“Can I help you?” Cadance asked not bothering to look up from the scroll she was studying. She hoped it wasn’t another maid asking about another ball.
It’d been a few days since Shining Armor had returned and it seemed like he barely saw his marefriend. Between her volunteer work and her time spent in Celestia’s private library, she was always busy. Usually it was her approaching him for quality time, but now it seemed the tables had turned, and he didn’t think he liked it.
“You can have dinner with me,” Shining Armor answered.
“Mm—hm,” was her absentminded reply.
Irritated by her lack of attention, he magically snatched the parchment away from her forcing her to pay attention.
“Hey!” She cried out somewhat annoyed by his antics. “Give that back, Shining Armor!” Manicured hooves slammed down on the table as the Princess of Love stood leaning over her work space.
“You’ve been locked up in here all day,” She gave him a look as she folded her forelegs across her chest sinking back into her seat, “And no pony has seen you leave for anything. Not even food! I’m just asking for dinner and a little bit of your time.”
Candy colored eyes narrowed as she studied his visage carefully considering his proposal. Cerulean eyes were hopeful. She’d been so scarce lately making him realize he missed her companionship.
Moments later, a satisfied grin broke out over her maw. “Only because you asked so nicely… I was beginning to think you’d never miss me.”
Half an hour later, the duo was seated at a nice little restaurant in uptown Canterlot enjoying a light dinner. What should have been a nice and quiet evening was soon interrupted as the furious whispers of a feuding couple a few seats over drifted to their table.
“No, I don’t want chicken!”
“Well I don’t want tofu!”
“Why make a big deal out of me picking if you’re just going to disagree with everything?”
“You’re picking everything you know I hate!”
“You said it wouldn’t be a problem!”
”Well, maybe you should be more considerate!”
One of these days he’d be able to sit, walk, eat and act like he wasn’t with an alicorn of love who felt the need to change the world thwarting one argument at a time. He waited for the tell-tale signs of her sympathetic sensibilities.
Cadance was oblivious to her coltfriend’s expectant stare until she just happened to look up from her eating. “What?” She asked annoyed with the expression directed her way. “Is something on my face?”
“You don’t hear that?”
She blushed as a particularly nasty comment reached her ears. “Oh I hear it,” was her reply.
“Aren’t you going to use your ‘love ray?’” He grimaced at the term preparing for the onslaught of ‘aw’s that were sure to follow due to the Sweetheart of Canterlot benevolent actions.
Cadance raised a brow as a wry smile crossed her features, setting down her fork. “My… ‘love ray?’”
“Yes, your ’love ray.’”
“Why would I do that?” Was her amused reply.
”I don’t know… because you hate conflict?” He suggested feeling lame. “Especially conflict amongst couples?”
“While I do detest conflict I’ve found that conflict is necessary in a relationship.” Her tone was matter of fact. “If they can’t survive a hurdle as simple as dinner than how can they hope to survive the real problems? I would be doing them an even bigger injustice if I chose to amplify their illusions of each other. Technically speaking, all love is is an illusion of closeness tying ponies to other ponies.”
Now it was Shining Armor’s turn to look confounded. “I never knew you were such a cynic…” Perhaps Discord was beginning to rub off on her, he thought telling her as much
“That’s what you get for leaving me for so long…” She joked which caused him to smile despite the eye roll that followed. “Seriously, it’s best for me not to get involved so they can truly come to see each other for the fallible ponies that they are. True love isn’t a fairy tale.” She rolled her eyes annoyed with the idea. “It’s work… hard work, and all the time work at that. I mean how would you feel if I told you that I had something made of the purest gold and that it was yours if you dug for it. But then it really wasn’t gold. It was actually silver that looked gold under the light I showed it to you in.”
“What?” His snow colored face was bright with confusion.
“Let’s say that for your whole life you were working for, what I promised to be, a great treasure of pure gold. Finally you get it and when you inspected it, truly inspected it without my persuasion, it wasn’t gold, it turned out to be silver. You’d feel cheated, wouldn’t you? Even though silver is still valuable you’d feel cheated out of your time and out of a choice because it was never what you thought it was, never what you wanted to begin with. And to make matters worse, now you’re too old to try for gold. All because-“
“You lied to me…” She smirked at the look of realization on equine features. “When you put it that way…. It does sound a little nefarious…”
She laughed. ”I prefer misguided… My heart was always in the right place, the execution was just a little flawed.”
Shining Armor was quiet before asking what was really on his mind. “Why is this so important to you all of sudden?”
“What’re you talking about?” She asked with a crooked grin.
“I mean your… power trip? I applaud your ambition, but I can’t say I really understand it.” Candy colored eyes stared down at a half-eaten salad.
“You’re almost a different pony. What’s going on with you?” He almost felt bad for asking as the look on her face was one of pure anxiousness.
“Cadance…”
“Can I be honest with you?” She asked slowly, swallowing her apprehension.
“Of course.”
“The mares in my family have always been strong and independent. My Aunt Celestia has been the sole ruler of Equestria for the last thousand or so years and I’ve never once seen her break a sweat. And my Aunt Luna is just as brilliant when it comes to the art of war. They’re the whole package- Strong, beautiful. Useful. Queens really… But me…”
“Cadance…“
“I’m a Princess of Love whose lifelong ambition is to prove just how ‘normal’ she is. I’m more than that!” Bright eyes flashed. “So much more than that, and I’ve got the power to prove it! I just don’t know how to use it yet. My… Our people deserve a ruler that can put their interest before her own. A ruler who can protect them and prove that their loyalty was never misplaced. Who knows what I’ll be doing in the future, but I know I won’t be doing much of anything if I don’t make more of myself.” There was fire in her violet eyes. She hadn’t meant to be so forthcoming and the surprise on her face betrayed that. “Does any of that make sense to you?” She asked suddenly embarrassed.
Cerulean eyes were alight with understanding. “Yeah… That makes perfect sense.” He smiled softly, prompting Cadance to shyly smile in return.
He wondered just how much more to Princess Cadance there was. “So about this ball…”
*-*3333*-*
The Earl of Greycoat was hosting a great ball and while he normally hated such functions it was part of his job as Captain of the Guard. Even if he were somehow able to worm his way out of his military duties, being Cadance’s colt-friend made it so absences for these particular events would be hard to come by. Normally the Princess loved balls, but lately she hadn’t been attending as many. It was the first event she had decided to go to in a few days.
And all because of some Indiana Jones wannabe. It just ate at Shining Armor knowing the only reason she was so worked up about this party was because some dusty, old, playboy-esque professor would be there.
“I can’t believe Galen Hoover will be there,” she was saying as she went about primping and preening at her vanity. Cadance had all but pushed her face in the mirror magically applying her makeup. “The places he’s been and the things he’s seen… This is just so.. so… perfect! If any pony can help me, it has to be him. Is this eyeliner too dark, Shining?”
Besides being notoriously brilliant and unconventional, Hoover was also known for his romantic ventures. A tidbit that made Shining Armor frown as he listened to his marefriend prattle on about the accomplished stallion.
He’d never been the type to get jealous as he never had to worry about it before. But nowadays Cadance was so secretive. Sometimes he didn’t know what she was up to or who she was with. She still hung out with her normal clique, but he wasn’t blind to new ponies he’d noticed her having lunch with or the private walks she’d take every few days. She’d be gone for a few hours, and every time he asked about it she’d get this look and change the subject.
“….”
It was odd.
“Shining Armor!”
“Uh… try the purple ones?” Startled, the stallion shook his head before giving his marefriend his undivided attention, but not before making a fool of himself.
She rose a delicately arched brow, slightly annoyed by his inattentiveness.
“Wow…” When he finally realized what he was looking at, he couldn’t help but stare. Her tri-colored mane was done in an elegant over the shoulder braid. With a flowing gown of ivory, she looked ethereal in her maturity. Like a pony of summer. The smell of her perfume even made him think of summer with its heady scent. She’d become quite the contrast lately.
Cadance snorted before shaking her head. If his drooling were any inclination, then she guessed she looked presentable enough. “Ready to go, Captain?” She asked with a smirk.
When the duo arrived at the Earl’s chateau, everything was in full swing.
The Earl of Greycoat was an older gentlecolt with a greying coat and mane of slate. With a face full of laugh lines as well as a thick mustache, he had the look of a jolly, old, monocle-wearing pony. Princess Celestia smiled politely at the old coot as she complimented him on his décor.
A respected pony known for his eccentric ideals, Celestia always enjoyed the slight reprieves from work his events offered her.
“Look! It’s Aunt Celestia! Let’s go let her know we’re here,” Cadance whispered in his ear. “Remember to pay attention this time… And if you find you can’t help but mentally doze off, you can always just compliment a pony’s hair.”
He brushed against her with a playful eye roll, prompting her to return the gesture as he grinned. “I love your hair,” he teased. And he did, the two looked quite the couple- enchantingly royal, many would say.
The duo traded pleasantries with other random guests on the way until, finally, they reached the Sol alicorn who was casually conversing with the host.
“Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, so glad you two could make it.” The Earl grinned broadly. “You two look fetching.”
“Cadenza, Captain.” The Sol Alicorn greeted the duo with a kind smile.
“Thank you for having us,” Was the Princess’ polite response. Violet eyes lit up at her Aunt’s attire. A robe of purple graced her pristine form. The tail was embroidered with pink nimbus clouds and a golden sun, she looked nothing short of spectacular. Even her heavenly mane was braided and cuffed by golden ornaments. Celestia certainly was beautiful, Sun Goddess or no. “Careful, Aunty… Somepony may fall in-love with you tonight looking so approachable.”
Celestia smiled at her niece’s teasing. There was no denying how stressful the last few weeks had gone with her pending treaty. “The Earl certainly knows how to keep a pony relaxed.” She agreed.
“Nonsense!” The Earl grinned. “Even with the weight of Equestria, you are still quite a sight to behold, Princess.”
“You are all much to kind, but Nexia is as proud as they come,” she said in reference to the Griffin monarch.
“Griffins,” The Earl hummed thoughtfully. “A lively bunch those winged-devils.” He laughed as he thought back on his travels as younger pony. “But good to have in a fight. Why I remember when Hawthorne and myself were trapped amongst a cave of bitter harpies. Hawthorne, being the hero that he is had no problem putting them down… Unlike myself who’d never strike a female, no matter how murderous.” The group laughed at the joking Earl. “My nephew, Galen has had quite his share of harpies, if I do recall, and I do… recall that is… Now those I would consider ‘putting down’ as Hawthorne would say.”
Speaking of the Earl’s nephew…. “Has the guest of honor arrived, yet?” Came Cadance’s pretty chuckle.
Shining Armor couldn’t help but mentally frown.
*-*3333*-*
After being introduced to Galen Hoover, he and Cadance had talked animatedly about everything from magic to history. Especially the Discordian Age. Any pony else who had gathered had long since excused themselves, shocked by the Princess’ interests as well as the views expressed.
Shining Armor had been one of the first excusing himself to get a drink. He hadn’t realized the scope of her studies. When he returned, it was to see his marefriend casually dancing with the cultured stallion as they traded stories and ideas. If she noticed his glaring, she gave no inclination. The two looked good together, a thought that irritated him to no end.
“Is there no place you haven’t gone, Mr. Hoover?”
The stallion chuckled, “While I’ve been most everywhere here, there are still oceans to cross and deserts to traverse.” A light bay colored pony with a shiny mahogany coat, dark socks and mane, Chrysalis, disguised as Cadance, could see why mares were attracted to the adventuring academic. He certainly was a looker. Probably a little vain too. A trait that would make her desires all the more easier to obtain with the right exploitations.
“Princess, I never knew you were so interested in history or dark arts.” Galen was saying when they finally retired from the floor to catch their breaths.
Chrysalis smiled mysteriously. “It’s become a past-time of mine. Though I must admit the only reason I came to this party was to talk to you. Your lectures have inspired me to be more proactive in my education. Especially your studies on the Namaste Chalice.”
“Really? You are familiar with that?” Dark eyes were curious. Not many if any knew of the artifact, and the few in Equestrian society that did, turned their noses up at the idea.
“Very… The idea of becoming one with your whole self within the context of all that is and ever was and will be is beyond incredible.”
“I’m flattered, honestly. What, if you don’t mind my asking, changed for you? I wouldn’t think too many ponies would know of such an item.”
“People often fear what they do not know. And as a benevolent face of love, I feel it best to understand all aspects of my culture. Especially the misunderstood parts. I love my aunt and I believe in her leadership, but I have a mind of my own and it wouldn’t be right to pass judgment on an ideology or a creature simply because she says so.”
“Spoken like a true scholar... Intelligent and beautiful, a lethal combination.” He truly was impressed by her.
“You exaggerate, but I accept your compliments nonetheless.” She chuckled. “I can assure you that I am just like every pony else.”
“And yet I strongly doubt it.” Chrysalis blushed under his gaze like she imagined the real Cadance would. “But it is true. It’s refreshing really. Celestia is a fine ruler, but ponies forget there is more to life than her favor. You should come to my library sometime. There are ancient documents and spells Celestia herself have not seen. And Shade, my young assistant, is as knowledgeable as the oldest alicorn. It wouldn’t be what it was if not for that stallion. Perhaps he could satisfy your questions regarding the chalice.”
Candy eyes sparkled. Mission accomplished. “You are too kind. I should like to take you up on that offer.” Knowledgeable though he was, Hoover was still a stallion. It was surprising what flattery and a pretty face could do.
“Your colt-friend…”
Her ears perked. “Yes… what about him?”
“Don’t look now, but I do believe if looks could kill, I’d be one dead stallion.”
Chrysalis couldn’t help but snicker. Jealousy had a very ‘distinct’ taste and she’d been privy to it all night. Especially from Shining Armor. Every encounter she had with him boosted his feelings for the mare she was impersonating. She hadn’t intentionally set out to make him jealous, but Maker was it playing in her favor. “I’m afraid I’ve turned him against you already. I’ve been talking about you all night… I’ll have to make it up to him.”
“It’s quite alright. I’d be jealous too if I were him. You certainly are one of a kind. You definitely surprised me tonight. He’s a lucky stallion.” Came Hoover’s smooth voice as his eyes discreetly travelled her form.
“I think we both are… No pony else understands me quite like he does. He’s… all I’ve ever wanted.” Her words were spoken with casualness but her eyes were filled with earnestness. She was no foal. Despite his charm, she knew his type and even if she didn’t have history with Shining Armor, she still wouldn’t be interested.
“Does he know that?” The older stallion grinned bumping her shoulder. There was strength in this girl that suggested he shouldn’t waste his time in trying to seduce her. Frankly, she gave him an uneasy feeling despite her unassuming air.
The Changeling Queen blushed before looking down. “I suppose he doesn’t… Telling him would make it too real, and I don’t think the timing is right.”
“If not for your own sake, you should do it for my mine.” He laughed. “He’s coming over right now.”
Chrysalis groaned as she looked to see Cadance’s beau was indeed approaching. Colts…
“Excuse me, but may I have this dance, Princess?” Shining Armor was as dignified as ever, but Chrysalis was well aware of his true state of mind.
“Shining, of course.”
Hoover smirked as he nudged the mare forward. “It was a pleasure, Princess. Maybe we’ll talk more in the future.” He bowed, prompting her to return the gesture.
Before the other stallion could recover, Shining Armor swept her into a dance of pirouettes, canters and high steps.
“I thought you hated dancing,” she smirked as she kept up with his movements. The two were quite a sight as they swept around the floor in perfect time with each other. Other couples danced but the crowd seemed to be enchanted by the princess and her guardsman.
“I do.”
“You don’t act like it,” Was her sly reply. “You’re actually quite good, Captain.” The rhythm changed and the two switched steps just as easy. Before long the song was over and the duo found themselves panting from the exertion as the room burst into applause at the show received.
“Champagne?” She proposed motioning towards the table of refreshments. With a stiff nod, Shining Armor led the way.
“So passionate… Is something wrong, Shining?” She batted her lashes as she demurely sipped on her champagne enjoying the light atmosphere.
“Hardly.” He snorted as he downed his drink making her grin before stepping closer to his form.
“Are you… jealous?” She whispered in his ear.
“No...” he sulked.
“I think you are…” She sang airily.
“Maybe…”
Chrysalis chuckled sensually in his ear making him shiver. “Poor pony…” She hummed sympathetically. “It must have burnt you up to see me so close to Galen.”
“Cadance…” He warned.
She turned away and the two found themselves observing the debonair stallion who was locked in heated conversation with some pony else now. “I mean if I saw you throwing yourself at some attractive, successful and devilishly charming mare… why, I don’t know what I’d do. I don’t think I’d be nearly as cool as you are right now.”
“…” He glared at the way she tilted her head, following the movements of the stallion in question. As if he sensed their stare, he turned and waved a hoof at the couple.
“Then to know that she extended an invitation for a private tour of her personal library where, rumor has it, she seduces young, unsuspecting stallions like yourself…”She trailed before feigning indignation. “And to know you accepted! I’d… I’d… Oh Maker! I don’t know. ” She pressed a delicate hoof to her forehead seemingly overcome before managing to compose herself. “But you… Thank Celestia, are just so blasé… I truly envy that.”
She finally turned her attention to the stallion whose normally easygoing expression was twisted with a deep frown.
She smiled innocently, “But do you know what I’d like to do if such a situation ever presented itself?”
“What, Princess?” He ground out uncomfortable with the picture painted.
She looked thoughtful before pressing her body against his and lowering her voice so no pony could overhear. “I’d take you aside to somewhere private, say an unoccupied room, maybe even a bathroom depending on how…” She pretended to search for a word, ” offended I was and I’d remind you just how ‘devilishly charming’ I could be.” Cerulean eyes turned a darkened grey, and Chrysalis chuckled as she watched his emotions flit across his face. Teasing him was fun. With her innocent smile back in place, she excused herself to the bathroom.
Meeting Hoover had been a stroke of luck, she thought as she moved unhurriedly through the Earl’s luxurious home. Portraits and priceless antiques lined the wall of the great hall she moved through. The Earl came from a long line of prominent ponies. Hoover was actually his nephew. A tidbit that made her job a tad bit easier as none would bat their eyes at her new acquaintance as the family was highly respected regardless of Hoover’s indiscretions with mares.
The Namaste Chalice truly was a legendary artifact said to hold the secrets of time. It was mind boggling to know that there was a way to exist as the center of your universe while simultaneously existing within the universe. Although, one could argue relativity, the chalice was said to be absolute truth, a reminder of beings long since passed or perhaps beings who had moved on to greater planes of existence.
After finding the restroom and making sure she still looked every bit as innocent as she pretended, she was making her way back to the ballroom. Her thoughts travelled to her snow colored stallion, Shining Armor. It was almost like she was seventeen all over again. Almost. Despite taking Discord’s advice, she was still cautious over her involvement with the stallion. However, that didn't mean she couldn't have a little fun and mess with his head.
She sighed as she approached the ballroom, she didn't notice the other pony approaching her.
Before she knew what was going on the pony had shoved her into a dark closet.
“What’s going on?” She vocalized readying herself to go on the defensive as the door slammed shut. “Remember me?” Shining Armor muttered in her ear before his hot mouth descended upon hers.
Desire and jealousy made an interesting mix. After realizing what was going on Chrysalis surrendered to the stallion’s assault. “I don’t think I could forget,” was her throaty reply as she let him take control.
He muttered something lowly as he pressed closer to her form forcing her against the wall. Warm magic washed over her making her body feel warm and tingly. This thrill of anticipation seemed much more interesting than the jolt she felt tasting his jealousy. It saturated deep within making her eyes darken. It was so strong and encompassing that she immediately saw it for what it was.
“A l-love spell?!” She gasped as she felt him smirk against neck before showering her with more kisses. “No fair…”
“You started it…” Lately, it seemed Cadance relished in his intensity. It was new, her bouts of manipulations, but oddly enough, he found himself enjoying her orchestrations. Tonight was no different.
“Wh-who taught you that?”
“I have my ways,” was Shining Armor’s evasive reply before doing this thing with his tongue.
“M-maybe... Maybe we should stop,” She managed feeling overwhelmed. “I’d hate for s-somepony to catch us…”she muttered distractedly as she fought to clear her lust-addled brain. Shining Armor was a gentlecolt underneath it all, but if he kept kissing her this way… There were some lines she was not looking to cross.
Shining Armor groaned into the spot below her ear before stilling himself. He wondered if she knew how crazy she was making him. The two took their time composing themselves. If anypony saw a ruffled-looking couple sneaking out of a closet, they didn’t comment.