Chapter Six:
Parting for Now
Page Master was flabbergasted by what he was seeing. Prince Rogue Storm was sitting with closed eyes while the prospective candidates for the Storm Corp were charging him with spears. Not a single pony gave any indication they were slowing down. The disguised changeling was panicking. If the prince was hurt or killed, he knew Queen Chrysallis would have his head for this. And what of Celestia and Luna, what would they do to him? He wanted to jump in front of the ponies and demand they stop. But the smoldering earth before the blue unicorn from the lightning strike kept his in place. Closer and closer the ponies got to the prince. True to his word, Rogue Storm hadn't put up a shield and wasn't moving. Page Master began to shake and finally lost it.
"I can't watch," he said covering his eyes. The only input he got was the growing roar coming from the prince. It was followed by roars coming from a few of the guard ponies. Page Master did nothing but keep his eyes covered ready to hear screams of pain and the splash of blood. Suddenly the sound of breaking sticks filled the air, followed by a series of gasps. For a moment not a single sound was heard. Page Master cringed to think what Celestia and Luna would do to him if the prince was turned to skishkabob. Then nearly wet himself thinking of what Chrysallis would do to what Luna and Celestia left of him. "Is it over?" Page Master mused.
"Are you going to stand there all night, Page Master?" a voice called. It was Rogue's voice. "We're waiting." Page Master lifted his hoof and saw 11 ponies with the greatest look of relief on their faces. The disguised changeling audibly sighed as he saw the grey alicorn was still sitting where he had been, unharmed.
"Oh, Sire," he sighed as Page Master walked over to the former human. "Thank Celestia you put a shield up."
"No, I didn't," Rogue said eyeing the broken pieces of wood before his hooves. Page Master's eyes slowly opened as wide as they could and he looked out on the recruits. Dive Bomb looked at the unicorn and nodded in agreement.
"Y…you…didn't?" he stammered.
"Only one of them," Rogue mused and got up from where he was sitting. "Only one of you couldn't finish the charge." Rogue eyed the one pegasus who stopped a few feet from the prince. The tan pony looked down with a look of defeat on his face.
"I couldn't, sir," he sighed. "I just couldn't." Prince Rogue Storm didn't lambast the pegasus. He only lifted the soldier's chin and smiled at him.
"It's ok," he said kindly. "I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your career. Dismissed." The defeated soldier saluted and left the area. As the eliminated soldier left the field, the grey alicorn saw Page Master pawing at one of the broken spears on the ground. He was still trying to figure out how the prince protected himself.
"How did you protect yourself without a shield, Sire?" he asked. Rogue smiled at the disguised changeling and eyed the one unbroken spear. He slowly stepped towards the weapon and everypony gasped as they saw the spear roll away from the prince.
"Science 101, my friends," the prince called out. Everypony gathered around the prince and watched as the spear continued to roll away as Rogue walked towards it. "Everything in nature has a charge to it; positive, negative, even neutral. From the smallest molecules to the largest ocean, everything has one. Each charge has a varying strength to it. To protect myself and make sure that you all would react as you would in real life; I used my magic to key these sticks into the exact charge that naturally exists within my own body. I then pumped up the charge in my body to 10,000x its normal strength so the sticks would be instantly repelled away from me."
"Just as with the like poles on magnets," Dive Bomb called out.
"Exactly, Dive Bomb," the former human said. "I was never in any real danger." The prince kicked the spear away and stood proud and strong in front of the guards. "And you all passed the final test. Welcome to my Storm Corp." The guards cheered hearing that they had proven themselves worthy. In all, two earth ponies, three pegasi, and one unicorn were from the Solar Guard. The remaining two pegasi and three unicorns were from the Lunar Guard. The soldiers were all hoof bumping and cheering with glee. Rogue smiled at his new warriors and gave them a moment to rejoice. "Page Master," Rogue called. The aide stepped up and listened closely. "I want to you take note of these brave ponies and draft their transfer papers for Celestia's and Luna's approval."
"It shall be done before you slumber, Sire," the blue unicorn said. Page Master sighed to himself. He was pleased to know that there would be no ill effects aimed at him from Celestia, Luna, or Chrysallis from Rogue's odd tests.
"And take note of this pony's actions," the prince continued. The gathered soldiers snapped to attention before their prince. The brown eyes scanned the 10 ponies before settling on Dive Bomb. "Private First Class Dive Bomb, front and center." The dark grey pegasus stepped forward and saluted his prince. "When I gave the order to attack me, it was you that the rest of the squad turned to for leadership. You followed my orders to the letter. But I saw conflict in your face. Explain your hesitation."
"Sir," Dive Bomb began. "I hesitated because our first duty is to protect the royal family." Rogue listened as Dive Bomb spoke. "But as we spoke in the library, and from what I know of the Battle of Ponyville, you always have a plan." Rogue raised an eyebrow, so far he wasn't convinced. "But the detail that made me certain attacking you was the right course of action was simply that you would never jeopardize your life and leave Princess Luna without the stallion she loves again. So I gave the order to attack, sir." The two ponies stared at each other for a brief moment with stern looks on their faces. The Prince of the Sky was the first to break and smile.
"Page Master, take a note," he said. The blue unicorn produced a quill and parchment and began writing as the prince spoke. "Though you briefly disobeyed me, and risked your career. You, Dive Bomb, demonstrated good judgment and true leadership when needed." Dive Bomb's eyes widened when he realized what was happening. "I, Prince Rogue Storm, hereby issue a full commission to Dive Bomb in the rank of Captain with all rights and privileges therein." Dive Bomb smiled and the rest of the Corp cheered along. "And with this promotion, Captain Dive Bomb is hereby named as the Commanding Officer of the Storm Corp. Congratulations, Captain." Rogue Storm extended his hoof to the new officer and the two shook. "You demonstrated the courage and calm under fire that I would expect from a true leader."
"Thank you, sir," Dive Bomb said. He took one step back and raised his hoof to his head to salute his prince. "Semper Paratus!" he called.
"Semper Paratus!" the rest of the Corp called and saluted their prince. Rogue looked out on his stallions with swelling pride.
"Always ready," he said gently.
"What are your orders, sir?" Dive Bomb asked. The prince chuckled and looked at his soldiers. He closed his eyes and charged his horn with his white magic. A flash of light washed over the newly formed Storm Corp. When it died down, guards began to smile and cheer. They all had brand new ceremonial armor of gleaming silver and red tufts on their helmets. The crests on their chest plates were decorated with a full moon and storm cloud. Dive Bomb was the only one who had different armor. His had gold trim on the edges and winged star on his chest plate.
"Your orders are to enjoy your liberty pass," Prince Rogue Storm said. "In a few days, we will receive the delegates from Saddle Arabia. There will be a grand ball to honor them and that is where the Storm Corp will debut. The day after we will begin training and outfitting you with your equipment." The Corp struggled to contain their happiness. But Rogue silently let them drop rank. "Until then, enjoy yourselves boys," he said with a nonchalant tone.
"Aye, sir," the Corp called. Page Master gave the Prince Dive Bomb's commission notice and the prince signed it.
"Dismissed!" Rogue called and the Storm Corp cheered and ran off in different directions to tell their loved ones. The prince laughed a little at the joy he had brought to his new guards. He passed the signed parchment to Page Master and the two began to walk back to the castle. "See to it that transfer papers are sent to Luna and Celestia first and have this commission filed with the Captain of the Guard."
"At once, Sire," Page Master said. The two came to the massive double door of the castle and Page Master opened the door for the prince. In the distance, Page Master saw a shadowy figure in an archway and a flash of silver. It was followed by a brief green glow where a pony's eyes would be. The disguised changeling silently acknowledged and smirked that his brother had successfully infiltrated the Storm Corp.
"What are you smirking at?" Rogue asked. Page Master looked to the prince and saw he had been caught smiling.
"Oh, um," he stammered. "I'm just…relieved, Sire. Yes, you nearly stopped my heart with that spear stunt of yours." The grey alicorn laughed with a little embarrassment.
"I'm sorry about that, Page Master," Rogue said leading the unicorn into the palace and up the stairs. But halfway up, the prince realized somepony might not approve of his methods and got a knot in his stomach. "I'd appreciate if you didn't tell Celestia how I chose the Corp. She asked me to be less rash and impulsive."
"Did she now?" Page Master responded.
"Yes, she is trying to get me to be a proper prince," Rogue said. "It's a bit of a pain in the a… uh neck." Rogue stopped himself from cursing but Page Master knew he was holding back.
"Please, Sire," he said. "Continue as you wish. If you need to vent in less couth manner, well we are alone right now. Despite protocols, a little release of tension is beneficial. Even the Queen vents every once in a while." The two continued through the halls towards Rogue's and Luna's bedroom. Rogue took a deep breath and sighed.
"It's just driving me fucking nuts," he grunted. "Luna accepts me just as I am. She loves me for who I am. Celestia is trying to change me, change what makes me me. I'm an impulsive guy. I operate on gut instinct and put other's safety first. To hell with what will happens to me as long as my loved ones are fine. That's what got me to where I am today." Page Master listened as the prince vented. "In the end, I just get a shitty feeling in my stomach and my mind is like tornado." As they walked to the bedroom, Page Master and Rogue Storm passed Luna's Throne Room. The two ponies peered in and saw Luna was on her throne flanked by two guards. Her eyes were shining like two stars. She was still busy visiting the dreams of Equestria, comforting, playing, and protecting all her beloved ponies. Page Master saw the look in the prince's face. It was comfort, bliss, love, and so full of concern. The disguised changeling knew what Chrysallis would want. She'd want him exasperating the prince grief even further.
"What is it that worries you the most?" Page Master asked.
"I'm just worried that I can't measure up," Rogue said. "I want to be the same guy, the same Joseph that Luna fell in love with. But I told Celestia I'd clean up my act and behave in a more appropriate way. My actions just don't stick with me alone. I don't want anything I do to reflect poorly on Luna. But I don't want to be another person, or pony for that matter." The changeling could feel the pain and despair as well as Rogue's love radiating from the prince. It all was delicious. Page Master decided the best way to cause the prince more pain was to keep him as lost as possible.
"Sire, I can only offer advice on how a prince is expected to act," he said. "In the end, it is you alone who must decide what to do."
"I thought as much," the Prince of the Sky said. The two continued on through the hallway and soon came to the bedroom Rogue shared with his wife. "Looks like I have a lot of thinking to do." The two entered the bedroom and Rogue went over to the bookshelf. He searched through the shelves of books he brought from home. "Bingo," he said. Prince Rogue Storm pulled out one of the books he used in his college days. Page Master came over and eyed the title, "Ancient Weapons and Warfare." The prince opened the book to the chapter 8 and placed a book mark on the correct page.
BONG…BONG…BONG…BONG…BONG… went the palace clock tower. The prince looked up from the book and out the window. It was still night but he knew it would soon be dawn. Rogue cracked his neck loudly and yawned.
"I should get down to the armory," he said with exhaustion setting in. "I want to get the order in for the Corps' weapons as soon as possible. I can't have them debut without weaponry."
"Sire, you've had quite a long night," Page Master chimed in. "Let me deliver your requisition to the armory. A shower and hot meal would work wonders for you prior to retiring for the day." Despite the urge to finish what he started, Rogue did feel tired and very hungry. It did take a lot of magic and energy to polarize the spears, and the former human was still a novice with magic.
"Do I really look that bad?" the former human asked.
"Respectfully, you look like shell, Sire," the changeling said.
"Hell," the prince retorted. "The phrase is, 'I look like hell'." Rogue Storm scrolled through the book to another chapter and bookmarked that one as well. He levitated the book to Page Master and stepped out of his greaves. "Tell the armory to get to work immediately with crossbow designs in chapter 8. I want them fetlock mounted and high tension. The prototype must be ready before the Storm Corp debuts at the reception. Additionally, I want a short sword for each member. Once that is complete, I want them to focus on the black powder charges in chapter 15."
"As you command, Your Majesty," Page Master said. "I shall be there momentarily." He turned to the door and smiled to himself. "After I report to my queen," the disguised changeling thought to himself. The cocky unicorn bowed to the prince and left Rogue Storm all alone.
The prince left his greaves where he tossed them and took off his armor and crown. He stretched out his whole body to remove the tension from his sore muscles. In modifying the armor to hide his tattoos, the weight had been significantly increased. Rogue briefly looked at his TV and Xbox that had been hooked up. He thought about playing some games for a while but decided on a shower instead. He would likely be too tired after washing to even hold up the controller. Into the bathroom the grey alicorn went and turned on the shower. The steam rose gently and Rogue opened the curtain. Inside he went and was filled with bliss as the hot water nipped at the prince's sore body. He just hung his head and watched the dirt from outside cascade down the drain. Just as it does with all who wash, the prince's mind began to wander as he stood in the shower. His thoughts returned to the nightmares he was having. Who were those voices? What was happening? And what did they mean? Or was it all simply nonsense getting under his skin? He honestly did not know. But then, the image of Luna came back into the prince's mind. All the love Rogue had for her calmed his mind. And for the first time that night, Rogue's mind was at peace.
When the last of the dirt and suds ran down the drain, the prince shut the water off. Rogue stepped out of the shower and quickly dried off. As he stepped out of the bathroom, the grey alicorn felt his stomach gurgle. He hadn't eaten all night. Between his assumption with Luna and selecting the Corps, Rogue hadn't even noticed how hungry he was. He eyed the discarded royal wears and thought back to Page Master's etiquette lessons. He was supposed to wear them whenever he could be seen by his subjects.
"Screw it, I'm too tired to put that back on," he scoffed. If anyone gave him lip, he'd just ignore it. The prince ducked into the closet and came back out in lush cotton robe; one of the many wedding gifts he and Luna received. He slowly walked to the door but stopped by the bookcase as he passed it. Rogue hadn't had a quiet chance to read a book since he and Luna visited Las Vegas on their honeymoon. A grey hoof ran along the mixture of pony and human works; literature, research books, non-fiction. Rogue stopped on a black book with a shark on the cover. "Ha, the movie sucked compared to you," he joked. Out the door the prince went and he was joined by two members of the Lunar Guard. One of them was a rejected Storm Corp prospect. Rogue could see the disappointment still on his face. He offered a comforting hoof on the shoulder and the young stallion seemed to buck up. "I'm just going to meet Luna in the dining hall," he started. "You two can have the rest of the night off." The two guards thanked their prince and Rogue levitated his book to his eyes.
The Prince of the Sky walked calmly through the halls of the castle laughing to himself. The tense tone of the book seemed exacerbated by the dark nature of Luna's décor. Gargoyles and gothic columns mixed with reading of nature's perfect predator was enough to set anypony's imagination ablaze. Rogue walked slowly enough to burn through the first ten pages before coming to the dining hall. He opened the door and found Morning Glory with the other attendants setting the table.
"Good Morning, Prince Rogue Storm," she said and bowed with the other ponies.
"Good Morning, ladies," the prince said. "Is breakfast ready yet?"
"Not yet, Your Majesty," Morning Glory said. "But I made sure coffee was ready." Rogue looked up from his book with a look of bliss on his face. "I'll go fetch a pot for you." With a large gasp of joy, Rogue mouthed "thank you" to Morning Glory and took his seat at the table. Back to his book he went while Rogue waited for Morning Glory and the other attendants to bring the meal. He was so entranced by the words; he did not notice another had joined him. The figure crept from the shadows and eyed the prince. Wings gently fluttered as quietly as possible. Slowly, like a predator, the gap was closed between the only two ponies in the room. Closer and closer the figure came until it was right behind Rogue. Its face dipped forward until mouth was next to ear.
"How was your night, sweetheart?" Rogue asked without taking his eyes of the pages.
"Oh curse your intuition," Princess Luna called out in defeat. The princess lightly pushed her husband's shoulder and sat next to him. Rogue smiled and closed his book. "How is it thy ears can detect me with such ease?" The prince looked at his beloved wife and placed a kiss on her lips.
"You still haven't figured out your tell?" he joked. "All during our honeymoon you tried to sneak up on me and every time I caught you." Luna just shook her head and hugged her husband. Someday she would sneak up on him. But today wasn't that day. "How were the dreams of our ponies?"
"Nearly all were of happy wishes and aspirations," Luna said. "Our friends were dreaming the sweetest. Yet Sweetie Belle and a few ponies needed to be saved from their nightmares."
"Sounds like a busy night," Rogue said.
"T'was indeed," she answered leaning on her husband. "Not as yours was, but all is complete now. And we have some time to spend in blissful rapture." The grey alicorn smiled at his wife in the quiet moment. But it wasn't to last. The kitchen door flung open and breakfast was brought out to the royal couple. Rogue loved seeing a very large pot of coffee for him. Luna remained dignified with a cup of tea. Pastries, fruit, and some light sweets were carted into the room. Queen Celestia soon joined the two alicorns at the table to eat. Rogue straightened up and adopted the formal poise Page Master had been teaching him. Celestia silently nodded in approval, happy to see the former human was trying to keep his promise to her.
"I trust we won't have the same shocker as we did at our last meal," Celestia quipped. Luna rubbed her slightly larger belly and dismissed her sister. Rogue looked at his sister in law let out a light chuckle.
"Nay, I shall soon be seen by a physician to remedy why my health and figure is in flux," she said. "I shall be in Ponyville by midday."
"Why Ponyville?" Rogue asked sipping his coffee.
"My personal physician is unavailable," Luna said taking a spoonful of grapefruit. "And I wish to keep the nature of min health secret. Luckily the physician who treated Rogue was available."
"Give my regards to Twilight and her friends," Celestia said taking a spoonful of fruit. Luna nodded with a smile as she chewed her spoonful of grapefruit.
"Do you want me to come with you?" the Prince of the Sky asked. Luna shook her head and finished her grapefruit before taking some lemon pastry and strawberry jam.
"I'll be fine, my dear," she said. "Thy night was eventful and you need to rest."
"And you don't?" Rogue Storm asked.
"Do not worry, Rogue Storm," Luna said gently. "From this evening's misunderstanding to the selection of you guards, you have earned your slumber. "
"Speaking of which," Celestia said as a cup of tea was poured for her. "A requisition form was waiting for me this morning. I see you have selected your members of the Storm Corp." Rogue nodded as he took a sip of coffee.
"I look forward to seeing the Storm Corp debut," the blue alicorn said. "When, dear husband?"
"I thought it would be best if the Corp debuted at the reception," the grey alicorn said taking a scone to eat. "It's also my first formal engagement as a prince. I want to make a good impression."
"Indeed it is," Celestia said. "I already approved the transfers from the Solar Guard."
"Thank you, Celestia," the Prince of the Sky said. Luna looked curiously at her husband. He was so formal in this setting. It was so, unlike him. Before the blue alicorn could voice her thoughts, Rogue Storm turned to her. "You should have one waiting for you as well."
"Oh, it shall be dealt with promptly," Luna said. "And darling…" A sudden knock on the door brought the alicorns out of their conversation.
"Excuse me, Your Majesties," he said. "There is an elderly pony who wishes to see you…"
"Boy!" a gruff old voice called and the guard was pulled from the room by his tail. "Ain't you got any manners? What are you thinking sassing me like that and calling me old?" Luna smiled and Rogue laughed at the familiar voice. Celestia joined their laughter when a series of spanks were heard. The door opened up and Granny Smith passed by the guard who was rubbing his flank. "It's rude to call anypony elderly. I'll tear your tail up and the rest of them palace guards if they sass me like that again."
"Granny Smith!" Luna called and ran over to the aged pony. "How I have missed thee." The princess hugged the Apple matriarch and she received one back.
"Oh I missed you too, Princess," she said. "Well ain't you still as pretty as on your wedding day. How are you, dearie?"
"We are well," Luna said. Rogue and Celestia joined each received a hug from Granny and a respectful bow. "Oh this is such a splendid surprise."
"What brings you to Canterlot, Granny Smith?" Rogue said.
"I got to catch me a connecting train back to Ponyville," she started as the four ponies went back to the table. "I spend every winter in Appleoosa with my nephew Braeburn. It helps my rheumatism to be in warm weather. I left for Appleoosa right after the wedding. But now that winter is over, I can head back home. So while I'm waiting for my train, I thought I'd pop in and see how y'all are doing."
"How lovely, Granny Smith," Celestia said. "But how were you sure that Luna and Rogue would be back already?" Granny just winked at her queen.
"Granny always knows, Your Majesty," she said. Celestia and Rogue nodded in agreement and returned to their meal. Luna took bite of her pastry with another spoonful of jam. This drew a raised eyebrow from Granny Smith and she looked Luna over before chuckling.
"So how long is your layover, Granny?" Rogue asked. He motioned for a cup of tea to be brought to his former hostess.
"A couple of hours, Joseph," she answered sipping the tea. It pleased the grey alicorn to hear his old name again. It brought him comfort to know that, despite the new body and title, Granny Smith still saw the young man from the field. "Got me a humdinger of a wait until the train leaves."
"Unacceptable!" Luna called with a light slam of her hoof. "Thy family founded your home town and took min husband and I into thy house. We cannot allow such a grand pony to merely wait. You shall join us when we venture to Ponyville, Elder Apple."
"You two have business in Ponyville?" Granny asked.
"Nay, only I," Luna said. "Rogue will be venturing into the land of slumber within the hour." The deep yawn the prince let out promptly changed the princess's opinion. "Perhaps sooner," she said whimsically.
"Oh I wouldn't want to impose," Granny said.
"Granny, you know Luna won't allow you do otherwise," Rogue said.
"Yes, she is quite stubborn when she makes a decision," Celestia said getting up from the table. Luna dismissed the stubborn comment and got up with her sister. Together, the royal pony sisters went over to the balcony outside the glass doors to perform their ancient duties. Rogue sipped more coffee and watched with loving eyes as his wife walked.
"Alright boy," Granny said gruffly. "What in the name of applesauce are y'all doing?" The Prince of the Sky whipped around with a raised eyebrow and saw Granny Smith was wearing her poker face. "I don't remember y'all sitting all proper-like and speaking like that back when y'all had only two legs."
"Oh, well," Rogue started. "Celestia just asked if I would behave a little more dignified. I am a prince now after all."
"The boy I met would never change that easily," she said finishing her tea. "I spanked one feller today, and I can go again. So start talking or I'll give y'all what for." Granny's eyes were like daggers. Rogue knew he couldn't fool her.
"Ok," Rogue said with a sigh. "I'm not just a prince, I'm Luna's husband. I just don't want to have anything I do reflect badly on her. It's a favor I'm doing for Celestia. I promised not to be so rash and gruff. And now I'm starting to get a little confused as to what I should do." Rogue lowered his head a little, but Granny lifted it with her hoof just as the morning sun started to shine through the windows.
"That's more like the Joseph I know," Granny said lovingly. "I can appreciate trying to reflect well on your new bride and title. But y'all need to relax, son. Just don't y'all forget who Luna fell in love with."
"I…" Rogue said with another yawn. "…won't." Luna and Celestia rejoined the prince and Apple in time to hear that yawn.
"Sounds like you need your rest, Rogue," Celestia said with her unequaled grace.
"Yes, and my appointment grows near," Luna added.
"Well then let's get a move on," Granny said to Luna. "And off to bed with you young'un." Rogue nodded with the green earth pony and finished his coffee and retrieved his book. Luna walked up to her husband and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
"Sleep well, min love," Luna said pulling away. "I shall join thee soon."
"I love you, Luna," Rogue said gently.
"I love thee, too," she answered. The two enjoyed their moment until Luna turned to Granny Smith. "Come, Elder Apple. Let us retrieve your baggage from the train station." Before the two ponies left the table, Luna quickly gobbled down the last bite of her pastry and jam. Granny chuckled a little as Luna trotted past her.
"He, he, he," she laughed quietly. "Granny certainly does know, dearie." The two left the room and only Celestia and Rogue remained.
"I'll have the official transfer roster and payroll information for both the Solar and Lunar Guards to you by tonight, Rogue," she said pouring a new cup of tea. "It should help expedite some of the paperwork for your new corp."
"Thank you, Celestia," Rogue said. "It's time for me to get some rest. Have a good day." With that, the prince started for the door.
"And Rogue Storm," the alabaster alicorn called. Rogue turned to the Queen of Equestria with half closed eyes. "About your final test… I saw the whole thing from my window. Next time, don't use lightning and thunder so close to my bedroom." The prince rolled his eyes with great annoyance expecting another lecture. "It was unorthodox, but I can see you are trying to keep your promise to me. Thank you." With a silent nod, the grey alicorn acknowledged his sister in law.
"Just don't y'all forget who Luna fell in love with," echoed in Rogue's mind as he left the dining hall. As powerful as Granny Smith's words were, they did little to help the former human. The same thoughts dwelled.
"Oh, Uncle Rogue," a voice called. And it was one voice Rogue did not want to hear right now.
"Hello, Blueblood," the prince said turning down the hall. "Why are you awake? Didn't you just go to bed?"
"Yes," the arrogant unicorn said walking up to his relative. "But I have an early session with my personal trainer, then breakfast with my nutritionist, an appointment with my stylist…"
"Yes, I get it," Rogue interrupted. "You have a long day." At this point Rogue Storm was too tired to care about the etiquette anymore. Exhaustion was setting in hard.
"Quite," Blueblood said. "And if I miss just one appointment, I turn irritable for the rest of the day. Oh well, the days of a royal are never quiet anyway."
"Except for this royal," Rogue joked. "This royal has a quiet day in bed."
"Charming," the white unicorn said. "But I hope you wouldn't mind joining me and a few of my friends for a meal this evening."
"Really?" Rogue asked.
"Indeed," Blueblood said. "I have many powerful and influential friends. It would be a wonderful way for you to mingle and interact with elites. You know, establish some contacts and learn how business is conducted in Canterlot. I doubt you are versed in that considering you're not of Equestria." The grey alicorn wasn't sure if his nephew was being sincere with how condescending his tone was. But he did present an opportunity for the new prince to network. In his previous life as Joseph, Rogue did have to network and establish new contacts on a monthly basis.
"Alright," he said.
"Splendid!" Blueblood said. "I'll call on you this evening."
"Ok. Goodnight," Rogue said as he left for the bedroom.
"Sleep well, Uncle Rogue Storm," the blonde prince said going off in the other direction. As the white prince rounded a corner, he was joined by Page Master.
"The queen would not be pleased at you modifying our plans," he said quietly but harshly.
"Chrysallis already knows I'm trying to egg the buffoon on," Blueblood said. "Though he didn't show it much in his tired state, I can tell my dear uncle is unsure of himself. And a night with some of my friends will only drive that doubt further into his filthy, common heart. The worse he gets, the easier you can manipulate him."
"All the same, you would be wise to inform my queen before you act on your own," the blue unicorn snapped. Prince Blueblood stopped dead in his tracks and turned to the disguised changeling with a look of sheer contempt. In the blink of an eye, Blueblood pushed Page Master against the wall and put hoof to throat.
"And I think you would be wise to bite your tongue," the white unicorn said with venom. "Once Equestria is ours, I will be by Chrysallis's side as the new king. So watch how you speak to me!" The prince let the pony down and stepped back. Page Master let out a cough and rubbed his throat. "Am I understood?"
"Yes," Page Master said getting up.
"Yes, what?" Blueblood asked. The blue unicorn looked at the white one with eyes green from anger.
"Yes…my king," he forced out. Blueblood said nothing. He only let an arrogant smile curl on his face before walking off to start his day. As he disappeared around the corner, Page Master smiled too. It was a smile of pure evil. "Ha, ha, ha," he chortled. "Rogue Storm isn't the only buffoon…"
A/N: It's been a while my fellow bronies and pegasisters. But the holidays and other projects & stories tend to weigh us all down. But I'm back and ready to let the story continue. And what a story it is…
Who is the co-conspirator in the Storm Corp?
Is Rogue Storm changing himself too much to appease Celestia?
Will Blueblood and Chrysallis succeed?
What did Granny Smith see in Princess Luna?
And why did Page Master laugh at Blueblood?
The answers to these and other questions yet to come.
Tune in next time for the continuing story: Cross the Line.
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