Royal Romp: Part One

        >You hadn't heard from him in over two-hundred and fifty years, you hadn't seen him for five-hundred. But when Ditzy Doo of all ponies, not a royal liaison, came with a letter bearing his signature seal (the corners gingerly seared with fire), you felt your heart jump from joy alone.

        >All day you had a hop in your trot you hadn't had since Luna came home for the first time in a millennium. However something you neglected, something painfully obvious as you stare at the letter now. You never actually read it.

        >The looks you were getting from the Canterlot dignitaries didn't help any. Today Luna was the one to validate their petty concerns before ushering them out. For some reason the fear of whatever was in that letter distracted you, "Sister," She began, "We are growing concerned about this letter of yours. May we ask of its contents?" You found yourself hesitating before you mustered a response.

        "I didn't actually read it yet. I was going to read it before I set the sun."

        >Luna raised a brow, "So you know nothing about it? Do you even know who sent it?" You tensed at that, you never got around to telling Luna about your son.

        "Um... you will know when I read it."

        >That comment made Luna all the more curious, "Then we will wait for the twilight hours," She said with a dip of her head. You returned the gesture before retreating to your quarters for the rest of the day. You were eager to find a way to pass the time, and found that sending Twilight letters seemed to be the perfect way to make the day go by quicker. You scribbled down a preamble and the contents.

        “I got a letter from someone I haven't heard from in over two-hundred years.”

        >Using your magic you set it aflame and waited for a response. Within moments you got one, and you couldn't help but giggle at her punctuality. You wondered if she freaked out, dropped whatever she was doing, and force poor Spike to scribble up a response. Then you briefly wondered if one day Ponyville will blow up because you wanted to chat with your protegé while she was handling something dangerous.

        >"Who are they?" Was Twilight's response, then at the bottom was more of Spike's cute little doodles. You find your quill trembling slightly as you try to write your next words.

        "Promise you won't tell anyone?"

        >Just as hesitantly as before you ignite the letter, uncertain of Twilight's response and hoping that she wouldn't blab to anyone. Once again you don't have to wait long for a response. The only thing on the letter was a very curt, "Promise," You always preferred it when she dropped formalities.

        "The one who wrote the letter is my son.”

        >You giggled like a school filly, you had just told Twilight of a secret that would rock the entire political world of Equestria. It gave you quite the rush. Within an instant of you sending the thing you get several hastily scribbled letters every second or so. As expected Twilight started gushing and asking every question that came to her mind, and by the looks of things poor Spike could barely keep up. For the little drake's sake you quickly whipped up a letter telling Twilight to cool down, and after a gratuitous apology from your student you started telling her what you knew of your offspring.

        "Do you know of Seleucia, Twilight?"

        >"Little to nothing. They've had an isolationist policy since their founding. The most clear thing we know is that to violate that policy is an act of war. "

        "My son is the one who founded it."

        >"So he's the one that nearly declared war with Equestria. It was over a letter right?"

        "He took his policy very seriously, and it was stupid of me to try to send him a letter myself. He always told me that his soldiers were brutal in enforcing that policy."

        >“You guys didn't have D-Mail?”

        “Not back then, everything was by hoof-delivery.”

        >"A worried mother, risking war to speak with her wayward son again. How heartwarming!" You sighed as you jot down your response.

        "Not my best moment, I assure you."

        >"So what does the letter he sent say?"

        "I don't know, I didn't read it."

        >You cast a glance outside.

        "I need to go, Luna wants to know what's going on and I want to find out what my son wrote."

        >"Tell me when you know?"

        "Definitely.”

        >With that your send the parchment on its way and prepare for the worst. You then make your way to the balcony at the top of the castle, Luna was already there waiting, “Sister,” She greet curtly.

        “Luna.”

        >“Now may you tell us who this mystery pony is?” You found yourself hesitating. You could tell Twilight, all you had to do was ask her to not tell anyone else. But Luna was a different story, “Sister?” She asked, “We're not going to war are we?”

        “N-no! Promise not to shout it when I tell you?”

        >Luna raised a brow quizzically, “We... promise,” She said slowly, clearly a little worried over what she was about to hear.

        “T-the one who sent the l-letter. He's m-my son.”

        >You barely managed to get that out, and by the look on your sister's face she did not takie it well, “A son?” She asked incredulously, “A SON?!”

        “You said you wouldn't do that!”

        >Luna scowled, “How long have you waited to tell us? How many chances have you had? You choose now of all times to tell us we have a nephew we didn't even know about?! When you get a letter and can't hide it anymore?!”

        “That's not why! It was so long ago since he left, you were still on the moon, and by the time you came back he stopped writing. He had an empire to run, I assumed he didn't have the time anymore or forgot about me.”

        >“Even better!” Luna replied, “Your son has his very own empire! Which one?”

        “Seleucia.”

        >“The desert empire to the east?”

        “That's the one.”

        >“Open the letter,” Luna commanded, “I want to hear what this desert emperor has to say.”

        >You didn't like the way she said that. In spite of him being your own flesh and blood you wonder how much he changed in the last two-hundred years. Carefully you produced the seared envelope and began to peel it open. Within was a folded piece of paper covered with his characteristically small writing.

        “Princess Celestia of Equestria.”

        >You felt your heart sink a little at the formal tone.

        “The Seleucid Empire is on the verge of formally ending its isolationism, and although I'd rather remain unknown to the world, circumstance has forced my hand. Our greatest challenge would've been finding someone with an open ear, but then I remembered a certain alicorn I once stood beside.”

        >You felt a smile beginning to form on your lips.

        >“Therefore I beseech you for clearance to personally come to your capital and open diplomatic relations between our two nations.”

        >You were about to squeal, however Luna was still here so you'd save that for later, “So the Seleucid emperor is coming?” Luna asked, reading your response on your face. You gave a shallow nod as Luna's horn flared to life. As always the sun set and the moon rose to take its place in the night sky, “All things considered, I look forward to meeting him,” You stared at your hooves nervously.

        “So do I.”

 

        >Roughly a week later Seleucia declared its borders open. Many diplomats and traders from around the world were stopping in Equestria to rest before making the final trek through the mountains and make their way east. Everyone wanted to check out the isolated empire, you even spotted an emissary from Tambelon make his way through. You sat on your throne, Luna beside you, just waiting for any news of your son. Luna was still upset with you for hiding her nephew from her, and to be frank you would've been too.

        >A guard came charging into the throne room, “Your highnesses, the Seleucid emperor has arrived... alone,” You could barely hold back your glee, but something was already off.

        “Just him?”

        >“Y-yes princess! He came alone. Shall I let him in?”

        >Luna nodded, “Please do,” As the guard retreated the two of you glanced at each-other, “Quite the statement he's making,” You frowned at that.

        “Either he thinks he can take us alone if things go south, or he never had personal guards to begin with.”

        >“We like the sound of the former,” Luna responded lowly, “It has been too long since we've seen combat.”

        “Luna-”

        >The ornate doors slammed open, revealing a stallion clad in dirtied white robes overlaying thick bronze armor. The emperor's aura was one of power and dominance, an aura you were glad to see. The desert emperor slowly made his way over, halting just a few meters short of steps to your throne. “Princesses,” He began with a very deep bow, “On behalf of Seleucia I thank you for your audience,” It sounded so natural, so well-rehearsed. You scanned the room, it was to be a private meeting anyway.

        “Son... it's just us. You can drop the formalities.”

        >The emperor gaped as he stared at Luna, but dipped his head in acquiesce, “A-as you wish, mother,” He paused for a long moment, “Auntie Luna.”

        >Luna offered a soft smile, “So, our nephew is an emperor?”

        >“Y-yes,” He replied, reeling from her ready acceptance of his existence, “I founded the Seleucid Empire. I wanted to do things my way,” He glanced to you, “And I didn't like the idea of deposing mother.”

        “Take off the hood. There's no need to hide your face from your family,”

        >There was a very long pause before he hesitantly complied. His face was very grimy, and his white coat was matted with dirt and sand, but beyond that he was rather unspectacular. Put his face on any other pony and he could easily be lost in a crowd.

        “You haven't changed much. Beneath the dirt and grime you still look quite handsome.”

        >“Such is the nature of immortality,” He replied bashfully.

        “So what pushed you to open your borders?”

        >Your son straightened up again, “'Tis the way the wind is blowing. We need to interact with the outside world if we are to survive this drought.”

        >“A drought?” Luna asked curiously.

        >“A year or two ago our farmers were so overzealous in distributing the water of our river we soon discovered that it was drying out every summer,” A solemn pause, “This is guaranteed to be an annual thing, and my subjects are too many. We will all starve to death in mere months if we stay as we are.”

        >“So this is because you are desperate?” Luna asked.

        >“Y-yes,” The emperor answers shamefully, “The trade explosion that will follow the sudden announcement of our open borders we will help make us strong again,” He looked to you, “But if I'm going to save my empire I need to make nice with my neighbors, I should at least start with my mother,” An answer that made you smirk playfully.

        “Do you think I'm an easy target, your highness? A naive ally?”

        >Your son lowers his head, somewhat ashamed, “N-no, that's not it at all.”

        “You're going to have to convince me, as an emperor. Not as my son.”

        >He offered a shallow nod.

        “Show me your skill in politicking.”

        >The emperor stood tall once more, assuming the same proud stance he had when he first made his way in, “I am on the precipice of collapse, princesses. Seleucia will not survive this drought alone, and I will not allow several centuries of hard work erase itself. I require an ally in the event we are seen as an easy target. We have fought off invaders before and will do so again, we would rather die than be conquered or become a vassal state. Help us and I will be eternally grateful.”

        “How grateful are we talking? What's in it for Equestria?”

        >“We've been isolated for five-hundred years princess Celestia, I do not know the ways of the modern world as you know it. We have several salt mines, I could see about sending a percentage of what we gather in tribute. The shield volcano that flanks the river is our primary source of metal, I can offer your smiths access,” He gestures to his bronzed armor, “It may look like bronze, but that's just the outer layer. Beneath is cold steel, very durable, and it does not heat up in the sun. But ultimately I don't know what a modern world would need. Clearly Equestria does not see the conflict we do, so I must ask you to name your terms.”

        “Normally I'd scold you for that, but considering the circumstances I think I'll let it slide.”

        >You noticed him grow a little irritated by that comment, and you stifled a laugh.

        “For starters, I want you to give us everything pertaining to the land you hail from. Maps, bestiaries, herbal catalogs, whatever tells us about the land, I want a copy. I also want you to accept civilian traffic like tourists and immigrants-”

        >You stood and made your way down to your son. He rivaled you in height, although he was heavier built.

        "-and as a personal favor I want you to stay here and make up for lost time. I missed you."

        >There was a long pause from him before he took a step forward and craned his neck around you, “I missed you too... mother.”

        >You happily returned the gesture before taking a peek up at Luna. You gestured for her to come down and greet her family properly. Hesitantly Luna made her way over and cleared her throat, causing the desert emperor to release you, “N-nephew,” She stammers, still trying to sound proper and businesslike in spite of what she was asked to come down for. You give your son a nudge toward her.

        >“Auntie,” He says just as formally. There was a strange moment of them sizing each-other up before they finally embraced, “It's nice to finally meet you.”

        >Luna hummed softly, “Likewise.”

        “Say.”

        >You earned an acknowledging hum from your son.

        “Can I still call you by the name I gave you?”

        >An annoyed groan from the emperor.

        “Please?”

        >You put on the pouting face you'd seen Rarity wear and the look is enough to break him, “Fine,” He spat tartly, earning a laugh from Luna. You smiled and gave him a quick nuzzle.

        “I'll see you at dinner, Anon.”

        >You could already hear him grumbling at the name. Then something hit you. This was a joyous time, and who better to share it with then Twilight and her friends? Eagerly you trot off, leaving Anon and Luna to their own devices. Bursting into your room you conjured a quill and parchment.

        “To my faithful student Twilight Sparkle,

        I'd like to invite you and your friends to dinner with the Seleucid emperor tomorrow night. He just arrived today so he'll need a night to get his bearings. I'm sure it would be a great learning experience and all around opportunity for both you and your friends. I also talked him into giving up some topographic maps, consider it an early birthday present,

        Sincerely, Princess Celestia of Equestria.”

        >Once again you didn't need wait long for a response, as Twilight immediately sends a letter that outlined her eager agreement and that she was bent on dragging her friends over. You scanned the bottom of the paper to once again see some of Spike's absentminded doodles.

 

        >“-exiles, criminals, the usual unsavory sort,” Anon's voice echoed as you descended back down the stairs.

        >“Impressive,” You heard Luna respond, “Rallying the worst the world has to offer into a unified coalition. We admire your prowess.”

        >“It doesn't work as well with those who have not struggled in life,” Anon said, “With the criminals and other such people, you could assert your dominance, overpower them. Simple things, base things, and they'd fall in line,” He sighed, “But your average pony cries “dictator” or “monster” and demands for a hero to take me down. I've put them down easily enough, but my methods were always meant for the obstinate criminal, the kind of people our empire was built by.”

        >“Over time, many can grow self-entitled, forgetting the lessons their ancestors were forced to learn. They think they deserve better, and find complaining to you is the solution,” Luna told him, “If there is peace however, you will find they are easy to make complacent.”

        >The emperor chuckled, “I noticed, your people would be very easy targets if it wasn't for you two.”

        >You cleared your throat audibly as trotted out of the stairwell.

        “I pray you don't do anything to warrant such accusations.”

        >“I did not found my empire on sunshine and butterflies, mother. Seleucia was built on the backs of stallions and mares who've been dealt harsh hands and raised in even harsher conditions,” Your son began with a stone face, “Seleucia is harsh, and its citizens need to be even harsher to survive.”

        “And how harsh are you? How do you treat your subjects?”

        >An annoyed sigh left his lips, “What will this accomplish?”

        “Answer the question!”

        >You surprised more than just yourself with that shout.

        >“Sister please calm down,” Luna said, “The ponies of Seleucia are not living in the best conditions right now, as our nephew said, they are struggling. Many turn harsh when they are forced to fight. He's had to be heavy-handed to keep order,” You looked to Anon to corroborate this, but he did nothing.

        “We'll be coming to Seleucia soon, Anon.”

        >“I have no objections,” Your son retorted coldly.

        >Dinner was tense due to the looming questions about how the empire was actually run. There would be very brief smalltalk, but beyond that you and your son would simply exchange a dark glance or two. Finally Anon speaks again, “Mother you're being petty.”

        “Petty?! All I want to know is if my son is a tyrant! Why won't you give me a straight answer?”

        >Anon growled audibly, “I don't know how Equestria has changed in the last five-hundred years, but in Seleucia things are not so black and white!”

        “Just tell me!”

        >“You wouldn't understand!”

        >“ENOUGH!” You both jumped at the sound of the royal voice. Your heads collectively snapped to Luna, who looked quite displeased, “IS THIS MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME SISTER?! BICKERING LIKE FOALS?! ANON HAS HIS OWN KINGDOM TO RUN, AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE SAME LUXURIES WE DO!”

        “MY SON IS NOT GOING TO BE LIKE SOMBRA!”

        >“AND HE IS NOT!” Was Luna's retort, “We understand your fear, but please, have faith in him. We do,” You looked to the young emperor, that self-assured fire in his eyes told you very clearly that he believed whatever he was doing, it was the right thing to do. Luna was right. You were going to Seleucia anyway, you could at least have faith in him.

        >“I am sorry if I am concerning you mother, but you will not understand from just my word. When you see the our lands and cities from the highest peaks and the deepest slums, then you will see as I do,” He told you, the fire not dimming once. You let out a sigh. “I'll hold you to that. Let's not let this ruin our reunion.”

        >Anon looked deeply insulted at the insinuation, “I am not Sombra," He said through grit teeth.

        >The second act of dinner is far better than the first. All of you were talking, laughing, embarrassing anon with stories of when he was a scrawny colt, and anon delved into a dark tale about a war with invading griffins. It was how this dinner should've started. You prayed that you were wrong, that your son was not a cruel monarch.

        >“So it is my understanding that we have avatars of harmony now,” Anon said, breaking the silence.

        >“Yes,” Luna answered, “Six mortal ponies. Two of each type, unicorn, pegasus, and earth pony. They are all very close, and have saved Equestria from many disasters.”

        >The emperor hummed with evident interest, “I'll have to meet them for myself someday,” You chose not to speak up. His offhand remark made inviting Twilight an even better surprise. Suddenly Anon stood up, “I should turn in now, I've already stayed up far later than I usually do,” He turned to you, “May you show me where I'll be staying?” You rose from your seat, Luna soon thereafter.

        “I'll escort you, Luna likes to go for midnight flights.”

        >A nod, “Very well,” You took him through the halls of the castle, making sure to introduce him to the guards and show him yours and Luna's rooms just in case. Then you brought him to the spare room you let Rarity stay in while she was visiting Canterlot.

        “This will serve as your quarters during your stay.”

        >Anon looked more than impressed by what he saw, “Thank you mother, it is far superior to any of the rooms in my fortress,” He said as he immediately gravitated to the bed, “Is this silk?”

        “The best.”

        >Anon caressed the covers gently, “Marvelous. We don't have silk in Seleucia. It's too fragile in the wind,” He turned back to you, “Goodnight mom,” You retreated behind the door before giving him one last look.

        “Goodnight Anon.”

 

        >That night you woke up with the munchies, so you snuck some cake from a birthday party before deciding to check on Anon. You heard something funny as you ascended the steps. A soft, rhythmic sound. You'd go as far as saying it sounded sweet. As you leaned up against the door you could hear it.

        >“Mmm, I wish I was born in your kingdom,” A feminine voice said before gasping softly.

        >“Trust me, you don't,” You heard anon say, “I doubt we'd have met under those circumstances.”

        >A giggle, “I should- Ah! -c-count my blessings then milord.”

        >“Yes, you should.”

        >You gasped softly as you hear the soft moans pick back up, every-so-often a low groan would emerge as well to join in. You shouldn't do it, it was sick in every way, but you had to risk a little peek. You saw your son, robes and armor discarded, mounted over one of the female members of your guard. You'd wonder when they decided to rut, but the act itself was far more interesting. You could hear their sweaty bodies slapping together, the chorus of their pleasure-filled voices, and you could see the mare's juices generously seeping down her leg and soaking the silk sheets of Anon's bed.

        >He continued to pound the poor mare beneath him, who looked like she could barely keep her hind legs up, “S-so good!” She moaned out. Then the desert lord suddenly pulled out, earning a distraught gasp from the mare. He forced the guard onto her back and stood over her face, pinning her wings beneath his hind-hooves. Catching the hint she started to take his member into her mouth, earning a very pleased growl from Anon.

        >You were still watching, feeding the fire that was starting to grow in your belly. You looked at the mare and felt contempt for her... why? It wasn't your place to forbid him from indulging his needs, he was a full-grown stallion now. Yet the sight of her was still making you angry. Only one thing came to mind, something you didn't like one bit.

        “Am I jealous?”

        >You felt sick to your stomach at the idea. Jealous of the mare your boy was rutting, it was... there wasn't a word to describe how wrong you felt. Yet, like when something awful happens, you find yourself stopping to survey the damage, and from the looks of things Anon knew how to break his mares. Somehow he had managed to force her into a deepthroat, and yet she was completely complacent. She took it like a champ, sure she gagged quite a bit, and there were tears rolling down her cheeks, but she showed no signs of resistance. You caught yourself wondering how it felt, and did your best to destroy whatever braincell that thought spawned from. You looked back up to see that once again they had switched up, the desert emperor's dirty muzzle was now buried between the guard's legs, going to town on her soaked pussy.

        >“Anon, Anon, Anon,” She repeated like a broken record. You could hear him acknowledge her with a grunt or some other low and guttural sound, but beyond that he did nothing, his tongue preoccupied with being buried within her swollen lips. Once again your disgust was fading, and the flames of arousal resurfaced. You felt your hind-legs starting to quiver as you continued to watch your son eat out his prey, who was constantly squealing and squirming in delight at his efforts to please her.

        “A-anon...”

        >Thankfully they didn't hear you, but that did little to comfort you. You couldn't believe this, you felt like you were a juvenile again, aroused by the mere idea of rutting with aP stallion. You felt like a disgusting old mare, so desperate for cock you were actually considering presenting yourself to your own flesh and blood, begging him to break you like he did the castle guard, to fill every orifice with-

        >You really need to stop thinking about this.

        >You return to reality to find your upper body resting against the floor, hind end raised in the air, hooves grinding against your neglected pussy as your eyes refused to leave the scene playing out before you.

        >The mare now had Anon beneath her, bouncing in his lap, tongue hanging from her mouth. The desert lord seemed to be enjoying her on top far more than anything else they'd done so far. He lifted his head just enough to share a furious kiss with her. Their tongues wrestled, what saliva they didn't exchange leaking from Anon's mouth and down his neck. Then he started bucking her, moving against her momentum. He earned a pleased gasp, and the desert lord took a moment to swallow the trail of saliva that anchored their tongues. With a chuckle he shifted his weight and forced the mare beneath him again, something she didn't look upset about. Once again he started moving, face buried in the crook of her neck. You wondered how much longer he would last.

        >Then Anon's wings started to flap furiously, it seemed like something that was involuntary as it was obviously frustrating him. You heard the mare say she was close, and the desert emperor groaned a similar sentiment. You were close too, it felt so good just to watch, how must it feel to actually be pinned and rutted by him? Again you wanted to erase that thought from existence, but as you watched your son's movements become more erratic, you found the thought flooding every part of your mind. You kept grinding your hooves against your slit furiously until finally you couldn't hold back. Stifling a moan you felt yourself finally hit your peak.

        >At the same time Anon let out a guttural sound, and the guard answered with soft coos. His thrusts ceased altogether, and after a long moment of heavy panting pulled out before collapsing on top of her. His seed spilled out of the mare and started collecting on the sheets beneath, she let out a sound of disappointment at the feeling of him leaving her, “Did the emperor enjoy himself?” She asked.

        >Anon nuzzled her, lovingly, “Yes he did,” Once again you found yourself fuming at the sight of them. You were jealous that Anon didn't want you, and for some reason you were unable to reprimand yourself for it. Perhaps it was just because it had been so long since you had a fling, maybe it was because you worked hard to maintain an aura of purity. If it wasn't for that illusion spell you had Starswirl whip up everyone would've known about your child. Of course it helped that you purged all records of him, but that was a story for another time.

        >Recollecting yourself you start to trot off and leave the two ponies alone, you were tired now. You'll think about this more come morning.

        >Back in his room Anon smirked, “Sweet dreams princess.”

 

        >In spite of the emperor's wishes, your dreams were far from sweet. His sudden return, his visiting you, it brought back so many sweet memories of his youth. However it also reminded you of the most horrid thing that ever happened to you, and try as you might, it will haunt you forever...

 

        >It was a thousand years ago, shortly after the defeat of the dark lord Sombra, and the sudden disappearance of the Crystal Empire, things in Equestria took a turn for the worse. Luna, somehow corrupted by her envy and greed, decided that the world would be better off in a state of eternal night. Her plan involved the ritual summoning of a monster that lurks in the darkness between the stars, a monster that would consume the sun for nourishment. You barely managed to stop her from summoning the crystalline hulk, but now you were forced to pay the price for personally intervening to stop the mad mare Nightmare Moon. You were captured, and Old Canterlot was conquered while Starswirl rallied what ponies he could to free you.

        >But by the time he got there, the damage would be done.

 

        “Luna listen to me!”

        >“WE ARE NOT LUNA!” The jet black alicorn bellowed as her horn flared to life. Her twisted magical energy coiled around you and threw you into a wall, cracking it grievously, “WE ARE DARKNESS INCARNATE, WE ARE THE NIGHT, WE ARE NIGHTMARE MOON!” Her magic picked you up just by the throat and drug you over to your twisted sibling, “We are the future of Equestria.”

        “Equestria will die if it stays in your hooves.”

        >Nightmare Moon growled deeply, baring her sharp fangs, “We shall see, dear sister, we shall see,” Finally she dropped you before making her way up to her new throne. You'd have done something if you weren't forced to wear the alicorn amulet Sombra forged, as it constantly siphoned every ounce of your strength. Nightmare Moon settled into her throne, looking down on you with complete contempt, “The ponies of Equestria will learn to appreciate the night we bent over backwards to provide, they will learn to live in the cold comfort of darkness, and they will love us! NOT YOU!”

        >You glared at the mad mare.

        “How childish.”

        >“How could you possibly understand what we have gone through?” Nightmare Moon asked, “All you needed to do was raise the sun come morning and set it at night. You did not spend a millennium fashioning constellations and summoning shooting stars! You did not toil to make the canvas you were given beautiful! You did not watch as your hard work was ignored.”

“It's not anyone's fault for sleeping. What about that astronomer? He seems to enjoy your work.”

        >Nightmare Moon sighed dreamily, “He's the only one left who understands us, the only one who truly recognized our beauty,” She immediately broke from her trance, “But he is just one pony! Why settle for just one, when the entire world can enjoy my masterpiece?!”

“So you decided civil war was the answer? Listen to yourself, you sound just like Sombra!”

        >Nightmare Moon's pupils thinned, “How dare you speak his name so callously?! Sombra was our friend, and yet you saw fit to take him from us!”

        “He was slaughtering thousands!”

        >”AND ONE DAY THOSE PONIES WILL BE FORGOTTEN!” Nightmare Moon shouted once more, “Sombra, like us, is eternal. You will find that one day, the lessons learned in that war will be forgotten and our subjects will simply ask, “Sombra who?” And then he will return, and the ponies will only scratch their heads. Just you watch.”

        “That day will not come.”

        >”It is inevitable,” Nightmare Moon stated simply, “Just like our victory.”

        “That remains to be seen.”

        >The dark alicorn scoffed, “Ignorant mare,” She climbed off her throne and made her way back down, “I've already won. Canterlot is mine, you are mine, and without Starswirl, you will find those who fought for you submitting to me,” She lowered her face to your level, a smug look on her face. You took the chance to spit in her eye, and the alicorn reeled back with a childish yelp.

        “Sorry Lulu.”

        >Nightmare Moon's retort was to start smashing you into things again. Once your body was sufficiently bruised, you were dropped in front of the dark alicorn yet again, but this time you felt her magic envelop you. You looked to her to see her eyes were now a solid green, seeping with dark magic.

        “LUNA!”

        >“ENOUGH!” The mare bellowed, “We've grown weary of your insolence! It is time for another story, sister,” Her magic now totally enveloped you, and it was forcing you to look at her, “Long ago there was a little filly, her name was Princess Luna. Now Luna was such a sweet thing, always working to please her sister and the ponies beneath her. But try as she might, all her work was ignored,” She started pacing, and her dark magic forced your eyes to stay on her, “You can imagine how Luna felt. Worthless, unappreciated, pathetic,” She nearly spat the last word, “But most of all, angry. How dare her subjects ignore her, how dare they worship her twin sister, content with leaving her forgotten,” She stopped in front of you, “But now Luna has grown and become so much more now, now Luna is strong, now the ponies of the world will worship her, as for her sister?” Nightmare Moon chuckled, “Now her sister, Princess Celestia, will have to please the sister she ignored.”

        >Dread washed over you, and it showed on your face. But looking back, you probably should've saved it for what happened next.

        >Nightmare Moon's magic forced you onto your back, and slowly she moved to stand over you. You could see her glistening slit, it had clearly been all she had been thinking about, “Give us a second sister, we are not ready yet,” She rolls her hips slightly, then the nightmare truly began. It came out slowly, the same pink as her insides, but throbbing and displaying its full length proudly. You wanted to scream, but your body for some reason didn't allow it. Nightmare Moon croons softly as her brand new cock fully emerges.

        >“It's so hard it hurts,” She moaned, “Are you ready Celly? We certainly hope not,” Nightmare Moon's magic forced your mouth open, and slowly the dark alicorn pushed herself inside. Finally you can scream as your throat is violated by your sister, “Mmm, your mouth is so good!” She cried as she started pumping. You gagged at every thrust, you wanted to vomit so badly, but your stomach refused to empty its contents. You keep screaming muffled screams and gagging, tears rolling down your cheeks as you are forced to take all of your sister's girth.

        >Nightmare Moon meanwhile was moaning at continuously higher pitches, she constantly cried various indecencies or complimented your mouth's tightness. But she knew your torment, and it was clearly what was getting her off. Finally her movements cease and she pulls herself out, “This we have been looking forward to,” The mad mare whispers as she nuzzles you lovingly before her magic takes hold of you again. You're forced onto your chest and made to raise your rump into the air, effectively presenting yourself to Nightmare Moon, “You're wet,” She told you as she gave your pussy a tentative lick, “How disgusting.”

        >You feel her mount you eagerly, her tip pressing against you, “If you got wet from that, you will love our next game,” Your sister wastes no time forcing her way in, and this time the whole castle can hear your pain. This time however, you aren't screaming, this time you're openly weeping. Between the forced moans and squeals, you cry. What else could you possibly do? The alicorn amulet continued to devour whatever strength you had, and Nightmare Moon's dark magic forced your body to be compliant. You were in a no-win situation, all you could do was cry like a foal and pray that Starswirl would be coming soon.

        >In spite of her dominant position, Nightmare Moon was beginning to lose herself, “Celly,” She moaned loudly as she continued to pound you, blood leaked down your legs and covered her cock, something that only served to arouse her further. You felt the dark alicorn's hooves press against the small of your back as she continued, “W-we, we-” Soon she couldn't speak, far too absorbed in the euphoria. It was the perfect nightmare, violated by the one you cared for the most in this world, your own sister-turned she-devil. Nightmare Moon's thrusts continued for several more minutes before she started going at you harder. You would've noticed, but you were more focused on forcing yourself out of consciousness and failed to realize that she was approaching climax.

        >Suddenly and without warning, your sister delivers one final thrust, and final nail in the coffin is hammered in. You gasp loudly as you feel your insides fill with a hot substance.

        “No, no, no, nonononono-”

        >You continued like a broken record as Nightmare Moon pulled out of you, her cum already leaking out of you in generous amounts, “We wish we could do that again, sister,” She said as her cock shrunk and disappeared back into her body, “But we have other things to-”

        >You shut out the whole world by that point. You didn't feel her pull out, you didn't hear her roar angrily as Starswirl and the ponies he rallied burst into the castle. You didn't see the spectacular battle between the wizard and Nightmare Moon, you didn't realize it was soon just you and your former apprentice, “Princess?” He asked desperately, “Princess!” He continued to try to get through to you for several hours. He took you to Ponyville to regroup and heal you, he did everything imaginable, healed your wounds, cleaned you up, and all you could do is weep in silence.

 

        >Roughly two months later you finally managed to defeat your sister, banish her to the moon using the elements. But your greatest fears still lied with your sudden sickness. You went to the only pony in all of the world you could trust, to Starswirl, and told him everything. You broke down midway but kept going, and the old stallion did his best to try to comfort you. There was clearly something on his mind, so after you calmed down you asked him what was wrong.

        >”Celestia,” He began, both nervously and with resignation, “Having taken everything into account. Your sickness, what Nightmare Moon did...” He clearly didn't want to say it, and you felt your heart sink as you put the pieces together, “I'm afraid the most likely explanation is-” He took in a deep breath, “You're pregnant,” It's like the world came crashing down yet again at those words, it was so obvious, yet you couldn't bring yourself to even think about it, “I-if it is your desire, I can... purge the fetus,” You didn't give him an answer, you simply stared into space, “Princess please, talk to me,” Starswirl said, “I never knew true agony until I saw the state she left you in, silent, utterly complacent, eyes filled with tears,” He looked like he was on the verge of tears himself, “Celly please!”

        >His pleas finally shake you from your trance. Still though, you don't know what you could possibly answer him with. Instead you explore your options.

        “A-and if I keep it?”

        >Starswirl looked shocked, but decided to answer, “Then you'll have a lot of confused ponies,” He began, “And confusion creates intrigue, which in turn will fuel contempt.”

        “Would there be a way to hide it?”

        >The old stallion hummed, “I don't know of such a spell,” You don't know why, but you feel disappointed, “However, it wouldn't be the first time I invented a spell either.”

        “Can I have some time? I don't think I can decide now.”

        >Starswirl nodded, “I will start work on the spell regardless,” He said, “Better safe than sorry. If you do decide to keep it, I will support you in any way I can,” A pause, “Would you like some tea? It always helps clear my mind,” You take him up on his offer, but the two of you remained silent for the remainder of your visit. You thinking about yours and Luna's child, and Starswirl preparing to create a new spell. The two of you part in silence that day, both weary of the day's events.

 

        >Starswirl eventually developed the spell as promised, however you found yourself constantly putting off your decision. In spite of how much you loathed the thing, called it a parasite, took a moment to berate it at least twice an hour, you didn't make a choice. By the time you did finally feel ready to make a choice, you were already ten months in, and Starswirl's conscience was starting to kick in. Honestly though, so was yours. Your insults ceased, and you often caught yourself fantasizing about raising a foal of your own.

        >One day you received a summons from Starswirl regarding a “budding life,” you knew it had to do with your indecision, but you thought you were ready to make a choice. You went to his observatory in the middle of the night, startling the old stallion out of a nap. After stopping what looked like an imminent heart-attack the two of you settled down to talk about the ethics of aborting the infant so late into gestation. You only had a little more than a month remaining after all.

        “Do you think it's right?”

        >”I've never been pregnant princess, and I don't fancy the idea either. However at this point I feel I must consider it a living creature,” Starswirl began frankly, dismissing his illusion and revealing your swollen abdomen, “I've been generous in giving you time to decide Princess, but I'd like you to make a choice before I'm forced to kill a newborn foal,” You follow his eyes to the bulge in your belly, which ever so subtly shifts.

        “I... I think I might keep it.”

        >Starswirl offered you a very serious look, “There's no room for backing out princess. If you want to keep it, you need to be absolute,” You nodded in agreement.

“I will keep the foal. The means of its conception does not exempt it from a chance at life.”

        >The aged wizard sighed almost out of relief, “So can I finally get a good and proper look at what we're dealing with now?” You giggled at the request.

        “You may.”

 

        >You awoke feeling quite somber. The night was rough on you, both from what you saw, and the flashback that followed as you tried to rest. You started thinking about telling Luna. She didn't once bring up that night upon her return, it was like she didn't remember it at all. You wondered if she remembered but was too ashamed, and that she was ignorant of the ramifications, totally unaware of what she left you with.

        >”Mother!”

        >And that ramification suddenly burst through your door.

        “What is it anon?”

        >”I realize you are tired, however we have a problem,” He produced a scroll, “Somebody squealed about our relationship. I need your help to track them down and punish them!” With a yawn you took the correspondence and peeled it open, after you skimmed the heading you couldn't help but laugh.

        “It's just my student Twilight, I can assure you that she knew about you long before you even declared your borders open.”

        >The desert emperor's face settled into a cold expression, “Why?”

        “Because I think she'd love meeting you, the infamously reclusive emperor of Seleucia. I wanted the books and maps to give to her, she enjoys learning more than anything else.”

        >Anon hummed as he plopped down at your bedside, “So we do not have a spy?” You sighed in amusement.

        “No Anon, we don't have a spy.”

        >Another audible hum, “So this is your student? Like ser Starswirl?”

        “Starswirl was far more than a student, but yes, I did teach him like I am her. She holds just as much promise.”

        >”I... I understand. However I would've appreciated you consulting me before you started blabbing about my heritage,” You wave your hoof drolly at his concern.

        “Don't worry, she won't blab to anybody aside from the other elements.”

        >The curiosity showed on Anon's face, “This Twilight... she is one of the elements?” You answer with a nod, “If you respond, please tell her I look forward to meeting her,” You yawn as you conjure a quill and parchment.

        “I'll be sure to let her know.”

        >With a dip of his head the desert emperor leisurely makes his way out. When you hear the door click shut you can't help but sigh in relief, he didn't say anything about last night. For some reason though, you called it a mixed blessing. Dismissing those thoughts for now you summoned Twilight's letter back to your side, you took a moment to read what she wanted you to hear before mustering a response.

        >”Dear Princess Celestia,

        >Regretfully I couldn't convince the others to come on such short notice, however I talked with them and we decided that I should attempt to invite Emperor Seleucus to Ponyville. I couldn't stop her as I hadn't left to ask, but as we speak Pinkie is already drawing plans for a proper “imperial welcome” as opposed to a royal one.

        >That being said, Spike and I are more than happy to attend your dinner, in spite of the rest of the gang having previous arrangements.

        >Forever faithful, Twilight Sparkle”

        >You hum softly. That didn't seem like a bad idea, and surely Anon could handle himself, even if it did mean having to deal with one of Pinkie's legendary welcome parties. The emperor was never one for galas and other social gatherings in his youth, and you couldn't help but wonder if his opinion of such things remained the same.

        “To my faithful student Twilight Sparkle,

        While it saddens me that your friends cannot attend, I realize now that it might be for the best. Seleucus was never one for large social gatherings. One of the reasons he might have closed his borders to begin with was because he couldn't stand the social aspects of politics.”

        >You pause to chortle. You'd just considered that, and to be honest the idea of him isolating an entire nation to avoid parties and galas tickled you.

        “Still though, I am grateful that at least you and Spike will be able to attend. I think the emperor will take the idea of a trip to Ponyville far better if he had a friend there anyway. He also wants you to know he looks forward to meeting you face-to-face, so we're already off to a good start. I'll send a carriage for you shortly, I'm sure you've already prepared cue cards for an interview.

        Sincerely, Princess Celestia of Equestria.”

 

        >You found Anon downstairs chatting up Luna again. This time he was elaborating on the brief griffin invasion, “I found that clipping their wings was a greater punishment that killing them. It left the victims utterly broken, and when we sent their sorry butts back to their own lands, we would greatly demoralize our enemies with the least amount of bloodshed.”

        >And once again Luna was applauding his methods, “Most impressive,” She said, “We will have to remember that if we are faced with a griffin onslaught.”

        >”If that is the case you will have to invite Seleucia into the rumble,” Anon responded, “My soldiers would relish the opportunity to face those damned pigeons again.”

        >Luna giggled, “Consider it a date.”

        >The desert emperor couldn't hold back a brief chortle, “I look forward to it,” He then looks to you, standing in the stairwell, “I'm getting the strangest feeling that I've been in this position before.”

        “Although this time it will end far more amicably.”

        >Anon dipped his head, “Agreed. When can I expect miss Twilight? I must say I am growing more eager by the second,” The sentiment earned a smile from you.

        “She'll be here for dinner tonight. I was just on my way to send a carriage.”

        >”Allow us, sister,” Luna spoke up, “We have been hogging our nephew for long enough. We think he should get some quality time alone with his own mother,” Your mind immediately went to last night, quality time indeed. You watched as Luna trotted off, leaving the both of you to your own devices.

        >”So,” Anon began, giving his wings a quick flap or two as he fumbled for something to talk about, “Mother, I would like to apologize for last night. You did nothing to warrant my calling you petty.”

        “And I apologize for not putting more faith in you.”

        >You embrace him.

        “You are not Sombra, and comparing you to him was the worst thing I could've done.”

        >The emperor returns the embrace earnestly, “I have not spoken to you in hundreds of years, you would not be a proper mom if you did not worry about me. In spite of what you thought, I appreciate the gesture,” You sighed.

        “You sure know how to make a mare feel guilty.”

        >”I guess this means I need to take you to dinner now,” You furrowed your brow.

        “What?”

        >Anon laughed, “When I make a mare feel bad, I take her to dinner, subtly seduce her, and then I bed her all in the same night,” You blushed madly and hit his chest.

        “Anon!”

        >The desert emperor laughed even harder when he saw your reaction. But there was a part of you that wanted to get back at him.

        “But in all seriousness, where would you take me?”

        >Anon immediately stopped laughing, “What?” You gave him the bedroom eyes as you responded.

        “Better yet why don't we just skip the dinner? It's more like the big wait before a play anyway.”

        >You gently rested a hoof against his chest, gently playing with the matted fur.

        “Remember when I took you to the theater all the time? We'd go early to get good seats, and you'd always complain about the wait. Wouldn't you like to just skip to the main event?”

        >The emperor gulped audibly as he unintentionally retreated a step. You couldn't help but giggle mischievously, you were taking this a little far, but it was more than worth it if you were rewarded with a face like that.

        “Come on, I promise I'll be quick.”

        >You gave Anon a playful wink that only served to turn him into a tomato, “M-mom?'

        “What is it baby?”

        >He took a moment to swallow, “I-”

        >”The carriage is on its way,” Your hoof immediately snapped to the floor, and Anon flapped his wings in surprise, jumping a good foot into the air. Luna appeared from behind his outstretched wings with a quizzical look on her face, “Did we interrupt a personal moment?”

        “N-no!”

        >You took a deep breath to recollect yourself.

        “Thank you Luna.”

        >Hesitantly she dipped her head, “'Twas no trouble,” She said uncertainly, still eyeing the two of you awkwardly.

        >Anon was still red in the face, and Luna was more than aware of it, “What were you talking about?” She asked him.

        >“N-nothing important auntie,” The emperor answered, his face betraying his utterly calm and collected tone, “The conversation simply got a little... personal.”

        >”How so?” Was the question Luna followed up with.

        >Anon's face got a little redder as he tried to come up with a lie, “Mother asked if there was a mare waiting for me back in Seleucia, I told her no. She asked if it was a stallion, a definite and indignant no. I am still recovering from the question,” You found yourself blushing at the idea of Anon being a colt-cuddler.

        >”Sister, when we said quality time, we did not mean ask about who he beds,” Luna scolded. You try to laugh innocently.

        “Sorry, I couldn't resist asking.”

        >Luna scrutinized your face for a moment, “Hopefully you'll keep such curiosity in check next time,” You dipped your head in false-shame.

        “I'll try to restrain myself Luna.”

        >”Please auntie, the question does not bother me, it only shocked me. It is natural for her to wonder such things,” Anon said.

        >Luna sighed tiredly, “We suppose, but that does not mean she couldn't be a little more sensitive about it.”

        >”I understand auntie. Now if you'll excuse us, I think some of that quality time would be nice,” Anon paused when he saw a subtly disappointed look on Luna's face, “See you in the gardens after dinner?”

        >”But of course,” Your sister said, her face returning to a soft smile. She trotted past you, but not before she gave you a very knowing glare.

        “Oh geez.”

        >“What was that mother?” You gulped at the question.

        “She knows Anon.”

        >”Oh geez,” He parroted. A long pause as you both watched Luna make her way up the stairwell, “So... can we talk about-”

        “I'm sorry.”

        >You immediately cut him off.

        “I shouldn't have been so bold, especially when Luna was not far away.”

        >The emperor hummed softly, “So if auntie was preoccupied with say... a midnight flight. You would continue to be bold?” You felt the blood start rushing to your face again. This receptiveness was the last thing you expected from him. You decided to play along to save face, slowly trotting past him, brushing your body against his. You felt him fail to suppress shiver, which sent a very unfortunate jolt that coursed throughout your body and settled in your abdomen. Unintentionally you raised your tail just enough to tickle his chin. You saw Anon's face turn a more subtle red as he let out a soft groan, and for some reason you smiled at the sight.

        “Do you like it when mommy's bold?”

        >That did not come out like you wanted it. The kind of tone you put into it gave a message that offered more than just more frivolous flirting, it came off like you would be more than receptive to any of his advances, all he'd need to do was make them.

        >The desert lord took a deep breath, “I... I think I should take my leave,” He said, visibly frustrated, and not in the angry way, “I will see you at dinner,” He didn't wait for a response, he simply went on his way almost at a gallop. It was safe to assume that the images you had just planed in his poor head could more than certainly fuel a few sessions alone.

        “Well. That went a little far.”

        >Understatement of the fuckin' millennium. Yet in spite of the damage you'd done, you decide to trail after him, keeping your distance just enough to make sure he didn't notice you. As you see him open the door and almost leap inside, you could just make out a very real and very visible erection.

        >That was all you.

        >Aside from the compliment to your pride, you were still worried about him. You risked a peek through the door to see that he was re-donning his bronze armor and dirty white robes, which did quite the job of hiding his arousal. Then he sat, visibly flustered, angry, and very confused all in one neat little package. He didn't make one move to relieve himself, he simply stared into the distance. Then it hit you, perhaps he didn't relieve that pent-up arousal brought up by you because of a social stigma in his kingdom. He might have spent hundreds of years refusing to please himself out of principle, perhaps that session with one of your guard last night was to let out something he'd spent decades holding in.

        >Wow that sounded unfortunate.

        >You were then suddenly teleported down the hall, before a very cross Luna, “Do you enjoy tormenting him?” She asked, anger deeply laced in her regal voice, “Are you satisfied with your work?” You stared at Anon's door shamefully.

        “I... I didn't mean to say any of that like I did. I didn't mean to leave him like that.”

        >Luna scoffed, “Well at least you feel regretful,” You felt yourself shrink under her gaze.

        “What should I do?”

        >”You could go in there, present yourself, and let him rut you,” Luna answered with venomous sarcasm. You found your gaze moving to the floor, unable to look at her, ”We will speak with you about this another time. Our nephew has been looking forward meeting Twilight all day, and we think he would appreciate the residual emotions from this confrontation staying out dinner tonight,” Your sister stated, “And if you cannot restrain yourself from saying such lewd things for his sake, please kindly turn yourself to stone for the remainder of his visit,” She left in a huff, leaving you alone with very deep shame that followed you until the moment Twilight came knocking on your door.

        >Your student, or rather Spike, was carrying various blank notepads and journals, ready for roughly a millennium's worth of information to be scribbled across their pages.

        “Hello Twilight, I'm glad you could come.”

        >The purple unicorn beamed excitedly, “And miss an opportunity like this?! Imagine the things Seleucus has hidden behind his borders all these centuries! Unique fauna and flora, customs and ideals, oh the possibilities are endless!” As Twilight continued to gush you decided to help Spike with the all the things he was forced to carry with him, he mouthed a very earnest “thank you” as he struggled to make sure he was going in the right direction.

        >You were so busy giving Spike directions that you barely missed Twilight's face and the ensuing squeal when she spotted Anon waiting at the table, a stack of scrolls and books at his side. He looked a little taken aback at her reaction, and looked totally lost when she started bombarding him with all manner of questions. He patiently waited for her to stop and catch her breath, roughly ten minutes later, before speaking himself, “I take it from your interrogation you are the Twilight Sparkle I've heard so much about?”

        >”Y-yes!” Twilight said with a bow, “It is an honor to meet you emperor Seleucus!”

        >Anon returned the bow, “Please miss Sparkle, you know of my heritage, you may call me by my birth-name,” You decided that moment would be a good time to speak up.

        “I didn't actually tell her your name.”

        >”Y-yeah,” Spike grunted as he beelined into the dining hall, journals in tow, “It was a nightmare scavenging the library's basement for anything that even mentioned you. And after all that hard work you know what I find? Three sentences. Exactly three sentences.”

        >”Seems like my isolationism worked as intended,” The emperor said simply. It helped that you purged most if not all records of him by royal mandate, but you'll give him that victory, “That being said, the both of you may call me Anon, just as mom does.”

        >”Can I ask you something Anon?” Twilight said.

        >The desert emperor hummed, “Only if you sit down and eat,” Twilight eagerly obliged. You meanwhile were still dwelling on the conversation you had with Luna. She was being very protective of him.

        >”So, what convinced you to open your borders?”

        >”Seleucia has been suffering a long drought. Our only source of water is dry for the summer and we have had a poor harvest this year, so if anything I have opened my borders out of sheer desperation.”

        >You were glad Luna didn't catch you the night before, peeking on Anon while pleasing yourself. She'd have hospitalized you, or killed you depending on how long it took for someone else to find your broken body. Or maybe she'd lose it and become Nightmare Moon again, then beat you to death.

        >”Auntie Luna.”

        >”Hello Anon. Twilight, Spike, we are pleased to see the both of you.”

        >Then there was the whole issue of Luna inadvertently knocking you up and kick-starting all of this nonsense to begin with. She'd probably lose it if you told her Anon was her son. What would sound more horrid to Luna? Your clopping to hers and your son, the fact you're hiding the fact he's her son, or the fact that Anon's the product of incest? To be honest though, those all sounded pretty horrible.

        >”Mom?”

        >You probably shouldn't tell her. She hates you enough for hiding him, don't make it worse by telling her you were hiding her son, not her nephew.

        >”Princess?”

        >Then there was the elephant in the dining room, how Anon would take it? Would he call Luna mom... or dad? Wow that'd sound weird.

        >”Sister.”

        >The sound of Luna's voice brings you back to reality.

        “Yes?”

        >”You've been staring out the window for roughly ten minutes now, is something bothering you?” Her voice played dumb, but you could see in her eyes she knew what was on your mind.

        “Nothing important.”

        >Your answer earns an annoyed scoff from Luna, something the other guests picked up on, “Mother?” Anon asked, “Did something happen?” You forced a smile.

        “Don't let us distract you, just a disagreement.”

        >Anon nods slowly, clearly not satisfied, “I will not press the issue,” He said before turning back to Twilight, “Where was I?”

        >”You were telling me why Spike should get some armor,” Twilight answered.

        >”Ah yes. A citizen wearing armor in public is a sign of prestige and wealth, they would be seen as a noble in many respects. I believe that some armor will help him impress the rarity he's so taken with.”

        >”Her name is Rarity, although she is one of a kind,” Spike gushed.

        >The emperor hummed, “What does she do for a living?”

        >”She designs clothes,” Spike answered, beginning to play with his fingers bashfully, “Sometimes she lets me come over and help.”

        >”She lets you into her house?” Anon asked seriously.

        >”Y-yeah,” Spike said, a little unnerved at Anon's tone, “Is that good?”

        >”In Seleucia, most single females only let those who have successfully courted them into their homes,” The desert emperor said, “You should feel honored.”

        >Spike's face went red, “W-wow, you think I've won her over then?”

        >”We're not in Seleucia, Spike,” Twilight chimed in, “I don't think romance is on her mind when she lets you come over to help.”

        >”That being said,” Anon began, “That is only one of several steps. Say a mare has several suitors, and if miss Rarity is as beautiful as you say she's likely had as much, the mare is free to let those who catch her attention into her home. But that does not mean they have won. She will inform the suitor of their rivals and afterwards there is usually a duel to first blood. However when they are both in her home it usually warrants a duel to the death,” He turned back to Twilight, “Which is all the more reason to get him some armor.”

        >Twilight laughed at how serious the emperor was being, “Thank you for the offer Anon, but I don't think Spike will have to fight anyone for Rarity, at least in the physical sense.”

        >Anon dipped his head, “As his guardian I respect your decision.”

        >”Sister?” You barely heard Luna's voice, as Spike and Twilight had started bickering about the whole armor issue.

        “Yes?”

        >”Why did you say those things to him?” She said lowly, making sure the others couldn't hear. You tried to look for an answer that didn't imply an actual attraction.

        “Sometimes you need to embarrass your child.”

        >”We heard the way you said them, they did not sound like you were trying to embarrass him.”

        “I'll admit I got a little into it, but it was so fun I couldn't help myself.”

        >Luna paused, “Why did you, 'Get into it'?” You sighed at the question, you'd like an answer as well.

        “I don't know.”

        >Another pause, this one far longer, “You are not... attracted to him, are you?” You could tell she was trying to be calm and sensitive, but if you answered honestly she might lose it. You see a storm of emotions in her eyes when you can't bring yourself to answer, “Oh,” She said with resignation.

        >”So anon,” Twilight started, her argument with Spike long forgotten, “I was talking with the girls, and we were wondering if you wanted to come down to Ponyville.”

        >”Ponyville,” The desert emperor parroted, “Ponyville. I remember that name well.”

        >”You do?” She asked, interest piqued.

        >”Oh yes. I was born there, in secret as you could imagine. The ponies there could keep their yaps shut, and it was as far from Canterlot as mother would allow,” Anon began, “At least, that's what ser Starswirl told me.”

        >The purple unicorn stared in amazement, “You knew Starswirl?”

        >”I certainly hope so. He delivered me, he raised me when mom could not, and taught me how to control my magic,” The emperor gestured to his armor, “Although I'd rather get down and dirty with my opponents.”

        >Spike said something, but was muffled by the food in his mouth.

        >”Do I?” Anon laughed, “I've never heard that one before.”

        >”You understood that?” Twilight asked.

        >”When you're a male, you will find yourself stuffing your face with tasty treats more than anything else. We have learned to understand one another when our mouths are full,” Anon answered, “And before you ask I was told I acted like an earth pony.”

        >”So... do you think you could come down? I mean, we'll understand if you can't, you're an emperor and all it wouldn't be surprising if-”

        >”I see no harm in it,” The emperor said, casting a dark glance at you and Luna, “I was looking forward to meeting your fellow elements, this is the perfect chance.”

        >Twilight's horn flared to life and she eagerly ripped out a page from her journal, shoving it in Spike's arms. The drake nodded, “I'm on it Twi-”

        “Luna-”

        >”Don't. He is your son, and if his desire is you, who are we to stop him?” You cast a worried glance over to the others. Thankfully, Luna's voice is too low to hear, but they can all tell the both of you are in the middle of quite the argument.

        “He doesn't know, Luna, now please-.”

        >”Even better,” Luna said, mirroring your first argument about him, “So what will you do?” She was disturbingly calm about all of this, and for some reason you were the one who looked angry.

        “Why do you care?”

        >Luna leaned forward, and you could feel her horn come into contact with yours, a silent challenge, “We won't let you touch our nephew,” It was a natural response you told yourself, of course she'd feel protective of the closest she thought she had to a son. But the very intentional challenge seemed to make your blood boil.

        “Are you done?”

        >”Are you going to act on your desires?” You looked to Anon, who was looking quite cross, then to Twilight and Spike, who looked incredibly uncomfortable. You needed to do something.

        “What happened to keeping this out of dinner?”

        >”What happened to boundaries?” Luna countered, “Your son, of all ponies your own flesh and blood,” She almost broke her whisper then, and you glanced over to make sure that the others hadn't heard you two, only to see that they were gone.

        “Where'd they go?”

        >Luna immediately snapped out of it when she saw the empty seats, “Oh no.”

        >You both teleported to the castle entrance to see the emperor slowly closing the grand doors with his magic, “Be proud princesses. If this dinner showed me anything it's how you just can't seem to keep your dirty laundry somewhere private,” He then turned to the both of you, “Why don't you tell me what that was all about? You barely seemed able to contain yourselves, it must be quite the juicy little secret,” The emperor sat down before the both of you, expecting an answer, but when none came he growled in irritation, “How nice, you can barely keep your problems to yourselves, but when prompted, all you can do is stare at the floor and say nothing.”

        >Luna took a step forward, “A-anon we-”

        >”Don't call me that!” He snapped, “I am Emperor Seleucus! I forsook my birth name a long time ago,” It felt like a colossal punch in the gut to hear those words, you could feel tears welling up in your eyes as he started up again, “I'll give you one more chance. What. The. Hell. Was. That?” You looked to Luna, who suddenly seemed very hesitant to tell him your secret.

        >”This is about the talk Celestia and I had, isn't it? The improper one,” Anon earned a hesitant nod from Luna. Then he turned to you, “Please tell me so we can work this out, mom,” You hear his voice crack slightly when he said that, “I will not let you drift apart because of me,” You had to confess, you had to say it for all of your sakes.

        ”I...”

        >You tried with all your might, but nothing came out beyond empty breaths. Your mind ran a million scenarios, all of them ending quite badly. If he knew, that what you said to him earlier was quite genuine, that you were attracted to him, he'd hate you.

        >The emperor sighed, “Auntie?” It sounded like he caught a foal doing something they shouldn't, like he was scolding you, “Fine!” He spat, “Princesses, once I return from Ponyville I expect us to commence public talks! I want this diplomacy nonsense out of the way posthaste,” You felt your heart sink as he continued, “Then I will return to Seleucia, there is no more reason for me to stay!”

        >Your heart did more than sink, it shattered, it shattered into a billion pieces. You turn to Luna desperately, who seems to be going through the same thing. She just stared at the ground, out of shame, despair, you couldn't say. You were about to look at your son again before he angrily shoved his way past you, you caught sight of a single tear and his rage at failing to suppress it. He halted mid-step, muttered various curses, and teleported out. You glared at Luna.

        “Why didn't you say anything?”

        >Your voice was trembling. Luna doesn't look at you as she responds, “We were going to, but....” She lets out a shaky sigh, “We remembered how nice it was to meet him, the mere thought of losing the closest we have to our own foal was so painful. As much as we wanted to, we could not do something so horrible to you.”

        “L-Luna-”

        >“We are sorry,” You looked away, unable to look at her, your emotions toward her so conflicted. This was supposed to be one of the happiest times in your life, but all it has done is fuel conflict. You'll try talking to him later... but right now, he probably didn't want to see either of you unless he heard what he wanted to hear.