The vows are made
Panic, was the very first thing Spike felt when he realized he had completely fallen for Ember. This wouldn't have bothered him overmuch all those years ago when they had first met, but now was different. He had a fiance now and if Twilight was right he might even have the chance to be a father soon. He was supposed to marry Rarity in just a month, but how could he go through with it knowing that his love was split between two equally as enchanting women?
He chewed a claw nervously, apparently picking up more then one of Twilight’s bad habits over the years. “I should just ignore Ember, it’s just a crush, it will go away.” He laughed nervously and began to pace.
But those words ran painfully false, his last crush had turned into full blown mutual love and soon, marriage. He kept pacing, wearing down the floorboards and his claws in equal measure, his mind drifting off to the last time he had seen her.
It was only a short week ago when he had last visited and Ember was undeniably attractive. She had grown a few feet taller, a few feet wider and had become the single most well endowed dragon he had ever seen. Just the thought of those huge, heavy breasts made something stir inside him and a small plume of smoke escape his nostrils. Not like that was her only positive feature of course!
She had more amazing physical aspects then a whole claw full of beings. Long, shapely legs that rippled with muscle and power, arms that were slender and feminine one moment and then massive and strong the next the instant she flexed. Her spines had grown and her scales were always buffed to a fine polish, giving her the air of royalty.
And that ass! He had no words, his now rock hard set of cocks standing at full attention and saying everything he could not.
Of course her face was just as beautiful as the rest of her, balancing feminine beauty with the raw power of a dragon lord but right now Spike could only think of her other… assets.
He shook those thoughts away, allowing his mind to wander back to their last little visit. He and Rarity had gone to personally invite the dragon lord to their wedding as all three had become rather close over the years. Exchanging letters and vacationing together both in ponyville, the dragon lands and even manehattan once.
Rarity had gone to great lengths to ensure that they were there to personally give her the invitation. Insisting that:
“She is a good friend and royalty and we will not, I repeat we will not, send some informal letter in the mail.” She had said quite firmly, putting her literal and metaphorical hoof down.
Not like he had any complaints though, so the rather odd outburst of sincerity was just that… odd. Spike had shook it off at the time, thinking that was just his Rarity being Rarity, but now that he thought about it… nah, that's stupid.
He shook his head again and let his mind wander once more. The visit had gone well, they had exchanged pleasantries, had tea, indulged in some rubies and Rarity even had her less than secret favorite food of grilled cave eel swimming in butter. (Which was a story for another time). They had delivered the invitation and received her RSVP instantly, including her preference on seating and food, then to end the night they had all gone on a long flight over the dragon lands. Rarity riding on Ember’s back as Spike had carried her the entire way there and would have to fly them all the way back and simply didn't have the endurance to do two, three long flights in one day while carrying Rarity, and fortunately the minimal baggage she had brought.
And than they had turned to leave, happy and content as could be. Though Spike admitted silently to himself that he had a crush until then, what happened next made that little crush explode. She handed him a note as Rarity was scarfing down the rest of her eel from supper while no dragon was looking.
It looked small and innocent enough, a tiny announcement he read after Ember had left, having to attend to some petty squabble between a pair of greedy drakes.
“Congratulations Spike!
I am happy for you and Rarity and glad two of my very good friends are finally getting together; however I have a proposition for you.
You see I feel like with you two’s help I've finally acclimatized to this whole dragon lord thing and I am finally ready to take the next step and establish my first harem!
Exciting I know.
Anyway, I was hoping to invite you to be the first member of that harem! You don't have to answer right away of course but know that I will not wait forever.
Yours, Ember.”
Her claw writing was flawless by now due to her practice with Rarity. He was focusing on minute details again wasn't he? He shook his head outside of the memory and let it finish out without him overthinking.
The ride home had been strangely quiet. Usually he and his fiance had plenty to talk about when they left the dragon lands; however, this time the flight was nearly silent. He fidgeted constantly and nearly knocked Rarity off more than once; however, she didn't seem to mind and apologized as much as he did. He didn't mention the note once the entire time. He was too confused to have any idea how to approach the subject.
For the entire week since he was utterly paralyzed with indecision. Despite knowing full well his own feelings he couldn't bring himself to air them. Rarity seemed to take notice of this and seemed to awkwardly attempt to make him open up, however it was all for not. And so they continued for about two weeks, just doing what they normally do and spending an abnormal amount of time apart. Though neither said anything about it, they both knew something was off.
Days passed and a strange stalemate was created, neither would open up to the other what was wrong and they both did their best at ignoring this feeling until the night before the wedding. Rarity was glad the dress rehearsal the day before went flawlessly despite the fact that Twilight and the rest of her close friends had all pointed out how awkward Spike and Rarity had been. Though they did accept her excuse that it was just jitters, that excuse wouldn't fly again she knew it. They would have to talk tonight on their last date as an unmarried couple.
The site of their date was decidedly low class, a simple cafe that served a hearty salad and had a surprisingly diverse menu that catered to Spike’s taste perfectly. It was the site of their first date and so they had both agreed it would be fitting it would be the site of their last. (As an unmarried couple) Rarity was quick to add, dismissing the grim connotations the sentence had.
They sat in silence, Spike sipping champagne by the mouthful while Rarity looked off to her right, staring out a window with the curtains drawn over it.
“Nice night out isn't it?” Spike asked, between sips.
“Yes, quite.” Rarity replied, without looking at her date.
The rest of the cafe was quiet, the evening wasn't their busiest hour and though the pair had initially enjoyed this fact immensely it seemed like the silence had become oppressive while they waited for their food.
“You didn't!” Said a feminine voice from the singular VIP section that was roped and curtained off from the general public.
“You know I did!” Said a second equally feminine voice that Rarity and Spike knew instantly to belong to Starlight Glimmer.
Both voices and two other still unknown ones all laughed together, filling the nearly empty cafe with their mirth.
“At least somepony is enjoying themselves.” Rarity added, looking down her nose at the curtained off VIP section.
They knew that Starlight Glimmer, Trixie and Sunset Shimmer were seated together back there and though they both suspected there was another pony there as well they had come in after they were already seated and had not heard a word from whoever it was.
Though that laugh was familiar… Spike scratched his head as he and Rarity stared at the curtain dividing them from the mares behind it.
A second later the polite young waitress came back around to refill their waters before trotting off towards the Vip section and extending a hoof into the curtain.
“The bill, your majesty.” She said politely, averting her eyes from the curtained off section.
“Thank you. Are you sure you don't want to join though? My mares have been awfully feisty this evening and are looking for something fresh.” Wait… was that… Twilight?
A trio of seductive giggling could be heard amidst several playful growls.
The waitress blushed profusely and turned her whole body away from the curtain. “Yes I’m quite sure. I like this job very much and I cannot be seen accepting solicitations from even you, your majesty.”
There was a pause before the probably Twilight spoke again. “When are you done your shift?”
“Eight, your majesty.” She answered, instantly.
“Well if you happen to be around the east side of town around nine and happen to stop by my castle then the password tonight is Bananas.” Spike wasn't sure how Twilight had managed to say the word bananas seductively but she did it.
“Unfortunately I cannot accept any invitations while on the clock… but I do live on the east side and I have been known to take frequent evening strolls.” She swallowed quickly, looked around and before Twilight could respond she walked away.
“I think we are going to have a guest tonight girls.”
All four mares giggled at the news.
“Trixie is looking forward to seeing if the carpet matches the drapes.”
“Oh yeah, did you see the black mane she had tucked under that hat?” Starlight added.
“Mmmf, I did, and I hope she's as feisty as we are tonight.” Starlight growled like an oversized tiger, making the other girls giggle.
Rarity rolled her eyes and looked away, a fierce blush across her face. Spike however, couldn't look away. She had known about Twilight's harem of mares for a long time and though it was quite the talk of the town for awhile by now it was just another thing.
Oh hey look it's the crystal castle, meh seen it.
Oh hey look it's princess Twilight! Shes lived here for years.
Oh and her harem is with her, whatever.
Ponyville’s blase attitude about strangeness didn't help matters, and there was talk of Twilight admitting two mares to her personal harem. How she was able to handle all those gorgeous women was beyond Spike’s imagination though it probably had to do with the fact that she was no mere mortal anymore.
“Well shall we get going girls, something tells me we have a long night ahead of us.” Twilight purred.
Trixie’s blue hoof parted the curtains, allowing all to see her bowing before her mistress and allowing her to go first.
Twilight seemed to take the treatment in stride and grinned wolfishly as she walked past, giving Trixie a swat on the flank as she did. Which elicited a moan and a small chorus of giggles. Once outside their VIP section Spike tried to think of something to say but all that came out was a weird garbled set of noises to which Rarity just rolled her eyes.
“Oh Spike, how good to see you!” Twilight called out, trotting over to their table with her smile still plastered to her lips. “And Rarity too! Out for one last date before the big day?”
Trixie grumbled something barely comprehensible, to which Twilight summoned her magic and gave her a slight slap across the rump for. “Why don’t you three go pay for our meal and tease that scrumptious little desert we are going to have later?”
Sunset saluted and quickly turned towards the counter. “You heard the mistress, get your asses in gear bitches.”
Starlight moaned and was quick to follow. “I love it when she gets all commanding.”
Trixie was a little less quick to follow but caught up to Starlight in seconds. “Who? Mistress or Sunset?”
Starlight just looked back with an arched eyebrow that seemed to say. “Does it matter?”
Trixie could apparently speak eyebrow as she giggled behind her hoof and picked up the pace in order to not fall behind Sunset.
“Anyway, how’s your evening going? Not still suffering from the jitters are you? I think I’ve got a spell for that you know.” Twilight said with a smile, not caring one iota about how open her and her harem was with their sexuality.
Rarity and Spike laughed nervously, which made Twilight’s smile waver as she noticed what's wrong. Rarity however was on the ball and moved to quickly quash that assumption. “Oh it's nothing dear it just seems like the food is taking a bit longer today is all.”
Spike coughed. “Yeah, don't know what the hold up is.”
Twilight frowned, but seemed to accept their excuse. “Well I’m sure it will be soon, well I better leave the soon to be newlyweds alone, me and my mares have a big night planned.”
The alicorn turned to leave however Rarity cleared her throat suddenly, causing the larger pony to turn and eyed her questioningly. “Well if you don't mind darling I had a few questions for you.” A sudden blush spread across her face. “I’m afraid I’m a little well… curious.”
“Oh?” Twilight turned her body back around and arched an eyebrow. “About what, exactly?”
Spike was a little shocked as well, but said nothing. “Are you happy? Sorry if I'm a bit blunt.”
Twilight laughed briefly. “I've never been happier. I assume you are asking about-” Twilight looked over to where her mares stood around the exit, mercillisly teasing the poor waitress still on shift. “Us?”
Rarity opened her mouth to speak, but just nodded instead.
“We are all very happy, Sunset has finally settled in and I'm happy to report that Starlight and Trixie’s less than secret marriage went wonderfully.” A strange, lust filled smile spread across the alicorn’s face.
Spike blinked twice. “Wait, what do you mean marriage? Aren't they in your well… harem?”
Twilight snorted in amusement. “Well yes, but that doesn't stop them from committing their hearts to each other. Though their bodies might be mine and we share something deeper then simple fuck buddies it doesn't detract from what Starlight and Trixie have.”
“I don't understand.” Rarity added, clutching the wedding band on her hoof.
Twilight sighed. “I don't expect ponies too. Me and all my mares share something special, and what Trixie and Starlight share is slightly different. It's not that complex really.”
Spike and Rarity’s eyes seemed to meet and an understanding seemed to pass between them. However Twilight’s slightly annoyed voice extracted them from their thoughts. “I really must be going though, I'm afraid Sunset might get that poor dear fired if I don't get over there.”
All three looked over at the waitress who was now backed up to the wall with a looming Sunset hanging over her, smiling wickedly while licking her lips.
With a pop Twilight was beside her, dragging the unicorn out of the restaurant while apologizing and winking at the waitress who turned as red as a beet. Trixie and Starlight giggled and followed close behind.
And just like that the two lovers were alone once more, well not exactly.
“One chef’s special salad with extra crushed topaz with hard cider to drink and a garden salad extra tomatoes with a glass of chardonnay for the lady.” The chef announced happily. “Is there anything else you two need?”
They both shook their heads weakly, making the chef wonder what had happened, shrugging it off as not his business, and he went back to the kitchen and left the pair to stare at their plates in silence, their thoughts whirling a mile a minute.
“Well that certainly was interesting, wasn't it dear?” Spike asked, quickly stuffing his face with food he was no longer hungry for.
Rarity poked her salad a few times. “Yes, it certainly was… enlightening wasn't it?”
Spike stopped mid crunch, her word choice nearly making him choke. “Why do you say that?” He asked as innocently as he could.
Rarity’s fork stabbed into a rather large tomato before her magic instead lifted up her wine glass. With a swift movement the glass tilted back and deposited a fourth of its contents down the unicorn’s throat. Spike didn't notice this strange act as he was already busying himself stuffing another load of salad into his mouth to mask his nervousness.
“Well I guess I never thought of Twilights. Ahem. Harem, in any amount before now. I admit I have been curious, but it didn't seem like polite dinner conversation. No matter how open they are.” Rarity added with a blush filled grimace. She quickly tipped back her wine glass once more, sipping a little more daintily now that she had a good few mouth fulls already in her.
Spike smiled, she suspected nothing. Merely intrigued by his adoptive mother’s unique living arrangements and no doubt fishing for gossip. His nervousness fell away at the realization and he swallowed his food with a gulp and a smile. Rarity’s own nervousness seemed to fall away when her eyes met his and unbeknownst to Spike she was having nearly the same revelation he just had.
The rest of the night went without incident, the strange nervousness that had gripped them disappeared, allowing them to enjoy their date and the ensuing evening without trouble. With the night winding down after many hours of fun (and one very long shower) the two were in bed, exhausted and satisfied. Soon after they slipped into a blissful night sleep where they experienced the most wonderful shared dream they had ever experienced, courtesy of Luna as part one of her wedding present.
However, in the morning the nervousness returned to them both. Still neither was quite sure how to approach the subject. They both tried, but it was all for naught, with Spike’s doubt about joining Ember’s harem gone he had assumed he would find the words he needed to open up about his desire. However every time he tried to bring up the subject he took one look in those eyes of hers and a sliver of doubt wormed it's way into his mind. What if she left him over even suggesting something like this? What if she thought he didn't love her anymore. He choked up a few times before giving up and dropping it. He couldn't bring himself to do it.
And so the day continued like they had planned, the guests arrived at Twilight’s castle which was now nearly full to the bursting point with beings of all shapes and sizes staying as guests. Twilight and her mares were dressed to the nines and greeting everypony at the door, guests mingled through the various halls or enjoyed the pre wedding party Pinkie was throwing in the great hall.
Spike was getting dressed when the realization hit him that this would be his last chance to accept Ember’s offer or talk to Rarity about it. He clutched the thin piece of paper he had kept in his suit pocket. Running a clawed finger over the ink and wondering if he really wanted to bring it. But just as soon as his mind was made up, doubt reared it's ugly head and panic coursed through his veins.
Twilight had teleported into the room just minutes before to fuss over his tie and try to talk the jitters out of him and only succeeded at the first one as he was as nervous as ever.
If he didn't do something soon he would never be able to get close to his beloved Ember. Oh sweet Celestia he loved her too. This was bad, this was really bad.
“Are you alright Spike? Your shaking…” Twilight asked.
“I’m… I… Gotta use the washroom be right back!” Spike replied, making a break for the door.
Twilight just watched him go and talked to herself. “Weddings.” She mumbled to herself, having the good sense to at least throw a tracking spell on the dragon before he left. She wouldn't forgive herself if she let him ruin his own wedding.
Seconds later she could feel the dragon’s presence as he made his way up to the second story bathroom near the library. She laughed silently to herself and teleported back beside her mares. He always did run there if he needed a moment alone.
In the bathroom Spike gripped the crystal sink and stared into the bathroom mirror, his breathing hard and irregular, the crumpled piece of paper gripped tightly in his hand. What was wrong with him? He was about to marry his childhood sweetheart, the mare that had waited for him and all he could think of was Ember!
Sure they had only exchanged a few words earlier in the day. Little more than brief pleasantries, but it was the last thing she had said that had stuck to the forefront of his thoughts.
“My offer is still open, but will be closing tonight.” She had said it in a sultry tone dripping with lust but Spike could sense there was sadness there as well. The way her eyes didn't quite match what her voice portrayed was a dead give away.
Had he disappointed her by not accepting earlier? Was she angry? Too many questions and too little answers whirled in the dragon’s mind and the sudden urge to throw up didn't help matters.
Neither did Rarity kicking open the door in full wedding dress.
They looked at each other, shocked and confused however Rarity recovered first. “Spike, I have some unfortunate news that I have to give you.” She bit her lip and stopped, suddenly unsure. “I can't do this, I can't marry you!”
Far from perturbed Spike was only confused for he had noticed something while she was announcing her intentions. A small slip of rough paper, the kind only made in the dragon lands, was tucked into a fold in her dress.
Suddenly the pieces fell together and before another ounce of drama could enter his life he opened his own slip of paper.
“We can still get married and do what we both want.” He said with a smile.
Rarity gasped, her face a mask of confusion for several tense seconds before she broke out in a hearty laugh.
“Why didn't we just talk about this?” She asked, while taking a step forward and hopping up onto her back legs.
Spike caught her instantly, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her close. “Because we both think about this way too much.”
She leaned into him and their lips met.
Several minutes later and a brief discussion on their plan they both exited the bathroom. Rarity first than Spike a minute later, just to make sure nopony got the wrong idea.
Within the hour everypony was in position and the wedding was in full swing with nopony the wiser of the bride and groom’s secret decision.
Everything went perfectly according to plan, even Discord kept relatively quiet, only bawling and hugging his marefriends loud enough to disrupt things once. Much to Rainbow Dash’s annoyance and to Fluttershy’s shame.
Their friends stood by their side while their family looked on in wonder. The crystal castle had been decorated to Rarity’s exact specifications rendering the entire hall a glittering, ever shifting kaleidoscope of color and light that entranced any who looked. It had been her crowning achievement, a decor that matched her and Spike to a T while looking fabulous in it’s own right without detracting from the ceremony overly much. Rarity swelled with pride whenever she saw somepony looking at the walls or ceiling in awe.
And there sitting right in front in a chair slightly too small for her frame was a rather nervous looking Ember. She gripped the staff she had won all those years ago in a cold clammy claw and wiped her forehead of non existent precipitation with the other. They had gotten to the vows by now and even though a part of her told her not to expect anything crazy and that they had already said no by not saying yes she was still hoping for a miracle. Spike and Rarity were her closest friends and she loved them both dearly, but when they hadn't so much as mentioned her offer since she had given it to them she had grown worried and distant. Had she misread all their signals? Did they not like her?
She kept those thoughts bottled down and tried to smile for her best friends who were about to be married. However when they both looked down at her and shot her a sly smile she caught a breath in her throat. What could this mean?
“Do you Rarity Belle, take this dragon to be your lawfully wedded husband?” Asked, her enchanted voice carrying throughout the great hall without having to be raised.
“I do.” Rarity replied with a simple serene smile.
“And do you Spike the Dragon take this mare to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do.”
Then, before Celestia could continue they both turned towards the audience, and looked down at a solitary female dragon clutching her staff in both hands while tears rolled down her eyes.
“And we do.” They said in unison.
To her credit Celestia only paused for a second before a huge smile spread across her face.
“Than by the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife in dragon lord Ember’s service.” Whatever confusion the pair had about Celestia knowing about something they told nopony about was drowned out in the sea of gasps and confusion that came from the audience.
Well save for Twilight anyway, she knew that exact wording well by now and turned to a fretful moondancer in the audience.
However all that was quickly drowned out by a buxom dragon lifting up them both and squeezing them in a tight hug while crying tears of joy.
“We love you Ember.” The dragon and pony whispered.
“I love you too.”