Chronos' Sexual Revolution

The Stallion Who Would Apologize

Clover felt a rush of excitement sweep over her as she stood outside the home of her mentor. She thought about how many times she stood outside this castle just to get a glimpse of her as she left. Now she was actually going to meet the mare who was her greatest role model and inspiration. As she took a step forward, the guards blocked her path.

"Hold it! None may enter unless they have official business with Princess Twilight Sparkle." The guard barked in his purple armor bearing Twilight's mark. Fortunately, she wasn't alone.

"She's with me, my good stallions." He announced, but the guards remained resolute.

"I'm sorry, your highness. The princess has forbidden you from entering the palace unless accompanied by your mother or father, sir."

"I see. Well, I'm ordering you to stand down and let Clover pass."

"W-what?" The guards said.

"B-but I can't go without you. W-what am I supposed to say? What am I supposed to do?" The stallion put a hoof on her shoulder to calm her down.

"I can't enter, but you can. Tell her Prince Chronos is here to apologize and he needs permission to enter. She'll know what to do."

"Can't you just teleport in though?"

"She won't accept my apology if I enter against her wishes. A little diplomacy goes a long way in these situations. Trust me on this one." He said giving her a quick hug.

"I guess." She said still a bit unnerved.

"You're going to be fine. Relax, okay?"

"Okay, here I go." She said as the guards let her pass. Chronos watched as the mare slowly marched into the castle. As Chronos stood their waiting for her to return, he noticed one of the guards giving him a dirty look.

"Have we met?" He asked the soldier.

"No, sir, but my sister did. She cried for weeks when you up and left." The guard's tone was professional, but there was a bitter edge to it that was clear as day.

"Oh, how is she?" Chronos asked nervously. The guard didn't answer, instead growled and mumbling something that the prince could assume was a nasty remark as he returned to his post and stared outward with the same neutral expression all guards had. It didn't decrease the tension as he waited anxiously for Clover to return.

Meanwhile

Two mares sat in a bedroom marked with mirrors against each wall. Posters lined the space each one depicting the same mare in a different pose. It was more like a shrine than a bedroom. The pegasus sat on the bed playing with her light green hummingbird, Mr. Tweeter. Despite her friend's extreme vanity, she always admired her confidence and poise she carried.

"Wow, Charity! So Princess Luna and Sir Spike are going to pick a bride for the prince?"

"Yes, Melody, and I'm practically a shoo in. Princess Luna has already spoken quite highly of me." The unicorn said as she brushed her mane in a front of one of the many mirrors in her room.

"What about Sir Spike?" She asked. Charity turned and gave the purple mare an icy glare. She instantly knew that she had crossed a line in even asking the question. Charity could never sway Spike completely and it bothered her to no end. "I'm so sorry, Charity." She apologized as she and Mr. Tweeter bowed their heads.

"It's strange, but he hasn't come around yet." Charity said resuming her brush strokes. Melody sighed as Charity moved on. The mare knew her friend was prone to being extremely temperamental.

"I'm sure he'll come around. No one can resist your charms. Isn't that right, Tweetums?" The bird chirped in agreement as it rested on Melody's on top of her soft, light yellow mane which she kept up in one big ponytail.

"I've tried everything though. I even created that dreadful fundraiser for Dragons without Hordes."

` "It's not your fault they ransacked the event. Who knew dragons were so greedy?"

"No, I need a different approach." The mare said racking her pretty little brain. She wasn't used to putting this much effort into charming someone. A wink and a smile usually had stallions and mares wrapped around her perfectly manicured hooves. If that failed and it rarely did, she could always use her parent's great wealth and power to persuade others to give her what she wanted. Spike was immune to both these weapons. He didn't buy into her charms and he was far above her in terms of social status. She needed to try something else.

"I have an idea, but you definitely won't like it."

"Well, it's only a rumor, but I heard that Spike had the biggest crush on you know who a long time ago. Maybe if you asked her she could give you some tips." The suggestion made the unicorn ceased grooming her long white mane and sighed. The pegasus knew that sigh all too well. It was a gesture that sent chills down the spines of all who recognized it.

The first time it was heard was at a benefit for orphan foals. A rich well known businesspony made a casual comment about how Charity looked like her mother. It was in no way an insult but it didn't stop her from taking it personally. The mare just smiled and remained the gracious host throughout the entire party. Everyone remembered the uncharacteristic sigh she gave after the comment though.

The next day the stallion found that several of his backers had been persuaded to back out. When he tried to secure a loan to make up the difference, he was denied for seemingly no reason. As the days wore on, his business grew worse and worse. Eventually, it affected his family life and his wife had taken the foals to go live with her mother. He was at his lowest point when Charity stopped by to check on him. She asked him if there was anything she could do to help him. He only said one thing.

"No, milady. The act of gazing on your unparallel grace and beauty is enough to lift my spirits." He said kissing her hoof. She merely smiled and left. As if by magic, his entire life turned around. His backers returned with open wallets. The bank offered him a interest free loan, and his family returned again. From that day onward, no one ever made any mention of Charity's resemblance to her mother in her presence.

"Melody? Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?" Her tone was calm, but the mare may as well have been shouting. The effect it had on Melody would be no more terrifying. Mr. Tweeter jumped into her ponytail and hid in Melody's pink scrunchie as she tried to explain herself.

"I-I-If Spike really did have a crush on your mother, then it only stands to reason that she would know what he likes." Charity had gotten up and walked over to Melody with an almost welcoming expression as she hovered over her.

"Hmmm, I suppose you have a point. There's just one itsy, bitsy concern that I'd like to address. You do know how I feel about my mother?" Melody just nodded unable produce any sound at all.

"It's just that I'd sooner let some whore off the street take what's rightfully mine before I ask my mother for help, and if you ever suggest that I'd ever do such a thing again, I'd be quite displeased with you. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am!" She squeaked.

"I mean it. I won't hesitate to destroy you because you're my best friend." Her tone was dead serious. There was no kindness or smile this time. Just a cold, hard look that sent shivers down Melody's spine.

"I'm so sorry, Charity! Please forgive me!" She said bowing her head.

"Oh, dear! It's water under the bridge." She said smiling once again. Mr. Tweeter crawled out of his hiding place and jumped on the Melody's ear. As he began chirping something in her ear, Melody suddenly smiled.

"Oh, Mr. Tweeter! That's an excellent idea!" She said perking back up.

"Another idea? I certainly hope it's better than your last."

"What if you demonstrated how great a wife you would be to Spike? He'd have no choice but to accept you then."

"Why that's a wonderful idea, Mr. Tweeter! I've been showing to my attributes as a mare of high society, but if I show him what I have to offer as a partner to Chronos, he'd have no choice but to accept me." Her joy was cut short as she realized that she had no idea what qualities a wife should have. She always pictured herself as more of a princess than a wife. A leader standing next to her handsome prince as they ruled together.

"Tell me, Melody. What exactly does a wife do exactly?"

"She cooks, cleans, tends to the sick, and basically makes sure everyone's happy."

"You're talking about a servant. I need to know what a wife does."

"That is what a wife does. At least, that's what my mom does."

"Well, that sounds dreadful. I can't imagine why anyone would willing accept such a position." Charity grimaced. It was probably a thing specific to commoners, but wasn't Sir Spike a commoner before he married Luna? If that is what he truly looked for in a mare, she'd have to at least try.

"If it is the only way to get Sir Spike to choose me, I don't have a choice. You will teach me how to act like the wife of a commoner."

At Twilight's Castle

Clover walked into the throne room and was treated to walls lined with stained glass windows. Each one featuring a different person. There was one for each of the Elements of Harmony, Spike, Prince Shining Armor, and all the other alicorn princesses. Clover could tell each person meant a lot to her. She noticed one had huge curtain draped over it.

"Hmm…. It looks like it finished. I wonder who it is?"

"Don't touch that. Princess Twilight is particularly sensitive about that one." A voice called out. Clover saw a dark blue crystal pony with bright pink eyes enter the room. She had a pair of black rimmed glasses and her mane done in a black bun. Her cutie mark was an open book.

"What exactly is your business here? Princess Twilight doesn't have any appointments today. If you want an audience with her, you'll have to schedule one. The latest I could pencil you in is five months from now." She said with practiced professionalism.

"A-Actually, I'm here on behalf of Prince Chronos. He sent me." Clover told her. The mare raised an eyebrow at the statement.

"Really? If I recall, his last visit ended with him saying some very nasty things about Princess Twilight and claiming how much he never wanted to return again. If you're going to lie, I'd at least appreciate a believable one. Guards!" She shouted as she turned away. Two guards flew in and landed at her side in an instant.

"Yes, ma'am!" They said signaling their readiness by saluting.

"Show this mare out. Her 'business' with Princess Twilight has concluded." She said walking away. The two guards were about to grab the mare when she decided to try and reason with her one more time.

"W-Wait! Chronos is right outside the castle gates. He sent me in because they wouldn't allow him on the premises. He's here to apologize to Princess Twilight!" The guards grabbed her and began to pull her to the door.

"Hmph! You should really work on your lies."

"Paige, I heard shouting. What's going on here?" Clover instantly recognized the voice as she heard it many times growing up. This time she wasn't on stage making a speech or on a balcony addressing crowds of cheering ponies. She was in the same room as her. The regal purple mare stood their in all her excellence and glory.

"Princess Twilight! I was just escorting this intruder out. It's nothing you need concern yourself with." Paige said bowing before her. The princess looked over to Clover who felt as if her heart would jump out of her chest at any moment.

"Hmm, she doesn't look like she means any harm. Why is she here?"

"She claims to have come here for Prince Chronos. Apparently, he wishes to apologize to you and is waiting for you right outside the castle. An obvious lie considering how things went last time he was here."

"It should be easy enough to check then. You two go check the entrance and see if our guest is really here. I think I would like talk to this mare a bit." The guards released the mare as the princess continued to take stock of her.

"You can't be serious about entertaining her, your highness. She obviously lied to get in here. If you give her anymore time, what's to stop any other pony from strolling off the street and doing the same? It'll reek havoc on your schedule."

"I finished my studies early. Besides, I'm always happy to speak with my subjects. What's your

name?"

"I'm… uhh… My name is…." The mare was so nervous she could hardly recall her own name let alone speak. She found herself wishing Chronos was here so she wouldn't be alone. He'd be able to introduce her and break the ice a little.

"The princess doesn't have all day. Speak up!" Paige said becoming fed up with her stumbling.

"C-Clever Clover!" She managed to eke out.

"It seems you're a bit nervous, Clover. Could you get us a bit of tea, Miss Turner?" The crystal pony was about to raise an objection but then thought better of it.

"As you wish, your highness." She said bowing deeply before leaving.

"I apologize for my assistant. She can be a bit high strung at times."

"It's no problem at all, your highness." Clover said lowering her head.

"So how do you know the young prince?" She asked.

"I'm actually his new assistant."

"Interesting, I didn't know he was even looking for one."

"I didn't either. He kind of hired me this morning on nothing more than a whim. I was actually just a maid at the castle this morning." The princess chuckled to herself.

"I can see he's still as impulsive as ever. "

"Talking about me behind my back, Princess Twilight. And I came all this way to apologize too." The prince said entering the room. Clover noticed the princess' smile go to a more neutral expression.

"Quite a surprise! Doesn't an apology admit that you did something wrong? I wonder what could make somepony as stubborn as you do such a thing. Strange, isn't it, Clover?"

"I've come to make amends, and all you can do is search for an ulterior motive that doesn't exist. It doesn't really come off as friendly, does it?" The princess had enough of Chronos' attitude and was about to speak up when Clover interrupted.

"Chronos, I'd like to speak to you alone for a minute." She said glaring at him.

"Ok, I guess?" Twilight watched with great interest as the two moved to a secluded little corner and started to converse. She couldn't hear what was being said, but they were animated enough that she could figure out the basic gist of their conversation.

Chronos was acting like a colt getting a lecture he didn't want to listen to. He was looking downward and avoiding eye contact. Clover was obvious giving him a good talking to but Chronos seemed like he could care less. That is until she pointed towards the door and said some thing that made the petulant stallion perk up and start to protest. Clover started to make for the door, but Chronos quickly jumped in front of her and began to plead with her. Clover said something that made him slump and nod.

"Prince Chronos. I see you weren't lying after all." Paige said entering the room with a cart. An expensive looking silver tea set sat upon it. "I apologize for only bringing three cups, your highness. In my defense, I didn't believe another pony was actually here."

"It's quite alright, Paige. Why don't you take my cup? Prince Chronos and Clover can enjoy the rest." The duo walked back to Princess Twilight. The haughty prince was much quieter than earlier. Twilight remembered how every lesson was a constant battle just to get Chronos to pay attention. She wondered if Clover knew just what kind of power she had over him.

"Well, I assume you're here to apologize. Get on with it. Her highness doesn't have all day for your lollygagging." Paige remarked. Chronos gave her the evil eye, but the mare just smiled as she took a cup of tea in her hooves and lifted it in a mocking gesture. The stallion decided to ignore her for now as he prepared to do something he never thought he'd ever do.

"I have not been as… respectful as I could have in the past. I humbly apologize for my behavior and hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." Chronos punctuated the statement by kneeling. He could almost feel his body rejecting the very act as he did it.

"Hmph, you're just realizing that now! I must say you're slower than I thought, or do you have some other reason for doing this?" Paige said looking in Clover's direction. He could have flung the crystal pony back to the crystal kingdom if he weren't trying to get on Princess Twilight's good side.

"She does raise a good point. The fact that you stepped forward and came to apologize is one thing, but you said some pretty hurtful things before you left. You will need to do something to prove your sincerity."

"More than that?" Chronos thought to himself. "A proud alicorn prince kneels before you and you need more than that. Who did she think she was?" He was so beside himself with anger that he was about to explode when Clover placed a hoof on his back.

"Please, your majesty! Give Chronos a chance to prove himself!" She said as she knelt down beside him. Princess Twilight pondered the situation for a moment.

"If I may interject your highness, I have a task that would give the prince a chance to redeem himself." Paige interceded.

"You do?" Twilight said surprised by her comment.

"As somepony who has the utmost respect and admiration for you and knows about the tumultuous history between you two, I feel that I am most capable of testing the prince's sincerity. If you would entrust this task to me, I have several conditions."

"Such as?"

"The first is that you don't ask what I have in mind. The second is that you seal the prince's magic temporarily. Finally, I ask that you give me several hours alone with him. I understand that my request is highly unorthodox. Some might even say unreasonable, but I assure you that I am the only one who can accurately gauge whether his apology is heartfelt." Paige proclaimed with great fervor. The princess looked at her for a moment before smiling.

"You certainly seem sure of yourself. However, the fact remains that I'd be putting the life of my precious nephew in your hooves if I consented to your request. If something were to happen to him, it would put considerable strain on my relationship with his parents."

"I can assure you the prince's life will be perfectly safe in my hooves, but if I may suggest an equally viable way for the prince to prove himself, how about he return to your grace's tutelage?" The stallion instantly cringed at the thought of studying under Twilight. Long, boring lectures about magic theory combined with the occasional tale of friendship thrown in was absolutely too much. He told himself that he'd never be her student again. A promise he planned to keep at any cost.

"Didn't you just say that you were the only one capable of judging my sincerity?" Chronos objected. Clover looked to the prince who stood up to face the two mares. Was he seriously going to go with whatever Paige had in my mind?

"I suppose I did. However if you return to-"

"Then I think I should like to see you keep your word, Miss Turner!"

"Are you sure, Prince Chronos? You have no idea what she has planned. It could be dangerous."

"If I accept full responsibility, my parents won't have any reason to be angry with you, and if it satisfies your highness, I will gladly accept Miss Turner's proposal." Twilight laughed to herself as she took a step towards the much taller stallion.

"I see. You were always one to learn things the hard way." Princess Twilight's horn sparked as Chronos felt his connection to his magic fade. He couldn't cast even the simplest of spells now.

"Are you sure about this, Chronos?" Clover asked worried for his safety. The prince pounded his chest and snorted.

"I'm tougher than I look Clover. I'll be fine." She looked at him for a moment before turning to Paige.

"I'm coming with you!" Paige was quick to cut her down.

"I'm so sorry. There's no room for one of Prince Chronos' throwaways on this trip. Why don't you slink back to whatever little hole he picked you up from?"

"I am not some throwaway. I'm his assistant, and if any harm comes to Prince Chronos, I'll hold you personally responsible." She said glaring at the mare.

"Is that so?" She said adjusting her glasses and glaring back dramatically.

"I told you I'll be fine, Clover. No need to get confrontational." Clover backed down at his insistence.

"Just be careful, okay?"

"When am I not careful?"

"Do you really want me answer to that?" She laughed.

"I guess not." He laughed as well.

"If you two are done with your little moment, I'd like to begin." Paige remarked snidely.

"Lead the way." Chronos said with a flourish. The mare walked quickly out of the room with Chronos close behind. Before he left, he turned and waved to Clover. She gave a tiny wave back as he left her alone with Princess Twilight.

"So what'd you have in mind that requires all this fanfare?" Chronos wondered aloud. She didn't respond as they walked through the halls of Twilight's castle.

"Oh, I get it. You want it to be a surprise, right?" She didn't answer this time either. They started to head down a flight of stone steps to a part of the castle he wasn't familiar with. The circular staircase spiraled of into an encroaching darkness barely lit by the occasional torch.

"Are we…. heading towards the dungeon?" Living in a castle all your life gave you a pretty good idea of what went where.

"Having second thoughts?" She asked without stopping.

"No, I was just wondering when you were going to tell me what you had in mind." She turned and smiled at him.

"As soon as you wake up, I'd be more than happy to explain."

"Wake up? I'm not slee-" The prince was interrupted as he felt a sharp blow to the back of his neck send him into a state of unconsciousness.

"That's for my sister, scumbag!" The guard said as he looked up on the motionless lump of royalty.

"Oh, please! Are you going to knock out every stallions she fell in love with? She's not even moping over Chronos now, is she?"

"No, mistress. It was a waiter this time."

"Innocence and stupidity are two very different things. Your sister lost the former when the first colt she slept with left her and never looked back. The fact that she thinks opening her legs to every stallion who smiles at her in the vain hope they'll fall in love makes her the latter. Besides, I didn't wait for this opportunity to avenge your sister's ill fated love life. Pick him up and carry him to the chapel. It's about time the prince pay for his transgressions against our Queen." The stallion nodded and hefted the prince on his back as he followed the mare to the castle dungeon.