An Empress sits upon the throne of the Equestrian Empire - The kindest of all ponies. Because of her reign as the highest most exalted judge in the Royal Canterlot Court, life in Equestria shimmers and shines. But all is not as it seems...

Why did two of Fluttershy's friends try to kidnap her, on the most important day of her public life?
Why do the Earth ponies continue to slander the Unicorns among the upper classes?
Why have so many ponies been disappearing?
Why does Princess Celestia keep having strange visions?
Why do the princesses get this persistent feeling that things just aren't meant to be this way?
Who are "The Nine Flames"?

And WHO is Fluttershy's mysterious aide and friend, Lord Privy Seal?

This and more, shall be revealed...