There was a cycle to caring for the Princesses of the kingdom, not unlike the cycle of the sun and the moon that they represented. From morning till evening Celestia was up and in motion to govern the capital city and by extension the Kingdom under her care. Events that ranged from large to small were all decided by her guiding hand and she was often followed by a trail of guards, servants and bureaucrats, each equally looking to carry out her smallest whim and gain some of her attention. Being the princess had to be a taxing job and one could wonder how these women could have carried on with it for hundreds of years. Still, there was a simple pride in being part of the well oiled royal machine that was their daily routine. Heavystep had been part of this process for longer than most. He wasn’t near Prince Shining Armor’s level of command but he was someone that others often came to for assistance or guidance. A soldier that had been with the guard so long and in so many different positions that a natural knowledge of the ins and outs of the castle were stored within him. That history had also earned him a comfortable spot at the head of Celestia’s own personal battalion of guards. With the exception of the rare disaster the castle was a place that had relatively little stress involved. Of course he had to arrange protection for esteemed guests, diplomats and people who had bought their way into positions of prominence. As well as divide and choose the positions for all the soldiers beneath him. While individuals cycled through spots much like himself in his younger days, there was one position he’d reserved for himself ever since he’d gained his promotion. “Your majesties.” Heavystep said, bowing as he pulled aside the dining hall door for Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as the two women entered to enjoy their evening meal. Dinner for Celestia and Breakfast for Luna. They’d made it a habit for themselves ever since Luna’s return to the castle to have these meals together. While Celestia always gave him a nod and a thank you for opening the door he rarely got such thanks from Luna. Not that he minded, it was just her personality as he’d come to understand it. Though with her came another change he was less excited about, no matter how long it went on. “Dine well, your majesties.” The woman in armor across from him said as they closed the doors behind the princesses. She took her position on her side of the large door frame while Heavystep took his. Years ago he would have been the only one before the door as a singular guard when Celestia ate alone, with only her servants and occasionally Twilight Sparkle and Spike to keep her company. But now that Luna was back in her original position of power it meant she had a battalion of guards all her own. And with them came their own commander. “Another start of a beautiful night, wouldn’t you say?” “Indeed, Nightshade.” Heavystep said with a sigh. “What’s the matter, big guy? Feeling a little worn out with the sun going down?” Nightshade said, a woman with long green hair, equally deep green eyes and wearing the black armor that was common among the Night Guard. “I can stay awake as long as needed.” Heavystep said, sounding more serious than his female counterpart. “Always so rigid. However did you last so long around someone as bubbly as Celestia?” She questioned, shaking her head with that ever present smile. “Sounds like you’re looking to transfer into the day shift.” Heavystep retorted. “Perhaps you’d be more comfortable around our morning ruler?” “Oh by the Moon, no. I’ll take the night any day of the week.” She said confidently. “Imagine having to get up early in the morning, I can think of no greater punishment.” “Well I suppose we’re all comfortable where we’ve ended up then.” Heavystep said, feeling as though that was the end of the conversation. Not that Nightshade caught on. “Comfortable, yes. But happy, I wonder? You don’t see quite as many men like yourself on the royal guard anymore.” “And by ‘myself’, you’re referring to?” “Single bachelors who’ve moved up in ranks but not in marriage. You wait much longer and you’ll be too old to get yourself one.” Nightshade lectured. “Mature men have an appeal but even that wanes with time.” “I’m flattered, but I don’t think we’d do well as a couple.” Heavystep answered and Nightshade laughed out loud at his suggestion. “Can you imagine? The two of us? Least I’d have the bed to myself while you’re at work.” She said with a chuckle. “Besides, the way I hear it, you’re more interested in girls with a bit of harmony to their character.” “This again. I was merely escorting Miss Fluttershy that night. Nothing happened between us.” Heavystep sighed, having had to dismiss rumors like this ever since he’d gone out as Blueblood’s chaperon to make sure he behaved himself. “That’s a shame, she’s very cute.” Nightshade said thoughtfully. “But I was thinking of ones that are more on the bookish side. Maybe with long purple hair?” “I... don’t know what you’re getting at.” Heavystep replied. “Oh come on, part of my job is knowing the ins and outs of this place. You don’t have to hide it from me.” She said teasingly. “So what if you’ve got a crush on Celestia’s prize student? She’s quite the looker herself. Not much better of a wife you could land either considering how close she is to royalty.” “I assure you no matter how... attractive I may find Twilight Sparkle I’d never do anything unbecoming in her presence or towards her person.” Heavystep answered, wondering how exactly she knew this particular secret about him. He’d confessed it to Fluttershy but never would he have thought she’d tell another soul. “Please, you can say she’s got a cute, tight butt if you want. It’s the truth.” Nightshade said openly. “It’s not like she’s going to be here to judge your-” there was a flash of pink energy before them as the subject of her sentence appeared out of thin air with a teleportation spell. “-th-th-thoughts!?” “Twilight Sparkle?” Heavystep asked confused, the young woman looking between the two guards. “This... is quite a surprise.” “I’m sorry to trouble you.” Twilight began, her head hanging down. “But if you could, I’d like to pass and talk with Princess Celestia?” It was unusual to say the least. He’d never seen Twilight just magically appear in the castle like this before. Sure she had stayed the night in the past but when she arrived from elsewhere it was always through the front door. Now not only did she appear suddenly through magic but she was still asking permission for an audience. “It’s an emergency.” “Right away. Just a moment.” Heavystep answered while Nightshade still stared at Twilight, wide eyed in shock that the princess had appeared while being spoken of. Knocking on the door Heavystep opened it shortly after and entered. “Your Majesties. You... have a guest. Miss Twilight Sparkle is here to see you.” “Twilight?” Celestia said in surprise, the two princesses looking from their position in the middle of the table. Normally when guests were present, they sat on either end of the long piece of furniture, but for just the two of them the center was good enough. Celestia rose to her feet and walked over to meet her student as Luna kept seated and waited on the other side of the table. “This is a most unexpected visit.” “I know this is sudden and I apologize for coming unannounced.” Twilight replied, Heavystep and Nightshade closed the door and took their positions on the inside of the dining hall. “I have something important I must report right away.” Glancing at the maids in the room, Celestia understood her meaning and dismissed her servants. “Would it be alright if my soldier stayed for this?” Celestia asked, referring to Heavystep who was keeping at attention all the while awaiting his next order. “Yes, I suppose they’ll need to know. The village has possibly been infested by... changelings.” Twilight confessed, causing surprise in everyone present. Particularly Nightshade who didn’t seem to be dealing with today’s shocks very well. “That can’t be.” Nightshade whispered to herself. “I see.” Celestia said. “You have proof then? I can’t imagine you’d come to me without it.” “Yes... I’m afraid Fluttershy was attacked.” Twilight said, giving the other night a reason for shock. “No... not Ms. Fluttershy. Is she-” Heavystep began and thankfully Twilight was there to quell their worst fears. “She’s alive, and awake again. But I know she’s not the only one that’s been attacked living there. At least one other... maybe a month earlier.” Twilight explained. “I... I failed you, Princess. This all happened under my watch and I didn’t even notice a thing was wrong.” “You need not blame yourself, Twilight Sparkle. There is no way we could have seen every threat that comes our way.” Celestia reassured her student, then turned to Heavystep. “Commander, I’d like you to gather your forces together.” Heavystep was ready to salute and form a battalion but before his hand could raise up his other ruler spoke. “Hold that order.” Luna said, finally standing from her seat at the table. “Commander Nightshade, I feel your battalion may be better suited to this task.” “Princess Luna?” Twilight asked in astonishment that she spoke up against one of Celestia’s orders. “Sister? What are you...” Celestia took a moment to collect herself before speaking again. “What did you have in mind, Luna?” “Night is approaching and your guards will be at the end of their shifts, while my own are just beginning theirs.” Luna explained. “Aside from having a fresh group of soldiers ready to do their job, the Night Guard are better at subtlety. This is the time the changelings are most likely to be about. Don’t you agree, Twilight Sparkle?” “I... yes, that does make sense.” Twilight said hesitantly. “Very well. Nightshade, collect your most trusted soldiers and depart for Twilight’s village at once. Be mindful of what you say to the public so we may avoid a panic.” “Yes, your highness!” Nightshade said, saluting her princess with a bright smile on her face. “I will begin right away.” “I suppose that settles that.” Celestia said, though Twilight approached her closer. “Princess, there’s something more we need to discuss... in private.” Twilight suggested. Celestia was puzzled but nodded her head, turning away from the dining table and heading for the hall that lead to her private quarters. With their duties fulfilled the two soldiers exited the dining hall as well, departing from their previous positions. “Do you have enough soldiers to fulfill this task?” Heavystep asked Nightshade who was grinning wide. “More than enough, in fact I don’t want to take too many or else that will alert the public. Keeping the peace is paramount after all.” Nightshade answered. “Sorry you didn’t get picked for this mission big guy, but you can leave it to me. I’ll protect that pretty girl that you claim you’re only just friends with.” Her words annoyed him but he had to accept them, after all they were direct orders from their rulers. “I suppose you’re right. If this threat is credible then I’ll need to be sure it hasn’t spread as far as the castle again.” “Oh don’t go worrying about all that.” Nightshade assured him. “I’ll keep it contained. After all, how big a problem could this be?” ********** Climbing the stairs after Celestia, Twilight remained quiet. She wasn’t sure how exactly she would approach this subject with her teacher but she knew it couldn’t be left out of the story. The changeling threat was their top priority but wherever Spike had gone to was right behind it. Leaving him alone was too dangerous and with the state he was in there’s no telling what he might do. Twilight looked up as she climbed the stairs to catch Celestia looking back at her with concern. Her eyes moved away quickly, which just made her feel worse inside knowing she couldn’t meet her gaze. “Come in.” Celestia said softly as she opened the door to her room. Taking her invitation Twilight entered and sat on the cherished old pillow she’d used in her past lessons and moments with Celestia. Walking in after her, Celestia closed the door but both women were caught off guard as the door stopped and another visitor pushed it open to enter as well. “So, there is more to share Twilight Sparkle?” Luna asked directly, closing the door behind her. “What could be so important it has to be held in secret like this?” “Luna...” Celestia began, approaching her sister carefully. “We should be delicate right now. You can see Twilight is in a sensitive state.” The Princess of the Night looked between her sister and Twilight sitting on her pillow on the floor. She sighed and stood aside. “Very well, Celestia. She is your student after all. But if this involves the kingdom then I should be present as well. Can we agree on that?” She asked, almost in challenge to Celestia. While she’d already been feeling anxious over having to confess her sins, Twilight was clutching the front of her blouse from the tension between the two rulers. When did things become so strained in their relationship? “It is true she’s my student, which is why if it concerns her personal care I think it’s best to keep things private between us.” Celestia said nearly in challenge back. “I don’t feel we need to put undue stress on the poor girl when Fluttershy is already-” “Princess.” Twilight said, pulling both of their eyes onto her. “I think that... Luna should hear this too.” It was much more uncomfortable having both of their judgment upon her but she didn’t want to be the cause of a fight between them. She’d already broken enough hearts in this royal family. “...very well, if you deem it so Twilight.” Celestia said, the sisters ceasing their quarrel for now. “I apologize if things felt a little off. This is all very sudden after all and well.. you know I worry whenever you’re in trouble.” Kneeling before Twilight, Celestia put a hand on hers. “Is there anything you need before we begin?” Twilight considered her question before feeling an odd pull inside her chest. As if someone was tugging at her very heart. She gasped for a moment as the feeling brought forth a name. “Cadence.” “Cadence?” Celestia asked in confusion. “Did you want me to fetch her for you?” Instead of answering, Twilight looked to the door and there was a knock right afterwards. Both Celestia and Luna looked at it and then between each other in confusion. Stepping forward Luna pulled the door open to reveal Princess Cadence standing behind it and distressed. “Your highness?” Cadence said in concern. “I felt Twilight was here, may I come in?” Moving aside for her Luna and Celestia watched as Cadence ran to her sister and hugged her tightly, the two girls embracing each other while the rulers watched in fascination. “She sensed her before she arrived.” Luna whispered, though Twilight could hear her easily in the room. “Peculiar. Which of them do you think caused the connection?” “Maybe both?” Celestia whispered back. “Their magic is strong enough as is their bond. We’d know better than most.” They watched and waited as Twilight and Cadence ended their embrace. “Hello little sister.” Cadence said with a small smile. “Things aren’t well tonight, are they?” Twilight shook her head slowly, Cadence taking a seat on the floor with her legs tucked under her to be close to Twilight. “Is it about what we discussed before?” She asked and Twilight hesitated before nodding, gripping her hand. “I see... okay, you know I’m here for you.” “Thank you.” Twilight said in response, looking up to see that Luna and Celestia no longer seemed to be concerned with whatever was bothering them earlier. Now their attention was focused solely on the women before them. “Sorry to drag this out, I know you’re both very busy.” “It’s alright Twilight.” Celestia said to reassure her. “I can see whatever is happening is important. You may continue when you’re ready.” “Alright... I... um... the thing is. Spike and I have been... sleeping together.” Twilight admitted, hanging her head low. Cadence’s hand gently rubbed her back as she sought to reclaim her confidence enough to continue. However Celestia was the one to speak directly after. “And?” She asked, puzzled. “Did something happen to you both while you were?” Twilight and Cadence both looked her way in confusion at her words. Her own fear fading as Celestia seemed so calm having heard this. Almost like she expected it. Luna was glancing between the girls on the floor and to her sister, seeing their surprise at the reaction. “If I may, sister.” Luna offered. “I believe what Twilight is suggesting is that she and your ward Spike have been... having an adult, sexual relationship together in her bed. Not simply sleeping together.” Twilight’s brow furrowed as Celestia was still looking between them not following along with the issue. “I think that maybe... due to their current age and positions within our court, this may be inappropriate for the time period?” “Inappropriate for... the time period?” Celestia asked, thinking back for a moment and looking between Cadence and Twilight. “Wait... you’re... you’re sleeping with Spike now?” “Yes. That’s what I’m confessing to.” Twilight admitted, Celestia shaking her head. “No... that’s not correct.” She muttered as if thinking on something else other than the people in the room with her. Her lack of focus on Twilight and the fact she wasn’t angry upsetting Twilight more than if Celestia had been screaming at her for committing a taboo. “I know what I did was wrong but... no, there’s no excuses... there’s really nothing I can say to fix this.” Twilight said, leaning against Cadence for support. Celestia was still in a daze as she was thinking and seeing the lack of focus on her sister, Luna stepped up to speak in her place. “Ahem... Twilight Sparkle. I know that... passion in young people can be a powerful thing. Back when I was first ruling such a relationship wasn’t unheard of happening. In fact, it was a regular occurrence in our court. That is what I am guessing has thrown my sister into such disarray. It can be difficult to keep up with the current culture when you’ve lived as long as ourselves.” Luna spoke looking back at Celestia and raising her voice slightly. “Isn’t that right, sister?” “Hm!?” Celestia asked, seeming to come out of her trance. “Right... yes, I’m sorry I reacted so poorly. This is clearly a bigger emotional situation for you than I was respecting, Twilight.” Stepping forward she sat on her own pillow, summoning another equally large and plush one for Luna who after a reluctant moment joined the other girls. “If you’d like I can have a talk with him and perhaps together we can try to sort this out?” “That’s not all.” Twilight said, her head dipping again. “Spike hasn’t just been sleeping with me.” Her words stopped Celestia again who had another genuine look of surprise. “He... shouldn’t be doing that.” Celestia said, almost more as if she hadn’t expected him to instead of being upset that he had broken a confidence with Twilight. “Who else?” “Rarity.” Twilight said and Cadence gasped a little in shock. “I never thought those two would actually have a physical relationship. There was always a deep bond between them but to think it would become this.” “That’s not all.” Twilight continued, silencing everyone in the room. “He was also sleeping with Rarity’s little sister, Sweetie Belle. Or... something like that. We didn’t get very many details on what they were doing together but there was some sort of relationship there.” “All these girls...” Cadence said with deep consideration. “It’s so very unlike what I expected of him. He seemed like such a sweet boy. Twilight, is there anything else?” Twilight’s hands gripped the fabric of her skirt tightly as she built up to her last confession. “You can take your time, this is a lot to have to share with us.” “We don’t have time.” Twilight said gravely. “Spike was also sleeping with a changeling named Damselfly. He said she was... helping him sort things out. That I’d driven him to her because I made him crazy.” Tears were running down her cheeks now, unable to hold them back. She wasn’t sure if Cadence’s presence was helping her release her feelings or if she just no longer had the strength to keep them inside. “A changeling...” Celestia repeated, wide eyed as she pondered all of this. “A changeling with a name.” Luna added, her eyes much more stern and focused. “When I found out, I... I panicked.” Twilight said. “Fluttershy was in danger, Spike had rushed her to my house asking for help. He said that... the changeling sucked the venom out. It was such an insane story but he had the bite marks on his neck. And the venom had been removed from her body like he described. Somehow, I knew that he was telling the truth. I became... very upset: I yelled at him, accused him of betraying me and tried to lock him in my room while I took Fluttershy to the hospital, then the very next morning he was gone.” “Gone!?” Cadence asked in surprise. “What do you mean gone?” “He just left. I haven’t seen him since that night. I don’t know where he is.” Twilight lifted her head up and looked at Celestia. “That’s why I came to you. I can’t... I can’t fix this. Any of this. Everything is out of control. Princess Celestia, I’m begging you. Help me.” “My faithful student.” Celestia said, pulling Twilight into a hug that she practically fell into. “You’ve gone through so much. More than I could have anticipated. I’m... sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me.” “You couldn’t have known.” Twilight sobbed out quietly as she took comfort in the embrace of her teacher. “I... suppose somehow I couldn’t have.” Celestia said awkwardly, looking to Luna who nodded to her sister and stood up from her seat. “Twilight, stay with me tonight. You won’t be any good to your friends or to Spike if you’ve driven yourself into exhaustion.” “Okay... if you think that’s best.” Twilight said, giving in to her teacher’s direction. There was relief in her voice from being given an order she could understand. “I’ll leave you two for the night, then.” Luna said, heading to the bedroom door and Cadence standing up to follow after her. Celestia and Twilight thanked them both for their help as the two princesses exited the bedroom and Twilight let out ragged breaths. Her teacher was right, she could barely function any further. After the night with Fluttershy in the hospital and spending the rest of her waking hours searching for Spike, she was past where her body needed to sleep. “Well I suppose we best get ready for bed.” Celestia said, approaching her closet and began to remove her clothing from earlier in the day. “If you would like Twilight I can summon one of our maids to bring some pajamas for you. I don’t believe any of my night gowns will fit you properly.” “If you think that’s best.” Twilight repeated from earlier, staring at the floor. She didn’t know what she wanted. After everything she confessed she thought that a dungeon was the most appropriate place for her to spend the night. Yet her teacher was here caring for her like when she was young. She didn’t deserve this kind of attention. This kind of love. “Hm... well, if it’s what I think is best.” Celestia said in reply, leaning down to take Twilight’s hand in her own and helping her stand. “There’s no need for all of that fuss then. Let’s get you to bed as fast as possible.” Guiding her along Celestia began to undress Twilight Sparkle where she stood, floating her clothing away with her magic into a nearby basket to be taken away in the morning for cleaning. Twilight didn’t fight it, instead allowing each garment to be removed until she was left in just her panties. “All ready for the bed, right this way.” Following Celestia to her large, plush bed, Twilight climbed inside and instantly felt more relaxed. The comfort of the mattress beneath her and the feel of the sheets around her body was soft and warm. Though her heart still ached deep inside. “Celestia?” “Yes, Twilight?” The princess asked, petting her student’s hair. “Why are you being so kind to me?” Twilight asked fearfully. “I... I did so much wrong. I don’t deserve this.” “None of that, now.” Celestia said, waving her hand and extinguishing all of the light in the bedroom. Twilight stayed where the princess had left her, listening to the sounds in the dark as the princess removed the rest of her clothing and eventually slid into the other side of the bed. The mattress moved with the pressure of the other woman settling in and a soft arm reached out beneath the sheets to pull Twilight closer. She didn’t resist and eventually found herself pressed against the bare skin of her teacher under the bed. “Do you remember us doing this in the past?” “Yes... it’s been a very long time though.” Twilight spoke softly, nuzzling into the warm embrace of the princess. “Whenever I was frustrated or upset that something wasn’t working out, you’d let me sleep in your bed with you.” “That’s correct. Do you know why I did it?” Celestia asked. “So that I wouldn’t stay up all night in the library?” “Well... yes, there was that.” Celestia said with a small chuckle. “You always pushed yourself harder and harder trying to come to a solution whenever you couldn't immediately grasp one. But working harder wasn’t always the answer.” “Sometimes... you have to take a step back so you can work smarter?” “That’s correct again.” Celestia said. “I know that you’re not a child anymore, Twilight. Neither is Spike. But there are times when I would miss something as simple as holding my precious student while she slept. And if it can help you, even just a little bit, I’m happy to do it again. Because I love you, Twilight Sparkle.” Tears threatened to spill out as Twilight buried her face against Celestia’s chest and she whispered in reply. “I love you too, Celestia.” “Thank you. Now we need to rest and get up with the sun. Tomorrow will be an important day for us both.” “Okay... did you want me to let you go?” Twilight asked hesitantly. “Not at all, I’m very comfortable with you in my arms.” Celestia confessed. “After all I don’t think it’s so odd for two women to sleep together in a bed is it?” “Um... you should know that I... also had sex with Rarity along with Spike.” Twilight confessed shamefully, looking away from her teacher. “Oh.” Celestia said, a look of surprise in her expression realizing just how much her student had grown up. “Well... Rarity is quite an attractive woman so I could understand it.” Twilight’s eyes shot back to her teacher in equal shock with her response. “Come now Twilight, you think I haven’t experimented before with a woman? When you live as long as I have you have to try a little bit of everything.” “I’ll just... go to sleep now while I’m comfortable.” Twilight said, pushing ideas of what Celestia may have done for carnal pleasure in the past out of her mind and letting the night pull her into a deep slumber. ********** Heading down the stairs and following behind Luna, Cadence felt hesitant to leave Twilight alone. But she was in the care of Celestia and there was no greater person for her to find comfort in. Princess Celestia had been guiding Twilight since she was a child and she knew her little sister thought the world of her. Still it hurt her heart to leave her behind, even if she could feel it repair ever so slightly from being near her teacher. “You should inform Shining Armor of these events.” Luna instructed Cadence. “Um... I understand the importance of collecting Spike. We can’t let him just be out who knows where all by himself. But I’m not sure how much of Twilight’s personal business I should expose to her brother.” “Spike and his various sexual escapades are not what concern me.” Luna replied, arriving at the bottom of the stairs where her breakfast sat half finished. She gave the plate an annoyed look realizing there wasn’t time to finish her meal. “It’s this changeling that Twilight Sparkle spoke of. This Damselfly.” “Oh. Right. That is a large concern.” Cadence was more familiar with the threat a changeling could pose than most. Her own life having been stolen by the queen of changelings, Chrysalis. “Do you think she might have kidnapped him?” “Perhaps. Perhaps not.” Luna said. “Twilight Sparkle said that this 'Damselfly' sucked the venom out of Fluttershy. I don’t know if I believe that, but if she’s capable of such a feat and has a name then it is only a matter of time until we might have another kingdom wide threat on our hands." “I... don’t understand. Why is it so important that she has a name?” “Because, she’s likely the new queen of the changelings.”