Some time later, Andromalius and Inanna met in the lower ward of the castle.

"Wow..." Inanna commented, looking around. "I've never been here before, and all of it looks... well, while it's pretty simple, it's still beautiful. Besides, visiting a castle is a big honor to anyone."

"If you want, you may move in." Andromalius reminded her.

"I just... thank you." she replied. "Y'know, it didn't seem like that big of a thing, but... I'm speechless. I could never imagine myself living in anything even remotely close to a castle."

"I will make sure that living conditions of all citizens improve." the hell stallion assured her. "A good home shouldn't be a luxury."

"I completely agree with you." Inanna nodded. "All those wars we fought didn't leave us time to actually live..."

"Alright, let me show you the castle keep." Andromalius said. "You'll be amazed, trust me."

***

"..." Inanna stood at the entrance to the keep, her mouth agape. "I... Andro... It's beautiful." she turned to him and kissed him. "I just..." she couldn't even express her feelings in words. She's been living in her poor house for a while, and being gifted a place in the castle was a step too high for her.

"I suppose it is a gift from me to you as a sort of 'thank-you' for all your support." Andromalius said, smiling. "Now, pick up your jaw, let me show you around. While I've been here only once and don't know it that good, I still can show you places."

"Alright, let's go." Inanna nodded. "I like it! I've never seen such richly-decorated palace. It certainly suits you."

Andromalius heard steps behind him. He turned around and faced Beledal, who had a scroll in his hand.

"I'm sorry for interrupting, my lord, but the response have just arrived." the advisor said. "In my opinion, you should look at it as soon as possible." he handed it to the hell stallion.

"What's going on?" Inanna asked. "Andro, working already?"

"Yes." he nodded, unrolling the scroll. "I'm afraid I have to cut our meeting short." he ran through the letter. "I promise that as soon as I'm back, I'll spend some proper time with you, my love." he teleported the scroll to his personal quarters. Then, he called: "Nebet, Nebet, Nebet."

"You wish to see me, my lord?" the butler appeared around the closest corner.

"Yes, indeed." Andromalius replied, and then gestured at the succubus. "This is Inanna, my love. Please, show her my quarters. From now on, they are hers as well. Make sure she's comfortable."

"As you wish, my lord." Nebet bowed. "Lady Inanna, please follow me."

"Alright..." the succubus said a bit nervously. "See you soon, Andro."

***

Meanwhile at the Hornguard Castle, everything was calm. The castle defenses were successfully repaired after the grand battle that happened there, and nothing even slightly close to that danger appeared during the recent days. No trace of Sombra and definitely no one else's. The territory was quiet save for the occasional cold winds.

Arantir decided to use the time to study deeper into Equestria in all aspects, including politics, cultural traditions, history, and most importantly, magic. He gobbled up books after books, rarely stopping or even pausing in his thirst for knowledge.

During his studies, he learned of the large stash of weapons and armor in the castle and surrounding lands. He sent out a portion of his army to collect anything even remotely useful and bring it to the castle. A lot of high-quality armor, from simple gambesons to elaborate full plate armor was discovered, as well as excellent weaponry: mostly spears and other poled weapons, swords, axes, ranged weapons such as bows and crossbows, and less anti-armor sabres, even rapiers of noble ponies. Most of those findings were in pristine condition thanks to the preservation magic of the unicorn tribe.

Under the tutelage of Arantir, Luna studied the art of necromancy, increasing her efficiency of commanding the undead at her disposal. The necromancer gifted most of the armor and weaponry to Luna, telling her that fully encasing her troops in armor would serve as an excellent way to hide the fact that they were undead. She carried it out perfectly, fitting her troops with full armor. Lack of flesh or life in general couldn't be seen under it, and the clanking noise the armor made hid the rattle of bones well. Not to mention that it gave the army much better look and higher efficiency. With new weapons instead of dull rusty old blades and with pristine high-quality armor instead of bent and dent partially-covering one, the new army was ready for any kind of battle.

On that particular day, while Arantir was studying, he received an invitation to the Canterlot Castle, to the official meeting no less. He was very surprised, too. However, he believed it is very important. Thus, he didn't hesitate to agree.

Making sure his attire was neat and clean, he summoned the portal to the said castle, and walked through it. On the other side of the portal, Luna and Lucifer were waiting. The necromancer glanced at the hellish alicorn, no emotion evident on his face.

"Good day, Arantir." the lunar alicorn greeted her master. "I'd like you to meet Lucifer, my husband."

"Greetings, High Lord Arantir." Luna's husband greeted the necromancer politely, bowing slightly. "Luna has told me about you. And, to my surprise, I actually see you before myself."

"Greetings to you, Prince Lucifer." Arantir respectfully bowed in return.

"There's no need to call me a prince." Lucifer slightly shook his head. "We're not officially married. Though, I do bear a title. Not from this world, but still a title — the King of Hell."

"My title is otherwordly in nature as well." Arantir nodded. "High Lord of Heresh, at your service. You mentioned you are surprised to see me. Why is it so?"

"In my native world, your character is nothing but fiction." Lucifer explained. "I mean no offence, though." he quickly added. In a couple of times when he played his son's favorite game, he wasn't quite sure what to think of this powerful necromancer.

"Ah, I see..." Arantir frowned slightly. "So... It means I am well-known around there as well?"

"Not in the big scale of things, no." the devil shook his head. "But certainly so in the small group of dedicated fans."

"Fans?" necromancer's brow raised. "Forgive me, but it is slightly... confusing." while Arantir has dealt with many a thing before, such news and their nature greatly confused him. However, he was sure Asha would guide him through.

"I will explain it on our way to the throne room." Lucifer said. "Princess Celestia and Lord Andromalius are expecting us." he turned to the throne room.

"So, he did become a ruler? How interesting..." Arantir murmured to himself.

His goddess Asha was right after all. What other things was she right about?

Arantir's frown deepened as he followed Lucifer and Luna to the meeting place.

***

As the four leaders and the devil assembled, the meeting was commenced. Everyone was seated at a large round table in the middle of the throne room. Increased number of guards stood at all entrances and windows, making sure no one tries to pass into the throne room undetected.

"So," Celestia spoke first, her voice was easily carried across the whole room. "Andromalius, you are a ruler now, and you've sent an official letter to us informing us that you would like to form an alliance with our country.

"Without a doubt, we will agree." she stated firmly. "My sister and I see that your country is in need of qualified teachers, as well as some important resources, as you mentioned in the letter. Our union will surely help our nations connect and assimilate. Simply said, get to know each-other. Though, there is still one problem — we must present you to the public. This agreement of ours can't be held secret."

"We'll work on it." Andromalius nodded. "I know that the ponies aren't exactly... acceptive towards the, so to say, 'evil-looking' beings. Though, I now have those." he shook his shimmering golden wings slightly. "Maybe it'll prove to them that I'm not planning to do anything even remotely bad to Equestria?"

"This would indeed require a lot of work." Celestia agreed. "Though, from your description, your nation isn't too different from us ponies. Also, you have minotaurs and hippogriffs. It will play a big part in presenting yourself to other countries,mas well as give you some positive light."

"It should also be mentioned that a lot of ponies have acquainted many of the incubi and succubi in their dreams. It would help ponies connect with your nation on personal and physical levels." Luna added.

"Now, I suppose we should talk about the war. It seems it's inevitable now." Celestia sighed sadly. "Our ambassador has been brutally murdered recently. He, however, managed to sent us a letter before his demise." she laid out a slightly bloody piece of paper on the table.

Dear princesses,

I regret to inform you that the Griffin Empire is planning to attack Equestria very soon. There was a rise of nationalism throughout the empire. My personal investigation shows that they are searching for a reason to declare war upon us. The full investigation report is attached to the letter and cannot be opened by anyone but you.

I'm afraid they will soon come for me. They are getting very suspicious of my activities. I suspect they will try to assassinate me and then cover it up.

T *ink spot*

THEY ARE HERE

*hastily written sign, drops of blood*

"I still can't believe it." Luna said, frowning. "Just what do these griffons want?"

"They always thought of themselves as superior to us ponies." Celestia replied. "Unfortunately, it is in their nature. It has been like that since our inception. They are hunters, we are prey. Also, it is possible that they want revenge for that war I was forced to fight nearly a thousand years ago. They suffered a defeat, and their pride wouldn't allow them to let it be."

"I still wish I was with you to fight them." the lunar alicorn said. "Maybe a lot more death could be evaded and prevented."

"Luna, it's not your fault it happened like this." Celestia assured her sister. "Now, let's focus on present.

"I chose all of you for the meeting because you all hold a lot of power we could use. Provided that you agree to help us."

"If war hits such a peaceful country as yours," Arantir said. "It would be disastrous. It doesn't look like ponies, at least most of them, like violence. Though, they would certainly volunteer to protect the country. And I will provide any assistance you may need."

"I regret to inform you that I will have to leave soon." Lucifer said. "There is something pretty nasty happening in my own world. I need to see what it is and what I can do to fix it. Though, there are some schematics of old war machines I can send you. They would be pretty effective."

"I won't stand aside as well." Andromalius joined. "I have a lot of experienced troops. You can count on me. Besides, I have a couple of useful spells that unicorns could use on the battlefield."

"This is a relief..." Celestia visibly relaxed. "So... Andromalius, you say you have a lot of experienced troops, yes? We could definitely work everything out. You need teachers for your educational establishments, we need professional military instructors. We can exchange."

"I agree." the hell stallion nodded. "Though, there is still an issue about releasing information about our alliance to public."

"Well, I suppose we should start working on our speeches, then." the solar alicorn said. "Luna, High Lord Arantir, I suppose you two should delve deeper into the forbidden art that is necromancy." she sighed. "I can't believe I'm saying this... Though, I cannot deny we would need a lot of troops for the new army. And I would very much like to keep our living soldiers as they are. It would be much safer for us to use the undead."

"We have already upgraded our armies." Arantir nodded. "Best weapons and armor we could find are at our disposal now. The troops are fully ready for combat. The army shall be divided into five parts, each commanded by a general. Luna and I shall command the generals."

"Where did you get those commanders?" Celestia asked, raising a brow.

"They are the best of the best in my Night Guard." Luna explained. "Proficient in battle and efficient in command and tactics, they have a great potential to become future generals."

***

Some time later.

Lucifer had returned to his world by then. As for the other rulers, Arantir returned to Hornguard to make sure everything is prepared; Celestia, Luna, and Andromalius worked on the speech to present the hell stallion to the public.

They have already sent out ponies to spread the news about the upcoming public announcement. Soon, the square in front of the castle began to fill up with curious ponies. A camera was establish with a perfect view on the balcony from which the announcement will be spoken. Guards were closely watching over the assembling crowd as per princesses' orders.

Behind the doors of the balconies, Luna, her sister, and her son stood, preparing themselves.

"I shall speak first." Luna said. "Andromalius, you are my son, and it is my duty to present you to the public. But remember, no matter how they react, I won't abandon you. They will learn to accept you."

"We shouldn't make them do it." Andromalius replied. "We should show them that I wish them no evil. If we try to force them, it will solidify that I am indeed evil."

"I understand it." the lunar princess nodded. "And I trust you have a plan."

"I do." he replied. "But we'll talk about it later. Let's get this over with."

Luna nodded, and then opened the door to the balcony. She exited the room alone, facing the assembled crowd.

"Dear citizens of Equestria!" she spoke, her voice amplified by magic. The crowd looked at her in respect as all talk was silenced. "I have something very important I should tell you right here, right now."

TV cameras aimed at her, taking a perfect shot. In the large and modern cities of Equestria, ponies looked at the princess through their screens. In smaller towns and villages, she was listened to through radios.

"As you all know, I had been imprisoned on the moon for one thousand years." Luna began. "It was the great time of loneliness... The price I had to pay for my crimes I committed. I was completely alone, disconnected from Equestria, with only rocks to enter my gaze.

"But everything changed once someone visited me." she paused. "He was a great person. He comforted me in my worst times... He was there for me when no one else could be. He has shown me a brighter side of the world, one I didn't know. And we fell in love."

Ponies looked at their princess with smiles on their faces. They were supportive towards Luna. Even a princess needs love.

"We spend much time together. Oh, he was special..." Luna closed her eyes and smiled. "He was the only warmth I had. He was the one who could understand how I felt.

"But a terrible curse was upon him. One that wouldn't allow him to stay for long. One that would turn him into a horrendous beast. But I didn't abandon him, we didn't fall apart." Luna unfolded her wings. "We made love. And later, I gave birth to a colt.

"Where is he, you might ask. Where was he when I returned? Unfortunately, we had to be separated. He had to grow stronger, and I couldn't give him all he needed."

Every pony listened, not daring to interrupt.

"And once he returned to me, he didn't know who I was nor did I know who he was. It had to be like that for his and my safety. But the truth unfolded... We embraced each-other.

"There were obstacles in our paths. His destiny was much more different than becoming a prince and ruling as my sister and I do. No, his destiny wasn't to rule over Equestria." Luna continued. She surveyed the crowd. So far, everything went smoothly. "You might have heard about demons."

Murmurs went through the crowd.

"In truth, demons aren't connected to Tartarus in any way, though they did find themselves in underground prison." Luna said, murmurs dying down. "From one of the first languages, 'demos' means 'people'. Ponies, griffins, minotaurs, all of them together. While some of you may think they are evil, it is not true. They were just very, very unfortunate."

Then, Luna proceeded to tell her subjects about the tragedy that befell the demons five thousand years ago. The same thing Andromalius learned from Inanna.

"...And now, they are back. They need our help to integrate into the modern world and society." Luna continued. "Some of them may look dangerous or even evil. Don't let your eyes fool you — do not judge them by how they look. They are just like us, albeit changed and twisted by magic. Many years ago, they were living among us. And now, it's time we rejoin. We can live together in harmony.

"I present you Lord Andromalius, the ruler of demons!" Luna finished her speech. Andromalius took his clue and appeared on the balcony. Royally spreading his wings, he showed himself to the crowd of ponies.

For a moment, all was silent. And then, the crowd erupted in thunderous cheerful applause. The hell stallion visibly relaxed and sighed silently. He expected it to go worse.

Celestia stood behind her sister, smiling. It was the first time Luna made a speech like this one. And it went perfectly.

Ponies accepted the demons. Though, it will still take time for those two nations to rejoin after so many years of separation.