Prologue
She fell.
Unheeded, impotent, undone, she fell, and broke upon the uncaring earth.
Everything had failed: her magic, her cleverness. Even imbued with the power of Equestria, she had still failed.
She was her focus, blazing with terrible majesty and winged with triumph upon her kingdom's throne. Her throne. What she had dreamed of for an age, and seized by cunning and magic. Hers by right and conquest. Stolen by this glittering usurper who shone too much like the sun.
She fell, but she would not forget. Nor forgive. She could afford to wait a bit longer. She would redouble her strength, gather her loyal servants, and bide her time. She would prove herself rightful master of all: every stallion, mare, and foal. They would all listen. They would all bow.
In that moment of defeat, she imagined her victory.
And she smiled.