//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2 
// Story: A Convenient Arrangement 
// by Juntao112 
//------------------------------//

Adjutant fumed as she left the dungeon. The impertinence of that stallion! Did he not know whom he was toying with? She was the former Adjutant–General of Chrysalis's hive, and a very powerful changeling in her own right! She could have had her way with any changeling, but chose to seek him out, and he dared to respond by teasing her?

She was so angry as she marched into the throne room that she did not notice a midnight blue figure occupying the throne until she tried to sit on it.

"Princess Luna!" Adjutant gasped, quickly dropping into a bow. "I had no idea you were visiting! Forgive me for the lack of a formal welcome."

Luna motioned for her to rise. "Oh, 'tis quite alright. I was merely passing through and decided to pay a visit to my old abode. I must say, I greatly enjoy the renovations."

"Oh, thank you! We put in a lot of effort into restoring this castle to its former glory."

"Indeed, and seeing it brings much joy to my heart. As well as many memories…" Luna looked at the tapestries wistfully. "Well, today is not the time to dwell on such matters. What has vexed thee so, that thou came storming up from the dungeon in such haste?"

"The inconsiderate jerk downstairs had the nerve to turn down my proposal for a relationship! Can you imagine? I even outlined the political benefits of such a union, and how we would both profit greatly from combining our resources and power,  but he simply wasn't interested! I don't know what went wrong!"

Luna stroked her chin. "Why yes, I cannot see how it failed. Rest assured that many a noble in my time would have given their left hoof for the attention of one of your calibre. Did he perchance mention why?"

"Something about love," Adjutant grumbled. "Can you imagine that? The old warhorse is a romantic at heart."

"While it is the fashion these days, I confess that I cannot understand how a pony — especially one in a position such as he — would let it take priority over other considerations. Equal weight should be given to benefits and stability, but perhaps I am old fashioned? I recall that, even before my banishment, there was talk about romance being the ideal basis for a relationship. Foalish, if you ask me — passion lasts but a short while in the grand scheme of things."

Adjutant threw up her hooves. "Exactly! Why doesn't he see that?"

"Alas, I can be of no help here. Perhaps my niece Cadance could give you greater insight into the mind of the modern stallion? Or perhaps one of your changelings who has experience in relating to ponies?"

Adjutant looked at the ground bashfully. "A high ranking changeling does not betray weakness by asking for advice, especially to those beneath her station."

"I understand, but if that is the case, I advise you think of some alternative. Your current approach seems ineffective." Luna stood up off the throne and spread her wings. "I have business in Canterlot later today, so you will excuse me if I take my leave."

Adjutant bowed again. "Not at all, Your Majesty. Thank you for your time."

"Likewise," Luna nodded. "And I wish you the best in your endeavors."

Adjutant sighed as she watched Princess Luna leave. As much as she hated to entertain the idea, there really was only one solution to her dilemma.





Ace Gambit whistled as he dusted the books and shelves of The Open Book. Today had been a fine day, with lots of customers who barely noticed or minded that he was a changeling! He supposed it also helped that school was about to start, and The Open Book was the only bookshop in town.The textbooks (which he may or may not have made illegal magical copies of for the poorer foals) were selling like griddle cakes.

His ears perked up as the door chime sounded again. "Welcome! Welcome to the–" 

He turned around and his jaw dropped as Adjutant walked in as if she owned the shop, not even bothering to disguise herself. "Quite a nice shop you have here, Ace. I don't suppose you could help me find some reading material?"

"Oh! Um, certainly." He shuffled from one hoof to the other as she cast her gaze around the shelves. "What did you have in mind?"

Adjutant made sure that the shop was empty before leaning in to whisper. "Do you have any books, magazines, or periodicals on romance?"

A sly grin spread across his face. "That depends; is this for academic or personal reasons?"

Adjutant did not deign to answer the question, which, unfortunately, left room for Ace to think out–loud. "Hm, you spend all your time in the Everfree, so the only stallion you're likely to have spent time with is...ah! Quite an interesting choice."

Adjutant fixed him with her best glare. "Are you going to provide assistance or not?"

Ace shrugged and disappeared behind some bookshelves. He returned a moment later with a bright yellow book, which he quickly bagged for her. Adjutant tossed out several bits for the book and left with it as soon as the transaction was over.

Halfway back to the castle, she opened the bag and read the cover. Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she hurled Dating for Derps in the direction of The Open Book.