Chrysalis looked out the window at the hustle and bustle of the Crystal Empire below. The crystal ponies ran around, building new buildings for her Changelings to take quarters in once they were finished. It had been only three days since she and her subjects arrived but all of them seemed to have an extra kick in their step already. The Queen knew that the love the crystal ponies' love would assist in supporting the Changelings, but for it to start so quickly was something she hadn't expected. Everything had gone smoothly, aside from a minor set-back. There wasn't enough room in the castle to host all of her Changelings so, some of them had to stay in the homes of other crystal ponies. So far, there had been no backlash concerning the alliance. Chrysalis's subjects understood the dire situation and Sombra's crystal ponies, though some of them were a bit doubtful, seemed to support the decision. Yes, everypony seemed happy to go along with the plan.
Currently, Chrysalis was staying in a guest room like many of her subjects. Sombra had promised that soon a second throne would be placed in the throne room, and a chamber would be added onto the castle. She imagined this might take a few weeks but there was no real rush. She was just glad all had gone as planned. She hid it well, but during the meeting three days prior Chrysalis was extremely nervous. Her Changelings had been without a home for some time and she was concerned that Sombra, like rulers before him, would reject the alliance. Fortunately, everything had gone smoothly and in a few weeks time her and her subjects would be settled into their new home. The Changeling Queen's thoughts were interrupted by the opening on the door.
"Hello Chrysalis", Sombra greeted her, stepping into the room, "I trust you're doing well."
Chrysalis nodded, "What brings you to my room Sombra?"
"This", Sombra's aura appeared around his horn as a crest floated out from under his cloak. In the center of the crest was a replica of the crystal heart, "A gift to commemorate our alliance."
Chrysalis stared at the beautiful heart, speechless. She took the crest from Sombra and examined it more closely. Upon closer inspection, she could see petite words carved into the heart.
"To my new partner. Welcome to my empire", She read aloud. The Queen looked up at her host, "Sombra this was not necessary."
Sombra gave a smile, "I know, but I did it anyway. Consider it a welcoming gift for you and your subjects."
Chrysalis smiled and draped the crest around her neck. It was beautiful and matched her coat quite well. She turned to look into a mirror and admired her welcoming gift.
"Thank you Sombra", she said, turning to the dark king and bowing.
Sombra chuckled, "We're partners now. There's not need to be so formal."
Chrysalis rose from her bow and smiled, "Very well. Thank you."
"Not a problem", and with that, Sombra left, closing the boor behind him. Chrysalis turned back to the mirror and gently placed her hoof onto the crystal heart replica. It was really beautiful, almost as beautiful as the real thing.
Yes it was true, ever since Chrysalis was small she had admired the crystal empire, and most of all, the crystal heart. The crystal ponies had so much love that they could fuel an artifact with great power against even the strongest magic in Equestria. She gave a small, content sigh as she adjusted her bun with her magic. She was proud of her prominent beauty, after all the Queen of love should be as lovely as the emotion that keeps her alive. Turning back to the window, she watched her Changelings assist in the construction of their new homes. Such harmony between the two species warmed her hearts. Her gaze drifted to the crystal heart, placed on a stand in the center of town. Her wings rose in surprise as she saw the heart glow brighter than it had since she arrived, the love radiating off of it hit her and she licked her lips.
Sombra looked over his empire from the balcony connected to his throne room. His subjects building the new homes for their friends and the Changelings themselves helping. The artifact that the empire wielded with such pride shone with the love the subjects had for their new citizens. Sombra licked his lips as the love filled him. Such power he had over this land. He had only just realized just how powerful he was and he was starting to get drunk off the control he had. He shook his head to rid himself of such thoughts. These were his subjects, they trusted him, depended upon him to protect and lead them. He must not abuse his power. And yet, as he left the balcony, he failed to notice a small crack forming in the crystal heart.