Author's Notes:

More bedroom shenanigans abound! Enjoy~

Fun game: try editing mistakes with an iPhone. Gah.

Discord woke slowly the next morning and it took him several seconds to realise this wasn't HIS room. There was also the distinct warmth of someone else's body lying next to him.

A familiar warmth, a body he'd lavished attention upon under the light of a full moon-

He opened his eyes quickly, the memories flooding back in a rush. The one curled up next him was his precious Sombra!

--That’s right, after Moonbottom came to find me..-- Discord thought languidly.

After being alerted by Princess Luna that Sombra was suffering traumatic nightmares that he was locking her out of, Discord had gone to find the stallion and do something, anything, to put a stop to his torment.

Sombra had rejected his help at first, insisting he was fine. But his body language was just mere words away from a cry for help. Discord couldn’t stand to see his Sombra so unhappy and had eventually gotten him to confess to what was upsetting him.

He firmly told the King he wasn’t abandoning him and Sombra's relief and gratitude had been evident when he'd kissed Discord.

--You got me going good and proper dear Sombra,-- the Draconequus thought, admiring the intricate design on the ceiling. --I tried to hide it, but you seen right through me..--

Sombra had let slip that he liked the idea of surrendering himself to the chaos lord's capable hands.

--What was it you said, “shut up and rut me, already?”-- Discord smiled, feeling himself flush a little. Sombra was even sexier when he was being so demanding. It was pretty hot, Discord admitted.

And Discord couldn't turn him down, couldn't resist the stallion he'd dreamt about. Dreams that had become increasingly erotic since admitting his affections for Sombra.

The sex had been heated, passionate and quite frankly better then Discord's idle fantasies had ever conjured up.

He looked down at Sombra now, done recollecting the chain of events that'd led to a night between the sheets with the Umbrum. The pony was curled up next to him, his body lying pressed close to Discord's side, one hoof draped across the chaos being's chest. His head was resting on Discord's shoulder, soft breath tickling his neck...

Sombra's strong, muscular body was partly covered by the bed sheet, but Discord could easily visualize every well-defined curve and recall the feel of powerful muscles shifting under that coat. The pony was biting the corner of his lip with one cute little fang. In the golden morning light streaming in the window, he looked so happy and peaceful...

--I never imagined you'd let me have you that way, my dear Sombra.-- Discord thought, heart racing as he watched the stallion sleep. He hoped Sombra's dreams had been kind after the nightmares he'd been trapped in had left him shaken and lost.

Sombra made an adorable snuffling sound in his sleep, one wing twitching, raising slightly and making the blanket shift down an inch or two before settling down again.

--So cute.-- Discord squeed silently.

Carefully, the chaos lord moved the arm Sombra wasn't sleeping on and rubbed behind the stallions right ear. Sombra uttered a soft, contented sigh, then carried on sleeping. Discord repeated the gesture, this time rubbing little circles at the base of Sombra's ear with his thumb. Sombra smiled contentedly, uttering an adorable little groan and nuzzling against Discord, but he still didn't stir.

--Asgfdas-cute-overload!!-- Discord couldn't suppress a gleeful giggle. THIS woke Sombra, the gentle vibrations in his lovers chest stirring him to wake. He blinked sleepily, deep red eyes focusing on the Draconequus as he raised his head.

Sombra woke to the warm presence sharing his bed with him laughing softly. He lifted his head, vision focusing.

His sleepy red eyes met Discord's and he recalled the previous nights salacious activities.

Memories of the Draconequus' sizeable shaft plunging deep into him, hitting that sweet spot every time- the finishing climax making him feel light-headed and deliriously good- he'd never experienced anything so liberating. Something deep inside had clicked into place and he wondered how he'd denied himself so long...

He flushed subtly, recalling how he'd thrown poise and decorum to the wind and growled at Discord to basically shut up and fuck him.

He felt different and not just in the physical sense, it was as if something had woken up and started operations within his mind.

"Morning, handsome." Discord grinned, reaching one hand up to brush it along Sombra's jaw, coming to rest on his cheek. A warm hoof snared it and held it there a moment;

"Mmm, good morning.." Sombra said, his rumbling voice making even a simple greeting seem somewhat seductive as he released Discord's hand. He sat up fully, the blankets slithering down to his hips.

“Looking good~” Discord said with a grin, brushing a thumb over a small mark left on his lovers hip from the Draconequus' own hands.

Sombra stretched his wings out, uttering a deep grunt of pleasure, flexing the appendages at leisure before lowering them.

"Tense, my precious Sombra?" Discord raised an eyebrow at this blatantly teasing display. Sombra tilted his head to one side, dishevelled mane falling over one ear.

"I can still feel it," he met Discord's eyes and flashed a smirk "cant blame me for enjoying it."

“Indeed, I cannot. For you-- buhhhh.”

The pony went one step forward and rolled onto his back. Like a playful young colt, he arched his back to get the kinks out of it, then moving onto stretching his legs. This meant Discord's attention span didn’t stand a snowballs chance in a furnace and he gave up on words.

--Boiiing.-- Discord's mind offered and Discord could only nod mutely in agreement.

His eyes travelled over the broad barrel of Sombra's chest, lingering on firm shoulders and the soft curve of his neck before moving downwards-

The obvious moan of enjoyment the pony uttered finally spurred Discord to move.

"OK, now you’re just being a tease-" he chuckled, pouncing on Sombra and pinning him lightly on his back. Sombra laughed softly, the early morning light catching his eyes and making them shine like rubies as the King titled his head slightly to one one, pursing his lips.

"This is a way in which ponies stretch. There are others of course, but if it is a problem, I could stop-" he said teasingly, a smirk on his lips “If it's proving problemat-”

He was shut up with a fierce kiss that near took his breath away and moaned eagerly at the faint taste still on Discord's lips. HIS taste.

“Discord..” he moaned softly as he was let go and the Draconequus began a trail of kisses along his jaw, then moved down to his throat.

The Alicorn groaned, feeling his wings fidget, wanting to pomf up at this attention. They felt so sensitive, attuned to Discord's warm hands and lips.

At last the sensual snuggling stopped and Discord answered the question he'd interrupted.

"You will do no such thing, handsome." Discord scolded breathlessly "It's important you look after yourself. Plus, I reserve full rights to openly ogle you, yet act like I wasn’t when called on it!"

Sombra laughed, the sound full of such light and happiness that it made Discord blush, heart cramping in a good way. For Sombra to be so blissful when just last night Discord had comforted him after a nasty nightmare.…

It made his chest ache with relief.

"That's the Sombra I know," he smiled "happy, free..."

Sombra recalled the topic of Discord's intervention last night. His expression sobered up a little and he kissed Discord softly then spoke;

"Discord..." he smiled softly "thank you."

The Draconequus kissed him deeply, letting the pony go after a few seconds.

"You don't need to thank me, my dear Sombra. Seeing you happy, it means more then I can say. I cant begin to list what I’d have given to see that sadness leave your eyes," the chaos creature said soberly, then added, entirely deadpan "note to self; bang him senseless."

Sombra uttered a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter. He butted Discord's muzzle, making a cute “chuff” sound.

"What? What’s so funny, your majesty?!" Discord pretended to act confused, but the way his eyes twinkled made it very clear he was enjoying the tease.

"You’re so crude-!" Sombra snorted out at last as he laughed, the sound rich and so happy. “and stop calling me “your majesty”!”

"Fine, fine, my precious Sombra. Besides, you weren’t objecti-mmmh" Discord cut off as magic shimmered in the air and he was pulled down to a deep, sensual kiss.

"Who said I was?" the pony smirked sexily as he let Discord go, biting gently on the chaos beings lower lip before letting him speak.

"Good pony." Discord praised, scratching under the King's chin, prompting more contented noises.

“Did you sleep well?” Discord chanced asking as he let up on the attention. Sombra met his eyes, understood the question and nodded without hesitation.

“Wonderfully,” he whispered “your heartbeat lulled me to sleep and all I remember dreaming was of US, that night at the lake.”

“Good,” Discord said firmly “tell those bad dreams that it's gonna stay that way, okay?”

Sombra nudged Discord's muzzle with his own, smiling as he spoke;

"I do not think those nightmares will come back," the Alicorn murmured "not when I have a memory like that."

"Oh, we have many more memories to make, my dear Sombra." Discord responded, with a knowing grin. "You are far too irresistible for any type of constraint."

If this was how feisty Sombra was when he offered to let someone ELSE be dominant, Discord could just imagine-

"Speak for yourself." Sombra smirked, seemingly reading his mind. Discord looked down at him and the look he found in those garnet red eyes sent tantalising shivers up the Draconequus' back. What was his sexy Sombra planning?

"Oh, you know." Sombra whispered, again pre-empting any words Discord may have used. His nose nuzzled against Discord's ear and he nipped at it in a callback to last night as he whispered "I wonder if you can handle ME?"

"Fuck me." Discord groaned on impulse and he heard Sombra chuckle, that gorgeous gravelly voice stating "that is the intention, no?"

--Dammit Sombra..-- Discord snared his lover in a kiss, grinding his body suggestively against the King's, letting him know exactly what he was doing to him. Driving him utterly, wonderfully crazy. --I finally did something right to earn YOU.--

He released the pony from the kiss at last, both of them breathing heavily.

Just as Sombra was about to speak, there came an abrupt knocking on the door.

"What?" the King grumbled, annoyed and (from what Discord could feel), partially aroused.

"Your breakfast is ready, sire." the staff pony on the other side of the door blinked at how grumpy the King sounded. He was normally an early riser, hanging around the kitchen and being shooed away by the amused staff.

"Are you OK, sire?" he hedged, hoping Sombra wouldn't be angry at the question.

"I'm fine," Sombra glowered at the door, searching for an excuse "just had a-AH- bit of a rough night!"

He glared at Discord, who tried to act like he hadn’t just groped his majesty's bottom.

The pony blinked, assuming he was-?

He nodded to himself. He knew what this was.

"Of course sir, I’ll have the cook make some of that tea the doctor recommended."

Sombra couldn’t resist being a smart ass.

"That one from the time I got blatantly drunk and had a hangover?" There was an edge of amusement in the monarchs voice, the staff pony noted. Sombra was very hard to outmanoeuvre.

"Yes, sire." he coughed, suppressing a laugh, for that particular tale was legendary around the palace. Sombra had gotten so drunk he'd been found holding a conversation with a potted plant. For days afterwards the King couldn’t look at plants without sniggering and neither could the guards who'd found him.

He heard the King chuckle softly and sighed in relief. Good, the Umbrum ruler wasn’t angry..

He said he would go see to the King's breakfast and trotted away from the door.....

"Rough, hm? That’s not what you were saying last night-!" Discord teased Sombra as the pony turned his attention back to him "as I recall, it wasn’t really words, orgasmic moans maybe-"

Discord cut off as Sombra kissed him, followed by a familiar smirk on the King's face as he let him go.

"It was the only thing that I could think of!" Sombra chuckled, shaking his head ruefully as Discord helped him sit up.

"The last time I was hungover, nopony dared put a hoof wrong around me, in case it set my headache off. I figured it would stop them asking too many questions about this. I have bottles of expensive wine in that cabinet over there, they will just assume I must have had one glass too many at dinner, or after."

"Crafty.." Discord grinned "I like it~!"

"Now, we probably have a few minutes before breakfast?" Sombra raised an eyebrow. His tail swished eagerly, a gleam in his eyes.

--Whoa.- Discord whistled in his mind –He really is a firecracker!--

"As much as I would happily have YOU for breakfast," Discord let his eyes roam over Sombra's matted coat "you may wish to take a bath before you dine."

"Hm?" Sombra looked down at himself and realised now that his coat was splattered with a certain sticky fluid. He flushed subtly, but couldn't help a smug smirk as he met Discord's eyes.

"I guess I do need a good scrubbing! Care to assist?" he teased, as he got down off the bed, the unashamedly sexy way his hips moved leaving Discord no option.

"At your service, your maj- Sombra~" Discord retorted, floating after him and into the King's private bathroom. It was a big, luxuriously-tiled room with plenty of space for two under the spray.

Sombra flicked the switch with his magic, the room soon filling with scented steam. He sat himself under the spray of water, allowing it to run down over his body.

“Mind if I..?” Discord gestured to the stallion's coat with a shampoo bottle. Sombra nodded, smiling softly.

Discord sat behind him, gently tracing a pattern up the pony's back as he poured shampoo onto his palm. Sombra unfurled his wings and the Draconequus expertly ran his hands over them, massaging the joints and lovingly washing the feathered appendages.

“Mmm, that feels nice.” Sombra purred with a smile, as little shivers ran down his spine. He leant back against Discord, leaving himself to the chaos beings gentle caresses. A moment later, he tilted his head back, faintly nuzzling at Discord's jaw, unable to resist the contact.

Discord felt himself blush a little, heart racing. There was something so thrilling about the way Sombra trusted him so implicitly, that it made him fall for the stallion even more. Nopony had trusted him so much in his life, EVER. But Sombra had opened his heart to him after the slightly bonkers cloud-clone-confession incident and seemed fully content to drop all barriers around him.

He felt like he truly was important in this pony's world and that was a gift he'd never expected to find in his second chance lifetime.

His gaze roamed over the stallion's peaceful expression, eyes closed as he entrusted his care to Discord's hands, then down his throat where the necklace still hung against his chest.

Discord blushed, he shouldn't really be ogling. But he couldn't resist, he'd dreamt about getting this close to the Umbrum King for so long now. He reminded himself he was supposed to be cleaning up the King's coat and remembered the obvious spot that he'd pointed out to the monarch.

Sombra groaned softly, eyes fluttering open as he felt his lover's hands brush over his chest as they moved down to his stomach.

Discord felt the pony fidget eagerly, a soft moan reaching his ears.

--Wow, he really loves a belly rub..-- the chaos lord noted.

Sombra moved the wings to allow easier access, nuzzling against Discord's cheek as the fluid splashed across his belly was washed away by the same mismatched hands that had prepared him so thoroughly the night before.

He was aware of Discord's finger gently tracing the curve of his right hip as the chaos being murmured in his ear.

“All clean, my precious King.”

Sombra turned to face him as he was let go, kissing him deeply and giving the Draconequus' chest and stomach a good washing in turn, slowed a bit by the fact he was easily delayed by deep, hot kisses. Sombra didn't care how late he was to breakfast, this moment was too delicious to end before he wanted it to.

“Turn around.” Sombra said huskily as he finished that task.

“O-oh?” Discord wondered what he had planned but did as his King asked, his back now facing the stallion.

What did Sombra have in mind?

One heck of a back-rub.

“Oohhhh…..that is positively boneriffic..” Discord said dazedly, then snapped out of his daze as the hooves rubbing his back stopped and he felt the pony's muzzle butt against his shoulder. Soft, muffled laughter reached his ears a second later.

“Oh, right! I forgot, you're ten years old. BO-NER.” he emphasised and Sombra's laughter sped up.

“Enough of that!” The pony scolded as he resumed his washing “I cannot concentrate with you making me laugh!”

“I'm sure we can work on th-aaaats it, yup, that bit, that's bliss….” Discord trailed off “what was I thinking about? Ah, I don't care!”

Sombra chuckled again, then finished his massage, setting his hooves onto the tiles once more. He was pulled into a kiss as the Draconequus twisted his long, curved body to face him again.

“You're too tempting, my sweet Sombra.” Discord said breathlessly as he let Sombra go. For a creature with hooves, Sombra sure knew how to manoeuvre them!

“Is that so?” the monarch teased, a smile tugging at his lips.

“Yes. VERY.” Discord emphasized as Sombra sat back a little “we can't have you being too late, can we? As much as I’d happily continue last nights exploration of that gorgeous rump of yours-”

Sombra seemed to share his thoughts, for he smirked and pressed back against Discord, whispering;

"There's always other nights..."

Discord wrapped his arms around the King so the pony was resting against his chest. Sombra smiled, feeling more content then he had in years. He LIKED what had happened last night and he wanted more of it. More of that unconstrained raw emotion, more of that desire. He'd neglected this side of him for too long now, battling his own demons had taken up so much space in his head that having room for these new feelings to unfurl was a delicious prospect.

He could also feel something pressing against his stomach and he grinned knowingly.

"Cant help it," Discord snickered unashamedly as his lover angled his head to direct that smug look in his direction "your hotter than the damn shower water!"

Sombra kissed him by way of response, the movement making him press ever closer to Discord.

"If you want to make it to breakfast on time, stop being so tempting. You hear me?" Discord mock-scolded, gently nudging Sombra's nose with his own, eyes narrowed. He kept a straight face for all of 0.5 seconds before both he and Sombra busted up laughing.

Sombra wished he could tell his advisor’s and everything else, to go take a hike. But he knew his responsibility to his kingdom trumped his love-life...

"We're lucky," he said as they dried off and Sombra put on his royal regalia and crown "Page Assist is away for the day, visiting family. If that had been him at the door, he'd likely have kicked up such a fuss!"

"Rude." Discord grumbled.

"It is his job to help me manage the kingdom, he takes it VERY seriously." Sombra chuckled as he finished drying his wings, folding them down again.

"Well don't work too hard." Discord chuckled.

“Perish the thought!” Sombra replied and the Draconequus grinned.

Discord settled for one last kiss before letting his lover trot out the door. Then it was a case of simply portaling down a few minutes after to be greeted by a peppy Fluttershy.

As they sat down to breakfast, Sombra informed them he had to attend to several matters for most of that day and he was sorry he could not join them. But he told them to go anywhere they felt like, the palace staff would help them find anything that they needed.

"O-okay.." Fluttershy was disappointed, but Discord ruffled her mane and smiled to cheer her up.

"Hay, we'll have fun, Flutters! Whatever you fancy!"

He gave her a hug and she smiled.

"Oh!" She noticed something different about him as she let him go "are you using a new shampoo? It smells wonderful!"

Discord had a brainfart for a moment, not sure what she meant- then he remembered he had been washed using the stuff in Sombra's shower, which had been in a fancy bottle. The bottles writing had indicated it was from a far off kingdom, no doubt a gift from a trade partner.

"Yes!" He grinned "something Sombra recommended!"

This seemed to satisfy his friend and they all started in on breakfast.

"Sorry for being so late," Sombra said to Fluttershy "I had drunk perhaps a bit too much last night."

Discord mimed being drunk and Sombra shot him a “ha ha, very funny” look.

"As for me," Discord chuckled as Sombra returned his attention to his food "I was up late reading a book!"

--Interesting choice..-- Sombra thought idly, as he took another bite of food.

"Oh, was it good?" Fluttershy asked.

Discord grinned cheerfully, unable to help himself as he replied "yes indeed! Fantastic plot, couldn't tear myself away-!"

Fluttershy was torn between wondering what the book was and being concerned by Sombra suddenly having a coughing fit right at the end of that sentence.

"I'm fine." Sombra coughed, blinking to clear his blurry vision.

Discord turned back to Fluttershy, smiling innocently. "Didn't even need a bookmark, just used my fingers to keep my place. Finished it in one go."

“Pfft-!” Sombra nearly choked on the drink he'd taken to calm his throat after the first euphemism had sunk in.

"Not a book fan, Sombra?" Discord teased subtly. Sombra shot him a dirty look. Then he calmly responded;

"I am aware of books, I have a library smart-ass. There’s just not much time in the day for me to fit in a book."

The innuendo soared right over Fluttershy's head, hitting Discord squarely.

"Really? Maybe in bed? No better place to curl up with a HARDback than bed, at the days end." he placed a subtle emphasis on the word as he met the King’s gaze.

This one bypassed the Fluttershy-stratosphere on its return journey.

"Hm, there is that. Plenty of space for a book in that bedroom." Sombra mused. He knew it was most unbecoming of a King, but he was rather enjoying the slam-dunking of increasingly obvious sex jokes. Fluttershy of course was too innocent, thus entirely unaware of their game. She was just glad to see her two friends having such a nice discussion!

"Two or three, if you’re in the habit of speed reading?" Discord shrugged.

"No, I feel that books should be enjoyed, given some proper attention." Sombra chuckled, as he casually finished his coffee.

"True, don't want to spoil the story's climax." Discord said airily.

"Indeed. It is the best part, after all." Sombra nodded as he took a sip of his coffee. He was trying SO hard not to laugh, but it was like a rush. A guilty pleasure lending a spark to a life that had become mired in routine.

Discord caught his eye again and flashed him a brief, knowing smile. He seen the stallions lips curve just slightly, a smile that seemed to say so much.

He decided to test his luck anyway.

--BONER-- he mouthed and Sombra gave him such a look he nearly broke his composure.

Breakfast over with, the trio walked out the door. The two guards standing station outside the door exchanged looks as they vanished around the corner.

"They're gonna bang, right? That's what that was about?" one asked the other.

Sombra hummed softly to himself as he walked along to his office. As he approached, the guard stationed there, still new to his post at the King's side, tried to juggle the letters the postmaster had given him. Said postmaster had insisted he hand them directly to the King ASAP. Which meant holding onto them personally.

Now, as the powerfully built pony strode over, the nervous guard stepped forward, tripped over his own hooves and nearly dropped the letters. He would have face-planted into the carpet had the King not used his magic to set him upright.

"Are you alright?" Sombra asked the dizzy stallion. The guard nodded, staring wordlessly at the King as he used his magic to pick up the scattered letters, glancing at the names.

"Oh, I have been waiting for this one!" the Umbrum ruler said, studying the postmark. The guard was hit by a sudden realisation; the Alicorn pony smelled really good. He'd once had a crush on the King, but after meeting another guard during his training, he'd fallen in love and all but forgotten how smitten he had once been with the ruling pony. But something about today felt different. The other Umbrums coat looked even more sleek today and he could see the way the way the muscular pony's body shifted under it with every movement. Sweet Celestia, he was cute-

In a flash of images, he imagined that same pony pinning him to a sumptuous bed, silken sheets and smoky grey fur, its crystalline texture shining in the light. A generously sized-

"Can you hear me?" he jolted as the King's deep, rumbling voice broke the fantasy apart. He nodded mutely.

“Shall I send for the doctor?" Sombra asked him, mesmerizing red eyes boring into the guards blue ones.

"No!” the guard blurted hastily, then continued “I mean, I'm fine sire."

"Just started?" Sombra asked and got a nod in reply.

“I-I mean, yes, your majesty!” the guard realised he was staring mutely and forced himself to talk.

The Umbrum King studied him a moment and the guard felt himself flush under the scrutiny. Could his highness SEE somehow what he'd been imagining? He was grateful his helmet hid a lot of his face, so with some luck it would hide his blushing.

"I wouldn’t be concerned, we all make mistakes." Sombra smiled at last. The pony nodded, standing straight at his post once more as the King trotted by him and into the office, the door clicking shut behind him. But as he walked by, the King's long, soft tail happened to accidentally brush the guards hind leg and he bit back a moan- what was wrong with him?!

Alone again, the guard felt his senses returning after a few minutes. He felt embarrassed for ogling his majesty in such a manner. He wasn’t the only one by far to have a crush on the monarch however, as quite a few of the guards on a drunken group night out, had admitted they'd happily plough the royal plot if the universe ever conspired to create such an opportunity. Or let the King screw THEM.

Nopony knew what his majesty's preferences were, although there had been rumours some time back that Sombra's best friend, the chaos being, was far more intimate with the King than any mere "friend". But none of them were crazy enough to ever say such a thing, you never knew where Discord might pop up from, scaring you silly and making you paranoid. He had a sixth sense that made even the most sceptical pony jump.

But, the guard informed himself, he HAD a colt-friend, yet he'd stood there fantasizing about the ruler of the Umbrum empire ploughing him. On further reflection, he realised he hadn't had a day off with said colt-friend in many weeks. He resolved to try and get a day off to spend it with him soon!

Feeling better now that odd phase had passed, he stood straight and resumed his job.

Sombra was on his own that day and in a weird way it was nice to have a break from Page Assist's fussing. He was an exemplary aide, but sometimes he got a little too into his work.

It was a nice day, so Sombra opened the windows, taking his cloak off and draping it over the back of his chair. He extended his wings, feeling the soft breeze ruffle the feathers. He smiled as he recollected last night. It had surprised him that Discord had been so uncharacteristic in his nervousness about admitting to his desires, Discord normally didn’t HAVE a filter.

From there, it had been the sort of night Sombra hadn't even dreamt he could experience. The sheer ecstasy and pleasure, it had been amazing. A night that once held nothing but terror now had a vivid memory in its place. That had been one heck of an orgasm.

He allowed himself to sigh and drift off into a daydream for a moment, the quill hovering above the scroll he was supposed to be signing.

"Sir-?" the door opened and Sombra jumped, narrowly avoiding splattering ink onto the scroll by pulling it aside with one hoof.

"Yes?" he coughed, trying to appear unruffled as he met the guards eyes.

"Lunch, sire." the guard walked over to the desk with a tray held in his magic. He set it down, noticing the King seemed flustered.

"Everything alright, sire?" he asked. Again, he was struck by how mesmerizing the King looked. Sombra nodded, getting up from the desk and walking over to a side table to set the finished scroll in the outgoing box. The guard realised he wasn't wearing his cloak and thus he caught a glimpse of the stallions flank and seen the way Sombra's tail swished over his rear. A very firm, well toned rear-

He gulped nervously, why was he staring at his highness like this?

Suddenly embarrassed and something else altogether more troublesome, he excused himself and all but bolted out of there. He caught a brief glimpse of King Sombra's expression, seen the stallion looked puzzled. Then he was gone.

"What was that about?" Sombra asked the thin air, but couldn't conjure up an answer. He shrugged it off a few seconds later and sat back at his desk to start on lunch.

That same guard was more eager then usual to sign off his shift an hour later. He ran into his colt-friend as he exited the changing room a few floors below the King's office.

"Hay, what’s gotten into you?" His precious stallion asked, seeing how flushed he looked. The first guard grinned and on an impulse steered his lover towards a rarely-used storage cupboard. It was big and usually stored blank scrolls, quills and anything else his majesty needed for his work. He picked the lock and bundled them both inside.

What happened after that was a no-brainer. The effect he'd gotten from gawking at Sombra carried over to the relationship with his beloved.

"Wow, I guess lunch was a bit dull?" his partner joked after they were done. "What got you all riled up?"

So the first guard told how he was convinced Sombra had some kind of pheromone spell or something, or had been around someone who had used one. The weird attraction, the fantasy that had made him want to find his lover and-

"Wow," His startled lover laughed "an indirect thanks to his majesty then, that was damn HOT."

"We need to clean up though." the first guard chuckled. They hurriedly mopped up the fluids with a well placed spell and were about to slip out, when the door rattled and the sound of a key turning in the lock reached their ears.

They swore silently and hid behind the stack of boxes they'd used as cover. They held their breath, praying it was just a guard fetching something. Or the King's aide, he always had his nose in the air and likely wouldn’t notice-

But no such luck.

It was his majesty. He was frowning at a list floating in front of him as the soft purple glow of his magic lit the expansive cupboard a little, highlighting the Alicorn's figure. The King strode in, not bothering with the light-switch. It was noted that he had good vision in the low light, probably because of his shadow heritage.

Sombra stopped at the shelf running parallel to the boxes the two amorous guards were hiding behind and selected several things off the shelf, stuffing them into his saddlebags. He scowled, seeing something wasn't where needed it to be.

"Ah, wrong shelf." he muttered, stooping a little to pick out what he sought. This made his tail shift slightly and both guards couldn't help admire him.

"See." one mouthed to the other.

They went silent as could be as Sombra straightened up sharply, ears pricked. He cast a glance around him and they thought they were busted, then they heard a voice from the doorway;

"Who's there?"

"Relax, it's me." Sombra said, regarding the guard calmly.

"Oh! O-of course, your majesty! My apologies, I just wondered why the door was open, but as it's your good self-"

"You can return to your post, I am quite alright." Sombra smiled. The guard nodded, before leaving the room.

Several seconds passed and Sombra sighed in relief. Maybe he shouldn’t have been standing around with the lights off, but it was a force of habit.

--Time to return to my desk.-- he thought with a sigh. Then he sniffed the air subtly, picking up on a scent he now had memorised, after last night. Sweat and passion…? Was somepony in here?!

The two watching between the gaps in the boxes relaxed a little, only to get the fright of their lives when Sombra spoke, with only a cursory glance in their direction.

"I would suggest finding your entertainment elsewhere. I would prefer my private cupboards not be used in such a manner again, clear?"

As he neared the door, Sombra deliberately let the keys fall to the floor. Then he was gone.

The pair exhaled in relief, then realised they'd just been rumbled. They hurriedly redressed and bolted for the door. Then they seen the keys and their hearts sank.

"He's gonna wanna talk to us." the first guard groaned “I am so fired.”

"We're screwed." the other agreed.

As they locked the cupboard and made their way to the King's office, they tried to figure out a way to NOT get fired. Neither had much luck, regrettably.

One unusual thought did occur to the second guard, though.

"You said he had some kinda spell on him right?" he asked his lover.

"Well, I assumed so. Why else would I be thinking like that? Especially with YOU with me, it made no sense."

"Hay, if I could get me, you and him in a room together, I wouldn’t object-" the second stallion joked "but, I’ve read about those sorts of spells and he doesn’t seem flustered or even remotely- ya know."

"That's true," the first pony sighed "so why? Am I just getting too pent up?"

"Maybe?" His colt-friend chuckled "we have both been very busy lately and his majesty does have a gorgeous arse."

The first pony began to laugh but it was soon dampened by panic as they approached his majesty’s office. The guard who was taking the afternoon shift let them in and was told to go on break by the King. Figuring his fellow guards were in deep trouble, he happily left so as not to get included in any telling off.

The two guards fidgeted shamefacedly as they stood in front of the King's desk. The stallion was frowning lightly, yet he also appeared calm. His majesty was famous for this "poker face" which made it very hard to read his emotions unless he deliberately showed them.

"I assume you have come to return something of mine?" he asked coolly as he held out one gold-shod hoof. The first guard nodded rapidly and handed the keys to the monarch. Sombra set them aside and fixed a steely glare on the two guards, a rumble in his tone indicating his displeasure.

"Now, I would like an explanation as to why you were breaking into my private cupboard?"

The two guilty ponies fidgeted and suddenly couldn’t say a word. He already KNEW, so...

"It was-" the first tried, then stopped. Sombra sighed heavily, his disappointment like a scolding tap on the ear.

"I am not blind. Fine, I will answer for you. You picked that lock with intent to have s-"

“Sire!" the second blurted, wincing as Sombra's frown only deepened at being interrupted. "It's as much my fault, I didn’t exactly try to stop it-"

"I do not doubt that. Such allures are a basic instinct, it is nigh on impossible to defer, am I right?" Sombra said. They blinked at him in surprise, this was as close as anypony had ever heard his highness get in referring to relationships of any kind.

"As much as I say I understand, I find the lack of restraint a little alarming. Am I to expect to find this occurring again?" his expression darkened and they swallowed nervously. Sombra was known to be a fair and level headed ruler, but his temper was legendary. In fairness, he rarely displayed it unless he was exceptionally disappointed in whomever was the target of it. Now, they were wondering if they were about to get a telling off of literally royal proportions.

Both ponies shook their heads rapidly in response to his question. They felt the urge to apologise repeatedly, say anything to make him forgive them. But they knew about King Sombra well enough to know grovelling only tended to irritate him. So they held their silence as Sombra regarded them sternly.

"I should think not. If you are feeling so pressured by your work that you do not have time to wind down, then I suggest you speak to your supervisor. Or, if you cannot do that, talk to ME."

He relaxed his posture slightly, indicating they were free to speak. The first pony, who considered it his fault for getting so distracted, began;

"I'm sincerely sorry, your majesty. It was a foolish mistake and it wont be repeated. I don't know what was going through my head to be so reckless. Both of our priorities lie with ensuring we serve you well, your highness."

The second nodded "Sincerest apologies your highness, I never intended to make you distrust your guard. It seems inadequate, but we admit our mistake and apologise." the first pony nodded in agreement.

The two held their breath, awaiting the monarch's response. Sombra regarded them out of the corner of his eye as he got up to walk over to the window. Both guards instinctively tried to refrain from staring at his rear and failed beautifully.

Sombra sighed to himself, blissfully unaware of this bum-ogling and the effect he was having. Part of him was angry at the two guards lacks-a-daisy approach to their duties. But then he recalled how good it felt to fall for someone that hard. After all, had not last night- He shook his head to clear it, regaining his composure as he walked round to stand before them. They straightened up, ready to accept whatever punishment the King had ready.

"I am aware that things have been a bit hectic lately and many of you have had to work double shifts. In light of the strain the recent festivities have placed upon everypony, what with this year being even bigger than last, I will let this matter go."

Both stallions looked about ready to collapse to the carpet in relief.

"But, do not let me catch you doing something so reckless ever again. Save it for the night." Sombra gave the tiniest hint of a smile to show he was joking and both stallions nodded, their faces red.

"Now clear off!" the Alicorn King shrugged "I think you have had enough embarrassment for the day. I would suggest getting this out of your system by tomorrow, for I will not be so forgiving next time."

The guards nodded, bowing deeply and thanking the monarch repeatedly. Then they bolted out of there.

Sombra shook his head, today was a weird day.

It got weirder when his aide popped in upon return from his trip and asked about the report, AGAIN, as Sombra was packing up for the day.

"I left it in my room, cease your fussing!" Sombra barked and the pony quickly shut up, nodding.

"You'll get it when I’m done with it." The ruler grumbled.

He didn’t mention either incident at dinner that night, instead listening to Fluttershy and Discord talk about what they’d been up to that day. He smiled happily, feeling content in their company.

At one point, Discord's eyes met his and he felt a warmth bloom in his stomach. He smiled, thinking about their passionate night together...

That night he slept like a log, not troubled by dreams or bad feelings. Just glimpses of a wonderful memory.

He looked forward to Discord's sunrise-snuggle where they sat out on the balcony and watched the moon and sun switch places.

“Still sleeping good?” Discord asked protectively and Sombra nodded, entwining his tail with Discord’s.

"Today's schedule, your majesty." Page Assist bowed to the ruler and set the document in front of him. Sombra knew he'd be busy today, but he had hoped for a break long enough to meet his friends. Sadly it seemed like it was back-to-back meetings.

He was kept busy making notes on what he needed to remember about each visitor or meeting, but he couldn't help thinking he could feel Page Assist staring at him.

Staring a little TOO intently.

So he waited for the aide to go fetch more coffee and hatched a plan...

Page Assist came back, setting the freshly made cake and coffee on the side table. As he made a pretence of fussing with the plates, he snuck a glance at Sombra. The Alicorn's coat had changed, he was CERTAIN-

"Why in Celestia's name are you staring at me!?"

Page Assist gave an ungainly shriek, bumbling round to face a shadow with irritated glowing eyes hovering beside him.

"H-how?" he glanced from the shadow to the desk- as he did, the fake sat in the big chair merely disappeared.

"You’ve been staring at me all morning. In fact you have been studying me very intently as of late and I find it discomforting." The shadow form glowered at his aide and Page Assist backed up.

Even though his King was just a shadow at that moment, only his glowing eyes visible, Page Assist could sense the anger radiating from him.

Sombra swirled away, reforming in his Umbrum form in the middle of the fancy office.

"Is there something you need to tell me?" Sombra said coldly.

"I-it's.." Page Assist stammered, not thinking he'd be busted like this, he wasn't prepared! He grabbed and shuffled through the report, eyes scanning for something, anything-

And in his panic, promptly picked the worst phrase he could have;

"Its about the Infinitum's mating rituals-"

"What is it with you and that bucking report?!" Sombra felt a flush of anger creep up to his face. He'd JUST found the most amazing thing in his life and now suddenly his aide was butting into his love life? How could he know??

Page Assist bowed so low he was half talking to the carpet, all he could see was Sombra's polished, armored hooves.

"Please, your majesty! Power is a blinding thing and the biology of the Infinitum holds some unusual secrets-"

"Like what? Making my aide obsessed with my sex life?" Sombra snapped.

Page Assist blushed profusely "It's important you are informed of this, thus I h-have to ask, have you slept with somepony recently-?"

There was a whip-crack sound and Sombra was suddenly looming over him, red eyes blazing with anger, wings out in full defence mode. Page Assist quailed, this was going every direction of WRONG.

"That is IT! I want you and that report out of my office this instant!" Sombra glared down at him, fury etched into his handsome features.

Page Assist squeaked.

"Never-" Sombra was furious "EVER presume you have the right to intrude in my private life. I will endure the political red tape, I will suffer the ass-backwards roundabout nature of such matters are handled. But I will NOT tolerate having my private life made a mockery of!"

His fury bubbled over and he snapped on impulse "in fact, fuck that damn report!"

His aide's eyes were on stalks, he rarely heard Sombra use such language, not since he'd quit working on a building site.

Sombra turned and walked away to stand by the window, heart pounding painfully fast. "Now get out."

When Page Assist didn't move, he found himself being physically dumped outside the door by Sombra's magic. The last thing he seen was Sombra's disappointed expression, then the doors were closed to him.

The idea he had betrayed the King's trust was the most terrifying he could imagine. He had served at his majesty’s side ever since he'd first met him during the empires construction. Sombra's spirit had impressed him. For all the times the Umbrum acted very unlike a King, Page Assist found himself impressed by how much it seemed to please the masses. And Sombra knew it, as he'd refused to revert to his aloof, cold ways.

Gradually, Page Assist had gotten used to the King's eccentric ways. He still couldn't understand him fully, but he'd learnt to read his King's moods and take whatever action necessary to assist him. Sombra was a very private pony, but on rare occasions he'd confide his concerns over matters with Page Assist, something the pony considered an honour.

The matter of the report that'd just landed him in hot water had been in the works for some time.

It had been decided that recovering the Umbrum's lineage from the depths of memory was first priority, so history books could start being produced. It had taken the better part of a year and then some, but it was done. Copious notes had been transcribed, typed out, published and distributed to the citizens.

That done, Umbra had moved on to diving into trances to find any information about the long vanished Infinitums. These memories, passed down with all the others from keeper to keeper, were harder to bring to light. But she was determined to get them for her son. Bit by bit he was learning about those like him, that had come before.

During one lengthy dream dive, she'd come across something a little awkward. Mainly that Infinitums had a whole litany of unusual biological quirks, meaning her son's wing-emotion responses were just the start!

She'd had it compiled into a report and had suggested that, as the King's advisor, Page Assist could approach it. Page Assist had been fretting for weeks now over how to do it, Sombra didn't seem to express any affection for anypony, not that the aide could see. But he'd tried anyway and had been relieved by Sombra promising he'd try read it.

THEN he'd noticed the change in Sombra's coat that first morning. No doubt about it, the King had chosen to finally accept somepony as a lover. Of what gender he was unsure, the monarch managed to effortlessly charm ponies of both sexes, yet never showed any real liking to one or the other.

He needed to talk to Lady Umbra...

Sombra got through the rest of that day in silence. After ejecting his aide from his office, he packed away the books, not realising the blasted report that’d caused all this trouble was tucked in between the ledgers as he roamed the palace.

He got through the day by forcing a smile and trying not to let his anger show. But ponies kept smiling dopily at him without saying anything, which baffled him to no end. What was up with them?

Come days end, he stormed up to his room. He felt the frustration all the more keenly, given what was driving it. What did Page Assist think he was playing at?

"Evening handsome." a voice greeted him as he stomped into his lavish bedroom. Sombra jumped, wings pomfing out in defence, then he sighed and relaxed as he seen the Draconequus.

"Discord." he said, relief flooding his veins at seeing his lover floating in mid air above the bed. Sombra willingly clambered up onto the bed, throwing the saddlebags aside. Books scattered across one side of the bed, but Sombra didn’t care. He used his magic to set the chaos being on the soft, springy bed and-

Discord snared his lips with a passionate kiss, like he'd read the pony's mind. Sombra sighed, feeling some of his abject fury ease off, other emotions overriding it.

He pressed against Discord, feeling those same wonderful sensations filling his body as when they'd had that little roll in the royal hay. Warm hands caressed his sides, massaging his wings at their base. He gave an anxious moan, not wanting it to stop. Before he could restrain himself, he was pinning Discord to the bed.

"Goodness me, somebody’s riled up! What's gotten into you, handsome? Other then me. That lovely night, I mean. Where was I going with this?" Discord asked as he scratched behind Sombra's ear, seeing the way it made a shiver run down Sombra's back. The pony shook his head, not wanting such pointlessness to get between them now.

"You would not believe it if I told you. Besides, I don’t want to talk about THAT." Sombra shut his eyes, feeling the tension still pervading every part of his body.

"Then what do you want, my dear Sombra?" Discord asked. Sombra looked at him with a real hunger and grinned. Discord flushed, oh he knew THAT look.

"Allow me-" he snapped his fingers, changing himself into a pony. It'd be easier for Sombra, right, to rut a pony’s body? But with a tingle of magic, he was suddenly back to his usual self. Sombra shook his head, tutting softly.

"I want you AS you." he scolded.

"You want-” Discord groaned eagerly as Sombra nuzzled at his neck, nipping at his ear.

"Oh yes, how did you phrase it? "Full on, orgasmic, making a mess of the sheets SEX"?"

"You read my mind." Discord grinned. Sombra smirked.

"It's not your mind I’m reading." the stallion shot back. He swished his tail, brushing it against Discord's already partly-aroused member. The Draconequus moaned eagerly.

Then the pony suddenly got off him and moved back. Discord opened his mouth to ask what he was doing, but words fled the scene along with coherent thought in hot pursuit as Sombra languidly bowed his head to run his muzzle along his partners shaft, planting a feather-light kiss at the flared tip. Under this teasing sensation, the Draconequus' cock grew almost teasingly hard in a second.

“Mmm..” Sombra murmured, looking pleased with himself.

Discord moaned early as Sombra slowly lapped up the thick globs of pre-cum that welled up, his heart thudding eagerly. He tried to sit himself up fully, but Sombra gently pushed him back down again before continuing using his tongue.

Discord watched through a haze of desire as Sombra turned the end of one foreleg to shadow and formed...was that a hand?

Sombra curled the shadow hand around Discord's shaft, starting a slow rhythm of strokes and squeezes.

“Sombra- ahh...” Discord felt a tantalizing shiver race down his back, bucking his hips against Sombra's shadow-seduction.

Thick globs of pre ran down the chaos creatures member rapidly now as Sombra used this new trick to his advantage. The regal Alicorn licked his lips as he swallowed the thick, musky fluid.

"Fuck, do you know how hot you look Sombra?" Discord asked breathlessly. Sombra licked his lips once more, those cute little fangs glinting in the light as he tilted his head to one side;

He didn’t speak, merely summoned a certain type of tube from his bedside drawer.

Sombra let the lubricant drip onto his shadow-fingers, rubbing them together and smiling seductively.

“Sombra..” Discord said, watching his stallion's expressions. How could one pony be so amazing?

"Needs to be more firm.." the pony said huskily, working and weaving his magic until the shadow, while still a smoky impenetrable black, now seemed to reflect light.

“Let me show my appreciation for that night.” Sombra purred, letting Discord get a full view of the lubed shadow hand before lowering it-

The Draconequus scrunched the sheets under his hands as Sombra's faux-hand pushed into him, the tendrils brushing and teasing his insides, before flexing and spreading.

"Ohhhh, that's it..." Discord panted, arching his back and doing his best to push himself further down onto the shadow appendages as they explored him "mmh, yes-!"

Sombra closed his eyes, magic swirling around his horn again. The shadows grew in girth, stretching Discord even more, their surface rippling and shifting inside the chaos lord's body. Discord growled eagerly, clenching his muscles tightly around the thick shadows. This was beyond anything he'd anticipated, he was so hard he wanted to beg Sombra to do him now, before his prepping made him cum.

But Sombra wasn’t done. He unfurled one wing, brushing it over Discord's stomach to make him squirm, before using the feathers to brush along his partners member. He brought the wing in low, dragged the primary feathers up and along. Given the size of Sombra's wings, it was nearly enough to blow his mind. Where had the Alicorn learned all this?

Sombra at last pulled the shadow appendage free from preparing his lover. Discord uttered a soft whine, it'd felt so good...

Sombra stood up, throwing his cloak aside and using magic to remove his shoes and crown. Discord took in his fully de-clothed lover, that gorgeous body gleaming in the light. With a flash of magic the shield enveloped them once more, masking their sex from nosy ears out in the hall.

He was torn from admiring Sombra as he once again found himself pinned bodily to the bed by a fully aroused stallion.

His shaft throbbed eagerly, wanting this hot stallion to just dominate him already. He wanted the owner of that body, screwing him with that impressive endowment, right NOW.

Sombra seen where he was looking and smiled knowingly; he stepped a little closer, hooves bracing on the wall over Discord's head, so it was within touching reach of the Draconequus. From this angle he looked down at his lover, seeing the desire and awe on Discord's face as he took him in.

"This what you’re after?" he asked, deep red eyes flashing in the light. Discord surprised him by darting forward to caress it not with his hands, but his tongue, swallowing a glob of pre-cum quickly. Sombra gave an eager groan, then stepped back out of reach.

"Let's save that for later~" he purred "I have been thinking about this all afternoon."

Nothing on Equestria could've made Discord refuse what he was being offered, so he let Sombra move back out of his reach once more to get the best position.

The way he settled himself, his movements unhurried and an almost teasing smirk on his face held Discord entranced. Sombra braced himself on the bed, took a deep breath and pushed briskly into his adoring Draconequus.

"Ngh-fuck!" the chaos god groaned, Sombra was good. Not fully in on the first thrust, but far enough that Discord could feel the space where he SHOULD be aching in longing.

"Mmn," Sombra gave a low, languid groan as he plunged even further in "oh yes, that's good!"

Soon he was fully inside and Discord could acutely feel that length stretching his body just a little. Even though he'd done this before, with Sombra at the helm, it was like nothing he'd ever had. For one thing, Sombra was bigger then the average pony.

The pony's eyes met his and Discord growled “fuck me HARD, Sombra.”

“As you wish,” Sombra said in a husky voice, pulling out just a little to make Discord moan deeply.

Sombra's heart pounded in exhilaration as he gripped Discord's hips with his hooves and began, pulling back and waiting just enough to make his partner beg, then thrusting into him once more.

"Yes~ that’s it my King." Discord groaned, claws tearing little holes in the sheets as he braced himself so every passionate thrust from the dominant King teased him inside and hit that sweet spot.

Sombra moaned eagerly, this felt good. The Draconequus' hot insides hugged his cock tightly as he moved. He flashed back to how Discord had made him feel that first night and began picking up the pace. Hard, fast, rhythmic thrusts rocked his lovers body and he heard Discord gasp in approval.

The Draconequus' moans of ecstasy and pleasure spurred him on, pleas to go harder, faster, really rut hard-

"Yes-! I'm yours, my King!" Discord cried sharply, throat almost raw his voice was so loud. But such a passionate lover deserved nothing less then such praise, he could feel the climax begin to build.

Both wings unfolded this time as Sombra continued, their feathery tips brushing Discord's stomach and sides, making an already sensitive body even more so. Spreading his wings back out to his sides, Sombra crouched his body so his stomach was brushing Discord's length with every thrust, his hooves now braced either side of the chaos lord.

“Sombra-!” Discord said lustily, “I can't hold on, I’m gonna cum-!”

“Then come, and HARD!” Sombra flipped Discord's request from earlier, voice a sexy growl.

With these words, Sombra plunged deeply into him once more, with a sharp cry of release following shortly after.

"Sombra-" Discord gasped, arching his back and pressing into the plush bedding as he felt his lovers seed flood into him, coating and filling his inner walls. He was helpless to stop his own orgasm as it hit like a tsunami, his member throbbing as it blew its load.

“Mmmh, Discord-!” Sombra moaned, closing his eyes and giving a final thrust of his hips as he enjoyed the pleasure of his release. He felt his lovers cum splash onto both their coats and let himself grin. He'd need another wash later.

At last silence fell, aside from their heavy panting and Sombra removed the shield. He gently pulled out of the dazed and content Draconequus, then settled down next to him on the bed. Discord seized him and kissed him hotly, taking his breath away with the sheer passion conveyed within it.

"That....was downright criminal, it's so good.." Discord said, still breathing heavily. Sombra flushed a little, kissing him in return.

"Glad I could do you justice. Or just DO you. This is not going according to plan is it?" he asked. Discord chuckled, kissing him again.

"On the contrary, it CAME together wonderfully." he winked, making the stallion collapse against his chest he was laughing so hard.

"Oh Discord," Sombra laughed "you'll never cease outpacing me in the innuendo department, will you?"

"Probably not, handsome. You were raised far too polite," the Draconequus chuckled "As much as I can claim to have dirtied your mind, you’re still too cute."

"Flatterer.." Sombra chuckled, but kissed him anyway.

They didn’t need to say anything else for awhile, just basked in the afterglow of their second time together. Slow, relaxing kisses filled the time as their bodies cooled off.

Taking a breath, lips tingling softly, Sombra sat back and admired a shag-happy Discord, his sweat-slicked coat and VERY pomf'd wings.

“Mmm...I gave you a wing-boner good and proper~” he said with a grin.

“Indeed you did cutie, I am powerless against you!!” Discord said theatrically and Sombra chuckled.

“I'll add it to my list of accomplishments~” the King said with an air of amusement.

“Ahhh, you rodgered me good and proper!” Discord groaned contentedly as he stretched his back, and heard a crinkling sound. Sombra cocked his head to one side.

“What was that?” he asked.

“...would you believe me if I said my penis?” Discord joked, and Sombra face-hoofed, already laughing helplessly even as he did.

Grinning at his success, Discord pulled a smushed stack of papers from under his tail.

"What’s this?" he asked.

Sombra blinked, and in a rare planets-orbiting-at-just-the-right-time sort of moment, he blurted the first thing that came to mind as he remembered something he'd shouted in anger at his aide...

"When I said "fuck that report”, this was not my intention." he said bluntly.

Discord looked from him to the report, realised what Sombra was saying and what they'd just DONE to it and burst into loud guffaws, joined by an amused Sombra.

"Okay, I want the story behind that one, right now!" he ordered.

“It is nothing, really-” the pony began, but Discord tutted, shaking his head.

“I am not leaving you alone until I hear about this!” he declared almost primly.

Sombra chuckled faintly again, but his good mood was fading, Discord could see it in the way he sighed the next second, slumping his shoulders as his laughter trailed off.

"Sombra?" he asked "my dear King, whatever is the matter?"

Sombra looked at the report again, said nothing for several seconds then finally sighed and snarled unhappily before speaking.

"That thing," he said with an annoyed huff "is a blatant breach of privacy and common decency, courtesy of my aide!"

"It says it's about Umbrum biology and physiology, what’s that got to do with your aide?" Discord asked, poking the thick wad of papers. Sombra scowled darkly.

"Because he attempted to use it to pry into my sex life!"

"How did he know you have one?" Discord asked "I’m pretty sure we hid ourselves well that night!"

"Exactly!" Sombra shook his head "he had the nerve to ask me if I had recently had sex, Discord!"

"That is a little much." Discord pulled an exaggerated face.

"Little?!" Sombra was looking peeved again, fangs bared as he snarled. "It is an insult! I told him to never mention it again and I also might have made some carnal threats in the direction of that report." he flushed, tailing off towards the end of his rant.

"Ah, now I get it. Well, if it's any consolation, I don’t think he'd bring this up if he knew what we'd done on it." Discord waved the papers and Sombra turned red.

Discord snapped his fingers and Sombra found himself cradled against the Draconequus' soft fluffy chest, familiar arms encircling him.

"Let us read it, my dear Sombra. I for one want to know EVERYTHING about how your body works."

“I would think you'd have gotten a pretty good grasp already.” Sombra retorted and received a kiss from a chuckling Discord.

“Now, which part of this best-seller here is the bit that ticked you off so bad, my dear Sombra?” Discord held up the moderately scrunched bundle of papers for the monarch to see.

Sombra flicked through the pages to reach the chapter he'd seen Page Assist reading before he'd yelled at him and finally located it “it's this bit.”

“Then we'll start with that one~” Discord smiled. It was a LONG report, small writing and many pages. This would take a few.

Sombra flushed, grumbled under his breath, but settled into his lover's hold anyway. Discord's body was warm and the scent of lovemaking still clung to it. Sombra felt his eyes starting to close…

He actually dozed off briefly, but Discord didn’t have the heart to wake him. So instead, he finished reading the section of the report at his own leisure, eyebrows raised as he processed it. As he finished the last page of that chapter, he scratched behind Sombra's ear, rousing him.

"See?" Sombra yawned, seeing Discord had finished reading as he stirred "Utter garbage."

"Not quite my love. Bear with me here." he kissed Sombra's nose to placate him as the pony immediately frowned and Sombra reluctantly nodded.

Discord highlighted one part of the page he was looking at.

"See, here it mentions about the Infinitum's pheromones."

“Pheromones? Meaning what?" Sombra frowned.

"It's a type of mating dance in a way. When you're, how do I phrase this? "Awoken", or you’ve developed an attraction of a sexual nature for the first time, your body starts preparing to get some. Once the process has begun, you give off a powerful aura of, well I’m just gonna go ahead and call it "screw-ability". Walk into a room and anybody looking for a stallion wont be able to resist checking you out. It seems the Infinitum have very high sex drives, due to their scarcity. They want to mate, and they want to mate ALOT. It's a mating thing."

Sombra grumbled, burrowing deeper in to Discord's hold, muttering into his chest "so?"

"Sooo...your aide was probably concerned either you or your chosen partner might be caught off guard by your appetite. I can safely say I can handle it, but your aide doesn’t know that."

Sombra sighed, he was right. He'd gotten so angry, thinking Page Assist was threatening his love life.

"Also, if everypony in range is drooling over you, you might find it unsettling."

Sombra frowned "now you mention it, it did seem as if some of the ponies I spoke with the last day or so could not stop staring vacantly at me. One of them was blushing...ah. That explains those two guards also."

"It's already in effect. You’re sauntering around giving off an aura that says "I just got some" and its getting everypony else aroused."

Sombra groaned, burying his head on Discord's shoulder.

"This is insane!" he groaned.

Discord massaged the pony's ears, chuckling in a sympathetic manner.

"I did not think my body could do such a thing." Sombra sighed at last.

"Makes sense as to why your aide was so flustered, though. It's not an easy subject to broach, but he was probably concerned you'd be angry if every gay or bi pony suddenly began hitting on you."

"So what am I supposed to do about it?!" Sombra groaned, flushing as this all sank in "I am essentially in heat, that's what this means!"

"It will wear off, once your desires settle down. How long that takes is unclear, I’m guessing no records of THAT level of detail exist."

"Hmph, the previous Infinitum's probably punched out the poor fool that dared ask such a question!" Sombra huffed.

"Until then, I dare say we can keep your appetite under control."

“How?" Sombra asked, then realised the obvious answer. Discord chuckled as he kissed Sombra gently.

"By making your nights as pleasurable as you require, my King~" he purred.

“As eager as I am to discuss that,” Sombra's smile was tinged with worry “-what about cause? Does it say how it starts?”

Discord flicked through the pages “not there, nope, aha! Here, it's suggested it is invoked at a time of the Infinitum's choosing.”

Sombra thought this through and went bright red as he realised something.

“Light-bulb.” he muttered awkwardly.

“How so?” Discord asked, seeing Sombra blushing deeply.

“When I ah, instructed you to can the argument and mount me, my body must have considered that an open invitation. I do not think my brain was present for that meeting.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. You pretty much dared me to stop being such a wuss. That’s quite an achievement!” Discord joked and Sombra finally relaxed, laughing a little.

“Seriously,” Discord murmured, smiling at his lover “I would’ve kept on wussing out and avoiding the issue had you not bombarded me with your sexiness! In fact, c'mere you-!”

Sombra uttered a surprised squeak as he was pulled into a series of deepening kisses that sent wonderful shivers down his spine. They alternated each kiss with gentle nibbles at ears and throats-

It escalated with Discord being pounced on by Sombra, who kissed him deeply with a smug smirk as he pinned him. Discord swished his tail involuntarily, brushing it across Sombra's bottom. The pony gave a little groan, biting his lip as his face flushed and Discord's eyes gleamed wickedly.

"Oh, you liked that before didn’t you? I think I have the perfect reward for letting me explain that report~" Discord teased his stallion.

Sombra blinked, about to ask what on Equestria he was on about when Discord wrapped his arms around him in such a way that the pony couldn't get his upper body free. His forelegs and chest were pressed close to Discord, his muzzle just touching his lover's. Sombra's rear was still poked up in the air and Discord's tail was creeping towards it.

"It's not just my hands that have amazing flexibility~" Discord purred, kissing Sombra even as he swished his tail up between his lovers legs, pressing the fluffy tip of it against his ass. Sombra gasped, uttering a delirious moan. Discord wasn’t done demonstration yet though, as he coiled said tail around his lovers member and squeezed lightly. He felt it harden again under his touch and Sombra groaned, panting a little.

--Mmmm, he's got quite a recovery time.-- the chaos being thought with a grin.

Discord didn’t hesitate or tease, just alternated between tickling his precious pony's exposed rear with the feathery part of his tail and using the more solid part of it to rub and squeeze the stallions endowment. Sombra squirmed in his hold, instinctively wanting to make a move to help speed things along, control his release.

But Discord kept him in place, capturing the pony’s mouth with his own as he kept his measured, almost toying speed. Sombra's eager moans were like the sweetest music between kisses.

“Discord, ah-” Sombra grunted, nudging the Draconequus' muzzle with own “you’re driving me crazy-!” he cut off, words lost beneath a fresh moan of pleasure as the tail squeezed at his member's base.

“It'll make it all the more delicious when you finish, my King~” Discord promised, kissing the spot behind the pony’s left ear. Sombra looked so cute, his face flushed, ears trembling softly, fangs nipping at his bottom lip. His eyes were half-closed as the stallion became lost in the haze of desire.

“My King.” Discord purred and the pony's ears twitched.

Sombra angled his head to bite at Discord's ear, something he KNEW his Draconequus lover liked. The tail pleasuring him sped up, its strokes firmer and faster as the chaos being revelled in Sombra's unexpected addition.

Finally, Sombra's body went tense and he gave a sharp, ecstatic cry as the second climax hit, more semen splashing onto the chaos being beneath him.

“Well done...” Sombra heard the Draconequus' praise as he slowly opened his eyes, heart thudding from the second orgasm.

Discord untangled his tail from his lovers body, letting the pony collapse atop him, smearing both their already sweaty coats from earlier.

"Good Sombra~" Discord purred, kissing the base of his horn as Sombra caught his breath.

Discord could feel how sticky both their coats were and chuckled. Reaching up to tuck a stray lock of sweat-dampened mane away from Sombra's face, he brushed a thumb along Sombra's lower lip. Sombra's eyes met his, contentment showing in their crimson depths.

"You look delectable, my Sombra. Lets get into that shower, I can't let you sleep all splooged on~" he teased as he scooped the pony King up, carrying him in his arms.

"And whose fault is that?" Sombra joked as he clung onto him.

"Hm, you, then me." Discord replied wryly as the water was turned on and he set about helping his lover clean off.

Once they were both clean, they wandered back out to the bed.

“I wonder what it'd be like to have sex in the shower? Bit slippery I’d warrant, things might not stay in place that well-” Discord rambled, then noticed Sombra wasn’t blushing, telling him off or even laughing.

Sombra picked up the crumpled report from the bed as he sat down and sighed.

Discord sat next to him, rubbing his back.

"What troubles you?" he asked. "Too much sex? Not enough sex? Say, fancy some sex-"

"It is not about sex!" Sombra started to laugh and Discord grinned.

"There’s that smile!” he teased smugly, snuggling Sombra's left ear "now what’s getting you down?"

"I kicked Page Assist out of my office and accused him of betraying my trust in him," Sombra sighed as he looked at Discord "now YOU explain it, I understand where he was coming from."

Discord nodded, scratching under Sombra's chin, making the pony sigh happily.

"I'm sure it wasn’t that bad-" he began, but Sombra shook his head emphatically.

"I literally turfed him out. When he wouldn’t move on his own accord, I ejected him with magic." Sombra sighed "I shot down every attempt he made at discussing that report, it got my back up so intensely that to my mind, he was attempting to control my love life!"

Sombra sighed, resting his head on his lover's chest, revelling in how soft his fur was. He felt Discord's arms encircle his body and growled contentedly.

"In your defence, it did sound somewhat creepy." Discord said bluntly "he could've been a bit less weird about it. I don’t blame you for being angry. Just talk to him- NOT now, silly pony!"

For Sombra had attempted to get off the bed, only to be pulled back into Discord's hold.

"It's nearly bedtime," Discord chuckled "you were asleep awhile there earlier. Tend to it in the morning, okay?"

Sombra blinked, looked out the window, and realised Discord was right. It was twilight now..

He sighed, but nodded and was rewarded with a kiss from his partner.

"I'll leave you to sleep, my precious Sombra." Discord murmured, rubbing Sombra's back, stalling as best he could. He wanted to drink in every detail of Sombra's body in the fading light, but he should really let his love get some sleep. He looked out the window, watching the day fade by the second.

Sombra titled his head, studying the other as they sat together on the bed. He seen Discord glance reluctantly at the window, seeing how dark it was getting. He seemed restless, as if he didn't want to go...

So Sombra reached up a hoof, resting it on his partners cheek. Discord blinked, his eyes meeting Sombra's.

"Stay." Sombra said. “Spend tonight with me.”

Those words, spoken in Sombra's deep seductive voice, made Discord very happy. He nodded mutely, a sense of relief he didn't have to bid him farewell just yet overwhelming him.

Sombra burrowed under the silken bedcovers, keeping the decadent fabric raised, those eyes beckoning. Discord snuggled up next to him, heart pounding loudly as Sombra made himself comfortable pressed up to him. He gently rubbed Sombra's back, then kissed his forehead.

They fell asleep not long after.

Sombra slowly drifted to a waking state, being scratched behind the ears and he made a comfortable groaning sound.

"Wake up handsome." Discord's voice stirred the pony fully awake.

"Five more minutes." Sombra complained. Then a hand groped his rear, giving it a quick squeeze.

Sombra yelped, wings going POMF and sending the bed covers flying to one side. It woke him up abruptly and he glowered at his partner, who looked smug.

"You’ll be late for breakfast. I don’t think they’ll buy you being drunk twice in a row.." the Draconequus pointed out.

Sombra grumbled under his breath, but reluctantly sat up and stumbled towards the edge of the massive bed.

Discord sat and stretched as he heard Sombra talking;

"Maybe we can go out for a fancy dinner-fuck!" he cut off with a swearword as he toppled off the bed, his hoof snagging in the blanket.

"I don’t care if you’re the King, I’m pretty sure you cant do that in public!" Discord quipped.

“Up yours!” the King sniped.

“Yes, you did that yesterday.” Discord dead-panned. “Quite expertly too, I must add.”

“Screw- oh I am NOT finishing that sentence!” Sombra groaned.

“You finished pretty nicely yesterday!” Discord stuck his head over the edge of the bed, nose to nose with a grumbling Sombra now.

“Smart-ass.” Sombra said sulkily, but with a smile just toying at the corners of his lips.

"C'mere you.." Discord scooped him up and set the pony on his hooves, kissing him quickly before ushering him towards the bathroom.

Sombra looked back over his shoulder, grinning.

"I assume you are joining me? Even if we did wash the evidence away before retiring to bed, I do not desire to bathe alone."

Chuckling at Sombra's way of pointing things out, Discord followed him into the bathroom.

They didn’t speak, just tended to the matter at hand, attempting to freshen up and sneak as many close contact kisses as they could. As the hot shower water poured down over him, Sombra felt Discord's warm, gentle hands massaging the joints of his wings. Sombra grinned happily as he felt the sexual tension literally fade out of the appendages.

"It's cute how stiff they get- hay, they really do display your emotions!"

"Shush you," Sombra grumbled with a chuckle "hay, how come your wings don’t go poing every time?"

“Oh they do occasionally. Such as yesterday. But I don't really get wing-boners much, mostly just regular boners. You know the kind, they’re usually your fault."

"Oh sure, blame it on me-" Sombra paused "wait, why am I objecting?!"

Discord laughed, kissing him gently as they stepped out from under the waters spray.

Sombra dried himself via his magic, and put his shoes, cloak and neck-plate on.

“And the final touch~” Discord held up the crown and Sombra nodded. He kept his head still as the chaos being set the crown atop his head. They studied the reflection in the mirror.

"It's hard to believe you ever doubted yourself," Discord said softly. Sombra gave a rueful smile.

"Back then, the idea terrified me. Rule again, after what I had done? It seemed impossible. Now, I cannot imagine being anywhere but where I am now. A lot of that is thanks to you, remember?"

He angled his head to kiss Discord, who happily returned it.

"Of course I remember. I was and still remain incredibly proud of you, cutie. Now shoo, go amaze them all once more.." Discord shepherded him out the door. As the door swung shut behind him, Discord seen the stallion flash him a seductive, lingering glance. Then he was gone.

--DAMN.-- was all Discord could think. Sombra was relentless in his temptation. He was the type that held sway over others effortlessly, who had no shortage of admirers, from what Discord could tell.

He wondered how Sombra had amused himself until now. He was far too good at the horizontal tango for last night to be the first time he'd done it. Discord was curious, Sombra's honest responses to Discord's affections made Discord think love had never entered the equation. But what about sex?

Figuring he should get a move on, he snapped his fingers and the bedsheets were cleaned of the evidence. That way the staff wouldn't have an excuse to be nosy!

It was his way of protecting his precious Sombra.

Then he drifted off to find Fluttershy.

Breakfast over with, Sombra wandered the halls in a haze of thought. But as he approached his office, he seen a familiar pony outside.

Pacing back and forth outside the office was his fretting assistant, Page Assist. The guard standing at the door was watching the pony wear a groove in the carpet and seemed unsure what to do. He spotted the King and shot a perplexed look first at Page Assist, then the King, as if to say "what shall I do?"

"Let him in." Page Assist nearly fainted to the carpet as he heard the monarch's voice. He'd been worrying all night about how to beg the King to hear him out. He'd spoken with Lady Umbra after his removal from the King's office.

The prior day:

Umbra sat and listened to the stressed out Page Assist as he babbled the whole tale. By the sounds of it, his attempts to broach the matter with her son hadn’t gone well. Sombra had become personally offended by this intrusion into his private life.

"It'll be OK,” she smiled "he might be angry, but he won't continue that way until he's certain he's right to. The nightmares he suffered through have made him reluctant even now, to fully trust."

"I understand Lady Umbra," Page Assist sighed "I know his highness is not unfair in his actions. But I fear he will not want to hear me out a second time. If I survive with my job intact, it will be a miracle."

Umbra smiled gently "He won't fire you so easily, he might not say it, but I can tell from our conversations that he is impressed by your work. He is incredibly guarded and sometimes I fear this isolates him from forming close links. But if what you are saying is true, then maybe things are set to change."

"I'm certain his coat was.." Page Assist coughed, aware this WAS the King's mother he was discussing this with. The Umbrum were, in comparison to most Equestrian races, quite open about sexuality. A fact the King seemed to have trouble grasping.

Umbra seemed to read his mind and nodded sagely "he has not quite adjusted to the traditional ways. He grew up with no knowledge of who or what he was, thus his sensibilities are more closely linked with those of a normal pony. It makes sense this beloved of his will be a strict secret."

“What should I do?" Page Assist asked. Umbra pondered it, then suggested he simply confront the King.

"Sombra will have had time to mull it over. Whatever opinion he reaches, he'll put an end to this bad business between you."

And so Page Assist had shown up very early, having hardly slept. He'd been pacing ever since, the minutes ticking unbearably by. Now he looked up, seeing the King standing before him. He swallowed nervously and bowed deeply to the Umbrum.

Sombra glanced at the guard as he studied Page Assist's pale face "could you have the kitchen bring some hot food up?"

“Of course, sire!" the guard saluted and trotted away down the hall.

Sombra swept past Page Assist, nudging the door open with his face. This behaviour baffled his aide sometimes, did his highness just forget he had magic? Before he had his coffee, the ruler could be a bit strange.

He shot in the door, following the King. Sombra sat at his desk, stretching his wings and giving them a brief flap, which dislodged several papers from his desk. Page Assist shot forward, instinctively grabbing them out of the air and re-sorting them, before setting them on his highness' desk.

He stepped back, staring at a sculpture on the King's desk.

"Have you been pacing outside the door all night?" Sombra asked at last. Page Assist shook his head, still staring anywhere but at his ruler. He heard Sombra sigh softly.

"I assume this matter will not go away, no matter how much I wish that it might?" Sombra asked.

"I.."

"Do not sugar-coat it." Sombra said sharply "just be honest with me."

"Yes, sire." Page Assist nodded "I’m afraid this is here to stay. Infinitum's are exceptionally complicated. It was not until one of Lady Umbra's descents into the memories of our race that we learnt of these matters. There has been so much to do, it was discovered only recently."

At the mention of his mothers name, Sombra felt some of his anger shift. He realised what had happened, his mother must have thought talking about such a private matter may be easier coming from another male companion, or in this case his advisor. Of all ponies, Page Assist was closest to him after all, even if their relationship was only professional.

He got up from his desk, striding over to the window and opening it to gaze out at the wonderful empire below. HIS empire. He smiled to himself, seeing banners and pennants flying from rooftops. This was a popular week for celebrations, for not only was this month host to Hearts and Hooves Day but-

He stopped himself, realising he was supposed to be paying attention.

Page Assist was still babbling and STILL talking to the desk. Sombra cocked his head to one side, realising his high strung assistant didn't look like he'd slept much.

"-and it creates a scent, a type of pheromone-"

“That gets anypony in range restless?" Sombra finished, recalling Discord's explanation from last night.

Page Assist looked up and frowned when he realised the chair behind the desk was empty.

"Your majesty?" he bleated.

"I'm BEHIND you." the King elaborated. Page Assist jumped, spinning round so fast Sombra expected him to sprain something.

"Y-yes your majesty it- wait?" he frowned. Sombra made a huffy expression, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance on his face. He strode past Page Assist, sitting himself atop the plush couch at the offices far end.

"Yes, I had a "helping hand" in understanding that report. I still find it needless that my private life becomes a joke, but I can see where your concerns may lie. You expected the shift in me might provoke strange behaviour in others?"

"Y-yes," Page Assist stammered "the signal you're giving off sire, it's like a lure. Like-"

"An animal in heat?" the King harrumphed, his face reddening slightly as he frowned.

Page Assist flushed at the King's statement, but nodded. He'd pretty much nailed it there.

"Yes, sire." He said at last.

"Your report did not say when it would cease." Sombra looked over at him, expression unreadable. Page Assist flushed.

"W-well, even Lady Umbra was unable to discern that. The best she could garner was something about the Infinitum's ah, "appetite"."

There was a soft fwumpf as Sombra face-planted into a cushion. It muffled the snarl of bemused fury.

"I'm..." Page Assist was starting to feel bad for the Infinitum. After all, he hadn’t known this would happen to him when he'd become an Umbrum Alicorn..

"So, we had better hope I am not a sex pest, then?" Sombra drawled sarcastically into the cushion he hadn’t surfaced from for several seconds now. Page Assist flushed again.

"I'm sorry, your majesty. I don't have any further information on that topic. Neither does Lady Umbra, this was the most she was able to recover from her descent into memory. It seems as if the information was never catalogued."

"Yes, I had a theory last night that it was on the grounds of the previous Infinitum's getting, as I have done, unreasonably pissed off." Sombra's voice, muffled by the cushion, sounded bizarrely calm now.

Not a good sign.

"Your anger sire, is not unwarranted. I see how my attempts to broach this matter offended you." Page Assist was getting antsy again.

"I just do not take kindly to my private life being monitored!" Sombra growled softly, glaring at the cushion he had finally prised his face off of.

"Lady Umbra advised it be discussed in case it caught you off guard and put you at risk."

"At risk? Are you suggesting any pony that shares my preferences will try and jump me? Preposterous!" Sombra shook his head.

Page Assist envied the King's ability to be so blunt and had a feeling the monarch's closest friend had a paw involved in that.

"Maybe not THAT dire, sir. But it is possible you may find yourself the target of some increasingly flirtatious members of your own royal guard for example."

"Don’t be silly, they have never tried hitting on me."

"Sire, I can name at least three that have a massive crush on you-"

"Please don’t, that is personal for them." Sombra said sternly, cutting his aide off. Page Assist nodded in understanding. His King was as protective over his associates lives as he was his own and tended to kick anypony trying to pass on idle gossip out of his immediate vicinity. Page Assist would often gather intel instead, sorting the wheat from the chaff and present his King with a version that made sense to the monarch.

He'd overheard various staff members and some of the guard joking about Hearts and Hooves Day. Would their King accept anypony's affections this year? To date, the ruler had remained away from romance. It wasn't as if he had any shortage of suitors either, even delegates from other parts of Equestria had tried flirting with the Umbrum King, both male and female. But none had made any headway.

Yet something had clearly changed, for the King to suddenly awaken the Infinitum's mating rituals.

Sombra looked upset, Page Assist thought, as he watched him.

"So, what are you saying? My fate is too create trouble should I choose a partner? Fantastic." Sombra sighed, rubbing his forehead with one hoof, feeling tension building "Is it inadvisable that I feel anything for anyone, is that it?!"

"No, sire, not at all!" Page Assist hurried to correct "There's no reason the effects shouldn’t calm down in time, once..."

"ONCE..." Sombra encouraged, that stern look back again.

"Once...uh...well-"

“Spit it out!" Sombra thudded a hoof down onto the couch, eyes narrowing again. Mindful of the King's unexpected willingness to listen to him on the matter, Page Assist blurted out;

"The theory is once the Infinitum's appetite is satisfied, it should calm down. At least, that’s our conclusion."

Sombra looked out of the open window behind the couch. His face was burning.

He had deliberately stayed away from love, sex even. Bar that one night with the shape shifter spell and the bar-

Anyway, whatever way you looked at it, he'd been suppressing his own desires for quite some time. If even just a certain Draconequus feeling him up gave him a wing-boner, this spelled disaster.

Page Assist stared as the King did another face-plant into the cushion. Why was he doing it THIS time?

"Fuck ME." Sombra groaned.

"I hate to say it, but that may be the solution your partner will require." Page Assist murmured under his breath. Then went rigid in panic as Sombra's head shot up off the cushion and the King let out a loud sigh. Had he heard him?

Sombra stared into space for several long seconds, then his expression seemed to clear and he sighed.

"Is this the end of the matter? Now you have "discussed" this nonsense with me?"

Page Assist assumed he'd read the whole report and was happy to not double check on this occasion. If Sombra had any further questions, they'd come up soon enough.

"Well, yes. There’s little else can be done." Page Assist said "Once its out of your system.."

"I get it." Sombra sighed.

There was a knock at the door and Sombra called for them to enter. The head cook stuck her head round.

"Got the food you requested, your majesty!" she beamed.

"Thank you." Sombra smiled as she set the trays out on the desk, bowed then left. He glanced at Page Assist.

"Eat."

“Sire?"

“I can tell from your pacing this morning that you have not eaten, you always look peaky when you skip meals. So eat, I will sort through the matters at hoof." he gestured to the desk.

Page Assist was startled by the King noticing this. He hadn’t thought it was that obvious.

"Aren’t you hungry, sire?"

"No, I already ate."

"Thank you, sire." Page Assist was grateful for the food and his appetite, now Sombra had finally accepted the issue he'd been worrying over, returned in force.

"You can stop fretting also," Sombra said, from where he'd returned to sit at his desk, peering at a scroll hovering in front of him "you have done nothing to worry about, concerning your job. If anything, I apologise for my rash response."

This was another thing Page Assist liked about the King. Sure, he was stubborn and sometimes bullheaded, but he was also kind. He'd apologise if he felt he had been too harsh, but wouldn’t take any crap either. The staff respected him yet had a healthy fear for invoking his anger.

Once the food was scarfed, and Page Assist's rumbling belly was full, he approached the King once more.

"Preparations are under way for the celebration sire."

Sombra nodded. In a few days time it was his official birthday. The close distance between that and Hearts and Hooves Day meant he just let the celebrations run into one another. The citizens celebrated for over a week!

It was customary for that day to be an official day off for Sombra, with Page Assist and Lady Umbra taking over the duties. Of course, Sombra had invited the six ponies that had helped rescue him. With Fluttershy already here, it was just the other five plus Spike, arriving tomorrow. Also coming for the ball in the evening of the official day were the Princesses and Prince Shining Armor. Even Haydon and Vorak were dropping by, staying for an extended vacation.

A sudden thought hit Sombra as he sat at his desk. He HAD to get this "situation" under control by the eve of the party, otherwise everypony would witness him being hit on en mass.

--Looks like I need to speak to Discord.-- he chuckled dryly.

Lunch approached and Page Assist at last left him alone to eat.

Barely had the aide gone, then there was was a puff of magic and Discord appeared beside Sombra.

“Have you eaten yet?” he asked. Sombra shook his head.

“Good, because there's a festival going on. I'm stealing you away..”

“I'd like nothing more, Discord. But..” Sombra sighed.

“There’s always a but,” Discord flopped to the floor with a depressed sigh “wait, is it YOUR
butt?” he asked, perking up slightly. Sombra smiled dryly.

“Sadly yes, my very recognisable butt. I go out there we'll get mobbed. I am very hard to miss.” he sighed, looking at his reflection in the window.

Discord realised from this angle he could easily-

“Hay!” Sombra side stepped as he realised Discord had stuck his head under his cloak.

“Aww, I was gonna give you belly rubs~” the Draconequus sulked. Sombra pulled him upright and kissed him firmly.

“With your face?” Sombra arched an eyebrow.

“Damnit.” Discord grumbled as the pony snickered softly “busted.”

“Save it for later~” Sombra murmured “and back to my original point, I cant really...go out.”

He sighed heavily “I am too big to blend in and being an Alicorn does not help, I cannot exactly hide my wings.”

“I can!” Discord snapped his fingers and Sombra was hit with a sudden dizzy fit.

“Discord-?” he blurted dizzily.

“Its OK, just take it slow.” Discord's warm voice assured him.

When Sombra opened his eyes, he was shorter. And now looked like a new pony. His coat was beige, his mane was a soft red and his eyes were a light green.

“Ta-da!” Discord grinned “one thing I’ve learnt is, it's better if someone else does the spell, that way it wont break if you get too distracted. Now, lets fly!”

Without any further ado, he scooped Sombra up and they disappeared.

When they reappeared, Discord was a pony too, grey with black mane and blue eyes.

“Nopony will know it's us. See, I’ve even got the lingo down too!” he grinned, holding out a hoof “what do you say?”

Sombra was touched by the effort Discord was going to just to give HIM an easy time. So he took his out-held hoof and they walked together towards the end of the alley.

As they stepped into the light, Sombra noticed they were still holding hooves.

“Won't ponies be staring at us?” he asked naively. Discord chuckled, planted a kiss on his cheek then gestured to a banner hanging opposite them.

“Love & Pride Day.”

“I did not pay attention to those festival applications this year, did I?” Sombra went red “of course! How could I be so blind...”

“Be fair, it wasn’t exactly on your to-do list to explore how you felt. I’m betting you were always distracted by working so hard.” Discord said kindly.

Sombra smiled at Discord's words “thank you, you always manage to make my fuck-ups sound okay.”

“Any time, my King.” Discord whispered, then realised “what am I gonna call you? Can't call you Sombra, that’ll give the game away..”

Sombra looked at his cutie mark, which was now a heart with wings.

“Uhm...” he began, drawing a blank.

“Heartgold? Because you really do have one?” Discord teased. Sombra blushed, but nodded.

“Just call me Featherlight.” Discord gestured to a floating feather icon of a cutie mark that adorned his side.

“So, what’s going on here?” Sombra asked as they walked.

“Just celebrating love of every variety, you get the gist of it!” Discord grinned.

As they trotted from stall to stall, meeting new ponies and buying snacks with the money Discord had brought with him, Sombra felt like he could finally relax.

While they were sitting down to have some food at a café, both ponies heard a discussion spilling over from the table behind them.

“And man- that outfit! Where does his highness buy them, they’re exquisite!” the stallion speaking sighed dreamily “I want that cloak!”

“Dream on!” his friend chuckled “he can afford the most high-end designers, that thing probably cost a fortune. Besides, the one you’re wearing is cute.”

“Flatterer~” the first pony chuckled. A mares voice piped up next;

“Do you think he's dating that shy yellow pony, you know, the one he and his chaos friend are always hanging around with?”

“Nah, I’ve seen how he smiles at her, it's purely platonic, not romantic.”

“How can you be sure?”

“Because and it's just a theory here, I think his majesty is aromantic.”

“Aro-who?”

“Aromantic. As in he doesn't DO romance. It would explain why he's never courted ANYPONY his whole time here.”

Sombra flinched subtly, feeling his heart clench. Was that how they seen him?

“Hay,” Discord set a hoof atop his, seeing real sadness brewing in his King's eyes “let's get outta here.”

He pulled Sombra away once they’d paid for the food and brought him to a quiet fountain away from the crowds.

“Don’t listen to them..” The dracon-pony said softly, rubbing Sombra's back. Sombra sighed.

“I cannot help it, it's- I have started seeing how distant I appear. I did not intend that.”

“They’re just being nosy. They cant help but speculate who you’d like, its just a facet of social mobs. Curiosity. You’re a public figure, a celebrity, so that ramps it up tenfold. But you cant let that make you feel bad. How you choose to arrive at feeling happy is YOUR decision, you can take all the time you want.”

He tilted the pony's face towards his and kissed him, seeing the same look of happiness in Sombra's eyes that he'd seen that first morning after. He let the pony go, hearing some sounds of “daww..”

They both looked round, seeing some couples nearby, all female, watching them with kind smiles. Sombra ducked his head, blushing furiously, which only made him look more adorable.

“He's shy, ladies~” Discord winked.

“Well don’t be!” one called out “we're free to love, and love being free!”

The other girls whooped and they set off, soon melting into the crowd.

“Freedom..” Sombra mused. He wondered about how the public would react-

--I can't think about that right now, I- -- he flushed, his heart racing --I’m still getting used to this. Having affection like Discord's, I want to keep it to myself just awhile longer. I've never felt this happy, not in a long time.--

“You alright?” Discord asked.

Sombra nodded, watching the crowds, wondering how the girls would feel if they found out they’d been offering such kind advice to the kingdoms ruler. Would they be shocked, surprised?

“It's nothing. It just feels strange not having to act like a King.” he said softly.

“Well, how much longer is your lunch break?” Discord asked. Sombra looked round for a clock, seen it and went white.

“It was over 45 minutes ago!” he panicked, bolting to his hooves “oh no, Page Assist is going to go BANANAS!”

“Oops, way to go Discord,” the dracon-pony face-hoofed “and I tried to keep track of time, too!”

“It is not your fault, besides..” the disguised King smiled “I have enjoyed myself, finally felt free.”

“Alright then, let's get you back..” Discord said, flapping one wing and teleporting them out.

The whole time they’d been there, neither had noticed the mare sitting on the opposite side of the fountain. She was smiling absently, as if lost in her own world. Her eyes flashed as she licked her lips, ears twitching.

Those two stallions, they'd given off such an unusual aura and unless her ears misled her, those two were-

--The King and his little buddy.-- she sneered. --So, he's trying to coax him out of the closet is he?--

She hadn’t seen them kiss, she'd been in a trance of sorts, absorbing the love given off not just by them, but by others passing by. But she'd felt a strong bond between them nonetheless, albeit somewhat mixed up in all the other sensations she'd been getting. Was it possible the chaos lord was in love with his best friend?

--Oh how cloyingly sweet. Is he hoping he'll get a chance with his majesty the uptight?-- she snorted.

Enough time wasted, she had to get back to her Queen. She had some vital details about the kingdom and its strange monarch.

Sure enough, when Sombra reappeared in his office, back in his normal form, Page Assist was sitting at the desk, looking fearful. A guard was standing in front of the desk, nodding to whatever the aide was saying.

“What if something happened- YOUR MAJESTY!!” Page Assist screeched as the teleport light faded. The guard jumped, but felt a surge of relief at seeing the stallion again.

“Hm? Yes, that's me, are you feeling alright?” Sombra asked.

“Where have you been? I came back after lunch and you were gone, I’ve been worrying myself sick-”

“Calm down.” Sombra said firmly. Page Assist blinked up at him.

“You can go now.” Sombra told the guard, who nodded and zoomed off out of the office. As the door clicked shut, Sombra turned back to Page Assist again.

“I went out for a while to meet some old friends. I am sorry I forgot to tell you, after the matter of this morning, it slipped my mind completely. I apologise for scaring you, but I was perfectly alright.”

Page Assist looked a mix of relieved and still scared.

At last he nodded.

“Please don’t scare me like that your majesty, I was about to send for a search party!”

“I'm sorry,” Sombra repeated as he sat down in the chair once it was vacated “tell you what, why don’t you have the afternoon off, by way of an apology?”

“Sire?”

Sombra smiled warmly “You’ve given me the schedule for today, I will manage. Go on, take a break. I hear there is a festival in town, there is bound to be nice food.”

Page Assist was too stunned to be given such a gift to notice what the King said. He nodded, trotting out the door head spinning. He hadn’t expected THAT. The King seemed happier lately, he mused...

That evening, after enduring a day concerning his outfit for the ball and what dances were required, Sombra finally had dinner with Fluttershy and Discord. Flutters was excited to see the girls again tomorrow when they arrived and Sombra realised how much he missed them. It had been ages since he had seen them all last, all at once at least.

As he was eating, Sombra felt something brush along the inside of his thigh, Somehow he kept his composure, glancing at Discord, who looked entirely too calm. Sombra looked back down at his food, interpreting the movement as a request. he simply nodded.

Discord grinned to himself. Looked like his evening was going to be spent with his precious Umbrum…

It'd been fun taking Sombra out for the day. He hoped Sombra would be able to relax about both his sexuality and how the public viewed it.

--If I can help him, all he has to do is name it..-- Discord vowed as he picked up his fork again.

Anything for his precious King...