Fluttershy was sitting at her vanity, watching as Coco Pommel styled her hair up into a bun. She was wearing the same dress she had worn for Lord Fancy Pants. Her aunt had said it had worked so well on him that it should work on Count Discord. She was also wearing the same emerald necklace, which sparkled so much that Fluttershy had to be careful where she looked in the mirror.
"Oh, darling, you look simply divine!" Starlight said, coming up behind Fluttershy. "You could stun a prince into dumbness!"
"Aunt Starlight?" Fluttershy asked weakly. "I've been wondering. What if…what if the Count doesn't like me?"
"Nonsense! How can he not like you? You're a noblemare, you have an admirable dowry, and you're a delicate beauty." She sighed in thought. "Oh, to be young again. Seems like only yesterday I was preparing to meet my future husband."
"Yes, but…what if I like him, but he doesn't like me? Or he likes me, but I don't like him? Would we even get along?"
Starlight huffed. "I told you, dear. It doesn't matter whether or not you get along. What matters is that the two of you are well off and that you are able to keep the bloodline going."
"But…to have children…don't you have to…?"
Fluttershy's cheeks turned beet red.
"Don't worry, dear. You won't have to do it that often if you don't want to, just until you can produce a son."
"What if I want a girl?"
"Worry about an heir first. Then you can try for a daughter." Starlight sighed again and looked up at a portrait of an old stallion. "Too bad your uncle passed before we could have a child of our own. I was going to remarry, but then you came along, so I didn't see the point."
Once Coco was done with her hair, Fluttershy turned to her aunt. "Did you…like your husband?"
Starlight shrugged. "He was too old to care much. We were only married for a few weeks. He assured my comfort, though, so I suppose he cared for me a little. Oh well. Hopefully your husband will have a stronger body."
Fluttershy was now even more uncomfortable than she had been before her aunt started talking. There were so many ways one could interpret that last sentence, and she didn't like either implication. What was the point of getting married if she couldn't love her husband, or at least get along with him? Why would she bother having children with him if she didn't like him? She knew how children were made, and she didn't like the idea of getting that close to some pony she disliked.
Get ahold of yourself, Fluttershy, she said in her head. You haven't even met him yet and already you're worrying about not getting along. Maybe he's nice. Yes. He might be a good match for you.
I hope.
"Now remember," Rarity said as she adjusted Discord's dinner jacket. "Listen to whatever she says, for when you are having a lady over for dinner, there is nothing more interesting than her."
All of them were gathered in the main foyer. Twilight was checking things off her list while Rarity was brushing the lint off Discord.
"Lilies, check," Twilight said, glancing at the vases of lilies decorating the walls.
"And all of you," Rarity said, turning to the others, "not a word about our mating laws!"
"She's right. It would come as a shock to her."
"I'd be shocked too if a bloodthirsty vampire who tried to eat me claimed to be my one true love who I'm supposed to be destined to be with forever and ever," Pinkie piped.
Discord tugged on the collar of his shirt. "Is it just me, or did it suddenly get warmer in here?"
"You're not nervous, are ya, Master?" Rainbow Dash smirked.
"Nervous?!" he squeaked, twiddling his fingers. "Me?! Nah! Why should I be nervous? After all, I'm just going to be spending an entire evening with the love of my life…alone…just the two of us…" He started fanning himself. "Does anyone have a hanky? I think I'm sweating!"
"Vampires don't sweat, Master," Twilight stated.
"We don't?"
"No. We don't carry water in our bodies."
"Oh. Well, I'm still hot!"
"It's going to be fine, Master," Rarity assured him. "Just be yourself, stay composed, and above all," she pulled on his beard so she could look him in the eye, "be a gentlecolt!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Discord squeaked as she let go of his beard.
He jumped as he heard the thump from the doorknocker.
"It's her!" he yelped, grabbing his tail. "It's her, it's her, it's her!"
"Deep breaths," Rarity directed him. "In, out. In, out."
"I'll answer the door," Twilight said, handing her clipboard to Spike. "Applejack, you, Pinkie and Spike should get back to the kitchen."
"Aye, aye, sir!" Pinkie saluted before bouncing off with the other two.
"She's not going to like me," Discord muttered to himself. "She's not going to like me."
"Yes, she will!" Rarity insisted. "Well, she won't if you keep making a fool of yourself!"
Outside, Starlight and Fluttershy were standing at the doorstep. Double Diamond and Party Favor were waiting at the gate with the carriage. Starlight was fanning herself while Fluttershy was looking up at the castle in awe.
Its walls were as black as night. If not for the faint glow from the windows, it would have been invisible. There were hardly any windows at all, only two narrow ones beside the door and four on the second floor, all their curtains drawn. There weren't even windows in the high towers. Fluttershy almost fell backward trying to see their tops, but it was impossible with how they blended into the darkness.
"Charming place, isn't it?" Starlight asked casually.
"It's so…dark," Fluttershy replied softly. "Why are there so few windows, and why are all the curtains drawn at night?"
Her aunt shrugged. "He obviously likes his privacy, but oh my, what an estate!"
The door opened and they were met with a lavender unicorn. Fluttershy stopped herself from gasping at her bright red eyes, which wasn't a common color for ponies.
"Evening!" Starlight said, curtsying with a bright smile. "I am Lady…"
"Which one of you is the Lady Fluttershy?" Twilight inquired, looking between the mares.
Starlight was taken aback at being interrupted, but kept up her grin and gestured toward her niece. "Oh, yes. My niece, Fluttershy. Might I say, what a charming castle you…"
"Come on in, domnişoară," Twilight said, opening the door further. "Count Discord is expecting you."
Fluttershy gulped as she stepped in. Her aunt tried to follow her, but Twilight obstructed her path.
"I'm sorry, but who are you?"
Starlight's jaw dropped. "Who am I?! I'm the Lady Starlight Glimmer!"
"I'm sure you are, but I believe the invitation said no entourage was necessary."
"Entourage?! I'm her aunt!"
"Nevertheless, the invitation was solely for the Lady Fluttershy, and it is only Lady Fluttershy I have orders to admit."
"Well!" Starlight huffed. "This is an outrage! You can't expect me to stand out here all night, do you?!"
"I see you brought a coach with you. It's best you went home. Don't worry about your niece. We will arrange transportation for her."
"Insolence! You tell your master that unless he lets me in, I will…!"
Twilight slammed the door before she could finish. Fluttershy was staring at the unicorn with wide eyes.
"Charming aunt, you have," Twilight commented.
Fluttershy was too much in awe to speak. She'd never seen any pony talk to her aunt that way, let alone a servant!
"Well," Twilight said, walking past her. "Shall we?"
Fluttershy nodded and followed the unicorn down the hallway. She was amazed at how it lacked decoration. No portraits, no mirrors, just burning torchlights along the black stone walls. Finding nothing interesting in her surroundings, she turned her attention to the unicorn. She was wearing an unusual eggplant gown. It was long, sleek and tight around her waist, its neck open and laced at the front. But the oddest thing about it was the long, narrow slits in the sides. She also noticed a curious round bauble around the unicorn's neck and could've sworn something was bobbing inside it.
The hallway seemed to go on forever, so Fluttershy decided to make conversation with the unicorn.
"So…how long have you worked for the Count?"
"Not long," the servant replied with a shrug. "Just a few months. I'm Twilight, by the way. Twilight Sparkle."
"Nice to meet you, Twilight. So, the Count…what's he like?"
Twilight looked at her in confusion. "He said you'd met before."
"Have we?" Fluttershy asked, cocking her head.
"He must not have told you his name." Twilight sighed and shook her head. "Oh, Discord."
"I…suppose I could've bumped into him in the street and he failed to tell me his name, or he did and I'd simply forgotten."
"Oh, I think you'd remember the Count."
"Well, if you'd tell me what he looks like, it might jog my memory."
Twilight bit her lip nervously. "You'll remember him once you see him, but…I must prepare you, domnişoară. He's not very…ordinary."
"Oh, I don't mind if he's not that handsome."
The unicorn smiled slightly. "That's good, but…it still might be a bit shocking."
"Is that why he stays cooped up in this castle all day? He's afraid of what ponies may think of his looks? Well that's a little silly. Why should he care what others think of him?"
"It's not really easy when you're a…"
"Ah, Lady Fluttershy."
Fluttershy stiffened at the familiar voice and looked ahead of her. She gasped at the tall figure awaiting her by the marble staircase in the foyer. He was wearing a clean black suit and had lost his cape, but there was no mistaking him. She tried backing away, but Twilight stopped her with her hoof and pushed her forward.
Count Discord stepped towards her with a giddy smile on his face.
"It is a pleasure," he purred, bowing to her and holding out his paw, "to see you again."
She stared at him, not noticing his outstretched paw. When he realized she wasn't taking it anytime soon, he frowned slightly as he lowered it.
"Y-You're…" she stammered, "you're…C-Count D-Discord?"
"Surprise!" Discord exclaimed, holding out his hands. "Didn't take me for nobility, did you?"
Fluttershy said nothing. So many questions were swimming through her head. Discord coughed and straightened up.
"Allow me to introduce you to my staff. You've already met Twilight. Tell me, Twilight, what do you think of my guest?"
"She's very lovely, Master," Twilight nodded approvingly. "And she seems very sweet."
"S-S-Sweet?" Fluttershy stuttered.
She glanced nervously at the unicorn, focusing particularly on her red eyes and how similar in color they were to her master's. She looked at the slits in her dress and began wondering if this pony was really a pony at all.
"This is Rainbow Dash," Discord said as a multi-colored pegasus came into view, "one of my most loyal servants."
"Pleased to meet ya!" Rainbow said, shaking Fluttershy's hoof eagerly.
"Likewise!" Fluttershy squeaked, pulling her hoof away.
Rainbow's eyes were a sort of violet with a reddish tint, though not as red as Twilight's. She thought her masculine attire was odd but still fairly normal-looking.
"And this is Rarity," Discord said, gesturing to a white unicorn. "She's been with me the longest."
"Not that long," Rarity giggled awkwardly.
This unicorn wore a dress similar to Twilight's, only blue like her eyes. Fluttershy squinted at her in familiarity.
"Do I know you?"
Rarity gasped. "Oh, yes! In the boutique the other day!" She looked over Fluttershy's dress. "I see you took my advice, though that necklace, dear! Much too extravagant for that dress! You need something simpler!" She smirked up at Discord. "Don't you think, Master?"
"Huh?" Discord uttered. "Oh, yes! I have just the thing!"
He snapped his fingers and Fluttershy gasped as a red velvet box appeared in his paw and claw. He knelt down to her and opened the box and she gaped in awe at the pretty pink butterfly necklace inside.
"Do you like it?" Discord asked, biting his lip in anticipation. "I made it just for you. I mean 'Fluttershy,' 'butterfly,' it sounded right!"
"Oh," Fluttershy uttered softly. "Y-Yes, I…I love butterflies."
He grinned. "Excellent!" He lifted the chain from the box, which was now floating in midair. "Would you allow me to…?"
"Oh, um, yes."
She turned around slowly and stiffened as his paw and claw went over her head. She watched him cautiously out of the corner of her eye. His face was awfully close and she could feel his breath on her neck. She didn't even realize he'd replaced the emerald necklace with the butterfly one until he had moved away.
"Oh, yes!" Rarity exclaimed, clapping her hooves in approval. "Much better! Don't worry. You'll get your necklace back before the evening is over."
"Excuse me, but…" Fluttershy attempted to say. "W-What is going on?"
"Didn't you read the invitation?" Rainbow asked.
Rarity smacked her over the head.
"You're here for dinner, of course!" Discord said excitedly.
Fluttershy gulped, wondering what he meant by that statement. Had she been invited to eat dinner…or to be dinner?
"Ahem," Rarity coughed. "Perhaps we should proceed to the dining room?"
"Yes, yes!" Discord exclaimed, stepping to Fluttershy's side and holding out his lion arm for her. "Allow me to escort you, domnişoară?"
She stared anxiously at his arm. Discord frowned when she didn't accept his gesture yet again and folded his paw and claw behind his back.
"Right," he said, clearing his throat. "Follow me."
He walked to a pair of double doors and looked over his shoulder to see if Fluttershy was following, but she was still frozen in place, her knees buckling. Rarity gave her a gentle nudge and her hooves began moving automatically.
"Kinda skittish, isn't she?" Rainbow whispered to Twilight.
"Oh, she's just nervous," Rarity said, waving her hoof. "She'll feel more comfortable as the evening progresses."
Fluttershy glanced uneasily between the draconequus in front of her and the three mares trotting slowly behind her. She hadn't expected this vampire to have companions. What were their stories? Were they really just servants or…had they been his victims? She remembered Discord had asked her if she preferred dying or becoming a vampire. Had these mares been asked the same question? Were they vampires too?
They did have an odd sort of glamor about them. Their coats were so smooth and clean, their manes were long and luscious, their eyes vibrant colors. Even the pegasus in male attire seemed unnaturally pretty, and they all walked and flew with a sort of grace. But their gazes were also unsettling, especially Twilight's. They were paying such close attention to her, almost expectantly. But expectant for what? Were they thinking about how delicious her blood would taste? Was that why Discord had kept her alive for so long, so he could share her with his minions?
The double doors flung open automatically into the dining room. Before them was a long mahogany dining table, a small, black, red-cushioned chair on one end and a red and black throne on the other. A blazing fireplace and crystal chandelier provided warmth and light for the room. Several vases of lilies adorned the walls, one serving as a centerpiece for the table.
Discord went behind the smaller chair and pulled it out for Fluttershy.
"My lady," he said with a bow, gesturing to the open seat.
Fluttershy stared at him warily as she slowly sat herself in the chair. He pushed her back in and hastened to the throne on the other end.
"Well!" Rarity exclaimed, glancing between the two. "We should probably go help get dinner ready, so we'll just leave you two…alone."
Fluttershy opened her mouth to say something, but the three mares had already disappeared into the next room. She looked at the vampire across from her. He was leaning his head on his paw and claw, staring at her elatedly. Her ears perked up as music started playing. After glancing around, she realized it was coming from a floating violin playing itself.
The long, awkward moment of speechlessness would've been silent had it not been for the music. Fluttershy had no idea what to do. She wished her aunt hadn't taken away her garlic, for she would feel a lot more confident if she had it right now. What was the Count planning? If he really was going to suck her blood, what was with the flowers, the music and the necklace he had given her?
"You look lovely tonight."
She jumped at his voice and gulped as a new thought occurred to her. She remembered reading one story of a male vampire seducing virgin mares to his bed before sucking them dry. Was that his game?
"So, Fluttershy," Discord said, putting down his hands and leaning forward, "tell me about yourself."
She had forgotten all knowledge of speech. She was too terrified and confused to even try to recall words.
Fortunately, she didn't have to, for at that moment, the door to the kitchen opened up and what came out made her gasp in such wonder that for a moment, she forgot her situation.
"Is that…?" she squealed so loudly it made Spike and Discord jump. "A BABY DRAGON!" As Spike cautiously approached her, she leaned forward and said, "Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before! He's so adorable!"
Spike blushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Oh, uh, thank you."
"Oh, and he talks! I didn't know dragons could talk! This is just so…so amazing!"
"Wow. Master Discord wasn't kidding when he said you were…"
He glanced at his master, who was currently feeling a mixture of awe and anger. He had never seen Fluttershy smile and the new light in her face made her ten times more radiant. However, he was sour that that happiness was directed at Spike rather than himself. So he sent the dragon a warning glare. Spike shrank under his gaze and cleared his throat.
"Yes, well," he said, straightening up. "Good evening, domnişoară. My name is Spike. I will be your server tonight."
"Oh, pardon me for asking, but," Fluttershy said, her gaze not leaving Spike, "wherever did you come from?"
He blinked. "Uh…the kitchen?"
"I believe," Discord said, trying to keep up a smile, "the young lady was asking how I managed to obtain a dragon, Spike." He turned to Fluttershy. "Spike is actually a companion of Twilight's. She raised him from an egg."
Fluttershy looked up at Discord in alarm, as if just remembering he was there. Then she glanced back at Spike. Judging by the heat in his cheeks, he didn't appear like an undead vampire. Then again, he appeared so young. Did they raise creatures until they were mature enough to feed?
"Anyway," Spike said, clearing his throat again. "Would you like anything to drink?"
"Drink?!" Fluttershy squeaked, glancing nervously at Discord.
"We have tea, wine, apple juice…"
"Oh," she sighed in relief. "Just water, please."
"Can do."
As Spike walked past Discord, he whispered, "And you, Master?"
"Oh, no, I'm fine."
But one look at Fluttershy, whose eyes were on him, and his mouth was suddenly dry.
"On second thought," he murmured. "I'll have a small glass."
Spike bowed and exited into the kitchen, leaving the two of them alone once more, but it wasn't as awkward now that Fluttershy had something to ask.
"Um," she stammered, "s-so…your servants, are they, um…?"
"Are they like me?" Discord finished for her. "Yes and no. They're all normal vampires, at least the mares are. Spike's as mortal as any other creature. But don't worry, I told them all to stay in their pony forms to make you feel more comfortable."
Fluttershy nodded. She really didn't want to see what other forms they took.
"So…did you…?"
He frowned. He knew this topic would come up eventually. He had just hoped it wouldn't come up tonight.
"Y-Yes," he uttered. "Most of them, anyway."
She raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean…most of them?"
"So, you like dragons, huh?!"
He propped his elbow on the table and leaned casually onto his paw. He was eager to change the subject.
"Oh, uh…sure," Fluttershy said, looking down at her hooves.
"What other things do you like?"
She bit her lip. "Well, uh…I like…all animals. I…I like learning about them and…taking care of them."
He gulped and said in a shrill voice, "You…you don't say!" His elbow slipped out from under him, so he switched to his eagle arm. "What animal is your favorite?"
"B-Bunnies," she stuttered. "I have one. His name is Angel. He's the one you almost…"
"Right!" he squeaked, tugging the collar of his shirt. "Good times!"
Of all the females he had to fall in love with, it had to be an animal lover! If she knew just how many animals he had killed…
"Here's your drink, sir!"
"Oh, thank darkness!" Discord cried in exasperation, swiping the golden goblet from Spike's tray and pouring the contents down his throat.
Fluttershy watched in horror as Discord scarfed down the red liquid. It didn't take her long to figure out what that liquid was.
"Um…" she said with shiver. "Whose is…?"
He was suddenly conscious of Fluttershy and pulled the goblet away from his lips. She shrieked at his blood-stained mouth. Spike quickly leapt onto the table to wipe his master's mouth.
"Apologies," Discord said, forcing a laugh. "I get thirsty when I'm, uh…nervous."
He flashed a grin. Fluttershy recoiled at the redness of his teeth. Spike whispered in Discord's ear and he immediately closed his mouth.
"Smooth," the dragon murmured as he leapt off the table.
He picked up the silver tray holding a second golden goblet and brought it to Fluttershy. She peered in it cautiously.
"Don't worry," Spike said with an assuring smile. "It's just water."
She saw the clearness of the liquid and took the goblet. She raised it to her lips but hesitated. What if they intended to poison her, or put her to sleep with a potion? She glanced at Discord anxiously and set the cup down.
"On second thought," she said uneasily, "I'm not thirsty."
Spike shrugged and turned to leave, but Discord grabbed him by the shoulder.
"Since you're so interested in dragons, Domnişoară Fluttershy," he said, spinning Spike around to face the mare, "why don't you ask Spike some questions?"
"Huh?" the dragon uttered.
"She likes you," Discord whispered. "Start talking and maybe she'll feel more comfortable."
"Oh, okay." Spike looked back at Fluttershy. "So, what do you want to know about dragons, domnişoară?"
She scooted to the edge of her seat, her intrigue overcoming her fear. "Absolutely everything."
"Well, I started out from a purple polka-dotted egg…"
As Spike told his story, Fluttershy listened intently, Discord watching her in entrancement. She looked so adorable with her mane up in a bun, though he had the urge to gently release it from its hold and let it fall gracefully down her shoulders. Her face glowed as a smile crept across her face and her eyes sparked with excitement. This made her so alluring, if only he could be the cause of such happiness.
"So you can breathe fire?" Fluttershy inquired.
"Oh, yeah," Spike said proudly. "Wanna see?"
Fluttershy nodded eagerly and the dragon inhaled deeply before shooting a green flame into the air. She gasped in awe. Then Discord had an idea.
"You know," he piped, "I can turn into a dragon!"
Fluttershy snapped to him in surprise. "You can…what?"
"It's true." He lifted his right leg and rolled up his pants (making Fluttershy blush) to show off the green scales beneath. "I can turn into any animal as long as it's part of my body."
Fluttershy blinked at him and then recalled something. "That's…how you were able to turn into a pony last night, right? And…I saw you turn into a bat earlier."
"Yes!" Discord grinned, lowering his leg. "Care for a demonstration?"
"Uh…"
"It's okay," Spike assured her. "He won't bite."
"You sure?" Fluttershy squeaked.
"Well. He won't bite you anyway. Not y—"
"So, what would you like me to turn into?" Discord hastily said, gesturing to his mismatched body. "A ferocious lion?"
Fluttershy gasped as he suddenly transformed into a golden lion with a black mane, his eyes the only thing that hadn't changed.
"Or perhaps a docile deer?"
The lion morphed into a small, gray deer. Fluttershy relaxed as her fear subsided a little.
"Or how about your favorite beast?"
Fluttershy let out a shriek and nearly fell out of her chair as the deer was suddenly replaced with an enormous green dragon whose head reached the ceiling.
"What do you think?" the large dragon asked in a booming voice.
Fluttershy nodded speedily. "Nice! Very, uh, impressive!"
Discord shrank down into his original form, extremely pleased that he had finally made an impression on her.
"Of course, I can only stay in one of those forms for an hour at a time," he explained, "which is why I don't walk around incognito a lot."
"Oh," Fluttershy breathed as she recovered from the shock. "Can…can any of the others do that?"
"Oh, no. This is more of a draconequus thing. The ladies have their own special abilities."
She glanced nervously at the kitchen door. "You…you said you asked them to stay in their…pony forms. W-What do they…?"
"Spike!" Applejack interrupted, poking her head into the room. "What's taking ya so long? I need ya to taste the soup!"
"Sorry, AJ!" Spike said, rushing into the kitchen. "Be right there!"
As Spike ran inside, Applejack gave Fluttershy a long, worrisome look before shutting the door.
"That's Applejack," said Discord, "one of my cooks."
"Why did she want Spike to…taste the soup?" Fluttershy asked.
"None of us can eat real food. I mean we can, but it tastes awful and gives us indigestion. That's why we need Spike to make sure the food won't be terrible for you."
The kitchen door opened again and Spike came in, pushing a trolley with a silver soup bowl on top.
"Soup's on!" he said with a laugh. "Do you like tomato?"
She stared in suspicion as he scooped some of the red liquid into her bowl.
"Are you sure it's…tomato?"
Spike looked at the color of the soup and chuckled. "You really should stop worrying about what we give you, domnişoară. We wouldn't give you blood while you're still mortal."
Discord cleared his throat and Spike returned to pouring soup into Fluttershy's bowl. Once again, she hesitated to touch it.
"Something wrong?" Discord asked in concern.
Did she not like tomato soup? Did she think it probably wasn't good enough?!
"Want me to taste it for you?" Spike offered.
"Yes, please," Fluttershy said a little too quickly.
The dragon took her spoon, scooped up some soup and brought it to his lips to sip.
"See? No poison. I'll go get you a new spoon."
"No need," Discord said, snapping his fingers.
Fluttershy was surprised once again as a new spoon appeared beside her bowl. Convinced that the soup was safe, she took a spoonful and tried it. After dwelling on the taste, she hungrily scooped some more into her mouth. Both Discord and Spike smiled.
"I'll tell Applejack you like it!" the dragon exclaimed, backing the trolley into the kitchen. "She'll be happy to hear it!"
There was silence after Spike had left once again, the only sound being the clang of Fluttershy's spoon against her bowl. Discord could not help but admire the dainty way she was eating her soup. Her sips were so quiet they were inaudible, and she was taking them at a speed that was quick enough to satisfy her hunger, but slow enough so that hunger wouldn't show. He wondered if that's how she would feed if she were a vampire, and the image excited him.
Fluttershy's eating slowed when she noticed her host's gaze on her. She glanced up at him.
"What?"
"Sorry!" he grunted, straightening up. "I, uh, didn't mean to stare but…" He rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to think of a new topic. "You, uh…look very lovely tonight."
She looked back at her soup. "Thank you."
He tugged on his collar as he began feeling hot again. "So, uh…do you have any other interests besides…animals?"
"W-Well," she stammered, "I…I like flowers."
"Really?!" he squealed. Realizing he said this a little too loudly, he coughed and repeated softly, "Really? What's your favorite?"
"Oh," she shook her head. "I can't pick just one flower. I like them all: roses, tulips, carnations, petunias, pansies, lilies…"
Yes! Discord celebrated in his head. Good call, Rarity!
"Do you have a garden?" he inquired.
"No," Fluttershy said, looking crestfallen. "I'd like one though, but we don't have much earth around our home. Auntie Starlight lets me keep a few potted plants in my room."
"Perhaps you would like some of these lilies to take home?" Discord said, gesturing to the vases along the wall.
"Oh, that's very…" she blinked in confusion at the word that came to mind, "kind of you."
Spike returned again and asked, "Finished?"
"Oh, yes," Fluttershy said, handing Spike her empty bowl.
"Ready for the second course? You're not allergic to anything, are you?"
"No. I mean yes. I mean…yes, I'm ready and no, I don't have any allergies."
"Perfect! Makes things easier for us!"
He left with her plate and this time, Fluttershy did not feel as uncomfortable to be alone with Discord as before. She wasn't sure why, maybe because they had sat together for almost half an hour now and he hadn't attacked her yet. The idea of casual conversation didn't seem to bother her as much either. In fact, her natural curiosity for all creatures was taking control of her.
"So…what else can you turn into?"
Discord smiled, thrilled that she was leading the conversation now. "I can turn into a goat, an eagle, a snake, and a pegasus if I will it. Everything else, you've seen."
"What…what can the others turn into?"
"Oh." He frowned slightly. "I don't want to scare you."
"Tell me. P-Please. I want to know."
He glanced around and leaned forward. "What they can turn into is a sort of mix between a pony and a bat."
Her eyes widened as she suddenly understood why Twilight and Rarity had slits in the sides of their dresses.
"They quite enjoy it," Discord said with a chuckle. "You know, a short time after Pinkie's first transformation, she started giving herself and the others funny bat names."
"Pinkie?"
"That's right. You haven't met Pinkie Pie yet. She's in the kitchen helping Applejack. Anyway, she decided her 'bat name' would be Drinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash would be Rainbow Bite, Applejack would be Appledrac, and Rarity," he snorted, "Norsfu-Rarity!"
He burst into laughter suddenly. "And get this! After Twilight joined up, Pinkie started calling her Twilight," he scoffed, "Sparkling!"
He banged his fist on the table and wiped away a bloody tear before she could see. Fluttershy blinked.
"I don't get it."
He frowned. "Well, it's, uh, funnier when Pinkie Pie says it."
He buried his face in his paw and claw in embarrassment, an action which made Fluttershy giggle. He peered at her through his fingers. Her laughter was like a tinkling bell: so soft, yet so resonant. Was there anything this mare could do that wasn't enchanting?
Spike returned with the next course: an apple salad tossed with almonds and croutons. This time, Fluttershy didn't hesitate to try it. The dragon was happy to see that she liked this dish too and withdrew into the kitchen.
"So," Fluttershy said to Discord, "what other sort of…powers do you have?"
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Rarity met Spike with excitement.
"How are they getting on?" she asked eagerly.
"Really well, I think!" he replied. "I've never seen the Master smile so much! Oh, and she likes your salad, AJ."
Applejack nodded, not looking at him as she took the salad bowl from the cart.
"What's she like?" Pinkie asked as she took a yellow cake out of the oven. "I haven't gotten a chance to see her yet!"
"She's really nice," said Spike. "And pretty. And she likes dragons!"
"Does she now?" Applejack murmured, glancing at him disapprovingly.
"I mean she was a little squeamish at first, but now she and the Master are talking like old friends!"
"Ooh, no doubt there will be wedding bells soon!" Rarity squealed. "I can't wait to make the wedding dress!"
"I've always wanted to make a fifty-layer wedding cake!" Pinkie exclaimed as she started frosting the yellow cake.
"We're not going to be wearing bridesmaid dresses, are we?" Rainbow groaned as she wiped one of the counters clean.
"Think they'll exchange rings?" Spike wondered as he helped himself to the leftover salad. "I mean I know vampire weddings are different from regular weddings, but it'd be cool to be the ring bearer."
"Well she has to have a dress!" Rarity insisted. "And of course a lovely bouquet. Has he asked about the lilies yet? I do hope she likes them! Or maybe she could have some white roses. Ooh! We could make a whole wedding arch of white…"
Applejack snapped around and shouted, "WOULD Y'ALL HUSH UP ABOUT WEDDINGS?!"
Everyone recoiled at her sudden outburst, staring at her in fear. Applejack sighed and returned to the dishes.
"Applejack has a point," Twilight said. "They're only just starting to get to know each other and we're already talking about a wedding."
"It might not even happen," Applejack murmured.
"Whatever do you mean?" Rarity inquired. "They're destined for each other."
"Master Discord may have that inclination, but that doesn't guarantee she's gonna agree to be his mate. Mortals don't have the same instincts, ya know?"
Pinkie huffed. "Must you always be a spoilsport, AJ?"
"I'm just being realistic. Y'all should too."
There was a long silence as everyone stared at the orange mare. Spike then cleared his throat.
"I'm gonna go see if Fluttershy's ready for dessert."
"Hold on!" Pinkie cried, carefully placing strawberries on the cake. "Give me a few minutes!"
When Spike reentered the dining room, he was surprised to hear laughter not just from his master, but from their guest.
"And that's not all!" Discord exclaimed. "When I went to look for them again, they were on the ceiling!"
Fluttershy laughed even harder with him. "Oh my! Did you ever catch them?"
"Of course. They're on my head now, aren't they? Now I know never to part with my horns again!"
Spike smiled as he walked up to the giggling mare. "You done, domnişoară?"
"Oh, yes, here you go," Fluttershy said as she handed Spike her empty salad bowl. "Tell your chef it was most delicious. Will there be dessert?"
"How do you feel about strawberry yellow cake?"
"Oh, that sounds delightful!"
"Okay. It'll be ready in a few minutes."
"Enjoying yourself?" Discord asked as Spike left again.
Fluttershy blushed and looked down at her hooves. "Y-Yes, I…suppose."
He laughed nervously as a sudden thought occurred to him. "I'm probably not much company. After all, you must dine with all sorts of important ponies all the time."
Her smile faded. "Oh. Yes, sometimes. But I…" she turned away, feeling silly for saying this. "I've never had this much fun before."
Discord lit up, his wings fluttering with excitement.
"I…I must ask though," Fluttershy stammered, looking up at him questioningly. "Why…why did you invite me here?"
His wings drooped and he suddenly felt sweaty again, despite his inability to secrete water.
"Oh. I…" He gulped. "You see…" He tugged on his collar, trying to fan away the heat. "The thing is…" One look in her eyes and his mind went blank. "What was the question?"
Fluttershy tilted her head at his behavior. "I…I just wanted to know…why you invited me here."
He was saved by the opening of the kitchen door. This time, it was Pinkie Pie who was pushing the cart.
"Cake time, every pony!" she exclaimed, darting her eyes at Fluttershy. "Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! I know Spike's supposed to serve dessert, but I just had to see you up close!"
Fluttershy shrieked as the pink mare stuck her face in hers.
"Wow! You are pretty! The Master wasn't kidding!"
"Pinkie!" Discord coughed, hiding his face behind his claw.
"Now," Pinkie said, pulling away and posing in front of the cart, "time for the crème de la crème de la crème! A delectable, delicious, yellow cake with a strawberry filling and vanilla icing! Baked it myself!"
"It looks wonderful," Fluttershy said, gazing at the small, frosted white cake with juicy strawberries on top.
"Yeah," Pinkie said with a longing sigh. "Wish I could eat it myself, but you know. If it has no plasma, can't digest it!"
"Pinkie!" Discord whispered sharply, making a slashing motion across his throat.
"You just had a drink, Master, you don't need to slit any throats tonight!"
Discord buried his face in his hands while Fluttershy's face turned white.
"Oh, don't worry," Pinkie snorted. "He doesn't actually slit any throats. He just sinks his teeth into…"
"Okay, Pinkie!" Spike cried, hastily running up to the cart. "I'll cut the cake, if you don't mind!"
"Aw, come on, Spike! I was just telling Fluttershy about how we drink…"
"I think the others need help cleaning up!"
He hastened to push the pink pony back into the kitchen.
"But it's really quite cool once you get past all the blood…"
The dragon shut the door to silence her. "Don't mind her! She's very…eccentric." He clasped his claws together. "Now how about that cake?"
The next few minutes were filled with more awkward silence as Fluttershy slowly ate her slice of cake. Pinkie's words had reminded her of her situation. Sure, these vampires seemed nice enough, but how could she be sure she could trust them?
"You didn't answer my question earlier," Fluttershy muttered, looking up at Discord. "Why did you invite me?"
He hesitated, and the words left his lips before he could contain himself. "You're very beautiful."
She sighed. "Yes. You've said that."
He frowned at her passiveness. "You don't believe me?"
"It's not that I don't believe you, it's just…is that the only reason?"
He bit his lip. "W-What other reason would there be?"
She put down her fork and bravely sat up. "I hate to be frank, but…you are a vampire."
He stared at her and then chuckled. "I didn't invite you to be dinner, if that's what you're thinking." His smile disappeared when she didn't laugh along with him. "Oh. No wonder you've been tense all evening! I can assure you, my dear. We may be vampires, but we don't drink ponies."
She crossed her hooves. "You were going to drink me, and those thieves."
"Yes, well, we only do it on those rare occasions, like when we've been discovered or are defending ourselves, but we certainly don't do it for fun."
"Why did you spare me then? And why am I here now?"
He tensed all over as he could feel her scrutinizing stare. He was so close to spilling the beans.
"I…um…"
Once again, he was saved by the kitchen door.
"Finished?" Spike asked. "Or do you want seconds?"
"No, thank you," Fluttershy replied giving the dragon the last of her dishes. "I'm full."
"Well!" Discord exclaimed, standing up from his seat. "Since the evening is still young, how about I give you a tour of my castle, domnişoară?"
Fluttershy's guard was up again as her imagination worked on where exactly he would be leading her. A dungeon? A slaughterhouse? His bedroom? All those ideas gave her chills.
"S-Sure," she stammered, "but…only if Spike comes with us."
She felt safer with the only non-blood drinker in the vicinity. Discord was slightly disappointed with this request, but he understood her reasoning.
"Very well," Discord said, turning to his dragon. "Once you've cleared the table, Spike, you may join me and Lady Fluttershy."
Once that was settled, Discord led them back into the main foyer.
"You've been here already," he said. "Not much, but then again, entrance halls are just for entering."
He snapped his fingers and opened a pair of double doors to another room. Fluttershy gasped at the sight of a glittering, golden room. It was vast with a high ceiling, from which a crystal chandelier hung. The only items in the room were a grand piano, a harp, a violin and music stands.
"This is the ballroom," Discord announced.
"You host balls here?" Fluttershy questioned in surprise
"No, but Pinkie Pie likes to throw the occasional party to liven the place up a bit, so we have this room for such occasions."
He closed the doors and started up the staircase.
"Careful," he warned, "these steps were polished earlier today. They might still be a bit slippery."
As he said this, Fluttershy's front hoof slipped out from underneath. Discord held out his paw and she hesitated to take it. After a glimpse at his insistent eyes, she slowly placed her hoof in his paw. Discord smiled as he helped her up the steps, elated that she was allowing him to touch her at last. Her hoof was so small, so delicate. He worried if he held it too tight it would crumble in his grasp.
He started with the West Wing, as that's where the more interesting rooms were. The first door to the right revealed a large room with punching bags, dumbbells and wooden rings and ropes hanging from the ceiling.
"This is the gymnasium," Discord explained. "Rainbow Dash insisted we have one. She likes to stay fit, you know." A thought occurred to him and he flexed his arms. "And, uh…so do I!"
Spike smacked himself in the forehead, while Fluttershy just smiled politely. Discord then opened the door to the next room, which was filled with various cloths and sewing equipment.
"Rarity's sewing room," he said. "Of course, I can just make clothes out of thin air, but she prefers to make them herself. Better than sitting around all night, I suppose."
The next room was filled with musical instruments, which made Fluttershy's eyes widen in interest.
"If you haven't guessed," Discord smirked, "this is the music room."
She looked up at him in surprise. "You play all these instruments?"
"Oh, no! We all share these. That guitar over there is Rainbow's. Applejack plays the bass, as well as the banjo. Pinkie…well, there's not really anything she can't play. Spike, Rarity and I all play the piano."
He looked down at her and saw the wonder in her gaze.
"Would you, uh, like me to demonstrate?"
"Oh," Fluttershy said in a cracked voice, as she had not been expecting this. "That would be, uh…sure."
Discord clasped his hands together and proceeded to the glorious instrument. He seated himself on the bench, stretched out his fingers and glanced excitedly at Fluttershy. Then he lowered his fingers and began playing a slow, peaceful tune.
Fluttershy was immediately entranced, not just by the beautiful melody, but the creature playing it. It was so strange, seeing such a horrifying, mismatched monster play something so alluring and harmonious. His fingers flew gracefully across the keyboard, his eyes focused intently on the notes he was playing. He didn't even have music in front of him.
She found herself coming towards him, her fear melting further with every step. Before she knew it, she was seated on the bench beside him. He glanced down at her in surprise and smiled. Spike, deciding that he wasn't needed anymore, slowly backed out of the room and gently closed the door.
"You…play beautifully," Fluttershy softly complimented.
"Thank you," Discord said, trying so hard not to cry from happiness. "I've had centuries of practice."
She looked up at him in bewilderment. "Centuries?"
"Vampires are immortal, you know? Gives us plenty of free time."
Fluttershy cleared her throat and attempted to change the subject. "I know this song. It's 'Moonlight Sonata' by Beethooven, right?"
"Why, yes!" he replied, greatly impressed. "Do you play?"
"Oh, um, no." She looked away in shame. "Aunt Starlight doesn't think it…appropriate for a lady to play an instrument." She sighed. "That's a job for stallions."
Discord's playing slowed as he looked at the mare with sympathy. "I…can always teach you."
"Oh, I wouldn't want to impose…"
"No, really! I've taught Rarity and Spike."
"Well…maybe."
They said nothing for a few minutes as he continued playing. There were no words to express how jubilant he was feeling. The fact that she was sitting so close to him, that she was taking interest in his music, that they were enjoying each other's company: it was enough to warm his un-beating heart.
"How do you like my castle, Fluttershy?"
"Oh, it's very grand," she replied, "though a little…dreary."
"Well, when you come to live here, you can decorate it however you want."
Her face paled and her eyes widened in alarm. "When I come to what?!"
Discord's fingers froze and his smile vanished as he processed what he had just said.
"No!" he cried desperately, facing her. "I didn't…"
She stood up and began backing away in fear. "I knew it! You are planning to suck my blood!"
"Fluttershy, no, that's not what I…"
She raced to the door. Discord hastily snapped his fingers. When she tried the door, it wouldn't budge. She turned to him, now absolutely horrified.
"Just let me explain," he tried to say, coming towards her with open arms.
"That's why you brought me here!" she screamed, pressing her back against the door. "You're going to turn me into a vampire like you did all the others!"
"You don't understand…"
"You're going to make me one of your minions! Your…your slave!"
"No!" he shouted, placing his hands on either side of her head to prevent her from escaping. "I would never do that to you!"
"Then why?! Why are you doing all this?!"
The look she was giving him was painful. He didn't want her to fear him, but he also couldn't reveal the truth. That might frighten her even more. But he also didn't want her thinking he was going to turn her into his slave. She deserved the truth. She had to know how important she was to him.
He winced as he stammered, "Y-Yes, I…do intend to…eventually…make you a vampire…"
She reached for the doorknob again.
"But!" he cried, holding up a finger. "I don't wish to make you a mere servant—they are not my slaves! Instead, I wish to…to…"
He murmured the rest under his breath.
"What?" Fluttershy said, not hearing him.
He looked up at her with pleading eyes as he finished, "…to make you my wife."
He waited for her to scream, kick him, push him, attempt to break down the door. But she only stood there, staring, all the breath absent from her body. It was a long while before she had the courage to speak.
"Your…your wife?!"
He took a deep breath before responding. "Yes, Fluttershy. That's the reason I stopped myself from drinking your blood in the woods, and why I saved you last night, and why I invited you here tonight."
"So…all this was to…court me?"
"Yes. Yes, I…wanted us to get to know each other, for us to maybe…love each other."
Her eyes widened further.
"Fluttershy, I…I'm in love with you."
She froze completely, unsure of how to respond. How could she respond? A blood-sucking, possibly murderous vampire was practically proposing to her! She didn't know what to think, it was all happening so fast. She turned around and tried the door again.
"Fluttershy, please…" Discord pleaded.
"Let me out!" she screamed.
"You have to understand, we're…we're destined for each other!"
"Let me out! Now!"
"Fluttershy, if you'd just let me…"
He tried to touch her but quickly retracted his claw. Meanwhile, Spike was standing outside, wondering why there was pounding on the door.
"Help!" Fluttershy's voice cried. "Some pony, help me!"
Thinking Discord had perhaps lost control, Spike hastily took his skeleton key out of his pocket and twisted it in the lock. Fluttershy bolted out as soon as the door was open and raced down the hall.
"Fluttershy, wait!" Discord called.
"What's going on?" Spike inquired.
"I told her I wanted to marry her and…"
"You did what?!"
"Well, don't just stand there, stop her!" He flew after her and spotted her rushing down the stairs. "Some pony, stop her! Stop her!"
Pinkie was the one who responded to his call and whizzed in front of Fluttershy, hovering between her and the hallway leading to the front door.
"Hey, where's the fire?"
Fluttershy shrieked as she looked up at the transformed earth pony. Pinkie's fur had grown rougher and dirtier, her ears had become pointed, her eyes from bright blue to blood red, two sharp fangs hung from her mouth, but the most notable aspect of her was the enormous bat wings at her sides.
"Pinkie!" Discord cried, slapping his paw to his forehead.
Pinkie looked down at herself. "Oops."
The other mares rushed into the room and gasped at the scene.
"Uh-oh," Rainbow uttered. "Busted."
"Please!" Fluttershy begged, backing away from all of them. "Spare me! I…I won't tell any pony!"
"Calm down, domnişoara," Twilight said assuredly, taking cautious steps toward her. "I know we may seem untrustworthy, but we truly mean you no harm."
"Don't give me that! You want to make me one of your own, you want to make me his…his bride!"
She pointed up at Discord. The vampire maidens turned to him in shock.
"You told her?!" Rarity demanded.
"Please, Fluttershy!" Discord shouted, ignoring the others as he slid down the barrister. "I know I'm a monster, I know I'm not what you would imagine in a husband, and yes, I've done many things that would disgust you, but you must believe me when I say that I lo—"
"Don't say it!" Fluttershy snapped. "Turn me into a vampire, drink all my blood if you must, but I will never, never be your wife! How…how could I ever marry a…a monster?!"
He stepped back with a hurt expression on his face. Her harsh words, her hateful gaze, were all so penetrating. After a while, he hung his head, turned around and flew up the stairs without saying a word.
Fluttershy let out the air she had been holding in and stormed toward the exit.
"You're not going out into the forest alone, are you?" Twilight asked.
"Leave me alone," Fluttershy muttered.
"But it's dangerous out there, especially at night!"
"You're not going to make me change my mind!"
"Please!"
The lavender unicorn was suddenly at Fluttershy's side, her hoof on her shoulder.
"The least we can do is take you home. We have a carriage."
"No, thank you!" Fluttershy shrieked, jerking away. "I'm not going anywhere with you!"
"We will not drink your blood, we promise."
She looked at the mares. Pinkie had turned back into an earth pony and was staring at her with pleading eyes, as were everyone else, except Applejack, who seemed to be glaring at her. Fluttershy turned back to Twilight.
"Alright, but only if Spike comes with me."
The unicorn nodded. "Spike, Rainbow, Applejack, accompany Lady Fluttershy home, would you?"
The dragon and the two mares went immediately to Fluttershy's sides and led her out.
"Well," Pinkie piped. "That could've gone better."