It had been three days since Celestia had told Zikel about her feelings towards him. It has been on his mind for that long while he was busy finally building his home. He asked the twins at the spa for them to let him take off for awhile so he could do just that. They agreed and allowed him happily, after all, he was one of the best and most hard working. A little time off would do him some good. As he worked on his home, he had a bunch of worker ponies helping him out as well. Not for free of course, he was going to make sure that they were well compensated even though they denied his money. But he was insistent As they worked hard through the day, thought and thought about his answer to Celestia. She was a wonderful mare and being the lover of royalty wouldn't be so bad...but at the same time, he felt it was being rushed, like he didn't know the royal sisters long enough and did want to know them more.

"That will have to be my answers, for mine, Lulu's, and Tia's sake..and I have an obligation as a man to respond in kind...."

After the day's work was over, they had gotten around to finishing the structure itself, now all that was left was to get the underground going and fully built. This was going to take a week and a half to do. But he didn't mind. Suddenly a letter appeared out of a small orb of light and fell in front of him, he caught it as it fell from then air. he opened it up to see it was from Celestia. He sighed quietly and read it to himself

Dear Zikel,

I hope this letter finds you doing alright. Lulu and I want to extend an invitation to come and stay at the castle for a day or two while your home is still undergoing construction. It would please us both to have you accept our invitation.

Yours truly,

Tia

Zikel closed the letter and slid it into his pocket. he sighs again

"I suppose this means I must also give her my answer as well tonight then...very well, no getting around it!"

He said as he went to gather the things he needed from Twilight's castle. She was out doing things with Cadence, so he just slipped in, grabbed his stuff and slipped back out. Unfolding his wings and beginning to take flight, he lifts into the air and begins making his way to the castle. He had gotten used to flying now, it was actually pretty damn cool now that he had wings. He could soar the skies now like the eagles he had watched back home, doing barrel rolls and loops and all kinds of fun tricks.

As he came upon the castle main courtyard, he was stopped by two guards as he landed and looked him up and down, then back up to him.

"You are Zikel, I presume?"

"Sure am."

"Please follow us, princess Celestia is awaiting you in the south garden. She has been...eagerly waiting for your arrival."

Zikel arched a brow at this

"Was she really so excited to see me?"

They just shrugged/ As they came upon the garden, the guards left him there and told him that she was just around the corner. he nodded and went into the garden, seeing Celestia sitting on a stone garden bench and looking out over the city. Zikel cleared his throat to get her attention, she nearly jumped out of her fur, turning around and eyeing him, spreading her wings and flying to him, pouncing him and nuzzling into him.

"Oh you came! Lulu is going to be so excited!

"Tia I-"

"Ooooh we will get to have so much fun to...it will be like a sleepover!"

He places a finger over her lips, quieting her down

"Tia...I know what you are really after. otherwise you wouldn't have me out here alone with you. And before we get too much into my stay here, I want to tell you my answer."

She gets off of him and rubs her hoof into the ground a bit, looking down and then up at him as he stands, walking over to the railing and placing his hands on it.

"And that would be..?"

"I cant Tia, I-"

"But Zikel...why not? Why won't you-"

"Tia, let me finish."

He looked at her to see her eyes nearly filling to the brim with tears, he walks up to her and gently cradles her face in his hands.

"I cant for now Tia. I am truly flattered that you...really like me in that way. And I really like you to. But I don't know you all that well for us to progress this quickly. You are a wonderful mare. And to get to know you and Lulu more would make me a happy man-...dragon. besides, going into this too fast..it would be my first relationship...and I am terribly inexperienced with that kind of stuff. Soplease give it time, and let this progress naturally. Can you do that Tia? Can you leave things as they are...for now? And let me get to know the sweet and beautiful mares behind their crowns? This applies to Lulu as well. Back home, having two females in one relationship would be frowned upon. But you seem to want her to become closer to me as well. Why is that?"

She nodded and wiped her tears away, giving him a warm smile, answering him without trying to cry

Lulu and I are practically immortal Zikel. And it is hard for us to find lovers in our lives. But someone like you. a dragon is nearly immortal is a potential mate for both of us. And should the love between us and you be true. You will be given immortality as well. To be our mate eternally. But our last partners did not belong with us apparently. So when you came here to Equestria..and you showed just how sweet and lovable you are..I guess I just...I just."

She was about to burst into tears. But Zikel wrapped his arms around her tightly and nuzzled into her, running his fingers through her flowing mane gently, she closes her eyes and nuzzling into his neck

"I get it Tia...both of you were lonely and heartbroken.I am not going to say I know how it feels..I have been lonely for only nine years. But to be alone for as long as you have. I cannot imagine all that time. In all honestly Tia...I do hope this relationship will progress. Because you and Lulu deserve it. And I won't lie, being the eternal mate of two immortal rulers does sound pretty fun."

"So...you are saying yes?"

"No, I not saying yes, but I am also not saying no. As I said, let them progress...I am not going anywhere Tia. Remember that. Now, in light of the conversation we just had. Do you still want to have me over for the next couple of days? I can understand if this has...put a damper on things and I will return to Ponyville right away."

He felt her forearms tighten around his form more, feeling her shake her head

"No..please don't..if anything I want you to stay more. Now that I know me and Lulu won't have to try and rush you...that we can take our time now. I want you here, and I know she will after I tell her about this. Also...Zikel...would object to me and Lulu sharing a chamber with you? We were hoping that..well...you would allow us to sleep with you. Its has been a very very long time since we have had the feeling of a male wrap his arms around us. That's all we seek. Nothing...sexual"

Zikel could see the large blush forming her her pretty white cheers, she looks up at him hopefully and gives him the most adorable puppy eyes ever. he can't say no to that, even if he wanted to.

"Honestly Tia, that would be nice...especially being a dragon now..I get colder than I used to real quick."

Her smile curves up even more and lightly bounces on her back hooves as she hugs him tighter. He couldn't help but chuckle at how she acted. She was...like a young school girl who was with her all time crush. And...Zikel reaaaalllyyy like it.

"You know Tia...behind that royal act you put on for your subjects...the real you is quite adorable. Like a little filly that can't seemto get her boyfriend out of her mind."

Celestia let out a whine and hid her face from him.

"S-so?! Luna is ten times worse than I am..you'll see!"

"Oh and I should also mention. That kiss to gave me...was my first one. And I won't lie, your lips are so very soft and gentle...it was very enjoyable.. Which is why I really hope this works between us Tia."

She covered her mouth with her hooves and widens her eyes.

"I-I gave you your first kiss...? Zikel...how old are you?"

"Oh, am eighteen. I turn nineteen in about a couple months. I am a winter baby."

Celestia's blush deepened as she looked away from him

"You are just barely an adult Zikel...and I took your first kiss...I feel so dirty..I am thousands of years old and you are just beginning your life."

"That may be Tia. But you act about as young as a girl just getting out of seventeen. And its adorable. Plus, I think you and Lulu are very beautiful. You don't look a day over twenty-four..then again you are immortal so that could be why. And remember Tia, I am an adult now. I know Spike is eighteen as well, but in your world, he is just a baby dragon. I have fully matured. My form just changed."

Celestia smiled as he called her beautiful. He was such a sweet man, and even though he denied her his heart for now, she still loved him even more even though she would have to wait longer. But she didn't mind now she knew things could go along naturally now.

So Tia, what are our plans for the evening hmm?"

She released her forearms from around him, plopping on her rear and fiddled with her hooves a bit, looking up at him from under her mane a bit. Another adorable thing she did. Just as she was about to tell him, they heard a voice calling out to her. The voice Zikel heard made him cringe.

Aunt Celestia, I have a commoner I need you to punish, she ran into me and spilled this disgusting ill prepared soup all over my beautiful coat and-"

As he came around the corner, Celestia stood up properly and get her royal face back on, Zikel stood there getting ready to vomit. This unicorn was already pissing him off to no end with his damned annoying whining. He was dragging along a young grey pegasus with blonde hair and rather...strange looking eyes. Them seemed to be all over the place. He was dragging her by her hair, and she was crying in pain as he did.

"Please sir I didn't do it on purpose! Let me go, you are hurting me!"

"Shut you you lowly commoner! I can do worse if I so pleased!"

Zikel had just about enough of this, he drew his dagger from behind him and suddenly shadow stepped towards him, moving in zigzags and leaving black afterimages as he moved, as if just sliding on the ground. The edge of his blade came to the noble's jugular vein, this made the unicorn freeze up and release the pegasus mare, she flew behind Zikel and hid there, peeking out from behind one of his legs shaking in fear.

"W-what do you think you are doing you foul beast, get your claws off me. I am prince Blueblood, and I will have you executed for this!"

He presses the blade a bit harder against his neck

"You know what friend? Anyone tell you that you lack compassion for those less fortunate than you are? I could cut your throat and leave you bleeding right here. I do not answer to you, nor do I answer to the rulers of this realm. I am not of it. But, for Tia's sake. I am willing to spare your pathetic life. It's nobles like you that give the good ones a bad name."

Celestia watched this with pure shock on her face, but did indeed answer.

"He is right nephew. while he isn't a member of this realm...yet. He could spill your blood and I couldn't do anything about it.I would be extremely unhappy with him. But he is right non the less. Be grateful he is deciding to let you go on my behalf. Now then, accidents happen. And a little bit of soup falling into your coat can be easily fixed with a bath. You honestly need one to clean your attitude anyways"

Zikel laughed as he walked away from Blueblood.

"Good one Tia."

He looked down at the little pony who was smiling warmly up to him, she leaned up and hugged him tightly, nuzzling into his leg.

"T-thank you Zikel...always looking out for me aren't you?"

"As always Derpy, just be more careful next time alright?"

He said as he reached down and ruffled her mane a bit, but petted her as well.

"Now, get back home, I am sure your daughter is wondering where you are."

She nodded and gave him one last hug before flying off. Blueblood was not pleased, the petty insults began.

"Aunty why is this....creature even here? He is a disgusting dragon."

"This 'disgusting dragon' as you call him is my personal guest nephew. And you will treat him with respect. He is mine and Lulu's best friend."

"THIS is the friend you boast about all the time?! HA, what a joke! Why he is nothing more than a commoner himself!"

Alright, Zikel was ready to shred this fool down verbally

"I may not be of royal or noble blood, but I have more nobility than you ever will. that much is true. And I will have you know, I bath regularly. And also, I would show Tia here what you really are, but i don't think she wants me to pull down my pants and show me ass"

Celestia nearly lost it then, she had a hoof over her mouth and nearly went into a giggling fit,a big one to. Blueblood was steaming,his horn began to charge up, he reared back and threw a lightning spell at the laughing princess. Zikel was quick to react, he only had time to get in the way of the spell and block it. He lets out a growl of pain as the stream of lightning hits his body over and over. Celestia'seyes widen in both shock and anger as she saw Zikel get struck over and over.

"Blueblood, that is enough!!! Stop this now!!!"

"Oh no dear Aunty, I knew he would move in front of you to protect you, I am going tokill this commoner, and throw him into the fire...he is going to pay.."

Zikel suddenly lets out a low growl of anger, his eyes shifting in Blueblood's direction as he began to fight against the spell, he pushed Celestia out of the way and sunk into the ground, he traveled the shadows over various items that were scatter about the garden, eventually making his way over to  the attacking unicorn and reached up from the ground, dragging him down into the shadow of a near by tree. What went on in the little dimension...lets just say Blueblood was coming out covered more in blood than soup. A few minutes passed, and suddenly Blueblood was flung from the shadows, covered entirely in small cuts from head to hoof Zikel flew out after him and straddled over his struggling form,he locked a hand around the unicorn's throat and began to squeeze,smoke rising from the dragon's nostrils and a look of pure bloodlust in his eyes, he readies his blade to cut the throat of the unicorn, but he got a better idea.

"So you like to throw lightning spells at your family do you? Well then, I am going to make sure that you won't be able to do any magic...at all."

Celestia only watched in horror at what was unfolding, she tried to stop him

"Zikel please...don't kill him. He may be a lowly coward, but he is still part of my family..."

"Oh don't worry Tia...I am not going to kill him."

He said, even though his was still choking the life out of the unicorn, his legs kicking and shaking under the large dragon. He brings his blade to the tip of the unicorn's horn and slowly begins to drive the blade into it, Blueblood's eyes began to widen and he let out a scream of pain and thrashed about even harder.

"How does that feel hmm? You feel the pain of others you caused with your petty nature and cowardly ways? Attacking when backs are turned. Does that hurt like hell?

"Stop, it hurts!!! Release me!"

Suddenly the blade is shoved in deeper, and with a quick twist, Blueblood's horn snapped in two and fell from his forehead with a blean cut, blood dripping down his face now. Zikel takes the pieces of the horn and holds them in front of Blueblood

"How does it feel to have something taken from you that you will never see again 'noble'? Not so fun is it?"

He asked before crushing the horn in his lands into dust and letting it flow away.He walks over to the beaten unicorn and kicks him in the ribs,sending him out the way he entered. Celestia looked at Zikel with pure fright in her eyes. This normally sweet and playful young dragon was now...a monster. Zikel sheathed his dagger and looks back over to Celestia. He approached her slwoly,she began to back away from him, her eyes met his as he got to her. He suddenly fell to his knees and lowered himself down a bit.

"Please forgive me Tia...this whole entire evening was ruined because of my anger I had towards nobles like him frommy world. Someone like him had a friend of mine executed in front of me. And I guess...the way he was treating one of my friends here..and the fact that he aimed at you to get to me..I lost control."

Celestia went quiet fora few minutes, Zikel nodded and stood up as he went to grab his things

"Understood, I will leave this place then. Sorry about cutting him up. Don't worry, he won't die, just have multiple scars is all. See you around Tia."

He was about to lift off until he felt her forearms wrap around his waist, pulling him down. he looks over his shoulder at her.

"Tia...?"

"You are a damned fool Zikel...stepping in the line of a powerful lightning spell to protect me. He wouldn't have hurt me as much. But you fell right into his trap. But...I can honestly say..it made me happy knowing that you would do something like that for me if the situation called for it. Please, lets go inside..we need to get you cleaned up after that...And Iam going to be sharing that bath with you. No negotiations."

She said as she would press against him, escorting him into the castle, walking passed the injured hornless unicorn who was now being tended to by the royal doctors.

"You..will pay for this dearly, beast."

Zikel stopped and turned his gaze to Blueblood.

"Whatever you plan to do, I may not be so nice next time. And if you EVER use Tia or Lulu like that against me again. You will lose more than your horn."

He said as he and Celestia began to walk to the castle. Next Chapter: Act 11: Sentencing And Bonding Time Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 44 Minutes