Crystal Rose stepped off the train from her home town of Canterlot and onto the station holding the single small bag she had brought with her. She looked around at her new home as she gasped in wonder. All around her the buildings sparkled in the sunlight, amazing her with their beauty. As she exited from the train station she saw her first glimpse of the famous crystal ponies in person. Each one had a dull coat and seemed to be sad and afraid. They had collars around their necks and where chained to each other. Crystal Rose was shocked by the sadness and fear in the kingdom. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted a young filly hiding in a dark alleyway. She could see the way it trembled in fear and trotted over to her.

"Don't be scared little one. You will be alright. I promise with all my heart that no harm shall come to you." Crystal said in a comforting voice.

The filly looked at her "You should get outta here while you still can miss. If he sees you he will never let you go. All of our kind are his slaves."

Crystal Rose looked surprised "What do you mean all of our kind?"

The filly opened her mouth to answer and her eyes widened in terror. Before Crystal Rose could ask what was wrong the filly dashed down the ally as quick as a Wonderbolt could fly. Crystal could feel somepony watching her and she turned around only to find herself staring at a handsome unicorns stallion. The stallion's coat was as grey as granite and he had a mane and tale as black as coal. The mane seemed to be like a shadow moving without any wind to blow it. He was the fittest stallion she had ever seen and his ruby red eyes held her captive in his gaze.  His horn looked like lime red hot iron and he worn iron armor and a red cape with fur trim. To top off the outfit was a strange looking crown. He seemed to be studying her. The stallion started to trot over to her with a look that a predator gives their prey. Crystal Rose panicked and bolted down the street. The stallion gestured to a pair of guards who gave chase. Crystal ran through dark alleyways until she thought she had lost the guards. Behind her shadows moved and formed the stallion she had seen on the street. Crystal Rose attempted to flee again but a wall of black crystals encased them preventing her escape. The stallion walked towards her with a regal stride.

"Forgive me for being so rude but I had to meet you. It is not everyday you see a  pony from Equestria this far north." the stallion said "I am King Sombra and it is my honor to welcome you to the Crystal Empire."

Chapter 2: the start of a story

Crystal Rose was shocked. This stallion was the king of this entire empire. And she had just run from him. She was in deep trouble. Never before had she run from a king.

"I am so sorry your highness. I didn't mean to run away from you." She apoligized "I am Crystal Rose of Canterlot. It is an honer to meet you."

Sombra smiled "The pleasure is all mine. It is not everyday i meet a unicorn as beautiful as you."

Crystal Rose blushed as Sombra kissed her hoof. She had never been called beautiful by a stallion who had never heard her sing before. Sombra escourted her out of the allyway and back to the street. He nodded to one of his gaurds who started to walk in the direction of her hotel before escorting her to a nearby park.

"So what brings you to the Crystal Empire. What once in a lifetime oppertunity has brought you all the way from Canterlot." Sombra grinned.

"What would make you think that I was here for something." Crystal Rose smiled back.

Sombra smirked as they walked through the park "No pony with your pristeige would come here for no reason. Tell me what great oppertunity drew you here."

Crystal Rose blushed "I am nothing more than a common unicorn. I have no special title. The only reason I am here is to sing at the Diamond Opera House."

Sombra smiled as they continued to walk through the park. This mare was special he just knew it. He could feel a strong magic flowing through her veins. This mare was his key to securing his empire forever. He could have all he wanted and so much more with her as his queen. Even when her use to him was up he would keep her around.  

"You must be an exceptional singer to be invited to sing at the Diamond Opera House. They only invite the best to sing there. I may even stop by to watch you sing." Sombra smiled.

Crystal Rose smiled back at him. She had never seen such true kindness from a stallion before. Every stallion who was kind to her had only been obsessed with her. He was genuinely being kind to her. She felt oddly safe and happy just knowing that there was someone out there who truly was kind to her.

Sombra smiled and bared his fangs. She would be his queen. Crystal Rose was a prize to be won and he would be the one to claim the prize. All he had to do was find a way to keep her here. She would be here for a week at most. If he could only cut off the empire from the outside world then she would have no choice but to stay.