“I wonder what’s taking her so long.”

Spike eyed the front door for what felt like the hundredth time, idly munching on one of Chrysalis’ ‘special dragon treats’. The food item was a long, flat, red-brown piece of dried… something, with a smoky flavor and a rich spiciness to it. It reminded him of hay-jerky, but tastier. Spike happily chomped another piece off, reflecting on how much he enjoyed Chrysalis’ cooking now: just a day ago the changeling had to practically force him to try the food she had cooked especially for him, but now… now he couldn’t stop eating the stuff.

“I guess Twi’s spending the night outside.” He shrugged, and turned on his heels, popping the last of his special dragon jerky into his maw. “Hmmm… maybe I should swing by the kitchen…”

The front door suddenly swung open, startling him into a surprised fiery belch. He fanned the green flames away, and turned to the entrance, a smile forming on his lips… and he froze. He blinked, rubbed his eyes, looked back to make sure he wasn’t imagining things, and blinked again. Nope, he wasn’t dreaming. Twilight really was dragging a bound and gagged Chrysalis by the tail, like a black sack of squirming potatoes.

“What the hay…” Spike whispered, waddling towards the two mares hurriedly. “Twilight, what’s going on?”

“Not now Spike.”

Twilight’s reply was short and impatient, making Spike falter slightly. The alicorn stomped inside, hauling the wiggling changeling, her horn burning bright red. Now that he could see her face, he realized Twilight looked furious! Her brow was furrowed, her eyelid twitching… and was her mane smoking slightly?

Recognizing the signs, Spike wisely took a few steps back, letting the alicorn march by. He shot Chrysalis a look: the changeling was wearing a strange tight-fitting getup, strips of leather hooked through metal rings binding her legs together, a dog muzzle keeping her mouth shut. Far from seeming scared, Chrysalis looked back at Spike with a mirthful expression, her green eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Twi…” Spike said carefully, “why is Chrysalis all tied up? And why is there an inhibitor ring on her horn?”

Twilight snorted, her ear flicking. “Let’s just say she did something very, very bad.” She made her way towards the stairs leading to her room, her pace stiff. “And I’m going to make her regret it…”

A muffled chuckle interrupted the angry alicorn, followed by a loud ripping sound. “Oooh, that sounds like fun.” Chrysalis purred, the shreds of her dog muzzle falling to the ground. “Are you going to teach me a lesson? Make me call you mistress Twilight?” She licked her lips, her eyes shining with anticipation. “We should have stayed in Rarity’s basement for that…”

“Shush!” Twilight spun around to glare at her bound wife, her cheeks burning brightly. “Don’t say that kind of thing in front of Spike!”

“Says the pony who dragged her wife in full bondage gear through the streets of Ponyville. I know it’s the middle of the night, but a few ponies saw us… I wonder what they will think...”

“That was the first thing I found to tie you up!” Twilight snapped back, her blush intensifying.

“What’s a bondage gear?” Spike asked, confused.

“Nothing!” Twilight rushed to say. She quickly scrambled to stand in front of her wife, blocking Spike’s view. “Now, please go to your room, we’ll talk in the morniiiiEEEEH!”

With a shrill cry of surprise, Twilight jumped away from Chrysalis, her wings fluttering. Spike ducked under the skittery alicorn, and shot the changeling a look: Chrysalis had extended her tongue, and the dripping tip was wiggling in the air, just where Twilight’s rear had been. He gave Chrysalis a questioning gaze, and the changeling just chuckled wickedly.

“She’s just sensitive to tickling.” She hummed, savoring the taste on her tongue. “Very sensitive…”

“Okay, that does it!” Twilight stomped back, her cheeks so red she could give Big Mac a run for his money. “You are in so much trouble!”

“Am I?” Chrysalis purred, her lidded gaze responding to Twilight’s glare. “Oooh, how exciting!”

With a sensuous groan Chrysalis stretched against her bindings like a cat, the leather straps digging into the crook of her thighs, constricting around her stomach, accentuating her curves. Spike wondered why she was doing that, until he heard Twilight gulp loudly, her tail swishing in the air. He watched as a strand of drool escaped from Twilight’s mouth, her angry expression suddenly vanishing. Completely confused, he shook his head and decided to chalk it up as adults just being weird.

“Y-you won’t make me forget what you did.” Twilight stammered, her hoof stomping against the crystal floor. She tried to find her words, shot Spike a sideways look, then hissed, “You betrayed me!”

“You gave me permission.” Chrysalis countered instantly, smiling innocently. “And I was only following my changeling nature. Calling it a betrayal is quite insensitive of you. For shame.”

Twilight reeled back, then she came back with a snappy retort. “You manipulated Rarity into doing… that!”

“Did I? I gave her a choice, and she came to me willingly.” Chrysalis bit her lips. “Quite enthusiastically, if you’ll recall…”

“Only because you showed her that memory, the one where you lied to me!”

“I have never lied to you since our engagement. Not once.” Chrysalis batted her long eyelashes, her tongue sliding on her lips. “I was honest about my interest for your friends, is it my fault you misunderstood? And, I showed you exactly what you missed while you were in Canterlot, I didn’t try to hide it.” She smirked devilishly. “You have nothing against me, darling.”

Spike turned to look at Twilight, waiting for her response. He didn’t know what this was about, but he felt like he was watching a tennis match, and the ball was on Twilight’s side. He had seen this kind of lover’s spat back in Canterlot, when Twilight’s parents had an argument. He knew better than to step between them. So he just watched Twilight flounder, silently rooting for her. The alicorn opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water, her eyes darting back and forth as she tried to find another argument. It seemed the angrier Twilight got, the more Chrysalis smiled.

“I… I…” Twilight seemed to choke on her own outrage, and Spike could practically see her mind grasping for anything to hang on to. Finally, she sighed, a mournful sound full of regret. She closed her eyes in defeat and she hung her head. “I trusted you…”

This time Chrysalis didn’t instantly snark back. This time it was the changeling who seemed to stumble, her smirk flickering out, a flash of doubt appearing in her green eyes. For the first time since their wedding, Spike saw something other than self-assurance on Chrysalis’ face. Her expression was almost… remorseful? It was gone before he could be sure, her smug smile reappearing before Twilight could look up and catch it.

“Don’t worry my love, this is all for your own good.” Chrysalis assured, her eyes shining brightly with eager honesty. “You will understand soon… you will understand the way of a changeling queen.”

“What are you talking about?” Twilight reared back, her brow furrowed with a hint of worry.

“You’ll see.” Chrysalis purred, her fangs glinting as her eager smile grew and grew. “Once our hive is big and strong, once these halls are full of subjects for us to enjoy, you’ll understand I did this for you…”

“Wait, do you mean…” Twilight took a step back, her ears raised in alarm. “N-no, I’m not that kind of pony, I don’t want that!”

Spike was more confused than ever. “Uh, what are you guys talking about?” But both pony and changeling pointedly ignored him.

“Yes, you do. I have felt it while you watched my memory, a hunger you have always denied.” Chrysalis pushed back, the leather straps groaning against her powerful limbs. “I can give you what you secretly desire!”

“No!” Twilight snapped, her horn sparkling with magic. She put on a resolute expression, ready to put her hoof down. “We are not going to start a hare-“ she shot Spike a quick glance, then said between her teeth, “we are not going to do that. It’s just you and me, and you are in big trouble!”

“Ah,” Chrysalis chuckled, “am I exiled to the couch?”

Twilight narrowed her eyes, and she did her best to look intimidating. It kinda worked, somewhat. “Not before I make s-sure you know who you b-belong to.” She growled. Well, it was an awkward kitten growl, but still. The stuttering didn’t help.

Chrysalis gave Twilight a bewildered look, the alicorn still holding her wonky dominant stare, even as her lavender cheeks burned bright crimson. “Did… did you just try to use one of Rarity’s lines? By the swarm, you are so cute…” Twilight sputtered in affront and embarrassment. “But, I understand if you do not want to share me, I am quite a catch. I will respect your wishes.” Chrysalis sighed theatrically, lying down on the ground in apparent defeat. “I hope she won’t be too disappointed… She seemed so happy… How tragic…”

Twilight frowned, tilting her head. “Who are you talking abo-”

Twilight’s worried question was interrupted by a series of dainty knocks at the front door. Twilight’s eyes went wide, and Spike turned on his heels, a big smile blossoming on his snout. He would recognize that knock anywhere! He rushed across the entrance hall, passing by a pale Twilight and a smirking Chrysalis, his little clawed feet clicking against the floor. He grunted as he pulled the giant door open, letting a stream of moonlight inside, followed by somepony equally as radiant and beautiful.

“Thank you Spikey Wikey, and sorry for coming so late.” Rarity said breathlessly, trotting inside with her horn alight. She patted his head as she passed him, her hoof oh so gentle and kind. She then magically dragged a huge cart through the door, a massive pile of suitcases threatening to spill from it. “Oh dear, I hope I didn’t forget anything too important… I tried to only take the essentials.”

Spike didn’t hear much, too preoccupied with admiring Rarity. She was strangely disheveled, he noticed. He had never seen her with her mane drawn back into a ponytail, nor was it usual to see her outside without her makeup. It was like seeing her in a more natural state. She had never looked more beautiful... Wait… Was Rarity wearing a collar? He had never seen her wear something like that.

Rarity noticed his staring, and she brought her hoof to the bright green leather collar, smiling demurely. “Ah, yes, somepony gave me this gift, and I haven’t been able to remove it.” She sniffed, looking a little cross. “I’ll have to repay them in kind, once they help me take it off. This kind of apparel should be reserved for… special occasions.”

“Is that Twilight’s cutie mark?” He asked, pointing to the collar’s dog-tag. “Why are you wearing Twilight’s cutie mark?”

“Ahm, I added it as a whim… it seemed like the right thing to do considering… it’s… complicated.” Rarity evaded, looking around the entrance hall for an excuse to change the subject, and she soon found it. “Twilight! You’re back from Canterlot!”

Spike had to scramble to follow as Rarity hurried towards the alicorn, before she threw her hooves around Twilight. That gave Spike pause: hugs were more of Pinkie’s thing, he didn’t expect that from Rarity. Nor did Twilight, judging by the little squeak that escaped the alicorn’s muzzle. Rarity squeezed her friend tightly, before drawing back… and Spike had to rub his eyes again because he could swear the unicorn had just placed a quick kiss on Twilight’s lips… but that was just ridiculous. He was just seeing things. Actually, this whole night felt like a fever dream.

“What the hay was in those jerkies?” Spike mumbled, his gaze going from Rarity’s smitten expression to Twilight’s terminal blush.

“Oh Twilight, I’m so happy that you’re willing to let me join your herd.” Rarity swooned, caressing Twilight’s mane. “This is not how I imagined I would find my prince charming, but…“ she laughed behind her hoof. “I suppose a queen will do.”

“Ra-Rarity… I…”

“Tut-tut, don’t worry dear, no need to be shy about it.” Rarity silenced Twilight’s stuttering with a gentle hoof on the lips. “Chrysalis told me everything. We talked a lot while we were waiting for you, and I wholeheartedly accept your invitation.” She then turned to look at Chrysalis, and she gasped theatrically. “Oh my! Twilight, out in the open, really? And in front of Spike no less?” She fanned her cheeks, some redness appearing on her white coat. “She just vanished while I was packing upstairs, but I guess you couldn’t wait for me...”

“W-what? No!” Twilight stammered. “We didn’t… I…”

“Hmph, Chrysalis did warn me that you were insatiable.” Rarity rolled her eyes, her hoof caressing Twilight’s cheek teasingly. “I’ll have to teach you how to properly tie her up though; some of these knots are a little loose.”

“I’m sure she will learn quickly enough.” Chrysalis chuckled. In the blink of an eye the changeling had slipped free of her bindings and was standing next to her conquests. “You will have a lot of occasions to teach her, now that you will be living here…”

Twilight inhaled sharply, her ears perked up in alarm, but her voice was drowned by a very enthusiastic dragon.

“Rarity is going to live here?” Spike asked cheerfully, rushing to Chrysalis’ side. “For real?”

“W-wait…” Twilight’s voice was barely audible, her feeble protest ignored by all.

“Yes dear, Chrysalis and Twilight, ah… let’s just say they invited me to sleep over.” Rarity gently rubbed his frills, giggling as he bounced in happiness. “Permanently.”

“I… I didn’t…”

“Oh wow, this is so cool!” Spike groused, happier than ever. “Thank you Twilight!” He hugged the alicorn with all his heart. “You’re the best.”

“Quite,” Rarity nodded, giving Twilight a coy little smile full of hidden meaning, “she’s so very generous, so… sharing.” Her indigo tail brushed against Chrysalis’ flanks, and the changeling’s own green tail weaved itself around her curly hairs.

“N-no, listen…”

“Seeing you this happy is worth it, Rarity.” Chrysalis purred, leaning over to nibble on the unicorn’s neck, playfully tugging at her collar. Spike found that a little weird, but he was too happy about having Rarity as a housemate to think much of it. Chrysalis whispered something into Rarity’s ear, making the unicorn titter softly, then she turned to Twilight, a big smile on her fanged maw. “But, I’m afraid Twilight has something to tell you.” Her eyes twinkled evilly. “What were you saying earlier honey?”

Three pairs of eyes turned to Twilight, all watching the alicorn intently, three types of smile aimed at her: one innocent, one joyful, and one infuriatingly smug. Twilight gulped audibly.

There was only one answer she could give.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” Thorax nodded, shivering slightly. “Twilight has started to fall in love with Chrysalis, I’m sure I sensed it. There’s more: she was filled with jealousy… and a lot of… hmm… lust… I don’t think she’s handling Chrysalis all that well…”

Celestia sighed, her head falling back on her pillow. “Heavens, that filly is such a hoof-full sometimes…” She tried to roll out of bed with a groan, but was stopped by an imperious blue hoof on her chest. Celestia frowned, and shot her sister a dour look. “Luna, how many times do I have to tell you: I am completely fine.”

Princess Luna snorted, pushing Celestia back into her fluffy covers. “Nonsense. Not an hour ago you were having an imaginary tea party with your doll collection.” She narrowed her eyes. “You were calling them by the names of all the fillies you have raised… even the ones you have lost. It worried me, Sister.”

Celestia sighed, and she looked at the ceiling with a tired gaze. “It’s nothing, just… I am afraid old age is catching up to me.” A little smile appeared on her lips. “It feels like just yesterday Twilight was a small little filly running between my hooves; she was worse than an excited kitten at times. So little, so innocent, and now…”

“It is a shock to us all. Truly awful.” Luna harrumphed, a little blush shining on her cheeks. She had decided not to tell Celestia about Twilight’s indecent proposal, and for many good reasons. Who knew how Celestia would react. “Now, do not worry, I will go check on her myself, make sure she is safe. You stay here and rest.” She turned to the silent changeling king, her eyes solemn. “Thorax, I thank you for your help in restoring my sister’s sanity.” She ignored the little outraged ‘Hey!’ from Celestia. “I will entrust you with guarding her until I return.”

“I am not a defenseless little foal, you know.” Celestia pouted, crossing her hooves over her chest.

“Says the mare who has spent a whole day talking to dolls and trying to put guards in baby clothes.”

Celestia’s eyes widened . “Oh Stars, please tell me I didn’t…” At Luna’s evasive gaze, she groaned. “At least tell me I did not try to give them baby bottles…”

“Well, no, you didn’t try to feed them…” Luna answered, fidgeting awkwardly. Celestia sighed in relief, and Luna added under her breath, “Not from a bottle in any case…”

“What was that?”

“I said I’ll be going now.” Luna marched to the balcony, her head held high. “Now, rest, and try not to have another psychotic breakdown.”

Celestia grumbled, snuggling deeper into her covers. “I would like to see you in my horseshoes… getting that kind of letter from a filly you love like a daughter…” Her gaze became haunted, her eyes focusing on something far away. “So many details… So depraved… Cream everywhere…” She began to shake, her eyebrows twitching madly. “Luna… did you know ponies scream my name while they culminate? I didn’t know that… And now I can hear them… I can hear them calling me… My little ponies are calling for me Luna… My children are calling… So many voices…”

“Princess Luna,” Thorax squealed, “we’re losing her!”

Luna quickly shot a beam of blue magic straight into Celestia’s temple, and the solar princess was out like a light instantly, her soft snores replacing her mounting hysteria. Luna sighed, and shot Thorax a meaningful glance. The changeling king nodded, knowing what he had to do. His dual horns started to glow, and he began to absorb the excess crazed love bubbling inside Celestia’s mind. Soon she would be sane again.

The night alicorn gave the changeling a grateful smile and silently leapt from the balcony without another word, her dark wings carrying her to Ponyville, towards Twilight’s castle.

Something was wrong, Luna could just feel it. There was a puzzle piece that didn’t fit. Something escaped her, and she was sure she would find the explanation at Twilight’s castle. She just knew the young alicorn was not the type of pony to act in such debauched fashion. There was no way that polite, introverted little Twilight could be behind that letter. And there was no way Twilight was interested in having multiple partners… No way the alicorn was interested in Luna… No… Impossible…

Luna shook her head, willing her doubts, and most of all a very unwelcome hope, away. She pumped her wings faster, swooping down on Ponyville like a hawk. She flew over the sleeping town silently, her eyes easily piercing the night as she watched the crystal castle ahead. As quietly as she could, she glided down towards Twilight’s balcony, the glass door to her room thankfully open. Her hooves barely made a noise as she landed, and she listened carefully.

She only heard the soft snoring of two sleeping ponies. Thank the stars. If Twilight and Chrysalis had been engaged in the nightly activities married ponies partook in, it would have been more than a little awkward for her. Quiet as a cat, Luna slipped into the room, her starry mane trailing behind her. She would just make sure Twilight was well, and she would leave. Nothing more. Maybe she would visit her dreams if the alicorn seemed out of sorts.

She saw Twilight’s bed on the other side of the room, and she silently made her way over.

She could see Chrysalis’ outline, the slumbering changeling queen turning her back to her, lying on her side as she held something in her sleep. Twilight no doubt. For this wretched monster to sleep so peacefully while holding dear Twilight in her wicked grasp… Luna had to pause to let her anger subside. As carefully as she could, Luna tiptoed her away over to the bed, holding her breath as she leaned over the changeling… and she froze.

As she had thought, Chrysalis was holding a pony in her hooves. But that pony wasn’t Twilight. Luna watched the sleeping unicorn with wide eyes, her mind scrambling to find any reasonable explanation for why Rarity, of all ponies, was currently snoozing on Twilight’s bed. Luna tried her best not to think about the most obvious explanation… then her gaze fell on the collar around Rarity’s slender neck: a bright green collar with black accents. Chrysalis’ colors. And a very familiar cutie mark on the tags…

“What in the…” Luna whispered, astonished. She shut her muzzle as the ivory unicorn shifted in her sleep, her eyes fluttering open.

“Hmmm… Twilight?” Rarity mumbled, her unfocused gaze finding a petrified Luna. “Darling, come back to bed…”

The unicorn’s words slurred, sleep overtaking her, and she unexpectedly hooked a hoof around Luna’s neck, dragging the alicorn down. Luna gave a squeal of protest as she stumbled on the bed, Chrysalis shifting to accommodate her. She was too startled to fight off Rarity’s insistent hug, and before she even knew what was happening she found herself stuck between the unicorn and Chrysalis, both mares hugging her in their slumber.

What the hay is happening! Luna thought wildly, her mind in shambles.

She tried to squirm her way out, but both unicorn and changeling hugged her closer, Rarity giving a very sensual groan in her sleep. Luna was suddenly very aware of the unicorn’s soft fur, Rarity’s pure white coat brushing against her own, the fashionista pressed against her sides. With a start Luna realized she could feel Rarity’s plump teats against her thighs, the intimate embrace leaving very little room for personal space. Luna inhaled sharply, blushing madly, and the unicorn’s scent invaded her senses.

Rarity wore a floral perfume that mingled perfectly with her natural scent… as well as the virile, unmistakable odor of stallion musk. Luna almost gagged; from this close she could tell Rarity had been thoroughly claimed by a stallion very recently, or by a dozen of them considering how powerful the smell was. Luna tried to breathe through her mouth, but the odor still tingled her nose, and soon she had to keep herself from inhaling deeply and greedily. With a great surge of shame she felt her nethers responding to the musky bouquet and the sexy mare’s proximity, warmth spreading through her belly…

“Hmm, I could get used to the taste of horny alicorns…”

Luna flinched on the bed, making Rarity grumble in her sleep. Slowly, oh so slowly, Luna turned away from the seductive unicorn, and found herself nose to nose with a very awake changeling queen. Chrysalis’ eyes bore down on hers, her crooked hooves hugging Luna’s leg closely.

“Chrysalis… you retched bug…” Luna spat, glaring at her enemy.

“How rude, coming from an intruding night-stalker.” Chrysalis chuckled, pulling Luna closer.

“Release me fiend!” Luna hissed under her breath, trying to free her leg. “How dare you…”

“Shhh, you’ll wake her up.” Chrysalis whispered teasingly, leaned forward to press her nose to Luna’s; the alicorn quickly closed her lips, afraid Chrysalis would try to intrude inside like she had done to Twilight during the wedding. “You wouldn’t want to have to explain to Rarity why you are in our bed, now would you?”

Luna trembled in anger, but a cute little snore on her other side kept her from snapping back. She took a deep breath, and managed to keep her voice low. “Where is Twilight Sparkle?” She narrowed her eyes warningly. “Tell the truth, changeling.”

“Peace little princess, Twilight is safe: she has left our bed not too long ago.” Chrysalis hummed, snuggling closer to Luna, ignoring her shiver of revulsion. “I think she’s a little angry she lost another round against me. This is the third time I have bested her, or is it the fourth?” She purred, her muzzle pressed into the crook of Luna’s neck, her hot breath making the alicorn gasp. “Such a naïve little filly, thinking she could tame me…”

“So you are scheming something.” Luna growled, her horn fizzling. “Twilight gave you a chance, she thought she could save you.”

“Aaah, the hubris of ponies, thinking they need to impose their precious harmony on all others.” Chrysalis tutted, her tongue darting out to sample Luna’s cold sweat, the warm tentacle making the alicorn mewl in disgust. “Save me you say? You mean shackle me, to bind my hooves with your wretched morality.” Chrysalis’ hoof snaked over Luna’s stomach, caressing her coat teasingly. “You were free, once, my beautiful Nightmare, you know of what I speak…”

“Stop it…” Luna said breathlessly, her cheeks heating up as Chrysalis’ hoof slowly traveled down her belly. “Don’t you dare…”

“I could set you free again…” Chrysalis whispered into Luna’s ear, her voice soft and alluring. “Like I will free Twilight…”

“That won’t happen.” Luna grunted, wrenching her hoof free, pushing Chrysalis’ paw away. “She is the best of us all.”

“That she is.” Chrysalis purred. “And she is all mine.”

Luna trembled in barely controlled rage. “Do not mistake me for my sister. Unlike her, I will not hold back if I was to strike you down.” She narrowed her eyes. “I could obliterate you.”

“That you could. In a direct confrontation, I would lose.” Chrysalis nodded, completely unconcerned by the threat. “If only we had not signed that pesky little treaty, hmmm?”

“You won’t win, monster.”

Chrysalis tilted her head playfully, giving Luna an amused smile. “I am currently in bed with two of the most beautiful ponies in the land, while I wait for the pony I love to come join us.” She chuckled, wiggling to press against Luna teasingly. “I’m doing pretty good so far, if you ask me.”

Luna grumbled, ready to fire back a few choice words… but she held back. What Chrysalis had just said reeked of arrogance, the changeling so full of herself it made Luna want to punch her… but it also rang with pure honesty. And there was one word she had not expected Chrysalis to ever use in such candor. One word the changeling had let slip out, one word that differentiated monsters from ponies. One word that made Luna doubt her convictions about Chrysalis.

Thinking Luna was giving up, Chrysalis purred like an overgrown cat and snuggled against her, her fanged muzzle pressed against the crook of her neck. Luna resisted throwing the changeling out of her own bed, and just focused on what Chrysalis had said.

Could it be? Luna thought, her gaze focusing on the crystal ceiling. Is Chrysalis capable of such sentiments? Is Twilight right?

Lost in contemplation, Luna let herself be lulled by the soft snoring of her two bed companions, waiting for them to fall into deep slumber to make her escape.

Below, on the slopes behind the Friendship castle, Twilight trotted briskly towards a certain caravan. Her ears were splayed back in annoyance, a string of grumbles escaping between her grinding teeth. She paused in front of the caravan door, taking a few moments to breathe and calm down, and she knocked on the door twice.

She waited, knowing full well the ponies inside were awake. She heard two voices whisper to one another inside, the first panicked and shrill while the other remained calm and collected. There was a long back and forth, a few objects being hurriedly put away, and finally somepony approached the door. Twilight tried to be patient as the door slowly opened, but she couldn’t stop her tail from flicking behind her.

“Yes?” Trixie poked her head out, blinking in surprise as she recognized her nightly visitor. “What are you doing here, Sparkle?” The unicorn didn’t make any effort to disguise how annoyed she was.

“I’m sorry Trixie, but I need to talk to Starlight.” Twilight leaned to the side, trying to look inside; she had a glimpse of a very messy room before Trixie stepped in front of her. “It’s important.”

“Starlight is sleeping.” Trixie huffed, pointing her nose up, unwittingly putting the many hickeys peppering her neck on display. “And you woke Trixie up. Come back in the morning.”

Twilight sighed. She wasn’t in the mood for this. “Trixie, I know you two weren’t sleeping.”

“What, can miss perfect princess see through walls?” Trixie mocked… before blinking and worriedly adding. “You can’t see through walls, right?”

“No, I can’t.” Trixie sighed in relief. “But I could see the caravan rocking like crazy before I knocked.”

Trixie blushed a deep crimson, her mouth falling open. “… Oh.”

“Well this isn’t awkward at all.” Starlight called from inside the caravan. “Let her in Trix.”

Trixie grumbled about annoying alicorns, then ushered Twilight inside. Twilight gave the unicorn an apologetic smile, internally vowing to repay the showmare for the rude interruption. Trixie’s caravan was a little cramped, but it was warm and cozy. Old posters plastered the walls, most of them from Trixie’s many shows, though one wall was covered in recent photos: most of them depicted Trixie and Starlight together, though Twilight was touched to see a few photos of the whole gang together here and there. A fair number of them were of Starlight alone though, some depicting her in somewhat… risqué poses.

The unicorn herself was lying on Trixie’s one-pony bed, watching Twilight approach with a deadpan expression. “Let me guess,” Starlight sighed, scooting to the side to allow Twilight to sit next to her. “Chrysalis?”

“Chrysalis.” Twilight nodded. She eyed the bed warily, knowing full well what those two had been doing just moments before. Not wanting to be rude, she sat down… and immediately regretted her decision when she found a wet spot under her flank. “… ew.”

“You can leave if you’re uncomfortable, Sparkle.” Trixie grunted unhappily. The unicorn pointedly climbed next to Starlight, snuggling against her best friend like an angry possessive cat. “Let Trixie and Starlight go back to sleep.”

“Trix, c’mon, be nice.” Starlight nuzzled the top of the magician’s head, before turning back to her teacher. “So, what’s up? Did that overgrown bug do something bad?”

“You could say that.” Twilight said evasively. She thought back to the lovely snuggling session with Chrysalis and her newest… bedmate, and she shivered from the memory. “Well, kinda. I guess. Mostly.” Twilight shook her head. “But that’s beside the point.” She shifted on the bed, ignoring the stickiness under her, and gave Starlight an intense stare. “Starlight, I’m way over my head with Chrysalis, she has too much experience compared to me.”

“Wow, what a shocker. It’s not like we all saw that coming or anything...” Trixie grumbled, huffing when Starlight shushed her. “What? You’re the one who said it was crazy for a virgin like Twilight to try and take on Chrysalis in her own turf. You said it was fooli- Mffft!”

“Go on Twilight.” Starlight encouraged, her horn shining as her magic kept Trixie’s muzzle shut.

Twilight looked into Starlight’s eyes, her gaze resolute. “Yes, I’m inexperienced… but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn. Starlight, are you interested in helping me give Chrysalis a taste of her own medicine?”

Starlight and Trixie perked up, both obviously interested by the idea. They looked at each other, a silent conversation taking place between the two ponies. They kept at it for a few moments, until Trixie groaned and nodded reluctantly. The showmare grumbled as she detached herself from her friend, shooting Twilight a nasty glare. She dug her way under her covers, pointedly turning her back towards Twilight as she prepared to sleep alone. Starlight gave the pouty magician a back rub, smiling fondly, before giving Twilight her full attention.

“Okay, shoot.”

“Chrysalis is too good at manipulating ponies, it’s what she’s best at. I can’t keep up.” Twilight gave Starlight a meaningful gaze, and added, “not alone. I need your advice... and I need you to teach me one of your personal spells.” Twilight gulped, knowing this was going to be a very awkward lesson. "A very… special spell…”