The Return long awaited. From two full jobs to dealing with the loss of a loved one. I am back and the juices are flowing. This whole chapter from scratch to finish took less than 30 hours to complete. I am back my beloved fans. New ideas are flowing. New plans are forming. And upon completion of my current works, there is a new MLP story to come. A crossover with another beloved franchise. Not just yet. All in good time.
A small note though. Much new canon material has come to be since I began this story. As such, I will be keeping the head-canon the same as I began. Sorry, no Starlight Glimmer in this particular timeline.
I do wish to convey some sad news. Many of you know I use elements of my own life and personality in all my stories. Well one inspiration is no longer with us. My Grandfather passed away this past summer. He was the inspiration for Joseph Rigetti's grandfather. All you read in this series about Joseph's grandfather was taken from what my mine taught me. I have long since recovered from his passing. But I hope that as you all have read, you have taken some of the wisdom I passed on from Grandpa into this story to heart. I hope his lessons teach all of you as they have taught me.
Now, let us return to the story we all know and miss… Cross the Line
Chapter 10:
Dreams to Reality
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Second by second to minute by minute went the clock on the wall. Minutes compiled and became one hour then two. Luna sat alone in the bedroom she shared with her beloved husband. It had been a couple of hours since the prince left the room with Page Master. Despite her exhaustion from her duties and the strain of creating new life, Luna had remained awake. The princess knew Rogue would return more exhausted than when he left. The blue alicorn knew some good news would do wonders for her husband. Luna set out a couple of candles to set the mood lighting, a bottle of non-alcoholic cider was chilling in a silver bucket by the bed, and Luna had brushed her mane straight. Patiently she waited while the clock continued to tick. Minutes passed slowly as she waited on the bed with a book.
The words on the pages fell on blank eyes. None of the scriptures stayed in Luna's mind. She was too busy thinking of what she would say and how Prince Rogue Storm would react to becoming a father. Would she blurt out the good news? Try to have him guess? Or would the princess say nothing and place his hoof on her belly? It was a great challenge to decide which way to go. Luna's thoughts broke only once as she felt something within her. The Princess of the Night could have sworn she felt her foal kick.
"My word, you take after your father," she said with a giggle. Gently a blue hoof stroked Luna's belly with warmth and love. "Patience is a virtue, my little one. You will meet your papa soon enough." The waiting game continued. But alas, no pony came to the door. Thus Luna returned to her book. The clock continued to tick, the candles burned, and the ice in the bucket melted. Several sighs escaped Luna mouth. Her blue eyes darted back to the clock and she found it was approaching noon. There was no way any breakfast could have lasted this long. Even if it did, many VIPs of Canterlot had strict schedules that would have not allowed them to remain for extended periods. Finally, the wait became too much.
Luna abandoned her book and rose from the bed. After blowing out the candles, she placed the bucket in the bathroom sink. The princess left the bedroom and was flanked by two of her guards that once stood at the doors. It didn't take long to run into Morning Glory. The princess asked her attendant if she had seen the prince. Sadly, Morning Glory had not. On Luna continued through the halls. She stopped in the library for a moment. But there was still no sign of the prince. On she continued through the palace. Then, a hunch came to the Princess of the Night.
Luna led her guards out of the palace and into the gardens. It was the last place where she knew her husband was. There they saw the remnants of the brunch being cleaned up by the butlers and waiters. Luna inquired as to where her husband was. One butler relayed to Luna that Rogue Storm was in a very foul mood after the brunch. He had asked where he could go to work out. The princess thanked the stallion and soon made her way to her's and Celestia's private gymnasium. Luna knew from her honeymoon that when Rogue worked out, he did so far some time. Within moments she came to the door leading the royal gym. But alas, there was no pony there and none of the equipment had been touched. This was perplexing; Rogue Storm worked out much while on their honeymoon and as a human for many years. If he was seeking to work out, he would find the closest one. Unless, unless Rogue wanted a more intense workout. It was then Luna realized there was one more gym on the palace grounds.
Luna and her two guards walked through the gardens into the menagerie and beyond to the area of the palace grounds where the barracks and armory was. It was an area Celestia rarely went and where Luna had never been. Near the west walls far from the palace Luna found the soldier's area. The armory was to the right and smelled of sulfur from the forge and the clangs of hammers on metal. The guards present all bowed as the princess passed. A few were members of the Storm Corp picking up their swords, battle armor, and crossbows. To the right was the main building. This is where the guards would spend their downtime on long tours and prepare for their shifts. It was a stark and simple white building with apartments on the top floors and offices on the ground floor. Also on the ground floor was the gymnasium where the guards trained. Though Luna had never been here, she knew the gym was fully furnished with weights, a sprinting track, and fighting mats. When Luna entered the building, she was not surprised to see many of the off duty guards gathered at the gymnasium door and cheering loudly. One guard noticed their visitor and was given quite a shock.
"Attention on deck!" he shouted and all the gathered guards snapped to attention and parted for the princess as she walked forward. With the noise gone from the cheering guards, Luna heard heavy panting and then a familiar voice.
"One…more," a gruff voice called. "Max me out!" Luna perked up. It was Rogue Storm's voice coming from the weight room.
"Prince Rogue, you've already done four reps at 450," a voice called. "And eight at 375."
"One more rep," the prince barked out. "At 500lbs." Luna entered to see her husband devoid of his royal wears. His fur, scars, and tattoos were bared before all to see. Rogue's eyes were closed and he panted deeply. His sweat had turned his coat a dark grey and his ethereal mane and tail hung limply, damp with perspiration. The Prince of the Sky was using his magic to produce a magical weight bar and saddle on the squatting rack. Luna was aghast. The strain on Rogue's magic to sustain the bar and weight must have been maddening. The two guards spotting him raised two 25lb. plates to the bar. The steel discs slipped onto the bar and impacted to larger plates with a mighty clang. Rogue continued to stare at himself in the mirror to prepare for the screams of his muscles. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Luna in the mirror. He could see the concern in her eyes. With a great snort, Rogue lowered his form and backed under the saddle. The prince rose a little and shimmied to find his sweet spot. "Grrrr," he grunt and took two deep breaths. "One…" the guards readied themselves. "Two…" Rogue found his footing. "Three!" With a great a roar, Rogue's horn glowed with a great white light as his magic doubled under the strain of the weight. The unicorn guards spotting him assisted in lifting the weight to save their prince's strength. The plates clanged against each other as Rogue lifted the massive payload. Rogue's muscles strained under the weight and he took a step back. The guards moved slowly as both their magic steadied the transparent bar. Rogue's steps continued back until he was clear of the rack. Two large breaths seeped through his teeth as he readied from his muscles to scream even loader than they already were.
"You got this, Sir," a voice called. It was Captain Dive Bomb staring from the water fountain. A series a hoof impacts on the floor and cheers came from the Lunar, Solar, and Storm Guards. The grey alicorn grit his teeth and clenched his eyes shut as he lowered into the squat. The spotters' magic intensified with Rogue's as he lowered slowly. Sweat leaked down the prince's face as he came low enough and called on all his power. The massive weights jostled again at the bottom of the exercise. A light scream came from Rogue's mouth as his muscles fought a battle against gravity. The cheers from the gathered guards intensified and even Luna began to cheer for her husband. Rogue heard all the cheers but then focused on one, his wife.
"Push, push. Do not yield, min love," Luna called. Slowly the prince's legs began to straighten. His body ached as he continued to push with all of his might. A sudden freeze halfway in the lift caused the spotters to ready to catch the weight. "Go, Rogue go!" Luna called and with mighty roar of pain and sheer will power, Rogue continued the lift. He screamed through every bit of the final push until he finished strong. The gathered ponies began to cheer in celebration as their prince stepped forward and racked the weight back up. The spotters took the weight in their own magic and Rogue released the spell giving life to the bar and saddle. The two pieces disappeared and the weights lowered to the ground. The prince hung his head to catch his breath before he rose it up. His muscles were on fire begging for relief. Slowly he turned away from the mirror and rack. His legs shook as he took a step towards the cheering crowd. Rogue panted a raised an exhausted hoof to wipe his brow. Brown eyes locked with blue as Luna felt pride in her husband's spirit. While all the others cheered the marvel of pure strength, Luna was focused on what really mattered. It was the indomitable spirit in the one she had married. When Rogue was focused, truly focused, no force could defeat him. Blue eyes batted at the grey stallion. Rogue smiled at his wife and she smiled back. But Luna's smile and proud eyes faded quickly and were replaced by a concerned look. Rogue's eyes had rolled into the back of his head and the prince crumbled onto the floor. "Rogue!" Luna screamed as she ran over to her husband.
"Medic! Medic!"
"Pony down!" the guards cried out.
"Darling, can thou hear me?" Luna cried as she reached he love. "My Rogue," she said shaking his still form. Rogue didn't respond. His eyes were closed and his breathing was shallow. Luna pressed an ear to her husband's chest and heard his heartbeat. It was slowing but still strong. The princess calmed down a little. He had only passed out.
"Make a hole," a voice cried. In came two medics from the Solar Guard. Luna took her husband's hoof and cradled his head in her forehooves. The medics set to work immediately. They checked his vitals and pupils to make sure there as nothing seriously wrong with their prince. As they did, Rogue started to come around and began responding to them. But his eyes remained closed. Dive Bomb brought over a towel soaked with cool water from the fountain. Luna took the towel and wrung some water into the prone alicorn's mouth. Rogue drank the liquid droplets down and Luna wiped her husband's sweat off his face with the cool cotton cloth. Luna took in the whole condition of her husband. Despite his massive show of strength a few moments ago, he looked so weak. Luna felt so helpless, she was tearing up.
"Hey stranger," a low voice called. Luna's tears stopped before they had a chance to fall. It was Rogue's voice. His eyes were open and looked at her with love. "Guess I overdid my workout." Luna let a small smile onto her face. She knew Rogue was going to be fine.
"You are a hoofful to deal with, Rogue," Luna said gently.
"You knew what you were getting into when you married me," Rogue joked. "Help me up," the prince said to the medics. Though they tried to keep the prince still, Rogue fought the two ponies tending to him and was back on his hooves. He cracked his neck drawing some winces from the guards and Luna as his insides popped. One hoof raised and tried to step forward. But it was a wobbly step.
"Easy there, Sir," Dive Bomb said. The Captain of the Storm came to Rogue's side to support his weakened ruler.
"An officer and a gentlecolt, Captain," Rogue said. Dive Bomb smiled at his superior.
"Let's get you back to your quarters, Sir," the pegasus said. Luna went to opposite side of her husband and the two ponies helped Rogue out of the gymnasium. Another guard gathered the prince's royal wears and followed the group. Luna helped Rogue put his things back on before they left the barracks. The added weight made it a little more difficult for the prince to walk. But he was in no mood for any lip should they run into Page Master. Slowly they made their way through the grounds and back to the palace. Though it took them a while to make it back to the palace, the walk through the menagerie and gardens did wonders for the grey alicorn. The flowers and animals were calming to his troubled mind. A nesting pair of birds caught the prince's eye and he stole a look at his beautiful wife. Luna returned the look with a kind smile.
Once inside, the group immediately made their way to the couple's bedroom. Word had gotten back to Celestia of what happened. The alabaster alicorn and Page Master were waiting with Celestia's personal physician at their bedroom. The medics ran ahead and told the doctor all they knew about the prince's collapse. Celestia opened the door and entered with the Captain, Luna, Rogue, Page Master, and the doctor. The two medics left after the doors closed.
"Are you alright, Rogue," Celestia asked with concern. Rogue gave a little nod as Luna stripped the prince naked and helped him to the bed. She then ran to the bathroom and retrieved another towel and a glass of water. Rogue gulped the water down while the doctor examined him. Dive Bomb knew he was no longer needed and saluted the royal family before taking his leave. Page Master watched with silent pride at seeing the prince being so weak. The disguised changeling's Queen would be very pleased to learn of this situation. Luna wiped the sweat from her husband's body taking great care not to interfere with the doctor. It didn't take long for the doctor to know what ailed the Prince of the Sky.
"Severe exhaustion," the doctor said after a few moments. "Nothing life threatening but His Highness should be monitored for the next few days." Celestia and Luna listened as the doctor spoke. "I recommend light duty, an increase of water and protein with plenty of rest and sleep. Clean proteins like soy would do best." Rogue cringed and vocalized his disgust of one of those. The doctor ignored him and looked to his queen and princess. "Let me know if he does not recover in a few days." The doctor bowed to the royal family and left the room.
"Crap, I hate soy," Rogue said in disgust. "Tastes like dirt."
"Then thou may indulge in eggs if thou wish," Luna began sternly as she tossed the towel aside. "But ye shall heed the doctor's advice with no quarrel. Am I understood?" Celestia's eyes widen with Page Master's at Luna's command. It was the first time either had heard her put her hoof down with her husband. Rogue simply laughed and smiled at his wife.
"Yes, dear," he said coyly. "Guess I am rubbing off on you a little."
"In more ways than one," Luna thought to herself.
"What happened, Rogue?" Celestia asked again with a mix of concern and anger. For the first time since the two had met, Rogue had nothing to say to the Deity of the Sun. He jut his forelegs out to stretch out his sore back muscles. When Rogue finished, his brown eyes adopted the famous serious tone Rogue had been known for. He quickly eyed Page Master in the corner. The blue unicorn saw the prince's resolve in his eyes. His weakness was indeed going to be temporary. But no matter, the prince would be asleep soon enough.
"How may I assist you, Sire," Page Master asked. Rogue did not even get a chance to answer. The two sisters both knew what he was thinking.
"Get out," they both said in unison. The changeling was surprised but obeyed. Once the three alicorns were alone, Rogue locked eyes with Celestia and they were on the same page. Celestia charged her horn with golden magic and a bubble spread out from the queen. The entire room was bathed in Celestia's magic.
"The Silence Spell," Luna said. "We may speak freely." Rogue closed his eyes and craned his neck to side. The joints popped loudly again as the tension in his neck was granted sweet release.
"Before either of you start with lessons and lecture," Rogue began as he used his magic to turn on the shower in the bathroom. "I am in no mood for any of that shit. This morning was a fucking waste of time and taxed my patience. Prince Blueblood and his friends were asinine, brown nosing, dick eating pieces of trash that should carry trees to replace the oxygen they waste with their fucking attitudes and jackass natures. Fuck them. Fuck them and their mother." Celestia and Luna recoiled at the prince's words. They were filled with rage and contempt. Coupled with the prince's condition, there was no hope of any decorum. Luna knew her husband needed a friendly ear. But surprisingly, it was Celestia who broke the tension.
"Hop into the shower and tell us everything that happened, Brother," she said with concern. Rogue's face relaxed and his head dropped as he walked into the bathroom. Luna and Celestia followed. The prince obeyed Celestia and let a heavy sigh out as he dove under the hot water. After a moment, Rogue began to tell what happened.
Rogue arrived at the gardens with Page Master to formal greetings from his guests. Prince Blueblood introduced his friends individually. All the stallions had firm hoof shakes and the one mare gave a dignified one. They all stood on ceremony until the prince was seated at the table with Prince Blueblood at his right hoof. Moondancer was close to him at all times. So far, nothing was amiss. The meal began with coffee and croissants with various jams and jellies. The ponies told Rogue Storm of their latest escapades and daily activities. Stock Ticker had recently negotiated an IPO with a new company that was set to revolutionize the spa industry. He was poised to make a substantial profit from his consulting fees. Close-Up was on vacation from his modelling career to try his hand at acting. So far he had received several lucrative offers but was playing one producer against the other for his own benefit. Jet Set and Upper Crust went on and on about their charitable contributions and would brag that it still only amounted to a small fraction of their fortune. Upper Crust was especially annoying with her bragging of all her charities had done. By now, the prince was getting an idea of just whom he was dealing with. It harkened back to the dinner parties his father would throw with business associates. Bragging, all bragging. Once Judge Gavel had started, Rogue's exhaustion was setting in. Even the coffee he was drinking was doing nothing to help. Rogue was blacking out on several occasions and Prince Blueblood had to kick him under the table to wake him. Normally Rogue would be alright with that. But then Blueblood did it when he wasn't blacking out. All the while, Moondancer kept stealing gazes at the prince. Rogue noticed once or twice but could swear he was getting eyed up.
"Excuse me..." Luna mused with a little venom in her words.
"Come now, Luna," Celestia said warmly. "Rogue is the only male alicorn in Equestria after all. And his did manage to charm you."
"So long as they look and don't touch," Luna said under her breath.
"Anyway…" the alicorn prince said as he continued the memory. Rogue was very upset with the main course. It was only a single serving of a small portioned dish that resembled Eggs Benedict. The long night and extended morning had worked up quiet an appetite for Rogue. What he wouldn't give for stack of pancakes up to the ceiling. In between eating, the elites at the table took an interest in Rogue's former life. Upper Crust asked what Rogue looked like in his former life. When the prince described it, Jet Set dared to compare the prince to a shaved monkey. Rogue's blood began to boil but a stern look from Page Master kept the false decorum the prince had been instructed on. As he continued, the elites questioned every method and choice Rogue Storm made in his former life. Judge Gavel even questioned the prince's sanity for choosing an educator's life over wealth. He jokingly offered a 72 hour hold on the prince drawing a snooty laugh from all. While they laughed, Rogue thought about using a gavel himself. Everything about these ponies irked Rogue to no end. Dessert soon arrived and everyone knew the meal was ending soon. The grey alicorn could not have been happier. Stock Ticker took this moment to make a proposal to the prince.
"And just what was this proposal is that?" Luna asked.
"He just gave me the glossed over version," Rogue said shampooing his body. A massive yawn escaped the prince's mouth as the hot water took effect. "Basically it sounds like an economic stimulus through tax cuts. More money in pockets then into the registers." The two princesses looked at each other with curiosity. Rogue shut off the water and pulled a towel inside. "After the meal, Prince Blueblood pulled me aside and strongly pushed me to accept Stock Ticker's proposal. I didn't even know what the rest of it was. I called Stock Ticker over and told him I would need some more information before I took it under advisement. They both agreed and I would receive a full pitch at the ball tomorrow night."
"That sounds like it wasn't an unreasonable meal," Celestia said.
"A bit crude at times, but nothing that warranted your rant," Luna said.
"You'd think," Rogue began as he stepped out from behind the curtain. "But what they didn't realize is that my hearing is very good. As I took my leave, I overheard what they said."
"What did they say?" Luna asked with growing anger.
"I didn't make out much," Rogue said. "But I remember hearing 'dolt', 'puppet', 'easy', and 'weak'. Blueblood laughed with them. I can't be sure. But I feel like I was set up. After that, I was so angry I needed to blow off some steam or I would have... well you two know me." Luna's eyes flashed green with black miasma from hate. To think anypony would dare speak ill at all was enough? But to speak of her husband like that was unforgivable.
"I shall see to them personally," she said. Before Celestia could stop her sister, the grey alicorn stopped her.
"I've dealt with people like that in my past life, Luna," he said. "I got this." Celestia's eyes contracted to pinholes. She had been on the receiving end of her brother-in-law's rage and contempt before. But considering his weakened state, she was expecting his temper would be unchained. "Let me get some rest and I'll speak with them diplomatically at the reception tomorrow night." The two sisters were shocked at the prince. This was so unlike the former human. Both were expecting Rogue to go to war. Celestia was pleased while Luna was stunned. Another yawn from the prince came as he discarded the wet towel. With a hung head, Rogue made his way to the bed and flopped on it. Luna joined her husband and cuddled up to him. But something was amiss and she needed to find out what it was.
"Sister, would you mind?" the blue alicorn asked. Celestia nodded and made for the door. She turned back for just a moment.
"Rogue Storm, are you sure you can handle this?" she asked.
"Yes, let me handle them," he said. Celestia sighed with a measure of concern. She knew her brother was taking to the lessons of Page Master and was keeping his promise to her. But Rogue was still unpredictable. With a flash of golden light from her horn the Silence Spell was broken and Celestia left the room. With the blue hues returned to the bedroom and the royal couple cuddled face to face in their bed.
"Darling Rogue, you were treated like filth by those who should be respecting you," Luna said.
"Forget them," Rogue said letting his eyes flutter.
"Forget them?" Luna scoffed. She rose from the bed and began to remove her own wears for bed. "Rogue, enough!" The prince took notice of his beloved's tone and gathered his remaining strength to sit up. "Explain thy actions," she said removing her crown and greaves. "Since our return, you have been overly cordial, calm, and formal in a manner thou explained was thy torture in thy youth. Thou had a father that could not get thine actions so formal. So what in the wide world beyond Equestria has gotten into thee? 'Forget them?' The one we married would have said 'fuck them' and have already left a path of destruction in the palace gardens. So we ask again. Why?"
"Love," Rogue said instantly. "My love for you." Luna was taken aback by the revelation. Rogue's new attitude and methods were all for her?
"I? What do you speak of?" she asked. A tear welled in the prince's eye and streaked down his cheek.
"When we got back from our honeymoon," Rogue began. "Celestia pulled me aside and we had a little chat. She asked two things. One, that I stop cursing."
"I made the same request to you in the cockpit of your plane," Luna said as she removed her breastplate and joined her husband in bed.
"I said the same thing," Rogue continued. "Then she asked me to smooth off my rougher edges and not to act impulsively." Rogue paused and locked his haggard eyes with his wife's perfect ones. "She was right. I am your husband now. Everything I do reflects on you. You, Celestia, Twilight, Cadance, Shining Armor, all of the royal family. I am a reflection on all of you now. And I couldn't live with myself if I did anything to harm them, or you." Luna's eyes glossed over as well. She understood both Rogue's and Celestia's logic. "I love you, Luna. With all my heart I love you. And I promised to be by your side for all eternity. I just want to be the perfect stallion…the perfect man for you." Another tear fell as Rogue lowered his head in shame. Despite his effort he felt like he was failing Luna. A gentle hoof to the chin brought the tired prince's gaze back to the blue eyes on the mare he loved.
"You would do that?" she asked as a tear fell. "Thou would change thy stars for thy wife?" Rogue said nothing. He only gave a small nod. Luna could not believe it. Many stories she had heard told of males who would try to move mountains and conquer seas for their loved one. Here was her's trying to do that same, all for her. Luna slowly brought her lips to Rogue's and brought their heads to the pillows. The kiss continued, soft and caring. Rogue raised a hoof and wrapped it around Luna's back. He pulled his beloved into a deeper kiss before Luna slowly backed away. Eyes opened and a blue hoof caressed a grey cheek.
"Listen well, husband," Luna began gently. "When we first returned from the curse of Nightmare Moon, we were a pariah. Most of Canterlot questioned and reviled their returning princess. Though some had forgiven and embraced their Luna, even to this day I am still questioned. Even right before you came into my life my circle of friends was small. Through all I, Princess Luna, remained true to myself. I changed for no pony. With the exception of adopting a modern tongue, of course. In time, all accepted me and they will accept you too." Rogue said nothing. He only listened. "What you tried to do for me, thank thee. Thank thee with all min heart. To know thou would surrender thyself for me… Thou art my one true love."
"I sense a 'but' coming," Rogue joked lightly. Luna smiled and chuckle.
"But thee need not change at all," she said. "Be the one who captured min heart. The one whom was always kind and gentle, but firm and strong when needed. That is the one I chose to be mine." Rogue smiled and placed a small kiss on his wife's forehead. Luna got up and took the covers in her magic. "Perhaps this will help your mood." Luna brought the covers up to lay back down. Her stomach was in knots as she prepared to reveal her wonderful news. "Rogue, we are…" But as she brought her head to pillow, Luna saw Rogue's eyes were closed. The prince could no longer fight his body. He was fast asleep. Luna chuckled and shook her head. "We should have started with our news," she said rubbing her belly. A knock at the door broke the princess from her thoughts. It was Page Master again. Luna beckoned and the blue unicorn came into the room. The disguised changeling bowed and approached the bed. "That's far enough, Page Master."
"Uh…" he began with surprise. "Of course, You're Highness."
"These lessons you have been giving my husband," she began turning a furrowed brow to the aide. "You will show him proper protocols but will no longer force them upon my Rogue Storm." Page Master gulped at the princess's words. She was speaking from the heart with both love and anger.
"But, Princess Luna," he started.
"Silence!" Luna barked. Page Master recoiled a few steps but Rogue was out cold and did not stir from Luna's yell. "Rogue Storm is more than capable of knowing when to use decorum and when to act on his instincts. You will aid in his magical studies from now on but shall never question his actions for the rest of your career. Your lessons end now. Are we clear?"
"Crystal, You're Highness," Page Master said defeated. A bead of sweat tailed the unicorn temple.
"Good," Luna mused. Blue magic charged in her horn and a bubble surrounded the royal bed.
"A barrier?" the disguised changeling asked.
"My Rogue is exhausted and must rest undisturbed," Luna began. "This barrier will repel all from ponies to magic. He shall rest and regain his strength. Should anything try to enter, the spell will wake me from my slumber. And may the spirits of my father and mother have mercy upon those who seek to trespass against us." Page Master hid the vile rage within him. There was no way for him to torment the prince now. A good night's sleep was the last thing Chrysallis's plan needed. There was nothing the traitor could do.
"Will there be anything else I can do for you, Princess Luna," he asked.
"Yes," Luna said after a moment. "Inform Sand Storm and Desert Flower that I may not be able to meet them upon their arrival. I must see that Rogue gets as much rest as possible to aid his recovery. See to it that Celestia is informed as well." Page Master bowed and turned to leave. Before he reached the door, Luna spoke again. "And, Page Master," she said. The blue unicorn turned to see Luna still sitting up in bed. She looked at her sleeping husband and back to the aide. "I am aware that as queen, Celestia's crown carries more weight. But as it pertains to Rogue, there is no authority higher than me. See to it the whole palace knows and understands. Should they not be informed, I would become upset indeed." Page Master bowed again and left the room. Satisfied that her point was made, Luna joined her husband in bed and got comfortable. With a final yawn, Luna shut her weary eyes and joined her husband in the world of dreams.
"Blast it," Page Master grunted as he walked through the halls. "Curse that meddling blue nuisance. Curse her and her whole bloodline. Oh when this is over Luna I will take great pride in draining your love dry." The disguised changeling passed a dark hall with no light and heard a voice coming from it.
"Be patient, Brother," it called. "It is only a minor setback. Our queen will adapt our plans for this annoyance.
"She is wise and cunning," Page Master said. "I shall inform her at once after I carry out Luna's orders."
"Good," the voice said. "Bide our time. Soon Canterlot will fall then all of Equestria will be ours."
"Yes, long live the one true Queen," Page Master said and continued on his way.
"Long live Queen Chrysallis," the voice said.
A/N: And here we are. One mystery ends and another begins.
Time flows to and fro.
Each choice we make shapes the future, guided by the past.
Is love the true calling?
Is treachery stronger?
Will love conquer all?
Join us next time, my friends.
/)*(\
Read and Review. Show some love. I have been gone quite a while.