They were led to the baths so they could wash up from the battle. Afterwards, Maria led the ponies to a large guest chamber in the castle. “Please make yourselves comfortable. I’ll see to finding what documents I can find about recent events and have food and beverages sent up. Please excuse me.”

Coltyn turned to Twilight and Thunder Snow, “How did you find me?”

“We had some help,” Thunder Snow began, taking a seat, “from the changelings.”

Coltyn raised an eyebrow, and Twilight clarified as she settled into her own seat. “One of Chrysalis’s changelings was hired to lure you into the trap. We were able to figure out where they went, and followed.”

Coltyn noticed that Twilight shifted uncomfortably and changed subjects. “Thank you for coming to my rescue.” Coltyn smiled, sitting next to Thunder Snow. “I know Nathanial mentioned a pony helped him, do you have any leads as to who it could be?”

“Yes,” Thunder Snow hissed. “But it’s only Chrysalis’s word, and the fact that Nathanial expected me makes me wonder if he was working alone.”

Twilight cocked her head. “What makes you think that?”

“I know a few ponies that would be very envious of the position I’ve been elevated to,” Thunder Snow explained. “Canterlot’s elite have a pecking order and set ways of ascending in standing: accumulation of wealth, being accepted by those above you, or marrying into a standing.”

Twilight scratched her head. “I don’t remember reading anything like that?”

Coltyn chuckled. “You stood at the top as Princess Celestia’s personal student.”

“Not to mention that your parents were high elite ponies in their own circles and your brother now stands equal with Princess Cadance,” Thunder Snow added. “The fact that I ascended from a working class pegasus to Princess all of a sudden would have gotten under some ponies’ fur. I have my guesses as to whom, but without evidence it’s not worth worrying about.”

The doors opened and a griffon brought in a cart filled with an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a large carafe of water. The ponies continued chatting until they finished their meals.

Twilight yawned. “I think I’m going to curl up and sleep. I’m still exhausted.”

Thunder Snow and Coltyn nodded as Twilight took a pillow to the corner and laid down. Coltyn looked out the window and the sun hadn’t touched the horizon yet. “What happened to her? She’s usually not tired before the sun sets,” Coltyn asked, curious.

“She paid dearly to get us here,” Thunder Snow replied. “She allowed Chrysalis to feed from her love for Big Macintosh without restraint in order to let us rescue you.”

Coltyn felt a pang of guilt. “That’s a high price to pay.”

“I found you, so it wasn’t for nothing,” Thunder Snow admitted, blushing slightly.

Coltyn placed his hoof on hers. “I’m glad you came for me.”

Their moment was broken when the doors open and Maria entered holding a stack of papers under her wing. “I think I have what you’ll need.”

Thunder Snow and Coltyn joined Maria to go through the papers. “I found the contracts that he drew up,” She explained, pulling out a folder. “This is the one that caught my eye.”

She pulled out a document that explained the conditions of payment and was signed with three names. The first was Nathanial’s, the second was in an unfamiliar language which the ponies presumed was that of the changelings, but the third was elegantly written by Prince Blueblood.

“The prince?” Coltyn queried. “Why would he stoop to such a level?”

“My best guess is jealousy,” Thunder Snow offered, her face drawn into a pensive frown. “Or maybe something else. But with this we have a starting point.”

Coltyn nodded. Maria pulled out another page and summarized. “This was a payment arrangement. Nathanial paid half up front to have Coltyn led to the trap and upon his death the final payment was to be delivered.”

“Does it say where the delivery it to take place,” Thunder Snow wondered.

Maria nodded, “It said, ‘Behind Joe’s Donut Shop’, three days after today.”

“Are you thinking of catching these ponies in the act?” Coltyn asked.

“If we can get them at the deal we’ll have a solid case,” Thunder Snow informed. “May we have these for evidence?”

Maria nodded, placing the papers back into the folder. “I’ll leave you to your business. Please inform Princess Celestia that the Black Claw Clan would like to open negotiations for trade.”

“I’m sure she will welcome the news,” Coltyn accepted.

Maria took her leave. Thunder Snow opened the folder and examined the contents again.

“What’s on your mind?” Coltyn wondered.

“I just get the feeling that Blueblood wasn’t the only player in this game,” Thunder Snow admitted.

“What makes you think that?” Coltyn queried. “His name is on the paper.”

“It’s never simple with Canterlot’s elite,” Thunder Snow explained. “He may have just been made to think his position was in jeopardy. There are more subtle ponies in the elite game that would be overjoyed to see us both out of the picture. You were a relative non-entity before you were suddenly appointed as Royal advisor, and I have some old enemies among the beau monde of Canterlot society. There are those who would cheerfully see me dead, purely because they fear I would tell my mother of their past sins.”

Coltyn gave her a considering look. “You know, I think that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you call Princess Celestia your mother.”

Thunder Snow sighed. “It’s … an adjustment … to think of her as such, but if I am to fully accept the changes in my life, I have to acknowledge that I am her daughter. I do not love my parents any less for accepting my mother into my life, and she has not asked me to reject them.”

“I don’t think she would, actually. The Princess is a compassionate leader, and she has to know you love the parents she chose for you.”

Thunder Snow nodded, her attention only half focused on the conversation as she read the contract again, a plan taking shape in her mind.

“Apprehending Blueblood won’t be a problem. It’s getting the one or more others Nathanial was to pay without raising suspicion,” Thunder Snow muttered.

“Disguises,” Coltyn suggested.

“Where are we going to get disguises?”

“I have potions that can copy another’s appearance, flawlessly,” Coltyn offered proudly.

“How flawless,” Thunder Snow queried.

“I did slip through the ages without raising suspicions and was undetectable from Princess Celestia’s best mages,” he pointed out.

“So what do you need?”

“I have a clear image in my mind, which will be enough.”

Thunder Snow nodded, and with a glance at the moonlit sky framed by the window, gave a short yawn. “We should turn in.”

Coltyn agreed; they took pillows and joined Twilight each getting comfortable before drifting to sleep.

***

The next couple days Maria, Gilda, Coltyn, Twilight, and Thunder Snow began to strengthen their friendship. They took a tour of the Black Claw’s territory and shared past experiences. Maria seemed curious about unicorn magic and how it worked.

Soon, they had to part ways. While saying their goodbyes, Maria offered a scroll to Thunder Snow. “I have written a brief statement to Princess Celestia, explaining the situation and that if needed we can be reached for further questions.”

“I hope this is the beginning of a long allegiance between us,” Thunder Snow smiled, taking the proffered scroll.

Maria nodded, offering to provide transportation back to Canterlot. Thunder Snow declined in favor of showing Coltyn what she learned while he was away. Maria nodded, waving farewell as they walked to the outskirts of the town.

Thunder Snow gathered a few clouds with her magic and compacted them into a dense mass that was able to hold both Coltyn and Twilight. With their cloud ride ready, the three of them began the trip to Canterlot.

***

They arrived before dawn on the day of the payment. Thunder Snow slowed the cloud pulling close to the mountain, blending in with the static clouds that surrounded the peak. Two quick teleports and Coltyn had his special shapeshifting potion and a sack.

“You should go to the castle and apprehend Blueblood. I’ll meet you there with our mystery pony,” Coltyn offered.

“Will you be ok?” Thunder Snow wondered.

Coltyn nodded, “Even though I’ll look like a griffon, I’ll still have access to my magic.”

He uncorked the bottle. Thunder Snow noticed the unpleasant smell before he consumed it. Slowly Coltyn transformed, his body becoming longer and muscles increasing. His hooves changed into recognizable black claws, his body extending and taking on the lion form as his head took on the appearance of a very familiar eagle.

“Does it hurt?” Thunder Snow questioned.

Nathanial shook his head, “No, but the potion tastes horrible,” he joked.

They had a short laugh before Twilight teleported herself and Thunder Snow to the castle. Coltyn glided in the direction of Joe’s Donut Shop and landed a few blocks away. Walking through the back alleys to Joe’s Donut Shop he rounded the corner into the alley, and watched as a cloaked pony came from the other end.

“Were you satisfied with the gift?” a female voice asked with a high class Canterlot accent.

“Indeed,” Nathanial smiled, “he proved very entertaining.”

“What of the other one I warned about?” she asked.

“She has satisfied three very unruly dragons,” he smirked evilly, “in many ways.”

The mare let out an evil chuckle, “And you have the payment,” she asked, eagerly.

Nathanial nodded pulling the sack from under his wing and offered it to the mare. She took the sack and upon opening it manacles launched outward, clasping onto her neck and front hooves.

“What is the meaning of this?” the mare demanded.

“You’re under arrest by authority of the Princess Wintra,” Coltyn said letting his disguise fall.

She recoiled as Coltyn pulled down her hood with his magic, revealing a butter yellow mare with a purple mane and a white streak. She glared at Coltyn, anger and hatred in her eyes. “How did you survive?” she snarled.

“If you knew me, you’d know,” Coltyn sneered dismissively.

She began to charge her magic and let a bolt of raw magic fly at Coltyn. It struck the side of his head causing him to turn but he didn’t lose his hooves.

“Sloppy execution and woefully underpowered, you barely had enough behind that to hurt a fly,” Coltyn criticized, looking down at the mare. “Now come quietly and this doesn’t have to end poorly.”

She snorted angrily, firing more force bolts at Coltyn. “I won’t be taken easily,” she scorned, pulling on the shackles.

“That’s why I brought the shackles,” Coltyn explained, lowering a shield.

Then, unexpectedly, she charged slamming into him, knocking him off his hooves. She set to pulling off the shackles with her magic. She freed her hooves before movement pulled her attention from freeing her neck.

“You should have come quietly,” Coltyn scolded, standing up.

“You don’t scare me,” she spat, throwing down the last shackle.

“You tried to kill Princess Wintra by using me. I take that very personally.” Coltyn approached her.

“Awe, the nopony likes Windigo,” she mocked.

“You will show her respect,” Coltyn commanded.

“You wouldn’t dare lay a hoof on me,” she challenged.

“In another time I would’ve done much worse.” An evil smirk crossed his muzzle as he circled her. “Physical torture, mental distress,” he chuckled, “so many ways to turn the strongest willed ponies into sniveling heaps.”

“I’m not afraid of you,” she sneered. In spite of her bravado, he could see that she was shaken, though she still stood her ground. “You are a nopony. You can’t frighten me.”

“I don’t have to; fear can take many forms,” Coltyn responded, approaching her – his horn glowing.

With every step his shadow grew around him and she tried to back away but backed into a wall. He let his shadow grow and tower over her, blocking out all the light, as his aura pushed down on her. She tried to hold but her knees buckled under the oppressive force of his presence. She felt like she was being crushed and her heart pounded in panic. Then suddenly, it was gone; she looked around, quivering. She only saw the alley and Coltyn who she averted her eyes from.

“Now, come with me,” Coltyn ordered.

She nodded, fear evident in her movements. Coltyn covered her face before teleporting her back to the castle.

***

Twilight and Thunder Snow appeared in Twilight’s personal library in the castle. Spike was overjoyed to see them, embracing Twilight in a hug. She gently broke away letting him know that there was still important matters to attend to. The two headed to see Princess Celestia, who was holding court. They arrived and Thunder Snow quickly looked inside, immediately spotting Fancy Pants and Prince Blueblood talking with the Princess. Thunder Snow ordered the guards to follow her, opening the doors. Celestia looked up, seeing Twilight and Thunder Snow; she wondered what news they had.

“Prince Blueblood,” Thunder Snow announced. The prince froze, the arrogantly bored expression on his face instantly turning to shock and fear, as he slowly turned to look at Thunder Snow. “You are under arrest.” Thunder Snow stopped, allowing the guards to restrain Prince Blueblood who was silent.

“If I may inquire as to the charges?” Fancy Pants requested, raising his monocle to his eye.

Floating the scroll out of her saddlebag, she unrolled it to show Blueblood’s signature, “We’ll start with treason and conspiracy to commit murder,” Thunder Snow replied flatly.

“Father, I…” Blueblood began only to be cut off sharply by a gesture from Fancy Pants.

Celestia frowned. “Those are very serious claims. What proof do you have?” she asked. Thunder Snow levitated the parchment to Celestia who carefully read and scrutinized the page. “Where is Coltyn right now?” she asked, looking around the room.

“There’s at least one other pony involved. He’s gone to apprehend them,” Thunder Snow explained. “He’ll return here with the perpetrators.”

Looking at one of her pegasus guards, Celestia commanded, “Get a message to Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor in Saddle Arabia. They will have to cut their honeymoon short as we need them to return immediately.” Turning to Wintra she asked, “Who are the other two signatures on the page?”

“One is the late Lord Nathanial Blackclaw and the other we assume is written in changeling,” Twilight clarified. “This parchment outlined payment after Coltyn’s execution.”

“How deeply were the changelings involved?” Celestia worried.

“We’re not sure,” Thunder Snow admitted, “but whatever deals were made, Queen Chrysalis didn’t like the results.”

“You dealt with her?” Celestia questioned, cautiously.

Twilight nodded and shivered, looking away, “She helped us get to Coltyn before it was too late.”

“I see,” Celestia nodded, realizing from Twilight’s body language that there was more than what she was being told, but willing to wait for an explanation. “Did you know that changelings were involved?” she asked Blueblood.

“Yes, the griffon hired it to lure Coltyn into the trap. I was there to make sure the trap worked,” Blueblood explained. “The payment given to the changeling was a fraction of the proposed price. The griffon threated to kill it and it quickly teleported away.”

“What made you do this?” Celestia asked.

“I thought I was saving Equestria,” Blueblood admitted, looking chagrined. “The griffon claimed that Coltyn was a cold-blooded murderer and the cloaked pony with him claimed that Princess Wintra was part windigo and was trying to plunge Equestria into chaos.”

Celestia nodded, turning back to Wintra, “What happed to Lord Black Claw?”

“He threatened my life and Coltyn defeated him. The new Lady had to claim his life in order to take his place,” Thunder Snow explained.

“I would like to have reports on what happened so I have a clearer understanding of events. Those responsible will remain in custody until Shining Armor and Princess Cadance return. They will handle the sentencing,” Celestia specified. Giving Blueblood and her guards a commanding look, she waited until he had bowed and allowed the guards to lead him away.

“Why? We have all the evidence we need to convict them now,” Thunder Snow objected.

“Be that as it may, you were directly involved,” Celestia explained. “We will wait for the return of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor; it will allow us to deal with the situation rationally without anger clouding our judgment.”

After a moment’s thought, Thunder Snow nodded, “That makes sense. I have something else here for you, as well,” she added, retrieving another scroll, “This is a letter from the new leader of the Blackclaw Clan.”

Celestia looked over the scroll before rolling it up. “I will reply to her later. Right now I would like you two to begin work on your reports,” Celestia instructed.

“Of course, Princess,” Twilight and Thunder Snow replied, bowing.

They left to return to Twilight’s room to let Spike know what was happening. Coltyn rounded the corner down from Twilight’s room and joined them.

“Did you get them?” Thunder Snow asked, hopeful.

“I did. I just gave her to the guards. I was just on my way to see you,” Coltyn confirmed, smiling as they entered Twilight’s room.

“I’m still confused, there are only a few ways gain the title of prince,” Twilight commented, gaining the other ponies’ attention. “He hasn’t married into the family and with Fancy Pants being his father; I don’t think he’s a descendent.”

“Then the only conclusion is that Fancy Pants was Princess Celestia’s consort,” Coltyn offered. Thunder Snow and Twilight gave him matching looks of confusion. “An ancient law that states that any consort a princess chooses will be formally granted the title of Prince. It’s likely that Fancy Pants doesn’t use the title because it would harm his social status. He is quite successful, and socially powerful in his own right. As Prince Consort, however, his social capital would actually diminish, as his standing would be entirely dependent upon the favor shown him by the Princess. But his son, Blueblood, would be eligible to use the title because of his father, and as his own accomplishments are… effectively nonexistent, he would see value in cultivating a close relationship with the Princess. If that is the case, then anypony who rises above him in status could be perceived as a threat to his own position in society,” he explained.

Thunder Snow looked thoughtful for a moment, and then asked cautiously, “So you’re saying that my father is Fancy Pants?”

“That’s a question only Princess Celestia can answer,” Coltyn deferred. “I’m just making an educated guess based upon what I know of the laws.”

“I’m so lost,” Spike admitted.

“That’s okay,” Coltyn smiled, “royal lineage can be very confusing.”

After a round of nods in agreement to that pointed statement, their conversation moved on to other topics. After catching up and answering Spike’s many questions, Coltyn took his leave to take care of the work that had no doubt piled up during his absence. Twilight asked Spike to go with Coltyn and help him with anything he could, which Coltyn gladly accepted.

Twilight noticed the way Thunder Snow looked after Coltyn as the silver stallion left. “You should tell him,” she said bluntly.

Thunder Snow looked at Twilight. “Tell him what?” she asked, confused.

“How you feel about him.”

“I couldn’t,” Thunder Snow sighed.

“You should.” Twilight smiled, and explained, “I remember being that loner bookworm who didn’t put any effort into making friends.” She let out a short laugh. “Princess Celestia had to force me out to socialize.”

“But it’s not the same,” Thunder Snow argued.

“No, it’s not and yet… it is. The fact is that you have to put forth the effort,” Twilight countered.

“He’s so much older than me, not to mention he was with Princess Luna.”

“That was a long time ago,” Twilight offered. “If you both care for each other age shouldn’t matter.”

“But what if he doesn’t feel the same way? I’ve been through that once and I don’t want to do it again.”

“Well,” Twilight chose her words carefully, “You have deep feelings for him and the only way you’ll know is to ask him. Otherwise you’ll make yourself miserable wondering, and you’ll never know.”

Thunder Snow tried to find a retort but couldn’t. Twilight’s logic was sound. Thunder Snow sighed. “You’re right. I’ll have a talk with him later,” she finally decided, determination ringing in her voice.

Twilight smiled. “Good. The sooner you find out the better; it’ll set your mind at ease.” She pulled out a quill and paper to begin writing her report.

Thunder Snow nodded, excusing herself. She slowly walked the path to Coltyn’s office thinking about what she wanted to say and how best to broach the subject of what she needed to ask him. She stood at his door, wanting to know the answers but also fearing she may not like them. After a short debate with herself, she knocked on the door.

“Hello, Princess Wintra,” Spike welcomed warmly, opening the door.

“Hi, Spike,” she greeted, smiling at the little dragon. “Would you please excuse us? I have some matters to discuss with Coltyn.”

Spike nodded and left the two ponies alone. Coltyn, upon hearing Thunder Snow at the door, put his quill down.

“I have to know something,” Thunder Snow began, deciding to dispense with any preliminaries in favor of getting directly to the point as she approached his desk. “Do you like me?”

Coltyn was caught off-guard by her question. “Of course I like you,” Coltyn responded carefully.

“So you just like me, like a friend,” Thunder Snow frowned, dropping her chin and averting her eyes from him, her stance becoming despondent.

Coltyn blinked, realized what she was asking, and walked around his desk to approach her. Placing a hoof under her chin, he lifted her head to make her meet his eyes. “I’d give up all eternity to spend one lifetime with you,” he said softly, looking seriously into her blue-violet eyes.

She smiled, a bit uncertainly, and leaned forward, pressing her head against his neck. Coltyn pulled her in tightly against his chest, laying his head across her neck. Time seemed to stand still as they shared the embrace, expressing their feelings for each other for the first time. Eventually, Thunder Snow pulled away, a worried expression on her face.

“I must know… do you still have feelings for Princess Luna?” Thunder Snow asked, dread in her voice.

Coltyn shook his head. “Not the way I once did. I still care about her, and am honored to call her my friend, but the love we had was a very long time ago. Those feelings were laid to rest long ago.”

“Have you… been with anypony else?” she queried, hesitantly.

Coltyn shook his head again, “No. Nightmare Moon was my first intimate love, and afterwards my life was about revenge… until you. You were my salvation, and you have become my hope. My saving grace, if you will.” Coltyn blushed, and then declared. “I’ll have to inform Princess Celestia that I wish to court you.”

“Court?” Thunder Snow questioned. “I thought we would just go on a date or something.”

“Relationships, like nearly everything else, are a little different when you’re royalty,” Coltyn said gently. “Everypony in Equestria is watching you, looking to you to set an example. There are traditions to be followed. It can be very difficult.”

“I don’t think it needs to be. Well, not yet, anyway. We shouldn’t have to worry about other ponies’ opinions.”

“Perhaps not, but I would still prefer to do this right. I don’t want anypony mistaking my intentions. You are far too important to me to allow that. We can wait on going public for a while, though,” Coltyn chuckled. “I still think we should tell your mother.”

Thunder Snow nodded, “Yes, that’s probably a good idea.” She turned and headed for the door. “See you tomorrow?”

Coltyn nodded, once, before closing the door behind her. He placed his head against it, his eyes overflowing with tears as his emotions overcame him, “Thank you for saving me,” he whispered, heard by none other than himself.

***

Having made himself presentable, Coltyn approached the doors to the royal dining area. He was hoping to catch the ruling sisters at their evening meal. He was nervous about asking to court Thunder Snow but with a few steadying breaths he entered, seeing Princess Celestia and Princess Luna announced himself.

“Princess Celestia, may I have a word with you? In private?” Coltyn asked, bowing.

Celestia raised her brow at his behavior before turning to her sister. “I’ll be back in a moment,” she smiled, leading him an adjoining room. “What brings you here at this hour?”

Coltyn looked down, scraping the ground with his hoof, before taking a steady breath. “Princess Celestia, I, Coltyn Pendragon, ask your permission to court Princess Wintra Thunder Snow,” Coltyn recited, the same way he recited it in his head over and over.

Celestia stepped back, questions filling her mind, but quickly regained her composure. “Why do you ask?”

“I want you to know my intentions are pure. Princess Wintra approached me first,” Coltyn clarified. “At first it was just getting to know her. But at the wedding when Shining Armor asked to have me join the wedding party, I initially refused. But when he told me that Princess Wintra had requested it,” a stray tear escaped his eye, “I couldn’t say no.”

Celestia smiled, “You have my blessing.”

Coltyn bowed deeply, “Thank you, Princess. I would ask that this not get out until after the sentencing is finished.”

Celestia nodded, opening the door and returning to the main room where she resumed her seat beside her sister. Coltyn headed for his suite a smile on his face.