Chapter Six

The service for Sunlight Delight was grim. The sun was hidden behind a mask of somber grey clouds, which unloaded the sky's tears to the freshly tilled earth behind the Crystal Castle. Queen Amour stood beside me; in her failing health, I could see the deep wrinkles sagging along her face and the weakness in her legs. I, myself, was sick with grief. To see Sunny torn apart like she had been some monster's dinner, to see she had suffered in her final moments…

Tears were free falling from my eyes before I knew they were there.

The funeral was a procession from the entry to the empire all the way to the grave. The entire empire was invited to attend, for they all adored Sunny's antics and gleaming smile. This was a hard strike to the Empire. No crystal coats shined in the sun today.

Sombra, who had joined when they passed his street, stood by me now. His wild mane was tamed by the rain and slicked down appropriately, and his face was forlorn and downcast. He stood close to my side, one foreleg draped over my shoulders in an act of comfort. Amour's wing draped over his leg, across my back. I was embraced by them both.

Saying his final goodbye before they buried the coffin, Chess stroked the crystal surface and wept. Sunlight had been close to him, and he to her. When they held the service for her, he had laid a ring box in with her corpse, whispering, "I was going to give this to you… vow my life to you… but I know now I have something else to vow myself to. I promise, Sunny… whoever did this to you will pay for their treachery."

They were lowering the coffin now. Chess assisted in covering the crystal case with the soggy earth. I stepped forward and lent a hoof, as did Sombra and eventually, the Queen.

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The next few months were hard. No pony's coats shone with that crystal luster I had become accustomed to. There were no lively activities on the street, jousting every Saturday had ceased, and the bakery's smell was anything but warm and inviting. Even the bright, festive colored buildings were dimmed with shadow. After the Queen's death barely three weeks after Sunlight's funeral, I found home wasn't very warm anymore.

Chess had taken almost permanent residence at my cottage on the corner in light of the event. His gaze was always fixated outside the window towards the horizon, as if trying to see past the barrier to the Outside, back to the cave I found Sunlight Delight in. I had to beg him every few days to shower so he didn't let himself rot away by my window. I did my best for him- at least, I tried to. He wouldn't eat much of what I put in front of him. I even tried to persuade our parents into visiting, but alas, they were enamored with parties in the heart of Equestria, within the grand halls of the Palace in Canterlot. I gave up after the first month.

Sombra did his best to make sure I myself was doing well. He would come over with dinner for the three of us, or bring books and candles to read late into the night. I don't see why Chess distrusted him so much; he was a great stallion, and even behind his mask of jerk, he was sweet down to the core. I don't know why, but recently, my heart had begun to beat fast for the stunning stallion.

Being the only Princess within the vicinity, I was given the leadership role of ruling the Empire. Chess was given the responsibility of teaching me the ways of the Empire, but, well… I glanced at him now, back at his post by the window, brooding with his chin on the sill. He wasn't teaching me anything anytime soon.

But I had already learned a lot from Sombra. He taught me how to make Crystal Berry Pie, how to whip the batter just right so the crust was fluffy. He taught me what the Crystal Heart in the heart of the city meant, and what gave it its magnificence. He taught me everything I knew about the empire.

Within the next few days, I would be moving into the castle and learning my way around its halls and corridors. My belongings were packed but for a brush and shower necessities. Foods I bought from stands outside my cottage and ate from the containers I was given. Not the greatest life for a Princess, but I wasn't in the castle just yet. I cast another glance at Chess; he would be coming with me, of course, but I wasn't sure how much of a shock he would get from stepping in the castle without the princess or the Queen by his side.

After the third day, the Guards came. Sombra accompanied them and assisted in getting my belongings onto the coach.

"I can't believe you're ruling the Empire now." He murmured to me. "That must be hard."

I shook my head. "I don't know how to take it… It's crazy…"

"Well, if you need an advisor, I'm you're stallion." He smirked.

"Over my dead body." Chess growled as he hopped up into the coach. I groaned and rolled my eyes, not understanding the distrust my brother displayed.

"Its fine, Despara." Sombra huffed and put the last box of my belongings into the brimming coach; I was almost afraid it would topple over. "He's had a rough time. Let the old boy be."

"I'm not old."

The warning tone in Chess's voice spooked me and I jolted. Sombra chuckled and laid a steadying hoof on my shoulder. "You'll be okay, right?" He asked, obviously concerned. "Better tell me now. Or I'll have to stay up every night wondering if I should raid the castle to make sure you're alright."

The guards glanced down at Sombra and I returned to them a glare that would have iced them over. "I will be fine. You can visit the castle whenever you would like to." I smiled at him, comforted that he was here for me.

Sombra smiled, taking some measure of relief in my assurance. And then, he kissed me. Not deep, but more than just a peck. It came as such a shock that my rump knocked into the back of the cart.

Down came the boxes.

A reddish black magic encased all the boxes and placed them one by one back onto the coach, stacking them more securely and preventing me from getting hit even once. I looked up to Sombra, who was standing over me protectively. His corneas had gone green and purplish mist inked from his eyes, his concentration fully on placing the boxes back onto the coach. The magic faded and his eyes retreated to their normal, everyday appearance.

I was trembling; not because of the boxes, but the way he had looked. Not from fear, but from awe. He helped me to my hooves and glanced over my frame. "You're shaking. Are you hurt?" His expression showed worry.

I was still processing everything that had happened. The kiss, the boxes, the magic, those eyes… What did it all add up to? My head reeled and throbbed. Did I hit it, maybe?

"I'm fine." I managed to mutter after realizing he had been staring at me. "Just shaken."

"Good…" And he left.