I'd always been taught not to judge a person immediately by my parents and many of my teachers. I'd done my best to live by that rule, especially when dealing with apparently lazy employees at my former job. Some might have genuinely been lazy, but a couple had apparent issues that I did my best to work around. Those few became some of my best employees.

I had to hold onto all of those lessons when I saw three figures being forcefully pulled out in chains. I recognized them as the three who'd kidnapped Rarity only a couple days before. Their faces were cut and bruised, as if they'd been beaten brutally. They hardly wore anything save for dirty and stained loincloths. They were pulled by the guards and forced onto their knees before the throne.

I stared at them, keeping the shock and horror from showing on my face as best I could. I had to force the wings behind me from shooting up. They did quiver, though. Kidnapping aside, I felt this was complete overkill for kidnapping, but I pushed down those thoughts.

"Jethro Bethridge, are these the three who abducted the Pony?" Amber asked.

Looking more closely at them to be double sure, I returned my gaze to Amber and nodded. "They are, your Imperial Majesty."

"Do you know who these three are?" she asked sternly.

"I'm afraid I didn't get their names."

She pointed with a clawed finger at them. "They're three of the leaders of a rebellion movement who've been working out of Equestria. Their names are Fyido, Ryever, and Spiot. You three! Face me!"

Trembling, all three turned to her. With a furious expression on her face, Amber continued. "You three are guilty of rebellion against the crown and inciting the citizens into betraying their empire. You are also guilty of ponynapping a citizen of a neighboring country."

One of them moved to make himself look a bit taller and more defiant. "All we're guilty of is trying to incite change! And yes, we ponynapped that Pony, but we were never going to keep her forever! All we wanted was for you to acknowledge that males are just as capable as females!"

"Be silent, whelp!" Amber growled, and one of the guards brought down a heavy fist on his head, knocking the rebel leader unconscious. I winced, and beside me Luna and Celestia looked away, ears pinned to their sides. "We know you have rebellion cells hidden throughout the Empire and now we have proof of your Equestrian activities. You will tell us where the others are. Guards! Take them away and get that information!"

The guards dragged the three Lycan males away. Amber turned back to the three of us. "I do apologize for these three getting your kingdom involved in our little rebellion. It must be too late for any of you to travel home. I will provide you with your own accommodations. Would you care to have separate rooms, or sleep in one room altogether? I know you Ponies enjoy your herds." The smile on her face was again predatory in nature as well as somewhat mocking. It was like she was daring us to make some kind of faux pas.

Celestia's ears flicked a bit, but her face remained calm. "Thank you for your hospitality. We would be honored to accept whatever accommodations you would provide."

Amber snapped to one of the manservants in the room. "You! See that these three have the finest room in the Royal Wing. See to their dietary needs." Turning to us again, she said, "I know Ponies don't eat meat, but I do not know what the human Jethro Bethridge would eat. Would you care to elaborate, human?"

"My kind are omnivorous, your Imperial Majesty," I replied. "We can eat meat as well as vegetables simultaneously."

"Very well. See them to their room," Amber ordered the manservant.

"At once," the Lycan male said, approaching us. "Please follow me."

As we walked out of the throne room and took a left, I took a good look at the Lycan servant. I had no idea how to judge a Lycan's age, but he was shorter than any other Lycan I'd seen, and judging by his somewhat higher pitched but clearly masculine voice, I guessed he was in his teens, however that was reckoned by this race.

He led us down a long corridor full of identical doors until he reached one. Opening it, he gestured. "This is the suite," he said. "Your Highnesses servant can stay in the adjoining servant's quarters."

"Jethro is no servant," Luna began, but I quickly put a hand on her back.

"That will be perfectly fine with me," I said. Looking at the nervous looking Lycan, I said, "Thank you."

He was taken aback by this, and his head tilted in the way I'd seen curious dogs do back on Earth. "I-If you need anything, your Highnesses, please ring for me."

"We'll be sure to do that," Celestia said, smiling kindly at the young Lycan.

"W-Well, I'll take my leave," he said, bowing and rushing off as quickly as he could.

The moment the doors were closed, it was like we all released a breath we didn't know we were holding. I found a seat and collapsed into it, sighing loudly. Reaching up, I began loosening my tie. "That was…something," I said.

"Sister, we should have insisted that Jethro have his own room," Luna said harshly. "We know we've been absent for a thousand years, but even so-"

"Lulu," Celestia said sternly, "I know you wanted to come along to help, but we have to be very careful about how we deal with this. They are our neighbors, after all."

"I'm surprised she didn't ask you for your cooperation in finding these rebel cells," I said, glancing over at the two sisters.

Celestia looked over at me. "This is a tense situation we've found ourselves in," she replied. "and it needs to be handled with the utmost care." Walking over, she put a hoof on my shoulder. "I could sense your anger, but you were wise to hold your tongue. We aren't in Equestria right now. It's by the Empress' grace that we're even being treated as we are at all."

"How long has this treatment of males been going on in their society?" I asked, removing my blazer and hanging it over the armrest.

"Longer than I want to admit," she sighed. "And before you say anything, Lulu, they are outside our jurisdiction. We cannot force them like we did before. That only created an even bigger rift."

Luna's ears flattened and she looked down in what looked like shame. "We've regretted our actions as Nightmare Moon already, and now to have this added…"

Guiltily, Celestia walked over and hugged her sister close. "I didn't mean to bring up more past regrets."

"No, don't be to hard on thyself, sister," Luna tried to sound reassuring. "We were both to blame for this disharmonious peace to come into existence. And for the animosity they share with the Deerfolk."

"Wait, hold on," I interrupted, "Don't the Deerfolk live in Everfree? We're nowhere near them."

"Yes, while a few Deerfolk live in the Everfree, the majority live in a forest north of here in a place they refer to as the Citadel," Celestia replied. "The two races resent us for our actions."

"So much for pretty magical ponyland," I sighed and rubbed my forehead. "God, I've got a headache. I hope you don't mind if I turn in early."

"Of course not," Celestia said, giving me a caring smile.

"Thank you. Now…where are those servants quarters I've heard so much about?"

I was expecting a pile of straw and some mangy greasy pillow, but what I got was actually quite nice. The servants' quarters reminded me of something out of a Skyrim inn. Sure, the bed wasn't as soft as my own, but it was tolerable. The blankets were made of some kind of skinned animal fur, and I even had a toilet, of a sort. I got into the pajamas Rarity had given me and climbed into bed.

It must have been the middle of the night when I was roughly shaken awake. Groaning, I opened one eye, only to find I was staring into the cool expression of an all-too familiar Lycan Commander. "Arise, human. Princess Amethyst summons you to her chambers."

"Did I do something wrong?" I asked, now completely awake and sitting up.

"All I was told is to bring you to her at once," she growled.

"Well…okay. Do you mind if I get into something a bit more appropriate first? I doubt her Highness would want me coming in my nightwear."

Gemini sighed. "Very well, but be quick about it, human." She turned away from me, presumably in a dual attempt at giving me privacy and to probably make sure I didn't try and inform the Princesses in the next room.

I began to disrobe, grabbing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt that Rarity had also made for me. I put a zipper hoodie on over the shirt, then slipped some more casual shoes over my feet. Slipping my wings through both garments, I stood. "I'm ready," I said.

"Follow me," Gemini said. She led me out of a second door I hadn't even seen when coming in the room and back into the long corridor of doors. Turning down a large hallway with wider doors than the ones down the hallway we were just from, Gemini led me to a set of high double doors. She knocked.

"Come in," a female voice said from within.

Gemini opened the doors and walked in. I saw that we were entering a bedchamber. A large canopy bed draped with silvery purple curtains sat to the left of the door against the large sloping wall. To the right I saw a large desk with a rotating mirror turned to the side. In front of us stood the princess, looking out of a window of all things. I had no idea how, but the window looked outside towards a moonlit landscape. The princess was turned away, wearing a silken light blue and purple garment that clung to her body in such a way that it accentuated her…curves. A slight breeze was blowing against her, causing her garments to flow slightly. "Your Highness, I've brought the human as you ordered," she said.

"Very good, Commander. Leave us," the princess said as I lowered my head.

"My Princess?" Gemini asked. "Are you sure?"

Amethyst growled at the commander. "I gave you an order, Commander."

Gemini frowned, but stood and did as she was told. She gave me a glare as she passed me, one I didn't miss even though my eyes were staring mostly at the floor. Once the doors closed, Amethyst spoke up. "Jethro Bethridge, look up at me."

Obeying, I stood. "You summoned me, your Imperial Highness?"

"Indeed I did." She leaned back. "You intrigue me," she said, and the way her tone shifted made a shiver go down my spine. "I have never seen a creature quite like you before, and there are no scrolls in our library that tell of somebeing like yourself. Your scent is also alien to me. I wish to know where you're from, and how you came here. My mother does not seem to care about this, but it interests me. I wish to know of your land and people. But first," she said, clapping her paws together. From another room the familiar male servant who'd led me to my room appeared. "Fetch us some refreshments," she ordered the male.

"At once, your Highness," the male replied, rushing away.

Feeling it unwise to hide anything but the existence of My Little Pony from her, I inclined my head, placing my fist on my chest again. "Your wish is my command, your Imperial Highness."

"Oh please, don't call me such a stuffy name here," she sighed as she moved to the desk and sat in it. Indicating another chair nearby, she continued, "Just call me Princess Amethyst, or Amethyst if you want."

"As you wish," I replied as I took the offered seat.

She leaned forward and her ears swiveled forward. "Go on."

I told her as much of the truth as I dared. I told her that I was from land far more distant than any imaginable and that I'd found my way to Equestria through the misfiring of some displacement spell. The male Lycan came back with some sort of sweet-smelling beverage, which I sipped on politely enough. I almost declined, afraid she had drugged it, but once she drank from the same source, I figured it was alright.

The male servant stayed around as the princess continued questioning me, but her tone still made me uncomfortable. It almost sounded like she was trying to seduce me, which I realized was probably the case. I had to remain strong, however, despite the fact that Amethyst was incredibly lovely to look at, especially her eyes, a color I hadn't seen in any other Lycan. If her mother was such a male hater as she was and if she learned about this, she might use me as an excuse to create some kind of incident between Equestria and the Empire.

"Another far distant land, huh? I have heard that it was possible for teleportation magic among Ponies, but I never believed it until now, and certainly not as far as you claim," she chuckled. "Tell me, Jethro Bethridge, as a new inhabitant of our fair continent, how familiar are you with the early history of the kingdom you call home now?"

"Their early history, Princess?" I asked. "I'm afraid I only know bits and pieces. I haven't been here long enough to begin studying."

"Yes, I can see that," she replied. "Being displaced from another far distant land into one like ours must have been an incredibly stressful situation."

Where's she going with this? I wondered. "Correct, Princess."

She nodded thoughtfully. "You strike me as a male of more intellect than our own," she said, "and one who would listen to reason."

"You honor me with such praise," I replied with another bow, continuing to play the subservient male.

"Think nothing of it," she replied. She leaned forward. "Tell me, are you enjoying your life in Equestria?"

"So far, I've had no complaints," I replied. "There have been some hiccups along the way, but I've enjoyed my time among the Ponies."

"They haven't been treating you in any abnormal way or with any prejudice?"

"No more than normal, I suspect," I replied. "When I first arrived, they were scared of me, but for the most part, I think they're alright with my presence."

"And have you traveled much around Equestria?" she asked, an eyebrow raised.

"I can't say that I have," I said. "So far, I've only been in Ponyville, Canterlot, and your city."

"I see, I see. Allow me to give you some advice," she said. "The Ponies of Equestria sing the praises of harmony, but the way they are suspicious of those not of their own kind should concern you. And don't forget the nobles. I suggest you keep your eyes and ears open in case they try to work against you for their own means."

Like you're doing? I thought. I nodded in appreciation, though. Despite her tone and words seeming to indicate she was playing a game of her own, I was grateful for the advice. "I appreciate your counsel, Princess. I will keep it in the forefront of my mind."

"Good," she said, then she stood and began walking towards the window again. I didn't mistake the extra sway in the hips and the slow swish of her well cared for tail. "Tell me, Jethro," she said in a calmer tone, "are all males as obedient as you are to females in your land?"

"It's a mixture, if I'm honest," I replied. "There have been so many human cultures around throughout our known history, and I'm not exactly knowledgeable on them all. As for personal preference, that's all up to the couple in question. However, I should say that for the most part, the society that I'm from is patriarchal."

She nodded as she walked back. Her smile was broad, and there was a clear desire in those purple eyes of hers. An involuntary shudder ran down my spine. "And which are you? Which do you prefer in your females?"

I wanted to take a step back, but as I was sitting, that was impossible. "I've only had one lover, your Imperial Majesty," I replied, "one who has since passed on."

"The loss of a mate is unfortunate," she said with a sympathetic tone as she sat back down.

"Indeed it was," I replied with as cool and collected a voice as I could muster.

"Being from a land where only humans live, it must have been shocking to come to a continent of beings like ourselves. Especially to a country where Ponies exist. They don't share a form you are attracted to, correct?"

"May I ask where you are going with this, Princess?" I asked back, raising my own eyebrow.

She chuckled. "I didn't mistake the glance you gave to my commander and my mother earlier," she said in a now husky voice. "We are similar in form, your kind and mine. Not only that, but the way you describe your land indicates that it is more advanced in certain areas, non-magically that is." She stopped, only a step away from me. "Did you know that, in our culture, having a pack of mates is common?"

"I did not," I replied, but it did make a weird sort of sense.

"Well, it's more common for a female to have multiple male mates, but a male can have multiple female mates in the right circumstances," she said, giving her eyes a slight flutter.

Hold the phone…she's offering me a harem?! I remained still for a moment, processing this information before clearing my throat. "Princess Amethyst, what are you asking of me?"

"I'm offering you a choice," she said. "I can convince my mother to provide you with much more than those Princesses could ever give. A life of complete luxury within our vast mountain realm. I could find those rare females who enjoy being subservient to a male and you could add them to your pack. I'd even be willing to become a member, making you my consort." She reached over and took my hands in her paws, giving me a seductive smile. "All you'd have to do is share some of your country's superior technology and you could be a prince. Surely that would be worth something to you?"

Immediately, I thought of all the new friends I'd made, but at the forefront was Zecora. She was the best friend I'd ever had since my Trixie. I'd never abandon her, but something tells me that to flat out refuse would get me in more danger than before. She had me trapped, and I suspect she knew it. I only had one safe answer, and I took it. "Your offer is indeed most tempting and incredibly generous, Princess," I replied, taking a chance and smiling to show my canines. "However, it's a big decision. If I may think it over?"

She shook her head. "Unfortunately, I suspect that my mother will insist that the three of you return to Equestria tomorrow. If you are to answer, it has to be now." She caressed my hands, smiling at me. "What do you say?"

Crap, she got me. There's no way she isn't plotting something. I knew I was trapped. I didn't know what she was planning, but she was two steps ahead of me. I bowed as respectfully as I could. "Your offer is most appreciated, Princess Amethyst, but sadly I must decline. Please do not misunderstand, the hospitality that has been shown towards me and my Princesses has been extremely generous, but I have many obligations in Equestria."

There was silence between us for a good ten seconds before Amethyst spoke again. This time her tone had an even more seductive edge to it. "Would these obligations have anything to do with the Elements of Harmony? You would rather form a herd with those weak-minded plant eaters than a pack with subservient bitches who would give you everything you desire? You could be a powerful prince, with authority befitting a predator like yourself. You are not prey like they are. Being among those Ponies will only make you weak. The strong belong with the strong."

That was the second time I'd heard the term herd. I had no idea what a herd was, but in context, I could guess. If I make it out of this alive, note to self: ask Celestia about it. "May I speak freely, Princess?"

"You may," she replied, purring a bit softly as she continued giving me bedroom eyes.

I cleared my throat. "I am not ungrateful for your kind offer, and I can see the benefits such a position would give me. However, I cannot, in good conscience, abandon the friends I have so recently gained. Yes, they are what you might call a prey species, but I don't feel as if I've gotten weaker in all the time I've been among them. They have given me new strength in ways not physically seen."

Like a lightbulb, her seductive attitude vanished. She was frowning slightly at me, but I could tell she was more than a little pissed at me. "I see. Well, that's all I wished to say. Leave my presence at once."

I bowed again and stood. "At once, Princess."

I was taken back to my room where I collapsed onto my bed, wiped out from the second encounter. As I fell asleep, one thought crossed my mind. I have a bad feeling about this…

"Open up in the name of Empress Amber!"

A loud banging woke me as I groggily sat up. The banging was coming from the main room where Celestia and Luna had slept the night before. As the events of my nightly visit with the Princess came back to me, adrenaline shot through my system and woke me faster than normal. The voice on the other side of the door sounded angry.

I stepped into the room where Celestia and Luna were sitting up in bed, wiping sleep from their eyes. "Who would wake us up at this hour?" Luna asked.

"It's probably for me," I replied as I reached the door. I opened it to find myself staring into the rage-filled eyes of Gemini.

"You, human!" she growled as she grabbed me and turned me around, pinning me on the stone floor. "You are under arrest."

The diarchs of Equestria were out of bed and approaching hastily. "Commander, what is the meaning of this?" Celestia asked.

"I've been given strict orders to arrest the human male," Gemini replied as I felt chain cuffs fastened around my wrists.

"On what charge?" Luna asked.

"On the charge of assaulting Princess Amethyst."

Oh boy…this is only gonna end badly…

Well now, our hero is indeed in a pickle. Will he escape the nefarious clutches of the Lycan Princess? Or will he suffer a deadly fate? Tune in next time in the next installment of A Cloaked Heart! Coming soon to a theater near you!