The pain of defeat, the anger of betrayal, and the pure loathing at all those ponies rang through Chrysalis’s head as she fell from the collapsing balcony. The world itself seemed to move in slow motion, the face of the one who had organized herself and the spirit of chaos into an elite trio of monarchs, wore plastered with a spiteful sneer. Chrysalis yelled his name the likes of which were akin to the vilest of curse words being uttered. Her vision was then obscured by smoke and she waited to embrace oblivion. But a sharp jolt caused her to gaze around in surprise; Chrysalis was now lying in a massive hammock net.

Discord’s voice entered her ears, “You’d better start running. The goodie goodies are on the attack inside, I say you have about a six minute window.”

Chrysalis looked around for Discord, “Why do you insist on helping me?”

Discord shrugged, “Mostly to make sure you can keep things interesting.”

Chrysalis smiled evilly, “Rest assured, you won’t be disappointed.”

Chrysalis fled into the war torn streets of Canterlot and shifted to disappear amongst the ponies.

*

9 months later

Chrysalis sat upon her throne and gazed out across her procession. Many months ago news of the human Martin’s victory reached her much to her disgust that good had prevailed. One thing worked to her advantage though, everypony in Equestria thought she was dead and this had proven most useful indeed. Over the course of eight months the changeling agents she had positioned in neighboring towns and kingdoms became active and they had been taken over with ease. No outside help was summoned and all survivors were reconditioned to work for the hive. Truly she was on top of the world. Unfortunately though the isolation was boring her immensely and worse of all was the fact that she could not properly reveal herself yet for two reasons. One was because that as she maintained the illusion of death it gave her anonymity and free reign to do as she pleased. The second was because she was with foal and it was due any day.

She normally would think nothing of a foal that was going to be born, but for her and the hive it was a momentous occasion. Whenever an heir was to be born into the royal family of the changeling’s it was indeed a thing of beauty and tradition. Chrysalis would venture to the birthing pool as her mother did and her mother before her. Then the moment of truth would come, if the child surfaced at the same time as its mother it would be destined to be a strong and dedicated ruler when it came of age. If it did not…as was the way it would be shunned for its weakness and never truly earn its subjects loyalty or love. Chrysalis gasped sharply as she felt the new life stir within her, the time was upon her.

Chrysalis turned to her advisor, “The time has come, I shall return momentarily.”

The advisor bowed deeply, “As you command my queen, may the child be as strong as you are wise.”

Chrysalis did not acknowledge the obvious suck up line and headed off. After passing through many corridors that went down deeper into the bowels of the hive. The light’s dimmed as she went down deeper; soon the cave walls became much smoother and transitioned into dry dark rock. Chrysalis soon found herself within a massive anti-chamber room which gave off a soft emerald glow of which emanated from the center. The source in question was a large perfectly circular pool; the pool seemed to be a natural part of the floor with jagged teeth like stalactites ringing it in a fashion that made it look like the pool would swallow up whoever entered it. Within the pool was an emerald green substance that resembled nectar that was entirely undisturbed and calm. A Changeling that was half the height of Chrysalis emerged, its carapace was a faded black and it’s mane resembled spider webs entangled within numerous branches.

Chrysalis dipped her head in respect, “Grand Midwife, how long I have waited to see you again.”

The Midwife returned the gesture, “Ah young one how you have grown. You are truly the spitting image of your mother.”

Chrysalis placed a hoof to her stomach, “My heir is finally ready to enter the hive.”

The Midwife gestured for the queen to proceed, “May he be as strong as you were when you yourself were born.”

Chrysalis approached the edge of the pool and gazed deep into its surface before proceeding. She inhaled deeply before completely submerging herself. Chrysalis soon shut her eyes and loosened her body before entirely relaxing. The midwife looked on and watched bubbles rise to the surface. First there was one set that lasted for a minute and soon the second set appeared. Chrysalis and a smaller shape emerged with her coated in the goo obscuring its shape. The Midwife levitated the child from the pool as Chrysalis approached.

The Midwife shut her eyes, “It is strong indeed and healthy.”

Chrysalis smiled lightly, “What is it?”

The Midwife shut her eyes once more, “It is male,” The Midwife raised the child as the goo began to drip off near its facial area, “The hive shall one day have a KING!”

Chrysalis gazed at her lowered son with pride, “And a powerful one he shall be, I will make sure of that.”

The rest of the goo hardened around the child as it took its first breaths and cried Chrysalis levitated the child to gaze upon its face. At first she was surprised but she soon smiled lovingly at his face.

The Midwife bowed deeply to the child and his mother, “What shall his name be?”

Chrysalis smiled once more, “Thorn River.”

The Midwife raised her head, “I fine name indeed.”

Chrysalis thanked the old changeling as she departed. Soon she arrived back within her throne room which was filled to capacity. She sat upon her throne as the child cooed at her lovingly which she returned with a deeply loving smile.

Chrysalis then proclaimed to the entire hive, “Look upon my son, your future king. Thorn River, greet your subjects.”

Chrysalis levitated the child so he could face the gathering which collectively gasped. The child was no foal; it had no coat, but pale skin. Its new eyes were as black as coals, and atop its head was a small head of dark emerald hair.

The baby then cried.

Time is a relative term to some but an inevitable factor to all. Long had the days transitioned into weeks then months and Thorn grew and learned the ways of the hive. Upon turning seven he sat with his mother in his chambers staring at his reflection, his black eyes having lightened slightly over the years and his hair having grown. He glanced lovingly at his mother who did the same.

Thorn ran his hand upon his face, “Mother.”

Chrysalis smiled slightly, “Yes my prince?”

Thorn sighed, “Who was my father?”

Chrysalis sighed in slight frustration tinged with a heavy heart. She knew one day Thorn would want to know of his origins, but so soon? She had prepared for this for years and cleared her throat.

Chrysalis placed a hoof upon her son’s shoulder, “My prince you must understand that your parentage was…different from conventional relationships. Your father was…different from other stallions but none the less he was loyal to me,” her teeth clenched, “Until someone took him from me.”

Thorn turned to look at his mother, “Was he a brave warrior?”

Chrysalis looked to the heavens with a dreamy smile, “The bravest. He had no rival in combat.”

Throne crawled onto his mother’s lap as he hugged her, “I wish I could’ve met him.”

Chrysalis stroked his hair, “As do I my prince, as do I.”

*

Three years passed by and Thorn was sitting upon a secondary throne garbed in dark insect looking armor with a bored expression, “Mother must we listen to them prattle on? Wouldn’t it be easier to just execute them?”

Chrysalis shook her head, “My prince you must remember what I have taught you.”

Thorn sighed, “You must be respectful to the hive and its drones. I don’t know how you do it.”

Chrysalis smirked, “I tune them out on occasion when it gets too boring.”

Thorn chuckled at that, “You need to teach me that.”

*

Three more years passed the youth by and he was currently in a struggle with a drone. His teeth gritted in effort as the drone tried to pin him down. Its horn glowed with magic and it prepared to blast Thorn in the face. The changeling prince lifted his right hand and closed it around the drone’s throat and reversed the grapple. Thorn then quickly planted his elbow firmly upon the back of the drone’s head and began to push.

Chrysalis walked in and yelled out in regal anger, “What is going on here!”

Thorn quickly stood as the drone scampered off, “Mother I…”

Chrysalis scolded her son, “Thorn what have I told you?”

Thorn glanced at the ground, “Never attack or kill one of our own. A wounded drone wounds the hive, but Mother-“

Chrysalis silenced him with a look, “No buts! Why were you breaking that rule, I taught you better than that!”

Thorn sighed, “The drone insulted my lineage and referred to me as a filthy half breed.”

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow, “Oh he did, did he?”

Thorn nodded, “Yes and you always told me to defend my honor should it ever be wounded.”

Chrysalis nodded, “Your words ring true, very well. Seek your retribution,” she raised her hoof, “BUT bring the drone before me alive, what you do to him in between that is up to you.”

Thorn smiled then cracked his knuckles, “It will be done mother.”

*

The passage of time changes many individuals over time and Thorn was no exception. As he grew so too did his knowledge and combat skills. His natural abilities became more honed but alas he did not possess the full set of abilities that even his mother possessed, most importantly was magic. He however had grown into a fine young man; he stood at about six foot two and was lean in build. His hair had darkened and grown just below his jawline, his eyes though black had slightly lightened over time. To some drones in the hive whenever he walked into a room they would mentally insult his breed for they learned what would happen if it was ever heard aloud. Some drones still carried the memory of what their queen had done to that one fool all those years ago. Thorn would soon be seventeen and he was ready to face the world at large, or so he thought. Chrysalis was adamant on him not being ready yet much to his annoyance and shame.

But on the day of his seventeenth birthday he received a gift that changed some things. He gazed at the package his mother placed before him with confusion. But not wanting to disappoint his Mother and Queen he opened the package and gasped at what was before him. Sitting in the package was a long sword, but it was unlike any weapon Thorn had seen before. The handle grip was faded and brown whereas the actual handle was jet black. The sheath resembled a series of black skeletal spider legs gripping and encasing the blade.

Thorn turned to Chrysalis, “Mother, it’s magnificent. How in Equestria did you acquire such an instrument?”

Chrysalis chuckled slightly, “It was an easy task once I gave the smith the materials.”

Thorn grasped the handle and gasped as the spider legs seemed to resonate to his touch and retracted into the blade itself. The blade of the sword if looked at in a certain way closely resembled his mother’s horn only that it was a bit straighter and less gaps were visible. He stood and did a few practice swings.

Thorn’s eyes shined, “It’s like it was made for me. It feels so natural.”

Chrysalis approached her son as she placed her hoofs upon his shoulders, “It is made for you, a fragment of my own horn was melted into the metal used to forge it. So not only does it resonate with your very being but it does one other thing.”

Thorn stared in wonder at his present, “Tell me.”

Chrysalis reveled in her son’s eagerness, “You see that rock over there? Point your sword and use your will upon it.”

Thorn did as he was told and two things happened, first he felt a sudden surge through his body. The second occurrence was the blade took on the same glow as when his mother used her magic and a bolt of energy shot from the blades tip and smashed the rock into oblivion.

Thorn gawked at the blade, “Magic?”

Chrysalis nodded, “Yes, the one thing you have craved all your life. This sword is a part of my love to you my Prince.”

Thorn pressed the sword to his side as the sheath refolded onto the blade and melded to his armor. He turned to his mother and hugged her. Chrysalis returned the gesture but then pulled away almost immediately; she then motioned for Thorn to follow her.

Chrysalis did not meet her sons look, “Thorn, you know that the hive has many enemies correct?”

Thorn nodded, “Of course mother.”

Chrysalis continued to lead him through the cavernous halls of the hive, “How many times have I told you of my first defeat?”

Thorn looked to the side, “Many times mother. The crystal Princess and her husband banished you from the royal city of Canterlot and have prospered ever since.”

Chrysalis smiled, “Indeed they have, but that time is coming to an end.”

Thorn raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean?”

Chrysalis turned to face her son as she stood before a bird bath with a glowing liquid within, “Gaze into the glass and you shall see.”

Thorn looked down into the pool and witnessed a picture form before him.

*

The Crystal Empire had long been a beacon of love and hope for all of Equestria whenever it shed its light across the skies. One thing was for certain, the city reflected its rulers quite well. They were kind and welcoming but always proper when needed…except for one pony. That pony in particular was a princess, not the ruling one, more like the one next in line. Though sometimes one would confuse her for a regular mare her age enjoying everything she could as well as shirking her responsibilities. This time in particular was no different. The pony in question was lounging atop a tree looking at the clouds without a care in the world. Her coat was a dark pink and her mane and tail closely resembled her mothers in style abet slightly shorter and was a dark indigo with a yellowish streak. Her wings were folded and the tips were a darker shade of the ones that her mother had as well. Her cutie mark was that of an azure crystal heart in the center of a gold wreath.

Princess Skyla sighed as she watched the clouds roll by, “Now THIS is how royalty should relax.”

The sound of a throat being cleared alerted her to an interloper in her fun time, “Hey dad.”

Shining Armor looked up at his daughter, “Skyla why are you up in that tree?”

Skyla waved her hooves in a half-hearted manner, “Chilling out, all those delegates from the neighboring kingdoms are boring.”

Shining Armor sighed, “Skyla you know it’s your responsibility to be with us when the delegates come for the annual summit.”

Skyla turned over and stared at her less than amused father, “I never got why though.”

Shining rolled his eyes, “We've been over this countless times. They have to see that you’re fit to rule the kingdom when your mother steps down.”

Skyla’s face was neutral on the matter, “Uh in case you haven’t noticed mom hasn’t aged…like at all. So I think she’s got everything covered,” she turned over to look at the sky once more, “Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to catch some sun while I nap.”

Shining looked down and noticed her royal adornments were discarded on the ground, “And why are these on the ground?”

Skyla’s eyes were closed as she waved the comment off, “To hot.”

Shining narrowed his eyes, “I’m giving you one last chance to get down here before I go get your mother.”

Skyla chuckled, “What am I four?”

Shining shook his head, “Sometimes you act like you are,” he then trotted back into the palace to retrieve his wife.

Skyla soon started doze off when a familiar voice awakened her, “Princess Bella Mira Skyla, get down her this instant.”

Skyla slowly turned her head to come face to face with her mother, “H-hi mom.”

Cadance just stared in a scolding manner, “What did I just tell you?”

Skyla sighed as she glided down to ground level, “But-“

Cadance pointed to her adornments then the palace, “March young filly.”

Skyla put on her adornments and turned to her mother once more, “But-“

Cadance pointed once more, “March.”

Skyla sulked past her and into the palace as Cadance looked to her husband, “Do you think I was a tad hard on her?”

Shining nuzzled his wife, “No you did just fine; you know she needs a firm hoof sometimes.”

Cadance sighed but then chuckled, “She reminds me so much of myself at that age.”

Shining laughed, “Oh yeah I remember. You barely ever attended the meetings and slacked off when nopony was looking.”

Cadance nodded, “Yep those were the days, and then I got married.”

Shining chuckled, “Yeah…HEY!”

Cadance laughed as her husband mock chased her into the palace.

*

Thorn was slightly confused at the scene, “Mother, it seems the Empire is still going strong.”

Chrysalis sneered at the picture, “Not for long.”

Thorn was skeptical at that, “Mother?”

Chrysalis took a seat, “As you well know, beings known as humans have come on gone through Equestria in the many years you have been raised. Therefore their appearance though sometimes mysterious is now common knowledge which is why I have brought you here to see this image. Thorn, it is time for the hive to strike back.”

Thorn’s face lit up, “You mean.”

Chrysalis nodded, “Though I may think you naive in some regard, you have proven yourself strong and cunning as I am. Therefore I am giving you this assignment to prove my doubts false and to further show the hive that their future king is a capable if not reliable ruler.”

Thorn kneeled down, “What is your bidding.”

Chrysalis stood and spread her wings, “You are to go to the Crystal Empire, assimilate yourself into their culture and earn their trust. Once that is done, collect intelligence on the barrier surrounding the city. Once you have completed these tasks contact me for further orders. I believe in you my prince, do not fail me.”

Thorn stood up, “How am I to enter the kingdom undetected?”

Chrysalis grinned showing her fangs, “Feign innocence.”

Thorn found his teeth chattering as he braved the cold and harsh climate of the northern Equestrian tundra. It’s times like this that he wished he had dressed in layers; unfortunately his mother had told him to pack only the necessities which were some street clothes, his armor, and sword. One thing was for sure, he absolutely hated snow now. He ran over the previous days event’s one more time

“Mother, how exactly will they believe I am not a threat? I mean won’t it seem odd that a person of my…breed popped out of nowhere with no rhyme or reason?”

Chrysalis merely chuckled, “Of course not. A person of your breed has entered the same way before, not many will question it. But that does not mean you shouldn't let your guard down, Shining Amour used to be captain of the royal guard and is versed in many forms of magical and physical combat.”

He nodded, “Of course mother. Is there anything else?”

Chrysalis nodded, “You will have to wear traditional garments of the species you are portraying. But do not fear I shall have the seamstress fashion them for you before you depart.”

He turned to leave but stopped, “Mother, what happens if I fail?”

Chrysalis merely responded with an eerily calm, “You won’t.”

Thorn glanced around his surroundings and shivered, this was ridiculous. He would most likely freeze to death before he reached his destination and nopony would know he had been out here aside from his mother. The thought of seeing her disappointed or possibly grieving for the loss of her cherished prince caused Thorn to clench his teeth and press on now undeterred, even though he was slowly losing all feeling in his arms. Then like a divine sign he beheld a light in the preverbal darkness in the form of a massive patch of green he smiled and sprinted down the hill he now stood…only to lose his footing and tumble down most of the way.

He stuck his head out of the snow and snorted in anger, “This is just ridiculous!!!!”

Throne stood up and kicked a chunk of ice…then clutched his foot in pain and anger, “I HATE THIS BLOODLY SNOW!!!!!!!!”

Thorn sighed in defeat and began to slowly limp toward the barrier. Some changeling’s have secretly asked how it is that even though he resembles those “other visitors” and yet does not possess any of the same attributes they have. Chrysalis merely ended the subject but Thorn looked into it and found that the invaders seemed to develop the abilities because they just that, invaders, foreigners to their world. Since he was born there he naturally grew up…abet with one special trait. At remembering this subject he looked at his right hand and instinctively touched his face, no, his false face. Thorn was raised to embrace his royal heritage yet he always insisted to stay in the form he was born in, the form he felt more comfortable as. He reached the dome and inhaled, the time had come. He stepped forward and shut his eyes, he felt warmth and energy crackle over him, and then felt nothing but the sun’s rays.

He blinked and quickly patted himself down, “I’m alive,” he looked around once more then yelled in happiness, “I’M ALIVE!!!”

Thorn nodded as he mentally cataloged that the barrier was not lethal to changelings, at least that’s what he thought. It might just not affect him due to his blood, he shrugged it off and approached a crystal block and observed himself. He was wearing black pants and a black “T-shirt” as her mother had said it was called. He was also wearing black slipper like shoes with white soles and around his neck was a brown woven thread with a small green rhombus shaped jewel attached to it.

He shook his head, “How can they honestly dress like this it’s so…plain.”

Thorn once more thought nothing of it and walked down the grassy hill…only to behold the majesty that lay before him. A massive palace that was like a heavenly paradise rose from the center of a massive city that was all composed of some form of crystal. As he walked forward he stepped on something with a crunch, he glanced down to see a red shard of something. He rolled his eyes and kept on walking. Right as he reached the train platform he turned a corner and almost ran into an oncoming group. He immediately hid around a corner as the group passed him by. He cursed himself for being so nervous, he was supposed to blend in and he was doing a horrible job to say the least.

He inhaled, “Okay, you’ve trained for this. You can do it.”

Thorn stepped out from around the corner and was being stared at by a surprised crystal mare, “Hello there.”

Thorn jumped half a foot and landed on a nearby bench in a frightened combat stance.

The mare trotted past him, “Weirdo.”

Thorn looked after her and then aguishly yelled, “Augh!”

*

For many hours Thorn was becoming a horrible conversationalist, he had either tripped over his own words or smacked into almost EVERY SUSPENDED PLANT in the Empire. Mother was going to have a conniption if he was done in before he even began, although he couldn’t really help it. Thorn had practically never been allowed to leave the hive during his upbringing for any reason; his mother was quite clear on that. All of his education, fighting knowledge, and various other things were learned in the safety and security of the hive because the queen refused to allow her only heir to enter a cruel world he was not yet ready for. He sighed as he sat on a bench in defeat. Who was he kidding; he failed at the assignment already. The day wasn’t even over yet and he was having no progress, it’s not like he could walk up to a pony and ask, “Excuse me could you tell me all of your countries secrets?”

He looked at his hands, “Mother I’m sorry.”

He then looked up and noticed it was getting dark, “Damn.”

*

Thorn was even having an exceptionally hard time finding a dwelling to stay the night in. For some reason even though the appearance of the invaders was a slightly the norm, he wasn’t received quite well. He last in he had tried to request a room at slammed the door in his face before he could even start his sentence.

He sat down upon a bench once more and stared into space, “Well it could be worse,” it immediately began to rain, “buck.”

Thorn than ran for the nearest shelter which was underneath the massive overhang of the Crystal Castle. He then saw it, The Crystal Heart. His gaze was lost in the small amount of light that spread from it; the light warmed him as he curled up beside the podium. His mind began to drift to times long past.

He remembered standing in the swamp outside the hive when he was merely eight gazing around in wonder as his mother’s call fell on deaf ears. He ventured through the swamps murk and grime until he came across paths that lead far away from the swamps entrance. He followed one and after many minutes ended up looking down at a small park area where ponies were having picnics and having fun. He tilted his head in slight curiosity and confusion; he stood behind a tree in the shadows and watched on.

“Hi there.”

Thorn turned his head and widened his eyes in utter shock. A being that looked almost similar to him but seemed to be a year younger stared at him with curiousness laced with childlike happiness at having found a possible playmate. The being seemed female and had a head of red hair and dark blue eyes.

Thorn remained silent as the little girl approached him, “Why are you hiding over here.”

Thorn backed up as she gazed at his appearance, “Is that armor? Are you a knight!”

Thorn fell against the back of a tree as the girl got closer, “Don’t be afraid, I’m nice.”

Thorn was panicking as she stopped noticing him on the brink of tears, “Oh I’m sorry. I can tell you my name if you want. It’s-“

Thorn was on his feet as he sprinted into the trees in fear.

*

Thorn was awoken in the early morn by a jab in his side; he turned his head and fell onto his back. A crystal guard pony was glaring at him in curiosity and slight annoyance. Thorn skirted away from the guard and felt his back hit something hard and noticed he had backed himself into a corner. He slowly reached for the gem on his neck but stopped himself when a second guard appeared. Before the guard could say anything, Thorn whipped around the column and rushed down the street. He then rammed headlong into somepony. Thorn’s eyes opened wide and beheld the alicorn he was currently on top of. He remembered her from the glass, Skaela, Skeeball?

One of the guards yelled out behind him, “Release Princess Skyla!”

Thorn looked at her in surprise, “Princess?!”

Skyla was surprised and slightly annoyed at the question, “Yes and who in Tartarus are you?”

Thorn panicked once more as he got off her and turned to run again…only to stare at the slightly surprised parents of said Princess.

Thorn backed up, “Oh come on!”

Cadance tilted her head, “Another human?”

Thorn didn’t answer because the guards were closing in, “Don’t attempt to escape again.”

Thorn looked from side to side and was attempting to formulate a plan of action. So far one did not come to mind only instinct, fight or die. He found his right hand going for his necklace once more but froze his hand as one guard got to close. Thorn had been trained in armed and unarmed combat with a unique take thanks to his heritage. His mother had revealed to him where the pressure point on certain varieties of ponies were which still stuck with him even now. Unfortunately for that guard his current mindset and stress had switched his defend me switch into permanent on position. The minute the guard got an inch closer Thorn whipped out his right hand and sharply jabbed where the guards neck connected with his body and the guard dropped like a puppet with its strings cut. The other guard was extremely wary of the intruder and approached with caution. Thorn circled the guard who mirrored him, the guard then spread his wings and bull rushed the changeling prince. Thorn dodged to one side and jabbed in quick succession where the guard’s left wing connected with his body and then the same point he had used on the other. Both guards were incapacitated as he turned to face an agitated Shining Armor.

Thorn raised his hands, “Listen I don’t want-“

He was cut off as a paralysis spell nailed him dead on in the chest causing him to drop frozen in the pose he was in, “Don’t go anywhere.”

*

Skyla poked the paralyzed human, “Dad, was that necessary?”

Shining gently eased his daughter away from his target and examined him, “Odd, I thought the Fairbridge's and Washington’s were the only humans that could get to Equestria.”

Cadance stared down at the human as well, “Perhaps he’s new?”

Shining rubbed his chin as he glanced at the guards, “New…if he is how did he know about pony pressure points?”

Skyla was talking to the human, “So what’s your name?”

Thorn’s mouth moved, “Thorn River.”

Skyla looked at her less than amused father, “What? I was curious.”

Shining approached the human, “Why are you here and how did you get here.”

Thorn thought quickly, “I’m about as surprised as you are. One minute I’m sitting at home and the next I’m walking in a snow storm.”

Cadance pursed her lips slightly in thought then turned to her husband, “Honey, release him.”

Shining looked surprised at her but relented, “Don’t try anything funny.”

Thorn stood up, “Uh right…so…sorry about…whatever I just did.”

Skyla stifled a giggle at his awkwardness.

Cadance gave him a kind smile, “Aside from the slightly ruff welcome, I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza of the crystal empire and this is my husband Shining Armor.”

Shining Armor regarded him with a half glare.

Cadance then gestured over to Skyla, “And you've already met my daughter.”

Thorn sighed, “Yeah.”

Cadance approached Thorn who visibly tensed up which Shining narrowed his eyes at, “Calm down, I mean you no harm Thorn.”

Thorn didn’t relax, “You’ll pardon my lack of faith Princess Cadenza.”

Cadance nodded, “Understandable and please call me Cadance.”

Thorn relaxed slightly remained on guard as Cadance smiled once more, “Say Thorn, have you eaten yet?”

Thorn was confused at the statement, “…no.”

Cadance nodded, “Alright then. Care to join us for breakfast?”

Shining was immediately beside his wife and whispered, “What are you doing? You saw what he did to those guards, plus I find his story a little farfetched.”

Cadance whispered back in a slightly scolding tone, “Far-fetched or not he’s a stranger in this land and doesn't have a friend to speak of here. The least we could do for him is to be hospitable, after all what would Twilight do in this situation?”

Shining lightly smiled, “What you suggested and probably pick his brain.”

Cadance smiled, “Exactly.”

Skyla was still looking the human over when she was addressed, “Skyla bring our guest would you?”

Thorn raised an eyebrow, “I-“

Skyla cut him off, “Come on already. Trust me when I say my mom won’t let you go without a fight.”

Thorn sighed in exasperation, “Fine.”

As the royal family walked ahead of him he inwardly smiled, at last he had progress.