Two-Sided Prequel II: Who You Work For

by FerociousCreation


The Fateful Event: Bowing to Her Majesty

Ch.37

The streets of Canterlot were not too crowded as Fang made his way through the kingdom, toward the castle. While he pulled the carriage, the changeling peered around to see if he could find the best hotel this white stoned city had to offer. Fang didn’t want to look for a hotel for Coco, however. He wanted to hold on to the hope that he would be able to see her again. After all, Chrysalis cares about Coco just as much as he does; perhaps not as much as him, but the care is still there. But if there is one thing Fang will never do is question his queen’s will. He remembered how Queen Chrysalis dealt with Scar Splash as he was challenging her decision. It was a nice memory. Scar finally got what was coming for him.

Approaching the castle walls, the stallion slowed to a stop and removed the harness from his torso. Fang then went over to the door and opened it. “My ladies,” he politely spoke, “we have arrived at the Canterlot Castle.”

Taking no time at all, both Chrysalis and Coco stepped out of the wagon and into the light. It was a little too bright for the mares as there was a bit of an overcast that magnified the sun's intensity. But their eyes adjusted quickly no less, despite having to squint a little. “Thank you, Fang,” the queen complemented. She looked down at her pony friend. “Shall we?” Chrysalis gestured to the castle.

“Mmhmm,” Coco nodded.

Before the mares left the disguised changeling, the queen said to Fang, “Do what you want while we sign up. But be sure you are not gone for too long. Meet us back at the entrance here.”

“Of course Your Majesty,” Fang bowed slightly.

“Be safe,” Coco spoke as she came up to him and gave him a hug.

All Fang could do was chuckle. “Trust me, I think others need to be safe around me.”

“Oh just take the complement!” The mare playfully shoved the changeling away before turning to Chrysalis. “Let’s go.”

“Yes,” Chrysalis answered. Coco got a bit of a head start as she walked toward the white walls of Canterlot Castle. Chrysalis got a bit of distance away from the pony before looking back at her guard who stared back. The queen blinked at him, remember your task.

All Fang did was nod as an answer.

***

Thankfully for the two mares, there were signs that directed them to where they needed to go. It was also a good thing that the signups were indoors and not having to deal with the bright sun. Several other ponies stood in line as Coco and Chrysalis waited to sign up for the contest. Most stood by themselves quietly, perhaps not wanting to get friendly with the competition. But the ones who did talk were speaking of high hopes, wondering what would happen if they won the competition. The chatter did slightly make Coco nervous, constantly reminding her what she was unknowingly signed up for.

“So this is it,” Coco spoke with a nervous grin. “Tonight we get to see if others like my dresses as well.”

The disguised changeling shook her head. “Do you not trust in your own skill?”

“I never said I did, but the contest scene is something I am not yet used to…”

“And you are used to working with me.”

Coco let out a sigh. “Perhaps I got used to you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Chrysalis spoke with a playful smile. The queen’s gaze broke from Coco as she looked behind the pony. Her smile vanished. “Well look who it is…”

Turning around, Coco looked to see Suri Polomare walking down the wide hallway. It was a surprise to see her, but thankfully, it didn’t scare Coco. It was nice to see her previous boss. The earth pony waved at Suri as she walked forward. As Suri’s eyes met Chrysalis’, she had a hard time pulling herself toward the line. But the mare still progressed forward and eventually got to Coco and Chrysalis.

“Hello,” Suri spoke in a slightly lower tone than the others around her.

“It’s nice to see you again,” Coco beamed. The earth pony lifted her hoof and gestured to her dress. “I love the dress you made for me.”

Suri simply pointed to the disguised changeling and said, “It was really Ch-”

“My idea!” Chrysalis spoke obnoxiously loud. Others turned to see who shouted and gave the disguised changeling a weird stare before returning to their business. She then spoke through her teeth in a low volume to Suri, “Remember that I am to be hidden. You are to call me Your Majesty.”

Suri noticed Chrysalis’ ears pointing dangerously back, telling her she needs to watch her tongue. ‘O-of course Your Majesty.” The pony looked Coco to see if she had any rebuttal against the changeling. After all, Coco did stand up for her. But Suri did not get any complaints from her ex-coworker; all Coco did was just glance back and forth between the mares.

Wanting to lift the tense air, Coco asked, “So Suri, what brings you here? Are you signing up for the competition as well?”

“Umm, yeah,” Suri replied. “I was lucky enough to find some work.”

“How did that happen?”

A chuckle escaped from Suri. “When I was out and about trying to see if I could find any employment at the stores here in Canterlot. As I was headed out of this one store called… what was it…”

“Not important,” Chrysalis interrupted. She saw Coco in her peripheral who stared with a bothered stare, but the changeling didn’t care. “Continue.”

“S-so, umm…” Suri stuttered a bit, slightly intimidated by the changeling. It shocked the pony at how Coco was behaving around Chrysalis. The white unicorn with shining blonde hair was a changeling who happens to be the queen. And yet, Coco stood her ground against the ruler by giving the changeling a look of disapproval.

“As you were saying before you were interrupted,” Coco spoke as she gestured her head toward Chrysalis. But again, the queen didn’t care about the criticism given against her.

Feeling less stressed, Suri continued, “So regardless of store name, I was on my way out with a job application when I overheard a mare asking about having a discount on some of the dresses. I looked to see the clerk talking to a mare and stallion, saying that they could not do such a thing. After having their suggestion being turned down, stallion kissed her cheek and told her that they could go to the gala without a dress. But his girlfriend would not take that for an answer. He then started to tell her that they are short on funds and cannot spend too much money on outfits. And then I stepped in.” Suri looked around a bit and smirked. “When the mare looked at me, she was cross-eyed like she had a lazy eye or something. It was so hard not to laugh at how silly she looked.” The pony couldn’t help but laugh now.

“Did you laugh at her face when you saw her silly stare?” Chrysalis asked.

“N-no…” Suri replied. “That would be rude.”

“Then why are you a coward and talking behind that mare’s back? I can assume you made her and the stallion outfits, correct?” Suri lowered her head in shame, afraid of the big mean bug and her potential angry attitude. “Don’t judge appearances,” Chrysalis said in a calm tone and looked down at Coco. The pony looked up to the changeling, wondering what she is going to say next. “My friend here does not do that.” On her own, Chrysalis pulled Coco close to hug her. The pony blushed and wished to be let go, but remained still.

“So continue your story Suri,” Coco said. “And make sure you finish soon. You wouldn’t want Your Majesty here interrupting you again.”

“You are the one to talk, Miss Questionmaire,” Chrysalis stuck out her tongue playfully.

“Megh!” the mare retaliated, sticking out her own tongue at Chrysalis.

“So… might I resume?” Siri asked. Breaking away from each other, Coco and Chrysalis nodded, waiting for the mare to continue her story.

“They told me that they have very little to spend on a dress. But I told them that there was a contest being held at the gala this year and there was a chance that my dress could win; and if that were to happen, they would be the center of attention… or at least, if we win. The stallion, who is named Time Turner, then asked me how much to pay in return. I then asked if he wanted this night to be special for him and his girlfriend. Time Turner looked to his girlfriend and told her that she deserves the best night of her life. And remembering your pay from your commision,” Suri pointed a hoof at Chrysalis before resuming, “I have so much to spare. So, I made them their outfits for free.”

Coco gasped gleefully. “That was so sweet of you!” the pony exclaimed.

Suri glanced around to see irritated eyes shoot back at her and Coco after her ex-coworker spoke loudly. “It was honestly something I wanted to do out of kindness for once.”

“Well you certainly went the extra mile.”

Suri looked to see if Chrysalis had changed her attitude, but the changeling still stared at her with an intense look.

“It is good to know that you are finding work,” Coco spoke again.

“But it would be nice to win this contest and perhaps get some sponsors.”

“Good luck with that,” Chrysalis said sternly. “We are your competition after all.”

The comment from the changeling was unnecessary and caused a flame to erupt within Suri. She was beginning to hate Chrysalis because of her bitter attitude against her. Yes she did treat Coco poorly and yes Suri got her just deserts. But she wanted the queen to get over herself.

Coco was irritated with Chrysalis belittling Suri and was about to comment when a white pony began walking toward them. Coco's eyes widened when she knew who it was… Princess Celestia was walking their way.

Seeing her friend staring off into space, Chrysalis looked to where Coco was staring. And when she saw the princess, hot coals burned with anger and hatred. The queen almost wanted to break her disguise and attack the unguarded ruler of Equestria as no escorts followed the alicorn. But the only reason why she held back was because of her mission. Otherwise, Celestia would be struck down in her own home… for a second time.

The moment Princess Celestia came close to Coco and Suri, the two ponies bowed in her presence. In her peripheral, Coco noticed Chrysalis was not bowing. The pony was beginning to worry if Chrysalis was about to act irrationally or disrespectfully to the princess.

“There is no need to be so formal in front of me today,” the princess spoke softly. Both Coco and Suri looked up to see Celestia smiling brightly at them.

“It is nice to see you this morning princess,” Chrysalis spoke in a calm tone, nodding at Celestia. The moment the changeling spoke, others turned around to see the one who raises the sun behind them. A sudden rush of commotion came over the line of ponies as they were being graced with Celestia’s presence.

“Thank you.” The alicorn looked up and down at Chrysalis, examining the dress she was wearing. “What a lovely dress you are wearing.”

“It was my friend here who made it,” Chrysalis replied as she gestured to her friend and Coco blushed. “I would bow to you every time you entered a room, but I would trip over the skirt and hit my head the moment I try. And I am sure every mare here would have bruises if they did that all night.”

A happy laugh came from Princess Celestia as she laughed into her large, angelic wing. “Trust me, it happens every year. Some mare bows every moment they see me and ends up with a hurt head.”

“Then if I were you, I suggest carrying a pillow to prevent such accidents,” Chrysalis smiled as she suggested such a silly proposition.

Scratching her chin, the princess thought about the suggestion, giggling a bit. “I'll keep that in mind. What is your name?”

“Your Majesty,” Chrysalis answered, almost wanting to sway her mane around and show off her beauty.

“Lovely name. I do hope to see you later tonight, hehe, Your Majesty.” The princess bowed her head slightly and it caused Chrysalis to laugh.

“Just watch you head or you will be breaking two crowns today.” At once, the changeling and alicorn laughed aloud, amused by their humor.

“Farewell,” Celestia concluded, now walking away to the front of the line.

Something bumped Chrysalis’ arm and she looked down to see Coco Pommel smiling at her. “What?” the changeling asked.

“Seems to me you were getting along with Princess Celestia.”

A huff of air rushed out of Chrysalis’ nostrils. “Please,” she mumbled quietly but loud enough for Coco and Suri to hear. “I am a master of acting. You honestly don't know what went through my head when I saw her.”

Coco didn't buy the reasoning and she continued to grin. “Just try and see.”

“I will. I did promise you that.”