Twilight sighed as she laid on the comfortable mattress. This was the most relaxed she had been in weeks. She smiled over at her friends and her family. All the mares were sitting in Cadence's and Rarity's room talking about the past two days. They were supposed to be getting ready for dinner, but none of them seemed to be in a hurry. Especially Twilight, who knew she had to make up for the garden and running out on the king. That's what her mother would expect of her.
"Oh my gosh Twilight you missed it! Shining thought Cadence was really ill and came to check on her, it was so cute!" Rarity laughed, causing her sister to blush and glare at her.
"I'm sure he was simply being polite...it was nothing…I wasn't even sick..." Cadence said as she tried to hide her blush.
"So why did you pretend to be feeling worse so he would stay longer?" Applejack smiled at the princess who blushed deeper. They all laughed again and Twilight looked over at Fluttershy, who seemed much happier than before. Her tour through the gardens must have been refreshing for the mare. There was a knock at the door and Pinkie bounced over to it to answer. She opened it the rest of the way bowing low, the princesses frowned and then stood up and gave quick bows as well as King Discord came into the room.
He smiled at all of them and bowed to all the mares in the room, his eyes lingering on Fluttershy for a second longer than the rest. He smiled over at Cadence and snapped his fingers, he held out the single red rose to her. She blushed again and took it with a thank you.
"No need to thank me princess. I am here to inquire after your health. I wish to be the best host I can and that means lifting my guests' spirits when they are feeling low." He smiled and pointed to the rose. Cadence looked down and it burst in a shower of sparks and golden butterflies flew about the room and circled the mares. Then one landed behind each of their ears and turned back into roses.
Despite who it was in their company all the mares laughed, which made Discord grin wider. He looked over to Fluttershy again, she was looking up at her rose. It was different from the rest, the others had turned back into red roses. Hers was gold and sparkled just as the butterflies had. She blushed deeper and hid behind her mane, but Cadence could see the happy smile on her face as well as the look in the king's eyes. The princess of love looked between the king and the mare. She quietly cast her spell that showed the auras of ponies. Both had a soft pink aura surrounding them, she smiled and chuckled to herself.
So that's how it is...hmm I'll have to keep an eye on these two…
Discord bowed as the mares clapped for his gifts. He chuckled and said,
"I look forward to seeing all you ladies at dinner…"
"All of us?" Applejack asked, a bit confused at the invitation. Discord nodded at the mare and indicated the three maids, his eyes softening.
"I believe that all are welcomed at my table. I forgot to make this clear last night, and I hope you accept my sincere apology. So can I expect you three lovely ladies to join us?" He looked up and made a point of meeting Fluttershy's eyes making her current blush spread over her entire face. This time even Twilight noticed the heat in the king's eyes and frowned.
Did I miss something?
"Will there be chocolate pudding for dessert?" Pinkie asked, narrowing her eyes at the king and he laughed. It was a full, deep laugh and his eyes sparkled with his amusements…
What they didn't know was that Princess Fleur was passing by, having fixed her mane and heard the king's laugh. She had been on her way to find him and see if she could make up lost ground. So to hear his laughter accompanied by the other princess' voices bothered her. She stood outside the door and peeked in, growling to herself. King Discord was with the other three princesses and looked very happy to be there. Fleur silently cursed and tried to think of a way to fix things, it was obvious she was quickly losing ground to Princess Twilight…
Think...think...of course! He may be a king, but he's still a beast at heart and there was one thing all beasts couldn't resist.
"If that is your special request of course there will be chocolate pudding. I look forward to seeing all of you at dinner...it will brighten the night to have all these shining stars at my table…" He purred and all the mares giggled in response. They found themselves growing more comfortable with the king, maybe it was his sincere concern for Cadence; even if she wasn't really sick.
He was being so charming and kind that none of them could resist reacting to it. He bowed low and in a bright flash left the room. They all stayed there staring at the roses in their ears, none knew what to say at first. Then Rarity broke the silence,
"I suppose...that he's not as beastly as I first thought...he's actually really...sweet in his own way."
The others smiled and nodded in agreement. Twilight turned away and frowned, Rarity was right...King Discord wasn't a monster. Then why did her heart still refuse to accept him? He had proven that he wasn't a bad guy and that he could be caring and kind. He had convinced Fluttershy to take a break from her duties and then had come to check on Cadence...even though he must know she wasn't really ill.
So even after all he had done for them and the way he had treated her in the gardens...Why couldn't she feel any joy in the prospect of marrying him?
Because there's a pair of blue eyes that haunt your thoughts...
She shook the thought quickly away and turned to join the others in getting ready. Unlike before, every mare was excited about dinner. They always loved it when they were all together and Cadence even mentioned helping Pinkie prank Fleur earlier. This made them all laugh and they were still laughing when their mothers came into the room to check and see if they were ready.
"What is so amusing daughters?" Queen Luna asked raising her brow, and all six mares shouted,
"NOTHING!"
Discord once again stood in front of his mirror and went over everything. He hoped she had picked up on his clues...the different colored rose, the looks, the personal invitation. True he was also inviting the other two earth ponies, but she was the one he had looked at for a reason. He ran his paw over his face and groaned.
"Don't tell me you're planning on chickening out?" Flash asked as he came into Discord's chambers. Discord snorted and then walked over and fell back onto his bed. He crossed his arms and said,
"I'm still going to do it...don't know how I let you talk me into this. It's the stupidest…"
"Then we shouldn't go through with it. We shall simply forget the idea and…"
"Hey now! Let's not get ahead of ourselves I didn't…" Discord stopped when he saw Flash laughing at him. He growled, but found himself grinning back. He chuckled realizing what Flash had done, he knew Discord was nervous and had reminded him of his resolve. He got off the bed and went to his friend, tapping the stallion's head with his claw.
"You know, for a pony...you're pretty smart."
"I'm going to take that as a compliment for now...did you go see them?" Flash asked.
Discord nodded and put his hands behind his back thinking about the blush that had crept along her beautiful cheeks as the gold rose wound through her silken hair. He growled softly as he remembered that brief touch in the garden. That moment when he had brushed those strands back, he had felt just how soft her beautiful mane was and he desperately wanted to bury his claws in it…
"Focus lover boy." Flash laughed as he jabbed Discord in the side. Discord laughed and tried to cover the blush running along his cheeks.
"So Flash...are you sure you can distract her long enough?" Discord asked, reminding Flash of his part in their plan for the night. It was important to Discord that he be given enough time alone with the mare. Flash nodded and Discord tilted his head as he noticed a slight blush creep into his friend's cheeks. Flash rarely blushed, so what had caused it this time?
"Don't worry...I'm sure I can keep the princess busy long enough for you. Are you sure you're ready to do this? It is still rather sudden...are you sure it's the best idea?" Flash asked and it was the same concern that had been running through his own mind. No he wasn't sure about this...but he had to know. He didn't want to continue to hope if it was all pointless. He had to know if Fluttershy loved him back...and he had to know tonight.
"I'm sure…"
Dinner was going horribly for her! Everyone was smiling and laughing, as they conversed with the king. He looked really content talking to his captain who was sitting at his right. Princess Fleur was wearing a sour look on her face at being placed further down the table. She couldn't believe it when she had swept in wearing her most elegant and alluring gown...and had seen the pegasus sitting in her spot! That little, yellow nobody was already sitting at the king's left where she had planned on sitting again. Fleur had growled further when she noticed that every mare wore a red rose behind their ear, except the pegasus. Hers was gold and sparkled in the light. Fleur looked down the table not joining in the laughter. She had been too busy observing the king throughout the dinner to join in the conversations.
She didn't like how he was looking at the pegasus when he thought no one noticed. His gaze would linger for a second and a small amount of heat would enter the look. It was heat she was used to seeing in male eyes, but it was usually directed at her! She couldn't understand how the king could even notice the maid when Fleur was only a few feet away. Bad enough she had been losing ground to Princess Twilight, but now this little...
She sat there and continued to fume...this meant she would have to hurry in her plans to seduce the king. Surely it wouldn't be that hard? After all look at him! She doubted he kept female company that often. She smiled as she realized it wouldn't be difficult at all. Stallions were easy to control, all you had to do was smile and shake your flank a bit and they fell over to please you. She chuckled softly to herself and continued to eat her meal in silence as she thought about what she would have to do. Desperately trying to ignore the sick feeling in her stomach at letting that creature touch her.
Twilight was trying to hide the blush that refused to leave her face. She was seated next to Flash! Of all the ponies to be sitting next to it was the same one that had been causing her so much confusion. Although this did give her the rare opportunity to observe the two stallions next to one another. One she was meant to marry and the other she was growing fond of.
While Discord was loud and cheerful, Flash seemed more reserved and calm. Not to say he wasn't joining in the laughter. It was easier for her to see that the two were truly friends as they exchanged playful banter. They were very different, but as Flash had said they got along well, having enough in common. They clearly respected the other and it showed in the way they talked. She looked between the two and her confusing thoughts continued.
Where Discord was charming in his own way, and certainly a bit handsome...again in his own way. His laughter was contagious and he had a way of making those around him laugh, once they gave him a chance and looked beyond his strange appearance. Even with that though, she still found Flash's handsome face and reserved smiles much more alluring on her senses. She felt her heart skip a beat every time he turned that smile to her.
Flash started telling all of them a story about his king that he believed they would enjoy. Discord covered his face, a deep blush running along his snout as Flash told them about the time he had tried to scare some maids, but it hadn't turned out the way he planned.
They had all burst out laughing when Flash reached the part where one of the maids had taken her bucket and slammed it onto Discord's head screeching. Confused the king had fallen backwards and tumbled down a flight of stairs.
"You still want a job in the morning right…" Discord growled which only made the friends at the table laugh harder. He groaned again, but looked over to Fluttershy who was hiding her giggles behind her napkin. His smile widened as he watched the mare laugh, the sight caught Twilight off guard.
She had been confused when the king had held out the chair on his left for Fluttershy, making sure she was the one to take it. Throughout the dinner the king had been glancing at the mare, smiling whenever he heard her laugh. Twilight frowned and began to wonder at something she hadn't thought before.
Is the king falling in…
"Princess Twilight may I ask you a question?" Flash asked trying to distract her, however she still noticed the king jump slightly and growl under his breath. As if he had been kicked under the table...
"Of course captain." She blushed as she looked into his bright, blue eyes. She smiled slightly when she saw a matching blush in his cheeks. She wasn't the only one to notice. Two mares were frowning at the sight, Celestia and Luna...and two others were smiling mischievously at the pair, Discord and Cadence. The prior had a particular sparkle in his eyes at the sight.
"Well, King Discord has told me that you enjoy reading and I was curious if we could show you and your friend Miss Fluttershy the collection he has in his library?"
Her eyes widened and she looked over at the king who was nodding to her. He grinned and leaned against his claws smiling.
"I thought that maybe you would enjoy browsing my collection, now grant you it's nothing grand, but there are a few gems hidden. Would you care to accompany me Princess Twilight, and of course you my dear?" He turned to look at Fluttershy who blushed and looked over to Twilight for an answer. Twilight nodded smiling and Fluttershy returned the smile then whispered,
"I'd...I'd love to, your majesty…" She looked up and met the king's eyes and at the connection, his softened and there was a slight blush entering his cheeks.
"Well seeing as how the meal is over...shall we ladies?"
The king rose from his chair and the rest of them followed suit. Flash pulled out her chair and Twilight blushed further when his hoof touched her shoulder. She smiled up at him and he returned the smile. The Queens frowned at this and exchanged a quick look. Celestia cleared her throat, stopping the group from leaving.
"If you will excuse us first your highness...I would like a quick word with my daughter and her friend."
Twilight's ears fell back at the look her mother was giving her. She had a feeling she was about to be lectured. She nodded at the stallions, then followed her mother out of the dining hall, Fluttershy following when Celestia nodded at her. Twilight swallowed and looked up to meet her mother's eyes, the look she received let her know that yes, she was in trouble.
"What are you doing?" Her mother asked and Twilight flinched. She chose to feign ignorance.
"I'm going to the library with the king mother...it...it will be a good opportunity to get to know him."
Celestia frowned down at her daughter and shook her head,
"Is it really the king you want to be near? Or a certain captain?"
Twilight flinched again, as did Fluttershy who was standing next to her, at her mother's harsh tone. She stood up straight and met her mother's eyes, hoping that she displayed enough confidence behind her words.
"The king of course. I know what my duty is mother."
Celestia studied her daughter for a minute then nodded. She said in a low voice,
"Very well, go enjoy the library darling...hold on for a minute Fluttershy. I think we still need to talk." Celestia's words made the yellow pegasus freeze as she had been turning to leave with Twilight. Twilight turned back and tried to protect her friend,
"Mother please...she hasn't done..."
Celestia raised her hoof to silence her daughter and gave her a stern look, dismissing her. She left with her head lowered and hoped that her mother would be gentle with the pegasus. Fluttershy was very sensitive and even the smallest criticism could hurt her.
She walked back out into the dining room where only Flash and Discord were waiting, the others had left to return to their rooms.
Discord frowned when he noticed her come back alone, he looked back the way she had come, but didn't say anything. Flash looked up at his king then back at Twilight, he spoke in a soft tone,
"Will Miss Fluttershy be joining us?"
Twilight looked back to where her mother and Fluttershy would be and swallowed, trying to fight back her tears. She had been behaving foolishly and had gotten her best friend in trouble because of it. She had no doubt what her mother wanted to 'talk' about.
"I don't know…" She whispered.
"Well...we should go to the library and hope she can join us soon. I will inform one of the guards to show her the way." Flash said smiling and gently nudged the king who mumbled an agreement. He offered Twilight his arm and she took it. Both sent one last look behind them, before heading out of the dining hall, neither looking as excited as before.
Fluttershy stood shivering. She was a timid creature and being alone with a pony so much higher in status scared her. She looked up slowly and met the queen's cool gaze. She swallowed and continued to silently shake, not sure if she should say anything or continue to wait.
"Fluttershy, do you know what I wish to discuss with you?" Celestia finally said and Fluttershy shook her head, letting out a small whimper. Celestia took a deep breath and frowned at the pegasus.
"I think you do. I don't wish to cause you any pain my dear as you have been a good friend to my Twilight. However, I can not ignore this any further, too many depend on me. I don't know what fantasies you may have spun for yourself, but the king is not for somepony like you."
Fluttershy flinched at the blunt words, they were what she herself had been thinking. However, she had still found her heart secretly hoping for more when he had shown her extra attention earlier that night. Now she was being reminded of who she was, in a very honest and cruel way. She couldn't stop the tears forming in her eyes. Celestia felt bad at hurting the pegasus, but she had to think of what was best for her people and for her daughter.
Being married to a king as powerful as Discord would ensure her daughter's everlasting safety and Celestia would never have to worry about her daughter's welfare.
"I know you are a kind soul Fluttershy, so I am going to ask you to think of what you could cause with this silly game. An alliance between our two kingdoms is very important, with Discord's help we could defend Equestria from all future threats. However Twilight can't do that if she is being distracted, or if the king is otherwise...occupied...do you understand?"
Fluttershy swallowed and tried to talk past the lump in her throat.
"I...I'm not...sure...I'm not trying...I mean the king...he's…"
"He's going to marry my daughter...I just wanted you to remember all the ponies relying on this union happening. Canterlot needs the funds Discord can provide in order to recover from the last changeling war...Fluttershy...do you want to be the reason all those ponies don't get the help they need?" It was a low blow and Celestia knew it, but she had to make sure this mare stopped from pursuing this attraction. She didn't want the mare to be hurt either, she knew stallions in power. They saw a pretty face like hers and figured they could have it for themselves...until another pretty face came along. After all, mares of Fluttershy's status would never be seen as suitable for marriage with a stallion of power. The mare would be left heart broken when reality came back and she was left alone as Discord moved on.
Fluttershy gasped and covered her mouth as she thought of how selfish she had been. She had only been thinking about herself, but if Twilight didn't marry the king then they wouldn't get the help the kingdom needed. She whimpered again and covered her face with her hooves. She felt a soft hoof on her shoulder and looked up to see Queen Celestia looking sadly at her.
"I know it's a tough choice I'm asking you to make but...I hope you make the right one." Then she turned away and left the pegasus crying alone, going through her thoughts trying to make sense of everything that had just been said.
Discord paced like a caged animal, he tried not to look at the clock for the twentieth time. Flash was showing the princess his collection and explaining all the different sections and how it was organized, or better how it wasn't. Discord couldn't help but chuckle remembering Twilight's frustration at trying to organize his books. She had given up and Flash had taken pity on her, trying to explain how Discord sorted his books.
The two seemed to be getting along fine and Discord grinned again as he realized why Flash had been so agreeable to this plan. His captain fancied the princess...Discord secretly plotted his revenge for all the embarrassment his friend had caused him for his own feelings.
Speaking of, Discord looked to the library doors again and sighed. She still hadn't shown up and it was starting to frustrate him and his nerves were increasing. If she didn't show up soon, he was afraid he would explode. When the door opened he perked up only to deflate again as the orange pony came in.
She bowed to him then looked over at Twilight. She got the princess' attention and whispered something into the mare's ear so the other two couldn't hear. Twilight's eyes widened and she looked over to the stallions.
"I have to go I'm sorry but I-" She started to run from the library, but Discord flashed in her path stopping her.
"What's the matter princess, perhaps we can help?"
"My maid...Fluttershy. She's...she's missing."
"What do you mean missing!?" He practically shouted and Flash cleared his throat. Discord's fur smoothed down, but that didn't slow his heart any. He said in a softer tone.
"I will have all my guards and staff searching for her if she has become lost in the castle."
Twilight shook her head,
"No, she's doesn't seem to be in the castle. My captain, Rainbow Dash couldn't find her and she knows the castle enough to search it thoroughly. She said she checked everywhere and couldn't find her...please your majesty...Flash...she's...she's my best friend...what if something…" Tears started to form in her eyes and Flash placed his hoof on her shoulder. She looked up at his smiling face,
"Don't worry princess...we'll find her. No one knows the castle like me and Discord. We will make sure she's safe."
Twilight smiled at him and then threw her arms around him hugging him as she cried her thanks. Flash's cheeks were on fire and he looked up to Discord who couldn't help the teasing grin he gave his friend, before the situation hit him again.
She was lost, possibly hurt...he had to find her. A strange feeling was swirling in his chest as he thought of all the possibilities of what could happen to her. Panic began to build inside him and he realized how scared he was at the thought of losing her.
The princess and the other mare left leaving him and Flash in the library. He began to shake and tried to think of why she would just disappear like this?
A hoof on his shoulder brought him back and he looked over at this captain. Flash nodded and whispered,
"We'll find her my lord...I'm going to check the gardens to see if she's out there, but... Discord...there was one room that I didn't show Captains Rainbow and Shining...one the mare does know about."
Discord frowned, then his eyes widened.
My music room!
Fluttershy didn't know what had brought her to this room again, all she knew was she had to get away to clear her troubling thoughts. She kept going back and forth in her decision and she was so confused on what she should do. Did she follow duty and push him away so he would focus back on Twilight? Or did she follow her heart and tell him how she was falling in love with him? It had only been a few days, but she knew this feeling was more than a slight attraction...she deeply cared about him.
"Oh what am I to do? Why...why did I have to fall in love with him?" She began to cry harder as she realized just how foolish she had been. All she had been thinking about was her own selfish feelings. She hadn't once thought of all those she could be hurting if she ruined Twilight's chances with Discord. The last changeling war had hurt Canterlot's defenses and had depleted the kingdoms coffers. Twilight had told Fluttershy all about it, about how if it hadn't been for Queen Luna's assistance the kingdom would have fallen.
Now both kingdom's were in trouble and if the changelings chose to attack again, this time they might win. She sighed and wiped away her tears. She knew what she had to do...she would have to break her own heart. She would put others needs before her own, as was her nature. She never thought that would make her so miserable, helping others had never hurt this bad in the past. It was the right thing to do though...she would ignore her growing feelings.
"Fluttershy? Oh thank the heavens! You're safe!"
She turned suddenly at his voice. Discord came into the room and before she could react he scooped her into his arms and held her tightly against him. Despite everything that she had just told herself, she leaned into his embrace and even nuzzled the fur on his neck.
He sighed and tightened his hold. Still holding her he whispered,
"Why did you take off my dear? You had all of us so worried."
A pleasant warmth spread through her at the thought that he had been worried. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of being pressed against him. She wanted to stay like this forever…
But you can't!
Her eyes snapped open and she pulled out of his arms, hovering in front of him. He looked confused and a bit disappointed to lose the contact, but he quickly covered it up.
"Fluttershy...what's wrong?" He asked and she realized that her eyes were watering again. She turned from him and wiped away the incriminating tears. She had to say something, do something that would make him go away...but what?
She felt his hands on her shoulders as he gently turned her to look back at him. He looked really concerned and he reached up to brush her mane out of her eyes. The gentle touch sent a shiver through her body and she closed her eyes.
"Tell me…" He whispered. She opened her eyes and looked up into his. His eyes were so hypnotizing, the way the yellow seemed to glow in the low light and the red bore into her soul. She shook her head and whispered,
"I'm fine my lord...I just...I…" She couldn't come up with a suitable lie and silently cursed herself. She was always bad at lying, almost as bad as Applejack. She began to cry again and pulled out of his grip.
"I'm sorry your highness...I have to go…" She tried to flee, but he flashed in front of her and she slammed into his chest. He crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at her.
"Have I upset you my dear? Offended you in some way?"
"What!? No! Why would you…"
"Because you have returned to calling me by my title when I have expressed my desire for you to use my name...so I'm going to ask again and this time I want the truth. What have I done to upset you?" He asked and she swallowed at the intensity in his eyes. She took a deep breath and steeled her heart for what she would have to say...he wanted the truth…
"You've been showing me so much attention when I don't deserve it. I'm just a nobody your majesty, a regular mare who is not worthy of attention from a king like you. I have been foolish and selfish in my disregard of my duties...I...I have been distracting you...and you have been kind enough to tolerate a silly mare like me for this long. But now I remember who I am...I will let you get back to finding a queen. I'm... I'm sorry my lord...I won't waste your time any more after today...goodbye your highness."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
She flew around the king and raced towards the door. She had managed to open the door a crack when it was slammed shut again. She looked up to see a strong paw holding it closed. She turned and met his angry, flaming eyes. His other hand shot out against the door, so now she was trapped, hovering between the wood and his body. She swallowed as she continued to stare up into his eyes.
His breathing was shallow and he seemed to be trembling. He growled slightly and the sound both frightened and exhilarated her. He leaned closer and her eyes widened, his voice was low and smooth as it caressed her heightened senses.
"You're wrong...you're wrong about so many things...but mostly...you are definitely a mare worthy of my attentions."
He shot forward and before she could move his lips locked onto hers. She froze for a second before her body took over, clouding her mind. She closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss. Her arms going up to his shoulders groaning softly. He gave an answering groan and his claw moved from the door to her waist. His hand gently caressed her through her simple, blue dress as it slid down along her thigh. She tried to bite back the moan building, but it managed to escape her throat.
The sound rocked through Discord's body and fueled his desires further. He pressed his body further against hers, completely pinning her against the door and a growl rumbled in his chest. His claws moved up and he did what he had imagined doing since he brushed the soft strands. His claws buried themselves in her gorgeous hair and he bent her head back slightly allowing for easier access.
He deepened the kiss and was grateful when she opened beneath him, allowing his tongue to gently probe her sweet mouth. He ran it along the inside of hers and moaned when he felt her tongue tangle with his. His body was growing hotter by the second as was something else. He hadn't planned on this, this was not how he had imagined tonight playing out. Now that it was happening he couldn't stop, his desire for this mare was taking over his brain. He moved his paw to her back, holding her firmly against him. She let out another small moan and the sound made him shiver in anticipation. He left her lips and began to kiss along her neck as his hand moved down slightly and caressed her flank. The touch made her shiver and fired him up further. He ran his tongue along the soft fur of her neck and enjoyed the whimpering it caused.
He groaned against her neck and gave it a light nip. She jumped and it made him chuckle, her responses were setting his blood on fire and he was quickly losing control. He felt her hooves move through his mane and the gentle caress made him sigh in bliss. He needed to let her know everything, before things went any further...and considering one part of his body was taking over he had to do it now. The way she was responding to him left no doubt in his mind about her reaction to his confession. He pulled his head back and looked into her eyes, both were breathing heavily and he grinned. He leaned closer and gently nuzzled his nose in her beautiful, soft mane.
"Fluttershy...my darling Fluttershy...I have already found my queen…" He whispered into her ear and she froze.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
*Deeper in the gardens*
Flash looked around with his flashlight. He hoped that Discord would have found the mare, but since nothing had been announced he continued with his own search. He couldn't hide his growing frustration, surely they should have found her by now?
He heard some rustling in the bushes to his right and swung his light over. He slowly moved closer, ready just in case it turned out to be some type of threat. He put his flashlight away, smiling when he recognized the sound as a voice.
It was a quiet voice that was all too familiar to him, it had been plaguing his thoughts. It didn't belong to the mare he was looking for, that was obvious when he heard the deeper tone. Besides, he doubted those kinds of words would leave a soft-spoken mare like Fluttershy. Then again…
"I don't think that's proper speech for a princess." He said as he came around the bush and found Twilight tangled in some vines. She stopped struggling and blushed scarlet, her horn clearly lighting her face. She groaned and doubled her efforts, mumbling under her breath.
Flash laughed and moved closer, laying a hoof on her head so she would stop struggling.
"You can't get out of them that way...this is Discord's garden remember. Didn't he warn you about his 'special' plants?"
She looked at him confused and he chuckled again before leaning closer to the vines.
Singing softly to the strange plant,
"What's fun to eat? It's made out of meat…" He trailed off and the vines pulled away from the princess and sat up like snakes. She was shocked further to see them open mouths, tongues hanging out waiting. Flash laughed and reached into his pack. He pulled out the treats specific for these vines.
"Let there be bacon!" He shouted throwing the squares towards the vines, which started fighting over them as Twilight shot to her feet and jumped behind him.
"Those things eat meat!?" She shouted and Flash laughed shaking his head.
"No...that's tofu they're eating. I don't know why you have to sing that jingle, but nothing of Discord's ever makes sense."
He chuckled and moved away from the area, back to the path and Twilight followed him, the blush returning to her cheeks. When they reached the path Flash turned to her and frowned slightly.
"Why are you out here at night princess? I told you I would search the gardens and you were to stay inside. The garden is really dangerous at night, that's when all of his most mischievous plants are awake. There are some that are trained to stop intruders, and not all of them are harmless like those vines. You could have been..." He realized his voice had grown angrier as he continued to talk and took a deep breath to calm himself. He hadn't meant to take that tone, but he had started thinking about what could happen to her.
"I'm sorry. I was just...I didn't want to sit around and wait...not if she could be in trouble...and now that you've told me about the garden I really need to find her!" Twilight said, holding her head up. He knew there would be no point in arguing, he recognized a stubborn soul when he saw one. Living with Discord long enough taught you to pick your battles.
"Fine...but stay close to me princess." He said and she nodded. He tried to ignore the pounding of his heart as she moved closer to him. He couldn't stop the smile that broke through though. He also couldn't deny that the magic from her horn lit the path far better than his light had.
They continued to walk in silence, not wanting to miss a sound that could be the missing mare. He was about to suggest them doubling back to another path when a sound to their right got Twilight's attention. She moved away from him, despite his warnings and called out,
"Fluttershy! Fluttershy is that you?"
Flash barely pushed her out of the way in time. He wrapped his arms around her to shield her body as they fell across the path. He stood up panting and looked back to see the giant fly trap pull itself back into its hiding spot. He turned and glared down at the mare under him.
"What did I say about staying by me!? You don't know this place like I do! I was serious about this place being more dangerous at night! Dammit Twilight you could have been hurt!"
He continued to glare down at her waiting for her to apologize for her stupidity. She just stared up at him her eyes widening. He frowned further and she swallowed then whispered,
"That's...that's the first time you've called me Twilight…"
He froze. Suddenly he was very much aware that he was standing over her and their bodies were very close. He could practically feel the heat rising from her. He blushed crimson and tried to find something to say as he continued to stare into her eyes. He soon became lost in their depths, they were the deepest purple he had ever seen.
She began to raise herself from the floor bringing herself closer to him. He subconsciously moved closer until their lips were inches from each other. She closed her eyes and he started to when a voice screamed in his head.
Stop! What are you doing? She's a princess! You know better!
He pulled back quickly and moved away from her, breathing heavily. She opened her eyes and stared at him confused. He turned away from her to hide the blush on his face and cleared his throat.
"We should head back now...maybe someone has heard something."
She rose to her feet and he peeked at her out of the corner of his eyes and mentally groaned. She was glaring at him, a deep blush on her cheeks. She walked ahead of him without a word and he could feel the anger radiating off her and groaned, this time out loud.
Not how I originally saw that play out in my head…way to go Flash...
Discord was surprised when he was pushed away and tripped, landing on the floor. He sat up and groaned, rubbing his back where he had landed hard. He looked up at the mare he had just been holding and was surprised to see her glaring at him, the tears back in her eyes. He looked at her confused and opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off.
"Then why are you wasting your time with me!? Why do this to me!? If you already know who will be your queen why play these games!? Why don't you just go to your princess of choice!?"
It took his clouded brain a second to catch up and he frowned. He stood up and moved closer to her again whispering,
"You misunderstand me darling...I didn't mean...I was trying to tell you…"
He stopped unsure how to deal with her when she was still glaring at him. He had told her that he wanted her to be his queen and she had pushed him away. He had to make her see what he meant. He reached for her and was at least grateful that she didn't flinch away. He cupped her cheeks with his hands and brought his face closer to her again.
"I'm trying to tell you my dear...that I want you to be my queen." He whispered and kissed her. Expecting her to lean into the kiss as she had before, but she surprised him by pushing him away again. This time there was pure terror in her eyes and the sight made him freeze. What was she afraid of? Of being his queen? Of being with him? Panic and self-doubt started to rise within him.
"You...you want...me to be queen?" She whimpered and the tears were now falling down her cheeks. He stood there unsure of what to do, this quick change in emotions was confusing him and he had no idea what she was thinking. He wished she would just tell him!
Ever hear that phrase, be careful what you wish for?
"Discord...I can't...I'm not...y-you can't…n-not me..." She tried to say, but her voice was trembling so much she couldn't get it out. He hated to see her tears and pulled her against him, he gently stroked her mane and down her back to comfort her. He softly hushed her and whispered into her ear.
"Yes I can my darling...I want you to be my queen...I have decided that you are perfect...perfect in everyway." He pulled back and lifted her chin to make her look into his eyes. He took a deep breath and said,
"Fluttershy...I love you…"
She froze again and closed her eyes, crying harder. He waited and waited...then,
"No...don't say that…please...you can't...I can't...no...I...oh no...I'm sorry Discord but...I CAN'T BE YOUR QUEEN!" She shouted and pushed him away harder, tears streaming down her face. This time he tumbled back and landed on his piano bench. He stared up in shock as she turned and flew out of the room sobbing into her hooves, slamming the door behind her.
He sat there for what felt like hours, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. He didn't understand...she had responded to his kiss. He had been so sure...so sure that she…
Tears started to well in his eyes and he placed his face in his hands. He had told her he loved her and she had run from him...just like all the rest. He took in a shaking breath and felt the first tear break through. He had let himself hope again, for nothing...but then...then why...
Why had she let him kiss her if she didn't feel something for him? Why had she responded so completely to his touch? Why had she grown angry when she thought he had chosen another mare? The damn pegasus was making his head hurt and he growled. He stood up and began to pace, going over everything that had happened. Something wasn't sitting right, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He growled again and mentally went over everything that had just happened.
She had been upset when he found her, told him she believed she was unworthy of him. He had wanted to tell her the opposite was true, a beast like him didn't deserve a beauty like her.
She had kissed him back, there was no denying her responses had been genuine. His own body stirred remembering her soft moans when he touched her. Even now if he ran his tongue along his lips he could still taste her. He groaned and ran his claw through his mane in frustration.
Then there was when he had said he'd found his queen, she had reacted like a jealous female and shouted at him. He still didn't understand how she could have thought he meant another mare. Why would he have kissed her if he was talking about another...females?
Finally when he had told her he wanted her as his queen she had been afraid. That was it! That's what wasn't sitting right with him. At first he had thought it was fear of him, his self-doubt had clouded his senses. Now he realized she had seemed more afraid of something else than what he had said. Then what she had shouted clicked in his mind and he began to hope again.
I CAN'T BE YOUR QUEEN!
Of course Discord! How could you not see it, she had basically told you when you first found her. She doesn't believe she's good enough to be a queen, she thinks she too far beneath you! You can still have her if you can convince her otherwise!
What she had rejected wasn't his love! She hadn't said she didn't love him back...of course she hadn't said she did either. However, because she hadn't said the words didn't mean there wasn't still hope right?
He grinned wider, he was too stubborn to give up on his prize. Especially when it was a mare like her. If there was still a small amount of hope that he could have her he would do everything he could to win her! She wanted him as badly as he wanted her, there was no doubt about that. Even if she said otherwise, her body had already betrayed her to him. He groaned again thinking of her body and how it had melted against his. Yes she would submit to him completely the next time. All he had to do was show her that she was his equal and that he would do anything to have her as his queen.
She would be his soon and now that he knew she felt something, he would make her admit her feelings for him. He would get her to accept his love and he would win hers in turn. He would win back his queen! Tonight wouldn't damper his resolve to have her by his side...
Still, when he had told her he loved he had hadn't expected to be shoved, he hadn't realized he'd have to convince her to be his queen. He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck, shaking his head and sighed.
Not how I originally imagined that playing out in my head…nice going Discord...