To say it was a shock would be an understatement, for Queen Chrysalis to boldly walk in disguised as she had been was certainly something none of us had expected. I held court biweekly; there were not enough petitioners to warrant more regular sessions that also I was mindful that my friends would not always be available for every session so biweekly it was. I didn't need to look to know the expression of anger on Rainbow's face or the mistrust Applejack held for the Changeling Queen before us, I wasn't even surprised by Spike's hostility. 'She's proud even in the face of doom, I can see she would have preferred to never come here. But what can I do? She asked for aid which I could give but sanctuary not so much. Equestria is ruled by the cooperation of its Princesses and I'm only one part of the Triarchy although in this case Cadance and the Crystal Empire may be brought in as well.
'
I saw Rainbow fidget ready to lash out whether it would be physically or verbally I wasn't entirely sure. With what Chrysalis had done there was a possibility of her doing either at this point but in this case I think verbal was the likelier option.
"What are you doing here?" Rainbow Dash yelled, "Come to drain us or perhaps invade again?"
I stomped my hoof quickly to draw Rainbow's attention to me. Once she was quiet I asked, "Queen Chrysalis of the Western Desert Ridge Hive what exactly do you ask of us?"
Queen Chrysalis focused her attention on me, "Aid and sanctuary as I stated before. We need food and medicine to help heal the Hive, our earlier plans to live among ponies was ruined by the arrival of Tirek. As Outcasts of the Collective we are seeking a new place to secure for our own."
I saw Rainbow tense and ready to lash out and I quickly lifted my hoof to ask that she remain quiet for the moment. "Did your plans originally involve invading a settlement and taking for your own?"
Chrysalis tensed before sighing knowing her plans had truly fallen through, "Yes. The plan was to use a settlement to strengthen our own position."
Armed with what she had just confessed I knew we needed time. "Rarity would you please tell the ponies waiting that Court has been cancelled and they will be rescheduled for a later time. Queen Chrysalis please leave this throne room once Rarity returns and wait outside, we need time to decide."
Rarity left and returned then Chrysalis left. The seven of us needed to come to a decision on the request of Queen Chrysalis. The discussion was long and heated and more insults were hurled at the Changeling who awaited her fate like one awaiting their execution in days long past. After nearly half an hour I allowed her to enter the throne room again. Her posture was the same as before; she directed her focus towards me and her stance spoke of confidence even in the midst of the hostility she felt.
I didn't need to look to know the reluctance and anger on Rainbow's face or the torn look from Applejack who mistrusted her but at the same time could not simply turn her away while she needed help, Pinkie I knew was ecstatic as she hoped she could cheer up the cold Queen, Fluttershy was the same and hoped she too could help her, Rarity was still reluctant about this whole matter, and Spike was in the same position as Applejack. I knew he and Rainbow would have the greatest difficulty accepting what we had decided. To Rainbow, Chrysalis tricked her in abandoning a friend but to Spike, Chrysalis didn't just attack strangers but she had attacked his family. His family mattered more to him than anything else, I had suspicion that his hoard one day would not be jewels but the family he loves. I knew Spike would be angry but I also knew he too understood the need for mercy and forgiveness.
"Queen Chrysalis of the Western Desert Hive, are you prepared to listen to what shall be done?" I spoke out, grateful for the etiquette lessons from my parents and Princess Celestia.
Chrysalis gave a silent nod allowing me to proceed.
"By your actions in Canterlot in disrupting the wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza of House Crystal and Sir Shining Armour of House Sparkle and the subsequent capture and detainment of a sizable portion of the population of Canterlot and by your own admission earlier you have been deemed a war criminal in Equestria. By your own plea for sanctuary and in light of recent circumstances you will not be detained here as a war criminal but as a political refugee. Equestria is ruled by the joint cooperation of its Princesses and your will remain under my protective custody here at the Crystal Oaks until such time that Princess Celestia and her Solar Court, Princess Luna and her Lunar Court, and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and her Crystal Court are able to convene with me and my Court of Friendship to decide upon your request for sanctuary. You will not be permitted to leave the Crystal Oaks without an escort and your Hive would not be permitted to leave Ponyville and its territories and aid will be provided until your fate has been decided."