>You are Haakim. >Crown Prince of the Saddle Arabian Empire. >… >You are in the diplomatic wing of Canterlot Castle, laying upon your bedding. >While it is wonderfully comfortable, it’s difficult to find yourself truly at ease. >Being in Canterlot again, after the beginning of the Long Night… >You have so many questions. >Where is Celestia? >Where did this /Empress/ Nightmare Moon come from? >Celestia has ruled her Princessipality for centuries, long before your family’s reign began. >For her to be gone… >It’s unsettling. >While you did have dinner with Nightmare Moon this evening following your arrival, it has done little to calm your nerves. >She refused to speak about Equestria’s affairs, or official business until the formal meetings tomorrow. >She even refused to discuss herself, saying it would be /improper/ for the hostess to be the center of attention during your first visit. >While her tone was inviting, and appeared sincere, you can’t help but feel as if there was a much more sinister overtone to her words. >You aren’t sure what about it was off: perhaps it was her toothy smile, or her draconic eyes… but /something/ felt off. >Then, to see her /Champion/ simply observing you… >A kind of creature that you’ve never seen before… >The thought of his cold gaze sent shivers down your spine. >It was unnerving. --------------- >Instead, she focused the talks on your own nation, and it’s affairs over the last few centuries. >It was a truly strange conversation. >She seemed more familiar with your land’s ancient past then its recent history. >The rise and fall of the Purrsian Empire… >The Saddle Belt drought years… >It was so strange. >Like she saw it first hoof… >Yet certainly that couldn’t be true; no pony beside Celestia has lived that long… >… >Unfortunately, those were the least of your concerns. >Equestria has been Saddle Arabia’s greatest ally and trade partner for as long as you can remember. >Now, you’re uncertain about your nation’s relationship. >After the Night began, all diplomatic channels with the Equestrian government abruptly ended. >After the first day without a sun, you sent diplomats to the boarder. >They were turned away by the Equestrian military, who had sealed passage to their lands. ---------------   >Your diplomats were immediately expelled, and returned without news. >Even the ponies in the Equestrian Embassy knew nothing of the events, and had not received word from Canterlot in weeks. >For the some time, all was quite, and only whispers of news came from Equestria. >Most of your time was taken by the task of controlling the confusion and panic that followed the Sun’s setting. >You remember meeting with other bordering lands in emergency sessions. >No one knew what had happened to Celestia. >Rumors that the Changeling’s leader visited the lands during that time spread, although no one could verify it, let alone know what transpired during those meetings. >Then, one day, seemingly without warning, you received a Diplomatic invitation. >The letter was brief, only informing you to arrive at the boarder for direct Escort to Canterlot for a meeting. >When you saw the seal, and read the signature, fear struck your heart. >/Empress Nightmare Moon/… ---------------   >Taking a sip of your Coffee, you snap from your thoughts. >Looking down at the scrolls before you, you continue you read. >With such a little warning, your advisors only had a few hours to compose your documents for this journey. >Now, on the eve before your first diplomatic meeting, is the first chance you’ve had to truly read their briefings. >You feel uneasy about it. >This… certainly isn’t the best situation to conduct your first meeting. >The list of questions and concerns they wish for you to raise is lengthly and complex. >Trade Taxes. >Military Support. >Weather Control. >Border Restrictions. >Perhaps most importantly, are the three most simple questions. >Who is Nightmare Moon? >Where is Celestia? >What happened to the Sun? >An entire bag of scrolls lays beside your bed, waiting to be read. >Looking at the clock, you realize that it’s only seven thirty in the evening. >It feels /much/ later. >Before you can continue reading, you hear a knock at the door. >Your ears perk up quickly in response. >Who could that be? >You were not informed of any visitors to this wing of the Palace. >Perhaps your guards wished to speak with you. ---------------   “You may come in.” >The door handle turns, before gently sliding open. >Your eyes look up as you see the pony walk into the room. “Princess Mi Amore Cadenza!” >You smile at the sight. >"Prince Haakim!" >She returns a smile, before closing the door behind her. “It’s been so long Cadence, how have you been? >She softly giggles as she approaches. >”I’ve been well, how about you? >Rolling up the scroll before you, you slide it back into the bag on the ground. “I’ve been better.” >A soft chuckle mask the sincerity behind your words. >She comes before you, and places her hoof onto your withers, pulling you close into a hug, before Making her way onto the other side of the bed, laying down some distance from you. >It’s been a few years since you’ve seen Cadence now. >You’ve been so worried about Celestia, that Cadence has entirely slipped your mind. >”So I’ve heard that you’ve taken the Crown of Saddle Arabia! Looks like you’ve finally decided to live up to your title!” >Her words are filled with gentle humor, something that has always been Cadence’s habit. ---------------   >For Royalty, she was surprisingly relaxed and carefree - something you’ve always appreciated about the mare. >You nod. “I have, although I can’t say I’m particularly excited about doing so this soon…” >Her smile quickly fades away. >”Oh… I forgot, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” >You hold a hoof up, and shake your head. ”It’s fine Cadence. It’s some time now...” >She nods again, before speaking in a slightly more reserved tone, likely trying to avoid upsetting you. >”Well… I’ve heard that you’ve gotten a mare for yourself; is that true?” >You nod. “You’ve heard right…” >She smiles widely at the news. >”Who is it? Have I met her?” “Amira, Princess Amira…” “My father arranged our marriage before he became severely ill, so I only met her a few times before we married…” >You notice her smile falter for a moment. >”You /do/ love her, right?” >You nod. ---------------   “She’s a very nice mare, although I must admit, it’s been a challenge to enter the union so quickly…” >While true, that’s not the only reason. >In fact, the other in sitting beside you as you speak. >Seeing Cadence… >Telling her you’re a married stallion… >To say it’s difficult is an understatement. >She pours herself a small cup of coffee from the table beside you. >”Do you know why your father wanted you to get married so soon? It just seems… unexpected…” >All you can do is shrug. “I’m not sure myself, although I sometimes wonder if he knew it was his time, and wanted to see ensure my future before he passed…” >Your mind wanders to the mare before you. >She’s so graceful... >She nods gently, while pouring a small amount of sugar into her coffee. >You take a sip of your own drink, and attempt to refocus yourself before speaking. “What has happened to Equestria recently? I’ve never seen anything like this before…” >You visibly notice Cadence grow tense momentarily. >She lowers the coffee cup from her lips, before turning around, and looking at the window. >Using her magic, she closes the blinds, before turning to face you. >You can’t help but grow nervous at the display. >Like she’s trying to hide from someone. ---------------   >”Haakim… I…” “Cadence, is something wrong?” >Your voice sounds more excited than you would have liked, but in the moment, you couldn’t help it. >”I- I don’t know what’s happened… >”I don’t know where Celestia is… Nightmare Moon just showed up one day… and now she’s gone…” >Your stomach twist. “Gone? What do you mean /gone?/ Did she go somewhere?” >Cadence is noticeably growing more upset, as her voice gets slightly more shakey.” >She shakes her head. >”No, I would have noticed is she left the Castle, but she didn’t /go/ anywhere. I just… I don’t know…” >You notice that she’s coming dangerously close to crying. >Instinctively, you inch your way toward the mare, placing a hoof onto her withers. “It’s ok Cadence, it’s all right…” >Comforting the mare, you gently pat her fur for a few moments. >Although you’d desperately like to continue this line of questioning, it’s becoming apparent that she doesn’t want to talk about Celestia. >That, in turn, only makes you more nervous. >Who is this new Empress? >Did Nightmare Moon do something with Celestia? >… >Did she kill her? >… >As crazy as it seems, it’s always been in the back of your mind. >Now, with Cadence’s story… >You struggle to comprehend what this could mean for Equestria. >What this could mean for Saddle Arabia. ---------------   >Just as quickly, you think of Cadence, and the clear stress she’s under. >Attempting to shift the conversation, you speak. “Let’s talk about something else Cadence, ok?” >She nods, and sniffles briefly. >”Ye-yeah…” >She takes a few moments to compose herself, and take a drink of her coffee. >It gives you time to think. >How long has it been since you’ve actually /talked/ with Cadence? >It’s been years since you were both foals together, and beyond the occasional, all too diplomatic birthday and coronation anniversaries, you haven’t written each other. >You’ve just been so busy, you can’t help but wonder how much she’s changed in your absence. >How much you’ve changed... >”Why didn’t your mare friend here? Aren’t you together?” >The question snaps you from your thoughts, and places you at an awkward crossroads. >Amira stayed in Saddle Arabia at your request, for her own safety. >You weren’t sure what Equestia would be like, so you though it’d be best to travel alone. >But saying that certainly wouldn’t help the situation, so instead, you tell a half-truth. >Taking a small breathe you reply. ”My wife stayed in Saddle Arabia.” “I thought it’d be best if I came alone for this first visit, seeing as she’s never travelled abroad before…” >Her reply is brief. >”Oh…” ---------------   >You remove your hoof from her withers, before speaking. ”Enough about me Cadence…" >Your pause. >Exactly how much has changed? >After a moment of painful hesitation, you ask /the/ question. “Have you found yourself a colt?” >Trying not to sound particularly intruding, you add an admittedly forced joke at the end. “A mare like you should have no trouble finding herself a stallion…” >Seemingly ignorant of your inner dialogue, she replies. >”Shining Amor.” >Your heart sinks. >"He’s been at the Royal Guard Academy in Canterlot for the last few weeks, so I haven’t gotten a chance to seem him much recently.” >It takes you a moment to digest this news. >But why should it? >You’re a /married/ stallion! >You shouldn’t feel like this! >You force a reply. ”A guardspony? I didn’t think you’d be a military mare Cadence, what changed?” >She flashes a reserved smile. >”I don’t know exactly, it’s just… he’s a really nice pony…” >”He’s not royalty or anything like that - he’s just a good, honest stallion…” >You smile, and force a lie from your lips. >”That’s wonderful Cadence, I’m happy to hear that…” >The thought of Cadence having a colt friend… bothers you. --------------- >Cadence has always been an attractive mare to say the least. >After spending much of your foalhood in Canterlot, either during visits with your father, schooling, or summer reprieves, you’ve grown close to the mare. >When you and Cadence were the same age, the two of you would always run around the Castle together, and cause all sorts of mischief. >Making chalk drawings on the Castle Walls…. >Going swimming in the fountains… >Raiding the Royal Kitchens… >As the years past, and you both matured, you began to think of her in a different way. >You first noticed just how pretty her mane was… >How soft her fur felt… >Then, your father fell ill. >You were forced to return Saddle Arabia. >Before you knew it, you were married. >And she now, has a colt friend… ---------------   >”I’m… I’m scared Haakim…” >Her eyes begin to water noticeably, and she leans her head on your shoulder. ”Cadence?” >”Ever since this whole thing started I haven’t gotten a letter from him… I’m worried…” >You try to comfort her. “He’s in training Cadence, I don’t think they let-“ >”The Entire Royal Guard disappeared Haakim!” >You fall silent, stunned at the news. >”When this started, all the guards in the palace disappeared! I… I’m not sure if…” >The dam breaks, and she begins to cry. >”Oh Haakim… I… what if he’s gone!…” >Her head falls onto your shoulder, and she tears begin to sink into your coat. >”I… I can’t… I- I just can’t…” >You nuzzle her gently, trying to comfort her. “It’s ok Cadence, I’m sure everything’s fine…” >Your words sound insincere; forced. >They are. >If what she told you is correct, then you honestly aren’t sure if he’s ok. >All of these ponies, just disappearing… >Even Celestia, the most powerful pony in Equestria- just /vanished/… >What has Nightmare Moon done to all of them? >Who /is/ she? --------------- >Your thoughts are interrupted by a small touch on your neck. >A kiss. >Instantly, you react, drawing your body away from the touch. “Cadence?” >She opens her now tear soaked yes, and recoils. >Almost stunned herself, she struggles to reply. >”I… I….” >” I’m sorry Haakim, I don’t know what came over me… I…” “It’s ok Cadence… I just… wasn’t expecting that…” >She shakes her head, as she begins to cry yet again. >”No! It’s not ok! You’re a married stallion! I- have a colt friend! I shouldn’t have done that!” >Letting her neck relax, she buries her head under her hooves. >”I’m just so scared Haakim… I- I don’t know what’s going to happen to me…” >Fear fills your heart. “What do you mean Cadence? Has- has Nightmare Moon threatened you?!? >You struggle to keep your voice low, so as not to be heard outside. >But if this is true… >”Don’t you see? I’m the only royalty left in Equestria!” >”I’m the only other alicorn left!” >Her wings frantically begin to twitch. >"What if- oh Celestia, what if she kills me?” “No!” >You shout, too frantic to silence yourself. ”I’m not going to let that happen!” >Quickly, you try to think of a way, /any/ way you can make that statement true. “You can come back to Saddle Arabia with me! After these meetings-“ >”Do you think she’d let that happen!? She won’t even let me leave the palace!” >She chokes over her words. >”I’m… I’m going to die Haakim… She’s- she’s going to kill me…” ---------------   >You shake your head. “No- Cadence that’s not true…” >You nuzzle her gently, and giver her a few minutes to calm down. >Somehow, she manages to end the flow of tears, her eyes now red and bloodshot. >”It’s- it’s funny… I always remember wanting to be the Princess of Saddle Arabia when I was a filly…” >You tilt your head in confusion. >She looks at you, and again places her head onto your shoulder, nuzzling it slightly. >”I… I always thought you were such a gentlecolt , but I was too nervous to ask…” >”Then your father got sick, and you left…” >She kisses your shoulder softly, before nuzzling it again. >You feel her tail weakly flick against your own. >”Where did the years go Haakim?… Things should have been different…” >Slowly, her soft kisses begin to trail up your neck. >Your mind begins to race. >This… this can’t be happening. >This /isn’t/ happening. “Cadence… I have a wife…” >It’s all you can say. >It’s all your body will /let/ you say. >You’ve thought about Cadence for so many years… >Amira doesn’t even cross your mind. >Her kisses stop just beneath your ear, as her lips force it to twitch in response. >”Please Haakim… be my Prince -  just for tonight,  let /me/ be your Princess…” >She nuzzles your snout, and prompts you to turn your head, revealing her tail, which stands fulling erect behind her. >Rotating your head, you make eye contact once again. >”Please…” --------------- >Your mind blanks, and the immense, almost overwhelming smell of her desire fills your nose. >You… you need it. >Instinctively, you raise your body slightly, and move over on top of Cadence, mounting her tender form. >Your stallionhood, quickly begins to fill with vigor, as your body settles onto Cadence, forcing air from her body in a low, soft moan. >All too excited, you begin to grind against her back, humping her body as you bide time for your length to fully harden. >”Ha-Haakim… please… I want this so bad…” >Your mind is filled with images and emotions. >You’re- you’re finally going to have Cadence… after so long… after so many fantasies… >But Amira… >Stretching her neck upwards, she manages to places a kiss onto the bottom of your chin, which prompts you to look downward, and return the gesture. >You begin the feel the temperature of your body rise, as an almost physical heat radiates from your stallionhood. >You- you don’t care about Amira right now. >You have Cadence, the mare of your colthood fantasies, underneath you, /begging/ for you to rut her. >After a few more long, painfully dry thrust against her back, you’re finally ready. >Lifting yourself, you position stallion hood at her entrance. “Cadence…” >”Haakim…” ---------------   >She kisses your neck a few times again, before lowering her head onto the bed, planting her snout against the bedding. >”I want to to be your mare…” >With pure, masculine force, you thrust yourself into the mare. >Just as quickly, you feel something break. >She squeals, causing you to stop. >Was she- “Cadence- are- are you-“ >”She nods her head quickly, her eyes forced shut in pain. >”I- I wanted my first time to be with you Haakim… I’m sorry…” >You body struggles against your mind, telling you to keep going- to ravenge her body. >But clearly, the mare before you can’t take that. >Deciding to reach an internal compromise, you continue your gentle thrust, while nuzzling her neck. >She squeals weakly each time you hilt yourself, as she tries to maintain her composure. >”I- I want this Haakim… don’t- please don’t stop…” >Planting a kiss behind her ear, you continue, with increasing impatience. >”Do- do whatever you want to me, please, just love me- just for tonight…" >Those simple words set you free. >/Do whatever you want./ ---------------   >Immediately, you reach down, and bite her mane, before pulling it back. >With all of the energy you can muster, you take one, deep, strong thrust into the mare. >She screams in response, and jumps up toward your chest. >You don’t stop. >Each time you penetrate the mare, she makes some tempting, arousing noise. >A moan - a cry - a grunt. >Her hips fit perfectly underneath you own, and each thrust you can feel her now sweat soaked fur brush against you stomach. >You /need/ her. >Her marehood wraps perfectly around your length, providing pure ecstasy as reward for your efforts. >”H-h-haakim…” >She stutters as she speaks, her words broken by your force. >”P-Please- Inside-… please….” >All you can manage to do is grunt in reply. >While the thought of Amira briefly crosses your mind, your lust quickly dispels it. >You’re the Prince of Saddle Arabia… >But she’s an /Equestrian/ Princess… >You’ve thought about her since you were a colt… >/She’s/ the mare you want to bear your foal, not Amira… >”I… I won’t tell anyone… please… I just- AHH… to remember you…” “I - I’m going to - inside….” >You feel yourself getting close. >Each thrust brings you closer to your edge. >Her marehood is practically sucking you in, it’s lips clamping onto your stallionhood, hoping to lure your seed. >It does. >With one final, deep thrust, you push yourself deep into her womb, and pump her full of your essence. >She screams, and her wings flare wide, as you can /feel/ her body milking you for your worth. ---------------   >Finished, you collapse, your stallionhood still planted deep in her body, ensuring the deed has been done. >Both you and Cadence struggle to regain your breathes. >You lay gentle kisses upon her neck, up the ridge of her mane. >Her wings lay spread and deflated on either side of your body, preventing you from dismounting safely. >A problem that you’ve never fully considered before. >As you finally gain the energy to speak, you open your mouth. >”Cadence, could you-“ >”Haakim.” >The tone in her voice is much more firm than your own, causing you to pause. >”Tomorrow- at the meeting, don’t mention what happened tonight. ” >”I… I want this to be special between us… I don’t want this to be used by- by /her/… ok?" >You think for a moment, before responding. ---------------   “Sure…” >”Promise me.” >She’s firm in her reply. >”Promise me you won’t try to save me. Promise me you won’t do anything stupid tomorrow…” >That forces a much longer, more thoughtful delay. “Cadence, I’m not just going to let her keep you-“ >”She controls Equestria Haakim!” >”She controls the most powerful nation in this realm! You- you can’t negotiate with her!” “Cadence, I can’t just leave you here! I have ponies I need to protect.” >”Then protect them! Just… just don’t- don’t make her angry…” >”She’s… she’s not the type of pony you want to anger…” >As much as you hate to admit it, she has a point. >While Saddle Arabia is certainly a regional power, it’s simply not capable of contesting Equestria. >From what little time you’ve spent around Nightmare Moon, she doesn’t seem to be nearly as forgivingas Celestia. >”Please Haakim… give her whatever she wants- just don’t do anything foolish… don’t try to save Equestria…” >She nuzzles you. >”Promise me…” >You take a breath. >You’re going to leave Cadence here; trapped in this Castle… >Everything about it seems wrong. >But there’re no other options. “I- I promise.” >She folds her wings in, allowing you to slowly withdraw from her marehood, and dismount. >”Thank you...” --------------- >You are Anonymous. >You find yourself outside of the Diplomatic chambers of /Crown Prince Haakim/ from Saddle Arabia. >You’re leaning against a wall, running your fingers casually through Nightmare’s mane. >As much as you hate to admit it, her -hair? - is extremely entertaining to play with. “Exactly how long is this supposed to take again?” >She snorts softly. >”Be patient Troll, you shall see the fruits of our plan soon enough.” >On queue, the door to the Diplomat’s chambers swing open, revealing a pony who looks exactly like Cadence. >Quietly, door closes behind her, and she slowly walks the short distance toward Nightmare Moon. >Deciding it’s best not to appear lazy, push yourself off of the wall, and take a position standing beside Nightmare Moon. >”Have you performed the deed Dung Beetle?” >A burst of green flames covers the creature’s body, and where once stood a copy of Princess Cadence, now stands Chrysalis. >”Of course… your Majesty…” >Not satisfied, Nightmare Moon speaks. >”Turn around, we wish to see evidence of your actions.” >Lowering her head, Chrysalis slowly turns around, and raises her tail. >Semen from the stallion slowly drips onto the ground, and crust her already filthy tail. >Nightmare Moon laughs, and puffs out her chest, before turning to you. >”You see Troll? We have turned the proud /Queen/ of the Changelings into a cheap- neigh- a /free/ whorse!” ---------------   >You cringe. >How can Haakim not here that laugh? >It’s so loud!" >You shrug, and concede that you’ll never understand the magic that Nightmare Moon has at her disposal. "I guess it’s fitting. Her entire species practically /lives/ off of prostitution after all." >Chrysalis quickly lowers her tail, and turns around to face you. >Nightmare Moon laughs even louder at your joke. >”Tis true! Her entire breed is nothing more than cheap relief for low blood stallions!” >”You said I could see my one of hive…” >Chrysalis, kill joy she is, interrupts. >”You said I could see one of my Changelings if I did… that…” >Nightmare Moon smiles softly, before nodding. >”Indeed we need.” >Turning slightly, she gestures with her head, instructing the Night Guard at the end of the hallway to advance. >After a few moments, he nears, and stands between yourself and Nightmare Moon. >”You may reveal yourself Dark Room.” >Without moving, the Changeling drops his guard facade. >Instantly, Chrysalis reacts, and becomes noticeably more energetic, her /wings/ fluttering ever so slightly. >”Dark Room! Your Queen is pleased to see-“ >Without warning, Chrysalis collapses onto the ground, forced by Nightmare Moon’s magic. ---------------   >”Do not use such improper titles /Beetle/ address yourself properly before your swarm  and Empress.” >With her eyes forced shut, and tears beginning to form, Chrysalis once again, attempts to speak. >”Dark Room… your… Dung Beetle… is pleased to see you….” >While it’s readily apparent that she’s ashamed of the title, you can tell she’s willing to use it, if it means speaking with her swarm. >It’s an oddly noble gesture for the once boisterous, rude pony. >”The hive is being well taken care of my Dung Beetle.” >Chrysalis cringes at the words, but attempts to continue. >You smile. >It always surprised you just how mindless obedient some changelings could be. >While Dark Room certainly wasn’t your average drone, he didn’t even take pause at calling his former Queen a Dung Beetle. >Looking down once again, you notice Chrysalis' nostrils flair a few times, perhaps trying to sniff something. >”I… thank you… Empress… ” >Nightmare Moon interrupts. >”We are a mare of our word little Beetle, you would do well to remember that. >Chrysalis, visibly defeated, speaks. >”Yes your Majesty.” >Satisfied, Nightmare Moon nods. >”Very Well Dark Room, you may return to your position- we shall summon you again once we require your assistance.” >With hesitation, the creature pivots, and walks down the hallway. >Chrysalis’ eyes sadden at as she watches her kin walk away from her.' >As Dark Room finally rounds the corner, Nightmare Moon speaks. >”Clean up after yourself Beetle, do not sully our floors with your filth." >She points toward the semen which has leaked from Chrysalis’ used body. >With depressing slowness, she pony licks the cold stone with her tongue, wiping clean any evidence of her mess. ---------------   >One completed, she slowly rights herself, and stands once again. >You can’t help but notice that, even free from her bondage, she doesn’t dare stand fully erect. >Instead, her head hangs slightly below Nightmare’s, a clear sign of submission. >You must admit, seeing Nightmare’s work on Chrysalis progress has been interesting. >While you certainly questioned her methods on a number of occasions, the result standing before you speaks for itself. >”We trust you know what is due?” >Slowly, Chrysalis nods. >Both of their horns glow softly for a moment, before falling dark once again. >Apparently satisfied, Nightmare Moon nods. >”You’ve done well Chrysalis, I shall ensure your swarm is safe within our lands.” >For a brief moment, the bug makes eye contact with both you and Nightmare Moon, clearly attempting to verify your promise as best she can. >Her wings twitch, and she opens her mouth slightly. >”Thank you, my Empress…” >Nightmare Moon narrows her eyes. >”We expect your first brood for the Crown to be satisfactory; do /not/ fail us. >In an instant, her body is covered in a dark, starry mist. >Then- she’s gone.