Zikel opens his eyes as he sits up. The dark ceiling greeting him as he awakened. It felt...rather nice to wake up in his own home. Feeling like he earned his sleep now that it was in his own home once again. Though it is not like his little hideout back in his world, but, it was like his old home combined with his own little spin on it. He slides out of bed with a groan, not wanting to leave the comfort of his wonderful matress. But he couldn't just stay in bed all day now could he? Maybe he would swing by the spa to see if the teins needed him to come in earlier than the time they gave him? Yeah, that seems like a good plan.

He makes his way into his bathroom, getting the water ready and cleaning his body thoroughly. After a good five minutes, he gets out and dries off his body. Seeing all the scars that were upon his scales. He lets out a sigh. beginning to get dressed in his usual attire.

"Fucking oversized bugs did a number on me...that's for sure."

He hissed as he was finishing putting on his leather leg guards, tightening the straps after he secured them. He stood up and made his way out of his home, closing the door behind him and makes his way to the spa. All was..rather quiet as he walked through the street. Ponies just going about their daily lives and doing their daily things. Is this what it was like when the girls weren't around? Just a quiet little town? Never the less, Zikel made his way to the spa. When he walked in, it was also rather quiet. No pony was around at all. The twins themselves were layed out on the couches just enjoying themselves. They smiled widely and leaped from their spots as Zikel came in, running up to him and hugging him tightly

"Zikel, good to see you sweetie!"

"Yes, we have missed having you around hun. How goes the building of your new home?"

"Well, apparently they finished it ahead of schedule. So I was wondering if you wanted me to come back to work early?"

"Oooh no no. We would never ask you to come in on your time off...we are doing just fine."

Zikel chuckled lightly.

"I can see that. Not much business today huh?"

Lotus nuzzled into his side as she spoke

"No...its been pretty slow. We have had only one pony come in today. Me and Aloe we actually thinking of closing up early to get in a little relaxation time ourselves...maybe even as you to..give us a private session?"

She then gave him those bedroom eyes, along with her sister as well. Zikel sighed and shook his head.

"You missed doing that to me didn't you?"

Aloe giggled lightly pressing herself against him as well. Zikel would only let out a groan.

"You know ladies...what if I happen to take you up on that offer one day? Are you going to deliver?"

He asked with an arched brow, the twins only smiling more.

"We just might Zikel. You are definitely a strong dragon. I we figured two little mares like us would be no problem for you."

Zikel's eyes widen at their answer, a massive blush forming under his scales

"I...did not see that coming...Uh.."

Suddenly a scroll appears above his head. He reaches up and grabs it, opening it and reading it. Letting out a sigh of relief as he just avoided a very awkward situation.

"It seems I am being summoned by the princesses ladies. I won't be able to help you two today."

He said with a smirk. They both looked at him with adorable puppy eyes and gave him a little 'Awwwww..."

"Not so fun being on the receiving end of the teasing is it ladies?"

"I will admit...you got us. You...Mmmph..got us good.."

Lotus said while squirming a bit against him, he arousal could be smelt by Zikel, but he wouldn't say anything. After he prys them off his legs, he heads for the door.

"Don't worry ladies. I am sure you two can find other ways to..sate your aches."

As he left, the twins looked at one another, and gave each other a sultry stare.

"Shall....we lock up dear sister?"

"Mhmmm~ we shall."

The author will leave it to the reader's imagination on what the twins do. We now focus back on Zikel, who was back at his home getting ready to go and stay with the royal sisters once again. They seemed to love having him over quite a lot. Then again, he was one of the few creatures who saw them both as a dear friend, and not a ruler. He grabs his pack and heads out the door, but stops as he remembers something.

"Ah right, the chocolates I picked up for them back in the Crystal Empire."

He said as he heads back in to slide them in his pack, slinging it around his shoulder and taking flight right out the door. Soon coming upon the castle,it was about mid day when he arrived. As he landed in the main courtyard, the guards and staff that were around smiled to him and bowed slightly. Zikel returned the bow. To the guards and staff, he was a more pleasant creature than Blueblood could ever be, and they always awaited him to visit when he did. One of the guards walked up to him.

"prince Zikel. always a pleasure to have you come by. Are you looking for the princesses?"

"Yes I am. You know where I can find them bud?"

Princess Celestia is in the throne room, but I am afraid Princess Luna has not awakened from her slumber yet."

"Ah, then let her sleep...no one wants a cranky sleepy princess do they?"

Both him and the guard chuckled at that. Zikel patted him on the shoulder as he walked by.

"Keep up the good work bud. Oh, and you don't have to call me prince. relay that to the other guards as well..I hate that title to my name...."

Will do pri-....Zikel. This is gonna take some getting used to..."

"All good...see ya around."

Zikel opened the doors before the guards could get to it. He didn't like being waited on hand and foot...or in this cause hoof and hoof. He walks through the corridors,waving to the staff who wave to him. Catching a few of the maids giggling and blushing as he passes. he shakes his head a little. What was it about him that attracted mares to him? Aren't dragons supposed to be...you know scary monsters that will eat you if you so much as look at them? Then again...Zikel isn't exactly a real dragon. More like...a dragon and a quarter of human? He shrugged and just continued on to his destination. Once he got to the door, he quietly opened it and peeked in. Of course, poor Tia was buried in scrolls. But he took this time to get her blood running. He slipped in, pressing his finger to his lips to the guards, they stifled a chuckle and nodded. He took a crouching position, beginning to make his way to the corner of the throne room and going in a half circle, his foot steps ever so silent, even with his claws on his toes. He comes  up beside her and leans against her throne with his arm resting on it.

"Whatcha readin' there Tia?"

She instantly shot up, her wings stiffening all the way up as she lets out the most adorable little scream ever. The scrolls flying everywhere. She quickly turned to see who was the one responsible..oooh and they were gonna get it. But as she turned fully to see Zikel, a big toothy grin ojn his face, she couldn't help but not be mad at him, and threw her arms around him in happiness.

"Oh Zikel, I have missed you dearly! Me and Lulu are so happy to have you back home after what had happened."

Zikel lowered his gaze a bit from hers.

"How...much do you know?"

"Cadence was very...detailed in her letter. We know exactly how you handled the situation Zikel..."

He turned his head away from her, but was quickly brought back by her hoof to his cheek.

"Zikel...you did what you had to do to save her. I wouldn't have been so brutal in my tactics. But that's what I love about you. You don't see any line to cross when it comes to saving those you care about. So do not fear. Me and Lulu do not think any lesser of you. We promise."

Zikel looks into her eyes. They seemed sincere along with her voice. Zikel wrapped his arms a little tighter around the alicorn, nuzzling into her neck

"Thank you Tia...I am truly grateful to you and Lulu for understanding."

"That's what friends do for each other Zikel.We care for you. More than any other pony out there. Your safety and happiness means much to us."

"As do yours and Lulu's to me. You two are truly the closest I have to a family here. There is Twilight of course. But you two are just a little bit higher on the ladder. Speaking of which, her and the others went on some kind of...friendship quest thing. Said they won't be back for a few days. Your timing couldn't have been better."

Celestia smiled and clapped her hooves together.

"Then let us not waste any time."

She looked over to her guards.

"You are dismissed for the day. I am sure Zikel here will keep me safe should anything happen."

They nodded and went back to their posts or to change shifts. Celestia then looked to Zikel who had already picked up the scrolls for her and offered them to her. She takes them and stores them...somewhere on her person. She the drags him along with her magic by his robe.

"Let's go to the study, I want to hear all about what you have been up to lately. And also....just to spend some close time with you.."

Zikel blushed lightly as he knew exactly what she meant. And to be honest, she was really starting to grow on him just as much as her sister was as well. He didn't know it yet, but his feelings were starting to elevate to the levels of theirs for him.

Next Chapter: Act 18: More Time With The Royal Sisters Part 2 Estimated time remaining: 45 Minutes