Chapter One:
Homecoming
It was a beautiful late morning at Ponyville, if not a little warmer than normal. Another successful Winter Wrap-Up had come and gone a few days earlier. There was no snow on the ground anymore. Most of the crops and flowers that were planted had begun to sprout. Ponies went about each other's business as they always had. Surprisingly, very little evidence of Ponyville's recent trials remained. The scar carved into the ground from Joseph's plane was repaired, no telltale sign of the battle with the Grundles remained, and the hangar built on Sweet Apple Acres had become a wonderful new barn. After Winter Wrap-Up, King Amus had returned with his subjects to Grundleland to rebuild their kingdom. Much of life in Ponyville was back to normal. Though one huge change didn't go unnoticed.
Fluttershy came out of the Apple's home with her patented gentle smile wide on her face. She balanced a large jug of sweet tea on her flank for her new coltfriend. With her delicate grace, she sauntered over to the chicken coops where Big Macintosh was building an extra coop. She passed their Winter Wrap-Up vests drying in the morning sun. Fluttershy and Applejack had to wash them several times to get all of the stains out from this year's clean up. In a few moments, the gentle yellow pegasus came up to the new coop as Big Mac hammered the last nail into the roof. Fluttershy's chickens clucked happily and tried to get closer to their new home.
"Be patient, my little friends," Fluttershy said gently. "Big Macintosh is working as hard as he can to build you all a new home. But it won't be finished for a little while. So go on and play until he's done." Fluttershy's chickens clucked a little and walked off. Big Mac looked up from his work and smiled. He couldn't believe his luck. He had a kind, gentle, and beautiful fillyfriend who got along great with his family. Even better, she knew he wanted iced tea before he even knew he wanted it. "Here you go, Big Macintosh," Fluttershy said.
"Thank you kindly," Big Mac said. He set his hammer down and sat on his haunches. With only three mighty swigs, Big Macintosh had downed half of the drink.
"Goodness, you're a thirsty one aren't you?" she asked. Big Macintosh put the pitcher down on the ground and wiped the sweat from his red brow.
"Just great tea," he said looking into Fluttershy's eyes. She blushed and gave a gentle smile knowing how her coltfriend loved the little things she did.
"You're doing a marvelous job with the new chicken coop," Fluttershy began. "Are you going to have it finished with all of your other projects before you pick up Granny Smith from the train station in a few days?"
"Yup," the red farmer said.
"And," Fluttershy continued trying to hide her face. "Do you think she'll approve of us?" Big Macintosh cocked an eyebrow at his lady. Though dating him had brought Fluttershy out of her shell, she still was timid as to how others viewed her.
"Mmm…" Big Mac mused for a moment. "Eeyup." The smile on the little filly's face was powerful enough to brighten the darkest cave. Fluttershy leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on Big Macintosh's lips. A light chuckle and a refined giggle broke the kiss the two ponies shared.
"T'is quite a romantic spectacle," Luna called out as she watched her two friends.
"I thought the lovey-dovey stuff was our bit for now," Rogue Storm said sarcastically. Fluttershy let out a cheerful gasp and ran over to Luna.
"Princess Luna!" she cried embracing her ruler and friend. Big Macintosh was more subdued to greet his friend. He and Rogue Storm walked up to each other and shook hooves before pulling into a half hug. "Welcome home," Fluttershy said.
"Yup," the red stallion agreed.
"It is good to see you both again," Luna began. Rogue nodded and kissed Fluttershy hello on the cheek. Luna continued as she hugged Big Macintosh. "We apologize for interrupting your work. I pray there is no inconvenience for you."
"No worries," Big Macintosh said.
"Yes, we always have time for the two of you," Fluttershy added.
"What's with the new coop, Mac?" Rogue asked walking over to the new little house. Big Macintosh turned and led the girls over to the new structure.
"Needed one for Fluttershy's chickens," he said taking a final swig of the tea.
"You are no longer in need of your feathered friends, Fluttershy?" Luna asked. The yellow pegasus smiled and let a blush out as she scratched the ground with her hoof.
"Oh…well…um…you see…," she stuttered. Big Macintosh could see her shy nature was taking over and put a hoof on her shoulder. Fluttershy took one look at his green eyes and found her voice again. "I've moved in with Big Macintosh. It's going on two weeks now. We're taking our relationship slowly but it is growing." Luna's smile was rivaled only by the one she wore on her wedding day. The two mares embraced and started chattering with each other. Big Macintosh went back to his work and Rogue Storm went over to lend a hoof. The prince held a board in place while the red stallion hammered it down.
"Two weeks now, huh?" Rogue said kindly. He even added an elbow to the ribs to tease his best stallion. "Is it all going smoothly?"
"Eeyup," Big Macintosh answered.
"So is this a trial live in, or are you two serious?" he asked. Big Macintosh hammered the final nail in and looked at his ruler and friend. "Really…" Rogue mused.
"She sold her cottage while y'all were gone," he started. "A nice couple from Fillydelphia. They're having a baby soon. Closed the deal last month, we moved Fluttershy in two weeks ago, and have been getting settled. I moved everything from the barn to the hangar. And once I'm done with this here coop, I'm going to build a care center in the barn for Fluttershy to take care of her critters." Rogue smiled at the red stallion and the two looked at their ladies. Rogue looked back first and saw the content look in Big Macintosh's face.
"Looks like lady luck visited you too, brother," he said.
"Yup," the farmer said as the two mares came over.
"I think this is the most I've heard you speak, Mac," Rogue said with a chuckle. "Those days when I first got here, you barely spoke. Now, we are having a full conversation? I think Fluttershy had something to do with this." The two stallions gave a chuckle as Luna planted a kiss on Rogue's cheek.
"Come, dearest," she started. "We have many friends to visit before returning to Canterlot. And Big Macintosh has much work to do."
"Alright, Luna," Rogue said. "We'll see you two later."
"Before you go," Fluttershy said. "You left some boxes behind. We put them in the hangar for safe keeping."
"Oh thanks," Rogue said and started towards the steel building. "I was sure I already moved everything off the farm." Luna, Fluttershy and Big Macintosh were in tow as Rogue Storm went over to the hangar. Memories came back of the time he and Luna spent rebuilding his plane, bonding, and slowly falling in love with each other. And now, the hangar was the new barn for the Apple Family. But just as the prince was reaching for the handle, the door slid open and flurry of confetti exploded onto Rogue Storm's face. The prince was so startled he tumbled back and landed right in front of Luna.
"Surprise!" Pinkie Pie screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Welcome back!" the rest of the party cheered. Luna was taken back to see all of her friends and much of Ponyville in the hangar. When Rogue's head stopped spinning, he looked up and saw blue eyes and a pink body in front of him. Behind her were Rarity, Spike, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Celestia.
"Yay, you're both back," Pinkie Pie squealed as she bounced around Rogue. Luna helped her husband back up and the two were quickly embraced by their pink friend.
"Two words, Pinkie Pie," Rogue said. "Try…decaf…"
"I already do," the party pony answered with a smile. "For some reason the Cakes keep the regular coffee locked up and away from me."
"I have missed thee all so much," Luna said as all her friends came up and greeted her. The honeymoon was nice but she did miss her friends.
"We missed you too," Rarity said. Her words reflected the feelings of everypony else. When Queen Celestia stepped up, the others parted from the happy couple.
"Tia…" Luna chimed and hugged her sister tightly.
"I missed you as well, Luna," Celestia said with joy. "And you as well Prince Rogue Storm." Rogue didn't bother to speak. The two rulers and former antagonists looked at each other for a moment. "Welcome home, both of you." It was a really tense moment for the two until Rogue walked up to his sister-in-law and kissed her cheek.
"It's good to see you again," he said. Luna went over to her husband and looked at her sister just as the music started. Pinkie Pie was on the dance floor in a heartbeat. Applejack went with her brother and Fluttershy to get some chow. Twilight, Spike, and Rarity stayed with their rulers. But two things were bugging Luna. Mostly the absence of a certain rainbow manned pegasus.
"Celestia, where is Rainbow Dash?" she asked. "And how did thee arrange a party on such short notice? I informed thee of our return merely hours ago." Celestia looked at Twilight and Rarity. The white unicorn and purple alicorn chuckled.
"Pinkie Pie is quite capable of getting a party together on short notice," Celestia said.
"But the dear has been getting this welcome home soiree ready for weeks," Rarity chimed in.
"She's been making punch and cake every day for the last week," Twilight Sparkle said. "Leave it to Pinkie Pie to try and guess when you'd be back." Pinkie didn't hear Princess Twilight's words. She was too distracted by a bumble bee trying to get some of the frosting on the cake.
"What did she do with the punch and cake when we didn't come home?" Rogue asked.
"I ate it," Pinkie said after giving the bee a little taste. "Munch. Munch, munch." *squee* Luna tried to stifle her laughter. But Pinkie Pie was the master at making anypony laugh.
"And Rainbow Dash left yesterday with the Shadowbolts to start their tour with the Wonderbolts," Fluttershy added.
"She sends her best and promised to write," Applejack said. "RD streaked out of here like there was no tomorrow."
"Really?" Rogue asked.
"You have no idea," Rarity said. She turned her head to Luna and started to pull her away. "Now\ to business. Luna, you must tell me everything you have seen. The sights, the cuisine, and the fashions, I must know. Must, must, must!" Luna rolled her eyes but gave into her friend's request.
"Count me in too," Princess Twilight said. But before she could get far, the new princess turned back to Rogue Storm.
"Twilight, I'm not mad about your coronation interrupting the honeymoon," Rogue said. "Ok?" The young mare smiled at Rogue and went back to Luna and Rarity. Finally, a certain tan filly saw that she finally had a chance to welcome back her friend. But before Apple Bloom could make it over to Rogue Storm, a certain purple dragon got to him first. Spike lightly punched Rogue in the shoulder at his actions. Apple Bloom sighed and went back to her sister. She'd have to wait a little longer to talk with her friend.
"Tell me everything about your trip," the teenaged dragon said. Rogue looked at his friend with a coy smile. That earned him another sock in the forearm from Spike. "Skip what I shouldn't know though. Seriously, how was it?"
"Rogue Storm will have to tell you later, Spike," Celestia interrupted. "I'd like to borrow him for a few moments." The teenaged dragon looked at the queen and nodded. He bowed to both of them and left to find Rarity. Queen Celestia raised a hoof to the door and Rogue went outside with the white alicorn. With the festivities behind them, the two began to talk.
"Did you two enjoy your honeymoon?" the queen asked. Rogue Storm turned to her with a great look of content in his eyes.
"Yea," he said gently. "It was fun seeing all of your country. I can see how you fought vehemently to protect it. It was even greater to see my home again. Luna really enjoyed herself too. I was thrilled to open her eyes and show her things she never could have imagined. But we were mostly focused on each other." Celestia smiled knowing the two had the time of their lives on their honeymoon.
"I am glad to know you had a marvelous time, Rogue Storm," she said.
"Maybe one day you'll let me show it all to you as well," the prince mused.
"I'm not sure that would be prudent," Celestia said. "I still don't trust your fellow humans."
"I understand, Celestia," the grey alicorn said. "But since I have you alone now, I need to ask you something. And it has me a little uneasy." Celestia was taken aback by the prince's statement. Rogue had always been so sure and confident in himself. But now he sounded confused, even lost. This was a stark contrast to the one who but a few months ago dared to defy the goddess. "I mean what's next for me? I can't go right back into teaching. I know nothing about Equestria. And I know even less about what royal duties are waiting for me. I could use a little guiding light from my new sister." Celestia felt for the former human. The life he was knew was no longer part of him. And she understood the reservations he was feeling.
"An existential crisis is something to be alarmed about," Celestia said as she put her hoof on Rogue Storm's shoulder. "But you have much to do." Rogue looked his sister-in-law in the eye and sat down with her. "Father gave you command of the elements of sky. There is much you can do with that power to aid the pegasus ponies in weather control." Rogue thought about it for a moment and Celestia saw his eyes change. "You are also the new Prince of Equestria. There will be much to do in aiding Luna with her duties as well as your own royal duties. For now, we will aid you in your acclimation to the throne. But you also forget that Equestria is an ancient land. I know there is plenty for an accomplished historian such as you to study. Maybe a few classes at the university would help boost your confidence." Rogue let a small smile escape at Celestia's words.
"You're right, Celestia," he said. "There is a lot I can do." The prince let a little chuckle go as he took in what was happening. "Hard to believe that a few months ago you and I were on the verge of putting our boots in each other's asses. Well, my boot and your horseshoe. But who is going to argue semantics." Though she wanted to laugh, Celestia grimaced at Rogue's words.
"Quite so," she said before clearing her voice. "There is another matter we must discuss. Now that you are a prince, there is a matter of your…decorum." Rogue got a very annoyed look on her face. He suspected what Celestia was going to chat with him about. The two alicorns locked eyes. Celestia could see the emotions on Rogue Storm clear as day.
"Let me guess," he said with a huff. "You want me to smooth out my rougher edges? Act in a more dignified manner."
"I think it would be for the best," Celestia said. Rogue's brows furrowed and he slowly turned back to the door.
"You know I have a few choice words for that opinion," the grey alicorn said. "All of them would make you cringe. Yes, I will have to find a new cause for my life. Yes, I am not longer the man I once was. Yes, I have a journey ahead of me. But I will not hide who I am. Luna loves me for me. She knows I have my flaws and she likes many of them. And don't you dare ask me to change." Celestia paused for a moment and sighed. She knew her new brother was strong willed and would react like this.
"You are royalty now," Celestia said. "You are my brother and Luna's husband. Your actions directly reflect on me and her. Please, just hear me out." Rogue turned his head back to Celestia and then his body. He sat down again and nodded. "I only ask two things. That you stop swearing and that you stop acting so rashly. Though brave, your last stand in Ponyville was foolhardy and downright stupid." Rogue let a gentle chuckle out. "This isn't funny, Rogue Storm," Celestia said harshly. "Though Father brought you back to us before, there are no more second chances if you do that again. Yes we are beings of immortal magic, but you saw what happened to Father. There are ways for us to die. Please think before you act from now on." The prince smacked his lips and looked to the hangar. Through the open door he could see Luna with little Apple Bloom. Her beauty and his love for her made him think. The Queen of Equestria did have a point. Rogue couldn't leave Luna again. He mulled over Celestia's and turned back to her.
"The swearing I can do," he said. "I did promise Luna I would not swear when we first met."
"And that managed to rub off on her a little," Celestia said.
"Yea…," the grey alicorn continued. "But my impulsive nature is one of the things Luna likes about me. Sometimes it causes me trouble. But other times it results in something that can make somepony's or someone's day." Rogue thought back to that waiter back in New York and wished he could see the look on his face. Celestia saw the look of reverence of Rogue's face. It made her wish all the more she didn't have to act this way.
"Please," she said. "As a favor to me." Rogue sighed and looked back to the hangar again. Luna saw him staring at her and gave a gentle wave. He knew Celestia was right. Luna wasn't an acquaintance anymore. She was his wife. And the last thing he wanted to do was cause her any problems or damage her image. Let alone do something reckless that could hurt or kill him again.
"I'll try, Celestia," Rogue sighed. "But I can't make any promises. You're asking me to change who I am. The last one to try that was my father. And it was a point of contention to say the least."
"Just you trying will be enough," the queen said kindly. "Thank you, Rogue." But her face scrunched when she looked down at Rogue's leg. "I trust that can be covered up." Rogue looked down and saw that Celestia was pointing at his new tattoo.
"It can," Rogue chimed. "But before you say anything, I planned to get a sexy tattoo of my wife since I was a child. So it's not impulsive. Impulsive would be getting her name tattooed on me. And all who have ink know that it a hex upon your relationship." The white alicorn sighed as Rogue got up to rejoin the party.
"You are going to be the death of me, Rogue Storm," Celestia said. The two re-entered the party and were greeted by a very happy Apple Bloom.
"Mr. Joseph!" she called jumping into the former human's hooves. She finally got a chance to say hello. The two gave each other a loving hug and Rogue tossed her in the air a little.
"Hi, sweetie," he said to the filly. "I bet you missed me a whole lot." Apple Bloom nodded and gripped the toy in her hooves. Still clutched in her grip was Dr. Bearington. "Ah, I see my oldest friend is still keeping you company."
"I'm glad y'all are home," she continued. "I missed you and Princess Luna." Rogue let the filly down and she quickly found the new tattoo. "I like that, but I like Princess Luna's better." Celestia's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates and she looked like she was about to fall over. Rogue tried to hold in some laughter but let a snicker out from Celestia's reaction. Apple Bloom instantly knew that she had let a cat out of the bag. After a deep breath, Celestia went over to her sister. Princess Luna was showing her new tattoo to Twilight Sparkle and her other friends.
"You too?" she asked with quiet anger. Luna turned to her sister and saw the look on her face. "You do realize that is permanent."
"Be at ease, Tia," Luna said innocently trying to hide her tattoo. "It is easily covered by my greaves..." Celestia gestured with her hoof for Luna to turn around. The other ponies in earshot backed up. Luna complied and turned around. Celestia looked at her sister's leg above the fetlock. To her surprise, Celestia saw a small crescent moon with two linked rings dangling off the arch. Inside the moon was the date of her wedding to Rogue Storm. The Queen of Equestria took the image in and relaxed.
"I was expecting something more along the lines of Rogue's tattoo," Celestia said.
"Nay," Luna rebuffed. "T'was min first. And we did not wish something elaborate."
"I told Luna to get something more delicate and feminine," Rogue chimed in. "But still something that was important to her."
"And what is more important than my moon and my husband?" Luna said leaning on Rogue. "Well, perhaps min sister." A series of "awws" came from behind the happy couple. "Do not fret, Tia. There are no more tattoos in my future."
"I won't lie," Rogue started with an innocent look. "There might be one or two more for me."
"Rogue, do not tease Celestia," Luna said with annoyance. Rogue winked at his wife and went by Celestia's side.
"Come on, Celestia," Rogue said. "Loosen up and let's enjoy the party." Everypony held their breath. They didn't know how Celestia would react. But Luna, Twilight Sparkle and Applejack feared they may have a repeat of what happened months before. But Celestia smiled at the newlyweds and raised her hoof.
"Rejoice for the return of our Prince and Princess," she bellowed in the Royal Canterlot Voice.
"Party!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she swung by on a rope. Rogue shook his head at the pink pony while Luna giggled.
"I'm so done trying to figure that girl out," Rogue said with a chuckle. Together the happy couple began to mingle with their friends. The party went on better than anypony had thought. There was food, punch, dancing, and Pinkie Pie and Applejack made a miniature version of Luna and Rogue's wedding cake. Rogue Storm and Luna were only apart once. Big Macintosh and Spike pulled him away to share a pint of hard cider. But Rogue stole a glance at Luna and saw her friends had made her blush a couple times. He could only speculate what they were talking about.
The party lasted into the early evening and soon Celestia gave Luna a familiar look. The Princess of the Night beamed when she saw that look. Luna took off for the door and stepped out with her sister. Rogue and the others at the part followed and watched their princess and queen. Celestia's and Luna's eyes began to shine and their horns glowed. The white queen lowered her head and the sun began to set. The moon began to rise as the blue princess raised her head. Within minutes, the sky was dark and the stars were shining. Everypony gathered was in awe of watching Luna and Celestia's magic at work.
"How I have missed my night," Luna mused. Celestia smiled and hugged her little sister.
"The night is yours again, little sister," she whispered. Luna returned the hug as Rogue Storm walked up.
"Beautiful," he said gently. Luna watched with curiosity as the prince summoned his magic. Everypony looked up and saw thin wisps of clouds waft through the moonlit sky. Rather than block the moon, they enhanced the glow. The air also cooled and became crisp. "What do you think?" Rogue asked his wife. Luna looked at her moon and smiled back to her husband.
"It does add some mystery to my moon," she said joining him. Luna leaned into the grey alicorn's ear. "I am very pleased." Rogue could detect a hint of flirtation in that.
"Mystery nothing," Applejack called. "It's been a humdinger of a warm day. I'm glad for the cool down."
"Speak for yourself, Applejack," Rarity whined. "I was looking forward to using my silk sheets tonight."
"It's not so bad, Rarity," Fluttershy said gently. "It just gives us an excuse to snuggle up to our very special somepony." Rogue and Luna chuckled at their friends. But a yawn from Luna broke the festive feelings.
"Are you getting tired?" Rogue asked.
"A little," Luna said sitting down.
"Oh of course, how silly of me," Celestia said. Her horn charged with her golden magic and a flash of light hit Luna and Rogue. The two suddenly felt rejuvenated. It was the same spell Celestia used on them months ago to change Luna's and Rogue's sleep cycles. "Feel better…" Celestia couldn't even finish her question before Luna squeezed her in a tight hug.
"Thank thee, sister," she cried. "Thank thee with all min heart."
"The night is yours again, Luna," Celestia said with love. "Rule it like I know you will." Luna let a tear fall knowing that her duties were restored and the night was her's again. It was a tender moment for the two sisters. But with the coming of the night came the end of the party and a chariot from Canterlot arrived for royal family. The queen, prince, and princess said goodbye to each of their friends and went to board the chariot. Prince Rogue Storm helped Luna and Celestia into it before turning to Twilight Sparkle.
"You coming, Princess?" he asked.
"No," she said. "I've decided to stay in Ponyville." Twilight was quickly surrounded by her friends in a hug while the other alicorn's smiled at her. "I can't very well teach about friendship if I'm away from my friends."
"As you wish," Celestia said with kindness. Rogue and Luna nodded in approval as he boarded the chariot.
"Wait, Mr. Joseph," Apple Bloom called. The filly ran up to the chariot and held Dr. Bearington to Rogue Storm. He looked at the child and lay down on the chariot floor.
"You're giving him back?" Rogue asked.
"The nightmares are gone," Apple Bloom chimed. "Besides, you and Princess Luna will need Dr. Bearington for all the babies y'all will have." Apple Bloom's face was the only one present that didn't have a deep blush on it. Applejack was about to yank her sister away from the chariot when Prince Rogue Storm let out a loud laugh.
"Thank you, Apple Bloom," he said reclaiming his old friend. He cradled the old bear in the red tank top and knew that Apple Bloom didn't blurt out on purpose. "Someday when Luna and I do have children, they'll appreciate having our old friend." All of the blush on everypony's face disappeared. "Maybe we'll ask you to babysit." Apple Bloom's joy radiated from her face. The bounce in her step as she went would make any rabbit green with envy. Everypony bowed as the chariot was pulled off into the night sky. Rogue shot Celestia a triumphant look and she sent one back in kind. "Any doubts about my decorum now?" he asked sarcastically to Celestia.
"Perhaps there is hope for you yet?" answered equally sarcastic. Luna just rolled her eyes at the two and leaned on her husband for the ride home.
Celestia let a dignified yawn out as the three alicorn's re-entered the palace. The guards, attendants, and dignitaries all welcomed back the newlyweds and their queen. Rogue looked on at some of the guards. Try as they did to remain stoic, some of the guards looked with excitement at the new prince. It did not go unnoticed.
"Why are they looking at me like that?" Rogue Storm asked. "The guards look like they are about to burst.
"The Lunar and Solar Guards are aquiver with potential promotions," Luna said. Rogue raised an eyebrow. He didn't know what the two were talking about.
"As the new Prince of Equestria, you'll be selecting your own guard to command," Celestia added. The new prince understood and nodded with his family. The three came to the massive doors of Celestia's bedroom and the guards opened them for their queen. "Page Master can explain all your new duties to you."
"Who is Page Master?" Rogue asked.
"One of our most trusted attendants," Luna said. "He is well versed in royal protocol and can aide you in many ways, min love."
"You'll find his insight most helpful," Celestia finished. "Page Master will report to you in a few hours, Rogue Storm. That should give you and Luna time to unpack." Celestia hugged her family and turned to the open doors. "As for me, it's time for me to rest, good night."
"Sleep well, Tia," Luna said and Rogue agreed. The white alicorn turn to her room and the doors closed as she went in. Luna and Rogue turned the other way and walked off together towards their room. As they walked, Rogue Storm's wing extended and found Luna's. It made Luna smile when her husband made these small gestures of affection.
"Hard to believe I used to not let anypony touch me like this," she mused. Rogue looked at his wife and let a small chuckle out. It was a lovely moment for the two.
"Aunt Luna, welcome home," a voice called from behind. Luna and Rogue Storm turned around to see Prince Blueblood standing behind them. Rogue's face instantly cringed upon seeing the unicorn. "And you as well, Uncle Rogue." This was very unexpected. The last time the two princes met it was hardly friendly.
"Thank thee, dear nephew," Luna said with a grain of salt. This was very unlike Prince Blueblood. The last time Blueblood and Rogue bumped into each other, the meeting was less than pleasant.
"I do believe I owe you an apology, Uncle Rogue," he said. "I'm afraid I was a little crass when we first met. For that, my sincerest apologies. I was worried that you were taking advantage of Aunt Luna. But seeing that gesture proved to me that you genuinely love her." Luna was very confused by such unusual behavior from her spoiled nephew. Never had she known him to apologize for anything. Rogue couldn't put his hoof on it but something was just rubbing him the wrong way. Prince Blueblood extended his hoof to Prince Rogue Storm with a stiff upper lip. The former human looked at the appendage and back to the unicorn. For a moment there was no movement from Rogue and the emotionless look on his face made Luna very nervous. Finally, Rogue's hoof raised and shook Prince Blueblood's. "There all is forgiven. Well I am quite exhausted. So I shall retire for the evening." The unicorn walked around Rogue and turned to Luna. "Oh before I forget, Moondancer has moved to my staff, Aunt Luna."
"What, why?" Luna asked half hurt.
"Well she and her husband want to have children," Blueblood said. "And that is very difficult if she is awake all night to assist you. I have asked Morning Glory to take over for her."
"Oh, well I suppose that is alright," Luna said. "Very well."
"Splendid," the arrogant unicorn said with a yawn. "Well, I'm off to bed. Ta." With that he turned and left Luna and Rogue Storm alone.
"Odd, I have never known my nephew to act in such a polite manor," Luna thought out loud. To her surprise, Luna saw that Rogue hadn't moved an inch and was still staring down the opposite hallway. It was very unnerving. "Darling, are you alright?"
"Something's off with him," Rogue said turning to Luna. "I don't know whether it's because he rubbed me the wrong way when we first met, but something doesn't smell right." Luna stared at her husband and back to the fading image of her nephew. Though she wouldn't say, Luna felt there was something odd to Blueblood as well.
The prince continued down the hall and soon came to his bedroom door. The two guards saluted him and opened them up. From the door frame, Prince Blueblood could only see one pony in his room. It was Moondancer and she was pulling down his bed.
"Good Evening, Moondancer," Prince Blueblood said.
"Your Majesty," the white pony said with a bow. Prince Blueblood closed and locked the door and two evil smiles curled. "Ugh…where have you been? I have been waiting here for you all day." A flash of green flames surrounded Moondancer and the Queen of the Changelings stood in her place.
"Relax, Chysallis," the spoiled prince said getting undressed. "I have an image to uphold."
"Yea, yea," the black hearted queen said with venom. "Have they returned?"
"They have, Chrysallis," Blueblood said. "And they believed the story you came up with. They'll have no reason to question why 'Moondancer' works for me. You may move about the castle with me or on your own without suspicion."
"Excellent, Prince Blueblood, haha," Chrysallis said. Her eyes flashed green and Blueblood walked over to changeling. "Everything is proceeding on schedule. But remember to be cautious. This plan relies on patience and stealth. We cannot make a mistake and underestimate our enemies."
"I understand, my Queen," the prince said. "Soon Equestria will be ours. With me as its king, and you as its beautiful queen."
"Yes, just as I should be…"
A/N: The happy couple is back home and ready to begin their new lives.
Luna has dominion of her night again.
Rogue Storm now has his own royal legacy to build.
But what is to become of the newlyweds?
What is Prince Blueblood's plan with Queen Chrysallis?
What will the future hold?
Tune in next time for the next chapter of
Cross the Line
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