> The Princess and The Changeling > by Book Lover 1994 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skyla My name is Princess Skyla, I'm the oldest daughter of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. I have two younger siblings, a brother, and a sister. My brother Iron Shield is training to become captain of the royal guard, and my baby sister is supposedly learning how to become a “proper princess” but let's face it she hates those lessons. We all live as a happy family in the peaceful Crystal Empire. No pony knows how hard it is to be a proper princess in Equestria,infact the only ponies who would probably understand were my aunt Twilight and maybe my sister Lucina, no wonder she hated the lessons so much. But I feel bad for her though I mean she was always able to hold up a royal prowess on the outside however deep down I know that she longs for adventure outside of the crystal empire. But after her foal-napping she became a prisoner in her own castle. Her only visitors were Thunder Clap, our parents, our brother, her only best friend Fire Ember, and a tutor, all while Iron and I were free to do as we pleased. I walked into my sister's room to comfort her during her time of loneliness , "hey Luci how are you feeling today." "Oh, I don't know. Other than being a prisoner in my own room, I'm just peachy." She huffed. "It can't be that bad. I mean look at all the extravagant objects you have in here, why ask for more." I argued. “Yeah that's all great and good, but that doesn't really bring me happiness.” She sounded defeated. I rapped my hooves around my baby sister, “I'm really sorry Luci. You'll be done with this imprisonment soon.” “And when will that Sky?” She broke into tears. I pulled her closer, “I didn't know sweetie, soon I hope.” I stayed with Lucina till she stopped crying and fell asleep. I knew it took a lot of energy for her to put on a front of bravery and happiness. Shortly after she fell asleep Thunder Clap entered Lucina’s room, “your highness, sorry to interrupt, but your mother wanted me to tell you that your train for Vanhoover leaves in an hour.” Oh yeah, I totally forgot I had to make a public appearance at Rarity's grand opening of her new boutique. “ Thank you, Thunder.” Before I left Lucina’s room I placed a blanket on her and silently shut the door behind me. I arrived at the train station just in time. I stepped onto the private cart and was immediately bombarded by other ponies trying to take care of my every need. I of course politely declined their offer and just stared out the window. ________________________________________ Skarab I placed a face to face call spell on the mirror that I had in my secret hideaway in Vanhoover. “General Skarab what is the progress on the hive troop in Vanhoover.” Queen Chrysalis asked me. “Well, my queen the collection of love is all going according to plan. Nopony suspects a thing and we will be finished with our mission in a matter of days.” I saluted. The queen smiled evilly, “well done General. I expect another report at dawn.” I bowed to her mirrored image, “of course my queen.” The image on the mirror turned back to normal, reflecting my changeling appearance back at me. I let out a sigh and transformed into a raven black stallion with black and green mane and tail. I stepped out into the busy streets of Vanhoover and was amazed at the amount of ponies here today.-Must be a festival or something.- As I was walking a flier was shoved into my face by a hyperactive pink mare. The flier was for some grand opening of some sort of dress shop. - How boring. But it doesn't hurt to check it out.- Mares always obsess over dresses and other girly things like that. It just might make a perfect meal for the hive. I walked into the dress shop and was immediately hit with a dragon ton of love. From what I could see everypony were staring at a long stage with other ponies strutting across it. “Our next pony model comes from the beautiful crystal empire, please welcome Princess Skyla.” A white unicorn mare announced. Everypony stomped their hooves and applauded. I joyed in so not to look too suspicious. Once I saw the mare step on to the stage my whole body froze. Her creamy pink coat looked soft to the touch and her mane was a beautiful shade of lavender and yellow. The dress she wore was made of a peach silk, and glittered with diamonds that shown like the stars. Before she made it to the end of the runway her beautiful sky blue eyes caught mine. Our eyes stayed locked on each other, and I could feel our souls intertwine and dance in a blissful union. The trance broke when she reached the end of the stage and her hooves fell off causing her to fall right into me. “Oh I'm so sorry,” she squeaked. “No no it's okay,” I winced. Two guards and a lavender alicorn rushed over, “your highness are you alright.” The heavenly mare held out a hoof, “yes I'm fine. Just a sprained hoof and wing.” The lavender alicorn went into a panic, “oh this is not good. What would your parents say if they heard you were hurt.” “Aunt Twilie I'll be fine. I'll just cast a healing spell.” the lovely mare interjected. “Skyla that is not the point, besides you haven’t quite mastered that spell yet.” the alicorn argued. “If I may interrupted,” I interjected, “if the princess said she's okay, then she's okay” The guards and the alicorn princess all looked at me with confusion as if they just noticed my experience. I helped the enchanting mare back onto her hooves, “hope nothing was too badly injured princess?” She gave me a warm smile, “like I said I'll be fine. Thanks for breaking my fall by the way.” “It was no trouble at all,” I kissed one of her hooves and watched her blush. “I hope this is not the last we see of each other princess. Until next time. Adieu.” I went into a deep bow and then exited the boutique.