Cadance crouched in the bush. The small, delicate branches cracking underneath her hoof were silenced by magic. Its other branches dug into her side, but she didn’t care. The day she had been waiting for was finally here. Cookie Dough, or more accurately the Changeling disguised as Cookie Dough would be returning to its hive today.
Cadance watched through the large windows of the shop as Cookie Dough finished shutting down his store. He'd gotten a lot of business since he suddenly came back after going missing for three months. Whenever he was asked about his disappearance, he only mentioned that he was seeking some rare ingredients for his sweets and refused to give further details. He looked around, seemingly to making sure everything was in order, and trotted out into the streets of Fillydelphia. He looked about before trotting west.
Cadance had been waiting weeks for this kind of lead, there'd be no failures this time. Operation Sparrow would have its first victory. Quickly catching herself starting to feel emotion, she distanced herself from the situation and cleared all thoughts and feelings from her mind. Cadance cast a small illusion spell to muffle the sound of her hoof steps before following. No mistakes, not this time.
Cookie Dough wound through the city, stopping at a flower shop for a light snack, wandering through the streets seemingly aimless. She followed as he stopped to chat with merchants, browsed the wares at a collectibles shop and returned a bag a mare dropped. Cadance started to get worried that he was on to her, but he finally exited the city. Steeling herself once more for what was to come, she silently stalked him.
Cookie dough cut straight towards the mountains, and started to trot livelily, just short of a run. Every step was filled with determination and purpose as they grew closer to the forest at the base of the Foal Mountains. The fields in between made hiding hard, had it not been for the illusion spell Cadance was now beginning to struggle to hold, she would have been easily spotted.
Cookie Dough ducked inside the tree line, causing Cadance to smirk ever so slightly with delight as the goal neared. Cookie Doughs' ears twitched and he stopped. Cadance held her breath, doing all she could to disengage every emotion and thought as Cookie Dough stood still and listened. Several long minutes passed before Cookie dough continued on.
Cadance, relieved, continued the pursuit. If she could see his face at the distance she was, she would've seen a smirk flash across it. The prey continued on, deeper into the forest. Soon enough, the brush and trees got thicker and Cookie Dough trotted faster the thicker it got.
Now at a full gallop Cadance was mostly following by sound, struggling to keep her spells maintained. Suddenly, she realized she had lost him. Stopping, she listened for the smallest twitch out of place, hearing naught but the chirping of birds and wind blowing through the trees. Seconds blurred into minutes, minutes hours, finally she realized she failed again. Silently cursing herself she dropped her spells reluctantly, turned to face back east to Fillydelphia and flared her wings to fly. Just as she was about to take off she was suddenly hit with what felt like a bag of bricks.
The force winded her and sprained her right wing, She managed to get her hooves up, more by luck than skill, to protect her neck from a set of snapping jaws mere inches from it. Mustering her strength and gritting her teeth in effort and pain, she shoved the changeling off her and scrambled to her hooves.
The changeling glared at the Alicorn, who returned the look. “So,” the Changeling spoke, “Princess turned changeling hunter, what brings such a thing about I wonder?”
Cadance unleashed a basic combat spell, knocking the Changeling back into a tree. The Changeling's carapace cracked from the force and Cadance took advantage to cast a binding spell. “No backup for you,” she stated, “And no surprises.”
The changeling coughed up green ichor, “Not your first run then? I can tell,” it groaned. “Doesn’t matter. The Hive knows of your presence, they left long ago,” it laughed weakly.
Cadance swore, Fillydelphia may be safe now, but Equestria was in danger. A hive in search of a home was more dangerous than one trying to hide. “So what now Princess? Will you slay me? Take at least one Changeling out of the equation?” It taunted.
Cadance considered her options. it was only the second time she was caught as such, but last time none of them survived. She could kill it, avenge the pony they abducted like last time. On the other hoof, it was alive and helpless... Cadance pondered over the two options and made her choice.
She wrapped the changeling in a levitation field and headed back to FIllydelphia. “Oh, so you think you’ll get information or something out of me? I’m disappointed Princess, I thought you’d know better.”
Cadance let her prisoner’s levitation path include a few thick branches and a thorny bush. “You’re gonna have to do better than that Princess!” It cackled.
Cadance bound its mouth with a quick spell and continued silently.The trot back was painful. Her right wing kept sending jolts of pain through her, and the various scrapes and bruises she had sustained throbbed. Cadance recast the illusion spell over her and her prisoner. While it didn’t make them invisible, no one would see them unless they were looking for them.
What felt like a long walk after such an arduous day, Cadance arrived at the train station. Decloaking herself out of sight, she approached the ticket booth. “I’d like a private cart to the Crystal Kingdom.” she told the extremely bored looking pony manning the ticket booth.
“That’ll be 120 bits Princess.” He replied.
Cadance took out 150 bits and placed on the counter, “I was never here.” She instructed.
The pony straightened up and printed the ticket, “Not quite sure what you mean stranger,” he beamed.
Cadance took the ticket and boarded, heading straight to her private cart. Once inside, she set the changeling down. Cadance then lay down herself. The changeling struggled against his magical bonds. “You better save your strength and prepare for what comes next Changeling, for it shall not be pleasant.” The changeling growled best he could through his intangible muzzle.
It was silent except for the Changelings struggles until a good while after the the train started moving. “You are probably wondering why I’m doing this. A natural question.” Cadance used her telekenisis to pull her sheets over her. “Be a good little Changeling and try to get some rest,” She informed as she turned to doze off.
The train horn sounded its arrival at the station, white smoke billowing from it as it slowed to a stop. Passengers unloaded from the iron-wrought machine, flooding into the streets of the Crystal Kingdom. The Princess waited, the past eight months having buffered her patience greatly. She sipped the tea she ordered to her room. Once she had checked with a cursory spell to make sure the only Changeling on board was the one she brought, she relaxed considerably and allowed herself to enjoy the rare tranquil moment.
Finally when she judged the train to be empty, she cloaked the changeling and exited the train with it in tow. Various ponies greeted her as she made her way to the castle in the center of the kingdom. “Welcome back Princess,” the guard at the entrance of the stood aside, “Your husband is waiting for you in your Quarters.”
“Thank you, I’ll be there shortly,” Cadance acknowledged, “If it’s not too much trouble could you arrange for the royal healer to meet me there?”
“Right away Your Highness.” The guard trotted off, presumably to find a replacement while he got the Royal Healer.
Cadance stepped inside and headed up the stairs. The long spiraling staircase just annoyed her once her sense of wonderment surrounding the place had left. It went on for six stories, which seemed a tad excessive. Sure, the unique design did allow for the town square to be underneath the castle, giving it a sense of togetherness, and Shining armor went on for hours about how defensible the castle would be. On the other hoof, stairs. Lots of them.
Finally they arrived in the main hall. Cadance turned right, and continued down the corridor. She made sure there were none to observe her as she walked into the wall between the two torches with notches. The castle was old, hidden rooms where a given. This one, however, was special as it housed a one pony jail cell and a viewing area. Originally intended to hold a high profile criminal, it had several magical locks and magic nullifiers on the cell and three more on the door itself.
Cadance opened the cell door and tossed the changeling inside. She then closed the door and unbound the changeling. Nothing happened for a moment. “What did you DO?!” The Changeling panicked, its eyes wide and its whole body shaking.
“Oh, its the room.” Cadance gestured to the enitrety of the area with a hoof. “Nothing gets in or out. No magic, sound or telepathy no matter how strong. It’s not even actually in the castle, a private little pocket dimension that only lets one person go through both ways. You are quite removed from the hive mind here.” Cadance smirked, casuing the Changeling to be taken back by the implications. “Now I must attend to my husband, I’ll return here after.”
Cadance turned to exit, the Changeling calling after her, “You can’t-!” was all she heard as she stepped through the portal... and into Baron Glass.
“Oh! Excuse me Princess, I didn’t see you there!” The squat crystal royal apologized.
“Oh it’s quite alright.” Cadance straightened up without really thinking about it.
“Did you just come back today?” The Baron queried, “I hope your personal matters went alright.”
Cadance decided it was best to offer a vague reply, “Oh, well, they didn't go quite as I hoped.”
“Oh?” A look- part worrisome, part intrigued- crossed his muzzle, “Did everything turn out alright?”
Cadance considered the question for a moment, “You know, I do believe it turned out okay, with the given circumstances.”
Baron Glass’ expression lightened up slightly, “Well thats good, you know we really must talk about the developments in the past few weeks.”
Cadance cringed internally, she had been so preoccupied she forgot to make time to actually manage her kingdom. “Yes, I guess I have been doing the bare minimum as of late. If you wish, we shall discuss such matters over breakfast.“
Baron Glass let out a hearty laugh, “As pressing as most of the matters are, I believe they can wait for the morning court.” Baron Glass bowed, “Now if you’d excuse me Princess I simply must be going.”
“You are dismissed Baron Glass.” Cadance sighed as the Baron trotted off. She continued, glad that he had not seen her emerge from the wall. She continued down the hall, which was mostly deserted due to it being near lunch time. There was still the occasional guard patrolling and noble, naturally pausing to greet her.
She managed to make it to her room without any major hindrances, a pleasant take from the norm. Her heart swelled at the thought of seeing her lover- her precious Shining Armor once more. She swung the door open to reveal the stallion in question. “You wanted to see me Shiny?”
“Yeah,” Shining Armor yawned, “We really need to talk.”
Cadance’s heart dropped a little.”Oh? What about?” She asked hopefully while moving further into the room and shutting the door behind her.
“Well, you kind of just... disappeared.” Shining Armor absently rubbed his left eye and yawned. “All you said was you had some personal matters to attend to, and when I asked you just kept dodging the question.”
“It turned out alright.” Cadance stated, in anticipation of the logical follow up.
Shining Armor furrowed his brow, “What turned out alright though? This is the fourth time you disappeared without any real hint as to where.”
Cadance walked more towards Shining Armor, and stood near the head of the of the bed. “I’m not cheating on you if that’s what you think.” She stabbed blindly at the underlying issue.
Shining Armor stepped back aghast, “Wh-what?! Is that something I have to worry about now!” his left eye twitched and his voice raised, the thought running through his head.
Cadance furrowed her brow, “I just told you that I wasn’t!” Cadance raised her voice as well, practically yelling.
“Well now I can’t help but think about it!” Shining Armor groaned, pressing on his left temple with a hoof as he sat down. “Look, Cadance, if there is something going on you can tell me,” He spoke through gritted teeth and a clenched jaw, but with a level voice, “ I won’t be mad.”
Silence drifted through the room, an unwelcome stranger. “I... I’m sorry Shiny. I can’t right now. It’s important.” Cadance bowed her head.
Shining Armor got up and sighed, “I’m going to take a walk to get these thoughts out my head.” He walked past Cadance, not making eye contact. What she had to do and what she had done, Shining wouldn’t understand either. Aunt Celestia, Luna... Twilight,. They would all be horrified and she would be disgraced.
Her heart beat rapidly as she tried to steady the emotions that she had been repressing the last week. She told herself that it needed to be done, Equestria wouldn’t be safe until it was, and that she was the only one who could be trusted. The affirmations helping her quickly regain herself, she stood up, moved to the nightstand and grabbed her crown off from it and placed it upon her head. Stopping in front of the her door, Cadance put her right hoof to her chest and took a deep breath. As she released it slowly, she extended her hoof with it. Ready, she walked out of her room and headed to the throne room.
The walk was unhindered for the most part, only stopping to greet a servant on the way. Upon entering the herald announced, “Now Entering the Royal Court, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza of the Crystal Kingdom!” Everypony turned and bowed upon the announcement, waiting until she was sitting in her throne to resume normal activities.
The Master of Ceremonies approached Cadance and bowed. “It is pleasure to see you return, I have the order of business for today if you wish.”
Cadance nodded, “If you would, but I regret to inform you I must entertain shortly, so if we could keep to the issues...”
“Of course. I will redirect all minor issues to the small court.” He he nodded then pulled a parchment out of his saddlebags bearing the official royal seal of the Crystal Kingdom. “There are several new tax laws up for consideration, the Gryphon Kingdom’s ambassador arrived four days ago and refused to leave until he is able to speak with you, and the director of the Equestrian Games is stopping by tomorrow to review their needs.”
Cadance thought for a moment before speaking, “Send for the Ambassador and my advisors, and get me the documentation on these laws. Also I have missed my lunch, so if you could have the kitchen send up a salad wrap with dandelions and olives, that would be most appreciated. You are excused.” The Master of Ceremonies bowed and exited the room with all the haste dignity would allow.
Several minutes later, a servant colt, obviously new, unceremoniously ran up to her and dumped three scrolls onto her lap and then disappeared as fast as he appeared Cadance repressed a small giggle, the unfortunate colt would surely be scolded.
She opened the first scroll. The text was vague, dry, and long. She frowned, while it seemed to allow charities and their contributors tax breaks there were no provisions to make sure they were not just tax shelters for the rich. It also increased the base tax rate for middle and lower classes by a marginal percent. She marked it for revisions and was about to open the the second thinner scroll when the Gryphon ambassador entered the room.
“It is my honor to present Gebhard Judith the third, lord of west plains and ambassador of the gryphon Kingdom!” The Herald announced.
The Gryphon marched up to the royal throne and bowed. “Princess Cadenza, it is a pleasure to see your return.”
“Lord Judith, when I am not present, you will deal with my court.” Cadance deadpanned.
“Apologies Princess Cadenza, but this is a most important manner.” Cadance could just make out the barest of smirks on his beak.
“Important manners usually denote haste, that of which you have not shown.” Cadance stated, in a practiced regal tone.
“Yes, but this is for your ears only.” He motioned to the rest of the court.
Cadance raised a hoof and gave signal dismissing all but her two personal guards. Ina few moments, the room was empty. “Now, what is it that is so important, Lord Judith?”
“Princess Cadenza, though I am sure your guards are of the utmost trustworthiness, this is a most sensitive manner.” Gebhard said, using an apologetic tone rare within the Gryphon nobility.
Cadance appeared lost in thought for a moment. “Thorn, Starlight, wait outside the door. If you hear any commotion, do not hesitate to invite yourself back in.” The pair headed off without a word and exited the court.
“Thank you, Princess Cadenza. The Gryphon Kingdom requests your assistance.” He grimaced slightly.
Had Cadance been eating, she would have choked. “The Gryphons are... asking for assistance?” She asked incredulously.
Gebhard hung his head ever so slightly. “I’m sorry to say, yes. It’s the Changelings it seems. They seem to be getting more aggressive.”
Cadance paused. “Changelings? Are you sure?”
“From the information your and the equestrian government disseminated, it seems that way, plus we found hive remnants two weeks ago.” Gebhard handed Cadance the reports.
Looking over them, Cadance could tell Changelings were most definitely the culprit. “Unfortunately neither my or Celestia’s kingdom has mastered a spell to detect changelings. Even then, when detected, any lone changeling can notify the hive which is able to relocate completely within an hour with no trace. The key seems to be disguising emotions. I will keep you in touch, Lord Gebhard. If there is nothing more, you are dismissed.”
Lord Gebhard bowed, “Please do keep in touch.” He turned and exited.
“Court may now resume.” Cadance announced, as soon as the Gryphon Ambassador left.
The herald entered first, the nobility trickling in one by one after, each having their titles announced as they entered. Cadance opened the second law scroll, but found herself unable to focus with the recent news. Changelings and memories of her wedding and recent failures crowded her thoughts.She took a pre-cursory glance at the third scroll hoping it would be easier to comprehend with no luck.
“Master of Ceremonies, I am afraid that in light of recent information, I must take my leave. You may inform the Kitchen that the wrap is no longer needed.” Cadance sighed. The Master of Ceremonies nodded and passed the information to runner. Cadance got up and walked out, the Herald announcing her departure.
Cadance made her way to the secret prison through thankfully empty halls and stepped inside. “Ahhh, I taste.... anger. Anger and restlessness. Is something the matter Princess?” The changeling sneered.
“I am in no mood for games bug.” Cadance sneered back.
“No, of course you aren’t, but I doubt you’ll actually do anything.” It chuckled, a raspy, dry sound. “I am your first real lead in months after all.” Cadance sat down in the chair in front of the cell and remained silent. “So why is it that you didn’t kill me princess? I can tell you’ve killed before, no need to hide it.”
Cadance didn’t flinch at the question. “Simple. I have questions; I need answers. You have those.”
“Questions?” The Changeling asked skeptically.
“And a demand.” Cadance answered.
“Ooo, a demand. Let’s hear that one first.” It grinned.
Cadance took a deep breath. “You will help me make a spell to turn my emotions off.”
