallion in front of her. He'd matured and grown over the years and Chrysalis found she wanted to know him. Candy eyes softened as she let her eyes rake over the snow colored pony taking in every inch of him. She almost forgot about the small crowd watching the scene with great confusion. It'd been a while since he'd blushed, but the intensity of her scrutiny was making him flush ever so slightly. It was nerve-wracking, yet an odd sense of intimacy lingered that he didn't expect. What was she doing? And why here of all places. Chrysalis watched him stiffen as she raised a hoof and touched him. She leaned forward till their mouths were a breath apart. She closed her eyes as she familiarized herself with his emotions. There was confusion, annoyance, but then there was affection. She picked apart his affection for Cadance piece by-piece until she found what she was looking for. Candy colored eyes blinked open as she let this new knowledge settle in. His cerulean gaze was the tiniest bit curious. "I'll be waiting for you," She whispered before taking a step back. Finally she turned her attention to the sol alicorn with a satisfied expression on her maw. "Thank-you." After everyone regained their composure, Shining Armor called his guard to order and the group continued on with their departure, leaving Cadance staring after them. Celestia threw her an appraising glance as her graceful form disappeared to see her subjects and potential allies off. Chrysalis sighed as she turned to go back to her room. Halting in her tracks, she groaned at the havoc she'd left certain the whole palace would know of this and her argument from last night before the end of the night. With a slump of her shoulders, she made her way back to her room casting apologetic glances to all she had trampled. "Shining Armor?" Candy colored eyes strained upward locking with red. "Wouldn't Celestia be my biggest critic?" "Ah, but Princess Celestia doesn't have a sexual relationship with her niece… Or at least one would think not." He poofed away only to reappear in front of her. Chrysalis stopped in her tracks as she scrunched up her face in disgust- she really didn't want that image in her head. Why did the draconequus torment her so? "He isn't in-love with her…" She breathed as she thought back to when she picked apart his feelings of affableness. "I would know." "Would you or is that just wishful thinking?" The two continued forward. "What's that supposed to mean?" She hissed annoyed that he'd question her abilities. "I can feel his emotion for her and it's not love. He likes her… but he's not in-love with her. At least not yet. Their relationship is still in the beginning stages." "Then what's the hold up?" Chrysalis was quiet even though her body language reeked of an offended countenance. "Just pretend he's the one…" He replied suggestively. Annoyed by his allusions Chrysalis gave him a scathing look. "Because you have so much experience with relationships…" The draconequus shrugged. "When in doubt just turn on your sex appeal and sleep with the guy. Nothing like a little nookie to move things along." His cackle was unrepentant much to her chagrin. "Disgusting!" She cried as a hoof flew to her mouth. "HA!" The chaotic creature's laugh was booming with derision. He could appreciate irony but the idea of a celibate changeling was just too much. "It's called seduction, Changeling Queen… That thing your race is known for?" He said it so obviously and so aloofly one would think the two were talking about the surety of the sky being blue. "I could've sworn you were more opportunistic than this… or at least less of a prude." "I know what it is!" She ignored the shot about her being a prude. "But what makes you think it'll be that simple?" Discord gave her a look that made her roll her eyes in annoyance. Lust and love were tightly intertwined and it wasn't uncommon for ponies to confuse the two. With the right wiles any pony could sell out his values. "As if you haven't done it before," he playfully swiped the air. "I bet your milkshakes bring all the boys to the yard. Afraid you'll enjoy yourself?" Chrysalis reddened with discomfort. Why were they still on this topic? And why was Discord referencing dirty pop songs? "Like I said, there's not much to go on," She reiterated smoothly. "Their relationship is fairly new. It's risky… maybe too risky." "You can't expect great gain without great risk, dear heart. And I do believe that to you, it is, in fact, worth the risk." The draconequus paused for effect as he placed his clawed hands on her shoulders. "Be a doting marefriend for your people's sake. Contrary to popular belief there is order in chaos, 'Princess.' Maybe losing yourself is all the answer you need. The best lies are always wrapped in truth. But you knew that, didn't you…" His words were telling despite his cryptic tone. Chrysalis stared up into serpentine features with wide eyes before her expression turned demure. "Whoever said wise ponies are not really foals in disguise certainly never met you." "The irony- You do care!" Her gaze veered off as she noticed another majestic creature approaching. "Aunt Celestia!" She smiled as her violet eyes lit up with pleasant surprise. Discord turned and gave the Equestrian leader one of his trademark smirks. "Aren't you simply radiant today, Celestia." "Behaving yourself?" Celestia asked expectantly. "Don't I always?" He countered slyly. Cadance rolled her eyes. "Please, don't encourage him. What on earth are you doing here?" She asked wanting to spare her Aunt from the draconequus' nonsense. As well as wanting her out of her business. "I thought you were buried with work." The sun alicorn stood tall in all her magical glory. Her pristine features regarded the two with polite curiosity. "Oh I am, but I needed a break. It's such a beautiful day today. Tomorrow it won't look so nice, I'm afraid. The pegasi have been working hard on a storm. This one is to be the 'grandest' of them all." The Sol Alicorn rolled her eyes with teasing in her voice. Cadance pouted at the news as a hint of worry flashed in her eyes. "Do you think it'll delay our soldiers any? Without my Shining Armor to keep me company I'll talk to anyone to keep myself occupied." She motioned at the chaotic deity. With a child-like huff, Discord folded his arms across his chest and stuck his snout in the air at the sly jab. "Well next time you want answers maybe I won't be so helpful." Cadance deadpanned. "Because your cryptic phrasing and general lunacy is just what every pony desires when in desperate need of clarity." Celestia covered her mouth with a hoof to hide her soft laughter. "Forgive my attempts at keeping your lives interesting. Maybe Flutters will prove to be better company. Arrivaderci!" The draconequus was gone in a haze of smoke. Cadance blinked in confusion before frowning up at her aunt. "I hate it when he does that," she coughed fanning away the magical discharge. "Walk with me?" Celestia raised a brow at the innocent admission. Nodding, she fell in step beside her niece as they continued to tour the royal garden at a leisure pace. Since when did her niece consort with Discord? "Are you Basil, Lyrica and Allegra no longer friends?" Celestia asked casually. Cadance smiled, "Lyrica and Basil are away on business and won't be back till the end of the month. Though I'm not sure what Allegra has been up to, besides it's nice to encounter a different point-of-view every once in a while. Even if it is Discord…" She added with mirthful eyes. Celestia nodded. "What were you two talking about, if you don't mind my asking." "Love." Was the younger's honest response. "He's such a cynic, Aunt Celestia. I've never seen someone so disillusioned with amity." "Discord never was the altruistic type. For a being like him, I suppose it wouldn't make much sense." Cadance appeared thoughtful. "I found he knows more than we give him credit for, but he's much more stringent than we are when it comes to matters of the heart. It's ironic that a creature of chaos would shun something so chaotic as love. But maybe that's his intention. There's order in chaos, I've been told." "Love chaotic?" "It can be." Violet eyes were aloof despite the mischievousness around the edges. "Are you in love?" "What?" Cadance chuckled, "Aunt Celestia, it's much too soon for that. But who knows, he could be the one…" she trailed playfully. "The one? Shining Armor? Cadance, Are you serious?" "Maybe…" Another chuckle. "Cadenza…" Celestia scolded despite the jovial expression on her light features. "And you were taking relationship advice from Discord?" Her surprise was palpable. "No…" Cadance laughed. "I wouldn't say that… It's just with this relationship stuff I've been much more curious about my magical abilities. I mean love magic can be so difficult." She pouted innocently, "They're all these rules and conditions and yet it doesn't seem like an effective art to be versed in at all… I was curious if Discord knew of any other alicorn with similar abilities." "Maybe you might find something in the royal library." "You think so?" Pink features perked with interest. "You'll never know till you try. But I have to get back to work. I think I've pried enough. But do call Allegra, I'm sure she'd be ecstatic to see you." Cadance politely waved away her suggestion with a knowing grin. "You worry too much Aunt Celestia, the odds of Discord corrupting me are slim to none. But a girls' day out does sound fun, so maybe I will." With that, the two alicorns traded goodbyes and parted ways. Celestia hummed as she carefully regarded her niece's retreating form. There was streak of something there that was different with the love alicorn. The next few days went by normal enough except every pony noticed the Princess of Love spending an almost unhealthy amount of time in Celestia's private office. Everyday Chrysalis tucked herself behind great doors of ivory engraved with golden sun emblems. She was beyond ecstatic to have access to Celestia's personal library. The things she could learn… She held no great love for ponies but she could admit a grudging respect for Celestia's leadership. Taking a quick breather from her reading, she momentarily admired the elegant furnishings of the vast room as she decided to move around stretching her legs. Everything back home was darkly furnished. It suited her tastes and complimented her looks, but Celestia's pastel decorum was a nice change. The thing that really made her smile were the tomes and scrolls lining the walls. Every day she found something new to add to her list of study. It truly was exhausting despite her hopefulness. Ever practical, Chrysalis knew she had her work cut out for her. *L*o*V*e*M*e* The royal garden was quiet as most of the castle's inhabitants were readying themselves for bed. Only the sentries would be out monitoring the castle grounds, and hardly any ever passed through the serene grounds. The Royal Garden was beautiful during the day, but there was something magical about it under the moonlight. The love princess leisurely travelled through taking in her serene surroundings. After her conversation with the draconequus, Chrysalis thought long and hard over her predicament. She only had a couple of months to find a way peaceable solution to save her species and the only lead she had was from Discord. Even though she'd learned much about Equestria's history thanks to Celestia's library, she hadn't found anything useful in terms of changeling heritage. In fact, the few scrolls she had found were grossly inaccurate. There'd only been a handful of changeling sightings, a fact that brought her great pride and relief, as the only ever capture had resulted in death for the unfortunate creature. As disappointing as her findings were, the changeling queen had to shift her focus onto her returning 'coltfriend.' The week was up and the diplomatic party had finally returned to the castle. She hadn't seen the stallion all day but that was soon to change as she had sent word for him to meet her here. When she left Canterlot all of those years ago, it was one of the hardest things she'd ever done. It taught her what it meant to sacrifice. And as a sensible monarch, Discord's advice was beyond risky. To fly so close to the sun would only result with her in flames. Were her changelings worth baptism by fire? She believed they were but was it enough? To be with him the way the Discord suggested could break her in two. Oh she heard the maids gossiping about her 'prude' behavior. Apparently Shining Armor was a hot commodity lots of mares were willing to covet. The sound of hoof prints caught her attention forcing her to abandon her troublesome thoughts. "Cadance?" After taking a deep breath the Changeling Queen turned to acknowledge her visitor. "Cadance…" Candy colored eyes sparkled in the moonlight as she took in the form of Shining Armor. "You came…" Shining Armor returned her timid smile. "Yeah… you wanted to talk." Chrysalis pursed her lips as she took her time closing the distance between them. Pink hips lightly swished as the nervous monarch seemingly glided to her beau. It was now or never. "We will…" She took a deep breath to steady her nerves, "but I owe you something first." Shining Armor only had time to raise a brow before Chrysalis greeted him with a kiss that would make even the boldest of ponies blush. Soft lips conformed to his own in a teasing manner before seeking to devour. She took his bottom lip in between her teeth lightly nipping and sucking, coaxing him to let her in. When he obliged, the Changeling Queen wasted no time deepening the kiss. The kiss was full of so many emotions that Shining Armor felt his knees quake as he leaned into her. This was a side of his marefriend he'd never seen before. Cadance was cute and dainty and everything she did radiated that. But this kiss was scorching and branding- so very different from how she normally kissed him. Shining Armor could feel his marefriend trembling as she buried her face in his mane. "I missed you," she breathed as she pulled away mentally surprised by her own zeal. "Cadance," he smiled goofily still reeling from his marefriend's welcome back kiss. "I've only been gone for a week." This certainly was new. "A week too long," the tension seemed to ebb out of her system as she stared in cerulean eyes. He was confused, if not amused. "Besides, I've made up my mind…" She started. "Well…" "You were right- I've been acting like a crazy pony." She grinned up at him from under long lashes. "Forgive me?" "Should I?" Shining Armor teased. "Do I really have to beg?" Chrysalis rolled her eyes. He grinned amused by her sass. "Maybe…" Emboldened by his teasing, Chrysalis smirked before fusing their mouths together in a kiss laden with sensual promise. Grinning into the action, the princess pressed her body closer to the guardpony completely taking advantage of his shock. The stallion was both surprised and pleased by his mare friend's idea of 'begging.' Mentally smirking, the changeling only broke the kiss when her need for air could no longer be ignored. "How was that?" She sounded breathlessly in the space between them with a teasing grin on her maw. "I don't know. I don't think I got all of that." Shining Armor smiled with a spark in his cerulean eyes. She chuckled before giving him a quick kiss. "I missed you all week…" The stallion rolled his eyes. "Are you sure?" Chrysalis pouted, "I don't care about what anypony has to say… I'm sorry for pushing you away… Am I still your marefriend?" Cerulean eyes stared warmly into eyes of violet. Chrysalis cursed her sentimentality as her heart skipped a beat. The stallion pressed his mouth against hers in a quick kiss. "Does that answer your question?" "I don't know… Does it?" She hummed with a faux look of thoughtfulness. He laughed before kissing her again.