A New Day

Majesty hated sleeping.

Most ponies, or even races for that matter, wouldn’t have a fear or hatred of such a daily thing. Not Majesty Blueblood, however, she was different than most ponies. Besides the fact that she was an alicorn, born from the noblest of bloodlines, her fear wasn’t unfounded. It was in his sleep that her father, Amadeus Blueblood, had been poisoned in his mind, driven insane, and eventually took his own life. All thanks to an evil alicorn who feared her father, her power, and the destiny she was born to deliver. Even though she drank the dreamless sleep potion every night, Majesty Blueblood slept as little as possible to avoid the same fate as her beloved father.

Thus, whenever she opened her eyes, she was thankful for surviving another evening. Her family told her that Luna’s range of dream walking couldn’t reach them, but Majesty was cautious nonetheless. Ever since she was born, she had enemies determined to kill her; to deny her family the glory of restoring their homeland from the corruption that surged inside of it.

Yawning, she opened her eyes and jumped out of her white and blue queen sized bed for her morning rituals in her personal bathroom. Once cleaned and refreshed, she went over to her calendar. Her filly eyes opened wide as a smile spread from cheek to cheek across her face. Today was the day.

She gave out a loud and joyous shout before prancing around. Her laughter echoed in her large room, filled with toys, books, and scrolls. One of the guards, still in his platinum armor, rushed in fearing danger, only to blush in embarrassment when he saw the situation. Majesty didn’t even bother to correct him for his mistake. She was too happy for today.

Because today she was finally going to school.

For over ten years of her life, Majesty had been personally taught at home from dozens of the most skilled, and expensive, teachers in Unicornia. Math, science, history, politics, and more were all for her to learn and soak up like a sponge. Of course, it was all boring when she only had herself to learn it with. Her cousins were mostly older than her, and, despite her intelligence, they were often roaming with their own friends. It wasn’t that she didn’t have any as her best friend was also her future husband, a fact that still made her blush even though she learned of it just not a few months ago.

Prince Silversteel was a nice colt (cute too), but she wanted other friends. It was hard enough to be denied free roaming outside on her own, but it was just downright terrible knowing she had anyone barely to talk to besides family. So after years of begging she finally was going to get what she wanted: a chance to make friends.

Rushing out of her bedroom, the alicorn filly flew through the air, laughing excitedly as she zipped past her still waking relatives. Making her way to the central staircase, she landed her bottom on the railing and streaked on down. “Look out below!” she shouted as she rode it all the way down before flipping in the air. Landing on her four hooves, she posed which earned her a small round of applause from a copper coated unicorn in a butler outfit. “Bravo, Mistress Majesty. Bravo.” He pushed away some strains of his grey mane to get a better view of her. “However, I would advise you not to do that in front of your uncle.”

Majesty grinned as she walked over to her favorite butler and gave him a warm hug. Copper Penny had been one of her favorite adults for as long as she could remember. His family had served hers for generations and was there to help her mother give birth to both her and her older brother. Copper would always tell stories about the family mansion back home in Equestria. About the garden, her brother and his best friend Princess Cadence used to always have adventures when they were young. The ballroom that was the envy of all the nobles during the public events they held. They had been in Unicornia for over ten years, but he still longed for the Blueblood Mansion back in Equestria. It had history to it. A warm and yet imposing sense of wonder. This new one in Unicornia was... dull as he would often mumble to himself.

It was very spartan, sleek with chrome styled coloring and imposing decoration that gave it a cold and martial feeling. It was more designed for a barracks then a noble’s home. Then again, it seemed to be the typical style for nobles in this kingdom. It had been a gift from the Imperial Family to celebrate their arrival. After all, they were going to be family in a few years, why not start off with a simple gift? What little paintings and furniture they were able to bring with them from Equestria did a little to improve the place, but it would never replace the old mansion in his eyes. Majesty dreamed of taking over Equestria and giving it back to her favorite butler as a thank you gift for all that he had done for her.

“Relax, Penny,” Majesty replied, giving a warm smile. “I’ve been doing this behind Uncle August for months. He hasn’t caught me yet.”

“Until now, young missy.” Majesty winced as she turned around to see her uncle standing nearby. Eyes narrowed in disapproval, he walked forward. The hem of his red and golden robe dragging itself upon the checkerboard black and white marble floor with each step. He stopped right in front of his niece, his yellow eyes glaring down as she tried to hide behind her blue mane. “I know you are excited to be starting your first week at school, but you must remember that you are representing the Blueblood Family at this academy. These students that you will be surrounded with shall be your allies or enemies in the future. Acting immature will make a poor first impression. Do you remember what your father said?”

Upon hearing the mention of her father, all sense of shame in Majesty quickly erased itself. She stood proud, replying, “I am the future, and the future shall be me. Thus everything I do must be for the future I will create.”

He smiled and nodded. “I understand you are a filly. It’s okay to have fun, but only when the time is right. There are many of those who do not like us, both here, and back in Equestria. We must stand strong and behave right, understood?”

“Yes, Uncle. May I say good morning to Father before I get breakfast?” Majesty asked.

“Of course, dear.” He gave her a warm smile as he ruffled her mane a bit. “He would be so proud of the pony you’ve grown up to be.”

“Yes, he would,” a raspy voice replied. They turned around to find a deer, cloaked in red, with ruins on his antlers while a dark red mane covered half of his head.

Majesty gave a warm smile as she greeted one of her favorite teachers. “Good morning, Nazo. I’m going to school today!”

His teeth shone as he nodded. “I’m glad to hear that. Hopefully, you’ll put what I’ve been teaching you to good use.”

“I promise. Anyway, I’m going to head out now. See you later,” Majesty replied, but that was a lie. It was no open secret that almost everyone in the house hated Nazo, except for her. She had often heard Copper Penny wishing to get rid this “beast of a buck” he called him. Majesty didn’t know why they didn’t like him like she did. He taught her lessons that nopony ever knew about, and they were under orders from her father to not question, even after his death.

They were also forbidden to mention they had one of the deer living among them. It was rare for anyone to see a living deer, even more, unusual to see one outside of the forest they lived in. Their abilities to look into the future were desired all over. In a place like Unicornia, where everyone was scheming, it would be a gold mine. Only her father ever used his powers, but what that was nopony knew, but Nazo would use them to help them avoid potential disasters. More than once had his predictions saved them from embarrassment or ruin. Majesty had only ever asked one question, and that was if she would rule Equestria. His answer was strange:

“You will rule, but so will another.”

It was a strange answer. Was he talking about her future husband and best friend? Was someone else in the running to rule over Equestria after she overthrew Celestia and Luna? To this day, she had no answer.

Hiding behind the wall, Majesty peaked her head from the corner to watch the three talk among themselves. “Nazo,” August greeted with a nod and neutral frown. “I take it you wished to give Majesty a farewell before she leaves for school?”

“Yes, and perhaps give a few more helpful advice when dealing with the students. I believe all of them are the sons and daughters of Unicornia’s elite? What better place to make our future advantage than by having her interact with the next generation to take over. Nicely planned, Master August,” Nazo replied, walking past them. “With young Majesty starting school now, I find myself with a lot of free time. Perhaps I’ll read a book or two.” He then paused and smirked towards the two. “Of course, I’ll be giving her evening lessons at least four times a week. I’ll let you know my schedule in the days to come. Good day.”

The two watched before he left the room entirely, of which they both let out a breath they had been holding. “Must we still indulge ourselves with him? I don’t like him, Master August.”

“Be as it may, my brother was clear in his will that he was to teach his daughter. Besides, Majesty loves him,” August answered, shaking his head. “You also cannot deny he’s been useful with his abilities to see into the future for our family. We were able to avoid a lot of mistakes thanks to him, even gaining political ground in some areas thought impossible in such a short amount of time.”

“Still...” Copper Penny bit his lip, “I’m worried what influence he might have on Majesty.”

“I understand how you feel, but I have yet to see anything negative in her behavior.”

Majesty shrugged her shoulders. Nazo’s teaching hadn’t been a negative thing in her life. Besides, they would come useful at school. Afterall, the first lesson had been one of the most important to learn.

“Everyone can be used to advance you further,” she whispered with pride. If these future classmates of hers could advance her destiny, then it was best to get them on her side.

***

Majesty knew she was not like other fillies out there. She was unique, her father had told her so since as long as she could remember. She was born an alicorn, a special chosen one among her kind. Her father told her she was the key to her family’s future, and the future to the pony race. Most foals would be nervous about such a thing, and she was too at first. That was until she was told the truth about the evil Twilight Sparkle, her brother’s sacrifice, and the corruption of Princess Celestia and Luna. More and more, she was informed of the horrible reality that they avoided by coming here to protect her from those that wished to kill her even when she was in the crib. After her father’s passing, Majesty was determined to see such expectations come true.

Her father, the late Amadeus Blueblood, was the most fantastic pony that Majesty had even known. Sure, he didn’t hug or kiss her like most fathers she had seen, but he taught her well. He taught her how to act among allies and enemies. How to wield magic. Most importantly, he showed her the truth of the world.

This was a world where chaos was everywhere. Where naive rulers and ruthless barbarians roamed the earth as the gods did nothing. There was no unity. There was no central figure to guide them all. She was to be that figure. She was destined to bring a new age where she would unite her kind and lead them to the glory they deserved. Her father told her this over and over again, giving everything he had even as his mind and life wasted away.

She closed her eyes and smiled upon the memory of his final days with her before his suicide. He never said how much he loved her, but he showed it in his own way. She heard the rumors of her father at times when she visited the palace to hang out with Prince Silversteel. How he was mad, a thief, a wannabe, and more. She wanted to yell at them. Rip their heads off with her magic, but she stayed calm like her lessons taught her to be. Nazo said that revenge was like cooking. You had to let it simmer and wait until it was well done. Then eat it when it was prepared.

Her smile then soon faded when she arrived at the tombstone of where her father was at rest. He had requested a simple grave, nothing fancy like most nobles. He really wished to be buried in the catacombs back home, but for now, his body would have to rest here until they returned to Equestria. It was a pillar of white marble with the Blueblood’s crest above the top end while his name and cutie mark lay below on a golden tablet. Flowers of all kind had decorated it. Picked and grown by Majesty herself upon her order that none would dare touch them.

Apparently, one of the slaves didn’t get the message as Majesty watched a young flutter pony sprinkling plant food on her precious flowers.

While they had butlers and maids in their mansion, they were only suited to deal with the proper and elite tasks for her family. The slaves, like the rest of the flutter ponies, were just made to do the lower bottomless tasks. Like the rest of her kind, she was very bright in color, a shade of purple and green with insect-like qualities. Her wings were that of a butterfly, yet what grace they once had was ruined by the rips and tears it held. Barely anything could fly with wings in such a condition. Her shell-like skin was also covered in lashes, cuts, and bruises, indicating she was often punished for her mistakes. Around her neck was a thick black color with blue runes carved into it, and a green crystal right in the center near her throat. A gem that Majesty soon activated with her horn.

In an instant, a shock of green electricity swarmed through the slave’s body. She screamed as she fell on her back, shaking in pain as the voltage slightly increased for a few minutes before ending. Gasping for air, she slowly looked up before paling upon seeing Majesty standing before her. She lowered herself upon being gazed at with the steel-like eyes that promised no warmth behind them.

“What. Are. You. Doing?” Majesty demanded, flicking her horn on and off in warning.

“I... I... I was f-f-feed-dd-ding the pp-plants, Mistress,” she answered, bowing even lower to the point where her head touched the grass.

“Are you new?” Majesty asked.

“I... I waa-a-as bought t-tt-two weeks a-a-a-ago... I’m still l-ll-lear-r-r-rning...”

Using her hoof, she lifted the teary-eyed slave’s face up so she could stare directly at her. “Here’s something new to learn. Only I touch these flowers. Nopony else. Especially, not a filthy insect such as yourself. Be lucky that I’m in a good mood, or I would be demanding you be whipped till you were split in half.”

“Y-y-yes, Mistress,” the slave bowed over and over again. “Forgive me. I am a w-w-worthless being.”

“At least you know your place, like the rest of your kind,” Majesty replied as she walked past her. “Now leave me to repay my respects, before I think about sending you to the camps.”

The slave fled without any response much to Majesty’s amusement. It was always a laugh to see such a pathetic race submit to their masters on Unicornia, but it was as her father had taught her long ago. They were the race destined to rule over all others. Flutter Ponies were just the first. They were also easy to scare with the threat of getting sent to “the camps” although she didn’t know what they exactly were. Only that flutter ponies who went in never come out. She asked about it once, but her uncle told her she would know when she was older.

Standing in front of the grave, Majesty gave a smile, whispering, “Hello, Father. I’m off to school today. I wish you were here with me, but I guess I’ll have to settle for you to be here in spirit.” She closed her eyes and sighed. “I’m a bit nervous. I rarely get a chance to go to places that aren’t in the Palace area, and nopony I know will be there to help me. But I’ll be strong, just like you asked me.”

A tear dripped down her cheek as she quickly rubbed it away. Her mind turned to the last time she talked to her father before he took his life. The nightmares had all but ruined his mind at that point in his final year alive, and they had to keep him locked up in a specially made room prepared for this day. It had gotten to the point where he couldn’t tell what was real or not. Always screaming about things that weren’t there. He even started praying, something her father never did as he didn’t believe the gods cared about them.

For a brief moment, he could give a sane response when he tried, but it was rarer each day. The last rational talk they had, he told her to be strong and make their family proud. Four days later, he managed to bang his head against the wall enough times to bleed out. Everyone called it suicide, but for Majesty it was murder. Murder by Princess Luna.

“I’ll be so strong that I’ll avenge you,” Majesty whispered, her hooves shaking. “I’ll march with an army on the steps of Canterlot and paint it with their blood. I’ll see that Luna watches as her sister is executed before her eyes before making her suffer the same amount of pain you did. Then I’ll nail her to the highest building in the city, and force her to watch it burn.” She took a few deep breaths. “I’ll make them pay for your death.”

Rising up, she made her way back to the mansion to get her saddlebags. She didn’t want to be late after all.

First Day Of School

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Even though Equestria was inferior to Unicornia in every way, some things fascinated Majesty about the nation of her birth. For one thing, the ponies there used actual manual labor to move their carriages around instead of the controls they had in Unicornia. Of course, in Unicornia they called these automobiles due to the fact that they were controlled by magic powered machines. Using one’s magic, you could activate and direct the automobile with the steering wheel while setting the function of the speed with the control stick. One pedal below was used to activate the vigor crystals that powered up the vehicle using transistors which in turn moved the gears and machines. There was also one to suddenly cut off the supply of magic to stop in case of an emergency. Not only were they faster, but it was only capable thanks to magic. There was news that Flim Flam Bros. Industries was working on a prototype in Equestria, but it involved oil and gasoline to run since they intended it to be available for any race to use.

Majesty personally loved riding in them. She enjoyed watching the high buildings pass while other automobiles drove around them. She loved to wave or make funny faces which earned a few smiles or honks in their direction. Of course, the only annoying thing was the fact that they had to occasionally go to the refueling stations to repower the vigor crystals. Majesty sat in her backseat, wishing the refueling attendant would hurry to power up the vehicle. Even though there was no chance of being late, she still wanted to get there as fast as possible. Taking a glance outside, she saw a family of four in their simple black automobile stare at her pure white and silver encrusted one with her family’s crest on the side. She saw one of the passengers, a little filly, look at her as if she was some kind of princess.

Well, princess to be anyway, thought Majesty. I wish Silversteel could have come to school with me. Too bad his mother wouldn't allow it.

A loud slamming sound made her turn forward where the attendant was locking the hood of the front of the automobile before getting his pay and tip from Copper Penny. Sighing in relief, Majesty leaned back as the vehicle drove out of the station and back onto the road. “How much longer until we get to the school?”

“About fifteen minutes, Mistress Majesty,” Copper Penny replied, keeping his eye on the road. “Are you nervous?”

“A bit,” she answered, rubbing her hooves together. “What if the students don’t like me because I’m an alicorn? Or what if they don’t like my mane? Or what if I dressed wrong?!” She quickly looked at her school unicorn which consisted of a long sleeve white shirt with a silver crest of the school, a blue raven behind a golden shield, and a light blue and grey checkered skirt. “Does anything look out of place?”

Chuckling, her butler responded, “Mistress, you look fine. I’m sure you’ll make a friend or two the moment you arrive. As for you being an alicorn? Remember to always take pride in who you are, Mistress. Both inside and out.”

“R-right!” Majesty shouted, before taking a few deep breaths. “I am the future, and the future shall be me.”

Yeah, I can do this!

***

I wanna go home.

The tall towers of Raveneye’s Noble Academy for Young Education with their ivory, blue, and pearl gothic main structure both awed and scared her. It was like looking at an old-style cathedral, but four times the size. It was also connected to a series of smaller castle-like buildings around it, as well as a massive dome in the back. It wasn’t as big as the Royal Palace, not by a long shot, but it had an imposing aura that made Majesty twitch. The bronze and sapphire gem covered gate was right in front of her, opened for all the students to go through, but it might as well be the gates to Tartarus for her. Said students were all gazing at her, stopping in place and whispering to their friends as they pointed at her.

Already Majesty was wishing she didn’t dismiss Copper Penny with the excuse of being a big girl. Right now I feel like a baby about to wet herself.

Taking a deep breath, she trotted forward and did her best to look as calm and poised as possible. All she had to do was remember the lessons her father taught her about Court, and how emotions were the game. The more you showed, the easier it was to be read by an enemy. Of course, no matter how stoic Majesty looked, her heart kept beating like a drum against her chest. To keep her mind off the stares and whispers, she took a look at gardening. She saw flowers of all kinds, many of which she didn’t recognize, and statues of famous figures who graduated from the academy. Kind of a bit much for a grade school, ya know?

She did twitch a smile when she saw the golden fountain between the gate and the main building. It was almost as big as their indoor pool back at her home with swans floating in the water. Curious, Majesty walked up to one of them at the edge of the fountain as it looked at her with its curious tilted head. Slowly raising a hoof, Majesty gently patted it as it happily quacked. She giggled as it began to nip her hoof, but that soon came to an end when someone shouted at her.

“Hey, watch out!”

Turning her head, Majesty saw something heading right for her face and yelped before stopping it in place with her magic. The black and white checkered ball was almost as big as her head, but it didn’t seem to be too dangerous. A white colt, looking the same age as her, rushed towards her with a nervous smile as he took the ball with his magic and placed it on his back. “Sorry, about that. Kinda kicked it too high,” he apologized while sheepishly rubbing his combed green mane with a blue streak on the back. Like Majesty, he was wearing the school uniform, but for boys which included a tie and blue pants to wear, thus she couldn’t see his cutie mark. He gazed his yellow eyes to her wings and then her horns before gasping. “Woah, you’re that alicorn that was rumored to be coming.”

“Um, yes?” Majesty answered.

“Cool! I’m Forest. Forest of House Everbright,” he introduced himself as he held out his hoof. “What’s your name and house?”

Majesty stared at the hoof and then at Forest’s smiling face before quickly realizing there was no ill intent behind his actions. He was genuinely asking for her name and being friendly with her. A smile of her own appeared on her muzzle as Majesty did her best not to rip his arm out while shaking his hoof so hard. “I’m Majesty of House Blueblood!”

“Wow, you got quite a grip,” Forest replied, rubbing his hoof but he never lost his smile. “I’ve never seen an alicorn before. I thought they all lived in Equestria!”

“We did, or at least I did,” Majesty answered, “but we had to move because our enemies were after us.”

Before Forest could ask more questions, a voice interrupted him. “Hey, Forest! What’s taking so long?!” The two of them turned to the left where a mare, similar in color and mane to Forest, was approaching them. In fact, if it weren’t for their gender and the mare’s longer mane, she would have thought them identical. She noticed Majesty and sighed before pointing to her grinning double. “Did my idiot of a twin bother you?”

“Ouch, Sis,” Forest said, holding a hoof to his chest. “You really know how to hurt a guy when he’s making a new friend.”

Wait, we’re friends? Already?! Majesty thought with wide eyes. I didn’t even have to plan anything... is this how you make friends?

“Knowing you, you probably already told her some ridiculous story about you being a brave and strong knight that managed to defeat...” He put her hoof to her lips and pondered. “How many Flutter Pony rebels did you say it was to Lucky Lace? Sixteen?”

“I said fourteen,” Forest grumbled, rolling his eyes. “And I was just introducing myself to Majesty.”

Turning her attention back to Majesty, the female twin smiled and nodded her head. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jade of House Everbright. We’ve heard a lot of rumors about you, but I’m sure it's all just folktale stuff. Like you being engaged to a prince and all.”

“Um, I actually am,” Majesty replied which made both twins stare at her in silence. “Silversteel and I are engaged to be married when we both turn eighteen.”

“EEEEHHHHH?!”

Majesty jumped upon hearing nearly a dozen colts, and fillies shout out loud, including the twins. Apparently, they had been watching and listening in. Soon enough, those many students were starting to crowd her and asking questions with stars in their eyes.

“Oh my gosh! Is he handsome?! Did you meet the King?!”

“Did you meet any of the Royal Knights like Sir Morning Blade or Sir Valorus?!”

“Can you move the sun and moon?”

“Where did you get your mane done?!”

“Can we BFFs?”

Majesty gulped as she found it harder to breathe as they closed in on her. Unable to take any more, she activated her horn and teleported out much to their surprise. She didn’t manage to get far, just appearing outside the crowd by a few feet, but she didn’t bother to stop as she flew off just as the group was noticing. Now everyone in the courtyard was gazing at her with awe as she spread her wings out and flew towards one of the towers. At first she didn’t understand why until it hit her. None of them had ever seen a pony fly before despite learning that pegasi existed in other nations.

“She’s like an angel...” one pony whispered and others nodded in agreement.

Landing on a balcony, Majesty looked down at the jaw-dropped students who looked at her as if she was some kind of divine being. Chuckling, she nervously rubbed the back of her head. Well, at least I’m popular.

***

Thankfully, Majesty didn’t have a hard time finding her homeroom and managed to become the first one in. The room was half oval shaped with each step leading to more chairs in front of large table sized desks that were aimed directly at the chalkboard and teacher’s desk at the end of the classroom. Other students soon settled in, but they couldn't help but stare at her much to her embarrassment. Her eyes perked up, however, when she saw the Everbright twins enter and walked right up to her with nervous smiles.

“Hey, there. Sorry about our previous meeting,”Forest said. “You probably wanted to not get too much attention since you stand out with the wings and all.”

“I-its okay! I’m kinda used to it,” Majesty answered as she indicated the two to sit next to her. “Um, about us being friends? You’re still okay with that, right?”

“Of course! Just because we had an awkward meeting doesn’t mean we can’t be buddies,” Jade answered with a wink. “Besides, I really want to know what it’s like to be an alicorn. And I bet you have a bunch of questions for us.”

Majesty nodded, but before she could ask the homeroom teacher arrived and quickly settled down the class. He greeted them warmly before asking them to follow him towards the orientation ceremony in the school’s auditorium. Majesty got up and joined the line of students, but with an extra step in her walk as she went side by side with her new best friends.

***

Orientation wasn’t much of a ceremony. All it featured was the students, both new and returning, gathering in what could have passed as an opera house. The Head Mistress, Lady Serenity Raveneye The Sixth, had welcomed them all and encouraged them to spread their talents this year while reminding them to maintain the best behavior possible as they each were part of a legacy that would shape Unicornia for years to come. Thankfully, she didn’t mention anything about Majesty which was nothing short of a relief for her. She already had enough attention as it was.

Classes soon started which turned out to be a bore. The lessons presented to Majesty in nearly every subject was stuff she knew already from her homeschooling. She answered every question presented to her in each subject. Other students looked at her with awe while some gazed at her with jealousy. One, in particular, stood out with her staring as she was gazing at Majesty very coldly.

Traveling to their next class, Majesty took the time to carefully look at her frosty observer. She had a black ponytail mane with white ribbons on it that matched well with her purple coat. Unlike many others, she wore diamond blue shoes with lace ribbons on them. Her gaze was just as piercing as a diamond too. In fact, it felt very icy even though she had a dozen or so girls happily talking to her as if she was a celebrity. Yet she ignored them all to focus on Majesty.

Nuddling Jade, Majesty asked, “Um, Jade. Who's that filly staring at me?”

Looking back, Jade raised an eyebrow before rolling her eyes. “That’s Dia Waterblaze. Her family is very high on the nobility list, and she was the Queen Bee of our grade last year. Looks like she sees you as a threat to her power.”

“But I’ve never met her before. Although, I think I know her father,” Majesty recalled from her times visiting court with her uncle. “He and my uncle don’t get along.”

“Ouch, family happens to be enemies at court, huh? I’d stay clear of her if I were you,” Forest replied, shaking his head.

“Is it that big of a deal?” Majesty asked, tilting her head.

Forest sighed and put his hoof around her neck and shoulder. “Well, let’s just say that even though we’re supposed to all be students of the same grade and treat each other with respect, we’re all still political enemies.” He pointed to two groups of colts who were glaring at each other. “See those two? The ones on the left all have fathers who support the idea of trade with Kyukyo since they’re close to us and have resources we can use. The other side believes it goes against our traditions of unicorn only trade agreements.” He then nodded to a set of girls who were happily chatting with each other. “Those girls had parents that used to be separate political enemies, but since they joined together on the effort to silence the Church’s growing political power they’ve united as one. Depending on what happens, they’ll either stay friends until the threat is over and go back to hating each other.”

“But that makes friendship seem... fake?” Majesty pointed out in disappointment.

“Maybe, but that’s how it goes. Chances are, you’ll become a big player too,” Forest replied.

“Because I’m an alicorn?”

“That, but also your connections to the Royal Family and how fast the Bluebloods have gained power despite being the only noble family from outside Unicornia. I mean, they managed to convince the Royal Family to allow the enslavement of other non-unicorn creatures besides Flutter Ponies. That’s going to change the slave market and economy in ways we’ve never seen before,” Jade answered with a smile. “You’ve got a lot of power behind you just for those reasons alone. If you don’t use it wisely, you’ll end up the bottom of the food chain here. It’s not just the smartest academically who wins in school, but the most cunning in using their popularity as well.”

I see. Majesty thought with a grim realization. So everything Nazo warned me about is true. The game never ends. Wait...

“Does that mean... you’ve only been friends with me because of politics?” Majesty asked. Despite the stoic tone in her voice, she hoped deep down this wasn’t true.

“I admit, there are benefits to being your friend, but we got a lot of power thanks to our family regardless,” Forest said with a smile. “We like you for you, Majesty. Pure and honest truth.”

A smile decorated the alicorns lips as she nodded in thanks. The bell soon rang and the three quickly hurried to their next class. “By the way, what does your family do?”

“Oh, our family runs the biggest of the Flutter Pony Imprisonment Camps: Gehenna.”

***

“Wow, I can’t believe you were able to name all five of the founding members of Queen Ruthenium’s Inquisition of Pureblood,” Jade said in awe as the three of them, relieved that the day was over, exited through the entrance gate.

“Come on, it wasn’t that big of a deal,” Majesty replied, blushing as her friends continued to stare at her with amazement.

“Yeah, compared to how you managed to burn that target to ashes when we were practicing fire spells? That’s nothing,” Forest said, shaking his head. “I guess alicorns really are more powerful than unicorns. No wonder the Royal Family wants to have their son marry you. Having magic like that in their bloodline would make them really powerful in the future.”

“What is the prince like anyway?” Jade asked, but upon seeing Majesty’s blush, she grinned. “Ooooh, somepony can’t wait to get in their wedding gown.”

“S-shut up!” Majesty yelled, lightly shoving a laughing Jade and Forest. A few minutes later she happened to laugh too. Of course, that laughter ended when she noticed the two stop and glare forward. Facing in the same direction, she saw that Dia Waterblaze with her posse waiting for them. The popular unicorn was smiling, but such expression didn’t hold any warmth to it. More like a sense of superiority. Quickly masking her emotions, Majesty and her smaller group stood in silence as the two sides continued to stare at each other.

After minutes of waiting, Dia Waterblaze slowly walked forward, and her group followed. They marched right past a silent Majesty, but the smirking unicorn whispered something in her ears. “You may be an alicorn, and a queen to be, but this is my kingdom. I rule it.”

Majesty only raised an eyebrow at this before watching the group move on. So, the first day I make friends, but also enemies.

A buzzing in her pocket made her lose her thoughts as she levitated a small rectangular mirror with two small crystals on the bottom that were green and red. Her cutie mark of five blue flowers was on the back just in case it got lost. She smiled upon seeing her butler’s cutie mark blinking on the mirror’s glass and pressed the green crystal. His face appeared on the screen with the inside of the automobile in the background. “Hi, Copper Penny. You here?”

A beeping horn alerted her to a waving Copper Penny as she quickly waved back before turning back to her friends. “Can I have your magical signatures for my Call Mirror? I can give you guys mine if you want.”

“Sure! Let’s call later tonight,” Jade suggest as the two pulled out their own mirrors just like Majesty only their cutie marks were on the back which allowed Majesty to finally see them. Forest’s was a bow and arrow in light blue while Jade’s was a bunch of jade diamonds close together.

Majesty spread her magical aura on her their Call Mirror’s which glowed and showed her cutie mark on the screen before disappearing, indicating that it saved the memory of her magical essence. The twins soon followed, and Majesty almost squeed upon getting their auras saved. “Great! I’ll give you a call tonight! See you later!” Spreading her wings, Majesty flew towards her automobile and got inside. She lowered the window to wave farewell to her friends who shook back as she sat down with a beaming smile.

“Great first day, Mistress?” Copper Penny asked with a smile.

“Yup! And I can’t wait to go back!”

The Prince of Unicornia

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Majesty knew that school wasn’t always going to be fun and games, but she couldn’t deny she was having a good time. Even though her classes were easy for someone as trained and talented as her, she did enjoy them and often was asked to help others with their magic or lessons. Not that she minded. Being a future queen, she was going to have to learn to interact and assist her subjects. Every student of her age, and even some older, kept asking for her help with adoration in their eyes. Sure, they were just doing it to earn her favor, but Majesty was alright humoring them.

Thankfully, Majesty did have friends who did care for her. Ever since she met the twins, Forest and Jade Everbright, her life had gotten a lot happier. She was now able to go to the movies, the shopping malls, the restaurants, and more without being alone or just her bodyguards. She had a friend before in Prince Silversteel, but this was something different. This time she made new friends on her own without her family introducing her.

“Okay, so Jewels walks her dog every eight days in the park, while Total Win walks his dog in the park every fourteen days. Today, both Jewels and Total Win will be walking their dogs together on the same day. In how many days will they both walk their dogs again in the same park on the same day?” Majesty inquired, reading from their school textbook.

“Um, fifty-six days?” Upon getting a nod, Forest let out a relieving sigh. “Phew, okay I think I should be good for the test tomorrow.” He closed his book and rested back on the beanbag chair in Majesty’s room. “Gotta say Majesty, I’m surprised your house isn’t bigger considering your the future queen of our kingdom.”

“Well, there was a bit argument from the other nobles about us outsiders being given so much from what I heard that my father decided to take a less grand home just to appease them.” Majesty took a moment to stare at the photo of Amadeus Blueblood near her bed. “I don’t think it’s a big deal, having a big home and all.”

“Says the one who's going to be living in the palace one day.” Jade chuckled as she laid on the floor, writing her homework assignment. “I think I got this down too. But I know I’ll never catch up to you and Dia.”

Majesty sighed as she thought about her so-called “rival” at school. While Majesty was mostly at the top in everything, Dia Waterblaze was a close second who nearly spent every day glaring at the new alicorn student as if she was sizing her up for a fight. It had gotten noticed by everypony in the school and rumor had it everyone was waiting for a showdown to occur.

“Don’t sell yourself short. You’re pretty good at astrology and religious history. I’m not a fan of either of those.” Majesty then pointed to Forest. “And Forest here is better at P.E. then the rest of us.”

“You know it. I’m going to be a soccer star when I’m old enough,” Forest replied, showing off his muscles.

“That’s if you can convince Dad.” Jade spotted Majesty tilting her head at the comment and smirked. “Dad doesn’t approve of Forest trying out for sports instead of going into the family business. I, on the other hoof, don’t mind doing so.”

Forest snorted and crossed his hooves. “At least Mom supports me. She’s always been a softy for me.”

“Unless you do something so stupid it causes her to spank you with that wooden spoon of hers. I swear your butt should be red instead of green from all that hitting.” Jade laughed as she dodged a quick pillow thrown by her brother, but was knocked off her hooves when a second one smacked her in the face. She responded by throwing it back at him, but missed and hit Majesty instead. Pretty soon the three of them were all throwing pillows at each other with laughter abound until a knock on the door alerted them of a presence.

“Come in!” Majesty shouted as a Flutter Pony slave entered, head down low with a smile. She was of a mix of blue and orange coloring with her wings as sparkling as a midnight dew. She didn’t have a scratch on her and actually wore nicer clothes than most of the other slaves in the mansion.

Majesty put her pillow down to address the new comer. “Yes, Sansha?”

“Mistress, you have a visitor here to see you. He’s waiting in the front hall.”

“Oh, thank you, Sansha.” Majesty turned to her feather covered friends. “You want to come to see who it is?”

They nodded before following Majesty out of the room, Sasha bowing as they left, and towards the stairs leading to the great hall. Walking down, the group soon saw their visitors who made the twins gasp out loud while their eyes nearly popped out of their skulls. The tallest one was a handsome yellow coated unicorn with a brown mane and vigilant blue eyes that held a sense of superiority to anyone around him. It wasn’t hard considering he was dressed in an armor everyone in Unicornia knew by heart. It was black obsidian with a blue and silver swirling sphere that was shining in the center as a red cloak wrapped around his neck and rested on his back. Yet what stood out most were two greatswords in twin sheaths that had an unique symbol etched on them. It was a golden sword, pointing downwards with a pentagram in the middle behind the blade and eagle wings spread out from the hilt.

The symbol of the Royal Knights of Uniconia. Bodyguards and agents of the Royal Family. The best fighters in the entire nation that were chosen for their skill and valor. Yet only one of them wielded two greatswords in battle.

Sir. Morning Blade! Then that means the little one is... the twins both thought as they felt their jaws dropped.

His silver and purple outfit was the shiniest thing in the room to the point where the light was reflecting off of it. The symbol of Unicornia was patched in golden on his right side, along with the silver pentagram with a red flame in the center; the religious symbol of the Church of Silverflame. A small red scarf was wrapped around his neck with golden dusted edges, and his cuffs were made of jade with jewels attached. His hooves were protected by shiny black shoes and his lower body cloaked with a white cloth. Her silver mane covered half of his face, but what wasn’t covered showed a kind brown eye gazing at Majesty with joy as a smile stretched across his aqua colored coat. “Majesty!”

“Prince Silversteel!” the alicorn shouted as she rushed over and hugged the royal colt.

The two separated yet still held their hooves to each other as the prince smiled brightly. “I came to visit you. I heard you went to school recently, and I wanted to see how it was.”

“It’s amazing! They’re so many ponies our age!” Majesty could barely stay in place as she hopped a bit in excitement during her ramble. “The teachers are wise and powerful! The school’s design reminds me a bit of the palace and the Cathedral of Anointment! The food could be a bit better, but I was warned about that.”.

“I wish I went to school, but I’m stuck learning classes in my room,” Princes Silversteel groaned as he stuck out his tongue. He then noticed the two jaw-dropped twins staring at them. “Friends of yours?”

Majesty nodded before presenting the two who quickly bowed in respect. “These are my friends Jade and Forest Everbright.”

“Oh, they’re Lord Everbright’s children? I’ve met him a few times. He’s a good stallion.” Prince Silversteel walked forward and nodded at the two. “Hello, nice to meet you.”

“Y-y-your Majesty! It’s an honor to meet you!” Jade shouted, lowering her head more.

The Prince groaned and shook his head. “Oh, please rise. I get enough of that back home. You can treat me like any other pony since your friends with Majesty.”

“Oh, great. My back was starting to kill me,” Forest complained as he sat up, stretching his back. He then held out his hoof to which Prince Silversteel shook. “Nice to meet you, Silversteel. I’m Forest, I’m going to be the greatest soccer player in our Empire.”

“Forest! Could you at least address him as ‘prince’?!” Jade hissed before turning to her prince and nodding. “A-And I’m Jade, your Majesty.”

“Pleased to meet you, it’s nice to see Majesty having such good friends.” He then turned to Sir Morning Blade who walked up with a smile. “And this is Sir Morning Blade. He’s bodyguarding me today because before he heads out on another mission.” Silversteel sighed and rolled his eyes. “Mother insisted.”

“Are you heading back into Equestria?” Majesty asked, tilting her head. From what her father’s spies learned at the time, Sir Morning Blade was sent into Equestria to retrieve someone important to Unicornia, but she didn’t know who. Only that he was old and powerful.

“No, I’m heading over to our colony out in Colti. Another rebellion is happening so I’m going to be leading the charge to get rid of it,” Sir Morning Blade answered with a smirk. “I expect to be home in two months.”

“Will any of the other Royal Knights be joining you?” Forest asked with excitement.

“Sir Victus, Sir Ash Shield, and Dame Evening Fury are busy guarding the Royal Family while I’m gone. And Sir Shadow Strife is still on his super important mission that I can’t tell you or else I’d have to kill you.” Morning Blade grinned, showing his teeth as the twins shivered upon his scary glare.

“He’s kidding. Don’t listen to him.” Prince Silversteel punched the blushing body guard in the shoulder while roling his eyes. “He doesn’t know either. None of us known but my Father and our Warmaster. Although it has been years since we’ve seen Sir Strife. I barely remember him from my foal years.” He turned his attention to the other three and smiled. “So what were you doing before I interrupted?”

“We were just having a pillow fight after studying. Wanna join?” Majesty asked with a wink.

“And miss out the chance to beat the feathers out of your flank? Not in this lifetime! Let’s go!” The prince shouted as the four cheerfully headed back upward toward the stairs.

***

Morning Blade watched them leave with a smile, but when he turned to hang up his cloak on the coat rack, he froze upon seeing Nazo staring at him with his glowing purple eyes. Smiling, he looked at Morning Blade with a small nod. “It’s nice to see you again, Sir Morning Blade.”

“Nazo...” the knight slowly drew the blade on his right side just a little bit.

Nazo looked at the slowly drawn sword and snorted. “Still wishing you could slay me? You know that if you try, then her fate is sealed.”

Growling, the Royal Knight hung up his coat and turned to the grinning deer. “I wish I never found out you existed, monster.”

“Come now, you know that I searched for you instead.” Nazo continued to smile sinisterly as he slowly walked away. “It’s amazing how calm you can retain your emotions when moving around this place. Especially in front of young Silversteel. How would the young prince feel of your inner desires to kill everyone in this household?”

“If he understood what I learned, he would all but give me the gratification,” Morning Blade stomped forward and stared into the eyes of the seer. “The only reason I still continued to ‘work’ under your hooves is that the prince still likes Majesty. As long as no harm comes to him, then I shall... live with this alliance.”

“I believe the word is... obey,” Nazo slowly lifted his hoof to raise the knight’s chin. “You were ordered to search anything about us by the Queen to see if she could break up this little arrangement her husband made regarding the children. Of course, you found out a lot of things you weren’t supposed to, but only because Amadeus and I wanted you to. After all, didn’t always coming here help you find the so-called love of your life?”

“Damn you for finding out with those eyes. And damn Cern as well,” Morning Blade cursed. It had been those damn visions that lead him into the trap he found himself in that now threatened his loyalties. “Wanting to become a queen is one thing, but to go to war against Equestria and later the whole world? That’s madness. Unicornia won’t be able to do it, even if they have an alicorn queen!”

“She won’t be an alicorn queen. She will be an alicorn goddess,” Nazo answered as he walked away.

Morning Blade shook his head in disgust. “You’re insane.”

“That’s what all the other deer called me, but I find myself not caring anymore,” Nazo stopped before glancing back at the furious knight. “Don’t worry. We won’t do anything to the prince. It’s not us who you should be worried about, but those around him back home.”

This made the unicorn knight freeze up. “What do you mean?!”

“You will find out, in due time,” was all the reply he got before Nazo disappeared into another hall.

Morning Blade was about to chase after him when a soft and yet angelic voice called out to him, “Morning?” He turned around and saw Sansha looking at him with happiness in her eyes and uncertainty in her voice. She looked around but saw nopony around. “Who were you talking to?”

“N-nobody, Sansha,” he whispered as he gazed upon her. Just like the first time he gazed upon her, he found himself barely breathing as his eye worshiped her beauty. There were often stories of how knights fell under the power of love from bewitching ladies. Stories he pushed aside as fiction. That was until he met Sansha during his search for evidence of treason against the Bluebloods. He didn’t know if it was some kind of spell or just her natural beauty, but he had fallen for her all the same leading to his current torn fate. His prince or his love? “I... I was just... thinking about things...”

“Are you... free?” she nervously asked. “I... I have a room I have to clean... but it doesn’t need to be done so soon.”

“... I believe the prince will be... busy for at least an hour...” he muttered as he moved in closer, their heads nuzzling slowly before walking together side by side. He cursed Nazo and the entire Blueblood family. But more importantly, he cursed himself for falling in love.

No, don’t think about that for now. Just spend time with her, he thought as she opened a door to an abandoned room. A quick soundless barrier from his horn was cast before he was all over her and his armor lay on the floor, forgotten.

***

“How long will Sir. Morning Blade be under our control?” Augustus Blueblood looked outside this window in the office that had once been his brother’s while watching. The children were playing outside in a two on two soccer match between the boys and girls with the former winning. His heart weighted heavily to see his niece so happy while ignorant to the fact that he was planning her fate from behind her back. In front of his desk was Nazo, chewing on an apple he levitated lazily into his mouth.

Swallowing, the deer closed his eyes and smirked. “For a few years, long enough so he doesn’t betray us. By the time he’ll make any choice to do so, he’ll be unable to do any serious damage. Just as long as that slave is treated well while also reminding both of them that exposure would be a worse fate than death.”

“How is it that you knew the two would fall in love?” Augustus rubbed his head in confusion. “I understand you saw it, but how did you actually do it?”

“I can see the various paths that one's destiny has instore for them depending on circumstances. I just use that to help us move the right pieces in place to cause the scenario that I want,” Nazo answered, tossing the half-eaten apple away. “My kind are fools. We could have used this power to guide the world in a better direction yet we waste our time in the forest meditating and only interacting when we need to. Hogwash.” Nazo walked forward to where a giant map of the world lay before him. “We could have warned the world about Discord. The Centaur invasions. Seremora’s madness and the deaths of the entire Wolf race. The various disasters, plagues, earthquakes, and slaughters. We could have prevented the death of Princess Twilight Sparkle...”

“You realize you are saying such a thing to one who benefited from her death,” Augustus warned, but Nazo only chuckled.

“Oh, I know. But whatever your desires to rid of me Augustus, know that you need me more to see your precious family rule Equestria and Unicornia.” He turned around and gave a wink. “In fact, it's in my best interests as well.”

Closing his eyes, Augustus took a deep breath and pushed his thoughts away. “Let’s move on to our real problem at the moment. The push to institute the Citizen Armed Forces Draft is currently about to head to the Nobleterium for a final vote in three weeks. If that draft gets pushed, and his Majesty approves it, then everypony who turns eighteen will be forced to go through two years of military training, including the nobility.” He leaned forward, his hooves touching each other as he concentrated on the papers in front of him. “The Military aligned nobles might be pushing for this to add increased troops to their regiments, but we all know that this is just another attempt to stop Majesty from being married to the Prince come her eighteenth year.”

“And this is a problem, how? I thought the law wouldn’t allow the drafties to head into battle unless Unicornia was at war?”

Augustus leaned back in his chair and picked up a few papers, reading the details of the bill that was in front of him. “Because while you are in the service you are denied taking any other vows besides military ones. No marriage, religious, or organizational vows can be taken until the two years are up.” Nazo’s eyes narrowed. “Now you understand? They claim that this is needed to keep the soldiers focused on their duty and training, but we all know this is a delaying tactic to prevent certain marriages from going forward. Marriages make the alliances here a solid foundation of success in Unicornia, and which marriage has everypony been talking about since we arrived here?”

“Majesty and Prince Silversteel.”

“Exactly,” Augustus threw the papers down in disgust. “I don’t know if this was specifically targeted against Majesty or not, but either way this has me, and a few others, up in arms. Marriage agreements can be changed in two years. Accidents can happen. We could even go to war and my niece would have to fight in such a thing. She’s strong, but she knows nothing of combat yet. So if she’s even sent to a death zone for ‘survival training’ there is a chance she can end up coming home in a box. All it would take is the right bribe, threat, or persuasion to do it.”

“And your military connections can’t solve this?” Nazo asked, closing his eyes.

“We’re not the only ones with military connections, besides the most vocal of this change is the one who made it: Winter Waterblaze. That damned fool has been one of the biggest thorns in my side. I’ve tried to get something to use against him, but I have found nothing. He even has the support of the Queen which doesn’t fond well for us politically.”

Nazo chucked. “Yes, she does seem to hate the idea of her little baby boy marrying an outsider, regardless of how pure your bloodline is or the fact that she would get alicorn blood into her family.” He opened his eyes and smiled. “Fortunately, there is a way to prevent this law from coming to pass as well as rid yourself of a powerful enemy.”

Seeing Augustus raise an eyebrow he, continued, “Just trust your niece. I’m afraid she’s about to be dragged into this battle without knowing it. If she plays her cards right, she’ll solve your little problem.”

With that said, Nazo left without a word while Augustus turned around to stare at the little alicorn, wondering what was in store for her in the days to come.

Blackmail

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Majesty Blueblood was not having a good week, and she was making sure everypony knew. The furious look on her eyes as she stomped across the hall making everypony, even the seniors, step away with caution. Majesty never thought she would hate somepony else besides Princess Luna, but Dia Waterblaze was getting closer to that point. She had known that the girl was going to be trouble, but she didn’t think she would be this much trouble.

Storming into her next class, she walked over to her friends who turned around to greet her at their desks only to shut their mouths. “Woah, what made you this pissed off?” Forest asked as Majesty sat on her chair. The alicorn sighed before opening her math books. Looking at them, the twins were stunned to find every single page was written with mean words such as “Leave Outsider” or “Slut” or “Just Die”. Some even had crude drawings of what appear to be Majesty getting pooped on by a dragon or having warts on her face.

Sighing, Jade picked up one of the books and shook her head. “She really has it in for you, huh? How does she keep breaking into your locker?”

“I don’t know, I’m starting to think I should ward it with magic,” Majesty grumbled, putting her books away. “It’s bad enough she filled my locker with mice, then stole my gym clothes, and stuck glue on the bathroom seat I was going to use. But to mess with my homework and books too? Argh!”

The door opened and the three spotted Dia Waterblaze and her posse entering the room. Dia smirked at Majesty before giving an obvious faked look of worry. “Majesty, I saw you stomping around like a rhino. Is everything alright?” Majesty, to her credit, didn’t say anything and just turned away. “Well, I hate to see your day ruined. It must have been pretty bad to make you have a temper tantrum like a baby.”

Her friends chuckled before they left them alone, but Majesty gritted her teeth as their laughter echoed in her ears. Snapping her pencil with her magic, she was about to turn away when Jade forced her to turn around and shook her head. “Not now, later.”

Before Majesty could say something, the teacher arrived and class began. She ignored the teacher, and instead berated herself for doing what Dia had, indeed, pointed out. Her behavior was not that of a proper Blueblood. When you show your emotions on your sleeve, you lose the battle, she thought to herself, quoting her father. I don’t know why Dia is even doing this to me. Besides our families not liking each other. Unless that is the reason.

Remembering what the twins said on their first day, various groups and individuals were representing their families and their interests. One friend today could be an enemy tomorrow. She couldn’t afford to show weakness to her peers, especially due to the fact they would one day be her subjects. Majesty knew she had to strike back, and fast. If Dia is devoted to making me an enemy then I guess I’ll have to respond in kind.

***

“You have to do something to silence her big time,” Forest said, leaning on the bared fence that surrounded one of the roofs of the school. It was a favorite hangout place for the group for when they needed to discuss something important. “Dia’s already struck first, and she’s managed to make a fool out of you a few times already. You need to hit her back with something huge.”

“Like what? What do you know about her?” Majesty asked, rubbing her chin. “All I know is that her father is always arguing against my uncle in court. They’re business is mostly in the weapons department for the military with a side business in wine making. Plus her mother is a very popular social figure.”

“Dia’s always been a smart and popular filly, even before you came here. She’s always doing her best to look good in front of the students and the teachers,” Jade replied. “But our father says that the more perfect a pony acts, the more they have to hide. Question is what?”

The bell rung across the school which meant it was time to head home. Since Forest had soccer practice, and Jade promised to help a teacher with her papers, Majesty was forced to say goodbye to her friends before making her way downstairs. She arrived at the front of the gate where, much to her unsurprise, was Dia Waterblazer waiting for her with a smirk. Majesty tried to ignore her as she stood on the curb.

“Where are your friends? Ditched you?” Dia asked, combing her mane with her magic.

“They’re busy,” Majesty answered, glowering at Dia. “Look, I’m warning you. Stop messing with me.”

“I don’t know what your tal-”

“Don’t lie to me!” Majesty growled as she turned to Dia who looked at her with dull eyes. “I know our families hate each other, but that doesn’t mean we can extend that to school. I’m giving you one last chance to end this or I will destroy you.”

Snorting, Dia looked down at Majesty and huffed. “You think I’m doing this because of my parents? Get real. I could care less about that. My only interest is giving you a clear message of reality.”

“And that message is?”

Leaning closer, Dia snarled and nearly spat on Majesty. “That despite your alicorn looks, talent in magic, and being related to those pretenders in Equestria? You. Are. Nothing.” She stood up straight, glaring at Majesty as if she was a bug to squish. “You think that just because you have some fancy wings you’re one of us? You’re nothing but Equestrian trash. You’re blood is of traitors who dare sully themselves with pegasi and earth ponies as if they were equals. Your family is nothing but a wounded bird fleeing from its nest because they bit off more than they could chew. And whoring yourself out to our beloved prince? You’d find more dignity from a prostitute in the red lantern district.”

A purple automobile arrived that Dia Waterblaze entered before staring out the window. “I’m a real Unicornian, Majesty Blueblood. All you’ll be is a hash up wanna be.”

Majesty’s horn lit as her teeth began to grit together so hard they threatened to crack. Before she could blast Dia’s face off, a honk from a familiar car alerted her to Copper Penny’s presence. Cursing her bad luck, Majesty turned to Waterblaze and replied, “The only thing that will be nothing is you when I’m done with you.”

“I look forward to it,” Dia replied before motioning to her drive to head out.

Majesty watched as the automobile left before hurrying to enter her own. Copper Penny, spotting the look of frustration on his young mistress’ face, asked, “Is everything okay, Mistress Majesty?”

Leaning back on her seat, Majesty folded her hooves and sighed. “I’m dealing with a personal... annoyance in the form of one stuck up filly.”

“Oh, dear. A bully?” Copper Penny asked, driving on the road. “Well, Mistress, just ignore them. Once they see they cannot hurt you they will leave you alone. Getting even isn’t something you should be considering.

Majesty sighed and closed her eyes. Sorry, Copper Penny. But I’m afraid that I cannot do that.

***

Majesty thought long and hard over the weekend on what she was going to do to get back at Dia Waterblaze, but nothing solid came to her mind. Kicking her legs in the air, she sighed as she tossed aside another crumpled up idea she came up with and tossed it towards the already full wastebasket. “Darn it, who would have thought that coming up with revenge was so hard!”

Getting up, she made her way to the door to get a snack when a knock from her bedroom door alerted her of a visitor. “Come in,” she replied, smiling when she saw her mentor, Nazo, arrive. “Oh, Nazo. Thank goodness, maybe you can help me out.”

“Oh, problems at school? I’m afraid my powers aren’t for cheating on your homework,” Nazo teased with a smirk.

“I don’t need your help with that. I’m trying to get revenge on this bully of mine who won’t stop bothering me!” Majesty explained, huffing. “I need to get her good. Either by doing or finding something that will make her stop and leave me alone.”

“Well, do you know anything about her?” Nazo asked. Majesty bit her lip which already gave away her answer. Chuckling, Nazo shook his head. “Are you forgetting your lessons already? What is the most important thing in the world of politics and war?”

“Information,” Majesty answered immediately. “Without knowing who or what or why, you are blind in the field and cannot manipulate things to your control.”

“If you have little information of your enemy, what is it that you should do?”

“Well, that would be find out more about them.”

“Exactly,” Nazo nodded his head, “you must observe them. Watch them from the shadows. Sooner or later, they will do something, say something, or behave in some way that will be enough for you to expose and exploit to your advantage. I suggest you do this for the next few days at school.”

Majesty rubbed her chin before nodding in agreement. “Understood, but is she really an enemy? I mean, we’re just students and fillies. I thought this was supposed to be for when I was older?”

Nazo slightly lifted her head and forced her to look into his glowing eyes. “My dear Majesty. You must always remember that anyone who is not with you is against you. And even if they are with you they might turn against you. Never trust anyone from your family to your children because you never know who might be a friend and who might be an enemy.”

Gulping, Majesty thought of her twin friends, her uncle and and Copper Penny. They were all important to her, but were they also possible enemies should things arise differently? “Nazo, does that mean you could be an enemy someday?”

The deer only smirked before leaving the room, allowing Majesty to stare at his retreating figure in isolated thoughts.

***

When school came around on Monday, Majesty went to work on finding out more about Dia, even enlisting her friends to help out since each of them had at least one class with her. They made sure to not make it look like they were stalking her, but more the once she looked at the three with confused eyes when she noticed them staring at her. Usually, that was followed with a mean comment or a glare.

Of course this started a rumor that Forest was crushing on Dia which made him nearly throw up his lunch upon hearing it.

The days passed, and after four days of watching, the group gathered to discuss what they had learned so far on the rooftop. “Jack nothing!” Forest cried out, crossing his forelegs in frustration. “I swear, she’s as perfect as a living saint. She comes to school, chats with her friends, answers questions, goes to her clubs, and just eats. Every. Single. Day.”

“I know, it’s like she’s some kind of robot or something,” Jade sighed, looked over her notes. “The only weird things about her is the fact that she’s always late for her next class after gym, and that she never lets anypony go to her home. None of her friends, if you can call them that, go with her outside of school. They just agree to whatever she says, carry her stuff, and eat with her. I’m surprised their noses aren’t brown from all the flank kissing they do.”

“Well, maybe tomorrow we should check to see what she does outside of school? I doubt we can follow her home, but she must do some extra activities besides volleyball and her clubs,” Majesty pondered. “Maybe I can convince Copper Penny to drive us around?”

“Too risky,” Jade said, shaking her head. “Everypony pretty much knows everypony’s automobile at this point. We should use a cab.”

“We can decide tomorrow, because I want to go home now. The Shade is on the radio tonight and I want to hear him escape from Genghis Griff’s trap,” Forest said, jumping to his hooves.

The three made their way down the stairs when Majesty stopped and smacked her head. “Ah, wait. I forgot my gym clothes in my locker. I’ll catch up with you in a few minutes.”

Thankfully, the gym was right under them so it was a simple manner of just walking down stairs and heading towards the locker room. Just as she was about to unlock her locker, she heard the door open and paused. Curious, she turned around the corner and spotted Dia Waterblaze, sweating in her volleyball outfit, walking to her locker while drinking a bottle of water. I guess practice ended early, Majesty thought, narrowing her eyes at her rival.

Dia didn’t seem to notice that she wasn’t alone and so she began to undress without a care in the world. That’s when Majesty saw them. Her eyes widened and it took every bit of her to not gasp out loud in surprise. She even covered her mouth to hold back from saying anything. When Dia was done undressing, and back in her school uniform, she left without noticing the pair of wide eyes that had been focused on her.

Once she was sure that Dia was gone, Majesty rushed out of the gym without a care about her clothes. It didn’t take her long to find her friends waiting for her at the front entrance where she stopped to gasp for breath.

“Woah, where’s the fire?” Forest asked before letting out a yelp as Majesty grabbed him by the shoulders. “W-What the?!”

“Do you still have that camera your dad gave you?!”

***

Dia Waterblaze was starting to get a bit disappointed in the lack of response from that nopony alicorn. Ever since she started, with some encouragement from her father, to mess up Majesty’s day for the past week and a half, the little upstart hadn’t done anything to try and get back at her. Well, save for that little outburst last week, but she put her in place with the honest truth. Even if she was an alicorn she was just an outsider who wasn’t even born in Unicornia. She was no different then the traitor, mud buckers, or air flanks that lived in that disgusting nation. It was kinda becoming disappointing to see her fail to react back, but perhaps for all her wings and prestige, Majesty Blueblood was just a dog with no bite.

However, when she came back to school after the weekend, Dia was surprised to find Majesty smiling at her as if there was no bad blood between them. Why is she suddenly looking at me as if we’re the best of friends?

Her loser friends came in with smiles as well; Forest grinning like he won the lottery. There was also the look in their eyes. Before today, there was anger, frustration, and some cautiousness. Now, they just seemed to be looking at her as if she was some kind of clown. There was laughter in those eyes, even if none of it came out of their mouths, and it made her concerned. What could they be finding funny?

It was the same thing at every class, in every hall, and even during lunch. They just stared at Dia like they knew something about her that was hysterical in their minds yet they didn’t act on it. Her friends, in reality just yes-mares, wondered what was wrong all day, but she smiled and said nothing. Deep inside, however, Dia was getting concerned. What are they planning? Or worse, what did they find out?

She wasn’t stupid. She made sure to take every precaution to avoid whatever scandal that could damage her. When Dia was in the public eye, she always made sure to look perfect. In private, she always made sure that nopony could see her act any different. If I let my guard down for one second...

It felt like an axe was about to drop on her head, and before she knew it the blade struck during gym class. It had been her favorite class, the only one she actually enjoyed, when it happened. She opened her locker to get out her gym clothes while waiting for everypony to leave so she could change in secret as always. That was when she noticed an envelope inside. Rolling her eyes at another possible confession from one of the boys in their grade, she opened it up. Suddenly, like a winter storm bursting in, she froze upon seeing what it was.

A photo.

A photo of her, right in front of this very locker, and her underwear.

Her favorite Zippy and the Fun Dance Crew Underwear.

The very same kind Dia Waterblaze wore everyday in secret out of fear of being ridiculed.

If she was three, four, or even five years old she wouldn’t care, but Dia was ten, going on eleven. Zippy and the Fun Dance Crew was a toy and book line only babies paid any attention too, but she couldn’t help it. She loved Zippy in his flying blimp, solving problems with Henry Hippo, Gary Giraffe, and Sally Seagall. Yes, they were questions a seven year old could solve in a heartbeat. Yes, they were not made for her age. Yes, she threatened to have the changeling slaves sent to the camps if they told anypony, even her parents, she was a huge super fan with clothing, stuffed animals, and posters of her childhood friends. The only childhood friends she ever had due to her parents always working.

If she was a toddler, this would be fine. But this was Raveneye’s Noble Academy for Young Education. This was where you started growing up and earning connections, power, and prestige. If any of the students, even the teachers, knew of this and the rumors spread that she, Dia Waterblaze, was wearing toddler themed underwear she would be crucified and embarrassed to the point of being forced to leave the school in shame just to save face.

“Dia, what’s wrong?” one of her friends asked, forcing her to slam her locker in fear. “Um, you okay?”

“Yes! Fine! I... I just need some air!” she shouted, blushing as she raced out of the room. Everypony watched in confusion and started whispering to one another. Except for a certain alicorn who was just smirking.

***

The moment she was up on the roof, Dia began to tear up the photo and used a small ember spell to burn the remains. She even blew the ashes into the wind so that nopony could see a trace of them. Sighing in relief, she sat down before realizing that if somepony took a photo of her, changing, then they knew her secret. They also had to have copies, unless they were really stupid.

“But who could have...” Then it dawned on her. It was like a viper strike to the heart as she realized who it was. “Oh no.”

“Oh, yes.”

Sweat began to drip down her face as she slowly turned around to see a grinning Majesty Blueblood not to far from where she was. Gulping, she watched as the alicorn slowly clopped forward as if she was suddenly crowned queen of the world. “Nice photo, am I right? The lighting could be a bit better, but I’m pretty sure everypony can see those nice little undies you have on your flank. And your pretty little face too.”

“Th-this is illegal!” Dia shouted, standing up. “I-I-I’ll tell the Headmistress! You'll be expelled!”

“You have no proof, and if you do tell anypony? Over two hundred copies will be sent across the school with everypony knowing that you’re just a big baby in your heart. Your reputation will be ruined for years and you’ll no longer be number one in our grade. I can also imagine your parents will be embarrassed to find out that their daughter is still acting like a spoiled toddler who can’t grow up. My uncle will certainly make use of that.”

Muttering every curse she knew, Dia tried to think of a way out of this, but came up short. Sighing in defeat, she lowered her head. “What... what do you want?”

Majesty’s smile immediately changed to a glare that could cut steel. “You’re going to be nice to me. In fact, we’ll be good friends to the point where you’ll never refuse me, mock me, or hurt me again. This also goes with my friends too.” Dia gulped and nodded. “You can be the number two of this class, but I am number one. I am the future Queen of Unicornia. You will remember that.. nopony.”

Wincing, DIa nodded while feeling as if she had her entire body drenched in slime. “Y-yes... Majesty.”

“That’s your Majesty,” the alicorn sharply replied before smiling. “Now, shall we go to class? New friend?”

“Yes... your Majesty,” Dia answered as she slowly followed her new best friend.

Visiting the Palace

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It didn't take long for the entire school to know that there was a change of power in their establishment. In fact, it only took about the first period one day to see it first hoof. Everypony from the students to the teachers knew about the struggle between Majesty Blueblood and Dia Waterblaze. Both came from some of the most powerful families in the nobility and represented different aspects of it.

Majesty and her family were new, fresh, but had arrived with a bang. Already changes to their laws, society, and even views of the world were affecting them. Majesty's father, despite being long dead, was still talked about for his brilliant political maneuvering, especially since his daughter was the future queen of their nation. Any head of the family would kill half their bloodline just to get one child of theirs in such a position. Combined with the fact that she was an alicorn, with the talent to back it up, and you had someone who could only rise higher on the food chain.

Meanwhile, Dia Waterblaze was old blood. She and her family had a legacy in Unicornia, one that was respected and feared. Her father wasn't just popular in the military, he was famous in politics due to his conservative and traditionalist mindset. Despite the growing popularity of the changes the Bluebloods had delivered, there was still an active group that saw them as disruptors and outsiders. Combined with his wife's ability to know the dirt on practically everypony through suspicious means, and you had a sturdy iron and gloved hoof combo. Traits that Dia had grown to adapt to her own lifestyle as well.

Everypony was curious as to how it was going to end, and who was going to be the victor. Theories ranged from a dramatic magical duel to actual assassination. Yet nopony accounted for Majesty Blueblood, smiling as bright as the sun, to walk over to a silent Dia Waterblaze and greeted her with a simple "Good Morning."

Equally as shocking was the fact that Dia Waterblaze responded with a submissive and polite gesture. "Good Morning... Your Majesty."

That was when everypony knew that Majesty had won.

For a full week, everypony asked themselves "How?" and "Why?", but these were quickly replaced with new thoughts: "How do I earn Majesty's favor?"

***

Majesty had to admit, she was starting to get tired of being famous. Ever since she made Dia Waterblaze her bitch, as Forest called her, the former bully kept her word and been civil to Majesty and her friends. In return, Majesty destroyed most of the photos but kept a few just in case while also giving some to the twins. The aftermath had caused her to erupt into the most talked-about pony in the entire school. Suddenly, everypony was talking to her, asking her opinion on things like dresses, books, and social events or trying to invite her to dances, playdates, birthdays and more. They were even crowding her in the bathrooms of all places.

"Sorry, girls, but I promised Prince Silversteel I'd go see him at the palace after school," Majesty said with her best smile to a group of nine fillies.

"Wow! The Palace?! Can we come! Please!" one of them begged with the others following her.

"Sorry, but I can't bring just anypony along. Maybe another time," Majesty replied, waving to the girls as they bid her farewell. When she was sure they were out of sight, she let out a groan and banged her head against her locker.

"Had to deal with another mob?" Jade asked, walking up to Majesty with her brother behind her.

"I swear if I get another pony asking me to attend another event, I'm going to go live like a hermit in the mountains," Majesty grumbled as she closed her locker. "I even had one ask me if I wanted to attend their grandmother's funeral. Why the hay would anyone consider that to be an event to invite a total stranger to?"

"Well, you're hot stuff at the moment. Everypony wants to be your friend," Jade explained as they made their way towards the exit hall. "Ever since you made it clear that you made Dia submit, they see you as the next big rising power. That with your status as the future queen? I'm surprised you haven't gotten offers to be somepony's girlfriend."

"I have," Majesty groaned, "even though I am technically engaged, I've been getting colts and fillies saying they aren't afraid of being my secret lover when I require one."

"Man, I'm jealous," Forest chuckled as he began to grin. "Because there are some fine fillies in our class I wouldn't mind going out with."

"You better not," Jade warned, glaring at her twin. "Mom's still working on getting us arranged for marriage, so if you start going out with somepony she doesn't approve of, she's going to tan your hide."

Forest rolled his eyes. "Doesn't it bother you two that our parents are deciding who we're going to marry? I mean, what if you don't like your future partner and you end up having problems with them?"

Majesty thought to all the times she and Prince Silversteel had played together, and she couldn't find a moment where the two of them fought. Sure, they disagreed at times, but they rarely ever had an actual argument. He always listened to her, and she often heard him talk about the difficulties of being a prince. Especially in regards to his cousins, who were some of the worst ponies that Majesty met, and it was clear they were envious of Silversteel being the future king. Even in a royal family, there were ambitions. Silversteel always came to her birthday, and she went to his. His gifts were often self-made, believing they needed to be true in sweat and work to mean something. Her cheeks turned a bit red upon remembering his last gift, a mosaic made out of jewels that had both of them side by side.

"Is somebody thinking about her Prince Charming?" Forest teased making Majesty glare at him. "I guess some of us are happy with our parents’ choosing."

"I-I just thought it wouldn't be so bad," Majesty argued.

"Of what? Having your lips locked together with a wedding organ playing?" Forest laughed, which earned him a book to the face much to Jade's amusement.

"Ugh, and here I was thinking of inviting you with me to the palace," Majesty huffed but quickly smirked when she saw both her friends stared at her with wide eyes. "Oh, did I forget to mention that Silversteel invited me to play at his place and he offered the same invitation to you two?"

***

The Rainbow Palace lived up to its name as not only was it the most significant and tallest structure in the city, but it was also made with every jewel known in the world. Even several not found in Unicornia. It was named after the rainbow that appeared before the unicorn settlers upon arriving at their new home. To the settlers, it was a sign that Faust had guided them to safety and had sided with them in their choice to leave behind the traitors and other inferior ponies. It could house over a thousand residents alone, not including the thirty thousand soldiers protecting it, with hundreds of slaves serving every need. Even being a slave at the Palace gave you protection and prestige.

It had been rebuilt and modified over the years as the nation grew, most notably after the brief but near-disastrous Bloodline Civil War, to keep its appearance as the pride of the country. It was here that the Imperial Family ruled and their word was law. They were the chosen bloodline of Faust, and they were the closest thing to a god the unicorns had that was among them.

Having been here many times, it was like walking in the park for Majesty. Yet for Forest and Jade, they looked ready to have their jaws fall off upon arriving at the entrance. Chuckling, Copper Penny, who had decided to accompany them, whispered, "If you keep your mouth open like that you'll catch flies." This quickly caused the twins to shut their mouths.

Saluted by the royal guards, they made their way into the main hall where dozens upon dozens of individuals were at work. Many of the flutter pony slaves, with the occasional zebra or non-unicorn pony as a result of the new slave laws, were cleaning everything in the hall from the ceiling to the priceless statues. Scrips and messengers ran or teleported from one location to the next with files and papers be signed or delivered. Guards stood at their ever vigil watch for any danger. A few of them were even eyeing Forest and Jade as they walked by, but upon seeing Majesty and Copper Penny with them, they eased their intensity.

"Wow, you could fit our entire grade in this hallway alone," Forest muttered, stretching his neck in every direction he could.

"And you come here all the time?" Jade asked Majesty in awe.

"W-well, I am going to be living here eventually," the alicorn responded, blushing. "It kinda wears off you in the first dozen or so times you come here."

"And it certainly wears off when you spend most of your life here," a familiar voice replied as the group looked ahead to see Prince Silversteel walking towards them with a wide smile. Behind him were two ponies that neither Forest or Jade knew, but their armor spoke for them.

Just like Sir Morning Blade, they too were dressed in the iconic black obsidian, and bluish silver swirled armor of the Royal Knights of Unicornia; their red cloaks blowing behind them. The first was male with a red-furred coat yet only had the barest of a mane on his shaved head. The only indication he wasn't completely bald was the small grey strands of hair that inched a bit above his cranium. Behind his back was a spear of equally black color designed with runes on them, but had a green colored bladed blade that was rumored be orichalcum; the most deadly metal in the world. Not even an alicorn or dragon could protect themselves against it.

His left patched eye and his right cold glaring one was enough proof to indicate that this was Sir Victus, the Spear of Altomare. The stallion that killed over a hundred officers during a brief war with the Minotaur Islands. They hadn't taken well to the fact that they had managed to steal a valuable cart of their valuable metals and sent a small armada to attack the port city of Altomare to get it back. Sir Victus not only lead the defense, but slaughtered anyone in his way, including the admiral in charge of the invasion which forced the minotaurs to retreat in defeat. For his valor and reward, Sir Victus was given an orichalcum bladed spear.

The one on the left was already known simply because of her gender. Dame Evening Fury was the only female of the Royal Knights, but also the only one to use a ranged weapon instead of a close-ranged one. While some might fight that dishonorable, others would say it was a more practical choice as she was once part of the Ranger Core before her promotion. Her midnight sky like hair was tied in a bun while her dark purple like coat shone like the jewels around them. Unlike her comrades, she had a vibrant smile with her as she walked, along with a pleasant smile upon seeing Jade's grinning look at her. After all, Dame Evening Fury was the icon of many mares who wished to be powerful like her. At first, it didn't seem like she had any weapons on her, but upon noticing the strange blue jeweled wrist guards, she had on her front hooves the twins knew she was armed as well.

"Well, it looks like our future queen has made some new friends," Dame Evening Fury said with a smile as the twins bowed to her. "What are your names?"

"I-I-I-I am Jade Everbright. This is my brother, Forest."

"...hi..."

"Well, it's nice to meet you both, right, Victus?" Evening Fury asked. Victus just looked at the two before huffing. "Oh, don't mind him. He's a stick in the mud."

"I take it they got bodyguarding duty today?" Majesty asked as she, the prince, and her friends walked down to the hall with the adults behind them.

"Yeah, Sir Morning Glory isn't back from his mission yet. Sir Ash Shield is guarding my father in his office. I think your uncle is there with him," Prince Silversteel said.

"Really? Uncle August didn't tell me he would be visiting the palace today," Majesty said with surprise.

"Well, let's go see him."

***

They didn't even need to get inside to hear the yelling. Majesty had listened to her uncle get angry before, but he seemed really upset this time. She couldn't tell who it was that he was arguing with behind the platinum doors, but it seemed to be somepony her uncle really hated. The group stood in awkward silence as the yelling finally seemed to calm down, and ended when her Uncle August burst out of the room with a growl. He paused upon noticing his niece and the rest of the group before bowing to Prince Silversteel. "Your Majesty, I apologize for you overhearing that."

"Is everything okay, Uncle August?" Majesty asked as she walked over to him and placed a comforting wing at his side.

"Yeah, you sounded like a volcano going off," Forest pointed out.

"You do remember the Doctor said to watch your blood pressure, sir?" Copper Penny asked, walking forward with a small bottle of water he had in his pocket.

August Blueblood nodded in thanks and drank it in earnest. "Nothing to worry about children. I was just--"

"Forced to admit that I was right?" a new voice replied, appearing before the group from the room behind them. The newcomer was a unicorn with a snow-white mane and purple coat that reminded Majesty of a particular new "best friend" that she had back in school. His eyes show a hint of arrogance behind his cold facade and his uniform was that of the military added on with multiple metals. His cutie mark showed a frozen shield surrounded by ice-blue fire, indicating not only his talent in warfare but ice-related spells as well. He held an air of superiority around him, not to mention he seemed very pleased with how angry August was glaring at him. "You did put up a good fight, August, but I'm afraid that the king will see to it that Citizen Armed Forces Draft is signed first thing next week."

"I don't know how you convinced Lord Glitterburn and Lady Eclipse to agree to sign on with you, General Waterblaze," August growled, "but I still have time to convince His Majesty that signing it is a bad idea."

"Good luck doing that in a week," General Waterblaze responded before moving to leave before he eyed Majesty who was doing her best to hide behind her uncle. "You must be Majesty Blueblood, the prince's future wife."

"I am..." Majesty said doing her best to stay calm. Has Dia told him anything about our... arrangement.

"I hear you, and my daughter have become... friends as of late," he muttered, scoffing. "I suppose she has something to qualify for if she can make allies with you. Even if your uncle and I cannot." He then smiled. "Still, I suppose I'll see you in the military soon once the draft kicks in. I hope you're good in combat skills as are your academic ones."

"What are you talking about, General?" Prince Silversteel asked, stepping forward. "Majesty has no intention of joining the military, do you?"

Majesty shook her head.

"Well, I'm sad to say, but she and many others will be forced to take part. You see, my associate and I of the Nobleterium has succeeded to pass a vote that will anypony who turns eighteen to be joining the military for two years. Due to the current hostilities between us, Equestrians, Minotaurs, and the Kitsunes, the king has agreed to sign in in one week after he returns from his trade negotiations with our cities in the far east."

"What! We're going to have to join the stupid army?!" Forest shouted, growling. "This sucks! What right do we have to be forced to join something we don't?!"

"The right for our country to continue flourishing. Make no mistake, war will come one day, and we need to be prepared," General Waterblaze said before sighing. "Although, I do regret your wedding day will have to be postponed for two years, Prince Silversteel."

"What?" Silversteel and Majesty both said with wide eyes.

"Oh yes, because while you are in the service, you are denied taking any other vows besides military ones. Including those of marriage," General Waterblaze answered. "Your father did take it into consideration, but the queen was able to convince him it was a necessary sacrifice."

Majesty narrowed her eyes. She saw what this was in an instant. They're trying to delay me from becoming queen!

"This isn't over," August muttered, turning away and walking down the hall.

"Oh, I'm afraid it is," General Waterblaze chuckled before walking down the other way.

When the group was alone again, Dame Evening Fury sighed, "I really hate politics. Being a Ranger and a Royal Guard is easier. You’re just told who to protect or kill and get the job done. Right, Victus?"

"Hmph," Victus answered, nodding his head.

"Well, let's just forget what happened," Prince Silverblaze stated, trying to get everypony back on track. "Why don't we relax at the pool and think about this later."

"Yeah, I think I need to clean off the smugness from Dia's father," Jade muttered, following the prince.

"Seriously, now I know where she gets it from," Forest seconded.

Majesty just stared at the retreating General Waterblaze and narrowed her eyes before following her friends.

Scandal

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Most children would cry and whine to their parents or guardians about how unfair something was when it got in the way of their personal happiness. Majesty Blueblood, however, refused to be such a child even if she wanted to throw her stuff out the window in a fit of anger. Whatever enjoyment she would have generally had with Prince Silversteel and her friends, on what should have been a great day, had been turned to manure thanks to General Waterblaze. Majesty immediately went to her uncle about this law and found out that he had been fighting it for less than half a year. She wasn’t stupid. She knew this was about her and Prince Silversteel and not about the military. Yet, even with all her family’s influence, there were still some who were either reluctant to agree with them on the issue, or were entirely in Waterblaze’s pocket. This didn’t even account to the enemies they had made during their time here.

Majesty had been angry that her uncle kept such things from her, but his excuse made her anger diminish it a bit. He wanted her to at least live the life of a filly a bit longer before going into the battlefield that was politics. While she could appreciate the sentiment, Majesty couldn’t afford to delay her entry in it any longer. She was the future Queen of Unicornia and Equestria. She needed to prepare for her destiny.

The problem was how to deal with this first hurtle down the road. Dealing with Dia was nothing compared to having to deal with the patriarch of the family. The more she looked up General Waterblaze, the more she began to realize her first significant obstacle was going to be like pushing a mountain with a rubber duck. The stallion was of noble military blood, with accolades and accomplishments that dated back as far as his first years as a private.

There was also his wife, Lady Red Rose Waterblaze. Apparently, Lady Waterblaze was seen as a beauty with a big social network that only seemed to expand as the years go on. The slaves often heard she had many visitors to her house, almost every day, and she did something to gain information that she could use for her family’s benefit. Not even her husband, who was rarely around, knew of what his wife did, but he often benefited from it, so he didn’t care.

The question was, how was she, a filly with no significant political power besides her own symbolic title, take them down? That law was going to pass in a week, and she needed something that her uncle could use to turn it against General Waterblaze. She wasn’t going to be denied the right to marry her prince. He was hers. It had been that since they were born as agreed by their fathers.

So she turned to someone who could help her: Nazo.

The deer had been silent after her explanation, but he did smile at the end of her worries. “My dear Majesty, you have the solution before you.”

“I do?” Majesty asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You said you need a way to get more information about the Waterblazes, correct?” She nodded. “Well, what do you have currently that is in your power and control?”

Majesty raised her eyebrow a bit and thought about it until the answer hit her straight on the head. She nearly slapped herself for her stupidly. “Of course! Dia! Thanks to my blackmail, I have her in my pocket!” She then frowned. “But would she turn against her own family?”

“My dear, use the right words and methods, and you can make a priest turn against his god...”

****

Dia Waterblaze didn’t think she would ever get scared over a smile, but upon seeing the large one on Majesty Blueblood’s face, she felt her spine shiver. Ever since she was forced to surrender her position to the bitch, Dia had lost all her power and become a nopony. The saying that it was quicker to fall then it was to rise was correct in her case. All her so-called “friends” had abandoned her to brown-nose to Majesty, even though less than three weeks ago they were laughing at her misery. Despite still getting good grades, Dia was forced to only answer when called upon instead of showing off her skills in order for Majesty to look better. Yet the worst of it was the fact she had to pretend to be civil with that Equestrian invader.

She was tempted to just transfer schools at this point, but her parents would demand to know why, and Dia was hesitant to tell them the truth. Even though they were rarely around, Dia’s parents always knew what was going on with life. Of course, it would kill them to spend five minutes being part of that life.

Now she was being forced to meet with Majesty, again, on top of the school. Wasting no time, the dethroned queen arrived where Majesty was staring at her with narrow eyes. Grumbling, Dia walked over to Majesty and asked. “What do you want?”

“Your parents. What can you tell me about them?” Majesty asked.

Raising an eyebrow, Dia replied, “What do you mean?”

“What I mean is that I want you to tell me about them. You’re their daughter after all,” Majesty pointed out, huffing.

“My father is a big military general, and my mother is a socialite. What else is there to say?” Dia muttered, shrugging her shoulders.

“There has to be more than that!” Majesty demanded, getting in the frightened filly’s face. “Remember, I can drop those photos anytime I want! So unless you want your butt being plastered on everypony's locker, I suggest you give me something!”

“W-well, I don’t have anything!” Dia screamed, gritting her teeth. “My parents are always too busy to do anything! Dad’s always busy working, and my Mom is always hanging out with her stallion friends! I don’t know what else to tell you!”

Majesty was about to open her mouth when she paused and looked at Dia with wide eyes. “Stallion friends?”

“Yeah, when she’s not hanging out with her mare friends, she’s always being invited by these other stallions. Nobles I think, but some of them are in the army since I’ve seen them with Dad,” Dia continued, shrugging. “They often go out and come home late. I spot them sometimes when I’m about to go to bed. I asked my Mom once, and she said that they’re just going out for fun and enjoying the company of others. She says not to worry about it.”

For awhile Majesty Blueblood just stared at her with her jaw slightly open while staring at Dia in disbelief. “What?” Dia asked.

Majesty then snorted and held her hoof to her mouth before shaking her head. Eyes of pity and yet a smile of surprise decorated her face as the alicorn answered, “For such a smart girl, you sure are dumb.”

“Huh?” Dia asked again.

“Never mind,” Majesty said, walking past a confused Dia while looking behind her shoulder. “And thanks for the help. You’ve been most useful.”

Dia didn’t know what Majesty had meant, but she had a bad feeling for her and for her family. A sinking feeling in her stomach made her feel that she had suddenly just signed them their own death warrants.

****

Unlike Dia, Majesty had been well versed in the concept of cheating, thanks to her father. Whether it was Equestria, Unicornia, or anywhere else in the world, it was a well-known fact that nobles often cheated on their spouses. She didn’t know why they did it, or what cheating entailed—she had often been told she needed to be older for that—but Majesty knew that kissing or hanging out with someone who isn't your husband or wife was a bad thing. And while everypony was doing it, the point was not to get caught for the sake of image.

And Unicornian ponies took their images very seriously.

Naturally, Majesty went to her uncle about her findings, which he confessed to suspecting for a while now. Rumors of how Lady Waterblaze slept with other stallions to gain secrets and gossip was always there, but there was no proof. General Waterblaze himself didn’t believe them either, apparently. He believed his wife was faithful to him and him alone.

So Majesty and her uncle sat in his office, trying to think of a way to expose her and scandalize General Waterblaze.The idea came to Majesty when she saw one of their Flutter Pony slaves walk inside with tea, and her thoughts turned to Nazo and his first, and most important, lesson: “Everyone can be used to advance you further.”

“Slave? What’s your name?” Majesty asked, nearly spooking the creature into dropping the teapot.

“Um, L-Lemy, Mistress.”

“Lemy, how would you like to perform a task for us in exchange for freedom?”

***

Four days later and Majesty could see the fruits of her labor at school. She walked with her friends, smiling with sweet satisfaction over the gossip among the students.

“Did you hear about the rumors of Lady Waterblaze? Dia’s mother?”

“Yeah! I heard it from Minty! Is it true that there are photos of her sleeping with Lord Firewand?!”

“I heard she was doing both of the Solace Twins at the same time!”

“Rumors are going around that Dia isn’t even General Waterblaze’s daughter, but somepony else’s!”

“I heard that some of his own officers were sleeping with his wife behind his back! They confessed and everything!”

“The church is going to be handing out a lot of annulments this year.”

“My mother says she always knew she was a whore. Whatever that means.”

“I wonder what Dia is thinking about this? Has anyone seen her?”

“She hasn’t come to school since this all started, but I hear she’s been crying every day in her bed.”

“I kinda feel sorry for her.”

“I don’t! That bitch deserves it.”

“Rumors are already spreading that she slept with slaves. Slaves!”

“Ugh, what kind of unicorn would ever make out with a Flutter Pony? Or any other creature for that matter? Things like that are only done in Equestria, and you know how horrible of a place that is!”

It was all too much for Majesty, and she couldn’t help but laugh, much to her friends' confusion. When they asked her what was so funny, all she could do was answer, “Nothing, just the sweet feeling of accomplishment.”

“Did you do something about this?” Jade whispered in awe.

“Woah, how did you get the photos?” Forrest asked, leaning forward.

Majesty chuckled, “Let’s just say it's easy to plant a spy when nobles don’t give a damn about what their servants look like.”

After all, to most Unicornians, a Flutter Pony slave looked the same to every other one in their eyes.

***

It was all her fault.

One pony. Just one pony had turned Dia's life into a living nightmare.

Majesty Blueblood.

Majesty Bucking Blueblood.

A pony who should never have been born or even allowed into the graces of their vast kingdom. The Bluebloods had to be using black magic to make it this far. To be such devious and evil ponies that would corrupt the Royal Family. And to make her life a living hell.

Dia had long lost the ability to cry after so many days of staying in her room out of shame. How could this have happened? She knew her parents were always busy, but she always assumed they loved each other. That they loved her, their daughter.

It was ironic that she always wished her parents were home more often, but now that they were, it wasn’t the happy scenario she hoped for. Her father was on the warpath, interrogating the slaves to find out who took pictures of his wife. Not to mention he was looking for the blood of the ones who exposed the scandal in the first place, ruining his family name. Despite their pleas of innocence, he had many sent to the imprisonment camps to force others to talk, but they didn’t say anything that pleased him. Every time she tried to speak to him, he looked at her like she was not his daughter, but a curse. At first, she thought he knew that Dia had talked to Majesty of her mother’s strange behavior, but then she heard the rumors from a slave that pitied her. They were saying that she was not her father’s child, but one of her mother’s many lovers.

That scared Dia more than anything. That she was a bastard instead of a trueborn. She could be tossed into the streets with nothing if her father demanded it. If he even was her father.

Her mother, however, had it worse. Her father had all but thrown her into her room, locked it, and forbid anyone to enter. It had been six days, and all that was allowed was a single servant to serve bread and water until she had confessed the names of all her lovers. She screamed, pleaded, and threatened to the point that Dia couldn’t even sleep. She wanted to go to her mommy and give her something. Even a hug. However, the door was barred by magic too powerful for her to stop.

Her family was being ruined, and it was all that damn alicorn’s fault.

No, Dia thought to herself in shame, it’s my fault.

Having her secret underwear exposed to the world would have been better than this. Being second best compared to that bitch was better than this. Please, Fausticorn, I want everything to go back to normal! I want my parents to love each other again! I’ll do whatever you want! Just please stop--

A scream interrupted her thoughts as she heard one of the slaves screaming, “Murder! Murder!”

The tiny heart in Dia’s chest halted for a single moment before she rushed out of her room and down the hall towards her parents' room. It was opened fully for the first time in six days, allowing her a chance to enter. However, Dia quickly wished she didn’t look for the scene before her would forever haunt her days. Standing there, holding a bloody fire poker, was her father, without clothing and looking pale and in shock. The blood was all over his face while he breathed heavily while looking downward at what he had done. Glancing in the same direction, Dia felt her blood turn to ice upon seeing her mother, once strong and proud, lying there with her eyes wide open in shock as pale as a ghost with her clothing ripped to shreds while black and blue hoofprints were all over her face. Her throat pierced straight in the jugular as her life essence flowed out like a faucet without a plug. There were even more holes all over her body which added more to the growing pool of blood her silent mother laid in.

She fell to her haunches in horror, her mouth open yet she couldn’t scream. Her father didn’t even look at her. He just looked at his dead wife in disbelief; like he couldn't believe what he had done either. Neither of the two said or did anything until the guards came and arrested her father.

On that day, Dia Waterblaze lost her family.

On that day, Dia Wateblaze lost her faith in Faust.

On that day, Dia Waterblaze swore that she would see Majesty Blueblood ruined.

Even if it took the rest of her life to do so.

***

“You wanted to see me?” Nazo asked, entering August Blueblood’s office. The stallion had been staring outside the window again, something he was doing more often.

“Yes, sit please,” August Blueblood said, sighing as he turned around to face the seer. “The recently disgraced General Waterblaze’s bill was turned down.”

“Just as I said it would,” Nazo replied with a smile.

“Yes, not only is this bill no longer a threat, but General Waterblaze will be executed for his crime in murdering his wife. Even if she did cheat on him, it was no excuse for the abuse and murder he performed on her,” August Blueblood said, but his tone was anything but happy. His long-time rival was going to die a disgraced stallion, and yet he seemed like a bittersweet victory.

“So why do you not sound satisfied?” Nazo asked, looking at his hooves.

“A little girl has lost her father and mother while witnessing the former kill the latter in rage,” August spat. “I find myself disgusted that we had to ruin such a young filly’s life for our own benefit.”

“But Majesty’s future is more secure, is it not? Of course, we wouldn’t have been able to do this without her idea,” Nazo pointed out with a smile. “It was clever of her to put one of our own slaves with the slaves of the Waterblaze’s. Nobles don’t care who wipe their butts after they shit as long as someone does it.”

“Yes, the idea of using a slave as a spy seems to be alien to these unicorns. I’m surprised nopony here has ever thought of it,” August nodded, but then raised an eyebrow. “What of the slave we promised to give his freedom in exchange for the photos?”

“I took him to the docks, making him think we were sending him away to the Changeling Republic, then I slit his throat and dumped his body into the sea,” Nazo said without a care.

“Good, I don’t want anything connecting us to this,” August answered before sighing again. “However, the thing that worries me most is Majesty’s reaction to all this. Do you know what she said what I asked if she felt any pity for Dia Waterblaze for losing her entire family at such a young age?”

“That she is our enemy and we can’t afford to feel pity for them?” Nazo answered with a grin.

“I hate that ability of yours,” August answered, growling. “I sometimes wonder if we’re doing the right thing regarding Majesty.”

“Do you want your family to rule Equestria? For your brother’s dream to be accomplished?” Nazo asked, but received silence as an answer. “Then keep at it, and you’ll get what you want.”

“And what do you want out of all this, Nazo?” August asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I get what I’ve always wanted,” Nazo answered as he got up and made his way out to the door.

“And that is?”

He paused and turned around with a smile. “Nothing.”

And then he closed the door behind him.

Royal Plots

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It was at times like these that King Magnus Platinum The Third was grateful for his father’s honesty in teaching him what to expect when he became a king. Mainly that everypony always complains to you about everything. While he did love his kingdom, his subjects, and his duty as the supreme leader of Faust’s chosen race, the amount of hassle that came with it from the power hungry nobles, war hawk military, and greedy merchants was sometimes too much. ‘If it wasn’t for the fact that my mane is already silver, I swear I would be getting grey hairs,’ he thought as his military advisor, Duke Crosseye, continued his rambling.

“-furthermore, I fail to understand why we need to even lower ourselves into helping one of the worst criminals the world has ever seen!” Duke Crosseye shouted with some of the few hairs remaining on his balding head falling off from the stress. The brown unicorn’s military outfit, which he wore even after his retirement from active service, was starting to showcase his sweat from his armpits. “In case you didn’t read your history, Your Majesty, Lord Tirek didn’t just attack Equestria, but all magical lands, including ours! It’s a miracle he was defeated by Equestria before his forces managed to establish a serious strongpoint on our shores!”

“I am well versed in history, Crosseye. I seem to remember I was always better in that subject when we were growing up,” King Magnus Platinum stated, rolling his eyes. He poured a glass of water for his friend and levitated it over to him. “The point is that by rescuing Tirek we will gain an ally. One that we need in the upcoming war.”

“I am not debating that war with Equestria is inevitable,” Duke Crosseye replied, taking the glass and taking a few sips. “But why should we ask for allies from not only an inferior and soulless race, but also one we know has a habit of betraying allies?”

King Magnus sometimes cursed the propaganda driven narrative his country had held for the past thousand years. It was no secret that most of the population of Unicornia believed they were the superior race of not only the three races created by Fausticorn, but also all the races created by the gods. King Magnus was no idiot. If unicorns were the superior race then why hadn’t they conquered the world yet? They had not even come close to the territory the old Dragon Empire once had during the days when Septum Cain still had his body. Queen Platinum, his great ancestor, believed that the nation of Equestria would collapse into civil war with all three races fighting each other, but they had preserved. They had defeated great foes from King Sombra to Tirek. Twice they had been given the powers of the Creator Gods in the form of the Elements of Harmony to defend their homes. Not even the priests could deny the Creator Gods were infinitely better than Fausticorn. The honest truth, though he would never say it in public, was that Equestria’s vision of a united nation for the three races had succeeded and prospered well with the ruling of the alicorn princesses.

Of course, no nation lasts forever, and times of weakness always come. Equestria might have come out alright during such times like the Age of Discord and The Rebellion of Nightmare Moon, but sadly Unicornia couldn’t strike at those times. Now, however, with civil war looming over the Progressives and Traditionalists, the time was ripe to strike Equestria soon.

“Because war is coming,” King Magnus answered, sighing as he gazed upon the nearby map of the world. “Equestria and Unicornia have never gotten along due to our ideological differences. So long as one of us exists, we cannot co-exist until one gives in. It is inevitable. While I have faith in our military and technological superiority, there are a few factors we must take into account. Primarily, The alicorn princess, Discord, and their allies.”

“And you believe Tirek is the answer to those three problems?” Duke Crosseye asked, raising his eyebrows. “Didn’t the two alicorn sisters defeat him before he was banished to Tartarus?”

“They were about even in power,” King Magnus answered, levitating a book and flipping it to a page that showed the battle between the two super powered beings. “They clashed many times, but neither was willing to gain the upper hand. It wasn’t until Tirek’s brother betrayed him that they manage to successfully defeat him. Besides, we have an alicorn princess of our own.”

“Yes, Majesty Blueblood,” Duke Crosseye muttered, sipping his water. “But the princesses have years of experience. No offence to your future daughter-in-law, but it would take a long time for her to come close to their power.”

“We’re currently looking for something that will boost her power. Quick enough for her to become equal to the princesses,” King Magnus answered, smirking as he thanked his ancestors for the notes about that particular object. “Rest assured that should we find it, she will be near-unstoppable.”

“Fine, but even if we were to have the means to eliminating the princesses, what about Discord? In case you haven’t forgotten, he managed to seal away a god.”

King Mangus had to wince on that one. The news that not only had Discord been released from his prison caused chaos in their own borders, but that he became Equestria’s friend and ally, despite the numerous crimes he had committed all those years ago, sent shockwaves around the world. If rumor was correct, the entire horde of dragon clans became that close to declaring war on Equestria, but cooler heads prevailed. They may have been a divided race of barbarians, but not even the dragons would forget the crime of Discord sealing their god away and causing the collapse of their great civilization.

The Age of Discord was still a nightmare even taught today, and most thought Equestria was only playing with fire by keeping Discord as a friend. Rumor had it he was close to one of the Elements of Harmony, but what was to stop that friendship if something happened to her or when she finally kicked the bucket? “Professor Petrie has assured me that it's possible to copy Tirek’s magic draining ability. I don’t know how he intends to do it, but if there is anything that stallion is good at, it’s creating scientific miracles.”

“I suppose that maniac is good for something,” Duke Crosseye muttered with a shiver. “I don’t trust that guy. Nor do I trust Tirek.”

Neither did King Magnus, but Professor Petrie was a man with a brain that only came once every thousand years. It was because of him they had the special sphere armor that only the best of the best soldiers could wear. A suit of armor not only able to protect from the most deadly of blades and magics, but to increase the physical and mental abilities of the soldier as well. Combined with the omni-cream, call mirrors, and more, the stallion kept inventing and experimenting without stop. Of course, the... rumors of his behavior and tastes couldn’t be ignored. Especially when no assistance of his lasted for more than three years at most or at least a week before never being heard from again. Upon meeting the genius personally, King Magnus felt his spine turn to ice in fear. Behind those eyes and the glasses, one could see the fires of brilliance and insanity as one giant flamestorm.

“I don’t trust either of them, but Professor Petrie will work for us provided he is free to do his... experiments.” King Magnus shivered and sighed. “But if he can create a way to neutralize the chaos spirits’ magic, it will be worth it. As for Tirek, I expect him to betray us at some point, which is why we will betray him first when we get the chance.”

“So, we’re going to waste our own stallions and mares in arms to regain a country that has no use for us?” Duke Crosseye grumbled.

“Tirek has promised to repay the costs of the war when he comes into power. While it is a wasteland, the centaurs do have quite a treasury from their years of mining. Not to mention he has agreed to be the vanguard for the invasion force when the time comes. He's determined to get his revenge,” King Magnus answered, before leaning forward. “But it also gives us something that we desperately need: allies.”

“... fine I’ll give you that,” Duke Crosseye muttered. “Not much of an ally all things considered. Especially when he turns his eyes on us.”

“For now, his eyes on on his homeland and Equestria. We’re far from his list of targets, and we’ll take care of him before that happens,” King Magnus pointed out. “Despite being technologically superior to most nations, we lack any allies of our own. Even the minotaurs refuse to trade with us, and they trade with everyone. Equestria has not only the Crystal Empire and Saddle Arabia, but also have an alliance with the changelings and griffins, a trade agreement with the minotaurs, and are in opening talks with the kitsune who’ve we had bad enough luck already in our history in dealing with them.”

If there was one nation Unicornia feared, it was the damn samurai kitsune of Kyukyo. Twice they had decided to try and invade with a grand armada and twice they suffered the worst naval defeats in their history. The first time they tried, nearly all of their ships were wiped out in a great typhoon, and what few ships that survived were destroyed by the kitsune navy. Eighty years later, Queen Aqua Platinum The Second, a grand commander of ships in her own right, rebuilt the navy into an even stronger force to try again. This time they managed to land a vanguard invading force, but faced heavy resistance from the samurai foxes. Had the main naval force arrived with their troops the tide would have turned, but, by all rights a miracle or nightmare depending on who you asked, another typhoon had wiped them out, including Queen Aqua Platinum, whose body was lost to the sea she thought to have mastered. Believing it was a gift from their goddess, called a kamikaze, the kitsunes forced the Unicornian navy to retreat again. Since then, no other invasion force was ever tried in the last three hundred years, but they had never forgotten.

“Leaving the minotaurs and kitsunes out of it, Equestria will have the aid of at least four other nations by their side. It’s suicide to go at them alone, thus the centaurs will help us with Tirek in control,” King Mangus said. “Besides him, there are other allies we can use to our purpose..”

“Such as?” Duke Crosseye asked.

“The so called bastard princess of Queen Chrysalis is still trying to claim her right as the Queen of the Changelings, despite them getting rid of the monarchy and caste system. I don’t know if its true or not, but I don’t care. Allying with her will at least force the changelings to focus on their own problems. They are a new nation adjusting to their new society; they won’t be able to assist Equestria with much. The griffins are still having to deal with the yaks and their ever present invasions. They’ll never ally with us since they hate all non-yaks, but if we can provide weapons and supplies, we can at least delay the griffins from helping Equestria.”

“And Saddle Arabia and The Crystal Empire?”

“No plans for them for now, but we’ll think of something. We still have a few years before its time to get serious,” King Magnus stated.

Duke Crosseye sighed and shook his head. “You seem to have this all planned out. And yet here I am just arguing with you.”

“I value your opinions, because at least you don’t kiss my flank like some of my other advisors do,” King Magnus said with a smile before the door to his office was knocked on. “Come in!”

Strolling inside was a mare with bright yellow fur and her long dark blue mane flowing behind her like a wave of ocean water while making the silver crown on her head look more beautiful. Her diamond like eyes gazed upon her husband as Duke Crosseye got up and bowed before her while Magnus gave a large smile upon seeing his wife. “Hello dear, I was hoping we could talk.”

“Of course, Stormy,” King Magnus got up and nodded to Duke Crosseye. “Mind leaving us, old friend?”

“Of course, good day your graces,” he said, bowing once more before leaving.

“I take it he came to complain about the Tirek situation?” Queen Stormy asked, walking over to the water pitcher and filling up a glass for herself.

“I think I’ve convinced him, but he has me worried about how others are going to take it,” King Magnus answered, sighing. “Some of the more xenophobic nobles will think I’m ruining tradition by doing this. I already am in hot water with them for agreeing to allow the passage of the new slave laws and allowing my son to marry an Equestrian born noble. Even if she is an alicorn of a pure unicorn bloodline.”

“That girl is a born prodigy,” Queen Stormy said, smirking. “I was worried about tying her to our son, but I’ve seen the way they look at each other. They care about each other which I haven’t seen since... well...”

“Us?” King Magnus answered as he took his wife into his embrace and smiled at her. Staring into those diamond eyes that sparkled in the light. The sparkles that made his heart a slave to his mare ever since he was sixteen. “I seem to remember that you couldn’t wait to have me not long after we met?”

“Not my fault stallions are a sucker for a swish of the tail.” She placed her lips on his and moaned as they felt each other up. “Our fathers were furious to find us already in bed together...”

“Not my brother. He won that bet from your sister,” Magnus chuckled as he stopped and looked into his wife seriously. “Do you think I’m doing the right thing? Marrying our son off to Majesty?”

“Do you like her?” Queen Stormy asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I do, it’s her father I hated.” King Magnus sighed, rubbing a hoof through his mane. “I respected the stallion, but to betray his own son? His wife? That speaks of an ambition that knows no bounds.”

“The stallion has been dead for years and with him his ambition,” Queen Stormy answered, rolling his eyes as he nuzzled her love. “As good as his brother is at the game, he doesn’t have his ruthlessness, nor does Majesty. She’s just a child, and children can easily be molded. Besides, Silversteel loves her and will have no other. He’d rather go unmarried for life if he can’t have her.”

“True,” King Magnus agreed, thinking of how happy his boy looked when he stared at his future wife-to-be. He loved his son too much to hurt him. “I just worry...”

“You only worry getting our son to be ruler of an empire, I’ll handle those old sticks in the mud,” Queen Stormy whispered, kissing her husband on the cheek. “Thanks to the help of the Bluebloods, we have enough blackmail, evidence, and plans with added backup plans. I don’t know how they do it, or who they have working for them as a spy master, but they are good. If it keeps everypony having their knees bent to you and not somepony else, I don’t care about the methods.”

“Who else would they turn too?” King Magnus asked, smirking.

The door slammed open which nearly made the royal couple jump, but upon seeing who it was the queen sneered. “Speak of the devil...” she whispered.

“My King and Queen! Did I capture you at a bad time?” a red mare dressed in a pure red gown with a red mane with yellow stripes asked. Unlike the king and queen, who wore a simple gold uniform and blue gown with little jewelry, the newcomer was covered in jewels that would make a dragon's mouth water. If a stranger were to meet her, they would think she was the queen, or even a princess, yet the only jewel she did not have was the crown.

“We were just having a private conversation, Princess Dahlia,” Queen Stormy replied, her tone quickly turning emotionless. Yet if Dahlia had any response to it she didn’t show. “What do you want?”

“I just wanted you to know that your nephew, Prince Sterling, has arrived back on leave. It would be kind of you to see him,” Princess Dahlia said, smiling.

“I’ll see him at dinner tonight,” King Magnus answered calmly.

“Surley, you would want to see your nephew who has been gone for so long? He has missed you dearly,” Princess Dahlia said, sweetly.

“That’s very kind to hear, but sadly I am busy with matters of state. When I am finished I will look for him or see him at dinner. Now please go, Sister-In-Law. My wife and I are busy.”

“Of course, I’ll see you both at dinner. Until then.” She bowed and then left with the door closed behind her.

“Goddess, does that mare think I’ll ever love that rock hearted son of hers,” King Magnus moaned as he rubbed his temple. “And I’m sure he’s not pleased to see me either.”

“Well, what do you expect? She wants her son to be king,” Queen Stormy answered, rolling her eyes as she snarled at the door.

“My brother may have had children before me, but by right of law my child comes first, and I will not let that stubborn, emotionless, and uncaring bastard become king if I can help it,” King Magnus answered, standing up with a growl. “He has no feelings whatsoever. He didn’t even cry at Onyx’s funeral. Just stood there and stared into nothingness like he didn’t want to be there!”

“Why your father ever paired her with your brother, I will never know..”

“My brother was a good stallion who deserved better,” King Magnus growled as he thought of his younger brother, the deceased Prince Onyx Horn. If there was anypony who King Magnus trusted, it was his brother who had been his best friend and ally in his starting years after their father died of old age. The only reason his brother even had to get married was because of duty, but Onyx and his wife could never really get along. At least in private. More than once had his younger brother complained to him about how his wife was doing things without him knowing or putting herself between him and his children. He barely had time to be with his son and daughter before his unfortunate death from an automobile accident. It was the cruelest thing Fausticorn had ever done to him, and he didn’t pray to her for months until his wife ended up with a foal. It was a damn good thing too as legally, until he had Silversteel, Onyx was technically his heir to the throne, and when he died, that became his son, Sterling. A stallion who seemed cold to everypony, even family, and looked to not even care about matters of state save for military related actions. When he wanted to into the force, King Magnus gave his full blessings if only to never deal with him for awhile. “His daughter is even worse. I swear if she was in charge of the treasury, we would go bankrupt in three days...”

“Well, you know the best way to prevent any worries, right?” Queen Stormy said, walking over to her husband before nuzzling his neck affectionately. “Have another child... or two?”

“Are you insinuating that I only sleep with you because of your ability to give children?” King Magnus whispered, grinning.

“Is it working?”

“I’ll show you how much tonight...”

***

Princess Dahlia was not one to be ungrateful for the blessings she had in her life. Her family had been rich and influential enough to influence court thanks to her father’s political connections and talents. So talented that he was able to marry her off to a prince of Unicornia. The jealous looks all her friends had during her wedding day was enough to make her feel like a goddess that day with all the attention on her. It was a feeling that only stuck around as she continued to live in the royal lifestyle. The way many tried to win her favor, ask her needs, and even some were willing to kill for her if she asked. Dahlia was careful on how to use her position, even in the royal family there was no screwing up unless you wanted the game to crush you.

Her father taught her all there was about the game they played. How one was to rise as high as possible while leaving a legacy behind you. For Dahlia, she wanted to have one of her own blood to become the next ruler of the kingdom, but sadly, she had one obstacle in her way: Prince Silversteel.

For the longest time, Queen Stormy had been without a child even after ten years of marriage. Many told King Magnus he should get a new wife at the time in fear she was barren, but he refused because he actually loved her. At the time it didn’t matter to Dahlia. She had given birth to two children who had become the heir and the spare without her having to do any of the dirty work. She even whispered to her foolish husband that maybe he should make an attempt to play for the throne with his brother unable to have an heir. That lead to the first and only time he ever slapped her. Oh, their marriage wasn’t a happy one for sure, as they only married for duty. Prince Onyx’s problem was he was too loyal to his brother and thus a hindrance to her plans. So she made sure that her children were raised by her as much as possible without Onyx interfering. If she couldn’t get him to side with her, then his children would have to do. Thankfully, she didn’t have to deal with him anymore thanks to the accident, and she could avoid getting married again by playing the grieving widow who still longed for her husband’s touch.

He wasn’t even that good in bed anyway, Princess Dahlia thought as she walked through the halls to her daughter’s bed room while dismissing her handmaidens. She had told Eden Joy to get here about two hours ago and only now had she finally returned from the one place her daughter practically lived in: The Grand Mall. Opening the doors to her room, Dahlia raised an eyebrow over the near dozens of large bags filled with clothes, jewels, and other accessories that was bound to lead to another argument with the king over her spending.

Meanwhile, her daughter was lying on her bed while chatting on her Call Mirror in a sparkling purple and ivory dress with a necklace of pearls around her neck. Even Dahlia had to admit she looked good with her pink coat and silver-redded swiring mane. “-and he told me that it's something that the slaves celebrate or something. Honestly, that guy may have a cute face and butt, but he’s way too nice for his own good. Being polite to the slaves? Caring for their traditions and holidays? What are we, Equestrians?”

“Joy, could you turn off the Mirror? We need to talk,” Dahlia said, crossing her hooves.

“Ugh, fine. I’ll call you later, Sandy,” Eden Joy ended the call before looking at mother with an annoyed expression. “Whatever we’re going to talk about can we hurry it up? I got, like, a date in three hours.”

“Cancel it. We’re having dinner with the family tonight,” Dahlia said before raising her hoof to prevent her daughter from opening her mouth. “And this is not up for debate. You’re brother is home from the military, and we’re going to look like a united family for him. That’s final.”

“Ugh, fine!” Eden Joy huffed before crossing her hooves. “But if this guy happens to be my destined lover and I miss my chance at being with him it's your fault. Anyway, why is even here? I thought he left to get away from all of us.”

“Trust me, I’m wondering the same thing,” a deep and dull sounding voice said from the entrance before closing the door behind him. If there was one good thing about Sterling that nopony could deny it was that he had all his father’s looks of black fur and silver mane. He was all Onyx save for the red eyes of his mother and her ear shape. His cutie mark was that of a sword stuck to a stone, reminding a few of the tale of the Unicorn King Albion who was said to be the greatest ruler of the original unicorn homeland long before Equestria and Unicornia were ever made. To Dahlia it meant that her son was destined to rule in her eyes. Walking over, he pecked his mother on the cheek before staring at her sister. “Back at the base things were so quiet and peaceful I almost forgot the sound of your voice.”

“Oh go get KIA’d,” Joy responded, sticking her tounge out.

“Enough, both of you. I swear you two haven’t grown up at all since you were in diapers,” Dahlia responded before activating her horn and putting silencing seals around the room to avoid being overheard. “Now, we need to talk about our family’s future. More specifically, our future in getting the crown.”

“Still haven’t loss sense of your ambition I see, Mother,” Sterling responded as he walked over to a wall and leaned on it. “I thought you finally realized we’re never going to get the crown. Not with Prince Silversteel alive.”

“Which begs the question why you haven’t just had the stupid brat killed already,” Eden Joy stated while she summoned her filenail. “Just poison his oatmeal or shoot him in the head already and put that stupid crown on my brother so you can stop talking about. Or if he doesn’t want it, I’ll take it.”

“First off all, think with your head. Assassinating someone, especially a prince, is no easy task, and you know how protective his parents are. He always has at least one Royal Knight with him and testers for every meal. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want Sir Morning Blade to come after us and stab us in our sleep if anything were to hint us back to the prince’s death,” Dahlia stated, shaking her head. “No, the prince is untouchable for now... but soon he won’t be.”

This got her children’s attention. “How so?” Sterling asked.

“I can’t tell you. All you need to know is that their will come a time when the prince will face his end eventually, and we will have to be ready to take advantage of it,” Dahlia said, smirking.

“How do you know this?” Eden Joy asked.

“I have a... new friend I met who knows things. Things that not even the Royal Family knows, but there is one thing that is required for us. An agreement of sorts.” She turned to her son with a smile. “When the prince dies, you will marry Majesty Blueblood.”

It was rare to see her son show emotion, but in this case she couldn’t blame him. His mouth had actually dropped a little as he stared at her with eyes as wide as dinner plates. “W-what?”

“You heard me,” Dahlia stated as she walked over to her son and stared at him straight in the eye. “You will marry Majesty Blueblood. Her family will agree to it just to keep their daughter as queen, and we’ll agree to it so we have alicorn blood in our family bloodline. It’s a win-win, but more so for us.”

This made Sterling blush while Joy started laughing like crazy with tears coming out of her eyes. “Sterling is going to marry the Equestrian?! Oh, that’s rich! He’s eight years older than her!”

“Have I no say in this?” Sterling muttered, lowering his eyes, but his mother forced him to look at her. “I don’t want to marry her. I don’t want to be king. I just want to be a soldier.”

“Then be a good soldier and obey your mother. This is your destiny, my son.” She slowly hugged him and smiled. “You will make a good king. I believe in you.”

Sterling sighed before slowly pushing her away. “I seriously doubt your claims will come to pass, mother, but should my cousin perish and I am left with no choice, I will become king, but only for duty’s sake. Not for you.”

“And Majesty?” Dahlia asked.

“... only if she agrees to it,” Sterling answered before heading towards the door without a second word. He opened it and closed it behind him.

“He’ll get over it. He always does,” Eden Joy muttered, rolling her eyes. “Hey, wait, what am I going to do?”

“I thought you never ask,” Dahlia said as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a potion bottle. “You will invite the queen to tea every week.”

“Mom, she thinks I’m an idiot.”

“And that’s why she won’t suspect you. Now after the third week you are going to pour this into the tea of the queen to ensure that she has no more foals.”

“Is it poison?” Joy asked, taking it with her telekinesis.

“In a way yes. It will only kill you if you take too much, so be sure to drop only two drops it,” Dahlia said as she walked over to her daughter and narrowed her eyes. “Two. Drops. Only. You will do this for the next few years-”

“YEARS?!”

“Yes, years!” Dahlia repeated. “This is a potion the zebra’s use to prevent pregnancy, but prolonged use of it can ruin a mare’s ability to have children. So long as you use two drops every week or so in the next few years, the queen will be unable to have anymore foals. And should she be get another one, I have a backup that will kill the foal in the womb.”

“Let me guess, another potion from the mud hut living barbarians?” Eden Joy asked.

“No, that one you can get anywhere in Unicornia,” Dahlia stated as she handed it off to her daughter. “Now I’ll see you at dinner.”

Dahlia made her way out of her daughter’s room and continued down the hall, praying to Fausticorn that her children would do the right thing. If her new ally was right, and she had little doubt, the prince’s funeral would be held in a few years with her son left as the heir to the throne. Majesty Blueblood would marry her son and give birth to a child while the king and queen perish from heartbreak. She would be the new mother of the king and the grandmother of a future king.

When the time game for her to be buried in the tombs, she would leave a legacy of her own behind. Afterall, this was the game. You play it until you win or die.

The Sign Of The King Part 1

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There were times when Majesty often thought priests went on with their sermons because they loved to hear the sound of their own voices. Going to church was something she hated because she found the entire process both boring and pointless. Nevertheless, she had to go to the Cathedral of Blessings every Saturday for the sake of their image. She eyed the large crowd of mindless sheep listening to Bishop Waterstone go on about today’s lesson.

“-for we who do not understand the ways of our Goddess, but put our faith in her despite the struggles of doubt and fear,” spoke an elderly unicorn pony with a light blue coat and draped in a bright red and gold robe with glasses on his head. “For so did Queen Platino when she brought us from the chaos of the Endless Winter which brought forth the greatest civilization that you are blessed to be living in. So did General Burn Hammer when he, and the Legion of the Hammer, slew the evil slave rebel leader Sparkacus and saved our capital. So did King Magnus the First when he sought to end the invasion of the Dark Sirens and saved our young. We must always put our faith in her for when she--”

Majesty rolled her eyes and turned to some of her cousins who were also struggling to keep their eyes open. She had to give the adults credit; they at least looked interested. If only everypony in his hall of worship knew that none of the Bluebloods worshiped the gods. It wasn’t because they didn’t believe they existed, they’d have to be an idiot to believe such a thing, but rather it was because her father believed the gods didn’t deserve to be worshiped.

The Creator Gods rarely did anything but keep the natural order going and their creations, the Creator Gods, were nothing more than children who refused to do anything to fix this broken world. It was said that in the Ancient Era they were much more involved, but after the Separation of Septum Cain they went to bickering and arguing. Not that they had a great track record.

Fausticorn had abandoned her children until they decided to unite, leading to countless others dying and stole the rights of raising the sun and moon from her fellow friends. Mesmoria was a freak of nature who gave birth to freaks of nature. Sarga did nothing but stood to the side and let the males of his species dominate the females despite all their advancement. Cern had the power to see into the future, but she ordered her deer to do nothing to fix it personally. Grandus was a monster until Septum Cain sorted him out, and at least he got better. Uther made his own creations hate him for his forced pascisim that made them slaves until they rebelled and rejected him. Then there was Centaurus, who tried to rule the world, and Seremora, who tried to devour the world and the afterlife.

Save for a few good ones, the gods were, in her mind and the minds of her family, worthless. Her father told her that ponies must be better than the gods. To achieve more to the point where it was not needed to have them. That ponykind must fight to the greatest of heights with true power and wisdom. One that would throw off the shackles of Fausticorn and be a race greater than all.
Finally, the sermon ended and the mass was coming to an end. After a final song and prayer, everypony started making their way out towards the exit. Majesty just wanted to get home and play with her friends again, but she had to make a quick stop to say hello to Bishop Waterstone for appearances sake. I’m really starting to hate politics, she thought while putting on her biggest fake smile as her uncle guided her to the Bishop.

“Ah, young Majesty. Our future queen. How did you enjoy mass today?” Bishop Waterstone asked with a toothy smile.

“Oh it was very wonderful, your Excellence,” Majesty lied with a nod. “I couldn’t stop listening.”

“Oh, come on, Majesty,” Bishop Waterstone chuckled, patting her head. “I know how you young ponies think. ‘Church is boring and all that.’ Well, one day you’ll find the lessons here will be useful for you later in life.”

“What kind of lessons?” Majesty asked.

“Well, I believe your uncle and I were talking about that yesterday,” Bishop Waterstone said, turning to August Blueblood.

“Yes, we believe that Majesty is doing so well in school learning academic lessons that she should start learning lessons regarding the faith,” August Blueblood suggested.

“Of course, I’ll have free time tomorrow if you wish to talk specifics,” Bishop Watersone said, smiling down at Majesty. “Just remember your lessons and teachers when you grow up, and all will be well.”

Majesty nodded before she and her family started to leave the church. When she was sure the Bishop was out of hearing range, she asked, “He wants to be the next Grand Cardinal, right?”

“Pretty much. He’s a rising star in the religious circles, and his family has a lot of influence,” August said as Copper Penny opened the door to their automobile from outside the church. Getting in, the two sat next to each other as August continued, “Having him by your side will give you allies in the church, something you will need in the future when you become queen.”

“It’s bad enough that some of those more religious ponies think I might be the second coming of their founder, but do I really need to pretend to be so pious?” Majesty asked, crossing her hooves. “You know I don’t care.”

“Neither do I, but religion is an important part of Unicornian culture. We’ll have to just deal with it,” August said, shaking his head.

Majesty could only sigh and look out the window while hoping that she wouldn’t have to deal with it for too long.

***

Some would think it was foolish to pray at night, but Bishop Waterstone had been doing it ever since his family gave him to the church. He had always admired the night and it's beautiful moon, even if it was under the control of an Equestrian princess. One day, Fausticorn would give that blessing to the rightful followers of the faith. The ones who were the strongest of the three races as proven long ago.

He gazed upon the white marble statue of the Great Fausticorn with hundreds of sacred candles lit around her. The greatest of all the gods and goddesses, who was favored among the Creator Gods. It was she who his life had been forfeited to at a young age, per his family tradition, and it was his life he knew was destined to become great under her name. Ever since he was a colt, he could hear her beautiful and divine voice whispering to him dreams of his future. Where he stood, in the Grand Cardinal’s robes, waving to the masses of the faith who shouted his name. The holy light of the heavens shining down upon him like a living saint.

There were too many in the church who had used their position to move the agendas of the various nobles in the empire. Oh, he played the game too, but what made him different is that he wanted power to change the church. Everypony knew that war was going to come between Unicornia and Equestria at some point. It would be the greatest war they had ever faced, and while Unicornia would win, there needed to be something to drive home that this was more than just a war of ideals.

It was a war of faith.

The idea that Fausticorn would allow such inferior ponies like the pegasi and earth ponies to be judged equally was down right heresy. To be born a pegasus or earth pony was a sign of disfavor from the goddess, who casted you a sinner unworthy of being reborn as a unicorn or to be in the heavens beside her. Instead of the unicorns of Equestria forcing them to repent for their sins and serve their betters, they treated them as equals. Equals! Heresy!

To not be able to use the great powers of magic, the blessing of Fausticorn, and change the world as you saw fit? Magic was what made this world. It was the tool of the gods. Those who could use magic were meant to become just like the gods. Those who could not were meant to serve those who could. As for the so-called magic of the other races? Inferior, and was better off sealed or forgotten.To preach about unity and friendship between not just the inferior ponies but all races was spit upon the sacred teachings and they would burn for their sins.
He would be the one to remind them that this was a war of faith. Or righteousness. And by getting close to Majesty, who could be the second coming of their founder, was the way.

Muttering his prayers, Bishop Waterstone was about to get to the final verses when he heard the door open from the entrance of the cathedral. Annoyed, he got up and shook his mane. I thought I told the others I wished to be alone in my prayers.

He was about to shout at them to leave, but paused upon seeing who it was. It was not one of his fellow priests or acoltes. Nor was it somepony he knew. It was... a robed figure in black, with white runes of a language he had never seen before.

It was a pony, he could tell that much, with a horn coming out of the shadowy hood. Despite the lighting in the cathedral, Waterstone could not see who it was that stood before him. “Is there a reason you are disturbing my prayers, my child?”

The figure did not answer, but merely walked towards him. Now the bishop was worried. A thief?

“This is a house of worship! As the leader of it, I demand that you... you...” He gasped when raised upon the figure’s magic was a dagger. Sharp as a diamond and glittering in dark blue metal.

Realizing the situation, he turned for the door on his right only to gasp. Two more figures, dressed the same, were coming towards him. He turned to his left and there were another two. He slowly began to step back until his haunches were touching the very statue he worshiped not to long ago and was now praying actively for help. Closing his eyes, Bishop Waterstone tried to teleport himself out, but felt a sudden shock of lightning go through his body from the tip of his horn. An aura of ice cold fear sunk him to his knees as the candles began to go out one by one as the figures grew closer. He tried to summon his magic, but something was blocking him. He was trapped and no way out.

Darkness began to creep around him. The atmosphere turned so cold his teeth were chattering. Was he feeling the approaching doom of death? Was Mordum here to take his soul because his time was up?

No! No I cannot die here! I am chosen by you, Fausticorn! You cannot abandon me!

“S-stop! It is a sin to kill a bishop! Think of your souls! R-r-repent!” Waterstone begged, getting on his knees. “I... I am a servant of her! The servant of your goddess!”

The center figure, the one he first saw, was now inches away from him and looked down upon him. A voice, like nails upon a chalkboard that made the bishop's heart nearly stop upon hearing it, spoke, “Your goddess is not here. You’re soul will no longer be her’s. You shall serve the King.”

“K-king? What king?” Waterstone asked.

“The King Of The End.”

The first dagger went into his chest. The next two into his sides. He barely was able to scream before a fourth entered his throat and the fifth to his ribs. Falling to his side, he uses the last of his strength to utter one last prayer, but his voice died with him as the stabbing continued long after his spirit left his body.

***

“You sure it’s locked?”

“Positive. I thought he would be expecting us today.”

“To be honest, I haven’t seen him since dinner last night,” the acolyte said, leading Copper Penny and Majesty down to the entrance of the Cathedral. The duo had tried to get into the church as instructed so that Majesty could begin her lessons on the faith, but they were locked out. The windows were shut as were the other entrances which lead to them looking for help.

“I hope he’s not sick,” Majesty lied, personally wishing he was so she didn’t have to do this. Seriously, it’s like 8AM on Sunday. I wanted to sleep in.

“He looked fine when he went to do his evening prayers at the statue. If he was sick, he would have been in bed,” the acolyte said as he summoned a key and began to open the door. Pushing it open, the three entered and looked around, but could find nopony around.

“That’s odd,” the acolyte said, looking closely. “He should be... be...” His eyes widened and his face began to turn pale from its normal brown color as he looked up. “Oh... my... Faust...”

Curious, Majesty looked up too and nearly screamed. It was Bishop Waterstone, who hung upside down from the horn of the great status of Fausticorn; which had pierced him from the flank all the way to the outside of his mouth. His instances and what looked like his stomach were flopping around outside of his chest and back which looked like it was carved up by a psychopath butcher. A mix of blood and stomach juices dripped down from above, ruining the once great marble of the statue. Yet it was more than that which ruined it, for there, on the chest of the goddess, as if to spite the faith, was a strange symbol in blood.

It was a spiked eye with a star in the middle.

And for some reason, before Copper Penny began to shield her from the horrible sight, Majesty swore she had seen it before.

The Sign of The King Part 2

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If one was to say who was the supreme power of the empire of Unicornia, then the most obvious answer would be the Crown. If you were to ask who was the hidden power of the empire, then that would be the Inquisition. Never in her life had Majesty ever met a member of the secret order of the church dedicated to routing out heretics, forbidden magic, and traitors to the church’s laws. At least until now.

The death of a bishop was obviously a warrant for an investigation. When that bishop was ritually murdered and desecrated with his blood on the steps of holy ground and his body humiliated in such a way? That was when you brought in the Secret Hoof of The Grand Cardinal. Robed in dark and black, their entire bodies covered to hide their looks, the Inquisition had swarmed the cathedral as soon as they had been called in. Every stone was being scanned, all corners were being checked, and every living being in a ten mile radius was being questioned. Including Majesty and Copper Penny who had been forced to sit down and be interrogated.

And they did mean interrogate.

The two had all been but dragged to sit down with sharp swords and spears standing ready to strike them if need be. Majesty had been ready to argue against this, but the feeling of a spear tip pointing to her throat caused her to calm down rather quickly. Their integrator, a big and intimidating stallion, walked towards them with his body rigid and firm while his eyes stared straight into them like an arrow ready to fire. Like all the others Inquisitors, he was cloaked in black and red without as much as a single bit of his coat showing. Even his horn had been covered. His golden pin, shaped like that of an “I” with a horn on top and a set of wings on each side, was the only indication that this stallion was of the Inquisition.

“I am Inquisitor Gospel,” the stallion introduced himself with a cold tongue. “You two have been found suspect in the murder and desecration of Bishop Waterstone. You will answer my questions or else I will hold you in contempt for impending our investigation. The authority by his Holiness, Grand Cardinal Clarity Sight, grants me permission to do this with or without your approval.”

“Now see here, sir!” Copper Penny growled, standing up. “We have nothing to do with this horrible act! We were on our way to visit the late Bishop when--” Majesty gasped as the Inquisitor smacked Copper Penny back down to his seat. She was going to head to his side when the other Inquisitors forced her down as she struggled to get out of their magic.

“Let me go! I am the future Queen of Unicornia, and I demand--” There was another blow delivered, but this time to Majesty who felt the stinging pain across her cheek. Tears threatened to fall as she felt her jaw beginning to bloat a bit from the hoof attack.

“Majesty! You bastards! I will--” Copper Penny was silenced again with another blow.

“This is the House of Fausticorn. The One and Only True Powerful Goddess,” Inquisitor Gospel stated, wiping his hoof with his sleeve. “As an agent of her will, and the will of the Grand Cardinal, my station is greater than your own. You are not the queen. You are a suspect. You will answer, or I will merely end you for impending the investigation of the murder of a holy stallion.”

“You would kill an innocent pony? And a filly at that?” Copper Penny asked in disbelief.

“You are only innocent if you can prove it,” the Inquisitor answered, crossing his forelegs.

I guess it's true what they say, Majesty thought with a gulp. Everypony is guilty in their eyes until proven innocent.

Copper Penny opened his mouth to argue, but Majesty quickly pulled him down and shook her head. She loved her butler, and she knew he was doing this for her, but she wasn’t going to lose him to these religious fanatics. Turning to the Inquisitor, Majesty calmly asked, “Please continue.”

“What was your business here with Bishop Waterstone?” he demanded.

“He was going to teach me more about the faith. It was agreed upon by both him and my uncle, August Blueblood,” Majesty answered.

“Did you murder him?”

“No.”

“Are you a dark magic user?”

“What does that--?” Majesty cut herself off before shaking her head. “No, I am not.”

On and on it went. Asking what she did this morning. What she did yesterday. What did her uncle do that day he talked with the bishop? Did she know of any dark rituals which forced her to admit she knew them from books but never practiced them? These were easy to answer and caused no problem. However...

“Do you pray to the Goddess Fausticorn every day?” Inquisitor Gospel asked.

“Yes,” Majesty answered, but a second later she was struck on the back of her head with something heavy. Crying out in pain, she rubbed her head and felt blood dripping down her head. “W-What?”

“Lie,” a female Inquisitor stated, lowering a small blackjack club she had been hiding.
“W-What did you do that for?!” Majesty screamed, unable to hide the tears now coming down her eyes. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had ever been struck.

“You lied,” Gospel said without emotion. “We have ways of telling if ponies are telling the truth. So you don’t pray to the Goddess every day?”

“Okay, so what?” Majesty spat, rubbing her head and applying a small healing spell. Copper Penny looked ready to kill everypony in the building for the blow, but was still being held down by the Inquisitors magic. “So I don’t pray every day. It’s not a big deal.”

“Do you accept her as the true light of this world?”

“Ye-GAH!” Majesty shouted, getting another blow to the head. “Stop that!”

“Then answer the truth!” Inquisitor Gospel shouted for the first time. It made Majesty gulp as he leaned forward. “For someone who is going to be the queen of the nation, you surely are lacking in faith.”

“Look, I have my reasons, but it's not like I worship--” Majesty yelped as the Inquisitor forced her to stare at him.

“There are only two types of creatures in this world, Majesty Blueblood,” he hissed in her face. “The faithful and the sinners. My job is to ensure this world is washed of sinners, be it by prayer, purification, or by blood. I suggest you choose to clean your sins of the first two before the third is enacted by the will of our Goddess, especially, if you are to become queen one day.”

He let her go and then turned to Copper Penny with the same questions. Majesty didn’t dare grumble, but she did shiver at the cold touch of his magic. Glancing around, she saw the other Inquisitors rushing around or muttering to each other with a majority of them focused on the Fausticorn statue. What was once the crown jewel of the cathedral was now covered in heresy via a combination of blood and dark writings that still weren’t coming off. Whatever dark magic had been made to desecrate the statues in their markings were too tough for the Inquisition to remove, but one symbol continued to haunt Majesty. The one with the spiked eye with a star in the middle.

She had seen it before. Somewhere in the far corner of her mind she had seen such a symbol before. At a time when her father still lived. But where?! What does it mean?!

“Majesty!” She jumped as she stared back at Inquisitor Gospel in front of her. “What were you doing here?”

“Huh? I told you--”

“Answer!”

“I was here to see Cardinal Waterstone!” Majesty quickly answered.

“For what?”

Is... is he asking me the same questions again?! Majesty asked herself in disbelief. Oh this is going to be a long nightmare...

***

“... and you saw nopony else enter the Cathedral with you three?”

“For the last time, yes!” Majesty screamed, huffing as she leaned back and rolled her eyes. “That was the fifth time you asked that question! How many more times are you going to ask until you stop repeating the same question over and over again?!”

“Until I am satisfied that you are not involved in this act of heresy,” Inquisitor Gospel growled, forcing her head to look back at him with his magic. “I’ll ask whatever questions I want and how many times I want. Perhaps you’d like to talk about this at our headquarters in--”

The door slammed open as Inquisitors looked up from their work, but quickly bowed upon seeing his majesty, King Magnus, accompanied by Sir Morning Blade and Dame Evening Fury; their weapons sheathed but both looked ready to use them. King Magnus made his way towards the Inquisitor holding both Majesty and Copper Penny hostage before stopping right in front of his face. “Your Highness,” Inquisitor Gospel greeted, lowering his head a bit yet keeping his stern tone much to everypony’s surprise. “I would like to know why you are interrupting our investigation into the murder of Bishop Waterstone.”

King Magnus was the only one not staring at the Inquisitor with wide eyes. In fact, he didn’t even look like it bothered him how the pony in front of him was acting. Evening Fury, however, had growled before stomping her hoof on the pavement. “This is your king! You will speak to him in a more respectful tone or I’ll take your tongue and--”

King Magnus raised his hoof to silence Evening Fury before speaking, “I am here to have Majesty Blueblood and her butler released and returned back to their home.”

“They are currently suspects for the investigation,” the Inquisitor answered.

“You’ve had them for over four hours from what I hear, and you haven’t arrested them,” King Magnus stated, narrowing his eyes. “Do you really believe a filly and a butler would murder a bishop for no reason? Including the fact that there is no motive or nothing to gain for it?”

“It’s my job to find a motive,” the Inquisitor answered, narrowing his eyes.

“Then find one with what you have at the moment. If you want to question them more, come to their place tomorrow,” King Magnus said, nodding to his knights, who walked over and helped Majesty and Copper up without any resistance from the Inquisitors.

“I answer to the Grand Cardinal! You cannot--” The Inquisitor was silenced by a scroll lifted by the King which had a red seal on it.

“The Grand Cardinal has already allowed it. If you have a problem you can take it up with him,” King Magnus said before turning away as the Inquisitor crushed the scroll with his magic. “Now if you’ll excuse us.”

Majesty made sure to stick her tongue at the Inquisitor before making her way to the exit with the King by her side. “Thank you, King Magnus,” she whispered with a smile.

“It’s alright, Majesty,” King Magnus whispered, patting her on the shoulder. “I wish you didn’t get caught up in all this, especially since this must be traumatizing for you?”

“Huh, oh yeah,” Majesty said, rubbing the back of her head. “Poor Bishop Waterstone. At least he’s with Fausticorn now.”

The moment the doors opened, Majesty found herself forced to cover her eyes from all the flashes from the cameras and the paparazzi. Apparently, the king wasn’t the only one who knew of what was going on, as a large crowd of reporters were on the scene trying to get the latest scoop. Covering herself with her wings, Majesty did her best to hide herself from the crowd, even though they were calling her name for her attention. Copper Penny was by her side to help shield her while the knights took their positions with their horns glowing just in case some foalish pony tried forcing their way through the Royal Guards holding them back.

“Just say nothing, Majesty,” King Magnus whispered, placing his robe around her and bringing her close. “Just say nothing and let’s get you home.”

Nodding, Majesty kept her eyes shut as she let herself be guided out of the cathedral where she lowered her ears to stop all the annoying questions being asked. It was like a swarm of bees that all had voices that never stopped talking.

“Majesty Blueblood! Is it true that you were found with the victim's blood on your hooves?!”

“What was your relationship with Bishop Waterstone?!”

“Is it true that you were interrogated by the Inquisition?!”

“Are you a victim of a possible sexual assault by the bishop?!”

“Are you under arrest?!”

“Was it true that the bishop was found dead with his head and flank cut off?!”

“Are you injured in any way?!”

“King Magnus, can we get a statement?!”

Wishing she could turn invisible, Majesty was led to the king’s personal automobile and rushed inside. The press tried to crowd the vehicle, but it drove away without any of their questions answered.

***

The moment that Majesty returned home, her uncle had her checked out by the family’s professional doctor. He was able to heal the cuts the club had done to her skull within seconds, but that wasn’t the damage that was worrying her. The sight of her coming out of a murder scene with the Inquisition everywhere was more then enough to hurt her image thanks to the reporters. No doubt the Inquisition would also make a statement of the event nor deny that she is a pony of interest in the case. Rumors would spread. Those who were enemies of her family would take advantage of this.

I made a mistake, Majesty thought as she stared at herself in the mirror while Sansha continued to comb her mane. I underestimated just how powerful the religious institutions are in the Empire. Now only did that Inquisitor dare to hurt me, he now knows or suspects that I’m not as faithful as I make myself out to be. Stupid idiots of this city are a bunch of blind sheep following a goddess that doesn’t answer them.

Now she had limited options to deal with this. She couldn’t bribe or threaten zealots. They were narrow minded and focused on one goal. No, she had to find some way to deal with this for her reputation’s sake. If there is even a way.

“Enough, Sansha,” Majesty said, getting up and making for her bed. “I wish to be alone.”

“Of course, Mistress,” Sansha said, nodding to her master.

She was about to leave when Majesty asked, “Sansha. You Flutter Ponies believe in a different god then us ponies, right?”

“Yes, Mesmoria,” Sansha answered, turning around. “They are the deity that created us.”

“They? I thought it was just one god?” Majesty asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Mesmoria is both male and female. One body that is both sexes,” Sansha asks.

“Um, okay,” Majesty asked, eyes widened. “Uhhh, anyway. Do you worship her?”

“I do,” Sansha answered, nodding.

“Even though she... he... it has done nothing to free you from being a slave?” Majesty asked, pointing out.

“Yes.”

“...And you still give her your faith because?” Majesty asked again.

“Because she is my mother and my father. She created me and gave me life. She allows me to know the joys of life as well as its pain,” Sansha said with a heavy sigh. “I admit, my life is not as great as I want it to be, but there are good things that I take the blessings I have. Having faith is that, be it in this life or the next, you believe that there is a plan for you and those you love. Even if it never appears to make sense.”

“...Right,” Majesty said, rolling her eyes. “I don’t think I’ll ever understand how creatures can think in such a way. Now leave me.”

Majesty laid on her bed as she bit her lip while Sansha left. Her mind trying to figure out a solution to get out of this. There was also that symbol. The spiked eye. She had seen it before, but she didn’t know where or when. Rubbing her chin, she thought, If I could find out what that symbol means... maybe I can find out who really is behind the murder? Or at least enough to get everypony of my back. I’m just going to need help...

***

Sansha couldn’t help but question more about what Majesty had said about faith. One that she had heard too many times from her fellow Flutter Ponies. Many had long since stopped praying to Mesmoria out of her abandonment of her creature to the hooves of the unicorns who enslaved them. Sansha, however, never lost her faith. She didn’t pray for freedom, nor did she pray for revenge like some did. She only prayed to be happy, be it as a slave or a free creature. She had a home, friends, and a pony she loved more than anything in the world. A love she would be happy to die for.

“Sansha,” whispered the voice of the one who stole her heart. The one who she saw not as one of her conquers, but a good hearted pony who saw her as a mare and not a slave.

“Morning,” she whispered as she felt his hooves wrap around her waist before dragging her closer to his lips. Her kiss met his and she felt the love she had for her fill up her reserves. She made sure to let her own stored love into his body to warm him up with her feelings. They shared it together. Their love. Their hope.

But there was a third now involved.

She had to be sure, but upon being checked by a close and trustworthy friend, the blessing from her deities had come. Morning Blade was confused when she ended their kiss before grabbing his hoof. She slowly placed it on her stomach where their miracle was being made in her womb. His expression changed to shock, yet there was joy in his eyes when the realization had been met.

She was with a child.

Their child.

Path Of The Tyrant

by Rated Ponystar

A New Day

First Day Of School

The Prince of Unicornia

Blackmail

Visiting the Palace

Scandal

Royal Plots

The Sign Of The King Part 1

The Sign of The King Part 2