Chapter Three:

Lesson One

"Are you certain we did not over indulge with these gifts?" Luna asked pulling each item from the many bags and sitting it on the bed with her. "I know our friends will appreciate that we kept them in mind during our honeymoon. But I still feel we got too much."

"No it's ok," Rogue Storm said as he held a large Stieff bear in his magic. "Personally I think we would have gone overboard if we got souvenirs while we were traveling Equestria." Rogue chuckled when he thought of all the items he did take an interest in during the first half of the honeymoon. Most likely the whole bedroom would be filled. He got busy setting more of the gifts on the floor and organizing the wrapping materials. "I want to show everypony how much we appreciate everything they have done for us."

"But does Apple Bloom need a bear that big?" Luna asked as she placed an old book to her side. Rogue scrutinized the bear. Normally, the four foot bear were display items for the retailers. But for Apple Bloom, she deserved it. "She is liable to need a larger bed."

"Until we have a kid of our own in a few years, Apple Bloom is the only one in my life," Rogue joked. "I want to spoil her a little." Luna laughed at her husband. He truly was one of a kind.

"Thou could always spoil thy beloved wife instead," Luna chuckled.

"I plan to. Wait until you have my Sunday Breakfast Explosion," Rogue said with a wink. "Eggs in a basket, pancakes stacked to the ceiling, fresh whipped cream to name a few." Rogue thought that list would make his wife smile. But to his surprise Luna let out a yawn as she laughed. The two of them just had their sleep cycles changed by Celestia. The idea of Luna being tired already was a little farfetched for Rogue. "Babe, are you ok?"

"Yes, I just feel a tad tired," Luna said shaking it off. "But t'is nothing to dwell on. We are fine." This made Rogue a little nervous.

"Celestia reversed our sleep cycles barely two hours ago," he said. "There is no reason you should be tired. Are you sure you are ok?" Rogue walked over to his wife and felt her forehead. But he found no trace of a fever.

"Yes, darling," Luna answered. "We likely are still taxed from returning through the barrier."

"But Celestia weakened it so we could come home," Rogue said going over to his wife. He looked her in the eyes and felt Luna's throat. "I don't feel anything odd."

"Rogue, I am fine," Luna reassured. "Do not worry." The prince sighed and nodded to his wife. "Come, we have many gifts to wrap and Page Master will be here shortly. Soon I shall have my duties to perform again." Luna got up from the bed and joined Rogue on the floor. The two used their magic and the gifts and boxes began to float in the air. Together, they began to wrap each gift for their friends. For the Apples, there was a 4ft. tall Steiff bear for Apple Bloom, a red vest for Big Macintosh, a pearl necklace for Granny Smith, and a collection of apple seeds and a new Stetson for Applejack. Pinkie Pie was getting a five volume set of cookbooks. Rogue made sure he gave her one from New York with pizza recipes. Rarity got a bottle of Chanel #5 and some authentic Japanese silk. Spike was getting steel and onyx dragon dagger with ruby eyes. Twilight Sparkle was going to get a first edition of "The Count of Monte Cristo" and several other antique books of various subjects. Rainbow Dash was getting models of the F-22 Raptor and F-14 Tomcat. Fluttershy could look forward to a painting of a spring meadow. And Celestia was going to open her package to find a diamond necklace. Rogue and Luna both agreed to bring back gifts from his world to make them truly unique and special. Though it was a little inconvenient to carry them all during the honeymoon. But the newlyweds didn't want risk losing anything they bought for their friends and family, so they sent them home whenever they could.

The two kept smiling as they thought about the looks on everypony's face as they opened up their gifts. Each gift was wrapped and placed in a box to be mailed out, save for Celestia's. Rogue and Luna would personally give bring the gift to her. The boxes were sealed up and stacked next to the door. Next to come out were some of the items Luna and Rogue storm bought for themselves and each other. Rogue had bought Luna a sapphire and diamond necklace to match her engagement ring. He also bought her several dresses. A couple of these were going to be sent to Rarity to be redone to fit Luna's pony body. Luna picked out a silver and onyx pocket watch for Rogue and a few suits. Some of those were also going to visit their favorite fashionista. The happy couple lit up and spent a lot of money when they came across little antique and book shops in their travels. Luna had to be held back in some of those shops, as did Rogue Storm a few times. The Princess found a 300 year old abacus, a stereoscope, Mother of Pearl opera glasses, a jeweled broach, and a few small knickknacks. Rogue Storm had wanted to buy a Kentucky Rifle they found but Luna talked him out of it. Instead, the prince found a World War 1 canteen, an antique railroad spike, a turn of the century telegraph, various first editions of his favorite books, and some old comic books.

"Darling, I do not understand the appeal of these books," Luna said unpacking the comics. "Are these not intended for children."

"This coming from the filly whom still cuddles with her abacus," Rogue chimed in with heavy sarcasm as he snatched Luna's prized possession from the shelf.

"Point thusly taken," Luna said blushing. The princess hugged the tool with reverence when Rogue returned it to her. Luna and Rogue laughed at each other and set about decorating their room with the new items. Rogue let Luna take the lead since this was her room before the wedding. But he found a place specifically for the railroad spike. It went upon the fireplace mantle, right next to Rogue's gun. The weapon was once again at peace sealed behind glass for all eternity. Luna noticed Rogue staring at the firearm, but left him alone. She could see that he was reliving the Battle of Ponyville. Silently, the prince thanked the weapon for its help just as a knock came at the door.

"Come in," Rogue called out as he turned away from the weapon. The door opened and a royal blue unicorn with a blonde mane and tail came in. His cutie mark was a book and quill.

"Welcome home, Your Majesties," he said with a bow. Luna set her abacus on the bookshelf and trotted over to the door.

"Rise, Page Master," she said. The unicorn stood up with a poise that was dignified and practiced. "T'is grand to see thee again, our old friend. Allow me to introduce you to my new husband, Prince Rogue Storm."

"Delighted to make your acquaintance, Your Majesty," Page Master said with another bow.

"Likewise," Rogue said with a "hello" nod. "Celestia told me you were to help introduce me to royal protocols and duties."

"Queen Celestia has informed me of your former life and that you may already know much etiquette," the unicorn began. "With my help, we will polish off what you already know and teach what you don't." Rogue gulped on the inside. Coming from a wealthy background, his father had him extensively schooled in etiquette. And Rogue hated every minute of it. But he thought back to how his mother and grandfather helped him endured the grooming. Though he didn't have them now, Rogue was going to remember everything they taught him as well.

Page Master came into the room just as the clock began to toll eight. Luna went over to her vanity and began to run her brush through her mane and coat. Rogue just watched the unicorn and tried to get a read from his body language. His stature was confident but still seemed like it was artificial. Rogue could tell it was a sign that this unicorn knew much, but it was not his nature. The unicorn turned to the prince and Rogue adopted his calmest look.

"Well, while the princess is getting ready," Page Master began. "Shall we begin with your lessons?"

"Yea, sure," Rogue said.

"Yes," the blue unicorn said abruptly. Luna watched in the mirror as Rogue was getting his first lesson already. "You always must sound decisive in your speech. This is not only proper elocution, but as a royal you must not leave any potential doubts in your word. If you do that, your subjects will not take you seriously." Luna put her brush down and turned to watch. It was a little entertaining to see the strong male that was her husband was getting run through the ringer. But she soon went back to the mirror. On went her crown, breastplate, and greaves. Luna looked down at her fetlock and her tattoo was indeed covered by the accoutrements. She looked back in the mirror and smiled again. The prince wasn't focusing on Page Master's words. He was focused on his wife.

"Perfect," Rogue called to her. Luna turned around and winked at Rogue Storm before blowing him a kiss. Page Master was a little annoyed by the fact that his words were falling on deaf ears. But he understood the way newlyweds would act. Luna waved to Rogue and went over to the door.

"We shall see thee soon, min love," the Princess of the Night said. She opened the door and left the room. "Oh hello, Morning Glory," she said from the other side.

"I am happy for you wedded bliss but now that we can concentrate," Page Master said. Rogue let that comment slide. He knew very well he could stare at Luna all day. "First, you must put on your accoutrements. It is not proper for any subject to see you without them."

"Really, it's just the two of us," Rogue protested.

"Protocol dictates that all royal wears are needed when addressing any subjects or dignitaries," Page Master said. "Even if there are but two ponies present." Rogue was tempted to argue that he never saw Prince Blueblood in anything. But considering this was going to be a long night, he didn't want to sweat semantics. The prince charged his horn and the silver accoutrements levitated from his dresser. The breastplate and crown slipped were slipped on and the greaves were stepped into. Once dressed, the prince turned to Page Master. The unicorn looked at the prince with scrutiny in his eyes.

"Just two minor changes, Sire," he chimed. The unicorn's magic enchanted the greaves on the prince started to climb up and cover his legs. The rear greaves stopped at the knees while the front ones came up to the shoulders and attached to the breastplate. Rogue looked down and didn't like what he saw. His hourglass tattoo and scar were covered by the armor as was his new tattoo on his leg. Rogue knew this was likely to happen but he still hated it. "Now that you are dressed properly, we can begin." The prince sighed on the inside. It had only been a few minutes since meeting this stallion, and he was already feeling his stomach twist.

"Hold the phone, Page Master," Rogue said going over to the door. If he was going to be going through hell, the prince needed an old friend's help.

"I beg your pardon, Sire," the unicorn said. "But what is a phone?" Rogue rolled his eyes and turned back to the blue pony.

"Skip it," he said. The door was pushed open and the two Lunar Guards turned around. "Guards."

"Yes, sir," they said together.

"Could one of you see that some coffee and donuts are brought up?" Rogue asked. One of the guards saluted and ran off. "You want anything?" the prince asked Page Master.

"Oh, no thank you, Sire," he answered. "But coffee and donuts? Isn't that a little…uncouth. And your offer was too informal. Additionally, you asked for your meal. A pony in your position gives orders."

"Hey, we're doing an all-night study session," Rogue said sarcastically. "What better to have than sugar and caffeine? And I've always asked politely. Orders are not exactly something I like to give."

"Charming," Page Master began. "It would appear we have much work to do. Let's begin with the forthcoming reception. Queen Celestia will be receiving some dignitaries from Saddle Arabia in a few days to renew some trade agreements. You will be expected to attend and interact, possibly negotiate a few portions of it."

"That shouldn't be too hard," Rogue said returning to the unicorn.

"Yes I'm quite sure," Page Master said. "But we have much work to do. You must learn elocution, poise, proper manners, and etiquette. Then there are royal protocols, forming your own guard corps, and collaborating with the pegasus ponies in the weather centers. We have much to do and so little time." Rogue knew what was coming and let out a sigh.

"I spoke too soon. Looks like I'm taking my coffee black," he joked. "Well let's get started."

"Excellent, Sire," Page Master said. The lessons began with some simple poise instructions. Rogue sat down on his haunches and was instantly corrected by Page Master. His back wasn't arched and his forelegs weren't together. It was too relaxed of a pose. It was hardly becoming of the new Prince of Equestria. Page Master arched Rogue's back so his head was always up and brought his forelegs together. It was a little uncomfortable but the prince ignored it and kept the position. Next was walking with power and dignity. Rogue's normal steps were with his head low you could see him bob in the strides. The grey alicorn knew Page Master would get on his case with this and he did. Rogue had to hold his head up and glide across the floor without excessive body movement. It was difficult at first to lighten his steps. Rogue Storm was an alicorn, thus was of a larger stature. On top of that he was male. He was naturally of a larger build that Celestia or Luna. This made it harder for the heavy stallion to get proper walking techniques mastered. But after a few dozen laps around the bedroom, Page Master began to see improvement.

Much to Rogue Storm's delight, the coffee and donuts arrived while he was practicing walking. The prince was very happy to see the strong liquid and poured himself a large cup. Though he offered some to Page Master, the blue unicorn politely declined. Rogue Storm happily brought the hot liquid to his mouth only to hear Page Master clear his throat. Rogue didn't answer him as he drank all the contents of the cup.

"Sire, you shouldn't chug your coffee or any drink," he said. "Slow dignified sips are the preferred method."

"I'm flashing back to all the lessons I had as child," the grey alicorn said. "All of them tried my patience. Trust me, it is best if I get some caffeine in me quickly." The prince cracked his neck and took some deep breaths while he waited for the caffeine to kick in. Within seconds, the drug was hitting him. "Let's resume." The two ponies spent hours going back and forth with every little nuance that needed to be taught or refined. It brought back many bad memories of how Rogue hated the upper class's need for ridiculous acts. Back when he was a child and his father was grooming Joseph Rigetti to be a businessman. The lessons included everything from his education to dressing and manners. He always questioned it and was often disciplined harshly by his father. But Rogue wasn't Joseph Rigetti anymore and he wasn't human. This new life had many expectations. He had to try for the sake of Luna and Celestia. But much of what he was learning was knowledge the former human already had. As a teacher of history, he knew many forms of manners and grace from his studies over the years.

Though Rogue was starting to have the same resentment as when he was a kid, he made up for it with some horseplay. The grey alicorn decided to have some fun with the blue unicorn. Page Master cringed at the site of Rogue Storm using his salad fork for the main course. A classic joke he used many times in his youth. And it also flabbergasted the attendant to watch his prince use breadsticks as walrus tusks. But odd as it sounds a strange mutual respect started to build. During their breaks, the two spoke and got to know each other. Page Master was also a student of history and many other disciplines. The two relished in discussing politics and historic events. The prince even told the unicorn of his past life. Page Master was delighted to learn of what Queen Celestia had briefed him into. He felt honored to be one of the few ponies who had become privy to the intimate knowledge of the life of Joseph Rigetti. Rogue couldn't fault the blue unicorn for everything he was teaching. He was only doing what he was instructed to do. And Rogue did need to learn to be a proper prince. Page Master took much pleasure in learning of Rogue's past life and examining some of his artifacts and relics. The most interesting piece was the gun Rogue used in the Ponyville Invasion. Though he wanted to examine it, Rogue told him that gun would remain sealed in the box for all time. Eventually, Rogue convinced Page Master to drop rank and have some refreshments with him.

The clock's hands moved, the coffee eventually ran out, and the donuts were soon gone. Page Master was pleased with Rogue Storm's progress. Just as the bell tolled five in the morning, the prince was speaking strongly, avoided cursing, walked and carried himself more refined.

"Wonderful work, Sire," Page Master began. "Your subjects will be most impressed with how you are now."

"Like I ever cared about how others think of me," Rogue Storm said to himself trying to get the last bit of coffee from the pot.

"I'm sorry, Prince Rogue Storm," Page Master said. "I did not hear that."

"My apologies," the alicorn said adopting his new tactful speech. "I was merely commenting on how I do not do this for myself, but for Luna and Celestia. I must act according to my new role. Despite my own reservations and penchant for more lax methods."

"Splendid, Your Majesty," the blue unicorn said. "Queen Celestia will be most pleased with such progress. I think that will be enough for tonight. Tomorrow night we shall meet the top officers of the Equestrian Guard and begin drafting them into your own ranks. By the way, what shall you call your guards?" The prince thought for a moment before he spoke up.

"I like the sound of 'The Storm Corps'," he said.

"It does sound powerful and gives the appearance of the highest level of training," Page Master said. Rogue nodded and Page Master bowed to him. "Until tomorrow, Sire." Once Page Master left the bedroom, the former human cracked his neck and relaxed.

"Damn this shit," he strained. "I could use mom and grandpa to calm me down." Every limb of the grey alicorn was sore from all the prim and uptight posturing. "I said when I was a kid and I'll say it again, this crap is unnecessary." One by one, the royal wears came off Rogue's body and returned to his dresser. He looked back to his tattoos and ran a hoof along the scar on his chest from fighting the Grundles. It was eating at prince that he couldn't show his ink. As a teacher he never could display them to begin with. But he still wished he could show them off. "I need a shower," he said going off to the bathroom. The prince reveled in the steam and hot water as it cascaded down his body. "I'll never understand why I have to do all this. But it's for Luna, you can handle it." Soon the prince was finished and turned the water off. He shook the extra off and dried off the rest of his body with a towel. When he came out of the bathroom, Rogue Storm saw Morning Glory turning down the bed while Luna sat in front of her vanity again.

"Hey, there's my girl," Rogue said. But he got very worried when Luna turned around. She looked a little worse than before. The normally impeccable Luna has noticeable bags under her eyes. "Wow, Luna. You don't look so good."

"T'was a trying day, Rogue Storm," Luna said taking her crown off. "I did not realize how tired I am." Luna was now starting to understand how tired she was. "Perhaps I have the jetlag you spoke of on our honeymoon. Or that I simply overtaxed myself after such a long holiday from my duties."

"Maybe," Rogue said looking into Luna's eyes. They looked heavy and begged for rest. She looked on the verge of passing out. "Don't take this the wrong way, but you look like hell. Are you sure you are ok?"

"I shall be fine after a good day's sleep," the princess said placing a kiss on Rogue's lips. "We are thougher than thou assumes. Come, we will be having breakfast with Celestia." Rogue could hear the exhaustion in her voice. He didn't like it one bit. Though he hated to do this, there was no other choice.

"Morning Glory," he called. The light green mare looked up from the bed and brushed a stray blue hair back into her mane. "Extend our apologies to Celestia that we won't be joining her for breakfast. Luna needs her rest." The Princess of the Night did not get a chance to object before Rogue Storm placed a hoof to her mouth.

"Yes, Your Majesty," she said and trotted out of the room. "Feel better, Princess. Good day." Morning Glory closed the door gently and the two alicorns were left alone.

"Darling, I am fine," Lune said pushing the grey hoof away. "Let us join my sister."

"No you're not," the prince said. "You need to get some rest." He charged his magic and Luna was levitated off of her hooves. Rogue carried her to the bed and let her down. Piece by piece, the prince took off Luna's royal wears and placed them on her dresser. Rogue removed his towel and climbed into bed with his wife. "You took care of me when I was a stranger to you. You damn sure can bet I'm going to take care of you as my wife." With another white glow from his horn, Rogue Storm pulled the covers over himself and Luna. The princess looked into her husband's eyes and sighed. She said nothing and cuddled up to him. The two began having flashbacks to their time on the farm. Rogue smiled at Luna and she smiled back. The prince charged his horn again and levitated a book from the shelf. "We left off only a few chapters in." Luna watched as Jurassic Park came over to the bed and opened up. The two settled in for a relaxing evening. But after only a couple of pages, Luna began to snore lightly. Rogue chuckled and put the book aside. He kissed Luna's forehead and settled in. Soon he was asleep as well.

On the other side of the castle, another pony was beginning to stir from his slumber. Prince Blueblood rose from his bed just as a knock came at his door. The door opened and the traitorous prince saw his accomplice standing in the door.

"Good Morning, Prince Blueblood," the disguised Chrysallis said stepping into the room.

"Good Morning, Moondancer," the prince called. The door closed and was locked. The visage of Moondancer disappeared in a wash of green flames. Prince Blueblood smiled to see the Queen of the Changelings in all of her glory. The prince left his bed and went over to the black pony. "I hope you are finding the Crystal Catacombs to your liking."

"They are more than adequate for my children to hide in and prepare," she said. "If only Cadence and Twilight Sparkle were still trapped there."

"Do not worry, my dear," Blueblood said stretching the kinks from his body. "They will be soon enough. Or rather their shriveled up husks." The two conspirators lightly chuckled at the implications of their plan. "How goes the coup?"

"I have had two of my children join me in disguise," the changeling said. "One was placed very close to Rogue Storm and Luna. The other into the palace guards to try and join the new detachment of the guards. They'll be ready when I give the attack command."

"Good, what are they doing?" Blueblood asked as he tossed on a silk robe.

"Observation," Chrysallis said. "We need as much information as we can gather before striking. I have also sent some children out to prepare for Plan B." Blueblood opened a small cabinet and brought out his private reserve of hard cider and two glasses.

"Plan B?" he exclaimed pouring two drinks. "Chrysallis, you are truly a mare after my own heart. You have us so far ahead of those dolts; we practically have the kingdom in our hooves." Blueblood levitated one drink to the changeling and took a sip from his own. Chrysallis smiled and took the drink to only swirl it in the glass. "So what is this Plan B?"

"Nothing you need to worry yourself about, Prince Blueblood," the black pony said finally taking a drink. "With what I just learned, we might not need it."

"Do tell, my dear," Blueblood said walking up to Chrysallis.

"'Moondancer' bumped into Morning Glory in the hallway," she began. "It seems Princess Luna was completely exhausted all day."

"And this is important how?" Blueblood asked.

"She is in a weakened state, perhaps falling ill," the changeling began.

"And Celestia and Rogue will be distracted by their concern for her," the prince finished. "We should move now while their guard is down."

"Patience, Blueblood," Chrysallis chimed as she went over to the curtain. A green flame flowed over her body and Moondancer's white coat and pink mane and tail returned. She opened up the curtain and greeted the rising sun with an evil smile. "My haste was my mistake last time I was here. While Luna's health is a lucky turn of events, it's too big of a risk to act abruptly. We have to plan for the long term." Prince Blueblood joined the queen by the window.

"Patience is not one of my strong points," he said menacingly. His eyes turned to the window and the site of Canterlot in the morning. "But I suppose I can wait, especially when the prize is all of Equestria and a queen worthy of me." Chrysallis looked at the prince and the two shared an evil smile. Blueblood raised his glass and Chrysallis hers. The glasses rang out as the two toasted their plan. Both were eager to claim Equestria for themselves. But time was on their side and all they had to do was wait.

A/N: There is much happening for the newlyweds. Rogue is begrudgingly taking to his lessons and taking the new role of Prince of the Sky seriously. Luna has resumed her royal duties and it is taking an unseen toll on her. And the conspirator's plan moves forward to take control of the magical land.

Will Prince Rogue Storm become the ideal prince?

Is something wrong with Luna?

Will Prince Blueblood and Queen Chrysallis succeed in their plans?

Tune in next time for the continuing tale: Cross the Line.

Until next time this is whysoserious85, signing off…

And for GareBear, "Tune In" is a when you click the link

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