Zikel slowly opened his eyes, they met the shinny white ceiling over him. He couldn't help but notice that his right arm was lacking a princess in it. He laughed lightly

"Right, Tia has to raise the sun...wonder how long it took her to prey herself away from me."

He looked over at Luna who was still sleeping soundly in his left arm, a smile on her face as she was fully pressed against him. He finally realized where his hand had been resting while she had been resting his his arm, it was soft and supple, and he had the urge to squeeze. Blushing a bit as he quickly removed his hand from her, she suddenly whispers to him

"Awwww, that felt nice to..."

Zikel flinched a bit as he saw the now sultry stare coming from Luna, he looks away from her and chuckles lightly.

"How long....did you know?"

"Oh I knew from earlier this morning mister grabby hands. You were enjoying yourself as you slept, that's for sure."

He sighed and facepalmed.

"Great, I fondle rears of royalty mares in my sleep now. I am sure Tia got the same treatment then?"

"Oh yes she did, we honestly thought you were just faking sleep to get naughty with us. But you wouldn't budge. Not that we were complaining though...you do have the most wonderful hands..."

"Yes....you made that perfectly clear when I turned you two into a pile of goo on the tables."

He said as he stuck his tongue out playfully at her, she did the same. They laid there for a little while longer, just enjoying each others warmth and company. They finally got up and got dressed, Luna looked over to him with a smirk.

"So...you won't ever be getting any trouble from Blueblood again Zikel. I made sure of that. In fact, no one will."

He laughed and got his pants and shirt on, walking over to his mage robe and sliding it on.

"What did you do lulu? Lock him up in the deepest darkest cell you have for about a few months?"

"No, I stripped him of his nobility and title, exiled him and gave you all of his assets and estates as compensation for the damage he inflicted on you."

She said that so..casually. Zikel nearly fell face first onto the floor, looking over at Luna

"You did WHAT?! Lulu, once Tia finds out about this, she is going to-"

He was cut off by a hoof to his lips.

"She already knows Zikel, she was crossed with me at first. But understood the severity of his crime after I told her everything when her mind was in its right state. She was happy I made the decision. Something that she could never do."

"As./...as long as Tia is fine with it. So...what am I looking at here?"

"Well, if I remember correctly, you now own his bank account, which currently holds twenty million bits, along with all the estates across the land he lived in. All in all, you are now one wealthy dragon, Zikel. And also, you will be given his title as well...Prince Zikel..I like that.."

"Nope! I will not be taking that title. Not no way, not no how! And I will not be living a flashy life. Its not for me Lulu..."

"But Zikel just think about it. A prince title and all the riches you could want. Doesn't that sound wonderful to you?"

"Lulu, you know I am not like that..nor do I want to be. Rogues and thieves may seem like they want a never ending flow of funds. but to be honest, we steal from others who have more than enough money to spare. Not people who struggle."

"But Zikel, with that title, you will be able to come and go as you please. The guards will not be able to stop you and they won't question your business."

He sighed and looked over at her. That did sound pretty cool, he could come visit with Tia and Lulu whenever he wanted,and not to mention feel like he was on more equal ground with them.

"Alright Lulu...I will accept the title, on one condition. Gather up all your guards and staff. Make them SWEAR this doesn't leave outside the castle. I do not want that kind of attention? Do you promise to do that? Please Lulu."

She understood full well of how he felt, she nodded to him with a smile, hugging him around his neck.

"I can do that Zikel. I will swear them all to keep it within the castle walls and among themselves. I just know though...me and Tia will be absolutely happy now, knowing you can come see us anytime."

"And I am happy about that as well. Also Lulu, the families that have cases against Blueblood of which he brought suffering upon. Give them back the funds that was taken from them. and give the rest to charities. I will take five million for myself. Give the other fifteen million back to the public. But no rich ponies. And as for telling them who did such a wonderful thing. Tell them it was the "Living Shadow" Since you and Tia are the only ones who know that name. As for the estates, get them sold and have the funds deposited into my account. How knows, I may have the need for the money. Call it a....potential war chest for safe keeping that no one knows about. Yeah, that will work."

Luna was stunned at what he had told her to do with three quarters of his new found wealth. Her heart was now beating with happiness and stronger affection for him. This dragon was so very sweet and generous, that he would want to bring back a little bit of happiness to all the ponies that Blueblood has wronged, and the rest for charities?!

"Zikel...you truly are an amazing dragon. Your kindness and compassion knows no bounds, yet you become a monster in order to do what needs to be done in order to defend those you care about. How do you maintain such an equal balance within your mind and heart?"

He chuckles lightly as he gets the last strap of his robe buckled and tightened, he walks over to Luna and lightly places a hand under her chin, locking eyes with her.

"Its really simple actually Lulu. I do what needs to be done that others don't have the strength to do. And yet I don't fault them for it either. That doesn't make them a coward. Some just can't maintain a balance of...peace and brutality. Something my father always talked about. I always thought it was just nonsense, but mow I see what he meant."

Luna couldn't help but smile widely as he talked about his father in such high regard. She nuzzled into his hand happily

"When I allowed your friends and family to come see you through a few dream gates. I saw your mother and father. They looked like quite the nice couple. And I can see where you got your handsomeness from. Your father looked quite good for his age. And your mother....by the moon, she was beautiful.."

"Thank you for saying so Lulu. I am just glad they are watching over me, and not hurting anymore."

He was suddenly brought to the realization of one thing. His stomach rumbled loudly, it was breakfast time. Luna giggled lightly and motioned him to follow her.

"Come on Prince Zikel, breakfast awaits. he stands there with his arms crossed and arches a brow

"Luluuuuu?"

"I am sorry Zikel...but it just sounds so...awe inspiring! Like a warrior prince who cares for his people so very much! It makes me want to just..."

She lets out the most adorable little squeal and giggle. Tia was right...she was worse. He shook his head and laughed lightly

"Tia was right about you Lulu. You are like a little girl who dreams about noble princes who put themselves second to everyone else, to fight any monster that plagues the land. Its actually pretty cute."

She blushes fiercely and shakes her head

"H-hush you..."

She said as she walked out the room, Zikel following. They made it down to the dinning hall, as Zikel walked in, he saw the table not only lined with food, but meat! Bacon and sausage! His mouth was watering, his long thick tongue running over his lips as he eyes it like a predator cornering his prey, his tail swaying behind him rapidly. little did he know, the princesses were starring at him and trying not to laugh.

"good thing I had out gryphon chef whip this up for you Zikel...so long as you don't eat ponies though..."

"Oh no, no pony flesh for me...but everything else..beef, pork, chicken...its my favorite." He looked over to see Tia and Lulu suddenly bursting out into laughter.

"Looks like we know the way to his heart then, don't we Lulu?"

"Indeed we do Tia. We must keep this information stored..."

Zikel wasted no time in piling his plate high with the meat and a few fruits, he tore through the food with gusto, some how not making a mess, but tearing up the meat like he hadn't eaten in days. The two sister's just looked at one another in shock, but started giggling with their hooves over their mouths. Zikel didn't care he was eating with royalty, all he cared about was getting his tummy full.

"So Tia..I talked with Zikel about the situations this morning."

"Ah,please tell what he said then dear sister."

After finding out how Zikel had wanted things arranged and done, Celestia's heart couldn't help but do the same thing that Luna's had done for him. She wanted to leap from her spot at the large table and pounce him and shower him with kisses. Such a kind and giving dragon. Celestia felt her love for the dragon grow ever more and more, but she held it in.

"Very well Zikel, your conditions will be met regarding the title. And we will begin distribution of the funds back to those who lost it against Blueblood. And we will also make sure that charities around the land receive a fair share as well."

"Thank you Tia, If I can give the abundance of fortune I received, then I will do so. It will equal out the balance I have so...terribly unbalanced in my life."

A guard comes into the dinning hall, approaching Celestia and lowering himself into a bow.

"Your majesty. princess Cadence is requesting that the Elements Of Harmony make their way to the Crystal Empire right away."

"Very well, I shall write a letter to princess Twilight at once. Thank you."

"Also, she is requesting the presence of someone named...Zikel."

Zikel heard his name and lifted his head up from eating. Swallowing his food and arched a brow.

"What could she possibly need me for?"

"Very well, thank you again.You are dismissed"

The guard bowed again and ran off, going to do his guard duty and all that.

"Uuuh...you ladies wanna fill me in?" Next Chapter: Act 13: A Returning Threat Part 1 Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 27 Minutes