Shining Armour strolled the castle's hallways, letting out a contented sigh as he did so; everything was running smoothly in the Crystal Empire, the ponies were happy, and his perfect wife was working on their first child. Everything that could possibly be perfect was perfect.

Why, then, do I still feel this cloud of unease hanging over my head?

Shrugging, he continued on his way; he supposed that a ruler would have to get used to feeling this way, never one hundred percent satisfied that everything was, in fact, fine.

Maybe that's how it starts? Sombra, Discord, Tirek … they never felt truly happy with how things were and wanted more. Maybe, as bizarre as it sounds, they felt like they had a just reason for what they did.

At home, he found Cadance asleep and he stroked her swollen belly. “I promise, little one, that you will be truly happy. No matter what it takes," he said, his eyes flashing darkly for a moment.