It had been an eventful day since we helped Luna with her problem, we were glad that it was over. Rarity and I took it easier than the others due to her pregnancy, she was now into her 4th month being pregnant and we couldn't be happier. It was the next morning sometime later and I was at the kitchen clearing up after our breakfast, when Rarity came in with something she wanted to tell me.

"Look darling!" Rarity exclaimed. "It's come true!"

"Woah Rarity!" I replied. "What is this about?"

"It's a letter and it's the most important letter I've ever received."

I calmed her down by kissing her, she then blushed and smiled.

"That should help, now please tell me, clearly."

"Well, remember when I said that I would one day love to have my boutiques opened across Equestria?"

"Oh yeah, you mentioned that back when we were visiting Canterlot and meeting Fancy Pants."

"Well, this letter could be the answer I've been waiting for."

"Well, open it, I wanna see too."

Rarity used her magic to open it gently and opened up to see the letter. After reading it for a few seconds, she began to smile bigger before jumping up and down in happiness. "I got it!"

"You did?"

"I have been holding out for the perfect location and it finally became available! So now I can finally fulfil my dream of opening a boutique in Canterlot!"

"Wow!" I said happily. "That's amazing, I am so happy for you my love!"

"Thank you darling..."

We shared another kiss, but with a bit more passion. I was overjoyed to hear that her business was finally going to expand to areas beyond Ponyville and it was about time too.

"We should tell the others." Rarity suggested.

"I was thinking the same, let's go to the castle." I replied.

We then left our home and travelled to Twilight's castle and told her the news. Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack and Fluttershy were told too, we then left to take a train to Canterlot. Coco Pommel and Trenderhoof volunteered to watch over Rarity's boutique along with Sweetie Belle who wanted to help.

When we arrived, Rarity took us to an open lot that appeared to be dug deep and ready to have a building placed on top of it. It looked quite a big shape too, perhaps a little bigger than her original shop, but I didn't want to comment on that.

"So this is where you're having the second store?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yes and it's gonna be magnificent!" Rarity replied happily. "I must make my finest dresses before it's built and the grand opening follows. That's if you all don't mind..."

"Of course, Rarity, we'll do it together." Twilight said with all of us nodding in agreement.

Sometime later, we began working on Rarity's newest dresses once her second store was done and after an hour of hard work, the dresses were all done and we were taking a well-earned break inside her new store.

"Rarity's such a savvy business-pony." Coco said. "I'm so impressed she used the huge bonus she earned making the costumes for Sapphire Shores' Equestria-wide tour to open a second boutique!"

We all replied, agreeing with her.

"I take it from your reaction that you like the boutique?" Rarity asked.

"It's lovely." Fluttershy replied.

"Gosh, Rarity. Ah know hard work when ah see it, and it looks like you worked your hooves to the nub!" Applejack added.

We then noticed her hooves were a little worse for wear, compared to ours

"I don't know. Those hooves don't look nubby." Pinkie said. "The look scrubby, and buffy, and pedi!"

"Well, despite my 'nubby scrubby buffy pony pedi', I actually have been working very hard! But I wouldn't have been able to get theses done if I didn't have your help." Rarity replied "Oh I nearly forgot, I also recruited a new manager for the store, Sassy Saddles!"

Just then, we heard a door open in came a mare. "Bust my buttons, Rarity! The ponies from Ponyville!" she exclaimed.

Shortly, we all greeted her one by one and she seemed to be pretty happy to work with Rarity.

Rarity then continued. "I knew I needed a manager for Canterlot Carousel, so when Sassy showed me her résumé, and I saw that she worked in all of the finest boutiques in Canterlot, I hired her right on the spot!"

"I then laid out this plan, or 'pattern' as we say in the fashion biz, for Canterlot Carousel, so that Rarity's boutique will be a guaranteed success, and those doors will never, ever, ever close!" Sassy added.

"Wow, Sassy. Your attention to detail is truly impressive." Twilight commented.

Sassy smiled back. "I've already put a pin in the first piece of the pattern, Beautify the Boutique! But next was the very crucial pattern piece, Marketing to the Mares! Turns out that everypony here loves royalty!"

"So, I created a collection that beautifully revolves around the royal element of Canterlot!" Rarity added.

"And it just so happens there's a hot new princess in Equestria!"

"A new princess?" I whispered quietly.

Rarity then looked at Twilight. "In every poll Sassy Saddles took, you were the most popular princess! Coincidentally, one of my gowns is inspired by the window in Canterlot Castle commemorating your your coronation!"

I then thought of what TLC meant and then hummed to a song. "I don't want no scrubs, a scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me..." before I refocused.

"Judging by this baby, TLC stands for Tasty Liquorice Candy!" Pinkie said.

"TLC stands for 'Time, Love and Couture'." Rarity corrected. "And while I do agree that that this dress has potential, I've not had enough time to give it enough love to become couture."

I thought it would be tables, ladders and chairs but I kept that to myself and Rarity continued. "But the rest of the gowns in tonight's line have met Rarity's Rules and are ready to be presented!"

"My marketing research also confirmed that customers that view somepony famous wearing a gown wish to own that gown for themselves!" Sassy said, showing us a dress. "I call this piece of the pattern Celebrity Status!"

"So, Twilight, we were wondering if perhaps you might possibly wear this tonight?"

"If being a princess and wearing that dress can help your boutique in any way, then I say stick a pin in it. It's done." Twilight replied.

"I thought you were gonna say stick a fork in it." I said before realizing I said it out loud. They looked at me and it made me blush.

"Alright, everypony! Let's set the stage!" Sassy declared.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" I asked.

"No it's alright darling." Rarity replied. "Me and the girls can take it from here."

"Wait, I need your help to create a stage outside the store in preparation for the grand opening." Sassy said. "It's not too much to ask, is it?"

"Nope, I can take care of it, leave it to me." I replied before leaving the store.

When the stage was done, it was around sunset time and a crowd began to form beside the store.

"Fillies and gentlecolts!" Rarity greeted as the show began to start. "I am designer and couturier Rarity, I'd like to welcome you again to the grand opening of Canterlot Carousel, and I'm thrilled that you are here to see my newest collection, inspired by this regal city!"

The crowd began to respond positively and there was flash photography, I knew that this was gonna be a long event.

"Rarity, I'm-" A mare said to Rarity.

"Fashion Plate of Cosmare Magazine!" Rarity replied, cutting her off. "I'm so honoured that Cosmare was able to do a piece on the grand opening of my boutique!"

"Well, when Sassy Saddles calls, says she's found the latest and greatest in fashion, we hightail without fail! Now tell me all about your latest collection!"

"Oh, ah, it's called Rarity's Royal Regalia."

"Royally radiant!"

"My favourite part of being a designer is finding my inspiration, and that really wasn't difficult when it came to Canterlot. Everywhere I looked the royal city just spoke to me! I call it 'Inspire-ation'."

"Genius! Simply genius!"

"I spent hours by the lily pond on the castle grounds, which inspired this gown, 'Water Filly'!"

"Oh, the whimsy!"

"Watching Celestia raise the sun each morning literally lit up my day...this is 'Tripping the Light'."

"Fantastic!"

"And of course, Luna raising the moon guided me to sleep. I call this 'Over the Moon'!"

"Well, I certainly am!"

"And for our finale, I have something very special. I was inspired by the stained glass window created in honor of Princess Twilight... I call this 'The Reign in Stain'!"

"Because the dress is inspired by the stained glass window of a reigning princess!

"Yes!"

Sassy then got into the conversation "Oh, well, I think 'The Reign in Stain' is too difficult to explain! Especially for the signature piece of a collection?"

Rarity tried to respond. "But I rather like the-" But she got cut off.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, I, Sassy Saddles, am pleased to introduce the grand finale of the grand opening of Rarity's Royal Regalia, the Princess Dress!"

"Success!" Fashion added.

The crowd was very impressed, but now I was beginning to feel unsure about it.

"Everypony, please follow me and you can all place your orders for the Princess Dress!" Sassy said, leading most of the guests with her.

"Rarity, I want to be the first pony to congratulate you!" Fashion complimented. "The Princess Dress has just guaranteed Canterlot Carousel's success!"

Well, I had to agree, it was a successful grand opening, but Rarity is supposed to be the main mare getting the deserved attention, but Sassy is the one getting it. Was she trying to take the credit and take advantage of Rarity's generosity? It would be Suri Polomare all over again, I decided to keep the thought in my mind and be wary of what Sassy may be up to.

My thought was interrupted as the other girls came to us, congratulating Rarity.

"Yeah! Rarity's Royal Regalia is amazing!" Twilight said. "And everypony seemed to love the Princess Dress!"

"You bet your saddle they did!" Sassy replied after the guests left. "Rarity now has one hundred orders for her signature gown!"

Rarity gasp and began to stammer in shock. "One hundred orders? All at one time?!"

"According to my pattern, the next piece is 'The Success of the Signature Dress', so I do not see the problem!"

This made for an awkward moment which was suddenly halted by Pinkie.

"Cupcake?!" she offered excitedly and the other girls all took a piece and went to another room, leaving just me, Rarity and Sassy.

Rarity was beginning to feel displeased by Sassy and I had to agree. "First of all, Sassy Saddles, I would have appreciated getting to name the final gown from my collection myself." she said.

"My research shows your 'Reign in Stain' name was a play on words that was both very confusing and quite unappealing." she remarked.

"To you, maybe!" I retorted out loud.

"Well I see your point, but we should have discussed it prior to the grand opening, Sassy!"

"My only goal is for Canterlot Carousel to succeed!" Sassy stated. "That's why I changed the name, and that is why I took all those orders for the Princess Dress."

"But, but receiving orders for one hundred dresses in one day, it, iiiit's just too much too soon!

"Are you actually saying we should cancel these orders?!"

Rarity stood back a bit and acted calmer. "Uh, no, Sassy. Promises were made, and I shall sew my very best to provide each and every pony a Princess Dress full of TLC."

"Oh, thank you, Rarity, thank you!" Sassy then left the store.

Rarity sighed as I put my hoof around her. "Rarity, do you want all of us to help you with the dresses?"

"As much as I would love to, darling, I can't accept, because these orders are my responsibility. All I have to do is stick to my plan so I can deliver each and every Princess Dress in keeping with my Rules of Rarity!"

I knew then that a song would be involved, so I stood back and watched.

The rules of Rarity, just a parody

No dress here's unique

The panels all the same

Each coloured windowpane

I fashion only makes me want to shriek!

By then, the rest of the girls came back to see Rarity in her own world whilst I remained worried.

Oh, to create would give me elation

To feel once again some inspiration

Come on now, Rarity

Give me some clarity

Time for your couture love to rule

The rules of Rarity, extra T.L.C.

This feels more sublime

Soon now, they will see how good these can be

With a little extra shine

The rules of Rarity guarantee quality

All can see it's true

These new gems add such flair

Their beauty can't compare

This old style suddenly gleams anew

When it was over, I had to ask her again. "Are you sure, love, because if we help you secretly, Sassy won't know and it would be a lot less stressful, remember the time you worked on the dresses for the other girls and the suit you made for me on your own, two years ago?"

Rarity looked at me in defeat, she knew I was right and that I was looking out for her best interests before mine. "You do have a point, darling." she looked at the other mares. "Girls, I'm sorry to ask you this but would you mind helping me with the 100 dresses?"

"100 dresses sounds like a lot to do..." Rainbow replied. "...and Sappy Paddle is nothing but a pushover!"

"But it's helping make this second store a success, isn't it?" Fluttershy asked.

"Not if it's at the cost of having such a rude snob of a worker at this store." Applejack replied.

"We'll gladly help with the 100 dresses." Twilight said. "I'm sure we can do it if we schedule the times we'll each be available for it."

"Oh thank you girls and my darling, I would never be who I am if you weren't here for me." Rarity said happily. "I don't know how, but I'll make this up to all of you in the end."

We then began organising the work we planned and the dress making was underway. After 50 dresses were done it was night time and we agreed to work the scheduled Twilight laid out for the rest of the week.

A few days later and I came to Canterlot to check on Rarity's second store. Coco Pommel wanted to come along to see it for herself and I said she could. When we got inside, I heard a bit of commotion from the dress making room on the other side.

"How could you possibly be miserable?" I heard Sassy ask. "My pattern is perfect! 'Cosmare Cover Pony', done! You have your signature gown, the 'Princess Dress of Success'!"

"I don't want to make another hundred Princess Dresses!" I heard Rarity protest.

That was it for me, it was time for this to stop and Coco followed.

"I have a piece for that! 'Assemble the Assembly Line'! You'll never have to sew again!"

"What?! No!"

"Yes! Then, the Canterlot Carousel never closes! And Sassy Saddles' boutique succeeds!"

I walked in and saw Rarity who looked exhausted and miserable, that was all the evidence I needed.

"STOP!" I yelled at Sassy. "This is not your Boutique! This is Rarity's boutique, she has done all the hard work and what do you do, you take all the credit without laying a hoof on a sewing machine! I had no concern about you at first, but now that you've shown your true colours, you are not welcome here!"

"Darling..." Rarity said before trying to smile. "...my love is right, I want you out of my Boutique and your dress ideas can go straight to Tatarus!"

"No! Oh, you can't do that, Rarity!" Sassy exclaimed. "I, I've worked too hard to make this a success! I can't be part of another failed boutique!"

"You know what Sassy." Coco said. "You remind of Suri Polomare who did exactly the same thing that you're doing."

"Suri who and who are you?" Sassy smirked.

"Exactly, thank you for proving my point."

"That is Coco Pommel, one of my assistants at my original boutique." Rarity answered. "Somepony who works just as hard as I do and gets the credit she deserves, just like I should be with these dresses."

"Not exactly sassy now, are you?" I asked Sassy with a smug look.

Sassy sighed angrily. "Fine! I'll leave you boutique and I hope it razes to the ground!" She growled before finally leaving the store slamming the door on her way out.

I knew that she will be trouble soon but that can wait. Coco gave Rarity a comforting hug and I gave her a kiss, telling her that it's gonna be better and she cried a little, but she smiled, knowing that I am there for her, always.

The next day followed and things seemed to be getting better. Rarity was now the centre of attention of the store with me and Coco working on the dresses in the back. But one customer came in for an order.

"Hey, is this Princess Dress on sale?" I heard the customer asked.

"Oh no, I'm sorry, the Princess Dress has been discontinued." Rarity replied. "But there are plenty of other dresses on sale today!"

"Whoa. This dress completely speaks to my soul. Can I try it on?"

"Certainly. The dressing area is right back there."

From what I heard, the customer seemed to love it and made an order. Since then, more customers began to enjoy the variety of dresses we were making. This is how it should've been at the start for Rarity and I am glad that it's coming true. When she had a bit of time to herself, she sung a short melody again.

My favourite moment's when a pony sees it

That special gown that she just adores

That pony's now in style

My hard work's all worthwhile

Oh, yes, it makes my heart

My heart just soar!

Now that I would definitely agree. However there was a question I had in mind.

"I just thought of something." I said. "Carousel Boutique will always be your home for fashion, but what about this one in Canterlot, you can't be in two places at once."

"You're right darling, I would need somepony to stay here and watch over the store." Rarity replied.

"Umm Rarity, could I work here?" Coco asked. "I would have to move of course, but-"

"Uh uh uh, Coco dear, not another word. The Rules of Rarity are only to be applied at Canterlot Carousel!" Rarity smiled at Coco with a hoof on her shoulder. "Which is why I want you to manage the boutique while I am in Ponyville."

"Really, you want me to?"

"Well yes, I'll come to Canterlot with new designs and to see the customers of course, but Ponyville was always going to be my home base."

"Oh, thank you thank you!" Coco exclaimed. "And I promise to run everything following your rules."

"You're very much welcome, I have taught you so much since you moved to Ponyville, but I know that you're ready to run a store, but you won't be alone."

"I won't, I'll have Trenderhoof help me from time to time and I'll ask around Canterlot for a few others to help just in case."

"Good idea. Well darling, I think it's time we closed up for the day and head home."

"I can agree, let's go to our wonderful home." I replied.

Rarity, Coco and I left Canterlot and travelled back home. We said our farewells to Coco and went back to our home. By early night time, we got in and shared a passionate kiss.

"Oh Rarity, I am so proud of you." I said. "You now have two stores which means double the fashion spree and success!"

"Oh darling...I love you so much!" she replied. "I wanna repay you for how you stood up for me those days ago. Can I snuggle your fashion sense out?"

I felt surprised. "Uhhh...I know what you mean and I'll lead the way."

"Please..."

We went into our bedroom and carefully went into a moment of showing our engaged passion towards one another. But we did remain careful due to her baby foal bump, what a night...oh baby, what a night! Next Chapter: Rarity Investigates Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 47 Minutes