Silent as a whisper, like a shadow gliding over the forest floor, she quietly stalked her unsuspecting target. She could hear the faint echoes of Chrysalis’ voice, though she couldn’t understand the words of her song. No matter, all she wanted was to follow the changeling and Twilight, just to make sure that… well… actually she didn’t really know precisely why she was following those two, but her hooves were pulling her after them. She tried to tell herself that she was just making sure Twi was okay, that it had nothing to do with the burning in her belly, or the incredible raunchy spectacle she had witnessed. But that would have been a lie.

And Applejack was a terrible liar.

Thinking back, she really shouldn’t have left her house in this heated state. She had been… ah… relieving herself in her room when she had been startled by a loud howl, coming from the old fields to the west. After a quick investigation she had found a fresh trail, hoofprints zigzagging through the trees erratically. She had followed the tracks, her ears folding when more shouts followed —she had recognized Luna’s voice, but refused to believe the polite princess could be so vulgar— she had reached the trail’s end… and had found Twilight and Chrysalis, mating on the grass like a pair of feral beasts.

Applejack should have left as soon as she realized what was going on, it was the polite thing to do. But instead she had stayed, watching from behind a tree. She had witnessed Twilight rutting her wife like a mad stallion, flabbergasted by her friend’s new equipment. She was close enough to see Twilight’s balls slapping against Chrysalis’ rear, to hear the wet sounds of their sloppy mating, to smell the alicorn’s great virility. To her great shame her hoof had strayed between her thighs, and she had not managed to pull it away.

She had seen Chrysalis’ belly swelling with white cream, she had whimpered as she watched Twilight’s seed gush around her cock, splattering all over the grass… such a waste. Now she followed them, wondering if they would stop to give her another show. Applejack was ashamed by her perverse interest, but the burning in her lower belly was just overwhelming. Obviously she had left her estrus-reliever in her room —a dildo that could spurt warm liquid to douse her heat— and her hooves had done very little to sate her need. Her mind was jumbled, her inhibitions lowered, she felt almost drunk with lust…

Applejack stifled a yelp as she tripped on a root, her mind having wandered too far. She hunkered down, her back against a tree, holding her breath. Was this it? Was she busted? She stood frozen in fear, waiting to be pounced upon… but Chrysalis just kept walking and singing. Applejack sighed in relief, glad the changeling was so oblivious. Taking a deep breath, she resumed her stalking, her nose twitching from the virile stallion smell Twilight was exuding. It made her head spin, the inferno in her belly roaring in hunger, pushing her to follow the scent.

Too soon they arrived at the Friendship Castle, after a long trek through the woods. Chrysalis paused at the tree line, and she looked around, checking if the coast was clear. They were at the back of the castle, and there was no pony in sight. Applejack watched the changeling dash through the empty plaza, Chrysalis’ wings folded on top of Twilight to keep her safely held. Applejack approached the edge of the forest as changeling and alicorn disappeared through a backdoor, leaving her to wonder: what now?

A grumble rose from Applejack’s throat, worried about her friend. From what she had seen Chrysalis was using Twilight as nothing more than a glorified semen tap, even during her sleep. Her mind threw awful ideas at her, she imagined Twilight being chained to a wall, her cock permanently erect, ready to be milked by Chrysalis whenever she wanted, thick alicorn seed flowing freely in a constant stream of creamy goodness… With a start Applejack realized she was galloping towards the castle, her legs moving on their own.

Before she could stop herself, she was at the door, her hoof already raised to knock. Applejack held back, wondering what the hay she was even doing there. She had chores to do back at the farm —Big Mac would pick up the slack, but still— she had no valid excuse as to why she would show up at the castle, and she was leaking all over the place. She snorted, her hoof lowering, and started to turn away. She hadn’t gone far before the door unexpectedly swung open, startling her hat off.

“Hey Applejack!” Spike called, a friendly grin on his cute little snout. He blinked, his smile faltering as he saw AJ’s wide-eyed expression. “Whoops, sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”

Applejack held a hoof against her chest, willing her heart to slow down from its gallop. “N-no, Ah’m just a might jumpy is all.” Jumpy was one way of putting it; she had almost expected Chrysalis to leap out and drag her inside like an overgrown trapdoor spider. She fished her hat off the floor, and gave the little drake a tight smile. “Morning Spike, how are ya kiddo.”

“Good!” Spike’s smile returned. “I was having a quick bite to eat, I can get you something if you want, we have lots of food!” He stepped aside. “Come on in!”

“Erm… Okay…” Applejack hesitated, her hoof hovering over the threshold. “Say, how’d ya know Ah was out here?”

“Chrysalis told me.” Spike said brightly. “She poked her head through the kitchen door, asked me to come greet you.” He waved her in, waddling towards a staircase. “Apparently she needs to talk to you.”

Applejack felt her heart jump to her throat. Chrysalis knew! Applejack wanted to take off running, but saw no way to refuse without being rude to Spike. Already the little drake was looking back at her with a quizzical expression, and she had no choice but to step inside, her ears perked in high alert. She shivered as the door closed behind her, convinced she had just willingly walked into a trap.

“You okay Applejack?” Spike called, a worried frown on his snout. “You look kinda sick. And...” He sniffed, his head tilting. “What’s that smell?”

“Ah, don’t worry ‘bout me sugarcube,” Applejack gave him an awkward grin, “just that time of the year. Ya know. Mare problems.”

Spike blinked. “What?”

Applejack facehoofed, her cheeks burning brighter. “Course Twi wouldn’t have told ya ‘bout that stuff yet.” She shook her head, grumbling about city folks and their fancy estrus potions. “Never mind hon, Ah’m fine.”

“Okay… If you say so.” Spike gave her one last worried glance, then waddled off, Applejack in tow.

Applejack trotted alongside Spike all the way up a flight of stairs, carefully looking the dragon over. He didn’t seem hurt in any way, if anything he was smiling and had a spring in his step. Strange, considering how terrified of Chrysalis the little guy had been just a few days back. It made her wonder...

“Say Spike,” she said casually, “how’s it going between ya and yer new… ah… housemate.”

“You mean Chrysalis? She’s great!” Spike gushed, a big childish grin on her snout. “I was scared at first, but she’s super nice once you get to know her!”

“Ya don’t say…”

“Yeah! We talked about stuff for like, a while! She knows a bunch of things, about history and myths and all that, and she even told me a bedtime story. It’s been a while since Twilight did that…” His smile faltered, but he was soon bouncing again. “Also she made me a bunch of dragon food, she said it would help me grow big and strong!” He flexed his arms, puffing out his chest.

Applejack chuckled, giving the dragon a sisterly pat on the head. She blinked, surprised, and petted him again. Weird, Spike’s head-frill was a lot harder than she remembered. It was now rigid, like an actual scale, rather than the soft fish-like fin she was used to. And… was he taller? Applejack wasn’t sure, it wasn’t that noticeable, but she had the impression Spike had grown just a little since she had last seen him. The more she watched him the more she felt it was only her imagination, but…

“Here we are!” Spike pushed a door open, giving Applejack a big toothy smile.

A chill ran down Applejack’s spine. Were Spike’s teeth always this sharp? “T-thanks sugarcube.” She stepped inside, keeping an eye on the dragon. There definitely was something off about Spike, something that left her on edge, just like when she heard timberwolves howling in the night. It was strange, but for the first time since meeting and getting to know the little guy, she was extremely aware that Spike was a dragon, and not a pony.

“No problem!” He gave a cute little salute. “If you need anything the kitchen is just down the hall, sorry if I can’t get you anything right now, but I have something to do first. Make yourself at home!” With that he was off in a hurried waddle, leaving Applejack with her confused thoughts.

With a furrowed brow, Applejack closed the door, and turned to examine the room. The lounge was spacious, like every other room in this ridiculously huge castle. A crystal coffee table dominated the center, surrounded by crystal chairs, cushy seats, and a large sofa. Grumbling under her breath, Applejack made her way to the sofa, before reconsidering her choice and sitting on a crystal chair. She didn’t want to leak all over Twilight’s cushions, that would just be rude.

She was wondering what the changeling wanted with her when the door shone green, and Chrysalis stepped in with a large fanged grin. Applejack frowned, her ears folding back as the changeling came over, the sloshing white goop in her swollen belly distractingly noticeable. Chrysalis saw her staring, and she tipped her a wink, chuckling when Applejack responded with a glower. The changeling made herself comfortable on the sofa, resting a hoof on her rounded stomach.

“Hello again dearie,” Chrysalis greeted with a wolfish smile, “so glad you could make it. Welcome to my hive.”

Applejack grunted noncommittally, eyeing the changeling suspiciously. “Where’s Twi?”

“Sleeping.” Chrysalis said simply. “She needed a nap after her… efforts.”

“Humph.” Applejack said nothing, waiting for the other horseshoe to drop. She and Chrysalis stared at one another for a few tense instants, before the changeling decided to start her little game.

“So, Applejack.” Chrysalis purred, eyes shining with hunger. “I trust you have enjoyed spying on our love making session?” Applejack tensed but said nothing, her cheeks burning. “Oh yes, I knew you were watching us, I could smell your appreciation for Twilight’s performance.” She pointedly gave Applejack’s hoof a glance.

Applejack’s first instinct was to deny, but she bit down on her lie. Considering Chrysalis’ abilities there was no point in playing dumb, and the changeling would try to use this against her if she wasn’t careful. Casual honesty was her best bet.

“Fine.” She huffed. “Ah watched y’all. Shouldn’t have, but Ah did.”

“You know it’s very rude to peep on others’ privacy.” Chrysalis smirked, her hoof running over her belly lovingly, almost motherly. “Not to mention illegal…”

“Y’all were trespassing on Apple Family land.” Applejack countered. “What happens on mah private property is mah business.”

Chrysalis snorted with laughter. “Really? That’s your excuse?”

“Ah’m in heat, Ah can’t do nothing against mah body’s needs.” She shot Chrysalis a cheeky smile. “Ain’t that the same line ya used with Twi tah justify ya fooling around with Rares? All that malarkey ‘bout nesting and all that?”

Chrysalis’ smile grew, her eyes twinkling. “Oooh, I really like you.”

“Well Ah don’t like you all that much.” Applejack huffed.

“Better than outright hatred.” Chrysalis purred. “You are a good pony Applejack, so proud and stubborn, you will not abandon your values for anyone or anything. I admire that. I’m sure we could be the best of friends, you and I…”

“Ya can stop with the sweet talking, Ah get enough from stallions ‘round this time of year.” Applejack smirked. “Y’all just want the same thing, and Ah ain’t giving it to ya.”

“You wound me, little apple seed.” Chrysalis put on a hurt expression, her pout comically fake. “I can assure you, I only want to get to know you better, as Twilight’s wife it is my duty to at least try to befriend her companions. Rutting you will only be a nice bonus.”

Applejack bristled. That changelling really was just shameless! “Ya won’t get me that easily. Ah’m not as vulnerable and desperate for romance as some ponies.”

“Aaah, there it is, the cerberus in the room.” Chrysalis chuckled. “A little sour about Rarity, are we?”

“Nope.” Applejack lied, her ear twitching. “Ah’m just worried she got taken advantage off.”

“Applejack, darling, you have just the worst poker face I’ve ever seen. And remember: I can taste your jealousy.” Chrysalis inhaled deeply, her eyes fluttering. “Delicious.”

“Was Twi’s jealousy as tasty as mine when she found out ‘bout you and Rares?” Applejack countered with a spark of anger. She quickly clamped down on her emotions, refusing to let the changeling get a rise out of her. She exhaled sharply, then shot Chrysalis an accusing glance. “Ah bet ya didn’t even think about Twilight’s feelings when ya went behind her back.”

For once Chrysalis didn’t reply instantly. She remained still, as if taken by surprise. The twinkling in her green eyes dimmed. Her smile wavered, then disappeared. Her voice was strangely subdued when she spoke next.

“No… I didn’t think about it.” Chrysalis frowned. “It didn’t even cross my mind at the time.”

Applejack carefully watched the changeling’s expression, gauging how genuine her reaction was. She didn’t trust the changeling, but she still wanted to understand her, at least out of respect for Twilight. Depending on how the changeling reacted to her next words, Applejack would have a better idea of her character. She leaned forward, her brow furrowed.

“Ya knew Twi was a sweet gal, ya knew she’d forgive ya. Heck, she didn’t even have the heart to tell Rares. She tries to see the best in ponies, and ya took advantage of her kindness.” She flicked her hat back, and would have spat on the ground if she wasn’t indoors. “Ah know Twi, and Ah know deep down she’s still hurting from it, even if she won’t dwell on it. Did ya plan for that at all?”

Chrysalis’ eyes flickered, as if she was resisting the urge to look away. She took the time to think about her next words, then spoke in a soft voice. “No... I did not consider Twilight’s feelings, I just saw an opportunity and took it.” She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “In my mind it was her fault for letting herself be fooled, she let me win, and I only went to collect my prize. I was unconcerned at that time… and in some ways… I do regret it.”

Applejack kept glaring, masking her surprise. Chrysalis’ words rung with deep honesty, the small glimmer of remorse in her eyes seemed genuine. Applejack’s instincts told her the changeling was telling the truth… no matter how hard it was to accept. Still, it wasn’t much of an excuse, feeling bad didn’t pardon a bad deed. But it was a sign Twilight’s hope for the changeling might not be as crazy as Applejack had initially thought. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

“Yer sayin’ yer sorry, and maybe ya are.” Applejack said carefully, crossing her hooves. “But that don’t mean squat if ya do it again.” She shot Chrysalis a challenging glance, her eyebrow quirked. “So, can ya promise ya won’t do this kind of thing no more?”

“No.” Chrysalis answered with little hesitation, the corner of her lips twitching up. “I can’t promise something like that.”

“Course ya can’t.” Applejack smiled derisively. “Least yer honest about yer dishonesty.”

“I am quite open when it comes to my villainy.” Chrysalis’s smirk grew. “Have I lied even once since we’ve started this conversation?”

“Nah, and that tells me Twi’s right: ya know right from wrong, ya could be a good pony.” Applejack clicked her tongue. “Ya just choose not to.”

“Oh? And tell me, oh wise little apple famer, how would I go about becoming good?”

“Ya could start by not being such a con artist, snake in the grass, crooked, one bit swindler all the time.”

“You might as well ask me to stop being a changeling.” Chrysalis chuckled. “Would you ask a fish to stop swimming? Would you ask a pegasus to stop flying?”

“Shy seems tah manage just fine.” Applejack shrugged, somewhat amused by the back and forth.

“Fluttershy, hmmm?” Chrysalis tapped her chin, looking at the ceiling pensively. “She was such a pretty little thing, I wonder if I should…”

“Don’t ya even think about it.” Applejack warned, her smile vanishing.

“It is in my nature, I can’t not think about it.” Chrysalis fluttered her eyelashes playfully. She then shot Applejack a teasing look. “In the same way you can’t stop yourself from desiring Rarity, even now that she is taken.”

Applejack blushed deeply, but kept her composure. Chrysalis would never stop teasing her about this if she let it get to her, so she decided to act nonchalant again. “Yeah, Ah fancy her. What of it.”

“You should tell her.” Chrysalis leaned forward, her eyes full of mischief.

“She’s in a herd, ain’t no point now.” Applejack huffed.

“And? Just join our herd, and you’ll have her at your disposal.”

Applejack almost laughed out loud. She had seen this coming from a mile away. Chrysalis’ ploy was so transparent it reminded Applejack of the trick she used to catch Pinkie Pie when the pink party pony went crazy: a cardboard box, a stick on a string, and a cupcake. A trap so obvious only dumb critters and sugar-crazed mares would fall for it. That was the type of trap Chrysalis had just sprung out for Applejack, with a sexy unicorn instead of a cupcake. The whole thing was almost insultingly blatant.

So why was Applejack tempted to take the bait anyway?

Applejack hesitated, and the fact that she didn’t outright refuse sent a chill down her spine. Somehow, like a skilled snake-oil merchant, Chrysalis had managed to get her interest even if Applejack knew what she was selling was poison. And now, like all professional swindlers, Chrysalis was giving her an offer she could not refuse… at least not easily.

“Ah knew Ah shouldn’t have come here…” Applejack grumbled, angry at herself more than anything.

“But you did.” Chrysalis smiled smugly. “Because you know you want it. You came because you wanted to be convinced.”

“Horse apples.”

“Come now, you know I can feel your emotions, don’t you?”

“And ya know Ah can feel when somepony’s lying, don’t ya?” Applejack narrowed her eyes. “Do ya really want a mare like me around?”

“Why yes, it will be a fun challenge!” Chrysalis clapped her hooves cheerfully.

“... Yer crazy.”

“Possibly.” Chrysalis shrugged uncaringly. “But let me tell you a little secret.” She leaned forward, whispering conspiratorially. “The best lies are made of truths.”

Applejack scoffed, her ears folding to avoid listening to this heresy. “That don’t make a lick of sense.”

“Join us, and I will teach you.” Chrysalis hissed softly. “Think about it. The castle isn’t too far from your farm, you will have access to Twilight’s royal treasury, you will have access to my knowledge, my expertise. And most importantly…” Chrysalis’ horn flashed green, forcing Applejack to cover her eyes. When she looked back, her heart skipped a beat, her eyes wide as saucers. “You will have access to me.” Rarity purred, the unicorn striking a seductive pose on the sofa.

“Don’t.” Applejack growled, averting her eyes before she could ogle her friend’s lewdly displayed body. “Ya don’t deserve tah look like her.”

“My my, you have it bad, don’t you.” Rarity cooed, her melodious voice sending tingles into Applejack’s lower belly. “Since when have you felt this way?”

“… a while.” Applejack just couldn’t bring herself to look at Rarity while she said this, even if she knew it wasn’t really her. “Stupid foalhood crush that never went away.”

“Aaah, that explains the powerful taste.” Rarity inhaled deeply, making Applejack blush even harder. “Your love is like a fine wine, made from sweet childish infatuation, matured into a vintage that could last for a lifetime. It’s… beautiful.”

“Stop makin’ fun of me.” Applejack grumbled, still looking away.

“I am in no way mocking your feelings, on the contrary.” Rarity jumped from the sofa, and Applejack closed her eyes tightly as the unicorn sauntered closer. “It is not often one finds love so pure, so… delicious.” Applejack could feel the unicorn’s breath on her cheek, her fur seemingly catching fire wherever the soft unicorn-scented breeze brushed against her coat. “Shame, it is not quite as tasty as Shining and Cadance’s, it still needs a catalyst.”

“W-what…” Applejack dared to take a little peek, and her breath caught in her throat when she found Rarity’s full, glossy lips just next to hers, her blue eyes lidded and teasing.

“Darling, you need to confess your feelings.”

Applejack quickly closed her eyes again, and even covered her ears with her hooves. “Ain’t no way that’s happenin’.” She said stubbornly. “Ah ain’t fallin’ for yer tricks.”

“Don’t you wish to at least try?” Rarity’s insidious words snaked their way past Applejack’s hooves, burrowing into her mind. “Having a changeling friend has its upsides, why not take advantage? I could give you a chance to say what’s on your heart to the pony you love, right here, right now. I assure you it will be liberating, let me help you, let me show you I can be useful, despite our differences. Just one chance, that is all I ask. Isn’t that what Twilight asked of you all? To give me one chance?”

Applejack felt her will breaking. She could actually feel Chrysalis’ barbed words hooking into her heart, tearing it apart. The promise of finally confessing to Rarity, even a fake one, was prying her steel resolve wide open, letting Chrysalis’ poisonous words seep into her mind. Without the simmering heat in her lower belly she might have resisted the temptation, but at this point she was fighting a lost battle. She knew she would say yes, and Chrysalis knew it too.

“Come on…” Rarity purred into her ear. The fake unicorn blew into her sensitive ears. “This cannot hurt you in any way, and I promise I won’t ask for anything in return. Just consider it a rehearsal, a way for you to know if this is what you truly want.”

“Ah should buck you straight in the nose.” Applejack said in a trembling voice.

“Such a shame you can’t do it, not when I’m wearing this face.” Rarity breathed. “Though, knowing Rarity, she wouldn’t say no to a strong spanking…” Applejack felt her hoof being pulled towards Rarity’s flanks. Her gorgeous, plump, shapely flanks. “If that’s what you prefer...”

“Alright alright!” Applejack jumped off her chair, turning away from the vile changeling temptress. “If Ah do it, will ya just leave me alone?”

“Yes. You have my word. If you confess, and you still refuse my offer to join my hive, Twilight’s herd, I will not pursue you anymore. I will strive to be your friend, and nothing more.”

Applejack took in Chrysalis’ promise, weighting around the truth it contained. She clearly felt a twinge of falsehood in the end of the changeling’s statement, but at least the most important part was solid. Just a few words, and she would be free of Chrysalis’ teasing. She took a deep breath, still refusing to look at the changeling. No matter how much she looked like Rarity, she still felt off. But… it will have to do.

“Just… gimme a sec… tah prepare…”

“Oh, of course!” Rarity said happily. She trotted away, her dainty hoofsteps making Applejack’s heart race. “I will give you five minutes to gather yourself, while I get into character. Remember to act natural, and above all… be honest.”

“Fine.”

The door opened and closed, and Applejack finally allowed herself to exhale, her head sagging, all tension leaving her body. She knew it. She knew it was a bad idea to come here, so why had she allowed herself to be trapped in this way? She winced, the fire in her belly flaring up, and she had her answer. This heat had just left her completely out of sorts, her hidden feelings surging to the surface.

Heck, judging by Twilight’s expression earlier, it was clear even the usually clueless alicorn had realized she was sweet on Rarity. All these years of stifling her emotions, after all the times she had hugged Rarity just a tad too tight, or looked at her just a little too long, all the near misses she had managed to explain away… Her secret was out. Maybe she ought to just run for it? Yes, she could still leave. Sneak out through another door. Hide under the sofa. Even jumping through the window sounded pretty good right about now…

The doorknob rattled, startling Applejack out of her thoughts. So soon? Had it been five minutes already? No matter how hard she told herself to just leg it, Applejack was rooted in place. Her eyes were riveted to the door as it opened, like a deer in the headlights. No matter, she would just tell the changeling she had reconsidered. She didn’t want to do this. It was too embarrassing. Chrysalis could just go to Tartarus with her idea, there was no way…

Rarity stepped into the room, and the world seemed to come to a standstill. This time Applejack didn’t look away in time, and she was taken in, all her attention focused on her secret crush. Gosh she was beautiful, her bouncy mane so perfectly curled, her long eyelashes seeming to wave Applejack closer whenever she blinked, her gorgeous eyes locking with the farmer’s…

Rarity’s mouth opened in a little “o” of surprise, her lips so perfectly full and soft. She trotted inside, the door magically closing behind her. She pranced her way towards her frozen friend, a friendly smile on her lips. Those exquisite, attractive, stunningly kissable lips… Applejack shook her head, but her mind was still full of Rarity. She took a faltering step back, shot the window a quick look, and gulped. It was too late now, Rarity had reached her.

“Applejack, darling, how are you!” Rarity said radiantly, throwing one hoof around Applejack’s neck.

The farmer tensed under the friendly embrace, her heart beating so hard she was surprised Rarity couldn’t feel it hammering against her chest. “Ah’m… Ah’m good.” She wanted to say more, but couldn’t. The unicorn had stolen her breath away.

Rarity leaned back, her muzzle scrunching, and she took a few hurried steps away. Even when she looked disgusted she was still so pretty. “Are… Are you in…” She coughed, but politely resisted the urge to pinch her nose. “Oh my… Applejack, you really shouldn’t go outside without taking heat medicine, or at least without giving yourself some relief!”

Applejack mumbled an apology, her face beet red. “Ah kinda left home in a hurry… didn’t think about it.”

“Well we simply must get you a potion before you leave. I know you dislike them, but in your state you’ll make every stallion in Ponyville drop out of their sheaths… well maybe it’s not such a bad idea.” Rarity’s ringing giggle made Applejack’s heart throb painfully. It wasn’t fair, she even laughed exactly like the real one. “Now, Spike tells me you and Chrysalis were having a nice chat, and that you needed to talk to me?”

“Just, ya know… wanted to come by say hi.” She said lamely. No matter how good the disguise, she still knew this wasn’t the real Rarity, and having to pretend otherwise was hard on her. She was an awful actor at the best of times, so this was just excruciating. Though… it meant she could do things she wouldn’t usually do. She hesitated, then decided to just go with the flow. She smiled, and tipped her hat at her fake friend, just to see what happened. “Yer looking mighty fine today.”

Rarity blinked, visibly surprised by the compliment. “Ah… T-thank you? How… unlike you…” Her brow slowly furrowed, her eyes darting all over Applejack’s face. “… Chrysalis, is that you?”

“Nope.” Applejack smiled thinly. “It’s really me.”

“Hmm…” Rarity stared at her friend for a few more seconds, then she brightened, leaning back with a smile. “Yes, she wouldn’t tell an outright lie like this. She’s strange like that.”

“That she is.” Applejack nodded. Her smile widened as she looked past the disguise, and locked eyes with the changeling underneath. “And a right proper good fer nothing varmint, like a tick that won’t let go. No wonder she looks like an overgrown cockroach, right Rares?”

“Ah… I suppose.” Rarity’s grinned falsely. Her teeth were gritted, her brow furrowing for a split second, the minor slip up betraying the changeling’s irritation. Good, Applejack hoped Chrysalis was boiling in anger under her disguise. That would teach the changeling to play with her heart. Rarity cleared her throat, and gestured to the seats behind them. “Shall we?”

Applejack nodded, and slowly followed Rarity to the coffee table. The unicorn jumped on the sofa, making herself comfortable… and Applejack scooted right next to her. The sofa was just big enough for two ponies to rest comfortably side by side, if you didn’t mind the occasional brush of the tail, or flank bumping. Rarity quirked an eyebrow, eyeing all the other empty chairs, but she didn’t comment. She shuffled to give Applejack some more room, her tail draping itself on top of her white flanks.

After a few minutes of nervous fidgeting, Rarity coughed, breaking the awkward silence. “Would you like some tea?” She asked politely, a cautious smile on her lips. “I think Spike is rummaging around in the kitchen, I’m sure he would be happy to-”

“Rares, is it true ya slept with Chrysalis?” The question was blunt, crude, one Applejack would never ask of her true friend. But it was a question she needed to ask, a question she wanted to hear Rarity answer.

Rarity sputtered in surprise, her cheeks coloring furiously. “Applejack! How could you ask me such a-”

“Did ya?” Applejack interrupted, her expression studiously neutral. She hoped some of the deep embarrassment on Rarity’s face was genuine, making Chrysalis squirm was a small revenge after all she’d done.

Rarity sat stiffly on the sofa, pulling herself away from her friend. “Why I never… how rude…” She seemed to be choking on her indignation, her cheeks sporting a rosy shine. “I do not see how this is any of your business… but yes, I have.” She sniffed, raising her nose in the air. “I spent the night with her and Twilight, if you must know.”

A half-truth, but Applejack chose not to press the issue. She didn’t want a detailed description of how Chrysalis had stolen her crush away. “So… yer part of their herd?”

“Yes, of course!” Rarity turned sharply, shooting Applejack a shocked look. “I only accepted Chrysalis’ advances when I knew Twilight was looking to start a herd, she was thrilled about it! Do you take me for a floozy?”

Even knowing she was a fake, Applejack still winced from the obvious hurt in Rarity’s voice. The unicorn looked genuinely upset. “Sorry…”

The apology escaped Applejack, and she didn’t try to take it back. She looked down at the crystal floor, ashamed of her actions. Disguised Chrysalis or not, being this rude just wasn’t in Applejack’s nature.

A tense silence stretched between them. It was like a giant chasm had opened in the minuscule space separating them, and they were slowly drifting apart. Applejack made the pledge to never let anything like this happen between her and the real Rarity, it was just an awful feeling.

“Ah’m sorry Rares…” She repeated, thinking of the real unicorn.

Rarity glared at her friend for a few more moments, then she sighed, the anger vanishing from her muzzle. “Applejack, this isn’t like you…” She gently placed her hoof on Applejack’s shoulder, frowning worriedly when the earth pony seemed to jump under her touch. “Is… Is it your heat? Is it that bad?”

“… Maybe.” Applejack evaded, rubbing her leg with her hoof. “It’s a lil’ strong...” When Rarity gave her another eyebrow quirk, Applejack caved. “Okay, it’s real bad.”

“Yes, I can tell.” Rarity said fanning her nose with her hoof.

Applejack’s lips twisted into a shy smile. “Hey, yer the one that’s always tellin’ me to wear perfume.”

“Yes, well I meant a nice designer brand perfume.” Rarity huffed, crossing her forehooves. “I know you are very attached to the old ways Applejack, but rolling around in your own musk might be taking rustic charm just a little too far.”

“Ya mean like the time ya went and dived into mah pigsty just tah woo that fashion stallion?”

“Please, mud is very good for one’s coat.”

“Rares, that wasn’t no mud, and ya know it.”

They looked at one another for a few tense heartbeats, Rarity glaring and Applejack smirking… and they exploded into a fit of giggles, all tension disappearing from the room instantly. It felt good to laugh, to feel the awkwardness dissipate, the rift between them closing up. In a small way Applejack realized Chrysalis was right: saying what was on her heart felt good, even if it hurt. Now… there was one other thing she still had to say. Yes. She simply needed to say it. It was easy. Just tell Rarity she loved her, no biggie.

The window was looking very tempting again.

“Oh bother...” Rarity chuckled, carefully fishing tears out of the corner of her eyes to avoid ruining her mascara. “I will never live that down, will I?”

“Eenope, Ah’ll always be there to remind ya.” Applejack said with a loving smile.

Rarity looked back, seeming taken aback by the farmer’s earnest tone. “… Always?”

Applejack’s expression turned neutral, but inside she was screaming. Had she said too much too fast? This was a trial run, a rehearsal, but still, she wanted to do it right. “Ah meant we’ll always be friends, ya know.”

“Ah, yes.” Rarity smiled, seeming relieved. “Of course we will.”

“So,” Applejack coughed, trying to sound nonchalant, “how are things?” She could kick herself for that vapid question, but at least she hadn’t commented on the weather.

“Oh, it’s marvelous, I have already moved most of my personal affairs here, I have my own room just next to Twilight’s!” Rarity cheered, leaning closer to Applejack; the farmer almost fell from the sofa trying to scoot back. “I was thinking about announcing the good news to you all over dinner, but it seems word has already spread, hmm?”

“Just a tad.” Applejack mumbled. Rarity was always a little touchy when she was excited, she didn’t have much respect for personal space in those moments: right now the unicorn was leaning over her recoiled body, a manic grin on her muzzle. “I take yer happy to be in Twi’s herd?”

“Why yes! I just knew I would be wed to royalty one day, but I never thought Twilight would be the one!” Rarity’s eyes sparkled with joy. “She is such a darling, I often wondered if things could progress beyond friendship between us… and now I know! Ooooh, just imagine, the beautiful fashionista who rescues a reclusive princess from her library, saving her from the clutches of a monstrous puppet master… they could write novels about us!”

“Ye’ve read too many of them frou-frou romance books.” Applejack grumbled.

“Oh pish posh.” Rarity waved Applejack’s negativity away. “You know you love them too, even if you hide it.”

Applejack chuckled good-naturedly. “Ah read one just to be polite Rares, ain’t my thing.” She then became more serious, her voice softening. “Do ya think ya could love her?”

“Twilight?” Rarity hummed, becoming pensive. “Well, I already do love her, but I know what you mean.” She put her elbows on Applejack’s hip, using her like a table. She ignored her friend’s hey! of protest and rested her head on her folded white hooves. “I love many things about Twilight: her little quirks, her voice, her innocent looks… so yes, I can easily see myself falling in love with her.” She put on a fanciful smile, her gaze far away. “These things take time to grow, but they are a joy to nurture.”

“And Chrysalis?” Applejack asked carefully.

Rarity didn’t react as Applejack thought. She had expected a scoff, maybe a scrunching of her muzzle… but no. Rarity sighed dreamily, her lips quirking at the corners. Applejack saw a flash of wickedness in the unicorn’s eyes, something she had never seen in those gorgeous blue orbs. Was Chrysalis having so much fun she had let her disguise flicker for an instant? The changeling quickly schooled her expression, then responded with a soft purr.

“This will sound strange coming from me, but I have to say: I never expected to have so many common interests with that mare. She is quite unrepentant, and I know I will often butt heads with her, but I think Twilight is right: she can be redeemed, and I am sure she will emerge as a gorgeous creature when she goes through her metamorphosis. Not that her current form hasn’t its own charms...”

Rarity sighed softly, her whimsical smile growing. Applejack held her tongue. Chrysalis was obviously having fun at her expense, trying to make her jealous, but the earth pony kept cool. She still had one question to ask, she didn’t want to break the charade just yet. Rarity shivered, as if lost in a particularly pleasurable memory, then she spoke with good humor.

“Plus, sharing a life with Chrysalis will at least be interesting.” Rarity tittered, her curls bouncing prettily. “And perhaps, in time, when she realizes the errors of her ways…”

“What ‘bout me. Think ya could fall for me?”

Rarity’s romantic speech screeched to a halt, her mouth frozen mid-word. Her eyes slowly widened, her pupils shrinking. Applejack held her breath as Rarity seemed to come to grips with her question. She had to repeat to herself that this wasn’t real, this was just a rehearsal, she didn’t need to jump out the window to escape Rarity’s unavoidably negative answer.

After a long, heavy silence, Rarity finally moved, if only to wet her lips. Her mouth slowly closed, and an audible gulp went down her throat. The unicorn carefully, calmly, with the grace of a ballet dancer, removed herself from atop her friend. Rarity leaned back, as far away as the sofa permitted, her gaze finally meeting Applejack’s terrified eyes. Rarity barely breathed, as if afraid to even make a noise. Her lips parted, her stammering voice full of wonder.

“A-Applejack?”

This was it. Applejack could pass her comment as a joke, she could laugh and rib on Rarity for her reaction, just like every other time she had come too close to revealing her feelings. Or she could blame it on her heat making her mind so darn fuzzy, which wouldn’t be a lie. It would be so easy to deny it… but for once she didn’t need to. This was Chrysalis, she reminded herself, the changeling could see through her, she could taste her feelings. So, there was no reason to hide, no reason to resist, and the phrase she had been holding back all those years flew from her lips.

“Ah love ya Rares.”

The simple whispered statement was like an explosion in Applejack’s ears, her own voice seeming to deafen her with the enormity of her admission. She felt like she was falling, even as she sat ramrod straight on the sofa, staring at her wide-eyed crush. Rarity’s hoof rose to land on her white chest, as if protecting her heart, her eyes wide an shocked. Applejack’s ears were full of white noise, and it took her a few instants to realize she was still talking.

“Ah know Ah’m not a sophisticated mare like ya, Ah know Ah’m only a farmer, and Ah know Ah don’t have nothin’ to offer you but apples.”

Now that she had opened the floodgates, the words seemed to rush from her heart. She couldn’t stop them even if she wanted to.

“Ah know that if we were special someponies ya would be stuck at the farm with me, and Ah know Ah can’t ask that of ya. Ah know ya want to travel all ‘round Equestria, openin’ boutiques left and right, and Ah know Ah can’t follow ya.”

She began to gesticulate, becoming more and more frantic as all the reasons she had found for this relationship to never be possible poured out, each one sounding like the death sentence for any hope she could have ever had. She felt like she was in free fall, just tumbling down the unknown.

“Ah know we’re not alike, Ah value everything ya hate: hard physical labor, fertile soil, the sweat off my brow, and Ah could never ask ya tah leave yer world tah come be miserable in mine. And Ah don’t understand fashion, Ah don’t understand all them social gathering hooeys in Canterlot, so Ah’d be miserable in yers too.”

She grabbed Rarity’s hoof, the unicorn squeaking from the sudden contact.

“Ah know all that, but Ah also know Ah don’t care about none of that stuff Ah just said. Ah’ll still love ya no matter what, always have, always will”

Rarity’s face exploded into a terminal blush, her cheeks going so red Applejack worried she was about to faint, or possibly burst into flame. A sensation of peace fell on Applejack’s mind, as if a crushing burden had been lifted, as if for the first time in years she could raise her head without being weighed down. The noise in her head cleared, her heart slowed from its wild gallop, and she sighed in deep contentment. Chrysalis had been right. She had needed this. More than she could have ever known.

“Ah don’t care ‘bout all that… Ah don’t.” She repeated, a sense of clarity overtaking her, like a ray of sunshine piercing through a dark, stormy sky. She felt like she was flying, her heart soaring, free of the chains of doubt. “Ah don’t care if it can’t work, Ah don’t care if it’s crazy, Ah still wanna try tah be with ya. Cause gosh darnit Rares Ah love ya, and that’s that.”

She snorted stubbornly. All the issues that had held her back, all the obstacles she had put in her own path, they all seemed so silly now that her mind was clear. Her heart was shouting at her to just swoop in and kiss Rarity like the world was about to end, but the rational part of her mind reminded her this wasn’t her true crush. No, she still had to find the courage to say these wonderful things to the real Rarity, but at least now she knew she truly wanted to do it. She opened her mouth, ready to give Chrysalis a reluctant ‘thank you’ for her help…

“Ahem…”

Applejack froze, all her happy thoughts suddenly combusting into nothingness, her mind going blank. No, she refused to acknowledge the voice coming from the door. The voice that sounded an awful lot like Chrysalis’ voice. Because Chrysalis was right in front of her, not at the door, obviously. If Chrysalis was at the door, it would mean Chrysalis wasn’t on the sofa beside her. And if Chrysalis wasn’t on the sofa with her, it meant that… it meant that…

“Oh… my…” Rarity gasped out, her breath short, her cheeks still red as could be, a timid smile blossoming on her lips. “A-Applejack, I… I never knew…”

Slowly, her face blank, Applejack turned away from the smitten unicorn in her hooves, her head turning robotically to the door. There, watching from the open doorway, stood Queen Chrysalis, undisguised, her expression unreadable. Applejack distinctly heard something snapping in her mind, like an old tree collapsing before the hurricane ravaging her mind. She couldn’t even look back at the trembling unicorn next to her. She was simply stunned.

Chrysalis coughed, grabbing her attention. The changeling was wearing a neutral mask, but her eyes were shining with burning intensity. Chrysalis opened her mouth, her horn glowing green, and Applejack braced herself for the inevitable onslaught of mocking jeers the changeling was going to throw at her…

“Don’t mind me.” Chrysalis said tonelessly, her magic closing the door as she backed out of the lounge. “It seems you have much to discuss.”

Without another word, Chrysalis shut the door, leaving them alone. Applejack was shocked the changeling hadn’t taken the occasion to tease her relentlessly: between her and Rarity they could have reduced Applejack into a pile of flustered mush in just a few seconds. Worse, Chrysalis could have proposed her to join their herd again, and Applejack would have had no choice but to agree, considering what she had just said. And the look on Chrysalis face…

Applejack jumped as an incredibly soft hoof landed on her cheek, forcing her to look away from the door… and back towards the mare she loved.

Rarity was blushing so hard Applejack could feel the heat coming from her face, her excited smile stretching from ear to ear. The farmer swore she could see little stars and hearts sparkling in Rarity’s eyes, like fireworks in the evening sky. With a shudder Applejack realized she recognized that look. It was the look Rarity gave her when she was gushing about a particularly romantic passage in one of her novels.

Only this time, the romantic moment had happened to Rarity in real life, and the unicorn was apparently about to explode.

“Uhm…” Applejack grinned awkwardly. “So… Ah guess ya won’t believe me if Ah said Ah was jokin’, right?”

Twilight groaned, slowly coming to. She stretched her legs, gasping softly as her tired muscles protested, and she gave a little high-pitched squeak when she tried to roll on her belly; her hips felt like they were on fire. She got her hooves under her… and she gave a strangled yelp when she inadvertently squished a very sensitive part of her anatomy, one she wasn’t used to waking up with. She rolled on the bed, holding her poor balls in her hooves, suddenly wide awake.

“Ouch ouch ouch ouch…” She groaned, eyes watering from the unfamiliar pain. “Oh Celestia why… Chrysalis… help me…”

She blinked blearily, her hoof searching the bed for her wife. She was surprised to find that not only was she alone, but she wasn’t in her bed. Actually, she wasn’t in a bed at all. Her eyes slowly focused, and she realized with a start she was surrounded by changeling resin. A panicked memory of waking up in a changeling cocoon made her heart race, but she quickly realized she wasn’t prisoner. Her horn glowed pink, revealing her surroundings.

She was in a deep, soft walled alcove, the green changeling resin surprisingly comfortable. One end ended in a solid wall of green, the other opened into darkness. The nook was large enough for her to turn on herself, but barely high enough for her to crouch. Confused, she crawled to the mouth of the compartment, her pink magic chasing away the shadows, and her breath hitched in wonder.

The room was large, with a wide depression in the middle, like the basin for a shallow pool. The walls were peppered with alcoves similar to the one Twilight had woken up in, like cells in a beehive, all the way up to the ceiling. Everything was made out of changeling resin, the myriad of shades of green shining beautifully under her pink magic. There was little doubt in her mind, she was in one of the hive chambers Chrysalis had made in her castle, the room completely unrecognizable.

“Wow…”

As soon as she spoke, green pods hanging from the ceiling began to glow, and she turned off her horn. The pods illuminated the room with a ghostly green hue, the gentle light letting Twilight have a better look at the chamber’s main feature. The basin in the middle was oozing with dark green goo, the surface rippling like water in slow motion. The sight was mesmerizing, as was everything else in the room. She was surprised to find she wasn’t disgusted by the squishy changeling resin all around. In fact the room was pleasantly warm, the soft walls wonderfully comfortable, and the chamber in general made her feel… safe.

A portion of bare wall shifted, and a circular hole opened, quickly expanding into doorway. Twilight watched silently as Chrysalis walked in, head lowered. She looked almost… worried? The changeling seemed lost in thought as she slowly made her way to Twilight’s alcove, only looking up when she was just a few paces away. Her eyes widened as she found Twilight looking back, and she schooled her expression, a smile replacing her troubled frown.

“Ah, my stud is finally awake.” Chrysalis purred, her hips swinging as she came over, her belly sloshing audibly. “Pity, I wanted to wake you with a kiss.”

Twilight’s cheeks pinkened, a smile fighting its way onto her lips. She could see her seed rolling inside her lover’s rounded stomach, the green chitin noticeably fuller than when she had passed out. The sight was incredibly lewd, and very embarrassing, but at the moment she mostly felt proud of her accomplishment. Her stallionhood gave a twitch in its sheath, reminding her she had yet to dispel it. Her horn flared to life, preparing the counter spell… but Chrysalis rushed to flick her hoof against the point before she could cast it.

“Hey!” Twilight pouted, rubbing her horn. “What gives?

“If you think I will let you remove that wonderful piece of stallion meat, you are sorely mistaken.” Chrysalis scoffed “I want everyone to know this seed came from you. Do not force me to put the ring back on.” She opened her mouth, and Twilight saw a glint of silver in the back of Chrysalis’ throat, held in her tongue. The tentacle chucked the ring back down her gullet before Twilight could try to fish it with her magic.

“Do you have any idea how much those are worth?” Twilight grumbled, her ears lowering as Chrysalis swallowed.

“No, but you should probably think about reimbursing Rarity for it, and for the leather outfit you liberated from her store.” Chrysalis chuckled. To Twilight’s surprise the changeling began to crawl into the alcove beside her, grunting as she squished her belly inside.

Twilight moved aside to give her lover some space, but Chrysalis latched on to her and brought her close, forcefully spooning her. Twilight gave a half-hearted grumble, and she melted into her wife’s embrace, lulled into a sense of deep satisfaction by the room’s ambient warmth. They settled comfortably together, just enjoying each other’s presence. Twilight could feel her lover’s rounded belly on the small of her back, making her feel giddy when she thought about what it meant… and her eyes widened in realization.

“Chrysalis…” She looked over the room, noting the alcoves and the green pool. “Is this the nursery you were talking about?”

“Part of it.” Chrysalis said against Twilight’s nape, the changeling busy placing loving kisses on her lover’s fur. “We are in the spawning pool chamber, the hatchery is over there,” She pointed towards a patch of bare wall, “and the grubling nest over there.” Another bare wall, but Twilight guessed they could open like the door Chrysalis had used.

“So, is this where… you know…” She gulped, her eyes darting to her own stomach.

“This is the room pony broodmares are taken when it is time for them to deliver, yes.” Chrysalis’ hoof ran over Twilight’s belly, making the alicorn shiver. “The spawning process is painless, I can assure you. The pool takes care of everything.”

As she spoke the dark green goo in the center of the room seemed to react, slime tentacles rising in the air from the shallow depths. They grasped blindly, as if seeking for something, or somepony, to grab. When they found nothing the slime tentacles slowly retreated, becoming liquid again. The pool’s surface soon returned to its gentle bubbling, leaving Twilight to marvel at the changeling structure.

“And… the other rooms?”

“One is for my egg laying and incubation, while the other is where all the grublings will finish their growth into full-fledged changelings.” She snuggled against Twilight, purring loudly. “I’m sorry to say I had to take down a few crystal walls for that last chamber, I really needed the room.”

“Humph.” Twilight eyed the hundreds of pony sized alcoves around the room, grumbling under her breath. “A little presumptuous, aren’t you?”

“You can never be too prepared.” Chrysalis breathed, rubbing her cheek against Twilight’s.

“You’re being awfully clingy. What happened to you?” Twilight joked, scooting back against her wife. She waited for a snarky response, but none came. Twilight carefully turned on her side, looking at her lover in the eyes. “Chrysalis?”

The changeling avoided her gaze, her hooves clinging all the tighter to Twilight’s body. “Twilight, do you think that you and me, one day… we could be... like them?”

Twilight waited for her wife to clarify her question, but Chrysalis only sighed, and seemed to abandon her query. The changeling buried her muzzle under Twilight’s mane, hiding her face like a cat seeking a blanket’s warmth. Puzzled by Chrysalis’ strange attitude, Twilight made a mental note about pregnant changeling queens maybe having mood swings, but otherwise only snuggled closer to her lover.

After a long stretch of comfortable silence, Chrysalis spoke again, almost too low to be heard. “No… impossible.” She whispered against Twilight’s neck. “I am a fool for thinking it could happen, and an even bigger fool for merely wishing for such a thing.”

“What?” Twilight asked, still confused by her wife’s mumblings.

“Nothing my sweet.” Chrysalis said, emerging from her hiding place with her usual smile. “Just the musings of a foolish old changeling queen.”

“Well, I can’t blame you.” Twilight said, snuggling against Chrysalis’ neck, her head finding a comfortable spot on the crook of her jaw. “Old mares are known for rambling a lot.”

“Might I remind you who is married to this old mare?”

“A very silly pony?”

“Hmm, yes.” Chrysalis held her lover close, curling herself around Twilight. “A smart, gorgeous, perfect silly pony.”

“Are you talking about me or Rarity.” Twilight grumbled with a fake pout.

“Either or.” Chrysalis said casually. She then paused, and added in a casual tone. “And it will probably apply to Applejack soon.”

“Uh?”

“Of course it depends on you, but… well, let’s just say things might have gone a little farther than I anticipated.”

“Chrysalis…”

“I assure you I haven’t slept with her yet, if that is what you are thinking.”

“Chrysalis I swear to Celestia…

“I know you won’t believe me, but I didn’t exactly plan for this. The pieces just fell into place before my eyes, I am but a slave to providence.” Chrysalis gave Twilight a strange frantic look. “I merely put those two in a collision course when I saw the opportunity. A small push in the right direction, it was all it took. I couldn’t help myself, I don’t think, I just do things!”

“Okay,” Twilight sighed, rubbing her temples, “you are going to tell me what you’ve done, in details, and maybe I won’t throw you into the spawning pool when you are done.”

“I would drag you in with me.”

“It would be worth it.”

“Oooh yes it would,” Chrysalis waggled her eyebrows suggestively, “more than you’d think.”

“… Okay, spawning pool experiments later, explanation now.”

Twilight and Chrysalis settled in their alcove, nestled against one another, the murmurs of their conversation mixing with the soft bubbling of the changeling birthing pool. The dark green goo rose in tandem with Twilight’s voice, tendrils grasping at the empty air as the alicorn started to vehemently lecture her wife, Chrysalis’ buzzing grumbles being shushed repeatedly.

After a while the pool returned to its gentle simmering as the conversation settled in a more pleasant whisper, stretching into long minutes. Then an hour. Then several. Pony and changeling lost themselves in idle talking, forgetting for one beautiful instant about their deep differences, and the trials ahead of them.