The love that asks no questions, the love that stands the test, that lays upon the altar, the dearest and the best.
High Lady Rarity awoke with a smile on her face, for today was the day she received the ultimate reward for her service to Queen Nightmare Moon, long may she reign.
She took extra care with her morning routine, ensuring that her makeup and coiffeur were impeccable and her coat groomed to a perfect sheen. Anything less would have been disrespectful to Her Majesty.
The knock at the door came right as Rarity finished smoothing out her outfit. She had chosen to go for her nicest uniform, rather than a dress or something else outside of the standard fare, as it was important to her that everypony knew she was being rewarded for her service to the Crown and not just for being a pretty face.
Straightening her posture, she lit up her horn and opened the door, revealing one of the two guards who had been posted outside the previous day. It was a crying shame that such measures were even necessary, but far too many ponies tried to reject the honour bestowed on them, and the guards had become standard protocol after the first heretic had been tracked down and given a much less honourable fate.
"Hello, Rainbow." Rarity inclined her head slightly in greeting. "Is it time?"
"Yeah." In violation of the discipline that should have been drilled into her mind, Rainbow Dash pawed nervously at the ground. "I'm supposed to escort you to the Overseer now."
"Let's be on our way, then." Rarity tried to step forwards, but she noticed that her companion wasn't moving. "Rainbow Dash?"
"I..." It was odd, to see the normally brash and confident pegasus look so hesitant. "I just... I didn't expect you to get rewarded so soon."
Rarity smiled, sensing the source of Rainbow's unease. "Darling, you've seen all the work I've done in ensuring that our Queen's will is done to her satisfaction. There really is no better choice, don't you think?" False modesty was unbecoming, and Rarity would have none of it from herself.
"I guess." When Rainbow looked up at Rarity, Rarity could see tears beginning to form in her eyes. "I just... I'll miss you. I wish you could stay with us for a bit longer, you know?"
Rarity trotted up to Rainbow Dash. "Oh, Rainbow." She reached up with a hoof to softly stroke the guard's cheek. "My dearest, oldest friend."
The hoof drifted downwards until it reached her neck. "Don't you ever speak such blasphemy again," she hissed, her grip tightening and closing off Rainbow's windpipe, depriving her of voice or breath. "I will not hesitate to send you for re-education if I hear you speak ill of our glorious Queen's decision. Do you understand?"
A frantic nod from Rainbow. "Y-Yes, High Lady," she gasped out as Rarity released her. "I'm sorry about my disrespect."
"As well you should be." Not wanting to tarnish this perfect day with further talk of Rainbow's transgression, Rarity put on her brightest smile and gestured towards the door. "Now then, shall we?"
"Of course, High Lady." It was good to see that fear in her eyes again. Friends they might be, but Rarity had to make sure that Rainbow would remain loyal even after she was no longer here to watch over her for seditious behaviour.
She took her time to admire the sights as they proceeded towards the main courtyard of the Castle. Nightmare Moon's return had transformed this ruin into a bustling, beautiful jewel of the kingdom, a fitting metaphor for her rulership of Equestria. With Rarity by her side as her most dutiful servant, she had transformed the lazy, uncultured, directionless masses into a well-oiled and fabulous machine that had raised them all to new heights.
As she watched a pair of maids scurry past her, their eyes downcast as was proper, Rarity felt a deep sense of satisfaction welling up in her heart at how she'd helped put everypony in their proper places. And now, it was time for her to take her proper place in serving her Queen by giving herself completely to the cause.
They reached the doorway to the courtyard, which had already been cleared of all other ponies except the awaiting Overseer.
Rarity had taken some liberties with her position to ensure that tonight's ritual would be conducted by somepony with the same dedication, skill, and craftsmanship as herself. A good friend whom she could trust to complete the Overseer's duties exactly as Nightmare Moon desired it.
"Ah, High Lady Rarity!" Lord Fancy Pants bowed respectfully towards her. "I must say, it is truly a privelege to be selected to act as the Queen's hoof tonight. Your doing, I take it?"
"Naturally," Rarity replied as she gave the noblestallion an appraising look. He wore the traditional midnight-blue robes of the position well, lending them an air of sophistication that Rarity appreciated. It didn't hurt that he was quite the attractive stallion as well. She deserved a little extra reward for her hard work, after all. "I take it the preparations are complete?"
"Every I dotted and every t crossed," the Overseer assured her. "All that's left is for the guest of honour to take her place."
"Then lead the way, darling." They took their time, trotting slowly down the path that led to the courtyard. This would be their last chance to talk, and Rarity wished to indulge herself in it. "So, how is Fleur doing? I haven't had a chance to see her since we neutralized the resistance in Canterlot."
"She's been well," Fancy replied. "We spent some vacation time in the west after Canterlot before she was summoned to Trottingham. They'd captured a few rebels that they couldn't break, so they called for an expert Inquisitor."
"Well, they can hardly do better than Fleur."
"Quite." A frown formed on Fancy's muzzle. "She sends her most sincere regrets that she won't be able to attend the ritual. You know she would have loved to see you receive your highest honour."
"I do know, Fancy. But she has her duty, and I am content to know that there are competent and loyal ponies who will carry on the Queen's will in my absence." They were behind the stone walls that separated them from tonight's audience. Rarity stopped and waited as Fancy went on ahead.
There was silence for a few seconds, and then she heard his voice loudly echoing out into the endless night. "Esteemed guests! Today we celebrate the elevation of one of the Empire's most devoted servants to the ultimate reward of servitude to Queen Nightmare Moon.
"High Lady Rarity's achievements and accolades are far too numerous to recount — suffice to say that she is an inspiration to us all, and that we have plenty to learn from her example. And tonight, she shall take the next step in her service of the Queen. Hail Nightmare Moon!"
"Hail Nightmare Moon!" the crowd replied in unison.
That was Rarity's cue. With her head held up high and proud, she strode into the main courtyard of Castle Everfree.
The crowd that greeted her was not large. This was not a spectacle for the masses, after all, and as much as Rarity intended to put on a good show, the audience was not here for entertainment. They were here to bear witness to the Queen's benevolence, and only the most loyal members of the kingdom would be granted the privilege of watching Rarity receive her reward.
None of that mattered to Rarity, though. There was only one pony before her who mattered — her glorious Queen, Nightmare Moon, long may she reign.
The Queen sat in her own private box, as expected. A strong illusion spell had been placed around the royal seat, shrouding it in a cloud of darkness that allowed Nightmare Moon to see without being seen. One so exalted as her was not to be looked upon in this most intimate of ceremonies, after all. At least, not by any normal ponies.
In this, Rarity had been granted a gift that even those who had come before her had not earned. The enchantment bestowed upon her allowed her eyes to pierce right through the shadows and see her Queen lounging in a velvet-lined recliner ornate enough to serve as a very comfortable throne.
Their eyes met for a brief moment, sharing a secret look that none of the others could see.
Queen Nightmare Moon smiled, and Rarity was complete.
"Rarity." Equestria's True Queen spoke the name with no title. After all, all other ponies paled in comparison to her magnificence, and she did not have to deign to remember such lesser positions. "Step forward."
Rarity did as instructed, walking up to the stone altar that had been set up for her. Arcane runes far beyond her understanding decorated its surface, pulsing with a gentle cyan magic that Rarity had longed to have enveloped around her. A shiver of anticipation coursed down her spine as she stood before it, basking in the eagerness to finally give herself fully to her Queen.
"You have been deemed worthy of partaking in the ultimate servitude." The words filled Rarity with satisfaction, though she didn't allow herself to smile. That would have been unbecoming.
"I thank Your Majesty for this gift." Rarity bowed deeply, casting her eyes towards the floor. "I beg of you to allow this lowly servant to give herself to you entirely."
"Rise, Rarity." Nightmare Moon's eyes pierced Rarity's as she did as commanded, fiery passion and icy cruelty shining out in equal measure in her captivating gaze. Oh, how blessed Rarity was to be able to share this moment with her, when none of the others honoured had been able to. "Overseer, you may begin the ritual."
Fancy Pants stepped forward, using his magic to pull an obsidian knife from his robes. Rarity's thighs clenched at the sight as reality washed over her. This was really happening. She was truly going to be receiving her due today.
Rarity knew the ritual by heart, and needed no prompting before she knelt in front of the Overseer.
"Oh Queen of the Night, by your will do I wield this blade," he intoned, holding the artifact up into the air before lowering it to Rarity. "Supplicant, know the instrument of your ascension."
Rarity leaned forward with utter reverence, her gaze fixed in the moonlight glinting off the sharpened stone. "By my rending I shall be made whole." She pressed a kiss against the flat of the knife, savouring the sensation of the cold, smooth texture against her lips. Once again, her legs clenched, a wave of pleasure washing over her as she worshiped the tool which would grant her the ultimate release.
"Go forth and present yourself to the night," Fancy instructed, continuing in the next step of the ritual as he floated the knife away.
Rarity stood up and climbed onto the altar. She rolled over, thankful for her dress providing some relief for her back against the hard granite she lay on. Still, a chill seeped through into her coat through the thin fabric of her clothes, and she gave a small shiver as she waited for Fancy to continue.
She did not have to wait for long. "None can hide from the light of the moon," the Overseer said. "Reveal yourself to your Goddess."
At this, Rarity spread her legs, revealing the glistening wetness between them. The thought that Nightmare Moon herself could see her like this sent another flame through her body, and she grew even warmer as the audience looked down upon her sex.
"I offer myself to my queen." It didn't matter that her most private regions were on display; Rarity's voice was steady, conveying her devotion exactly as she wished to. "All that I am, I give freely and without reservation. Take me, oh glorious Mistress of Night Eternal." She was so wet now, so needy, and her sex pulsed with the desire to be filled.
"I accept this offering." Those words were all that mattered, filling Rarity's mind like the aroma of the finest wine. "Overseer, take the sacrifice in my name."
Rarity raised her head long enough to see Fancy climb up onto the altar, his member extending from his sheath. She didn't spare another moment on it, instead leaning her back over the side of the stone so that she could watch Nightmare Moon's reaction.
Her Queen had sprawled herself out on the chair, her legs parting and revealing her own beautiful folds. Rarity's breath caught in her throat as she beheld perfection, and soon enough she was so ready to receive whatever her Goddess demanded of her that Fancy's stallionhood — no, Nightmare Moon's stallionhood, wielded by her humble servant — entered her with little resistance, sending sparks of pleasure through her nethers as he hilted himself deep inside.
Rarity cried out, her body shuddering as her hips bucked forwards, eager to take as much of her Mistress as she could. "Oh glorious Queen of the Night, your loyal servant thanks you for your blessing!"
The exact wording didn't matter for this part of the ritual. What was important was the intent — the expression of total devotion fueled the magic of the altar, and the magic within the runes sprung to life, wrapping around Rarity and granting unto her the embrace of the Queen.
Fancy withdrew, and then slammed himself into her once again. At the same time, Rarity saw Nightmare Moon's hoof drift downwards and rub circles around her most private treasure. She groaned at the sensations assailing her and another round of pleas issued forth from between her lips. "I beg you, Mistress of Darkness, let me become one with you! Grant me my deepest desire!"
The magic around Rarity flared up into a maelstrom, enhancing the feeling of the cock inside her rubbing against her inner walls and making it hard to concentrate on anything besides her pleasure and the performance she was witnessing from the Queen.
Nightmare Moon's hoof was pressing into her own marehood now, pumping in and out in time with the stallionhood inside of her servant. Now Rarity understood why she had to be shrouded with an illusion spell during this ritual; it would not be right for the others to see their ruler like this, with her lips parted sensually and her eyes unfocused and clouded with lust. No, such passion should be reserved only to those she deemed truly worthy of her splendour.
And she had chosen Rarity. The thought gave her satisfaction beyond anything sexual and took root within the soul itself. "Oh, I'm yours, my Queen! I live only to bring you pleasure!"
Fancy sped up, and so did Nightmare Moon intensify her assault on her own nethers and Rarity's marehood desperately gripped the member she now thought of as her Mistress'. At the same time, she felt the tip of the blade she had kissed earlier press lightly against her belly. She tensed instinctively as it began tracing out a complex pattern on her coat, and even though it never broke skin, Rarity screamed.
Her magic was being drawn out of her and into the dagger. She'd known this would happen, known that this was her purpose, but she couldn't have imagined what the sensation of losing it would be like. It was as if the blade was drawing out her spirit, the very essence of her self. Her heart hammered away in her chest and her eyes rolled in her head as Fancy continued to pound away, uncaring as to her torment.
She looked up and saw a wide smile on Nightmare Moon's muzzle as her hoof began playing with her clit. Understanding dawned on Rarity, and she howled her anguish into the night, even as the physical pleasure mounted up within her loins.
"Forever I shall be faithful!" she cried out, bucking her hips in sync with Fancy Pants as more of her soul slipped away from her, leaving her cold in a way that no fire could ease. "My suffering I endure gladly for you, my Queen!"
Said Queen grinned as she continued to hoof herself harder. Rarity focused on the display as the dagger continued its path, drawing out more and more of her magic and leaving her feeling bereft of identity. She could barely hold on to Rarity anymore, the void of nothingness closing in as she felt herself approach her peak.
With the last of her strength, she clenched her thighs and reached out a hoof to furiously rub at her clit. At the same time, she shouted out to her Mistress, "I am yours, now and for all eternity! The night comes for me, and I embrace it with all my heart! I am nothing without you!"
The words had their intended effect. Rarity watched with the last of her energy as Nightmare Moon's lips parted in a silent cry of joy, her legs twitching as she gushed out her release on her hoof. The sight of her Queen in her throes of pleasure sparked Rarity's own orgasm, and she screamed in ecstasy and agony as the last of her magic was drained from her in waves that mirrored the pulsing shocks of release that each pump of Fancy's member lit within her marehood.
Dimly, she was aware that the Overseer had found his own release, pumping warm seed deep inside her, but that didn't matter. What mattered was the total sense of being spent, of having had everything that made her Rarity drawn out of her in a process that was equal parts torture and fantasy.
Her mind, ever loyal, remembered the last part of the ritual. The dagger was lifted from her flesh, and as her legs twitched in the aftershocks of unimaginable bliss, she cried out her last words. "Unto you I commend my spirit! The night shall last forever!"
The knife plunged down into her heart, and Rarity was no more. Only Nightmare Moon remained.
May she live forevermore.