After spending some time celebrating with their friends, Spike and Sweetie Belle slipped out, heading back to the library. The young mare giggled as she teasingly ran from the drake, letting him catch her every now and then, his hands running lovingly over her body. They eventually made it back to the treehouse, Sweetie giggling again as she was pushed up against the cool wood, Spike kissing her passionately.

She gave a happy hum and summoned her magic, a green flash teleporting them into the basement, which was the plan. Spike chuckled as he pulled away, reaching for the pre placed items. Sweetie Belle just waited patiently as her wrists were tied firmly, but not too tightly, behind her back. “Are you sure you want this as well?” The mare looked over her shoulder with a sultry grin.

“Yeah, it hurt the first time, but this is the only way to get used to it.” She gave a small gasp as another length of rope wrapped around her elbows and pulled them tight, soon tied and secured. “Oh Sp~ike, are~n’t you forg~etting some~thing?” He looked at her with a raised eyebrow, then smirked as he saw the ballgag in her magic. He took it from her and slipped it into her mouth, buckling the strap tightly, and flicked the bell on the front.. Her small moans were muffled as he slipped a claw between her thighs, teasing the edge of her panties.

She gave an annoyed groan as he pulled away, then smirked around her gag as he grabbed a longer length of rope, wrapping it around her chest and waist. The slack was pulled through a ring in the ceiling and pulled taught, Sweetie moaning lightly as it took her body weight. Two more ropes took an ankle each, loose but not able to slip past her feet. He then rolled her panties down her legs and threw them to the side.

Starting with her right ankle, Spike threaded the rope through a smaller ring, and brought it down to her thigh. He wrapped it around a few times, tying it like her ankle. It would support her weight, but it wouldn’t restrict her circulation. The dragon walked behind Sweetie and reached a claw over her stomach, the mare whimpering as his nails gently scratched her. He then moved along her restrained leg, slipping her shoe off and tickling her sole.

The unicorn gave a few muffled giggles as he did so, attempting to move her leg away, but failing to do so. Spike walked in front of her and his hands reached for her free thigh, stroking as he knelt down. Her other shoe was removed, leaving her standing on tip toe, the ropes now taking the majority of her weight. He turned back to the collection of things they had placed there before leaving, and gave a small chuckle.

Sweetie Belle didn’t see what it was he put in his pocket, but she didn’t have a chance to catch a glimpse as a blindfold was slipped over her eyes, followed by a magic sealing ring on her horn. Having her sense of sight cut off heightened her others, and she moaned as she felt a soft feather slide along the inside of her leg. He pulled the top of her dress down, the mare then giving a muffled scream as something bit down on her nipple, the other getting the same treatment a moment later.

She tried to bounce away, and was rewarded by three bells jingling, Spike chuckling at the clamps hanging from her breasts. Sweetie Belle whimpered as something was placed on her clit, and she fell elastic pulled around her thighs. “And now, we begin.” She couldn’t answer the dragon, moans coming instantly as something started vibrating right over her button, slowly getting stronger. It increased for around thirty seconds, went at full power for the next half a minute, and then shut off.

Sweetie Belle’s body was heaving for breath after the device turned off, until two minutes later it started up again. Spike sat on a desk, watching with a smirk as the cycle repeated over fifteen times whilst he just read Advanced Mineralogy And The Art Of Gem Cutting. “Wow I didn’t know you could do that with a ruby!” The young mare was almost at the point of release, but she was denied it each time. She gave a groan as he moved back over and switched it off, then removed the toy from her.

He stripped from his suit and stood in front of the mare, the tip of his erect cock teasing at her entrance, making her attempt to shift onto it. “Spiphhh, pleapphh!” He slowly slid forward, the mare’s warm and wet nethers easily allowing him entry. He only thrust two or three times, slowly and sensually, but it was enough for the unicorn to hit her orgasm level, her head rolling back with a muffled scream.

Spike stood patiently until her body stopped shuddering, placing a hand on her cheek. Sweetie Belle pressed against it and nodded, giving him the signal to start again. Softly rocking his hips, his cock slid back and forth, the mare giving small moans from the pleasure she was getting. He increased his range of movement, pulling out further before thrusting back in.

He pumped away until her moans signaled she got closer, then slipped out. Spike chuckled as her arms attempted to reach around and pull him back, but her hands didn’t come past her hips on either side. She whimpered slightly as her dangling leg was given the same treatment of the other, leaving her gently swaying once the dragon let her go.

She then moaned as his warm breath blew across her marehood, followed by his tongue slipping slowly over her lower lips. Her hips bucked a little as she tried to entice him in, but she just ended up swinging back and forth. Spike chuckled as he remained still, his tongue slipping between her folds each time she reached him.

Sweetie Belle gave a few annoyed grunts, causing the young dragon to stand back up and hold her hips steady. He slowly eased back in, gently rolling his hips, smirking as the mare’s head rolled back. He felt the pressure in his cock building, and her walls squeezing tightly around him, letting him know she was close as well.

After a few more thrusts he hilted inside of her, his tip flaring as his seed released. Sweetie Belle gave a loud, muffled scream, her body shuddering in the ropes as she rode through her orgasm, causing her to slide around Spike’s cock. He wasn’t complaining, his dick pulsing a few more times. He slipped out and wiped himself down, then release the mare’s legs.

He wrapped an arm around her body to hold her steady, reaching up to the ring and untying the rope from it. Sweetie Belle fell limp immediately, Spike laying her gently on the floor, beginning to remove the ropes. Once done he unstrapped the gag and moved away, collecting her shoes, panties, and his clothes. She gave a small moan as he picked her up as well, her arms easing around his neck for stability.

He took her to his room, dumping their stuff on his bed, and took her into his bathroom. Spike stripped her and placed a towel ready on the side, then turned the shower on. Sweetie Belle gave a small gasp as cool water sprayed on her back, waking her from her small doze almost instantly. Soon the water from the shower warmed up, bringing life back into her limbs, the mare humming as the dragon’s hands moved across her body.

She was then left alone to wash as he moved back and watched, affection stamped on his snout. Sweetie Belle smiled coyly, dragging the shower curtain across to hide her body. Spike chuckled as a leg appeared at the other end, a hand running slowly down it. He averted his gaze, only to stop himself from charging in there with her.

After around twenty minutes the water was shut off, Sweetie Belle stepping out and walking towards him. She leant over the side and looked in the mirror, giggling at the reflection of Spike’s adoring gaze as her tail swished from side to side. “Could you hand me the towel, darling?” She couldn’t help but marvel at how much she looked like her sister with a wet mane, and then a sudden, horrible thought went through her head.

She accepted the towel and wrapped it around her body, brushing past Spike without so much as glancing at him, confusing the young drake. He shook his head clear and entered the shower himself. He didn’t take as long as the unicorn, returning to his room with a towel around his waist. Sweetie Belle was already dressed, a pillow hugged to her chest and her gaze at the floor. “Sweets, what’s wrong?”

“Are… you only with me because I remind you of Rarity?”

“What? No! Of course not!” He walked over and lifted her muzzle, meeting her soft green eyes with his own. “I love you for you, not because of some silly crush I used to have.”

“But… the look you gave me when I stepped out…” He silenced her with a soft kiss, moving his claw to her cheek and stroking it lightly. “Spike?”

“I’m… going to prove how much you mean to me. But we need to go back to town hall. I’ve left it there.”

“Left what?”

“Hmm? Oh… uh, something. It’s a surprise. Now, where’s your beautiful smile?” She couldn’t help but grin sheepishly, giggling as Spike nuzzled her cheek. “That’s better. Let me get dressed and we’ll get going okay?” She gave him a nod and he moved to the other side of his bed, where all of his cabinets were. Her gaze drifted over to the small vanity he had placed there for her, another thought of her sister going through her head. So what if I look like her? I can use it!

After drying off, Spike slipped into something more casual, then looked at his mare, his mouth dropping open in shock. “Oh Spi~ky Wi~ky, Li~ke Wh~at Yo~u S~ee?” He just nodded dumbly, Sweetie Belle standing and wiggling her hips as she walked over. Unlike Rarity, who used blue eye shadow, she had used an emerald green, which matched her eyes, and a blood red on her lips, and jet black mascara. “Well, are you ready for town hall?”

He swallowed nervously and knelt down to the floor, holding her shoes still so she could slip into them easily. He let her go first and he unlocked the door, the couple stepping out, and the drake locking the door again. He offered the mare his arm, which she took, and they began the short walk back to the party.

Scootaloo sat on her throne, Pipsqueak standing to one side and just behind her, having refused to use one of her parents’ thrones, even though they had hastily vacated them. The young princess smirked as she looked over the main hall from where they had moved her throne to the side, ponies having a fun time at her party. Movement from the side of the stage caught her attention, where Snips and Snails were standing, both pushing Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara towards her.

The two young mares, even though slightly hesitant under Halberd’s searing gaze, walked over. Scootaloo just raised an eyebrow at the pair, prompting the pink furred mare to speak. “Um, your highness. We’d… like apologise to you.”

“Really? Is your father making you?”

“Actually…” Both mares blushed as they looked over to the two young unicorn stallions. “Our coltfriends are. We know we’ve not been very nice to you three, and you in particular. So… we’re sorry for all the things we’ve put you through.” They stood nervously as Scootaloo let her gaze lazily roam over them, and then she sat up with her back straight.

“Apology… accepted.” She had to stop herself from laughing as the pair curtsied. They then returned to the two unicorns, and Scootaloo went to stand, Pip immediately offering her his hand. “You know, this is getting old. I can get out of a seat on my own!”

“I know, but it’s for show.” She took his offer, mumbling to herself as she did so, causing Halberd to chuckle from behind her. She just shook her head as she slipped her arm through Pip’s, letting him guide her towards the bar. She sat down on the stool next to Applebloom and Rumble, the earth pony stallion taking the empty one on her other side. “Hey guys, having fun?”

“Sure are. Ah’m not sure where Sweets an’ Spike ‘ave went to though.” Four glasses appeared on the bar in a pink blur, champagne bubbling away inside them. A quick glance showed everypony else had it, and the young princess noticed Rarity standing close to her parents, the trio smiling widely.

She followed their gaze to where their missing friends had just entered, Spike softly kissing Sweetie Belle’s cheek and then motioning her to the bar. The dragon then headed towards her family, whilst she stood in front of her friends. “Hey guys, what’s going on?” Scootaloo just licked her lips and smiled coyly at the unicorn.

“Oh, not much. Dash and Spear have gone missing, Pip and I had some fun next door, and you look like something is eating away at you.”

“Spike has a surprise for me.” She glanced over her friends, seeing them all grinning at her, then she gave a loud gasp. “You all know? Tell me, please!” They all shook their heads at her, motioning to the stage. She turned to see the young dragon standing there, her sister and both his and her parents behind him.

The crowd fell silent with a wave of Celestia’s hand, all eyes turning to the shocked mare. Her breath hitched in her throat as her legs started moving on their own, taking her to where Spike was waiting. Even the music had been turned down, leaving the entirety of town hall almost silent. “Spike… what’s going on?”

“What we talked about earlier, I’m going to prove it to you.” Tears came to the mare’s eyes as the dragon dropped to a knee, softly taking hold of her hand. Her eyes widened as he pulled out a black box, which could contain only one thing. “Sweetie Belle, I know I told you this earlier, but I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He opened the box to reveal a ring with a sparkling emerald, the same shade as her eyes. “Sweetie Belle, will you marry me?”

Her mascara ran with the tears down her cheek, leaving long black streaks as they fell. Her heart felt like it was trying to break free, and she looked around, seeing everypony eagerly awaiting her answer. It was too much for her to take, so she lit her horn and teleported away, the crowd stunned at her reaction. The jewelry box dropped to the wooden stage, the echo sounding like an explosion in a cave in the silence.

Spike slowly stood, the crowd parting for him as he made his way to the bar. They all watched as he handed a pile of bits to Berry, who had provided some of the alcohol, then swiped a bottle of amber liquid from the side. He ran from the hall before anypony could stop him. Scootaloo and her friends shared a quick glance with each other, and the two couples separated, Rumble and Pip after the clearly upset dragon, Scootaloo and Applebloom after the distraught unicorn. Halberd had trouble keeping up with how fast the two mares were going.

They soon returned to town hall, their searches of the library, Carousel Boutique, and Sweetie Belle’s home proving fruitless. Rarity made her way over to the downcast group, informing them where they would most likely find her sister. When they inquired about Spike, she told them she would deal with him.

They gave her a nod and left, the unicorn mare turning towards Blueblood, as she needed his assistance with this.

The small group of friends walked forlornly through the apple trees, with one guard following a respectful distance away. They heard the sound of sobbing long before they saw the club house, and the stallions let the three mares have some privacy. Scootaloo and Applebloom cracked the door open, finding Sweetie Belle crying on the much too small bed for her, the one she used to use at their sleepovers.

The pair just pulled chairs over and waited patiently, knowing the unicorn would talk when ready. They were reward when her cries moved to choked sobs, and she tried to reach for a box of tissues that had fallen to the floor. Scootaloo took the opportunity to grab her friend’s wrist and pull her up, holding her close whilst Applebloom wiped the tear streaks away. The pile of tissues on the floor were a testament to the fact Sweetie Belle had removed her make up already. “Why?” Scootaloo pulled away and frowned at her friend.

“Why what, Sweets?”

“Why does he want to marry me? I’m not even old enough!”

“Sweetie Belle…” She turned around, finding Applebloom smiling softly at her. “How long have you two been together?”

“Two years…”

“An’ when did you first have sex?”

“My eighteenth. I wanted to wait.”

“Remember what ‘appened?” Sweetie Belle blushed and giggled, letting the memory fill her with warm feelings.

The unicorn whimpered as she was penetrated for the first time, the dragon softly kissing her lips and stroking her cheek. They both remained still, letting her get comfortable. She knew Spike was experienced, and it was something she wanted.

She gave him a nod, and then started moaning as he slowly rocked his hips, his shaft shifting around inside her, waves of pleasure spreading up her spine. She lay her hands on his chest to keep herself steady, then started rocking her hips in time. She bent down and connected their lips, kissing him passionately and moaning into his mouth.

Being her first time, it didn’t take long for her moans to become pants, the young dragon grinning when she threw her head back with a loud scream, his crotch getting covered in her juices as she slumped to his chest. He waited a few moments then went to pull out, blinking in surprise as she pushed herself up, starting to move her hips up and down his shaft. In their combined pleasure, neither noticed the door open. “I’m home, Sweetie Belle. I hope you’ve kept the place cle…”

The younger unicorn blushed as she looked over her shoulder at her wide eyed sister, who could clearly see what they were doing. “SWEETIE BELLE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”

“Spike isn’t a ‘what’, he’s a dragon.” To her disappointment, the young dragon slipped out, hastily pulling his boxers and pants back up. Sweetie Belle covered herself as well, and the pair soon found themselves sitting on the couch, in front of a very irate Rarity.

“I can’t believe you, Sweetie Belle! And don’t think Twilight isn’t going to find out about this Spike! In fact, she should be in the store still! Wait right here… and keep your hands to yourself!” The young dragon nodded at the glare he was receiving, the mare then striding out of the room.

“An’ let me tell you, Spike was bustin’ at t’ seems, keepin’ all his urges in check. Jus’ fer you. Ya know why?” Sweetie Belle shook her head; even though she truly knew the answer, she needed to hear it from somepony other than Spike, Twilight, Rarity, or her parents. “‘cause he loves you, Sweets, an’ he ain’t gonna love another mare like you. An’ don’t worry about yer parents sayin’ no. ‘e wouldn’t have asker ya without gettin’ their permission.”

“I… I should go talk to him, huh?”

“Probably, but we ain’t got any idea where ‘e went. ‘e ran off with a bottle o’ whiskey, Ah think. Yer sister is gonna find him though. Now come on, what do ya say we go back, let t’ others know what’s goin’ on?” The unicorn mare gave a hesitant nod and slowly stood up. She grabbed a few more tissues and made sure she was presentable, then headed out of the clubhouse with her friends.

Rarity thanked the Royal Guard, who gave her a nod in return, stepping away to not allow anypony into the garden, the sun just rising over the rooftops of Canterlot. She should have guessed he would come here, it being where they went on his and her sister’s first official date when their relationship became public. She winced slightly as the smell of bad alcohol hit her, and her foot hit an empty bottle. She watched as it rolled away and hit a lump under some newspapers, causing it to grunt.

She pulled the makeshift covers away, revealing the form a a hungover young drake. She tried to shake him awake, but he just rolled over. She jumped back with little time to spare as water was dumped over his face, causing him to shoot up in shock. Rarity was about to give the pony a piece of her mind, but she faltered when Omoroca came into view, a bucket in hand and a glare on her face. “Spike, get up.”

“Uh…”

“Now.” The authoritative voice made him wince, and he managed to stand, even if he was swaying from side to side. “What the fuck do you think you are doing?”

“Not so loud, mom…”

“LOUD? YOU WANT LOUD? IS THIS BETTER?” Spike cringed, his mother’s shouting almost as bad as Luna’s Royal Canterlot Voice, if not worse. “Look at you! I thought I had found my wonderful son, not some… thing that turns to drink when he doesn’t get his own way! I will be heading to Ponyville on the next train, you’d best be on it!” She turned and strode from the garden, Spike staring after her in shock. His own mother had just talked to him like that, making something inside him stoke a fire, and he knew it was burning for one mare.

He tried to walk forward but stumbled and fell, pushing Rarity away as she tried to help him. The guard was instantly between them with his sword drawn, but he lowered it when the mare put her hand on his shoulder. “No, it’s okay. I can understand. He wants to do this on his own.” Spike glanced around fearfully at Rarity, who just nodded her approval.

Pushing himself to his feet, he made it to the edge of the garden before he had to find a support, taking a deep breath, catching a glimpse of his mother’s tail disappearing down another street. He steeled himself for the coming walk, then began, slowly and steadily towards the train station.

Omoroca was waiting there with a smirk when he arrived, handing him the ticket she had already purchased. He took it with a whispered thanks and boarded the train, whilst she remained outside, watching as Rarity said goodbye to a unicorn stallion with a passionate kiss.

The guards with him began jeering as she boarded, and he turned to glare at them with his horn glowing. The dragoness shook her head in amusement, then followed the mare, frowning when she heard loud snoring from one corner of the carriage. Sure enough, her son was over there, sleeping the night off.

A few hours later, Spike was roughly shaken awake, glancing out the window at the familiar scenery. He sheepishly looked up at his mother, who just pulled him to his feet. Rarity was already waiting on the station, and she slipped her arm through the young drake’s as they started walking, showing her support.

They soon arrived at the door to the library, where Spike shocked the females by knocking on the wood instead of just walking in. The portal opened slowly, the mare on the inside giving a gasp, Twilight pulling him close and whispering into his ear. “You had me so worried.” She pulled away and blanched at the smell coming from him. “Firstly, go get a shower. You stink.” She giggled a little as his head dropped, standing aside to allow him entry.

Not noticing the group on the main floor, he trudged his way up to his room,, quickly stripping and entering his shower. He didn’t care if the water hitting his scales was freezing cold, he just put one forearm against the tiles and rested his forehead on it, groaning as the hangover made itself known once more in the form of a pounding headache.

He didn’t move for a good ten minutes, even if the downpour had slowly gotten warmer, nor when he felt hands moving over his shoulders. They gripped him firmly and pulled him away from the wall, and turned him around. His eyes went wide as he beheld a softly smiling Sweetie Belle, and one thing stuck in his mind. “Sweets… your clothes are getting wet.”

She giggled quietly as she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his neck. Spike slowly returned the embrace, the mare laying her head on his shoulder with a soft sigh. “Spike… I’m sorry about last night. It’s just… it was too much in front of everypony.” He moved away a little so that he could look at her, moving in to softly kiss her lips, making her gasp when he pulled away. “Could you… ask again, with less ponies around?”

He gave her a small nod, the mare leaving the shower so he could wash in peace. Having run out of spare clothes in his room, she settled with just drying herself off and slipping into her silk robe. Spike followed a few minutes later, chuckling as he dried off. He slipped into clean clothes and they left his room, finally noticing the others when they returned downstairs. He realised what she was hinting at in the shower then, catching a purple flash in his hand. He glanced down to see the ring box, and pulled Sweetie Belle into the middle of the library.

Instead of panicking, she giggled this time when he took a knee and her hand, offering the box once more. “So, round two. Sweetie Belle, will you marry me?” He gave a gasp of surprise as she tackled him into the floor, pressing in for a passionate kiss. She sat up in his lap, lightly stroking his chest. “So… is that a yes?”

“Yes, Spike, I would love to marry you.” They ignored the cheering ponies, pressing into another deep kiss.

Rainbow Dash groaned as the sun’s light broke through the gap in the curtains, falling in her face. She came fully awake when she rolled over and discovered herself alone in the lavish bed. Her hand fell to the mattress, discovering a soft silver feather. She brought it to her nose and inhaled deeply, giving a soft sigh at the scent of her husband of two months. It may have been silly to others, but it was a sign of affection from him every time she woke up alone.

After a quick shower she slipped into her uniform, freshly ironed before Spear distracted her too much. It was a combination of both the Wonderbolts’ non-flying uniform and Royal Guard uniform, overlaid with the designs of Spear’s armour. She moved to the door, cracking it open to find one of the Guards about to knock. “Apologies, Lieutenant Dash. It’s just... court has been in session for, well, a few hours now. I was sent to see if there were any problems.”

“Fuck. Spear, why didn’t you wake me?” The stallion ignored her mumblings, stepping back from the door. Dash stepped out and closed the door behind her, nodding to the guard. He went one way and she went the other, soon approaching the throne room. She spotted Halberd leaning against a wall, his arms crossed and a smirk on his face. “Hey Arcy, what’s going on?”

He looked over and chuckled, the nickname being given to him by Pinkie Pie, and it stuck. He nodded to one of the alcoves, where she saw Scootaloo stood with Blueblood, the stallion with his hands on his hips. She moved closer to stop whatever he was doing, but stopped when his voice hit her ears. “...so to that end, what are you going to do?”

“Not fall asleep in court again. It shows a lack of attention and a lack of respect for Celestia and Luna.”

“Exactly. But if you truly find it as boring as I do… follow me.” He turned around, his eyes going wide when he saw the other mare, who just raised an eyebrow at him. “Lieutenant Dash.”

“Commander Blueblood.”

“You’re welcome to come as well.” She did just that, Halberd falling in step next to her. The unicorn led the small group up one of the side stairwells, emerging into a small corridor that spanned the width of the throne room. He showed them private booth that overlooked the audience hall, currently set up for the court, with benches set in a hollow square and the thrones at the open end. “Well then, take a seat.”

Scootaloo did as told, Blueblood walking to the front of the booth and waving below. Dash walked over and started to smile, seeing Spear in now empty room below. He grinned up at her and started to walk towards the thrones. It wasn’t until he was actually stood between the thrones that he saw Scootaloo, giving the unicorn a thumbs up. “Well, there you go, young miss. You now have a private box.”

“Will Celestia be angry if I put a bed in here?”

“No. She hasn’t said anything about mine, which is in the next booth over.” The group gave a few small chuckles, easily believing him. The door behind them opened a little, a pegasus stallion with a rainbow mane sticking his head in.

“Uh, Princess, are you busy? I know it’s lunch, but this is pretty important.” She nodded at Halberd to let the stallion in, Rainbow Strike walking over to his daughter and kissing her forehead. “The short mane looks good.” She blushed at the complinet, having cut it, the longest part now only reaching the base of her neck, but keeping her bangs at the same length.

“Come on, dad, don’t do that whilst I’m working. Now what’s up?” He pulled away and turned to Scootaloo, bowing his head.

“Your majesty, I have just received some news from Cloudspire. My equal over there has informed me of a new tax that they want to get in. It will essentially tax the ponies based on what they earn, and will increase at the same rate as any pay rises.”

“I think that sounds fair.”

“There’s more. It only works that way. The ponies can only move up levels, not down. If a pony lost their job or lost hours at work… they’d just get in debt. This pegasus has been in power far too long, and doesn’t understand things have changed. She doesn’t even believe about you, your highness.”

“Really? Could you all leave me with Blueblood? I would like to discuss this with him.” The three pegasi gave her a nod, closing the door behind them. They made their way back down to the main entrance hall, Spear waiting for them. Strike visibly paled when he saw him, Dash giving a small chuckle as she took her husband’s hand.

“So, lunch?” Her father’s eyes went wide when she said that, a flash of memory coming up.

The door to his house opened, Dash entering with a giggle. Strike stood up and walked over, frowning at the silver feather in her mane. He had been researching Pegasopolis as best as possible, and there was one of the few books that stuck in his head.

“Dash…”

“Yeah, dad?”

“...are you engaged?” She looked up at the feather with a soft smile, then nodded at her father. “Take it out.” She went to protest, but Spear took it out as he entered, closing the door behind him. To Dash’s surprise, he passed it over to her dad, and he took it. “Hmm, so you know what’s coming?”

Spear just nodded, making his way outside. Dash watched in horror as her father pulled two round objects from his closet, following her stallion into the garden. Fleetfoot had to hold her daughter still as Strike passed one of the sticks to Spear, and then they began.

Ten minutes later, a bruised and bloodied Rainbow Strike limped his way over, putting Spear’s feather back into his daughter’s mane. Fleetfoot then took him inside to tend to his wounds, and so he could help prepare lunch.

Strike gave a shudder at the memory, then nodded to Dash. Once they had eaten, they collected something for Scootaloo and Blueblood, the four returning to find court had resumed early, Strike’s eyes going wide as he recognised the mare that was speaking. He slipped into his seat just as she finished, a glare coming in his direction, and then she smiled up at the private booths, having been up to discuss it with Scootaloo.

Luna and Celestia were in their thrones, silently discussing the proposal, sweat beading at the back of Strike’s neck. If this bill went through, it would mean hard times for the ponies of Cloudspire. “Princess Scootaloo, what is your opinion?” All eyes turned to the booth at Celestia’s question, the young mare receiving a confident look from the next booth over, where Blueblood was sitting.

She stood up and cleared her throat, preparing to speak loudly and clearly, just as the etiquette lessons with Rarity had taught her. “Whilst it is a good incentive to further the citizen’s career, what of the ponies that lose their jobs? Or those that have to work less? I have looked over this proposal, and there is nothing in there for them.”

The mare she had met just ten minutes prior was glaring between her and Strike, but the young pegasus held her gaze with the two alicorns as she continued. “To that end, until these oversights are taken care off, I can not add my approval to the plan.” Celestia gave her a nod, and she sat back down, the Solar Princess whispering with her sister once more, before she stood from her throne.

“I agree, this is an oversight that needs to be rectified. For now, the bill is rejected. Is there any more business for the court?” She turned to her advisor, who scanned his list and shook his head at the mare. “Very well, court is adjourned for the day.” The mare who had made the proposal just remained glaring in Scootaloo’s direction.

Author's Notes:

Well, I hate to say it, but I feel that I've gone about as far as I can with this one. There will be one more chapter, possibly a few more, but we'll have to wait and see.