//------------------------------// // Chapter Ten // Story: Love or Power? Which Will You Choose? // by atomicpuffin //------------------------------// Discord stretched as the first streams of sunlight broke through his bed curtains. He sighed and grinned at how relaxed his body felt. He tried to roll over, but a heavy weight was pressing down on his chest. He stretched his neck and looked down, smiling at the sight of her. She was so beautiful, even when she was sleeping, his wonderful Fluttershy...his queen. She had finally agreed to be his queen, had told him she loved him! He wrapped his lion arm tighter around her and he heard her sigh in her sleep. She snuggled closer to him, burying her nose in his chest fur. His heart nearly exploded at the realization that she was fully his. She had willingly given herself to him last night and he shivered remembering all of it. He reached up and gently ran his fingers through her soft hair. Tonight he would announce to his guests and later his kingdom that he had found his queen. He made a silent vow to always protect her and to shower her with all the love in his heart, for all eternity. He leaned forward and kissed the top of her head, then an unsettling thought crossed his mind. She won't live for all eternity...unlike you...or did you forget that she's not immortal? He had forgotten that, unlike him, she would grow old and eventually...He frowned further as pain sliced through his heart. He couldn't imagine a day without her, he wanted to wake up every morning like this. His arm tightened around her as he tried to find a solution. Then he did something he wasn't even sure would work. He lifted his claws over her and as they glowed with his magic he ran them over her body. He was transferring some of his magic into her body, the magic that fueled his immortality. With this inside her, Fluttershy would now stay young and beautiful for all eternity and would be able to stay with him forever. He smiled as the glow faded from his claws, now she was truly his and always would be. For now she carried inside her a piece of him, even if she didn't realize it until later. I think this might border on obsession? I didn't even ask… He frowned again, worrying that she would be upset when she found out what he had done. Of course, there were ways to distract her...he shivered again as his body woke up and started to react to her. He was suddenly very much aware of the fact that she was snuggled flush against him and he could feel every inch of her soft fur. However he forced himself to stay still and to let her sleep. His own eyes began to close as the surrealness of having her against him relaxed him back into sleep. A sharp knock at his door snapped open his eyes again. He started to sit up and Fluttershy made a protesting noise as she rolled over, now facing away from him. He chuckled and pulled the covers up over her, then letting his fingers softly caress her cheek. The second knock turned his attention from the mare beside him and made him growl as he rose from bed. He picked up his robe and as he was tying the sashes he went to the door and threw back the lock. He opened it only a crack and looked down at the unwanted interruption. "Morning…" Flash said as he raised an eyebrow at his friend. Discord grumbled back, "Morning...what is it..." He felt a blush creeping into his face as he turned his gaze away. Flash snorted and tried to walk into the room, Discord quickly moved his leg, blocking the stallion's path. When his friend looked up confused, Discord cleared his throat and chanced a peek behind him, as the curtain moved he could see she was still sleeping. He muttered, "I'm...I'm not alone…" Flash's eyes widened and a blush even tinted his cheeks, nothing compared to the flames on Discord's though. Flash backed up and cleared his throat looking uncomfortable. "Oh well...um...I see...can't say I completely approve, but...um...well...I guess this means we will have a queen after tonight?" Flash smiled up at him as he turned to leave Discord's chambers. Discord couldn't help but grin back and he chuckled and nodded. "Yes...she has accepted my proposal at last...and I have you to thank for that my friend." "Me?" Flash asked, once again looking confused. Discord snorted and moved fully into the sitting room, quietly closing the door behind him. He moved to the spot on the floor where it was still sitting and picked up the book. He turned to his friend and held it out a slight frown on his face. "I told you to destroy this thing...but because you didn't Fluttershy came back to me...after I foolishly tried to push her away." Discord looked down at Flash who looked down guiltily. "I know you told me to my lord but...well it was because...I'm sorry." Discord chuckled and moved to his desk, setting the book on it. He looked back at his friend, who was still staring at the ground. "Don't be sorry, you were right about everything. You are a wise stallion Flash, far beyond your years. I have always valued your views and opinions, and the way you look out for what's best for me." As he was saying this he had walked closer to his captain. Flash looked up at him as he stopped in front of him, Discord bent down and picked Flash up and pulled him close. Flash was shocked, although Discord had picked him up in the past, it was always in a teasing or joking way. This time as Discord hugged him, there was pure affection radiating from the touch. Discord whispered, "Thank you old friend...for helping me see how wrong I was. Because of you and all your advice I have found happiness and love. You are the best and truest friend I could ever have...I love you, my brother…" Flash smiled and returned his friend's hug and then pulled away and had to wipe away a tear. Discord nodded and Flash went to leave, as he walked out he sent one last smirk at his king. "Oh I almost forgot the reason I came to see you. I wanted you to be the first to know...I'm getting married!" Discord's mouth fell open as Flash walked out and shut the door behind him. As he stood in the hallway, Flash smiled and had to wipe away more tears. Jubilee who was walking past noticed this and went to Flash worried. "Flash is everything okay? Is it the king, is he feeling okay? He never left his room and didn't even show up for dinner?" She asked as she stared at the captain. Flash looked up and had the brightest smile any of them had ever seen on the captain's face. He looked back at the closed door and whispered, "King Discord is better than ever...he's finally coming back into the light." Twilight took a deep breath and stepped into her mother's room. Last night when she had gone to tell her the wonderful news, her mother was already asleep. She was happy to see that her mother was awake. "Ah Twilight, good morning my dear. Have Fluttershy help you today, remember the ball will be taking place tonight and several packages arrived a short while ago. I presume they are gifts from the king…" There was a slight hint of agitation in her mother's voice and Twilight wondered what had happened between the king and queen to cause so much tension? Twilight didn't want to tell her mother that Fluttershy hadn't come back last night and although Twilight had worried at first, she soon blushed realizing where the mare most likely was. Instead Twilight turned back to the information she had for her mother, she smiled brightly at the older alicorn. Celestia looked down at her daughter and chuckled, "What has put such sunshine in your eyes my darling daughter?" "Mother...I'm in love!" Twilight shouted, bouncing around and Celestia frowned. Twilight however continued not noticing her mother's distress. "Yes! I'm in love with Flash Sentry and he loves me and he asked me to marry him…" "He what!?" "And I said yes! Oh mother I'm getting married! To a stallion…" "Now wait a minute Twilight…" "Who fully understands me and accepts all my odd quirks! Oh mother I'm so…" "TWILIGHT!" Her mother raised her voice so that it echoed, it was the royal voice that her mother never used. Twilight stopped hopping around and looked up at her mother's frowning face. Her heart dropped as she realized that her mother was not going to be accepting of this match. Celestia sighed and walked around her daughter to move to the window. "Twilight...I know that...that this is a difficult thing to understand but...even though you will not be marrying the king you still need to marry another royal…" "WHY?" Twilight shouted back, she was suddenly so angry and she didn't want to hear what her mother had to say. Celestia turned surprised to stare at her daughter, Twilight had never raised her voice either and it shocked the queen to her hooves. She opened her mouth to say something, but Twilight shouted cutting her off. "No! Don't say anything! I'm going to marry Flash one way or another, even if that means no longer being a princess! Mother I love him and I plan on being with him forever!" Celestia frowned at this, there was one thing she wondered if her daughter understood. She just didn't want to see her little girl get hurt and this was going to happen if she didn't understand… "Twilight...he's not an immortal…" She quietly whispered and Twilight paled, all the anger draining out of her. Twilight looked up at her mother in horror, she hadn't really thought about that before now. It was true that she was immortal since her mother was one and her father Blazing Flame had been the last male alicorn, also an immortal. She hadn't realized that in forgetting the fact she may have caused more hurt for the both of them. She hung her head and began to softly cry to herself. Celestia tried to come over and wrap her hoof around her daughter in comfort, but Twilight slapped it away and ran from the room. She had to find Flash, she had to talk to him! He was the only one who would be able to calm her rising fear and remind her that the two of them belonged together. Fluttershy couldn't remember the last time she had slept so peacefully. She sighed and snuggled deeper into her pillow. She wished she could remember more of the dream she'd had last night, all she knew was that it had involved Discord. She smiled as she thought of the king, then she opened her eyes slowly and looked around her surroundings. She gasped and a deep blush spread across her cheeks as she realized that she wasn't in her own bed. It was far larger than the one in her and Twilight's room and there were curtains hanging around the bed. The comforter was extremely soft as were the pillows and it screamed wealth. It was the king's bed! But...but that means… She thought to herself and her blush deepened. She looked at the space next to her, which was empty, but had apparently been slept in. There was definitely a hint of him there too, she placed her nose against the pillow and took a deep breath. She shivered as his scent filled her nostrils, this meant that... Oh...my...that wasn't a dream...I...he...we… She let out a tiny squeak, but it must have been loud enough to alert him. "Fluttershy?" Discord's voice rang out from behind the curtain concealing her from sight. She heard what sounded like a chair scraping on the wooden floor and familiar steps move across the floor. She quickly buried herself under the covers and heard the curtain being pulled away. "Darling? Are you awake?" He purred and the sound of his voice only sent a parade of flashbacks of last night through her mind. She shivered and in a tiny voice squeaked, "Um...maybe…" "Maybe? How can you be unsure if you're awake or not my love?" He chuckled and pulled the covers up slightly so he could stare at her flaming face. She tried to cower further under the covers and he smiled softly at her, instantly understanding her discomfort. He let the covers fall back down, once again hiding her from his view, but didn't move away. She sat there waiting and when he didn't say anything she slowly inched to the edge of the comforter. She let her face slide out from under it and stared up at Discord, who was kneeling on the floor staring down at her. He smiled and reached out to stroke her cheek, she shivered again. "You can't possibly know how cute you are right now...my darling Fluttershy...are you okay?" He whispered and the tenderness in his voice made her heart swell. He knew she was embarrassed and was trying to offer her reassurance and comfort. She gave him a small smile and whispered, "Well...I guess...I'm just realizing that I...we…last night we..." She stopped and her face grew a bright shade of red and she pulled back under the covers, hiding her face in her hooves. He chuckled softly and in his smooth voice said, "Oh darling...please don't hide from me. I know that this is a new sensation for you, it is for me too. My love, I couldn't be happier than I am right now knowing that you are mine...in every way." The way he said that last part made her think back to being with him and instantly her body began to heat up. She let out a small moan and heard him growl softly in response. She refused to come out though, no matter that last night had really been her doing...and that really surprised her! Shy, little Fluttershy had begged the king last night not to stop and to love her completely. She shut her eyes tightly, and wondered if it was possible to die of embarrassment? "Fluttershy? You...you aren't...regretting giving yourself to me...are you?" The hurt and fear in his voice pulled at her heart. She thought about his question...she moved forward again and this time sat up, keeping the sheets wrapped around her. She smiled at him and reached out touching his cheek with her hoof. He sighed and leaned into her touch, his eyes closing. "No...I'm not regretting anything about last night. I love you Discord and I'm going to marry you so I meant it when I said I was willing. It's just...well...I'm surprised that I was the one to…" She stopped again and Discord seemed to understand what she wasn't saying. He smiled at her and she loved the way his eyes softened, he really was handsome. He chuckled and stood up off the floor, he moved to untie his robe and she turned her gaze away, blushing further if that was possible. He scooted her over and climbed into bed next to her, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest. She happily settled against him, no longer thinking about it. She nuzzled his chest, enjoying the way the fur tickled her nose, she giggled at the sensation. He chuckled again and began to stroke her mane, then he placed his claw under her chin and lifted her face up to his. His warm lips pressed against hers and she leaned further against him. He growled lightly and then pulled away and stared down at her, she loved to see that fire dancing in his eyes, it made them a deeper shade of red. "Darling, I know that last night shouldn't have happened, but I'm so grateful that it did. I couldn't have stopped myself even if I wanted to, but your permission only made last night sweeter." He gave her another light kiss and she giggled. "Discord, are you trying to make me feel better by saying last night was your doing?" He buried his snout against her neck and nuzzled the sensitive fur, causing her to giggle again. She felt him grin against her neck as he whispered, "Is it working?" She laughed again and snuggled closer to him, rubbing her cheek against his chest, she could hear how fast his heart was pounding. The sound made her smile and caused her own heart to speed up. "A little, yes...let's agree that last night was...amazing and...both of our doing." She whispered and he chuckled again. He lifted his mouth away from her neck and made her look up at him again. "Indeed...very amazing…" He purred and brought his lips down on hers again, only this time there was more fire behind it. He growled and she opened in response, however instead of deepening the kiss he pulled back. She stared up at him confused, he was breathing heavily and he swallowed, shaking his head. He looked down at her and smiled, "No...not again...darling...my beautiful Fluttershy, the next time I want you in this bed will be our wedding night. As is proper...although it's a bit late for that…" He muttered the last part and a blush crept into his cheeks, making her giggle again. He smiled wider and sat up out of bed. He reached for his robe and she couldn't help but watch as his back muscles stretched. As he pulled on his robe he looked over his shoulder and caught her looking at him. He groaned and ran his paw over his face, he stood up and tied up the sashes before turning to face her. He crossed his arms and smiled down at her, "You're not going to make this easy for me are you?" She smiled at him and decided, No I'm not...not now that you've heated me up and are leaving me here wanting. She stretched and let the blanket slide back further, revealing her bare back. His eyes widened and he took in a sudden breath. She smiled and whispered, "I don't know what you mean my lord...do you have a robe I can borrow?" He didn't say anything, only snapped his fingers and held out a small, red robe for her. He turned his gaze away as she sat up fully, letting the blanket slide off. However she could see the blush deepening and his chest was rising and falling rapidly. She grinned and took the robe, making sure to brush her hoof against his claws. He groaned again and as she swung the robe on, she glanced over her shoulder and saw him swing his head away really fast. Too late though, she had caught him watching her as well. She giggled and tied the sashes, she sighed in appreciation. The robe was the softest she had ever felt, it was warm and yet light at the same time. "This robe is beautiful Discord...thank you." She whispered and he turned and smiled at her. It even had holes for her wings to slip through, which meant it was specifically for her. She flew over to him and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek, he growled and his arms wrapped around her. "You are a temptress my dear." He whispered before kissing her again. She smiled against his lips as he held her to him. He pulled away and sighed as he ran his claw along her cheek. She looked over and noticed the desk for the first time. "Were you working?" She asked and he glanced over and chuckled. "Trying to...it's not easy to focus when you have a beautiful mare sleeping in your bed." His words caused her to blush again. She pulled out of his hold and went to look at some of the documents littering the surface. She only glanced over a few and her head began to ache. "You handle everything yourself?" She asked, he nodded and moved behind her, feeling him against her back made her shiver. Seems he had realized her game and wanted to take part in it. How long before one of them broke? "I prefer to handle the affairs of my kingdom myself. I don't hold council for obvious reasons...the only other pony that has a hoof in this is Flash. Even then he mostly helps deliver my orders and bring me newer problems." She looked at all the documents and thought that it was too much for one stallion, even a stallion like Discord. She picked up a few pieces of parchment and glanced over them, she whispered in her small voice. "Would...would you like…" She mumbled the rest inaudibly and he chuckled. "Say again my love? I'm afraid I didn't catch that last part." She swallowed and placed the documents back on the desk and whispered, "Would you like me to help...once I'm queen?" She closed her eyes tightly and waited for his response. He placed his claw under her chin and turned her face up to his again, he was smiling brightly at her. "Nothing would make me happier my love." He whispered and kissed her gently. She sighed and turned to fully face him and placed her arms around his neck. He growled in response and crushed her against him. He pulled back and grinned at her, "You're really not making this easy." She grinned up at him and winked. He groaned and buried his snout in her mane again, he ran his tongue along her neck and she shivered, which caused him to chuckle. "However this time I will maintain a hold on my willpower. So my darling as much as I want to keep you here with me. You have a ball to get ready for, plus I still have a few things to take care of for tonight...Oh which reminds me!" He let go of her and took a step back, she stared at him confused and he only grinned wider. He snapped his fingers again and she gasped as a small, black box appeared in the palm of his lion paw, he took her hoof in his claws. He smiled softly at her and then knelt down to one knee, she covered her mouth and felt tears fill her eyes. He cleared his throat and rasped, "I know that I should have done this last night, but I got a bit...distracted...My darling Fluttershy, it would give me great pleasure if you would agree to be mine for all eternity. I...I have placed a spell on you love. I transferred some of my magic to you so that you could be at my side forever. You are now immortal as I am... "I never want to go a day without you my love. You are everything to me, my joy, my laughter, my heart. I need you here with me always, I only hope that you're not too angry with me. I love you Fluttershy, with all my heart. I want to be the stallion you deserve, I promise that there will never be a day that you regret being mine. I will give you whatever your heart desires, if only to see that beautiful smile each day. Fluttershy, make me the happiest stallion there is and say you'll be mine...marry me my darling?" The box opened on its own and inside was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. It was cut to look like a rose and it was the same shade of teal as her eyes. She couldn't talk very loud through the lump in her throat. Who knew that the king was such a romantic, and that she would be marrying him. She whispered, "Yes...of course I will. Although I don't know how you did it, I'm not angry that you made me immortal...After all Discord, I already agreed to marry you." She laughed as she said the last part and he chuckled, rising up off the floor. He smiled at her and lifted the silver necklace which the ring was attached to and slid it over her head. He moved her hair and the ring settled against her chest. He placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed her again, whispering against her lips, "I know...but I still wanted to do this the right way." They shared several more kisses before Discord insisted that she go get ready for the ball, Fluttershy had a feeling it was because his self-control was slowly breaking. He snapped his fingers again and she was wearing a beautiful pink dress. She smiled up at him and said, "Is this my dress for the ball?" He was leaning against the doorframe of his chambers smiling down at her. There was so much love shining in his eyes that she didn't want to leave, but he was being stubborn. She let her eyes wander down his length, enjoying the way his body moved in the simple clothes. He growled and she brought her eyes back up to his, they were narrowed at her and he hissed, "Stop it...this is hard enough as it is. No this is not the gown I have given you for the ball. That will be waiting for you back in your room, now I was going to escort you back to your room. However seeing the looks you are giving me I don't think that's wise, I only have so much restraint my darling." He groaned and she smiled then winked at him saying, "That's what I was counting on." His mouth fell open and he shook his head before frowning at her. "You are something else my love...but I supposed that's why I'm so damn attracted to you." He smiled then and she smiled brightly at him, she giggled and turned to leave. "I promise I'll behave...for now…" She blew him a kiss and walked down the hall, laughing at the stunned look on his face as she did so. Flash was going over his checklist once more. It would be the last time he was allowed to do anything before tonight, as was tradition all chores stopped at six. The maids were all squealing over their gowns, once again Discord had managed to impress them. He sighed and looked over to a hanging mirror, he was wearing his formal attire. Something he wasn't too comfortable in, but tonight was the one night he was forced to wear it. All the guards wore these uniforms, which were black with blue sashes. Except Flash, whose sash was silver to mark his higher position. He sighed and looked back over his checklist, the only thing left was to ensure that Fancy Pants had everything he needed to create the desserts for the ball, except that would also be done by Discord. All other food was created by Discord, but since he was so fond of the stallion's treats he was always hired to create sweets for the ball. "Well that seems to be it…" He whispered and rolled up the scroll and began to carry it back to the king, who was currently inside the ballroom. He stopped when he heard his name, and recognizing the voice he smiled. He turned just as she crashed into him, he gasped and dropped the list as they crashed to the ground. He was laughing until he looked up into his beloved's eyes. "Twilight what's wrong?" He whispered and sat up. She was shaking and trying not to cry. She moved against him and rested her head against his chest, she whispered. "Tell me I'm being silly! That we do belong together no matter the obstacles between us!" He sighed and his ears flattened, he knew that the queen wouldn't be too pleased with his offer for her daughter. He reached up and stroked her back as she began to softly cry against him. It didn't matter though, he would find a way to make her see the truth. That he loved this mare more than anything and he would always be there to make her happy. "Twilight...what did your mother say?" "She told me that we shouldn't be together because...because you're...you're not…" She stopped and began to cry harder. He frowned, it had to be because he wasn't royal. That was the biggest obstacle between them… "You're not an immortal and I am…" She whispered and he froze. He had been wrong, that was the biggest obstacle between them. He knew she was an immortal, had always known, however that didn't matter to him. He lifted her face to look up at him and he hated to see the tears in her beautiful eyes. "My love...I know that you will outlive me by many, many years...That didn't stop me from loving you, and it still won't. I love you Twilight, I still want to marry you and spend the rest of my days with you. Nothing will make me happier than to have you with me as my wife. My darling, I've always known that this stood between us, but it doesn't make a difference to me. How about you? Do you still want to marry me, even though I'm just a plain, mortal stallion?" She smiled and began to cry harder as she threw her arms around him. He held her close and began to stroke her mane as she nodded against his shoulder and whispered, "Yes...Flash I love you and I still want to marry you. I will treasure every moment we have together after...after you…" She tightened her hold on him and he just continued to offer her comfort. The two alicorns watched the pair, hidden from view. The older one sighed and hung her head. "Do not be too hard on yourself my sister. Love is a strange thing, you only wanted to protect her from hurt. It seems that she will be just fine though in the hooves of that great stallion." Luna whispered as she smiled at her niece. Celestia nodded and looked over at her daughter, "I only wish she could remain my little girl forever...but it can never be can it?" Luna shook her head and sighed, "No...eventually they grow up no matter how hard you try to hold on to them. I know that my oldest is in love with Shining Armor, I will approve the match as soon as he is stallion enough to stand up for her. If he comes to me and says what Captain Flash just said, I would happily allow the two to be together." Celestia looked at her sister surprised, the alicorn chased every suitor away from her daughters no matter their status or rank, she had disapproved of them all. "I always thought you never wanted your daughters to marry." She whispered to her sister and Luna chuckled, "Nonsense. I only want them to marry for love, I chase the stallions away hoping that one will come back and fight for them. I want my girls to be loved and protected by the stallions they marry. Love is the greatest thing you can feel sister...I know that your marriage was arranged, but mine…" Luna stopped and looked away sadly. Sombra hadn't been immortal and so she knew exactly the trials her young niece was facing. To marry a stallion you loved deeply, knowing you would outlive him. "However he gave me two beautiful girls and I see some of him in each of them. Sister, I know that you want to protect Twilight, but she is a mare old enough to make her own decisions. I know you will do what's right." Luna whispered to her sister and sent the two lovers one final look, before turning and returning to her own daughters. The mares were getting ready for the ball, all of them were excited as they were about to open their gifts from the king. He had sent each of them a package and inside wrapped in tissue was a beautiful gown. Rarity decided to open hers first and gasped as she moved the tissue away. She used her magic to pull out the gown, it was a light blue with purple sashes around the waist and arms. It sparkled in the light and Rarity's eyes widened as she smiled brightly at it. "Oh my...he may be beastly, but he definitely has an eye for beauty!" As she said this she also looked over at Fluttershy and winked. The mare had shown them the engagement ring and announced to them that she was going to marry the king. The group had piled on top of her laughing in joy. "Oh me next! Me next!" Pinkie Pie shouted and opened her box, she pulled away the tissue and squealed in delight. The gown she pulled out was frilly , pink and had a full skirt. The sleeves were short and round, the whole dressed screamed 'bubbly' and it seemed to fit the mare perfectly. Applejack groaned and opened hers a bit more reluctantly. "Ah only hope he didn't get me any…" She stopped as she stared at her gown. She pulled it out and the others 'oohed'. It was a soft cream color and very simple, it had a chocolate brown sash around the waist and very subtly shimmered in the light. It was exactly something that Applejack would wear herself if given the option. "Now how in the hay did he?" She whispered as she ran her hoof over the soft material. Cadence giggled and opened hers next, she sighed as she levitated it out of the box. It was a gown that matched her mane. The skirt was violet, the chest was pink and the sleeves were cream. However the way the colors smeared together made it so that when the material moved the colors shifted positions. It was an illusion that made Cadence laugh in joy, Rarity nudged her sister and winked, "I think Shining is going to faint when he sees you in this." Cadence blushed and admired the gown further. Twilight opened hers and smiled at the red dress he had given her. Red was not a color she wore often, for it normally looked odd with her purple fur. However as she pulled this out she noticed that it wasn't a bright red as she had often seen, no this one was crimson. A very dark red that would actually sit well against her fur and when it was struck with light it moved, imitating the motion of waves. She stared at it open mouthed, "How does he get it to do that? He must use his magic." She smiled and looked at Rainbow who was frowning at her unopened package. She laughed and pointed at it, "It's not going to bite Rainbow, come on, we've all enjoyed our gowns. You will too I'm sure." Twilight giggled and the others also laughed at the pained look on Rainbow's face as she opened hers. However she began to laugh as she lifted a note out of her package. The others stared at her confused and as she wiped away a tear she read the note out loud. "Since I do not wish to sport a black eye tonight...I have decided these will suit you better than a gown." Rainbow reached in and pulled out the formal wear of the guards, except hers had a silver sash like Flash's and Shining's. She smiled and said, "Guess tonight won't be so bad after all." This made them all laugh, then they turned to Fluttershy expectantly waiting. The mare blushed and pulled open her own gift. She moved the tissue away and gasped, she didn't even pull the gown out at first so Rarity used her magic to lift the gown. All mouths opened as the beautiful material came out of the box. It was a gold dress that glowed in the soft light, it had sashes that fell off the shoulders leaving the fur there bare. It was stitched with golden roses along the hem and they all knew that Fluttershy would be the most beautiful mare in the world when she wore this gown. "Oh my...this is...absolutely amazing darling." Rarity whispered and smiled at the mare as she put the gown in Fluttershy's hooves. Fluttershy smiled softly at the gown and whispered, "It's perfect for tonight...oh girls, I've never been so happy!" They all gathered around for a group hug, then began to laugh and chatter as they got dressed. There was a quiet knock at the door as Fluttershy finished buttoning up Twilight's back. Queen Celestia came in and smiled at her daughter. She moved further in and the maids bowed, Celestia waved them up. "There's no need for that ladies, tonight is a night to celebrate loyalty. You girls are among the most loyal I know, and have put up with much in your years of service." She looked over at Fluttershy who turned her gaze away and shrunk a bit. Celestia cleared her throat and whispered, "Fluttershy, I would like a moment with you if I may…" Fluttershy swallowed and followed the queen out, noticing how Twilight was glaring at her mother. As the door closed behind them Fluttershy became very nervous remembering the last time they had 'talked'. "Yes...your majesty?" She muttered and Celestia put her hoof under her chin raising her gaze up. The queen was smiling at her and it made Fluttershy even more confused, "Fluttershy, I know I have done you a wrong and I want to apologize for this. I was wrong to make you feel guilty over your feelings for the king. He told me that it was you who convinced him to give me the funds we need. That was an amazing thing to do considering how I had treated you before...to still think about others. I am sorry I misjudged you so harshly my dear. I want you to know that I hope you and Discord have a long and happy life. Also, I want to give you an early wedding gift." She smiled and pulled out a document, from under her wing. Fluttershy tilted her head as she took it from the queen. She read over it and gasped, "Is this...is this real?" She smiled up at the queen and Celestia nodded. "Yes...I have set this area aside for your mother and her animals. Now she will be able to live easier without the grueling taxes to worry about. I have already sent a copy of this to her and am awaiting her response." Fluttershy threw her arms around the queen forgetting who she was and hugged the alicorn. Celestia chuckled and returned the hug, "Thank you for forgiving me so easily Fluttershy. Now for my second apology of the night, and the harder of the two." Celestia looked up at the closed door and frowned, Fluttershy placed her hoof against the queen's chest. "Don't worry your highness. Twilight loves you above all and will know that you were just looking out for her." Celestia seemed surprised at this and then smiled at the little mare, "You really are something else Fluttershy." She opened the door again and the two walked in. As soon as they did Twilight jumped up at glared at her mother. "What did you say to her this time mother? Why can't you just leave her alone? Why don't you like to see others happy?" "TWILIGHT!" Fluttershy shouted angrily and it shocked the mare into silence. Fluttershy shook her head and looked up at the queen smiling. "Queen Celestia was just wishing me the best in my upcoming marriage and she apologized for what she said before...now...now she has something else to say." She smiled and nodded at Celestia who sighed and looked at her daughter. "Darling daughter, I didn't mean to upset you so earlier. I just want to protect you from hurt. You are my only baby girl and I...I still have a hard time believing how grown up you are. Twilight I want you to know that I will approve the marriage between you and Flash Sentry, if it is what makes you happy. If you are sure that he's the one you want I won't stand in your way." Twilight smiled at her mother, tears filling her eyes and she ran over and wrapped her mom in a tight hug, which the alicorn returned, tears running down her own cheeks. "I love you Twilight…" "I love you too mom…" They were walking down the hallway when Fluttershy reached up and gasped. "What's wrong darling?" Rarity asked as she noticed the mare stop and turn back. Fluttershy looked at the group and said, "Oh I just realized I left my ring in the room. I took it off when you were doing my mane and forgot to put it back on. I'll just run back and get it!" She started to trot back and Twilight called out, "Do you want one of us to join you?" "No I'll only be a minute! You go on ahead and I'll see you in the ballroom! If you see Discord before I get there just let him know I am coming!" Wouldn't want him thinking I have changed my mind! She giggled as she made her way back to her room. She walked in and went into their room and saw the necklace sitting where she had left it. She smiled and picked it up, then she jumped when the door to her room slowly closed. She turned and gasped as Blueblood stepped out of the shadows, "My, my, here's the little troublemaker at last, and here we thought we'd have to snatch her from the ballroom." He smiled and the coldness in his look made her shiver. Another laugh came from behind him and she recognized the voice as Fleur. Who stepped out of the shadows and grinned at Fluttershy. "Oh yes, she certainly has made things easier for us. Now we can move forward with our plans to have the king marry me." She snickered and Fluttershy began to shake as the two moved closer to her. Blueblood jumped at her and she dodged to the side, she shouted and tried to run for the door, but Fleur stepped in her way. The princess snarled at her and hissed, "How could he love such a pathetic thing like you?" Fluttershy glared at the princess and was about to retort when Blueblood's arms wrapped around her body. She shrieked again and he hissed in her ear, "Quiet or you'll regret it!" She shivered and glared at Fleur, "What is the point of all this Fleur? You think that if you get rid of me the king will choose you instead?" Fleur laughed at this and walked closer to Fluttershy. She snatched the ring out of her hooves and Fluttershy shouted, "Give that back! Fleur you can't force Discord to love you instead of me!" Fleur laughed harder and slipped the necklace over her head. She smirked at Fluttershy and whispered, "Who said anything about that? Oh no...If you're what he wants, you're what he'll get." Fleur stepped back and was engulfed in green flames. When the flames disappeared Fluttershy's mouth fell open and she whispered, "Oh no…" She was staring into a mirror. Another Fluttershy was standing in front of her, now laughing at the shocked look on her face. Even Blueblood chuckled as he threw her into a chair. She struggled as he tied her to the chair, she cried out in pain as the rope dug into her fur. She looked up to see the fake her changing the gown she was wearing to also match the one Fluttershy wore. Fluttershy frowned, normal changelings couldn't change their clothing. "Who are you. Why are you doing this?" Fluttershy shouted and cried out when Blueblood backhoofed her. She cried as the stinging remained, he hissed at her. "Keep your voice down." She flinched away from him, now knowing that he wouldn't hesitate to hurt her. She looked over to the fake Fluttershy and glared at her. "You won't get away with this. He'll know it's not really me…" The changeling looked over at her and laughed. "You honestly believe that? Please, stallions are all the same. It's the pretty face and tight flank they see not anything underneath. Your king will see what he wants to see and nothing more. He will fall under my spell and I will use his love to influence him for what I want." "What do you want?" Fluttershy asked, hoping to distract them long enough that someone would come looking for her. Blueblood growled at her and looked to the fake her, squashing Fluttershy's hopes. "My queen. You shouldn't waste anymore time, the king will grow suspicious is she doesn't show up soon. It will be hard enough explaining why Fleur is not there." The other Fluttershy nodded in agreement and sent her one last chilling look. "I guess it's time for me to go say hello to my true love…" "Black Widow...I still mean it...he doesn't…" "SILENCE! You have served your purpose now be quiet!" She shouted at Blueblood and Fluttershy frowned at this. Black Widow...you mean that's not Chrysalis? Blueblood seemed hurt by this and stared at her shocked. He moved closer and reached for the other mare. "But my love...I thought...you said that…" She laughed at this and slapped his hoof away. She bared her teeth at him and hissed, "Don't be a fool, you know that we can't love. Not really, you were a fool to think that I meant anything I said." Blueblood reeled back and tears formed in his eyes as he glared at her. He was engulfed in green flames as his anger cracked his illusion. Another changeling was standing before her only this one was taller than most. He growled at her and even lit his horn with magic as he hissed, "You tricked me. You vile…" He shot the magic at the changeling who flew out of the way and snarled at the other. "That was a mistake…" Green flames engulfed her once again and she took on her true form. Fluttershy was even more confused, this changeling looked just like Queen Chrysalis except for her eyes which were green with red slits. Her daughter maybe? Can changelings even have children like that? Black Widow growled at the other changeling and fired a powerful shot at the male changeling, Fluttershy turned her eyes away afraid to look. However when she heard his voice still she turned back. The changeling's eyes were dull as he looked at Black Widow. "What does my lady wish?" He asked in a monotonous voice. Black Widow grinned and once again changed to look like Fluttershy. She looked over at the mare and hissed, "Get rid of her, the same way we did with the real Fleur and Blueblood." She grinned wider and it sent ice running through Fluttershy's blood, there was no doubt that they intended to kill her. Fluttershy opened her mouth and let out an unholy scream, before the male changeling struck her with his hoof and knocked her out. As everything went fuzzy and blackness began to creep in on her, she heard the other her laughing, and a voice she desperately needed at the moment. "Fluttershy! Darling I heard a scream!" She smiled realizing he would save her, she had hoped his sharp ears had heard her scream. However she panicked when she heard her voice answer him, but it wasn't coming from her own mouth. "Oh I'm so sorry...I just thought...thought I saw a shadow move in the room...it was only a mouse...forgive me my lord." She felt the ropes fall away and felt herself being lifted off the floor and carried to one of the windows. She was being taken away from her love and she had to tell him. NO! Discord...it's not me...please know that's not me...DISCORD! She tried to shout, but couldn't as the blackness enveloped her.