Mornings were never easy for Twilight.

Years of intense self-studying after classes had turned her into something of a night owl, costing her parents a fortune in candles. The moon had become her favorite reading companion, something her Sun Goddess of a teacher found amusingly ironic. These days Twilight often stayed awake so late it could be called early, and she had quickly learned to worship coffee in all its black, bittery goodness. In fact, it was the heavenly aroma of a steaming cup of joe that made Twilight stir, the alicorn grumbling as the early morning sun stung her bleary eyes.

“Gnnn… Gnoffee…”

Twilight rubbed her eyes, wincing slightly as she pulled on her tender muscles. I feel so sore… Did I fall asleep on a pile of books again? Grumbling, she stirred, feeling her limbs protest. She was aching all over, particularly her lower section, but it was the good kind of aching. The kind she felt after the Running of the Leaves, or after a strenuous day of adventuring. Good, honest physical exertion. What the hay did I do last night…

She stretched, groaning contently as her back popped, her legs twitching. The soreness in her lower stomach sent a tingle up her spine, and she gave a little satisfied moan. She wiggled her hips, feeling the pleasant aching flare up. Did she fall asleep while getting a massage at the spa or…

“You really are too cute for your own good.”

Twilight’s froze mid-stretch, her eyes fluttering open, squinting against the morning sun. She slowly turned her head, and found the cause of her aching body standing beside the bed, a smile on her dark muzzle. Chrysalis was watching her with something that resembled a loving gaze, which made her heart swell. But as soon as the changeling met her eyes Chrysalis schooled her expression, her usual smirk returning.

“Ah, finally awake my sweet?” Chrysalis purred. She was carrying a tray covered with a metal lid, the smell of coffee escaping from the edges. “How do you feel?”

Twilight blinked a few more times, her sleepy brain slowly catching up… and suddenly she remembered the evening before. A fierce blush exploded on her cheeks as everything came back to her in flashes. The chase. Getting caught. The delightful foreplay. Chrysalis mounting her. The first thrust. The intense pounding. The way she had been screwed into oblivion even through her climax. When Chrysalis had filled her womb. Being showered in a hot sticky spray of semen as her consciousness slipped away…

I had sex yesterday. She thought, flabbergasted. I had sex with Chrysalis… Oh Celestia I said all those dirty things! Was I in heat? She came inside… all over me too… Wait, did she wash me after I passed out? I still feel kind of sticky, so probably a cleaning spell… D-do I thank her? Is it weird to thank your lover? L-lover… S-she’s my lover now… W-what do I say? What do I do? I-I never read about the proper protocol for the morning after, I always stopped at the act! I have to say something, she’s looking at me! Say something Twilight! “Eeep…” AAAAH!

“Twilight?” Chrysalis tilted her head, the ghost of a worried frown on her muzzle. “Are you alri-“

“I’m fine!” Twilight squeaked in a little voice. Her blush intensified, and she cleared her throat, trying to silence the frantic screaming in her mind. “*Cough* I mean, I’m fine.” She tried to sit up, and she had to bite her lips as her sensitive nethers brushed against the bed covers. She still felt a little raw, but it wasn’t too bad. “Hmm, it stings a little… down there.”

“Ah, yes.” Chrysalis trotted closer, setting the tray on Twilight’s bedside table. “My venom will have worn off by now, but the soreness should go away soon. In the meantime,” Chrysalis lifted the lid, showing of the contents, “I thought you would want some food.”

Twilight had to swallow to avoid drooling, her stomach giving a loud gurgle. Chrysalis had prepared a delicious looking breakfast, complete with pancakes, orange juice, a slice of rich chocolate pound cake, and of course a steaming mug of coffee. She suddenly realized she had skipped dinner the night before, and felt ravenous. She didn’t know what to say, surprised by the changeling’s attention, and honestly a little bit suspicious. Her stomach had no such hesitation, its growling echoing around the room.

“Umm… Thanks…” Twilight mumbled. She still felt a little awkward, and she avoided Chrysalis’ amused gaze. She had never been so intimate with somepony before, she felt like she had stepped into a world she knew nothing about. “Y-you didn’t have to…”

“Oh, but I did.” Chrysalis purred. She unfolded the tray’s extendable feet and set it on Twilight’s nap. “It’s my duty to care for my mate.”

Twilight felt her wings fluffing up, completely unused to this kind of attention. She hid her pleased smile behind the coffee mug and took a big gulp; it was just how she liked it. She eyed the chocolate cake. “Wow, this looks really good… Did you bake it yourself?”

“Why yes, I learned from the best.” Chrysalis’ magic brushed against her coat, particularly over her belly. For some reason, the changeling grinned wide, and she continued her tale. “I once replaced the wife of a famous pony baker a few centuries ago. I learned all his recipes while I was draining his love, then I took his place after he expired. Those decades of feasting on love and adoration were most pleasing, so I did the same to another baker not long after.” Chrysalis chuckled, a dangerous glean in her eyes. “Ponies love pastries so much, getting to them is easy when you know how to bake. Just one little drop of poison in the batter…”

Twilight felt a chill running down her spine. Ah, there it was, the reminder of Chrysalis’ true nature. The way the changeling had told her story, without a trace of remorse for the lives she had destroyed… It was eerie. A true monster.

Twilight shook her head, and she pushed those thoughts aside. Chrysalis might have been a monster, but now she was her wife, and she could be saved. Twilight had to look forward if she wanted to bring Chrysalis into the light, she couldn’t get hung up in her sordid past. She had to trust her.

“Hmmm, we’re making progress.” Chrysalis purred happily, watching Twilight deal with her internal struggle. She rearranged the cushions behind Twilight, propping her up comfortably. “Now, I must warn you: I will begin building hive chambers starting today.”

Twilight frowned, not eager to live in a mess of changeling creep. “Do you have to?”

“Yes.” Chrysalis nodded, a strange intensity in her eyes. “I have to. And eat, you need to eat.” She levitated a fork to Twilight’s lips, a slice of cake on it. “Eat.”

“Fine.” Twilight chomped down on the offered treat —tasty!— and she raised her hoof in warning. “You can build, but only use a couple of empty rooms, and no gunking up the outside!”

“As you wish.” Chrysalis nodded. Her wings extended. She took a buzzing leap towards the door, turning one last time to make sure Twilight was eating, then she flew out of the room in a hurry.

That was strange…

Twilight shrugged, and dug into her breakfast. She felt a thrill of happy giddiness: she wasn’t stranger to the concept of breakfast in bed, but when it was served by someone who had just become your lover… It gave the gesture a whole new meaning. She suspected Chrysalis had ulterior motives for being so kind. Maybe it was just to butter her up so she would allow the hive building… But all that could wait, for now she just wanted to enjoy a meal prepared by her wife.

After a shower and a good brushing, Twilight trotted down the stairs, a spring to her step. The hot water had done wonders for her aching muscles, though she still had a pleasant tingling in her lower stomach. She made her way to the dining room, knowing she would find Spike there, eating his breakfast. Maybe Starlight would be back too, though it would be surprising. She needed to sort those two out soon, she reflected, and with Chrysalis’ improvement she felt confident it could work out. Her ears perked as she approached her destination, she could hear noise inside. She put on a big smile, and pushed the doors open.

“Good morni-“ She froze, her eyes bulging out. “What the hay?”

“Oh hey Twilight!” Spike called, waving at her from his seat at the table; a table overflowing with pastries, cakes, and all manners of sugary treats. Spike himself had his mouth half-full with a red cupcake sprinkled with blue sapphires, crumbs all around his snout. “Are you feeling any better? You were really out of it yesterday…”

“I-I’m fine.” Twilight mumbled, distracted by the pastries. She slowly came closer to the veritable feast, completely lost. “What’s all this?”

Spike shrugged, wolfing down the last of his mineral treat. “Ask Chrysalis. I found her cooking up a storm when I woke up earlier, she’s really good at it!”

Before Twilight could say anything, the door to the kitchens opened, and in strode Chrysalis, pushing a food trolley laden with more and more fatty goodness. The changeling perked up as she saw Twilight standing there, flabbergasted, and she quickly crossed the room to meet her.

“Chrysalis, what are yo-” Twilight was silenced by a loving kiss, Chrysalis leaning into her until she almost fell backwards. After a few seconds of startled hesitation, she responded in kind, kissing back the purring changeling.

“Eew, gross!” Spike groaned, sticking his tongue out. Twilight quickly disengaged from the kiss, and Chrysalis let her go with a chuckle. “Don’t do that while I’m eating!”

“Now, now little one, no need to be jealous.” Chrysalis trotted to Spike, and to Twilight’s astonishment the changeling leaned down to place a teasing peck on Spike’s forehead. The dragon protested with exaggerated disgust, but not fear as Twilight expected. He reacted the very same way when she was affectionate with him. Chrysalis ignored the dragon’s theatrical retching, and she trotted back to the kitchen door. “Twilight, have a seat and eat, I’ll go finish the rest.”

“The rest? Chrysalis, wait!” Twilight called, but the changeling ignored her, disappearing into the kitchen, a wave of delicious smells wafting from the door before it was closed. She glanced at Spike, the dragon stuffing his face with a new gemstone-encrusted cupcake. “What the hay is going on in here!”

“I ‘unno.” Spike mumbled, his mouth full. “She just said you needed to eat a lot for some reason. Maybe she thinks you’re too skinny or something.”

Twilight grumbled, taking a seat at the table across from Spike. “I’m not skinny. I’ll have you know I have a very healthy body fat percentage. It’s even slightly higher than the average for my age and corpulence.” She eyed the mountains of sugary food, and she gulped hungrily. “Maybe she’s trying to kill me via a heart attack?” She then turned to Spike, her brow furrowing. “And since when do you two get along so well? I thought you were scared of her?”

Spike gave her an odd look. “I was, but you gave me a whole speech about giving her a chance, remember? You made me promise I’d try to talk to her at least.”

When did I do that? Twilight thought. Maybe during the little get together when I got home from the wedding? I was pretty distracted… “Right, right… and, you two worked things out?”

Spike nodded, licking his claws clean. “Yeah. She’s really weird, and a little creepy, but she’s been nice so far… when she’s not being all mushy.” He shrugged. “Also, she got me a bunch of gems, so she can’t be that bad.”

Twilight shook her head, a little overwhelmed. “Wait, wait, wait, hold up.” She levitated a slice of black-forest cake and took a bite to give herself some courage. “Oh ponyfeathers, that hits the spot… Okay, when did she bring gems?”

“Yesterday, a couple of hours after you went to bed early.” Spike said with his mouth full, the dragon already munching on another cupcake. “She showed all scratched up, with a big bag full of gems; apparently she went to the Everfree to get them. I was kind of scared at first, but she gave me a big diamond, and we talked for a while. We even talked about Thorax, she told me lots of stories about him growing up.” Spike’s eyes twinkled, a large smile on his crumb covered snout. “And then she cooked for me! She knows a bunch of dragon dishes Twilight! She made ruby lasagna, with emeralds shavings on top!”

The way to a dragon’s heart is through his stomach. Twilight thought, somewhat impressed by how fast Chrysalis had gained Spike’s trust. She felt a surge of affection towards the changeling. Chrysalis going out of her way to accommodate Spike was a nice surprise: it was proof she was improving. She took another bite, the cake perfectly moist and creamy. She decided to put aside the nagging feeling she was forgetting something, and just enjoy herself.

What could go wrong?

“Eat.”

“Chrysalis, will you stop that? I’m already full.” Twilight groaned, looking up from her book. They were in the library, Twilight sitting in her favorite chair. Chrysalis was hovering next to her, a plate of apple turn-overs in her magic. “Look at this!” Twilight pointed to her stomach, a noticeable bump stretching her coat, proof she had overindulged during breakfast. “I can’t eat anymore!”

“Yes, you can.” Chrysalis insisted, poking Twilight with a forkful of yummy apple treat. The changeling had an intense expression on her dark muzzle, her eyes wide and demanding. “Eat.”

Twilight sighed, and decided to ignore her wife. She leaned back into her chair, wiggling on the many cushions Chrysalis had gotten for her. It was comfy, but she almost felt like a bird perched on a nest at this point. Chrysalis finally got the message and left, no doubt to continue her hive construction. As long as the changeling didn’t cover the whole Castle in green goo, Twilight was fine with it. She just hoped to get some lasting peace and quiet…

“Eat.”

“Chrysalis I’m trying to finish this official report, get out of my office!”

“No. You must eat.”

“Ok fine. Mmnh, ‘ere, one bite, now ‘eave me a’one.”

“No, eat more.”

“Oh, for pony’s sake…”

“Eat.”

“I’m reorganizing my books!”

“Eat anyway.”

“No!”

“Eat.”

“No, I don’t like carrot cakes.”

“Liar. Eat.”

“Raaah!”

“Eat.”

“Stop following me, I have to go to the little filly’s room.”

“Alright.”

“Finally…”

“Eat.”

“Eeep! What the… CHRYSALIS GET OUT OF THE BATHROOM RIGHT NOW!”

“No. Eat.”

“AAAAAAH!”

Applejack tucked her hat back, wiping the sweat from her brow as she watched a field of apple trees, all harvested before midday; a new record for her! She counted the large buckets piled up next to her, ready to be hauled away for storing. She was about to go look for her brother when she heard galloping on the nearby road. Curious, she trotted over, wondering who could be visiting Sweet Apple Acres this close to lunch. A smile blossomed on her lips as she recognized the lavender alicorn hurrying up the dirt path, Twilight shooting glances over her shoulder every so often. And was it her impression, or was Twilight a little wider around the sides?

“Well howdy Twilight!” She called, making the alicorn flinch in surprise. “Wew, mighty jumpy this morning, ain’t ya?”

“Oh Applejack, Thank Celestia! You have to hide me!” Twilight whispered loudly, running over to hide behind her friend. “Please, she’s after me…”

Applejack frowned, her hackles rising. “Who, Chrysalis? What did that rotten bug do to ya?” She stomped her hoof, her head flicking to look for her lasso. “I knew she couldn’t be trusted!”

“No, no, you don’t understand.” Twilight leaned closer, her eyes full of despair, and she whispered into Applejack’s ear. “She’s trying to feed me…”

AJ blinked. “Beg yer pardon?”

“She won’t stop cooking for me Applejack!” Twilight whimpered, hunkering down beside her friend.

“… Is the food bad or…” Applejack asked, her eyebrow rising high.

“No, worse: it’s delicious!” Twilight shook her head. “She started with bringing me some in bed, then she kept going with more and more tasty treats and…”

“So, lemme get this straight.” AJ breathed; it wasn’t the first time she had to deal with Twilight’s bouts of neurotic behavior. “Yer hiding here, cause yer wife is making you good food… and even got you breakfast in bed?”

“She’s been too nice all morning Applejack, it’s freaking me out!” Twilight leaned her head around her friend, watching the road with wide eyes. “She’s clingy, she keeps asking me if I’m comfortable, if I need more cushions, bringing me food…”

“Yeah, that sounds awful.” Applejack deadpanned, rolling her eyes. She stepped away and grabbed the fidgety alicorn around the shoulders. “Twi, sugarcube, I gotta ask: did she hurt you at all?”

“N-no! Well… a little…” Twilight blushed, looking down. Applejack swelled like an angry bullfrog, but she stopped at Twilight’s next words. “But some soreness is to be expected after coitus of that intensity…” Twilight grabbed her burning cheeks. “It was incredible… My legs still feel kind of wobbly… I never thought one could be brought to orgasm so many times…”

Applejack opened her mouth, then closed it, before finally saying. “So, yer here to complain about your wife spoiling you too much, after a great night of loving?” Twilight nodded earnestly. Applejack took a step back, looking miffed. “Twi, did ya come over just to brag?”

“What? No!”

“Land sakes, I already get enough of this from Rainbow.” Applejack grunted, trotting away in a huff. “Because I ain’t got no special somepony don’t mean I want to hear all about y’all having fun in the bedroom.”

“Applejack, I didn’t-“

“Don’t get me wrong, ‘am glad you were right about trusting Chrysalis, and that she didn’t hurt you none. But ‘ah don’t need to know about how big her dingaling is, or about her being great in bed.” Applejack winced, and she shook her head. “Gosh darn it, now I’m imagining you and her… Nope, so much nope.”

Twilight followed Applejack up the path, babbling excuses, until they both stopped, their ears perking. Twilight’s eyes widened, and Applejack swiveled her ears.

“What’s that buzzing noise… And do you smell apple fritters?”

Twilight only sighed in resignation, waiting for the inevitable.

“Twilight, there you are!” Chrysalis called, flying down to land beside her mate. She was levitating a platter of apple treats next to her, and she promptly shoved it under Twilight’s nose. “Eat.”

“Oh Celestia, smite me now…” Twilight grumbled, taking one fritter with her magic. “Applejack, you remember Chrysalis… Chrysalis, this is my good friend Applejack. I don’t think you’re ever been formally introduced.”

“I reckon not.” Applejack narrowed her eyes, looking at the changeling with naked distrust. “Running for yer life ain’t really the best way to meet somepony.”

“Ah, yes, the apple farmer.” Chrysalis turned to the earth pony, unconcerned by her open hostility. “I hear you are a strong fighter. You injured a lot of my troops, during the Canterlot operation…”

“You mean the Canterlot invasion.” AJ snorted. “And yeah, I whooped some changeling flank, wasn’t that hard.”

“Oh, fearless little thing, aren’t you?” Chrysalis smiled, her eyes shining. “Good…”

Twilight remained silent, watching her friend and wife size each other up. It was like watching two bulls locking horns, trying to make the other back down first. After a long staring contest, Applejack’s nostrils flared, and her eyes flicked down to the apple fritters. Some tension left her stiff body as she sniffed at the baked goods, hunger softening her up.

“Say,” Applejack grumbled, giving Chrysalis the stink eye, “dem fritters don’t smell too bad.”

“Hmm, I know my way around an oven.” Chrysalis purred back, showing off her fangs. “And fritters are easy, not much to brag about.”

“Hmph, I remember you throwing mine in the trash, during Cadance’s wedding. Not gud nuff for ya?”

“I don’t recall, I was too busy conquering Equestria at the time.”

“Too busy losing, more like.”

“It was a close thing.”

“That’s what all sore losers say.”

Twilight’s gaze flicked between Applejack’s stubborn glare, and Chrysalis’ amused smirk, the two exchanging barbs like fencers. She wasn’t sure if those two were about to hit it off, or literally hit each other, but she prepared a couple of spells just in case. After a while Applejack’s eye twitched, and she nodded to the platter.

“Mind if I have one? I’m so hungry after mah morning chores, I could eat anything really.”

Chrysalis tilted her head, her eyes roaming over Applejack’s body, shamelessly checking her out. Something twisted inside Twilight’s chest as she watched Chrysalis’ appreciative smile, the changeling obviously enjoying the view. Twilight schooled whatever expression was on her face when Chrysalis’ gaze flicked to her, a little satisfied smirk flashing on the changeling’s muzzle.

“Hmmm, not bad…” Chrysalis purred, licking her lips. “Yes, you can have some. You can have as many as you want. Eat.”

“Thank ya kindly.” Applejack grunted, flicking a fritter into her mouth. She chewed, her eyes closed, her face expressionless. She swallowed. She went for a second one. “Hmph, they’re pretty good, I’ll give ya that.”

“If you want, you can come over to the castle later on.” Chrysalis said innocently, her hungry eyes anything but. “I hear you’re Ponyville’s best baker? We could exchange notes: I know centuries worth of recipes, a lot of them apple based. Some that have been forgotten by all, lost to time…”

“Centuries worth…” Applejack blinked, her eyes focusing on something far away. “Forgotten recipes…”

“Somepony could make a lot of bits with that knowledge.” Chrysalis began to circle Applejack, whispering into her ear. “Imagine being the exclusive seller of the best apple treats in the world… Why, ponies would flock to your farm, you wouldn’t need to go sell your produce in town anymore.” She leaned closer to the daydreaming farmer from behind, almost in a mounting position, the stinging in Twilight’s chest flaring up. “You could easily pay for your grandmother’s new hip...”

Applejack jerked away. “How’d you know ‘bout that?” She asked, shooting the changeling a suspicious look.

“The Friendship Journal.” Chrysalis smirked, giving her some space. She trotted back to Twilight, pressing her side to her wife’s; the alicorn didn’t comment, but leaned into her as well. “You talked about it in one of your entries.”

“Ah, right, that thing.” Applejack scratched her head, her expression softening. She scuffed her hooves, deep in thought, and she looked at Twilight, searching for her opinion. The alicorn hesitated, then nodded. Applejack took a deep breath, then turned to the changeling, flicking her hat up. “Alright, that sounds like a good idea, but I still don’t completely trust ya. Ah’ve dealt with enough swindlers to recognize a con artist when I see one.” She pointed at Chrysalis, who only smirked back. “Now, if y’all excuse me, I gotta go find my brother, we have to haul all this here produce back inside.” She turned to trot away.

“Take this, as a peace offering.” Chrysalis set the platter on Applejack’s back, despite her half-hearted protest. “I insist. Share it with your family, tell them it was a gift from Queen Twilight and her wife.”

“Don’t call me queen, please.” Twilight grumbled. She gasped as Chrysalis hip-checked her playfully.

“Don’t worry, your precious princess won’t mind.” Chrysalis smirked. “I’m sure she’ll be the bigger mare, and who knows… Maybe she’ll even bend over for you.”

Twilight’s eye twitched, but she didn’t raise to the bait. “You know, I can tell you’re trying to mess with me.”

Chrysalis put on a hurt expression, seeming genuinely saddened by Twilight’s suspicion. “No, I would never.”

“I’m not stupid Chrysalis.” Twilight flapped her wings, slapping her feathers on Chrysalis’ side. “You’re being way too nice, you’re up to something. Don’t think I don’t realize you are flirting with Applejack just to get under my skin. I don’t know what you want to achieve by making me jealous, but it won’t work.”

“Ah, but Twilight, my sweet…” Chrysalis purred, leaning to whisper into Twilight’s ear. “What if seeing you jealous was my goal, all along.”

“Then I’d say you’re losing your touch for evil schemes.” She retorted, flicking her tail against the changeling’s underside.

“Oooh, I wouldn’t bet on that…” Chrysalis’ smirk grew, showing off her many sharp teeth.

“Ah, so you are planning something. Good to know.” It was Twilight’s turn to smile, and Chrysalis’ eyes widened. I’m starting to find her buttons, Twilight thought smugly, she’s too proud for her own good. She felt so giddy after one-upping the changeling for the first time that she couldn’t help but do a little spin, brushing her tail against the changeling’s stunned muzzle teasingly. “Gotcha.” She sing-songed, in the same tone she had heard Celestia use so often.

Chrysalis kept looking at Twilight with wide eyes for a few seconds, then her muzzle slowly melted into an expression that should never, EVER be shown outside of the bedroom. Her tongue flopped out as her lewd grin grew, drool dripping on the ground messily. She focused on Twilight with a starved look of unadulterated desire, her pupils so dilated you could barely see the green of her eyes. Her wings buzzed, her whole body seeming to radiate pure lust. It was a wonder her cock had not flopped out at this point.

Twilight gulped as Chrysalis practically made love to her with that lecherous gaze, her own cheeks reddening, her tail flicking madly as she felt the first signs of wetness between her thighs. She thought back to the evening a day prior, and her whole body shivered, hungry for a second serving. A drip ran down her thigh, and she completely forgot about everything but the panting changeling before her. She took a faltering step closer, heart racing, her face flushed, her trembling lips puckered as she closed in…

“Hmm… Twilight?”

Twilight inhaled sharply. Applejack was still there. Applejack was just a few paces away, frozen in shock as she watched them flirt so openly. The apple farmer looked like she wished to be anywhere else, a fierce blush on her blonde cheeks. She seemed to be petrified by indecision, torn between rudely leaving without giving a proper goodbye, and staying there watching one of her best friends engage in what could only be described as mild foreplay.

“Applejack, I’m so sorry, I forgot about you, I- Mfft!” Twilight was silenced by a passionate kiss, Chrysalis locking their lips together with naked hunger. “Mmmh!” She stumbled back as Chrysalis pushed against her, their necks pressing together.

“Hum, I can see yer busy Twi, so… I’m just gonna…” Applejack took a few hurried steps back as Twilight was pushed to the ground by the sheer passion of Chrysalis’ kiss, the changeling stepping over the downed alicorn dominantly. “... Bye!”

Twilight could only moan hotly against Chrysalis’ embrace as Applejack galloped away, the platter of apple fritters somehow remaining balanced on her back. She tried to push the changeling off, and Chrysalis reluctantly backed away, nipping at her lips. Twilight got to her hooves, and she had to buck the changeling away as Chrysalis moved to mount her. Chrysalis hadn’t even unsheathed her cock, but still she reared up with eager snorts, scrambling on top of her mate.

“Stop that.” Twilight breathed hotly, using her shoulder to shove the clingy changeling away. “What has gotten into you?”

“You are such a sexy little thing…” Chrysalis growled, showing her fangs. “I just want to drag you back home and rut you again and again, build my hive around your bulging body…”

“Well, I don’t want to get fat, so you can forget about the ‘bulging’ part.” Twilight huffed, pushing a strand of her disheveled mane back. “And you can stop with the pastries, I can’t eat that much. I’m not a bottomless hole like Pinkie Pie…”

Chrysalis smirked, hissing in a whisper, “You will be soon…”

“What was that?”

Chrysalis smiled wide, but her teasing answer died on her lips. Her ears twitched, and they both turned to listen to the sound of hoofsteps coming closer. Big Mac was stomping along the path, hauling a large empty cart, his usual wheat stalk dangling from his lips. His calm gaze went from Twilight to Chrysalis, his expression remaining neutral, thought his eyes did pause on Twilight’s disheveled mane.

Blushing, Twilight quickly tried to put her hair into order, only making it worse, while Chrysalis looked at the approaching stallion. The changeling’s gaze roamed all over Big Macintosh, focusing on his powerful chest and muscled hindquarters, Chrysalis doing very little to disguise her indecent interest. She even leaned to the side, checking out his underside, particularly his lower belly. Chrysalis’ eyes widened, and she gave an appreciative whistle.

If Big Mac was bothered by Chrysalis’ overt ogling, he didn’t show it. He kept walking slowly, ponderously, chewing on his twig. When he was close enough he paused, leaning back to look at Chrysalis; there were very few ponies taller than him, and the changeling Queen towered over him. Chrysalis stared back with a seductive gaze, even going as far as winking suggestively at him. Big Mac only chewed on his straw, unimpressed, and he turned to Twilight. The alicorn’s eyes were twitching as she glared at her flirty wife, but she soon remembered herself.

“Big Macintosh, hi!” Twilight said with forced cheer, her wing flapping to slap Chrysalis on the sides. “How are you?”

Big Mac chewed on his straw, watching her with his trademark deadpan stare. His nostrils flared, his chewing pausing for just a second, but he didn’t say anything.

“Great!” Twilight grinned with a hint of manic energy. “This is Chrysalis, my wife. Chrysalis, this is Big Macintosh, Applejack’s brother.”

“Hello gorgeous.” Chrysalis purred, licking her lips suggestively.

Big Mac slowly blinked, he moved the twig to the other side of his mouth, but otherwise said nothing.

“The strong, silent type? I like that…” Chrysalis leaned down, bringing her muzzle to the same level as the impassive red stallion, sniffing at him. “Hmmm, so many repressed emotions, so much tension down there… You really need to blow off some steam. I can help if you want…”

“Aaaand, we are leaving.” Twilight said through gritted teeth. She gave Big Mac an apologetic smile, and she magically yanked on Chrysalis’ ear. “Until next time Big Mac!”

Chrysalis allowed herself to be dragged away, her tail flicking to slap against Big Mac’s flanks as she walked past, making the stallion start. “See you soon, I hope.”

Big Mac chewed on his stalk, looking back as Chrysalis walked away; the changeling was rolling her hips at him, her tail flicking teasingly. He blinked, his flanks quivering. “… Eeyup.”

Chrysalis grinned wide, waving her tail goodbye, completely ignoring Twilight’s grumbling. Big Mac watched them go, his face expressionless. Then, with a loud manly grunt, he began loading the buckets of apples into his cart, his muscles bulging under his coat. Twilight sped up, tugging on Chrysalis’ ear to keep her from looking back constantly, though she had to admit the spectacle was very distracting. If she didn’t know any better, she would have said Big Mac was flexing more than was strictly necessary. When they were far enough Twilight rounded up on her wife, her face flushed and angry.

“Okay, you made me jealous, now stop it.” Twilight said hotly. “You can’t go around flirting with ponies like this, they’ll think you’re being serious!”

Chrysalis smirked at her, then seemed to deflate. “Ah, you’re right.” She sighed theatrically. “These old habits of mine are so hard to resist, I just love teasing ponies so much.” She pouted at Twilight, putting on big, fake puppy-dog eyes. “Can I at least court your little friends? They’ll know I’m not serious… Pleeease?”

Twilight frowned, knowing full well the changeling was trying to mess with her. Chrysalis probably expected her to forbid it, to play the role of the possessive wife, make her the bad guy. Well, she wouldn’t fall for her trick. If chrysalis wanted her to act jealous, she would be sorely disappointed. Two can play at this game!

“Fine.” Twilight huffed, turning away. She trotted towards Ponyville, her nose high in the air. “If you think you have a chance, go and try your luck with them.” She snickered internally. She knew her friends, none of them would be interested by the changeling’s indecent flirting. As far as she knew the only one that was even remotely interested in naughty stuff was Rainbow Dash, and she hated Chrysalis. “I won’t stop you.”

“But, what if one of them accepts?” Chrysalis chuckled, catching up to Twilight bumping their hips together. “You don’t mind sharing me with another pony?”

Twilight snorted. “I don’t care at all!” Like it would ever happen. I’m going to be around to make sure nothing happens anyway. “Sharing is caring after all.”

“What about that stallion back there?” Chrysalis purred, nibbling on Twilight’s ear. “Earth pony farmer, size large, red coloration?” Twilight almost tripped on her own hooves, her cheeks going up in flames as she remembered the dildo under her bed. Chrysalis chuckled, whispering teasingly, “Such a fine earth-pony specimen, he can plow my fields any day…”

“Don’t quote my diary like that!” Twilight whimpered, her head swiveling to make sure no one was around.

“Relax, we’re alone out here…” Chrysalis slowly crawled over Twilight’s back, playing at mounting her once more. “I could take you again right now, and no one would be around to…”

“Twilight! Twiliiiight!”

Chrysalis instantly jumped off Twilight’s back, just in time for Spike to miss seeing them in a very compromising position, the little dragon running around a bend in the road. As soon as he spotted them he made a beeline for Twilight, waving a rolled-up letter in his claws. A letter with the royal seal of the moon. Twilight felt her heart drop, a hundred scenarios running through her head.

“Spike! What’s happening?” Twilight held her wing to support a panting Spike, the poor little dragon completely out of breath. “Is Luna in trouble?”

“No- *gasp* it’s- *inhale* Celestia…” He handed the letter to a suddenly pale Twilight, then promptly collapsed theatrically. “Never- *wheeze* eating so much… cake… ever… again…”

Twilight quickly unfurled the letter, mumbling out as she scanned it in a hurry. “Greetings… most dire times… Summoned to Canterlot… Come alone… Do not tell anyone…” Twilight gasped, her wings opening in terror. “Celestia has collapsed from shock?!”

“Oh, how awful.” Chrysalis appeared at Twilight’s side, a worried frown on her muzzle; for once she seemed to be completely serious, no trace of her usual malice. “Is she okay?”

“I don’t know…” Twilight whispered, rereading the letter as fast as she could. “The letter says she’s been delirious all morning, bedridden with one of my old plush dolls in her hooves… She keeps repeating my little pony has grown so much… and something about whipped cream?”

“Sounds serious.” Chrysalis grunted. She put her hoof under Twilight’s chin, making the frantic alicorn look her in the eyes. “Go. Go help your Princess, I’ll take care of everything while you are gone.”

Alarm bells ran in Twilight’s head, but she was too frazzled to give it much thought. She only nodded, gave Spike a pat on the head, and spread her wings. After a second of hesitation she turned to give Chrysalis a quick peck on the lips, and then she was airborne, zooming towards Canterlot in a purple streak.

Chrysalis watched her wife go, her expression neutral. Hmm, so this is what guilt feels like. I don’t like it. She then turned to the collapsed dragon, and frowned with genuine annoyance. “I told you not to eat too many pony treats.” She scolded in a maternal tone. “What about all the dragon food I cooked for you?”

“I ate some of it. I like those recipes too…” Spike panted, holding his rounded stomach. “It’s just that they have a weird aftertaste… it’s not bad or anything… Just… it’s kinda like chewing on metal… What’s the secret ingredient anyway?”

“Something good for your health. You’ll get used to the taste soon enough.” Chrysalis grunted, helping the little drake get to his feet. She tsked. “No wonder you are so small and plump for your age, with all the pony food you’ve been getting. The princesses do not know the first thing when it comes to dragons, do they?”

“Twilight is writing a book on dragons… But yeah, there’s a lot missing…” Spike groaned, waddling away with a pained expression. “And I’m not small… Hey!” Spike protested, his arms whirling around as Chrysalis levitated him into the air. She deposited him on her back, and he grabbed a handful of wispy green mane to avoid falling over; Chrysalis was a lot taller than Twilight.

“Yes, yes, you are a big dragon, and not a little whelp with a stunted growth, still the size of a hatchling because you haven’t been fed a key dragon food group.” Chrysalis rolled her eyes, walking down the path. “So ungrateful. After all the time I’ve spent hunting in the Everfree…”

“Wait what?”

“After all the time I’ve spent hunting for gems in the Everfree.” Chrysalis repeated, louder. “Now, where to? The Castle?”

Spike remained quiet, squirming awkwardly on Chrysalis’ back. “Can I ask something?”

Chrysalis bit down on her usual answer. Instead of snarking you just did, she just hummed in agreement.

“Why are you so nice with me?”

Chrysalis kept walking, the question echoing in her mind. Why? It was a good question. Caring for Twilight was logical, the alicorn was vital for the future of her hive, the future of her children. But why did she care about the little drake? At first she only wanted to gain Twilight’s trust through him, but now… Now why did she care about his health? She wasn’t quite sure herself, and the only answer she had come up with so far annoyed her greatly.

“Why don’t you tell me our destination, and I’ll think of an answer on the way there.”

“Well… I was at Rarity’s place when the letter arrived…” Spike mumbled, embarrassed. “I was helping her with a project…”

“Rarity, hmm?” Chrysalis perked up, thinking back to the gorgeous white unicorn. “That sounds like a great idea.” She began to trot faster, Spike putting his little arms around her neck. “Let’s go visit Rarity…”

Chrysalis quickly put aside her doubts and focused on her task ahead. She had her nest, she had her food source… now she only needed one thing to rebuild her hive to full force. More brood mothers. And with Twilight out of the way, there was nothing to stop her. If Rarity refused, there was always the other four. Six if she counted Starlight and that sexy blue mare who never left her side. Oooh, wouldn’t that be fun, stealing Starlight’s best friend for herself? Chrysalis idly moved Trixie towards the top of her list of next candidates, just below a certain apple farmer.

A hungry smile spread on Chrysalis lips, her eyes focused on the faraway carousel boutique. There was nothing more exhilarating than going on a hunt, and she had the perfect lure riding on her back.