Ready for a slice of diabeetus-- er, I mean life?

You did it again?!

Mind the face this time please.

Glomp* You're the best!

Mhff hff mh hfff

“Wow,” Cadance whispered, “what a pretty name.”

Celestia nodded in agreement. “Indeed,” she said with a smile. “Well then, if you have no objections, Cadance, I’ll place you in charge of helping them get settled in?”

Cadance nodded with a smile.

“Wonderful. You can set them up in the Lavidian suite, and have it prepped for permanent stay. Before that however, would you mind taking Fletcher and Calypso to the bathing hall and help them get cleaned up first? You can bring them to the Grand with you if you wish to freshen up as well,” she directed.

“Of course, Auntie,” Cadance beamed. They both looked to Fletcher and saw that he had a horrified look on his face. He was holding his new daughter like he thought they were about to strip him of her.

“Oh please, your Highnesses. You have been so very kind to me, and I dare not exceed the bounds of your good graces, but surely we could wait to bathe her until tomorrow? I just got her out of the cold,” he pleaded.

All three princesses blinked in confusion. They shared a few looks before Cadance turned back to him.

“Riiiight... which is why we’d like to get her out of the cold, and into a hot bath,” she explained slowly.

Fletcher’s eyes widened and his jaw slowly dropped.

…

“Wha… what did you say?” he breathed.

< ------------------------------------- >

The ‘Grand’ was a bath hall set aside for only the Royalty, or in some cases, specially welcomed guests, such as a certain group of six. It was a fair sized room, embellished with white, polished marble, and beautiful light fixtures that gave the room a warm, creamy orange glow. In the center was a marble pool that made a large ring around a beautifully carved fountain, adorned with a large blue crystal. The water trickled down the sides of the crystal and pooled in the various levels of the fountain before it trickled down somewhere behind it, entering the pool. The pool had a gentle current to it, as the water made its way around the ring and back behind the fountain again.

Fletcher took in the sight with awe as Cadance lead him in. She gathered a couple of towels from some bins on the shelves, as well as various shampoos, conditioners, oils, and perfumes, and set them up near the bath. She smiled as she watched Fletcher look around the room.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it? I love coming here,” she said reverently.

Fletcher could only nod, since his breath had been taken away. His eyes fixated on the water’s edge. He didn’t believe her when she said ‘hot’ bath, but there was steam rising up from the water’s surface. He slowly stepped up to the water and held a dirt caked hoof over it. Sure enough, he could feel the heat rising off it.

“It really is hot…” he muttered. How is this done? Fletcher looked up at the crystal at the top of the fountain and noted several rune arrays faintly glowing within the crystal’s structure. Of course, it’s so simple. He had studied the use of crystals and their natural ability to absorb, store, and supply mana for long term and/or highly demanding magical applications. Their molecular structure and durability made them perfect for etching magic arrays into, making them indispensable materials for enchantments. He dialed in further with a squint, and noticed a simple array that, sure enough, would cause the whole crystal to heat up. He also noticed a few other arrays that appeared to be responsible for drawing the water up through the hole in the crystal’s core, and for purifying the water. He looked back down at the pool. I can’t believe I never thought of this.

Cadance looked over his shoulder. “You’ve really never had a hot bath before? I thought you said you and your Master lived in Equestria?” she asked.

“We did. We were nomadic though. We bathed in rivers and streams. Wait...” He turned to her. “You mean to say that bathing in hot water is not a castle luxury?”

The Princess gave a patient smile. “Mmm-no, I’m pretty sure it’s a standard in every home and building in Equestria nowadays.”

Fletcher’s brows furrowed. Then my hive definitely should have known about it. If we knew it could be done, then why didn’t we implement it for ourselves?! He thought bitterly. “Hang on, I stayed at the Golden Lion Hotel in Los Pegasus for a week. How come their showers were cold?” he asked pointedly.

Cadance thought for a moment. “Well… did you turn the tap all the way?”

Fletcher gave a blank stare, then smacked his forehead. “There’s an ‘all-the-way’?” he moaned. “I just turned it until water came out.”

Cadance held a hoof over her mouth as she giggled. “That’s usually where the water is the coldest. The more you turn the tap, the warmer it will get until it’s hot. That’s how you control the temperature so it’s the most comfortable.”

The changeling dragged his hoof down his face with another moan. All those times… I feel so cheated.

Cadance lifted the filly off his back with her magic. “Go ahead and give it a try. I’ll take care of Calypso until you’re ready for her.”

Fletcher’s eyes widened. “Oh no, your Highness! I couldn’t possibly trouble you with such a thing!” he said with a hasty bow. After being shown so much kindness, the last thing he wanted, was to have someone as important as a Princess troubling themselves over him.

The Princess giggled at him. He was just as bad as some ponies with their over exuberant Royalty worshipping. It was important that citizens showed proper respect for the crown, but most ponies took it way too far, even to the point of being completely unreasonable. It bothered her that they thought of her as too good for them. Even for little things that most folks would just call being neighbourly. She once had to watch a stallion nearly break his back carrying a crate of watermelons because he wouldn’t let her help him. He insisted that she shouldn’t dirty her Royal hooves on something so menial.

“You need to clean yourself off first, Silly,” she said, pointing to his muddy legs and belly. “Then you can give her a bath while I take mine.”

“But--”

“Besides,” she continued before he could voice any more silly objections, “foals love me.” She flashed him a goofy grin before lowering Calypso to her eye level, gently taking her cheeks in her hooves and nuzzling her muzzle. “Isn’t that right, Cutie?” The affectionate contact elicited gleeful laughter from the little filly, as she latched her hooves around the Princess’ cheeks.

Fletcher’s heart skipped a beat after witnessing such a scene, but he shook his head. “Are you sure, your High--”

“I insist, Fletcher. Go try it,” she encouraged as she nodded towards the bath. “You’ve been missing out.”

Fletcher swallowed and bowed his head. “As you wish, your Highness.” He turned back and approached the water as the Princess began to play with his foal. He held a hoof over the water, hesitating for a moment before taking the plunge. The moment his hoof was submerged, a wave of ecstasy washed over his whole body, and he found himself crawling into the water with gusto. “Haa-haa-haa-haa-haa-haaaaa,” he sighed blissfully. He heard the Princess giggle at him again, but he was too far gone to feel embarrassed.

Some of the dirt had already been whisked away by the gentle current. He would have to scrub the rest away, but at the moment it was too hard to resist basking in the delicious warmth as it completely enveloped his body. Pleasant shivers rolled down his spine as the water flooded over his shell. Taking in a breath, he lowered his face in, submerging himself completely. He rolled over on his back and sprawled out on the floor of the pool.

I love baths…

His mind was swaddled in euphoria as the heat soaked into his muscles and joints, relieving years of tension he didn’t even know he had.

Can’t believe…we didn’t...have...this…

As Fletcher laid there, his mind began to grow more and more hazy. He felt... sleepy.

Hey……

.....Something’s…....wrong…….

….isn’t it?

He blearily opened his eyes. A drunken smile cracked his muzzle as he watched the watery ceiling dance above him.

That’s….pretty…...

He was vaguely aware of a burning sensation that was rising in his chest.

Ow….why?.................

Hey look…...bubbles…...come back bubbles…………...

His eyelids got heavier and heavier.

Come…………..back…………………………..

< -------------------------------------- >

“So? How is it, Fletcher?”

...

"Fletcher?"

When no reply came, Cadance glanced in his direction. Upon seeing him lying under the water on the pool floor, she giggled and nodded in understanding. She loved doing that. But, looking closer, she noticed something was off...

Eyes closed. Mouth open. No bubbles coming out.

"Oh my goodness!" she cried. "Fletcher!" She seized him in her magic and lifted him to the surface as she set the filly down. She pulled Fletcher over to them and laid him on the tile in front of her, anxiously shaking her head. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh..."

She tried to use her magic to grasp the water in his lungs, but she... she couldn't find them! They weren't in the same place as they would be in a pony, and there were more organs, all of which were full of fluid. She couldn't use magic to pull the water out; what if she seriously hurt him by accident?

Trying the next best thing, she lifted him up again, dangling him upside down, and positioning his head so his airway would be straight. After jostling him like a ketchup bottle, the water was finally released of its vacuum and came gushing out, causing the changeling to finally start coughing and showing signs of life.

"Oh thank goodness," Cadance breathed as she laid him down again. "What happened? I didn't even hear you splash or struggle."

Coughing up the last of the moisture, Fletcher groaned. “Hi…..Pink…” he muttered with a smile.

Cadance’s eyes widened, her brows creasing with concern. She grabbed whatever she could and started fanning him off. The changeling’s own brows furrowed in confusion, as if he was just now hearing what he just said. He shook his head and took several long, deep breaths. As the air was pumped past his palate he could feel it sinking the heat away from his head, and his mind grew clearer. I’ve had many run ins with death in my life, but that has to be the most embarrassing.

"I figured out why we never heated our water, even though we knew it could be done..." he said as he glanced down at his body. "I... can't move."

The Princess snorted, giggles threatening to burst past her smile. "Really? That's... snort*, that's kind of hilarious."

Fletcher snickered. "Nuh uh!" he bantered playfully. "I experienced both heaven and hell in the same minute!" He chuckled along with her, until a glance reminded him who he was talking to. He instantly straightened up, or at least as much as his limp body would allow. "I mean... no, it wasn't so much humorous as it was frightening, your Highness," he said with a more dignified tone of voice.

The Princess' smile faded to a frown. "Right... I'm sure it would have been," she said with a little dejection. Was he afraid of her or something?

Just then, Fletcher’s newly adopted daughter managed to crawl up to him. She leaned her little hooves on his foreleg resting by his side as she looked into his eyes. “Ba?” she asked with concern.

Fletcher couldn’t help but smile as his heart melted. “I’m alright, Sweety.”

She turned to his shoulder and gave it a few shoves, trying to convince his body to move.

Fletcher chuckled. “I’m okay, Sweetheart, really. I just need a moment to cool down, that’s all,” he reassured her. Whether she understood or not he couldn’t really tell, but she crawled up to the crook between his neck and shoulder and curled up into a ball, resting her chin on his neck.

Squee!

The sudden sound made Fletcher look up to Cadance. There was a massive grin on her face, and she was squishing her cheeks like she was trying to push the fur back in.

“Princess? Are you alright?”

“That’s so cuuuuute!” she nearly squealed.

Fletcher couldn’t help but chuckle. He looked down at his little filly and smiled. I’m a lucky stallion, aren’t I?

The Princess cleared her throat. “Well, um, I suppose we’d better run the water colder for you, then. You’re still pretty muddy,” she pointed out as she turned to adjust the bath.

Fletcher shook his head. “I don’t think that’s necessary,” he said as he tentatively flexed his fetlock. “I should be fine if I change to a pony.”

She turned to him in surprise. “It makes that much of a difference?”

Fletcher managed to roll over on his side, to his daughter’s excitement, and shakily began getting up to his hooves. “We’re pretty sensitive to extreme temperatures, although I’ve never seen this happen before, even in hot climates. My theory is that by fully submerging my head, I let it get too hot, with no way of transferring the heat elsewhere. My brainstem got too warm, and that all but shut down my motor functions. The heat dimmed my mind so much I didn’t even notice, though, and it barely even registered with me that I was in trouble. It was very similar to what happens when we get too cold, except the muscles were relaxed rather than tense. You ponies aren’t nearly so sensitive, though,” he finished with a smile.

The Princess smiled in kind. “Well, alright then. I’ll keep Calypso occupied while you do your thing. Just, sing or something so I’ll know right away if there’s another problem,” she teased.

Fletcher blushed. “Yes, of course. Thank you,” he said as he turned back to the pool. Approaching the water he turned into his black unicorn disguise and stepped in. Mmmm. It still feels amazing. This time he got straight to work cleaning himself off with the shampoos and such as he hummed an old tune his Master used to sing the odd times they were at sea. As he finished his legs, belly, mane, and tail, he decided to test out his hypothesis so he could clean out his holes. It was sure to feel fantastic with the hot water. Sitting up, and resting his forelegs over the edge for safety, he reverted back to his original form. For a few moments he just sat like that, and seeing that the submerged portion of his body was still fully responsive, he cautiously started scrubbing out his holes. He was right, it did feel great, and his holes weren’t nearly as ticklish as they normally were. Finishing off with his cleansing, he happily noted that while relaxed, he still had complete control and his mind was clear.

“I’m all finished, Princess,” he happily reported. “I can take Calypso now.”

Cadance smiled and brought over her happy little playmate, her diaper removed and ready to bathe. Cadance’s eyes widened. “Fletcher, you’re--”

“Yes.” He nodded. “I confirmed my theory. I’m fine as long as I don’t submerge my head and let it get too hot.”

“That was risky,” she teased as she stepped into the water and waded towards him.

“I was cautious with my approach,” he assured her as he received his little filly. “Hi, Sweetie,” he greeted.

Calypso smiled and reached her hooves out for him. She giggled as he nuzzled her affectionately. Cadance went off to bathe herself while he carried his precious charge to a shallower portion of the pool. He sat down and set her between his hind legs. She laughed as she took in the water and the pool with wonder and excitement. She happily splashed the water with her hooves, giggling all the while, as Fletcher poured water down the back of her head to wet her down. Then he lathered in some shampoo from head to tail. He reached around, showing her the foam, and blew some of the bubbles into the air. The filly squealed with giddy laughter and started tossing the foam in the air above her, watching with delight as the bubbles floated down around her.

“Bubbas!” she sang. Then continued to splash and laugh.

Fletcher chuckled as he rinsed her off and repeated the process with conditioner. After he had her all cleaned up, he leaned against the pool's edge and just watched her have the time of her life. Eventually she noticed that he stopped fussing over her and her attention turned to him. She watched him with big curious eyes and crawled up on his belly. She started touching and feeling his chitin, exploring his form with wonder. Ah yes. Introductions are in order, aren't they. Fletcher lifted his hooves and stroked her back a few times before her attention turned to his limbs. He let her play with his fetlocks, fighting back the ticklish cringes as she stuck her hooves into his holes. Fletcher smiled as he felt her marvelling at them. She couldn’t seem to believe they really went all the way through. Fletcher held a leg up to his face and looked through one of the holes at her.

“Peek-a-boo.”

He won some delighted laughter from the filly. She responded by picking up, or rather leading, his other leg in her hooves and peeking through a hole back at him.

“Bah,” she gurgled, and she won some laughter of her own.

Then she seemed to want to investigate him more, crawling up on his chest and reaching up to his face. Fletcher supported her bottom and let her feel it. Her hooves slid back and forth on his smooth, hard cheeks, but she found that his eyelids were soft and leathery. Fletcher patiently let her pull them down one after the other. She seemed to get hung up on his scar and gave him a concerned look.

Fletcher nodded. "Owie," he explained.

The little filly kissed her hoof and touched it to his scar. "Mwah," she sounded, and gave him a smile.

Fletcher chuckled as his heart melted once again. "Thank you."

Next she moved on to his muzzle. It was hard for the most part, but his lips were soft around mouth. The tip of his nose was a little springier too. With awe, she almost reverently ran her hoof down one of his fangs. Suddenly, he opened his mouth wide, folded his fangs in, and snapped his jaw around her hoof.

“Um num num!” he sounded, gently nipping her little foot.

“Ah haha!” she squealed with glee. She hugged his muzzle and gave him a giddy smile.

Fletcher’s own smile almost never left. He raised her up higher knowing she would want to check out the rest. She happily wrapped her fetlocks around his horn and even gummed a thinner portion of it. Fletcher giggled at the ticklish sensation and flicked his ears about, desperate to divert her attention. It seemed to work, because she released her grip on his horn and reached toward his ears. He happily brought her around to check them out. Taking one in her hooves, she stroked his ear down the length of it. It was also soft and leathery.

There was a pause, and Fletcher smiled knowingly as he sensed the gears turning in her head. Calypso gave it a yank, and almost jumped at the loud, dog-like, yelping noise the changeling made.

Fletcher chuckled internally. Of course it hadn’t hurt, but for little ones her age the best way to discourage a behaviour, was to communicate in an intuitive way. It worked quite well with foalings at least.

Rather than tug again, Calypso pet his ear almost apologetically. Fletcher smiled and brought her around to his face again, giving her another nuzzle. She laughed and hugged his face. Fletcher revelled in the love she was giving him, and hummed in satisfaction.

Looking over Calypso’s head, he noticed Princess Cadance was standing outside the pool watching them. She had already dried herself off and was holding a set of towels for them in her magic.

“That was adorable!”

< ------------------------------------- >

Private Honor stood at attention, waiting nervously in the Solar office. He messed up. Bad. He could still hear Princess Luna’s angry shouting running through his head, making him shudder. He still didn’t think the changeling could be trusted, but by striking a button as hot and sensitive as the Lunar Princess’ past, he was definitely getting a few demerits for this.

Private Honor tensed as he heard the door open. He gave a stiff salute as his commanding Princess entered the office.

“Have a seat,” she ordered. She didn’t give him a single glance as she walked around her desk and took her seat. With a heavy sigh, she finally looked up at him with a stern expression.

“I’m not impressed, Private. Your behaviour today was unacceptable from a soldier of the Royal Guard. You reacted violently, without provocation, and without orders-”

“I wouldn’t say it was without provocation…” the soldier muttered.

“What was that?”

The Private winced. He steeled himself and pressed on. “He was making a mockery of your Royal Guard, your Highness! That bug was dreaming if he honestly thought-”

“Not only were his words confirmed by lie detection, Private,” the Princess interrupted, “but I just saw the bodies from the event that started all this. The pelvis that Captain Feather mentioned was crushed. Not fractured. Not simply broken. Crushed, Private. That single bone was in 86 pieces, and the bruising on the gryphon’s hide confirms that that particular injury was from a single hoof strike to the flank. I’m not sure how he did it, but Fletcher wouldn’t be exaggerating if he said he could turn your bones to paste! But even if he couldn’t back up what he said in the throne room today, they were just words. You struck him because of words, Private. They weren’t even a direct threat! He was simply being honest! I expect my guards to show more discipline than that.

“What’s more, is that even after a warning, you proceeded to defy Princess Luna’s orders to release him, and then questioned her judgement. I ordered the Solar Guard earlier, to do as my Sister said. Since I did not object to her order to release Fletcher, I was basically giving that order myself.”

Private Honor’s ears fell. It made what he did seem even worse when she put it that way.

“It is one thing to act without orders. It’s another story entirely to disobey one, and question our judgement,” the Princess said.

“I was only looking out for the safety of Equestria, your Highness,” he defended.

Celestia raised her eyebrow. “Do you suppose that Princess Luna and I are not, Private?”

Before he could answer, the Princess continued.

“We are well aware that there are many reasons to be wary of changelings, and their countless tactics for deception, but your theory of a changeling being impervious to a lie detection spell does not hold water. The spell does not affect the subject in any way, but rather reacts to the subject. It does not force the subject to tell the truth. It simply indicates if what they have said is true, therefore one can not be impervious to it. To control the spell’s results, one would have to manipulate it to show positive answers, which is impossible. Even if Fletcher could somehow do this, without the use of magic no less, Luna and myself would have been able to sense even the slightest effect on our spells,” she said.

Private Honor shook his head. “I don’t know how he could have done it, your Highness, but changelings are schemers. He easily could have pretended to slip up, exposed himself, let himself be captured without resistance, and everything else, just to gain your trust. If he is plotting something, it would be the perfect plan. Especially since he’s gotten you both to fall for it, hook, line, and sinker. The foal is most likely one of them as well. Bringing a foal that would cry, and then supposedly calm down instantly to his little lullaby would make him appear harmless, or even endearing. I still think it’s a mistake to trust him, your Majesty.”

Celestia looked down and shook her head with a sigh. He just wasn’t listening. She knew the foal calmed down quickly because Fletcher sang exactly what she needed to hear, guiding her emotions to a different state. She had experienced it for herself. Not only that, but she saw the foal’s parents in the morgue. They were positively identified as a young couple that lived in Trottingham, and the foal was documented in the records as their daughter.

“The simple fact that he is a changeling...” she began as she took up a quill and parchment in her aura and started writing a letter, “...is not enough grounds to convict him, as you tried to do today. There is far more evidence to support his innocence, than there are hints supporting espionage. I believe you are allowing your paranoia for an entire race to affect your ability to see the possibility, that not all of them are the same.

“At any rate, we will determine how to deal with Fletcher, and we will continue to monitor him. It is not your place to question our judgement or our methods, Private. It is because of your actions today, and because you continue to question your Princesses’ rule, that I am left with no choice.” She finished the letter, and placed it in an envelope. Then she picked up a needle and pricked her fetlock, allowing a single drop of blood to fall on the envelope before pouring a spot of gold colored wax over top of it and pressing her stamp into the wax. With the envelope sufficiently sealed, she healed the wound on her fetlock and held the letter over the flame of a particular dragon wick candle. The flame consumed the letter instantly in a wisp of smoke.

The Princess cleared her throat. “Private Scout’s Honor, you are hereby discharged from the Royal Guard: Solar Division, and are as of this moment, reassigned to the Tower Watch: Briar Rock Division. I’ve just informed Commander Grey Stone, who will be your new CO,” she said formally.

Honor’s heart stopped. The Tower Watch was a series of watchtowers dotted along Equestria’s borders. The Briar Rock outpost was built upon a sad, tiny, island just barely detached from the mainland, that looked like a bunch of sea battered boulders. There wasn’t enough population in the area to justify a weather crew, so the air was always wet, and it was so cold there that it was always threatening to snow. Briar Rock was like one of the wing pits of Equestria, and in terms of seeing any action, it was where aspirations of military glory went to die. The biggest threat that was ever likely to come from that direction was a flock of seagulls dropping fecal bombs! What was worse, was being assigned to Grey Stone. A grumpy veteran commander, notorious for hoofing out punishments and demerits left and right! He was known along the grapevine as Commander Cactus Butt, because everypony that’s had him as a CO is convinced that he’s got something seriously uncomfortable rammed up there.

“D-discharged?! You can’t be serious, your Highness!” Private Honor stammered.

Princess Celestia closed her eyes and simply replied, “Please remove your armor and return your medallion. You leave immediately. You will be issued different equipment when you arrive. Your belongings will be transferred after you within the week.”

After a long pause, Honor shakily stood up and began to remove his armor. He finally removed the neck piece and the enchanted medallion emblazoned within it, causing his uniform white coat to fade to his natural, dull, rusty brown color, and the bright blue mane and tail, to his natural dark grey.

“You’re making a terrible mistake, your Highness,” he said as he laid the neckpiece on her desk. “You’ve let them deceive you yet again. Mark my words, that changeling will be our downfall.”

Celestia’s ear twitched despite herself, and she had to take a long breath to maintain her practiced composure. “I’ll thank you to keep accusations like that to yourself, Scout’s Honor,” she said firmly. She looked up at him with a stern glare that made the stallion quiver. “You don’t appear to be receiving the message. After the way you’ve conducted yourself today you should be considering yourself lucky to simply be getting reassigned, rather than court-martialed and discharged from the military outright,” she said with a cold intensity as she charged her horn. “In fact, the only reasons you are not, are because I’ve been looking for an opportunity to reassign a very hardworking and deserving soldier currently stationed on Briar Rock, and because Commander Grey Stone excels at rectifying discipline issues such as yours. Consider this a second chance, Private. You’d best not waste it. Dismissed,” she said as she cast her spell with a flash and teleported the stallion to the coast.

The Princess let out a heavy sigh and leaned back in her chair. That, and I can’t trust a hothead who can’t control his tongue not to rabble rouse the public if he were discharged. She rubbed her temples. Things were going to need to be handled extremely delicately with the public, now that a changeling had found favor with the Diarchy.

Celestia regarded her fetlock where she had pricked it. Thankfully though, there was light at the end of this dark tunnel of uncertainty which she and her people had been fumbling through since the invasion attempt. Hopefully we can finally get some answers now regarding how to discern, and prove our identities to one another.

< -------------------------------------- >

“Set the cradle at the foot of the bed, please.” Cadance was directing the castle staff and the nurses that came from Canterlot hospital. “Where would you like the changing table, Fletcher?”

The poor changeling was huddled in the corner of the suite’s Master Bedroom, desperately trying to stay out of the way. He was trying hard not to make any sudden movements, or otherwise frighten the mares moving about the room. They were moving around him in deliberately wide arcs, and watching him as if he’d lunge forward and bite them at any moment. They were terrified of him, and it didn’t take a changeling to know it.

“Um… w-whereever you think is best, your Majesty. I-I’ll trust your judgement on this,” Fletcher answered distractedly.

Cadance gave a sad look to the changeling before giving a direction to the staff. Once they set to work, she trotted over to him.

“What’s the matter?” she asked. “You seem so anxious.”

Fletcher looked up at her, her question surprising him. “N-nothing you need to concern yourself with, your Highness. Please don’t fret it,” he tried to assure her.

She gave him a smirk. “For starters, I don’t believe you,” she teased, “and for another, you don’t have to be so formal with me, Fletcher. After hearing about the kind of changeling you are, and also watching you dedicate your loyalty to our Kingdom, I consider you a friend. Or at least, somepony I’d like to be friends with, anyway. From now on, I’d like you to just call me Cadance when we’re in non-formal situations,” she told him as she put her hoof on his shoulder.

Fletcher stared at her in disbelief. “You… you wish for me to be your friend, your High--”

“Ah ah,” she interrupted with a raised hoof. “Cadance,” she corrected with a smile.

Fletcher rubbed his leg. “P-Princess Cadance, I don’t think-”

The changeling found himself met with a smooth pink hoof pressed against his muzzle. She giggled before correcting him.

“Cadance,” she corrected again. “I will train this into you, Fletcher. Even if it takes all night,” she said jovially.

GoodNIGHT she’s cute!

…

and Royalty!

Fletcher shook his head. Thoughts like that were the exact reason he couldn’t let himself get close to her.

“I don’t feel that I’m worthy of such an honor as to have a close relationship with you, your High-”

“Cadance,” she corrected him again, her tone as sweet as ever. “Then tell me, Fletcher, if you don’t consider yourself worthy, then who is?”

He didn’t answer.

“You are exceedingly kind, polite to a fault,” she pointed out with a smirk, “and you’re selfless. You refused to attack Atalanter even though it meant exile, you refused to free yourself from imprisonment today for the sake of not hurting trained guards, you even risked your freedom to save an innocent filly’s life! So tell me Fletcher, why do you believe you aren’t good enough to be my friend?” she asked expectantly, tapping him on the chest.

“I...I just-”

“Is it cuz you don’t wanna be fwends wif me?” she whimpered, and hit him with the most heart wrenching puppy-dog look known to pony or changeling kind. Fletcher’s face went red as a black cherry... which for a changeling, was pretty freaking red! The only thing that stopped him from throwing himself to the ground and frantically apologizing to her, was the small buzz he could feel from her. She was enjoying this.

Then he felt something else. Anxiety and frustration.

That’s not Cadance…

or the baby...

Who is that?

Cadance was confused when Fletcher’s head suddenly perked up and he stared at the wall.

“What’s the matter?” she asked.

Fletcher held up a hoof and remained silent for a moment, never taking his eyes off the wall. He finally spoke, “I think… I think Princess Celestia is coming this way,” he said. “She seems upset by something.”

“How can you tell?” she asked.

Instead of answering, Fletcher began to chirp as he walked over to the kettle on the dresser and poured some hot water into a tea cup.

-----------------------------------

After her discussion with Scout’s Honor, and after finally finishing all the paperwork for his reassignment, Celestia made her way to the guest suite she assigned Cadance to put Fletcher and the filly in, to make sure they were settling in alright. When she opened the door to the suite she heard Fletcher’s familiar chirping. He must be singing the foal to sleep. Luna was right about it being so soothing. She felt her body take in a deep breath all on its own, and felt a weight roll off her shoulders as she exhaled. What a sweet and beautiful sound. She envied Fletcher’s ability to sense the emotions of others. With such an ability, she knew he would make a fantastic parent.

Ooooh, I wonder if he’d make a good massage therapist? she thought to herself with a giggle, thinking of the tightness in her shoulders.

A few of the staff and nurses that were running around bowed to her as she followed the sound to the bedroom. When she stepped in the doorway and knocked on the open door, she was surprised to find that both Fletcher and Cadance were already looking directly at her. What was more surprising was that Fletcher wasn’t holding, or even looking at, his newly adopted foal, who was being bottle-fed in the corner by a nurse in a rocking chair.

“She doesn’t look very upset,” Cadance said to Fletcher.

Celestia raised an eyebrow as she entered the room completely. “I came to see how things were going. What’s going on?” she asked.

Cadance gestured to the changeling. “Fletcher said he could sense you coming before you even came in, Auntie,” she said with admiration.

Celestia turned to Fletcher with a puzzled look. “How did you know it was me?”

“I’ve only met you today, so I wasn’t completely certain it was you, but I could tell that you’re troubled by something,” he said as he levitated a cup of tea towards her. Celestia blinked. She took the tea in her aura and stared at it in astonishment. Nopony else in the room was drinking any, which meant he knew she was coming and prepared it just for her. She looked up in disbelief.

“You mean to say, that your singing just now, was for me?” she asked incredulously.

Fletcher bowed his head slightly. “Of course, your Majesty. I would happily do anything I could to make you feel better. If you would, please tell us what has you feeling anxious, your Highness.”

The Princess felt overwhelmed. All this, because she was upset about her meeting with her guard and his behavior. She shook her head and smiled.

“It is nothing to be concerned about Fletcher, I just had a meeting with the guard that struck you today and I had to reassign him. Even at the very end, he struggled to know his place, despite having been shown multiple times. Having to take disciplinary action, or to even rebuke my guards or staff is not something I enjoy, and that is probably the reason you sensed what you did,” she answered him.

Fletcher’s ears fell and he gave her a sad look. “Forgive me, your Highness. If it hadn’t been for me--”

“Stop right there, Fletcher,” Celestia commanded with a raised hoof. “I’m quite pleased to have you here and have already begun to reap the benefits, so please, don’t ever apologize for that. That guard’s disobedience today stemmed from an underlying lack of faith in his Diarchey’s leadership. If it hadn’t been the situation with you today, it just would have been something else another day,” she said. “How are you feeling by the way? Did he leave any bruising?”

Fletcher shook his head. “No, Princess, I’m fine now. We usually heal from internal bleeding before a bruise even has time to show, but thank you very much for your concern.”

Celestia smiled. “I’m happy to hear it,” she said. She took a long sip of her tea and savored it with closed eyes. It was quite nice. Then a thought came back to her.

“Perhaps I could ask a favor of you, Fletcher,” she began as she levitated her cup and saucer to the dresser. Then she levitated a large nesting pillow from the corner of the room and brought it towards her. “Would you be so kind as to massage my shoulders for me? They’ve gotten rather tight over the last few days, and I think you would be rather good at it,” she said as she lay across the pillow.

Fletcher’s eyes widened and his pupils shrunk to pinpricks. His poor heart couldn’t take much more of this. First the Princess of Love wanted him to drop formal titles and almost killed him with that puppy-dog pout, and now the Demi-Goddess of the Sun herself was not only giving him permission to touch her Royal person, she wanted a back massage!

He stammered, “A-are you s-sure that’s appropriate, y-your Highness?”

Cadance had to hold her stomach from laughing so hard. “Auntie, I couldn’t even make him say my name without formalities before you got here. I highly doubt you’ll get the poor thing to give you a back rub,” she chuckled.

“Awww, really?” Celestia looked up at him from her pillow with pouty eyes.

Fletcher squeezed his eyes shut and looked away. He was certain that if he made direct eye contact, his heart would stop.

“I could make it your first order,” she giggled jokingly.

Fletcher’s eyes snapped open as his changeling hardwiring kicked in. Orders I can do.

To Cadance’ and Celestia’s surprise, the changeling suddenly snapped to attention.

“Yes, Princess, as you wish,” he said with a salute.

Fletcher’s whole demeanor seemed to change. His voice had more strength behind it, and every movement was precise. He took off with a low buzz, and hovered over Celestia.

“Please spread your wings and lay them flat, then extend your legs forward and rest your head between them,” he instructed.

Though she did as she was asked, Celestia was a little concerned about his sudden seriousness. “Fletcher, you don’t really have to-- Oooooooh,” she moaned as she melted into the pillow. “A little to the-- Yes, right there!...Mmmm.”

Fletcher worked her shoulders as he hovered perfectly in place above her. He had a lot of experience with massage. They would do it for each other back in the Hive all the time whenever they sensed tension or fatigue, in exchange for love. He was currently getting no shortage of love from the Princess in the form of appreciation.

“Ohhh, Cadance,” she moaned blissfully, “it's just as I suspected. He knows exactly where the knots are, and applies the perfect amount of- Mmmm… pressure,” she said whimsically. She was in heaven.

Cadance held a hoof to her mouth trying to suppress a giggle. The only time she saw this much pleasure in her Aunt was when she was savoring her favorite cheesecake from Prance.

“Sounds magical, Auntie. I’ll have to try it,” she replied.

Finishing her shoulders, Fletcher moved on to where he sensed more tension, and started on the joints where her wings met her body.

“Ohhhhhh, Luna and I are going to love having you,” Celestia muttered. “If it wasn’t official before, Fletcher, we’re definitely keeping you now. You’re quite marvelous.”

Fletcher blushed at the compliment. “You’re too kind, your Highness,” he said humbly.

The Princess shook her head. “No, I’m not. You don’t understand, Fletcher. You have relieved more built up tension in 5 minutes than my most visited massage therapist could in an hour’s time. You can’t imagine how beneficial your services would be to my sister and I. Done right, regular massage therapy would have significant positive effects, such as less fatigue and better alertness while we perform our duties.”

Celestia slowly raised herself to a sitting position, the changeling seamlessly floating backward with her. She nodded her thanks and he hovered back to his position beside Cadance.

“It has gotten late, and you have other things to attend to, so I’ll leave soon, but I’d like to discuss a future arrangement. At the dawn and twilight of each day and night, Princess Luna and I enjoy our respective first and last meals of the day together before switching out. Every day, before and after our twilight meal, I would like for you to administer massage therapy to the respective off-duty Princess. Luna before she begins her vigil, and myself after I’ve finished mine. Dear Calypso should be asleep by then and I will assign a capable pony to watch over her while you carry out this task for us. Do you have any objections?” she asked.

Fletcher saluted. “None, your Majesty. Give the order and it shall be so,” he answered resolutely.

Celestia frowned for a moment. “Must it be an order, Fletcher? I usually prefer to make requests of my staff and save orders for military purposes,” she said.

Fletcher bowed his head. “I thrive on orders, your Highness. They give me a sense of purpose and structure. I feel a great sense of pride, knowing that I am carrying out my leader’s whims reliably, and with precision. The… the last time I was given an order I refused it, and though I still stand behind that course of action, I have missed following orders ever since. Please, your Highness, it would make me very happy to be following orders again. Especially from rulers that do not abuse their powers or faculty, such as yourselves.”

Celestia blinked. There was the smallest hint of pink in her cheeks. She shared a glance with Cadance for a second, then looked back at the changeling.

“Are all changelings like you, Fletcher? Do they thrive on orders, I mean?” she asked.

Fletcher bashfully looked away and started rubbing his leg. “It’s sort of a comfort thing, believe it or not,” he answered. “One’s other concerns don’t seem to matter as much when one has orders to follow.”

The Princess gave a knowing smile. “Very well then. Consider my request an order,” she said. “While we’re discussing orders, I’d like to issue a standing order for while you are here with us.”

Fletcher saluted. “Yes, your Majesty!”

“If you sense the presence of another changeling at any time, I’d like- *ahem* I want you to alert the current presiding Princess immediately,” she said.

Fletcher’s ears fell. “Y-yes, your Majesty. U-understood,” he responded, though the fire in his voice had diminished.

Celestia raised a brow. “Is there something wrong?”

Fletcher hastily shook his head. “No, your Highness. Equestria’s safety is the number one priority. I agree that if there’s another changeling nearby, you two need to know about it. It’s just that... I’m a little concerned about what would happen next,” he said. “If I catch them hurting anyone, I’ll throw them in the dungeons myself,” he told her with a determined look, but then it softened as he continued. “But, most changelings just go about gathering limress-- erm, love energy, without harming anyone. We’ve been doing it for centuries. I really hope I’ve helped you understand, at least somewhat, that we’re not all the same.” He looked away. “You’re first exposure to changelings was really quite unfortunate... for both sides. I’m truly sorry for what happened to you two.” He looked up and met his Princess’ gaze. “I will happily report any changeling presence to you. I simply pray that you’ll be willing to grant them a chance, as you did for me,” he finished with a humble bow.

The Princess looked solemn. “You’ve had a difficult time since the invasion on your side as well.” Seeing him nod, she continued, “Of course, Fletcher. It will depend on the case, but as always I will do everything in my power to be fair.”

“Thank you, your Highness,” he said with another bow. “I am privileged to be in your service.”

Seeing their exchange had finished, Cadance tapped Fletcher on the shoulder, and he promptly turned to her.

“Yes, your Majesty?” he asked expectantly.

The Princess of Love gave a devious smirk. “From now on, I want you to call me Cadance when we are in non-formal situations, as previously described,” she said. Before he could object she continued. “That’s an order~,” she sang, indulging in a triumphant giggle. “Oh, and when we are in formal situations, I won’t accept titles any more formal than ‘Princess’ or ‘My Lady’. Is that understood?”

“You may do the same in your dealings with me as well, Fletcher,” Celestia announced.

Fletcher’s ears fell again. He nervously stared back and forth between the Princesses while his jaw chittered.

The chittering almost made Cadance squeal in adoration. He’s so cute. He’s like a whimpering dog trying to decide between obeying his master, or just going for the treat balanced on his nose.

Celestia chuckled. He’s quite fun to tease, this one, she mused. Then she turned and excused herself, “Good night, everypony.”

Cadance gave her a wave and a smile. “Good night, Auntie,” she said sweetly. Then she turned expectantly to Fletcher. “Well?”

The changeling finally straightened up and gave a shaky salute.

“Y-yes, My Lady,” he answered.

“Ah ah!” She held up her hoof. “Cadance.”

< -------------------------------------- >

Fletcher laid awake staring at the ceiling, sprawled out on the massive bed. It still hadn’t truly sunk in for him yet. Never in his wildest dreams did he believe he would find himself in such fortunate circumstances. Heck, he was basically given a death sentence back when he was banished. Now look where he was. His hoof made its way to his scar, and he sighed. Faust has favored me indeed, Master.

His thoughts were interrupted by some stirrings in Calypso’s emotional presence. Confusion and fear. Aaaaaand, que crying.

Sure enough, he heard a long moan before his little filly started to cry. “Baabaa...

He chuckled and got up. As he approached, he could see her following his eyes as he moved in the darkness. Her signature flashed with recognition and relief. I still find it amazing that you’re not terrified by this, he thought. Glancing around the room, he noted that he was casting a faint blue glow on their surroundings. Perhaps she found the color soothing. He leaned over the edge of Calypso’s crib and chirped a soft tune as he gazed at her.

“Baba,” she called, reaching her little hooves up for him.

Fletcher laughed. Is that my name now? He gingerly lifted her up in his aura and lowered her into his forelegs.

“Hello, Sweetheart. Did you have a bad dream?” he asked as he ruffled her crest fur. “Everything’s alright now, I’m right here,” he assured her.

She caught his hoof, brought it in, and snuggled it with her cheek. She let out a soft moan of contentment, before dozing off again in his forelegs. Fletcher smiled as his heart melted yet again. It had been far too long since he’d held something this precious in his hooves. Raising her up, he craned his neck down and touched his forehead to hers.

“Lo Men Vai,” he whispered.

Had his eyes been open, he might have seen the pale blue light that briefly flashed at their point of contact.

Author's Notes:

O.O
Doctor! Doctor what was that flashy thing?!

Dunno.

Oh come ooooon, tell me! That's never happened before.

It's never been done with a pony before.

.............Gaaaaaaaasp*

Hahaha, go ahead and leave a comment guys, and be sure to double check your insulin levels.