Nightmare Moon sat on her throne, staring blankly out at the crowd of ponies gathered before her. Her mind drifted to the first time she had allowed others into her court and her mouth drooped into a distasteful frown. I cannot believe these blathering idiots were allowed to retain their status in Celestia's rule. These foals do not deserve their wealth, nor the influence they once had over the workings of the government. She could see the ponies' faces as they each waited their turn to meet with the Queen. Most of them wore poor masks to hide their discomfort and fear of losing their standing and Nightmare Moon could see right through them. Two particular stallions caught her eyes. One was a tall, handsome unicorn, his horn somewhat longer than most and his blonde mane well-groomed. He had a smug grin on his face that Nightmare absolutely loathed. The other was also a white unicorn, smaller in stature than the first, with a blue mane and mustache, but he held himself with an air of confidence. She could tell that he was comfortable in his surroundings, a trait taken by one that has seen his fair share of events like this.

Twilight fidgeted nervously, an act that Nightmare Moon took note of. She must not feel comfortable in front of all these foals dressed as she is, but she hasn't said a word. Perhaps I should reward her with a new article of clothing that she would feel more at ease in around others.... The thoughts were scattered when the next pony walked up to the area just below the raised platform of the throne and bowed, announcing herself as Silver Delight. The alicorn nodded slightly and ignored the obvious act of trying to kiss up to her. She enjoyed when her subjects prostrated themselves before her in fear and reverence, but the brown-nosing of the so-called 'elite' tried her patience. Pushing thoughts of the ponies out of her mind, she refocused on Twilight, but made certain to show some signs of interest to the speakers.

The lavender unicorn was watching the proceedings with mild interest. Nightmare Moon could tell that she was eager to learn about the higher society of ponies, but that their attitudes were driving a wedge into her scholarly pursuit. Twilight noticed the sidelong gaze of the Moon Queen and turned to her, smiling slightly, an act that none but the alicorn saw. She seems so bored with this stuff.... Why doesn't she just let some other pony take care of these thing for her? I'm sure that there would be plenty of others that would jump on the idea of the job. She probably just doesn't trust anypony to do it, but herself.... I wish I could be of more assistance, but I can't do anything but sit here....

Three more ponies had come and gone, their words blending together as they spewed identical tales to better themselves in the Queen's eyes. It came time for the blue-maned white unicorn stallion to present himself and he strode up to the throne, bowing low. "Hello, Your Majesty. My name is Fancy Pants and it is quite a pleasure to meet you." Nightmare Moon listened closely and noted the sincerity in his voice.

"Yes...! Well, Fancy Pants, do you have anything you wish to discuss?" Her voice was wary, still trying to figure out his intentions.

"Oh, why yes, I do. It is nothing of grave importance, though. First, I'd like to welcome you back to Equestria. I was unable to attend the feast held in your honor and would like to apologize for my absence. It was quite rude of me." He bowed again, a warm smile on his face. "I would also like to thank you for your willingness to help Equestria with the issue of the everlasting night. Without your blessings, the plants would have withered and even us nobles would have been scrounging for food, a topic that my colleagues seemed to forget."

Nightmare Moon smiled and nodded to the stallion. "Ahh, finally. A stallion that knows his place and isn't too snotty to be humble. You are welcome in my court any time." He bowed again. "Is there anything else you wished to discuss? My mood has been elevated and I may be slightly more generous."

Fancy Pants shook his head and simply smiled. "No, Your Majesty. I have said all I wanted." He noticed Twilight sitting beside her and arched a brow in curiosity. "I'm sorry, but I do have one question. Who is the lovely young mare? I feel as if I've met her before."

Nightmare Moon frowned, expecting a look of lust, but saw only curiosity. Her anger abated. "This is my... personal servant, Twilight Sparkle. She was once the student of Celestia before my return and now serves me willingly."

"Ah, yes. I remember now. I've seen you many times in the company of the Princess. Well met, Twilight Sparkle." He bowed to each of them once more and moved away to allow the next in line to babble pathetically at the Queen.

Twilight took no heed of them, her mind focused on the sentence Nightmare Moon had uttered. She... didn't call me her pet...! Does she... like me more now? Am I more than a pet? Happiness flooded her body and she soon felt herself breezing through the monotony of the dreadful nobility. Pony after pony came and went, doing nothing more than feeding the alicorn's frustration, but Twilight was too joyful to care. Until the smug unicorn stallion forced his way past the ponies he was behind to stand before Nightmare Moon.

The Moon Queen scowled at his first mistake. He hadn't bowed. "Greetings, Queen Moon. I am Prince Blueblood, son of Golden Rod." His pompous voice was like scraping metal across a chalkboard to Nightmare Moon's ears.

She put her loathing aside and nodded her acknowledgment of his presence. "I have never heard of you or your father. Why should I care? What have you done to strengthen my country?"

Blueblood scoffed, an action that only irked the alicorn even more. "I am a Prince. I have no need to stoop so low as to do commoner's work. I would never sully my hooves with such demeaning labor. I would love to personally assist you, though. I'm sure somepony like you would love a stallion like me by your side." He stepped up closer to the throne and winked at the Queen.

Nightmare Moon's rage flared and she shot to her feat, her horn radiating with magic. The pompous unicorn was lifted into the air by his neck and brought inches away from her face. "Are you suggesting that you wish to become an equal in my court? A consort?" She growled through clenched teeth, her magical grip tightening.

Blueblood gasped for air, terror on his face. "No! I didn't mean... it like that...! I just... I!" He tried to lie his way out of the situation, but Nightmare Moon continued to strangle him.

Just before he lost consciousness, the Moon Queen threw him to the ground and looked at Twilight as he tried to recover. "Twilight Sparkle, do you have knowledge of who heads the social stations? The one that holds influence over the status of all Canterlot society?"

Twilight shrunk under her gaze but slowly shook her head. "Ummm, no, Your Majesty. I never got acquainted with the ponies in Celestia's court. I only knew some of the higher ranked guards and her closest servants."

Fancy Pants stepped forward and bowed again. "That would be me, Your Majesty. I was head of the Equestrian government below Celestia whenever she wished to delegate her tasks to another pony. I had a small group of elected officials to assist me as well."

Nightmare Moon smiled, her anger fading once more. "Excellent. Do you wish to resume your previous station as head of Equestrian government under my rule? I am tired of these pompous foals trying to worm their way into my favor with their pitiful words."

"I would be honored, Your Majesty."

"Then it shall be done. You will once again have your circle of equals selected, but they must be approved by myself. I will not have these foals running my government. As your first act of..." She paused for a moment to think of his title. "Chancellor will have to do. As your first act of Chancellor, you will be doubling the taxes on any pony that makes more than one-hundred thousand bits a year." A series of gasps and outraged shouts filled the air as the ponies realized that all of them were included in that range. "SILENCE. Your actions brought this upon yourselves. I am the one true ruler of this country and none of your titles and wealth mean anything to me! You have lived far too long swimming in your wealth and turning your noses up at the poor, but remember! It was the poor that built the houses that you live in! It is the poor that grow the food that you eat! None of you brown-nosing foals are worthy of my presence." She turned her scowl down to Blueblood, her scowl deepening. "I want this wretch stripped of his title and wealth. Even most of these other ponies have likely worked to earn their living, but he has done nothing to contribute to my society."

He stood up, coughing, and moved to approach the Queen, her temper rising. "You cannot do that to me! I am a Prince and I will not stand for-"

In a flash of magenta light, he was crushed to the floor again, this time Twilight standing with her horn glowing. "You will not approach my Mistress with such a threatening tone!"

Nightmare Moon looked at her in shock, but smiled devilishly. It would seem I have more influence over her than I thought.... She nodded to the lavender unicorn and her magic was released. Blue sputtered on the ground, coughing and squirming as he complained about his coat being ruined and muttered curses under his breath.

Fancy Pants stepped over him and moved closer to the Queen and spoke so only Nightmare Moon could hear. "While I agree that the ponies of Canterlot's high society should be taxed higher, it would probably be best to only raise the taxes slightly and only increase it more over time. It is best not to put a barrier of hatred between yourself and your subjects like this."

"Hmmm. Yes, I see your point. Very well." She looked up over the mass and increased the volume of her voice once more. "I will retract my previous order to double the taxes on the wealthy," sighs of relief flooded the hall, "however, the taxes will be raised nonetheless. I am not Celestia, content to sit around and allow ponies with wealth control those without. I am the one true power in Equestria and, with this foal as my first witness, will punish those that do not follow by my rule." Unsure murmurs spread throughout the crowd, but nopony protested. She looked down at Blueblood and lit her horn. It glowed briefly for a moment, then, with a quick flash, the stallion disappeared. "You are all dismissed as you have said your share. I will now be meeting with any that have issues they wish to bring up be them rich or poor."

The group shuffled out of the throne room and a line formed at the door, a long group of ponies filing into place as they awaited their turn to have their issues brought to light. At the head of the line stood a rather elderly stallion, Nightmare recognized him as one of the only nobles from before to show some true humility. Before allowing him and to approach, Nightmare Moon looked to Twilight who was watching the alicorn intently. "You have done well, Twilight Sparkle, and have pleased me greatly. You truly are worthy to be by my side."

The unicorn blushed and dropped her head, embarrassed at the praise. I haven't received such words since the night I became Nightmare Moon's pet and she is even calling me by name now! Twilight smiled. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It means a lot to me to hear you say that...."

I have gained a powerful consort. It would do me well to keep her in my grasp. Nightmare Moon focused her attention on the line again and reset her mask. She prepared herself for hours of dull complaints and silently wished she had made the white unicorn handle this in her stead. "First pony, step forward."

Fluttershy knocked on the door to the library and, much to her displeasure, not a single noise was given as a reply. She frowned and knocked again, slightly louder, but still no answer. "Spike? Are you in there? I know you haven't come out yet so please let me in. You haven't had anything to eat in two days!" She shouted, but the words came out as just barely above her normal quiet voice.

She was only greeted, once again, by silence.

"Please, Spike? I just want to help you...!" She took in a deep breath and looked around in case somepony might be watching. When she saw the coast was clear she put a hoof of the door handle. "All right..., I'm coming in. I'm sorry...." As her voice got quieter, she turned the handle and opened the front door to the library, stepping into the pitch darkness inside. All the windows had been drawn closed so not even a sliver of moonlight lit the tree house. She stumbled about in the darkness, her fear slowly seeping into her mind, but slowly made her way to the stairs by memory alone. "Spike? Please answer me.... I only want to help."

"Go away. I don't want your help!"

Fluttershy jumped in surprise, but calmed down quickly as she realized it was Spike that had answered. "Please, Spike? You haven't eaten since we got back and you haven't left your bed either. It's not healthy for you...."

"I said go away. I don't need help from anyone." Complete sadness filled his voice, but traces of bottled anger seeped into it ever so slightly.

The cream pegasus pressed further. "I know you're upset, but you can't hide away like this.... I mean, Twilight had her reasons.... and she wouldn't want you to be sad for her...."

"What do you know!?" Spike snapped, his pent up anger and frustration being directed at the only outlet nearby: Fluttershy. "She abandoned me! She doesn't love me any more and it's all your fault! You and the others! If you would have gone to save her when we talked about it first she would still love me! If she hadn't read that stupid book about the Elements of Harmony she wouldn't have ever met you! We would still be together in Canterlot! If Nightmare Moon hadn't taken her she would never have stopped loving me! I HATE THAT BOOK! I HATE YOU! I HATE NIGHTMARE MOON!" Fluttershy couldn't see him, but she knew the baby dragon was crying by the loud wails and sobs that echoed through the otherwise silent tree. "I hate Twilight.... I hate her for leaving me.... She was the only family I ever had..., but most of all... I hate myself. I shouldn't have pushed her to come to Ponyville.... It's my fault.... I was so eager to help her make friends and look what happened...."

Fluttershy had found her way next to the baby dragon and wrapped her fore-legs around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Shh... It's not your fault.... You could never have known that this would happen." Her voice was soft and motherly, her element being put into full use. "I know that it's hard, but it was never your fault. And don't worry, I'm sure this isn't the last time you'll see Twilight. She'll come to her senses and come running home to find you."

Spike sniffed as he tried to dry his tears with a clawed hand, but they kept on pouring out despite his best efforts. "Do.... Do you really... think that she'll... come back?"

Fluttershy nodded her head. "I'm sure, but you have to take care of yourself or else she won't have a Spike to return to. It's going to be difficult, but I'm sure that we can all help you through it.... Until Twilight comes back." Spike nodded and sniffled as he wiped his face. "Now, come on. You'll be coming over to my place for a while so I can take care of you, okay? You can stay with me as long as you like. Even until Twilight comes back."

She released the hug and stood back, waiting as Spike composed himself and gather some of his belongings, specifically the blanket and tiny bed Twilight had given to him on his last birthday. They walked down the stairs, carefully as the lights still hadn't been lit, and made their way towards the entrance of the library. As they neared the door, Spike looked up to Fluttershy. "Are you sure that Twilight will come back? She... didn't look like she ever wanted... to leave...."

Fluttershy gave her best smile, but doubts still played through her head. She knew the truth. "Of course, she will. Twilight loves you very much and would never leave you alone forever." As they left, Fluttershy gazed at the library forlornly. I sure hope that she does....

Cloudy awoke abruptly, her stump of wing burning slightly as she recovered from slumber. The magical anesthetics had worn off, but she took no heed of the pain. One of the castle staff was talking just outside the hall, conversing with the medical ponies. She strained her ears to pick up on the conversation, her years of training as a guard helping to tune into the conversation.

"So, Nightmare Moon is going to be recruiting guards again."

"Yeah, I heard. She's making the announcement tonight, but I wonder who she's going to get to train them. She had Horizons to do that before, but with her injury I'm not sure that she's in any condition to lead them."

"Not only that, how will she get anyone to volunteer? Everypony that followed her into battle that night died and now nopony will want to join her. They'll be too terrified. I know I am."

"I know what you mean. I've never fought anypony in my entire life, and now we are building up an army to try and conquer the Drakenrange and Griffonia? She expects us to teach ourselves how to fight? I, for one, do not want to fight anything other than sickness. Treating Horizons was the most terrifying thing I've ever done!"

Cloudy frowned at their cowardice. She looked at the IV's stabbed into her leg and, with the grace of a rock, tore them out and tossed the blankets covering her aside. If nopony wishes to take command of Her Majesty's army, then I will once again. I am still able to fight even if I cannot fly anymore. A continuous beep filled the air as she removed the cuff of the heartbeat monitor and stood up out of the bed, wobbling slightly on unsteady legs. The doctor and servant quickly rushed into the room.

"What are you doing out of bed!? You haven't fully recovered yet!" The doctor stallion shouted over the noisome monitor before shutting it off completely.

"I'm going to lead Her Majesty's Lunar Army like I was trained to do and you will not stop me. Now out of my way." She pushed past the two, their mouths agape at her blatant disregard for her own health, and made her way through the halls. The pace was slow as she moved stiffly, her muscles still sore from being bedridden, but she eventually found herself outside the throne room. A small line of ponies gathered in the hall as they patiently waited their turn for an audience with the Queen, but she pushed past them, much to their chagrin, and forced her way towards the throne where she upstaged the current visitor and bowed lowly, wincing as her wounds were stretched.

Twilight immediately shot up and dashed to the pegasus' side. "You shouldn't be here! You should be resting! Come on, let me get you back to the infirmary!"

Cloudy pushed her back. "I do not need assistance. I am here for only one thing." She focused her attention on Nightmare Moon. "I wish to command your army, My Queen, and personally recruit ponies to your command. It would be my honor to serve under your banner once more." She dropped her head in reverence and Nightmare Moon beamed.

"You are welcome to resume your place as High Commander of my Royal Army if you believe you are physically capable of the task. You have served me well in the past month and I expect the same dedication from you now as I had before. Do you still wish to accept?"

Twilight moved to protest, but Nightmare shook her head, cutting her off. "I will do as you wish, My Queen. I am yours to do with as you please...."

Nightmare Moon smiled and stood. "Very well. I hereby assign you, Cloudy Horizons, title of High Commander once more and give you full control over my armies to build and shape as you please. I shall eagerly await your results. Also, for your first task, I require a small force to be sent to seise the Estate of one Lord Rust in what he calls Rust County. He has recently gifted the Estate to his Queen due to the recent loss of his wife and his increasingly poor health." As the recently reinstated High Commander Cloudy moved off to the side, Nightmare Moon beckoned to a pony standing off to the other side of the room and he moved forward towards the throne, bowing deeply. "Send for Chancellor Fancy Pants to finish with the rest of the concerns my subjects have for me. I wish to retire for the night." He bowed and hurried out of the room towards where the guests were gathered in search of his target. "Captain Horizons, you are dismissed for tonight and will begin your duties on the morrow. For now, do as you wish." Cloudy nodded curtly and left as well, heading to her room on the second level of the castle.

She looked at Twilight and smiled, truly pleased with the outcome of this night despite the minor issues from before. "You, Twilight Sparkle, will be coming with me. It has been quite some time since I have been given a massage. I want the full treatment when we return to my chambers."

Twilight blushed, knowing exactly what the alicorn expected from her and nodded sheepishly as she was led from the room to the third floor. "What about Moon Beam? I wouldn't want her to have to-"

"It would not be the first time Moon beam has seen me with another mare. If it displeases you, however, then I shall send her to go entertain herself with the castle staff."

Twilight opened the door to the bedroom only to be assaulted by a flying navy filly. "Yay! You're back! Now we can go outside and play and have all kinds-"

Nightmare Moon lifted Moon Beam off of Twilight and set her on her hooves as Twilight unsteadily rose from the ground. "Moon Beam, I want you to go and play with the servants downstairs. Twilight and I have much to discuss and do not wish to be disturbed. We will come and fetch you when we are finished."

Moon Beam pouted and kicked a front hoof dejectedly. "You two are going to have fun up here with each other aren't you. Why can't I stay? You never made me leave before!"

Twilight flushed again, but knelt down next to the filly. "I'm sorry, Moonie. I just don't want you to watch, okay?" The foal curled her bottom lip further and quivered it slightly as she widened her eyes and made them water as she forced herself to the verge of tears. Twilight felt her heartstrings tug. "Don't worry. I'll be sure to play with you all day tomorrow to make up for it, okay?"

Moon Beam cheered up instantly and hugged them both before dashing out the open door. "Don't forget, you promised!" She yelled back as she ran out of sight.

Twilight smiled as she watched the filly disappear around the corner until she heard Nightmare Moon call her name from the bed. She turned slowly and let out a gasp of surprise when a black aura enveloped her and levitated her to the alicorn's side. She calmed herself and, after closing the door with her own magic, began working her hooves over Nightmare Moon's body....

Author's Notes: Heya guys! Next chapter is up and running! Hope you enjoy. I must say that I am finally starting to come down from my sickness and I feel quite a bit better than a few days ago. Being sick sucks, let me tell ya. Well, enough complaining, you guys didn't come here to listen to me moan and groan! You came here to read! Don't really have much to say about this chapter other than: I HATE BLUEBLOOD. Such an ass. Can't stand people like him that think they're better than others cause they have money. Oh well, I get to do what I want with him since I'm writing this. Also, inb4 y u no tell us what happened with him! That's not the last you'll be seeing of Blueblood (unfortunately). He'll return. Anyhooves, have fun! Peppy out! OH! Anypony feel like helping me think of a name for this one? I can't think of one >.> Having a bit of trouble with it. It will be much appreciated!

Editor's Notes: Dr.Jekyll here and I love Blueblood hate. Not much else to say. Great great great chapter. Loved it. And another reference to Tonto the Trotter's assassin side story, this time, it's a lot more obvious.