//------------------------------// // 21. I Paved This Road With the Best of Intentions // Story: The Shield's Protector // by Carapace //------------------------------// Shining Armor was true to his word. Each of the past five nights, Cadence went to bed alone. She would see him at times throughout the day; he would sit down at the far end of the table at breakfast and eat without saying more than a grunted “Morning”, he would walk past with his faithful assistant, Autumn, trailing after and carrying a stack of papers, or flitting across her window as he paraded across the yard with his recruits. But never once did he meet her eye. Every time he passed her by without a word, every day without his smile and the coltish gleam in his eyes, pained her so. Cadence tried—oh, how she tried—to make her voice work when she saw him. Just to tell him how sorry she was and how much she loved him, that he meant more than anything in Equestria and the Great Northern Lands. Each time she’d meet his gaze and the words would die in her throat the very instant she saw the anger and hurt held behind those wonderful blue eyes. With each night, her heart sank deeper into the pit of her stomach. Every night spent alone in a bed much to large for one pony and far too cold without the warmth of her husband was another reminder of her mistake. I should’ve told him first, she thought. She sniffled, wiping the back of her hoof across her eyes as she made for the Throne Room. The Crystal Court did not rest for marital issues—at least, not hers. Lonely nights and dreams haunted by the look he’d worn on his face, the raw pain in his eyes when she blurted out words she only wished she could take back. “Maybe I don’t want that anymore!” The look of betrayal on his face, how hurt he’d been flashed before her eyes. She’d taken his dream and stomped on it in front of him. One of the many reasons she’d fallen for him back when he was just a silly colt with braces—that wonderful promise he’d made. A conversation that played out in her head, almost taunting her. “I’ll be strong enough to protect everypony!” A young Shining’s voice echoed through her mind. Her bubbling laugh followed, the playful voice of a young teen Cadence replied, “Oh, really? What about Twily, Spike, and me? You’re not gonna leave us to go off on adventures, are you?” “Of course not!” She whispered sadly, her wings drooped low at her sides. “I won’t let anything bad happen to you guys! I’m gonna be by your side forever!” “Er, excuse me, Princess?” Prism Shine’s voice cut through her thoughts. Cadence blinked and shook her head. “What? I’m sorry, Prism, I was somewhere else entirely. What were you saying?” “Nothing, Princess. You said something.” Prism tutted and slipped her clipboard into her saddlebag. “Princess, if I may, you’ve been acting a bit distant again, recently. Is everything all right?” No. “Yes, of course!” She gave her brightest, cheesiest smile, the one she always used for greeting dignitaries and posing for pictures. “Everything’s fine, Prism, just a couple off days is all. I’ll be right as rain soon enough.” Her piece said, she stepped toward the door to the Throne Room, nodding to Stout Heart standing at their posts as they awaited her arrival. But before she could step through, Prism moved into her path. “We need to talk, Princess.” The little mare’s jaw was set, her eyes full of determination. “Prism,” she said, “please move. I have Court now, remember?” “Dealing with petitioners while you’re like this?” Prism scoffed, flicking her tail dismissively. “I think not, My Princess. My job is to ensure your days are organized and you are at your best to rule over our fair city—this is most certainly not your best.” Cadence’s eyes flitted away, looking at the crystalline walls rather than her seneschal’s stern gaze, and the inquisitive look from Stout Heart. “Prism, please, just let it go. I can—” she stopped short, heaving a sigh “—I’m fine. Really, just let’s get this started so we can take care of things. We had a lot on docket if I recall.” A slow intake of breath, Prism trotted toward her, crystal hooves clacked against the floor. “Yes, My Princess, we do. Which is why I need you to talk to me—tell me what’s bothering you, let me help! Please! It’s my job to make things easier on you!” Fix my mistakes, then, she thought. Make sure Shining doesn’t hate me for telling him I don’t value his promise anymore, perhaps? Make sure he’s okay? Those things would be nice. My life would be much easier. Her mouth worked on autopilot. “I know, Prism, and I appreciate it. But there are some things you can’t help me with.” There. Nice and diplomatic. “I’m a big mare, I can handle a little adversity in my personal life.” Just let it go. “Prince Armor, then,” Prism said bluntly. “I have noticed things have been a little… tense between the two of you lately. He’s not gone and gotten himself injured by some wild beast again, has he?” “I hope not. I wouldn’t know, he hasn’t spoken to me in days.” Right as she was ready to explain, she shut her mouth with an audible click. Sighing, she brought a hoof to her forehead and rubbed, feeling the onset of a headache. “Prism, don’t—” “Valiance?” Prism turned to the guards, who both snapped quick salutes. “I don’t suppose you’d know anything about Prince Armor’s health?” He shook his head. “I don’t recall any injuries being reported in the past few days, Miss Prism,” he replied. “Well, none save for the odd scrape or bruise on the recruits, but Field Medic Honeysuckle’s patched them up. As for Captain—er, Prince Armor, rather, in this context—he’s been a bit more hooves on in training lately, based what I’ve heard from Lieutenant Lighthoof. And he’s roped a few of us into some spars to help get himself back in shape.” “Not that he wasn’t in shape before,” Stout Heart mumbled. “I’ve still got an imprint of his hoof on my—Ow!” He covered his head with a hoof. “I’m sorry!” Valiance fixed him with a glare, brandishing his spear. “Open your mouth when you’re not being addressed one more time, Private, just one…” He snorted and turned to face Cadence again, his glare melted away the instant he met her eyes. “As I was saying, Princess, no injuries have been reported that I’m aware of.” “Thank you, Corporal Valiance. As you were,” Prism said, nodding to him and then facing Cadence again. She made to speak, but seemed to think on it a moment. Blinking a few times, her eyes narrowed, as if comprehension dawned on her. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with—” she broke off, glancing back at the pair of guards again “—the thing with the Council, would it?” The words pierced through Cadence like a lance, her reaction must’ve been visible, for Prism gasped. “Oh. Oh dear. Did you two…” No way out. She hung her head and let her wings droop. “He found a letter from Twilight,” she admitted. “Right before I was ready to sit him down and talk things out. I waited too long.” Sighing, Cadence turned away. She quickly wiped the back of her hoof across her face, just beneath her eyes to chase away a stray tear. She wasn’t ready. Everything just built up and added fuel to the fire; five days of sitting and wallowing, gazing out her window for even a glimpse of Shining Armor marching across the field, the only times she’d seen him without a scowl or a typical guardpony’s stony stare. Putting on her golden regalia and faking a smile grew more taxing by the day. Each night spent alone in bed a reminder of how she’d hurt him. Auntie Celestia wouldn’t cut Court in Canterlot, she thought, giving a snort of derision. She’d waltz right through the door without a problem, with that calm, serene smile and go about her day without any outward sign. Of all the things Cadence could claim to be, Princess Celestia she was most certainly not. “I can’t do this,” she whispered to herself. The weight of the past five days came crashing down upon her. “I can’t do it anymore.” “I understand, Princess,” Prism said, laying a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “Corporal Valiance?” “Miss Prism?” he replied. “Kindly announce to the petitioners that Crystal Court will be cancelled for the day. Our Princess is dealing with a bit of… an ailment.” Her wording was rather diplomatic, but her tone was quite commanding. “Assure them it’s nothing major and that she’ll be back to her old self soon enough—last thing we need is for them to think she needs a candlelit vigil.” Snorting, Valiance moved from his post. “At once, Miss Prism. Private Stout Heart, stay with Princess Cadence and Miss Prism. We’ll be changing from Court posting to escort duty.” “Yes, sir!” The younger stallion’s armor creaked as he gave a salute with his spear. Armor creaked and heavy hooves clopped against the floor, there was a tinkling as Valiance pulled open the door, the hinges squeaked—somepony would have to oil them soon—and four became three. “Princess,” Prism said, her voice low. “Let’s go find somewhere to sit and talk in private.” With a shrug, Cadence slipped out from under her hoof. “No, Prism.” She stepped away, shaking her head. “I just need some time to think. Or something. I don’t know. I just don’t know what I want. Or what I need.” Yes she did. Both had the same answer: Shining Armor. Prism, though, was persistent to a fault. She followed, her hooves clacked in a quick cadence as she approached. “My Princess, really! I must insist! At very least, let’s get you to somewhere you can relax—perhaps you’d like to retire to the Royal Suite for the day. We could arrange for tea a bit early, or I could find an opening for a session at the new spa.” She wasn’t getting it. Cadence stopped and turned, her nostrils flared. “I said no, Prism!” she hissed, the little mare before he scurried backward a few steps. No, bad. She’s just trying to help. Don’t take it out on her.  Closing her eyes, Cadence took a deep breath through her nose, bringing her hoof up to her chest, and holding it in a moment. Then, she slowly let it out, pushing her hoof away as if banishing her stress. “I’m sorry for snapping, Prism Shine. But no. I don’t want to sit in my room while you wait for me to open up, I don’t want tea, I don’t want spa sessions or fancy dinners or anything. I just need…” she broke off, biting down on her lip and turning away. It clicked. Her eyes shot open, Cadence channeled magic into her horn. “I need to be alone.” In a flash of cerulean magic, the Crystal Palace vanished from sight.                                                                                                   Gleaming crystal, tall banners baring the intertwining sun and moon of Equestria and those with the Crystal Empire’s shining city, hushed voices and hooves clopping against the crystal floor, and elegant red carpet became lush green grass, a paved path lined with strong trees, and the sounds of foals’ laughter as they ran and played. Cadence closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Comfort, much more than the grand Crystal Palace with all its amenities and staff hustling and bustling around to suit her needs. The sounds of foals at play brought her back to those younger days, when she didn’t have the stress of running an Empire that lagged so far behind or deal with her husband’s injuries giving ponies the want to see him retire. Instead, there was Twilight, pouting adorably as Shining took her book away and put it inside his saddlebag for later as he softly told her “We came here to relax and play, Twily, you can read later”. There was little Spike, chewing on an edge of the picnic blanket and babbling in a language only he could understand. If there was a spell to reset everything, to send her back to those days and just let her live them a little longer than she had, Cadence would love to find it. Or maybe reset their ages and keep most things—her marriage to Shining, for one. “If I haven’t messed that up too much,” she muttered to herself, flicking her tail. How nice would it be, though? To just go back to those younger days when they’d cozy up to one another, get lost in each others’ eyes, and waste away hours of the day nosing and kissing like a pair of ponies so sickeningly sweet and in love they’d send a watcher into diabetic shock. Anything else. Any time when he’d looked at her with nothing short of adoration, anything but the cold glare and tightened lips when they passed in the hallway or sat down for meals. A loud crack sounded from behind her. Cadence flicked her ear and turned to find Stout Heart wobbling unsteadily just a few paces away, smoke rising off him. The smell of burn fur and melting steel reached her nose. He’d followed her teleport spell. Her eyes went wide. “You idiot!” she gasped, bounding forward to catch him in her hooves, just as he fell back on his haunches. Cupping his face, she forced Stout Heart to look into her eyes. “Look at me, Stout. How many horns do I have?” “Frazzin’ razzin’ fur rumble…” he mumbled sleepily, shaking his head. He blinked owlishly then stared up at her. “Uh… one?” Cadence heaved a sigh of relief. “Well, at least you didn’t get hit with too much backlash.” Still holding onto him, she brought a hoof to her chest to calm her racing heart. “You scared the daylights out of me!” “Had to follow,” he replied, speaking as though he had marbles in his mouth. “My job to protect you…” “Not when it means you fry your coat because you’ve used magic beyond your means!” “Captain Armor taught us some basics—all I had to do was follow your trail.” Stout Heart pushed himself to sit up straight, holding his head. “Ugh. I didn’t realize how much of a hit that was gonna be.” Her eyes narrowed. “Then you shouldn’t have done it, you dummy!” She removed her hoof from his face and stood, looming over him. “I wanted to be alone, not have my escort tailing me through the park while I try to figure out some personal issues.” Stout shook his head and slowly made his way to his hooves. “With respect, Princess, I don’t exactly have a choice but to follow you. We all have our orders, you’re to be protected at all times—and Corporal Valiance told me to stay with you.” “He said with Prism and me,” Cadence corrected. “Princess, again, with respect, you know who takes priority.” Though he maintained his level stare, Cadence was quite certain he was fighting the urge to roll his eyes. “And if I didn’t follow, Captain Armor would have my hide—what was left of it, that is.” The mention of Shining’s name made her wince. She turned to hide the hurt in her eyes, and held her head aloft as she began to walk away. “Well… fine! If you must follow me, then I expect you to maintain proper distance.” His hooves clopped against the pavement. “Yes, Princess.” “And I expect that you’ll obey protocol and respect my wish for silence.” “Yes Princess. I wouldn’t dream of interrupting you, Princess.” Defaulting to simple answers like the guards in Canterlot. Cadence could’ve sworn there was a bit of cheek to his tone, much in the way Tourmaline liked to slip it into her quips. Or how Auntie Celestia could just wait patiently and get her to confess to everything that bothered her. Well, if he thought he could wheedle things out of her like Auntie Celestia with her warm smiles, soothing back rubs, and melodious humming, he had another thing coming! She glanced over her shoulder and, sure enough, was met with that ridiculously innocent smile of his—the one he always seemed to wear whenever he wasn’t standing at post outside the Court or whenever he could sneak it in when Valiance wasn’t looking. Or, she thought, when he meets Tourmie in the hallway—no. No. Stop that. Cadence shook her head and faced forward. That’s what he wants. He’s playing games, him and Tourmie. They knew. They had to know how those smiles made her curious. Well, Tourmaline knew for sure, Stout would’ve had to find out from her. To counter his efforts—and he was definitely up to something—she contented herself with watching a few of her dear crystal ponies at play. Their coats shimmered in the sunlight, their happy smiles seemed to radiate the very aura of the sun as they ran and kicked a soccer ball, or tried to restrain their giggles as a blindfolded little filly searched for them, calling “Am I close” as she waved a hoof in front of her. Once again, the scene seemed to change before her. Instead of the Garnet District, she was in Canterlot’s Royal Gardens, giggling as she danced out of the way of a blindfolded Shining’s hooves with little Twilight by her side. “I’m gonna get you two!” he’d said through his own laughter. “I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to tell me ‘hot’ or ‘cold’, girls!” “Nuh-uh!” Twilight had shot back, sticking her tongue out though he couldn’t see her. She crouched low, ready to spring to the side as soon as he made his way toward her. “You gotta figure out for yourself, BBBFF!” Giggling, Cadence nodded, sending her ponytail and teal bow bobbing with her head. “Got that right! Come on, Mister Guard Prospect! Don’t tell me a cute baby sister and a beautiful filly are too much for you!” Shining had just smirked. “Oh, it’s that way, is it? Fine then!” His horn flashed pink, both fillies squeaked and found themselves pulled into his powerful hooves to be squeezed in a bear hug. “Oh, look what I found!” His aura wrapped around his blindfold and lifted it to reveal his deep blue eyes, which seemed to sparkle with mirth. “A cute baby sister and my beautiful filly! What ever shall I do with you two now?” “Tickle torture,” Cadence muttered, a fond smile played upon her lips. “Always tickle torture when he won.” A snort from behind her made her ear flick. “I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to laugh while you’re escorting me, Stout Heart,” she scolded. “Only a little sneeze, Princess,” he replied, his voice full of mirth. He’d definitely picked up Tourmaline’s cheek over the course of the past week or so. “My sincerest apologies for the interruption.” “Sincerest apologies” my cutie mark! She thought, flicking her tail in agitation. A quick glance over her shoulder later, and Cadence had to fight back a groan when he beamed at her. “And I’m quite certain you’re not supposed to be grinning like that.” Stout only barely kept the laugh out of his tone. “I’m sorry, Princess, it must be a bit of magic backlash making my head feel a bit fuzzy.” Cadence stopped, slowly turning to face him. “Oh, don’t even give me that load of horseapples, Stouty. I checked you over myself!” When his smile only brightened, she sighed and brought a hoof to her forehead. “You’ve been spending far too much time with Tourmaline—and I can’t even get the details out of her to be happy for that little development!” “Really?” His grin melted into something else. A sly smirk she’d seen far too often on Tourmaline’s muzzle. “What if I offered you a deal, Princess?” Her ears stood up. Cadence raised a brow and replied, her tone guarded, “I’m listening.” Stout Heart made to speak, but glanced around at the others in the park. “Er, permission to breach distancing protocol to speak with you, Princess?” Rolling her eyes, she gave a nod. “Granted. Now, what’s this deal you have for me?” He grinned and trotted forward to stand beside her. “Simple. I’ll tell you all about my dates with Tourmaline—” “I knew they were dates,” she interrupted, with nowhere near as much excitement as she normally would’ve had. “And you were right. They were, and they will continue to be if she still likes me after tonight.” “That’s an odd thing to say… what exactly do you have—” “Ah, ah, ah!” Stout waggled a hoof in the air. “You don’t get to hear that unless you agree to the deal!” With a huff and a little flick of her tail, Cadence nodded. “Fine, fine. Name your terms.” Stout had her. And judging by the grin spreading across his muzzle, he knew it all too well. “Like I said, everything you want to know about our dates up to a reasonable point of privacy, in exchange for you telling me why you’ve been moping around the castle.” Bristling, she sucked in a break. “I have not been moping!” At his blank stare and arching brow, she stamped a hoof. “I haven’t!” “If you say so, Princess.” He nodded, standing at attention with that blasted grin across his muzzle once again. “My offer is still on the table though, but I’m afraid there’s a timestamp on it. Thirty seconds.” “You realize I could just order you to tell me, right?” If possible, his grin broadened. “I do. But if you were going to, you would’ve just ordered Tourmie and I by now.” There it was. The little pet name. He was dangling it in front of her, like a big juicy apple. Confound him. “Just how ‘reasonable’ is ‘reasonable privacy’?” “I reserve the right not to answer any question that might cross into lewd territory. Twenty seconds, by the way.” Her brow arched. “Have there been any lewd acts?” “I’m not answering that without an affirmative. Fifteen.” Cadence bit her lip and cast a glance over her shoulder. “I’m not sure I feel comfortable discussing my marital issues with one of my husband’s guards. Much less out in public.” “If it helps, I’ll swear never to tell a soul what we discuss.” Stout Heart brought a hoof to his chest. “You could always order me to keep the secret, that way none of the officers can make me tell them.” “I could…” she turned to face him again. “But that would mean I should be able to order you to toddle off and leave me alone.” “On the contrary,” he replied, raising his hoof again, “having a guard at your side at all times comes from Princess Celestia and Princess Luna themselves. Only they can countermand that one.” With a roll of her eyes, she nodded. “Of course it does, part of the Royal Guard Oath they created ages ago—wait a minute.” Blinking, she stepped back, looking him up and down as if seeing him for the first time. “You’re a little trickster, coming up with that and giving me a way to keep you quiet.” Rather than grin in reply as she expected, Stout Heart bowed low. “I took an oath to protect you, Princess. Both from physical harm and mental distress.” He raised his head, looking her in the eyes. “Corporal Valiance taught me to find ways to make your life as easy and safe as possible. This qualifies.” Clever boy. Slowly, her lips tugged into a small smile. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt to talk to somepony. Though, I think my timestamp expired.” “Oh, dear!” Stout gasped, feigning surprise. “I seem to have lost count! Now I’ll have to start all over…” Cadence giggled and turned, giving him a light cuff over the head with her wing. “Oh, hush, you silly pony! I’ll play your game! But if these details you’re talking about aren’t good—” she waggled a hoof beneath her nose “—I can have you out running in the wee hours of the morning just as easily as Shining Armor! And I’ll make you do it while singing about your dates!” He wrinkled his snout. “That’s definitely not one of my talents. Can’t carry a note to save my life.” Giving a theatrical shudder, he nodded. “Very well. You’ll have your details, Princess. But I’m cutting off if the questions get too nosy!” Nodding, she searched for a place to stop and sit. The first few park benches down the path were taken by couples, or being used as a barricade by a little filly as she tried to keep away from her older sister. And just passed their bench, a pair of ponies—perhaps just a year or two younger than Twilight—sat close together. The young stallion’s tan coated cheeks were tinged pink as nosed against hers, cooing sweet nothings into her ear. Her wings fluffed up, a bright smile crossed her face as she leaned into him while she drew on her sketchpad. Her lavender coat shined as though she’d just brushed it, a matching blush crossed her muzzle. After a moment of  his ministrations, she gave up her drawing. Her deep violet ponytail flicked as she turned to capture his lips in a chaste kiss. Cadence shook herself. The sight of two young lovers brought a smile to her lips.“I suppose we’ll just have to walk and talk until we find a place to sit,” she said. “So, how would you like to do this little exchange?” Stout shrugged. “I guess we can go back and forth. Ladies first?” he offered, holding out a hoof. Cadence laughed. “Oh, no you don’t! If we’re doing this, I’m getting your dating information first! Don’t you try to get one over on me!” Seeing him shrug again and just smile in reply, she continued, “So, I hear your first date went rather well. Sudden showers aside.” “She told you about that part, huh?” He chuckled, shaking his head. “I tried to warn her the waiter was passing by, but she shot right out of her chair like she was about to run to the mares’ room.” That’s certainly new. “Oh? Why would you say that?” Another shrug. “Well, having seen her talk to you, I’ve never heard her try to force so many jokes. But she kept doing it like she was trying a bit too hard to be funny.” He turned away just in time to miss Cadence’s wince. Damn it, Tourmie. “Well, perhaps she’s just a bit nervous. She didn’t exactly get much of a chance to date before Sombra cursed the Empire.” “Yeah, I figured. It was still kinda funny, in a cute ‘she’s trying to entertain me when she really doesn’t need to’ way. And then—” Stout brought a hoof to his mouth to stifle a laugh “—she stood up and walked right into a waiter’s hoof, and upended his tray all over herself.” Cadence fixed him with a withering glare. “I hope you’re not about to make fun of my hoof maiden just because she’s not here,” she scolded. “Especially after she told me all about how nice you were in helping her clean up.” Stout waved a hoof. “No, no, no! I don’t mean it like that at all! It’s just kinda funny in hindsight.” He gave a sheepish grin. “I felt bad for her, I’d done the same thing in a meeting with all the officers and looked ridiculous. She kinda had it worse because it made all her makeup run and ruined all the styling she did with her mane.” “Tourmie did mention that. She also said you helped her clean up.” Grinning, Cadence bumped her hip against his. “I was impressed. I never figured you for such a smooth talker, you mare-killer!” A heavy blush colored his muzzle. Stout Heart ducked his head to hide his smile, but couldn’t hide the merry swish of his tail. “I’m not that smooth,” he mumbled. “I just wanted to say something nice. And she did look pretty with her mane down, even though her makeup ran a bit…” Snorting, Cadence bumped him again. “Stout Heart, if a mare tells you you’re being smooth with one of her friends, you’re being smooth. Now, important details…” Before he could shy away, she laid a wing across his withers and pulled him in close. “Did you kiss her?” Stout Heart let out what must have been the most adorable little squeak she’d ever heard. “Th-That’s—That’s more than one question!” he cried, trying to pull against her wing’s grip. He grossly underestimated her strength. She had been pure pegasus at one point. “We never defined what ‘back and forth was’, therefore, I’m defining it for us.” She pressed her side against him, fluttering her eyelashes just like she used to flirt with Shiny. “You’re not gonna tell me you’re afraid of telling your princess—the Princess of Love, no less—about whether or not you gave a pretty mare a kiss goodnight, are you?” His ears splayed back, Stout ducked his head lower and mumbled something inaudible. “Sorry? I didn’t quite catch that. Use your words, Stouty.” “No,” he grumbled, shooting her a look, “I didn’t kiss her goodnight.” Cadence stopped. “Why not?” she asked, fixing him with a quizzical stare. “That would’ve been the perfect chance!” “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, Princess, but I’m not exactly Casaneighva on purpose.” Stout reached up to rub at the back of his neck, shifting the helmet forward a bit. “I just try to do nice things and not trip over myself. And I just, um, wasn’t quite sure it was the right time. It was just our first date.” Ah, well. Her ears laid flat against her scalp. Can’t argue with that. “Well, if you didn’t feel like it was the right time, it really wasn’t. So, that was first date, how did—” “Oh, no you don’t!” Stout shot back. He ducked under her wing and turned to point a hoof at her. “That’s the end of that story, so you have to tell me why you’ve been moping!” Huffing, Cadence gave a flick of her tail. “I’d much rather talk about how you and Tourmie are doing. But—” she held up a hoof to forestall the oncoming argument “—a deal is a deal.” With a sigh, she folded her wing against her side and leveled him with a stern glare. “I expect this conversation stays between the two of us, especially my parts.” She waited for him to nod and hold his hoof aloft, a silent assent. She nodded, then turned to lead the way down the path. “Okay, to start off, I need to tell you about a few meetings I’ve had with the Council of Shards. They’ve been rather… insistent that Shining not be placed in a position that might leave him vulnerable.” “That seems counterintuitive to being a guard. It’s in the nature of the job.” “Yes, I know. And I’m pretty sure they know, too. But that’s where they have a problem—the Empire needs its prince, safe and sound.” Cadence ground a hoof into the path, letting a breath out through her nose. “And he’s technically supposed to be on a more administrative duty anyway, rather than leading drills and runs through the forest. But he wants to be a bit more hooves on with the Imperial Guard, and he lobbied hard to make that happen.” Stout Heart nodded along as she spoke. “I remember that, he’d grumble about it at Draft’s when they’d drag their hooves. So, how’s that lead into not wanting him in a vulnerable spot?” He tilted his head, one ear perked up straight while the other flopped to the side. “It’s not something about his injury is it?” She nodded. “Right on the money.” Drawing in a breath through her nose, she let it out slowly. “I can’t argue their point; the Empire needs him for our image, our protection, and, in a matter that touches on personal and state matters, to provide an heir.” “Er, no offense, Princess, but I really don’t envy you two.” He stuck out his tongue as if tasting something rotten. “That’s just too much to factor into a life decision. I have enough trouble getting myself organized as is!” “Yes, it is.” Cadence gave a mirthless chuckle. “But, the thing that really bothers me isn’t that.” She rubbed a hoof against her shin, her gaze fell to the pathway. “I just can’t help but feel like I might be betraying him in all this.” Stout’s eyes filled with concern, his ears pinned back. “Princess, that’s a terrible thing to say!” He stepped close and, in a move that would’ve had Valiance screaming in fury, placed a hoof on her shoulder. “You and Captain Armor have a wonderful relationship! I mean, sure, you’ve got your rough patches, but so did my parents! And so do Honeysuckle and Valiance!” “Of course I know that, Stout. Again, Princess of Love.” She reached up and tapped the heart shaped pendant on her regalia. “I know all about this sort of thing.” “Then I’m confused. Why in Equestria would you think you’ve betrayed him?” Cadence stayed silent a moment. Slowly, her ears and wings began to droop. She sighed and began walking, replying over her shoulder, “Because I don’t know if I want to fight them.” She made it a good ten paces before he managed to regain his wits.