“And that is why I believe that this new proposal benefits all concerned.”

Princess Celestia stepped down from the podium in the courtroom, the nobility around her discussing the proposal amongst themselves. Celestia sat down on her seat, awaiting the torrent of questions that would no doubt follow such a controversial plan and she was not disappointed.

“I have a question Princess” a blond stallion said as he stood up, Prince Blueblood looking towards the Princess “why do we not just simply go ahead with our previous plan regarding the changelings, it would both get rid of them and intimidate the rest. The idea of trusting an unknown creature to ensure that these monsters do not return does not sit right with me.”

The majority of the nobility nodded their heads in agreement, sharing the same concerns as the Prince. Celestia was hardly surprised with the question, she had to admit that trusting the new Emperor was potentially unwise but she could see no other choice. She was just about to reply when another voice beat her to it.

“Maybe if the council met this ‘Emperor Chalmers’ it would be more receptive to the idea, Princess.”

Celestia looked at the speaker, a noble called Fancy Pants standing up. If she recalled correctly he was one of the two court-members who had gone against the original proposal, the other was his fiancé if Celestia remembered correctly. The other nobles nodded in agreement causing Celestia to smile warmly at Fancy Pants.

“That’s a wonderful idea; I will invite the Emperor to come to Canterlot as soon as possible. Once he gets here I’m sure that he will be able to reassure you all, plus I’m quite eager to meet him myself.”

The council members once again murmured in agreement with the exception of one notable Stallion.
“I OBJECT!” Blueblood yelled out, silencing the courtroom.

‘Of course you do’ thought Celestia as she sighed inside, ensuring that her motherly mask was still in place as she addressed the Prince.

“What are your reasons for objecting to the visit of a foreign ruler Blueblood?”

“How can we allow a dangerous creature to roam our city Princess?” the prince questioned “how can we let it prowl about un-checked, plotting and scheming the down-fall of all pony-kind!”

“Prince Blueblood,” Celestia began “You said exactly the same thing about the Griffon, Minotaur and Zebra ambassadors and look at what happened, nothing” She looked around the courtroom, the nobles gazing expectantly at her “I trust that the Emperor would conduct himself excellently and I doubt he will ‘Prowl’ the streets at night. Guards will of course be assigned to watch him and any advisers he brings but I am certain that they will not be needed.”

Blueblood looked like he was about to form a rebuttal but after a pause he sat back down, the Princess’s answer leaving no room for argument. Celestia’s smile widened when it became evedent that there would be no more objections.

“It’s settled then, I’ll dispatch a messenger to the Crystal Empire as soon as we conclude this session. Now with that out of the way, let’s move on to the next topic, raising the tax on textiles…”

______________________________________________________________________________

Nigel had just finished morning court, a line of nobles and normal citizens alike filing out through the throne room doors. Nigel had actually enjoyed the morning, quite content with the reasonable requests that the petitioners had made. A noble had requested for work to be done on a park located in the city, the recreational spot having deteriorated because of neglect. Nigel had approved of this measure in the hopes that it would raise happiness in the city, useable entertainment venues a rare sight.

Another petitioner of interest introduced herself as a tailor specialising in formal ware, the mare inquiring as to whether the Emperor would require any new clothes. Nigel said that it would probably be a good idea, considering he was still wearing his underpants. His only condition was that the mare would not try to convince him that he was wearing fabulous cloth when in fact he was wearing none. Nigel was disappointed when the reference flew over her head but he let it go and asked for one design in particular which he sketched, allowing the mare to make any other outfit she desired.

He also requested that some formal ware be made for his two advisors Sparkling Scroll and Reflection, Sparkling prancing about happily at the news while Reflection merely begun to sulk. The tailor had been ecstatic at the chance to design a dress for a changeling, the mare babbling on excitedly while Reflection had nodded sullenly. Both Sparkling and Reflection had left about an hour ago with the designer, the tailor having taken Nigel’s measurements in the throne room, much to the amusement of the gathered ponies. Nigel didn’t mind, he’d rather have his subjects comfortable and relaxed around him than fearing for their lives, that was a privilege saved for his enemies.

With the court over Nigel remained in his throne passing the time by drafting up some plans for a new supply warehouse to replace the old one. He was interrupted by the arrival of a guardmare, the pony soldier saluting before him after rushing in through a side door.

“Sir!” the Soldier began “we were exploring the lower sections of the Palace as you ordered and we’ve found something big, really big!”

“What was it…” Nigel questioned as he glanced at the soldier’s armour to determine her rank “Lieutenant?”

“I’m sorry Sir, but Captain Strategy ordered that I bring you to it,” the Lieutenant replied “he said that it was something that you needed to see for yourself.”

“Well if that’s what he said it must be important” Nigel responded as he stood up from his throne “lead the way Lieutenant.”

_______________________________________________________________________________

Nigel followed the Lieutenant down to the lower levels of the palace, the numbers of guards increasing the closer to the objective they got. Lieutenant Clear Cut had apologized to the Emperor regarding her refusal to tell him any details about the discovery but Nigel had reassured her that she did the right thing by following the Captain’s orders.

The pair halted at a set of Iron doors, Captain Strategy and a changeling Sergeant standing outside the massive barriers, all the other guards outside of the room.

“I’m glad that you came as soon as you could Sir” the Captain said as he saluted Nigel “I assure you that the trip will prove to be worth it.”

“I have the upmost faith in you Captain, what do you have to report?” Nigel replied.

“Sergeant Mirage here,” the Captain answered, gesturing towards the changeling as the Sergeant saluted Nigel “was examining this section of the under-structure when he found this room, Sergeant would you please explain to his Highness the circumstances of the discovery?”

“Yes Sir!” the Sergeant replied as he once again saluted Nigel “I was searching my prescribed area as ordered and I found these doors hidden behind an old bookshelf Emperor” he changeling pointed toward a fully stocked bookshelf with a hoof, “I moved it aside using magic and opened the doors, revealing…” the changeling paused, the Captain and Lieutenant pushing open the heavy doors. Nigel stepped towards the entrance way to examine the contents of the vault.

Inside the chamber were massive piles of gold and precious jewels, chests and storage desks over-flowing with the valuables. Nigel motioned for the three soldiers to step inside with him, the two ponies and changeling staring at awe at the gigantic hoard of wealth.

“Must be Sombra’s personal over-compensation fund” Nigel remarked as he picked up a large ruby, the gem shining a blood-red as he held it in his palm. He placed it back on the pile of gold coins where he had found it, a plain wooden door at the back of the room catching his attention. The soldiers followed the Emperor as he advanced towards the door, its normalcy causing it to stand out amongst the glittering piles of loot. Nigel pushed open the door, crystal lights flickering on as the oaken barrier swung inwards. Inside the small room, situated on multiple racks made of metal lay rows upon rows of glowing crystals. The gems consisted of multiple colours and sizes from tiny blue sapphires to huge emeralds, easily the size of Nigel’s head.

“Enchanted gems!” Captain Sapphire exclaimed as he entered the room behind Nigel, the pony gazing at the shelves in awe “There must be hundreds of them!”

Nigel started to walk down the rows of shelving, listing off all of the labels he saw.

“Healing, Light, Shielding, Fertility, Magic Battery, Detection,” the list went on and on. Nigel reached the end of the room, his mind wrapping around the possibilities that this find created.

“What do we do now Sir?” Captain Strategy inquired, the guard still staring at the rows of gems.

“Post at least ten guards outside the main doors at all times, no-one is to enter this gem room without prior permission from myself and myself alone, is that clear?”

“Yes Sir” the Captain replied.

“Good” replied Nigel as he left the small room, Sergeant Mirage closing the door behind them “Organize for a team to transport one of these chests to the Empire’s treasury and have Minister Bean Counter add it to the list of available finances.”

“Yes Sir!” The soldiers all acknowledged at once, the Sergeant and Lieutenant staying in the vault as the Captain and Nigel exited. After the Captain had organized for some guards to watch the vault Nigel pulled him aside.

“Captain, I assume you know of the immense advantage those enchanted gems could provide our Empire with?” the Captain nodded his head “good, then I hope that you will make every effort to avoid their existence becoming public knowledge?”

“Yes Emperor, you can count on it” Sapphire replied resolutely.

“Excellent, I also want you to increase our efforts to un-cover the existence of any crystal unicorns remaining in the Empire, has your search uncovered any leads?”

The Captain leaned closer to the Emperor, keeping his voice low.

“Yes we have Sir, there are reports that a small number of unicorns managed to escape Sombra by residing in one of the larger caves surrounding the city, I’ve already begun arrangements to dispatch search parties in an attempt to locate any survivors.”

“Great work Captain” Nigel complemented, the Captain swelling with pride “I’ll leave you to your duties, please notify me immediately if you find anything unusual.”

“As you command Lord” the Captain replied, Nigel giving him a salute before turning around to head back towards the throne room.

‘Guess I better go and check up on Reflection and Sparkling’ he thought to himself as he began to ascend the staircase leading to ground level ‘better make sure Reflection hasn’t killed the Tailor yet.’

_________________________________________________________________________________

“Is a dress really needed? Why can’t I just wear nothing like everyone else does?”

Sparkling snickered into her hoof as she listened to Reflection complain, the changeling struggling as the Tailor, Shimmering Sequins tugged on a strap to fasten the outfit to the Reflection’s body.

“It is needed Miss Reflection” Shimmering answered as she touched up a stitch above the changeling’s hind leg “as you are a member of the Emperor’s court and one of his top advisors. A mare in a position like that needs to look her best and besides, maybe the Emperor would take notice of you in the way that you want him too hmmm?”

‘Hang on, what was that?’ thought Sparkling as she jolted upright, staring at Reflection, the changeling’s blush matching the colour of her dress.

“I don’t know what you mean” Reflection said shakily, dropping her head to look at the floor in embarrassment.

“Well if it’s untrue, then why is your infatuation with his Lordship the most talked about topic in the Empire?”

“Wha-what?” the changeling stammered, looking back up towards Shimmering, the Tailor’s yellow eyes scrutinizing a multitude of mini-diamonds set into the front of the moss-green dress.

“Every one of the Nobility has noticed the way you look at him during Court; it really is pretty clear that you have feelings for him.”

“It’s that obviou- I mean what feelings?” Sparkling noticed that Reflection tried to cover up her slip, badly. Shimmering homed in for the kill.

“I can understand why of course, he has power, wealth, seems incredibly caring and to top it off he’s quite good-looking for an alien, bit too tall for my tastes though.”

“Oh… fine then, I guess I like him a little bit okay” Reflection admitted before she looked over towards Sparkling, the mare sitting on a stool, her red dress already finished.

“Don’t you dare tell him that Sparkling or I will end you!”

Sparkling could barely control her laughter as she responded.

“Oh don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of telling of him and ruin the moment of watching you tell him instead, he’d probably tell another one of his cheesy jokes in response!”

Sparkling let out a fit of giggles, unable to contain the mirth that was bubbling up inside of her. A sniffle caused her to pause though and when she looked back at Reflection she noticed a few tears building up in the changeling’s eyes.

“Oh I’m so sorry Reflection” Sparkling squeaked as she got up and moved towards the changeling, Shimmering too caught up in her work to notice the change of mood “I didn’t mean to upset you, I’m sure that Nigel won’t make fun of you.”

“You mean that? You think I have a chance?” Reflection replied as she looked back up at Sparkling.

“I think you’ve got more than a chance, he really seems to enjoy your company when you’re not attacking Princesses of course” at this a blush re-appeared on Reflection’s face “and I’m sure he likes you more than anything, even cheese.”

Reflection giggled, her sour mood having disappeared “I don’t think he likes me that much, he does love his cheese.”

“Someone said something about cheese?”

All three mares looked towards the entrance of the shop, the Emperor walking in with a hop in his step. Nigel paused as he saw Sparkling and Reflection’s clothes, even as a manly man he had to admit that they looked incredibly good.

“Miss Sequins, I never would have thought that you possessed such talent, if my suit is even half as good…”

“You flatter me Emperor, really their not that special and I did have help from my sisters to create them so quickly-“

“Nonsense!” Nigel continued “I think they’re great and please, call me Nigel, being called Emperor gets tiring all of the time.”

“Thank you Nigel,” replied Shimmering “your suit is out the back and ready to go, I made it exactly as you requested. If you would follow me you can try it on right now and I can make any final adjustments.”

“Are you sure about that? I must warn you that I wear pants all the time for a reason” Nigel said, earning a blush from both Sparkling and Reflection while Shimmering did not react in the slightest.

“I’m not a young filly Sir, I assure you that it will be nothing I haven’t seen before, although you are an Emperor so it will make a fine story for my children.”

“Your married?” inquired Nigel.

“Oh no, but I’m currently seeing a nice guard officer and it looks rather promising” the Tailor replied as she entered the back room.

“Good to hear” replied Nigel as he followed the mare shutting the door behind him, leaving Reflection and Sparkling in the lobby awaiting his return.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Half-an-hour later Shimmering Sequins emerged from the back room with a grin on her face, both Sparkling and Reflection paying full attention to her.

“Ladies,” Shimmering began, lifting a light blue hoof to brush a strand of yellow mane out of her eye “Presenting the glorious Emperor Chalmers!”

At her words Nigel stepped out of the room, Sparkling looking upon him with awe while Reflection merely swooned.
Nigel was dressed in a dark blue suit with a black sash, golden buttons holding it together. A black stripe ran down the side of each pant leg and a white emblem of a human skull was sewn on at each shoulder.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t get any silver for your emblems Sir, we had trouble finding a jeweler who would craft something so… morbid.” Shimmer apologized as Nigel examined said skulls, white silk having been used instead.

“Don’t worry about it, you and your sisters must be incredibly skilled to be able to make a replica ISA dress uniform in just an afternoon on top of two dresses. I must say I’m very pleased with your work.”

Nigel glanced outside a window, the moon full in the night sky.

“It is rather late, I suppose we better be off” Nigel turned back around and looked at Shimmering “You should come around to the Palace tomorrow for Lunch so I can thank you properly for your hard work; your sisters are welcome to of course.”

“I would love to Sir” Shimmering replied “but I have arrangements with a certain guard, your appreciation is thanks enough.”

“I’m sure the publicity will more than make up for it, thanks again Miss Seqins, you can be sure of my repeat business. Let’s go Reflection, Sparkling, if we’re lucky there will still be some pie left over from lunch.”

With these words Nigel left the shop followed by Sparkling, Reflection being stopped by a light-blue hoof before she could leave.

“Just one thing Reflection,” Shimmering said as the changeling looked at her in confusion. The Tailor moved her mouth right next to Reflection’s ear.

“Tell him how you feel, I guarantee that you won’t regret it” she finished with a wink as she ushered Reflection outside before shutting the door, the Changeling’s face once again perfectly matching her dress.