Cadence was terrified. Pregnant with her husbands foal and facing the possibility of loosing him had made her a wreck after the first magical message arrived detailing what was happening. Fortunately Steelshod had ignored her camp entirely and she was grateful for it.

While she had a small army at her command numbering around eight thousand they were mostly occupied trying to get shelter built for her displaced people. Her people. Closing her eyes and shaking the shame burned away at her for having failed them. Now homeless and facing war there was no time nor able body to spare in finding the Crystal Heart but she knew full well who held it. Steelshod.

How long before he would come for her and demand surrender? Should she? There was no doubt in her mind that if captured he would use her against Shining Armor to force Ponyville to surrender and if that happened any hope of rescue by the noble armies would become impossible.

With all four princesses firmly in his grasp and with Twilight's friends missing or trapped Equestria was doomed. Looking at the papers piled on her makeshift table Cadence began to read over the reports again. Food was all but exhausted now, the last train from Manehatten had given them a fair boost in supplies but none had come since the first.

Medicine was gone, not enough supplies, the cold was causing injury to the old and young as the number of tents were too few. Doing a march South into a warmer climate had been put on the table but quickly dismissed when the news came that Canterlot had fallen.

Should they go West across the plains? Hide? No, how could she hide an entire civilization in broad daylight. They would be tracked down quickly and over-run. Messengers had been dispatched but never returned save the one who injured themselves before getting there.

Putting a hand on her face and trying to calm herself and think of solutions to their current plight nothing was coming to mind. Steelshod was letting them rot until they would beg for his help.

Standing up and leaving her tent Cadence decided they would not beg, they would hold out as long as they could and march East towards Manehatten and with any luck find out what was going on and why the nobles had not rebelled despite the order to surrender from Celestia.

Even with Canterlot fallen they outnumbered their new "king" ten to one and could mop the floor with him if they united.

Taking to the air she glided above the camp and watched in sorrow the despair below. They had survived Sombra's banishment, returned, survived him again and now had lost everything. There was no love or joy in the air only crushing despair.

What little remained of food was being rationed out carefully from large cooking pots in the form of watery soup that did little to quell their hunger. A blanket was worth a life and a tent to sleep in made you royalty.

A fight broke out below when a pony bumped another making them loose their bowl of water and fists flew as many backed away holding their bowls as if their lives depended on it while others were drug into the fray tearing at each other.

Landing beside the fight Cadence's magic enveloped them and moved them apart. Anger and hate burned in their eyes as they glared and snarled, desperation had reduced them to acting like animals.

"Calm yourselves! You are friends and neighbors! You should not be fighting!"

"Says the one who cost us our homes and lives!"

Cadence's magic faltered and they landed on the ground as she backed away wide eyed at their outburst. Soldiers burst through the crowd and an officer came to her side asking about what had happend but she could only shake her head before turning away and leaving quickly as tears streamed down her face.

Cadence began running and did not stop till she reached the rail line and looked South willing a train to appear with food and medicine. Anything. Even a letter saying an army was coming to join them in the hopes of retaking the country.

Her prayers were answered as smoke rose far on the horizon, a locomotive was grinding forward slowly towards them. Others saw it and murmurs spread and soon she was joined by a throng of crystal ponies eagerly waiting on the train to arrive. When it got closer cheering broke out but a gut feeling warned her that this train was not there to help them.

Grabbing a nearby soldier Cadence ordered for the crowd to be pushed back and the soldiers gathered at once and ready for battle. The ponies were confused at first but as more soldiers arrived and ordered them back while others drew up in formation panic spread as the cheering died off.

It never slowed or sped up however, the train kept a steady pace before finally applying its brakes and came to a slow halt three hundred yards away. Doors opened and soldiers poured out and drew up and looking inside she could see ballistas being removed and quickly assembled across from her.

Should they fire it would not matter if they missed their intended target, with so many ponies in the camp behind her soldiers one shot would absolutely hit one of them. The thought that they would willingly fire into a crowd of unarmed refugee's was terrifying but a small group marched forward quietly.

They stopped less than twenty yards away and ignored Cadence entirely, speaking loudly to the arrayed soldiers and refugees cowering behind.

"By order of his majesty King Steelshod, rightful ruler of Equestria, husband of Princess Celestia... You are ordered to lay down your arms. Amnesty is offered to all who will accept it. His majesty promises that the thieves who stole the Crystal Heart shall be punished and until then offers you refuge within his kingdom. Land will be cleared and proper housing constructed for all those who swear fealty to the crown!"

Turning away for a moment the officer beckoned and several sacks were brought forward.

"As a show of good faith he has sent us with food and medicine. Sadly we could not bring enough and must ration it but rest assured if you agree to lay down your arms and move farther south supplies will be sent!"

Cadence gaped. Steelshod had left them till they were desperate and now pretended to be the savior. Husband of CELESTIA?! He had almost executed her! Dehorned her!

"Do not listen to them! Steelshod holds Princess Celestia and Luna prisoner! Do not fall for his lies! HE is the one who stole the Crystal Heart and drove us out!"

"Princess Cadence... Do you have any proof to back up your accusations against your rightful sovereign?!"

A hushed silence fell across the crowd.

"I have no proof that he stole the heart but I have a message from Luna herself stating the truth! The timing was too perfect for him not to be the culprit!"

Shaking his head the offer opened his arms.

"So you have no proof. You leave me no choice then. I hereby order in full faith and within the boundaries of the law that you Princess Cadence are to be arrested and held in his majesties custody until trial. I plead with you crystal ponies to not heed her false accusations and lay down your arms in peace. You have suffered enough. Accept our majesties generous offer and save yourselves. Please. Accept our gifts of food and medicine even though your princess will not."

Cadence was furious and her general was showing signs of worry as the situation turned against them.

"Princess. What are your orders?"

Already some ponies pushed past the soldiers and made their way towards the ranks of enemy soldiers. Most however held back looking to her for answers.

"My citizens! Luna send word as the city fell that Steelshod is responsible and while I have no proof that he is the one who drove us from our home I implore you to think and realize that he has orchestrated all of this! Their kinds words mean to enslave us and never again shall we see our beloved home if we accept! FIGHT!"

"FIRE!"

When the last word was spoke her general grabbed her and shielded her as a volley of ballista shots crashed into her soldiers tearing holes in their ranks. Those that had filtered over to the other side were ushered away quickly and onto the train cars before being sealed inside as the opposing force rushed forward closing the gap quickly.

Her soldiers were thrown back for a moment before they began to push back desperately. Wails and cries for mercy rose up from the ponies as they fled before the onslaught. Ranks quickly buckled as enemies broke through to the rear and began to tear away at the flanks of her formations.

Yanking her upright the general pushed her away and screamed out orders to no avail as ranks quickly collapsed and Candence's soldiers began to flee for their lives throwing away their weapons as they ran.

A captain rushed to her side and drug her away as her personal guard fought a loosing battle to stave off their attackers but thankfully no ballista shots were let loose, they were not needed. Dragging her away quickly and into the crowd ponies parted like water as enemies poured in amongst them.

A glancing blow made the captain loose his grip on her as he stumbled and fell bleeding. Cadence lifted herself up shakily and looked around as her last guard was cut down. Trying to power up her horn a fist slammed out knocking her flat before a blade was placed against her throat.

"Dont."

Cadence leaned back and sobbed as the soldiers drew up ranks once more and the officers clear, booming voice rang out once more.

"PLEASE! We do not wish to harm you unless we have to! Cadence left us no choice! Calm down and surrender so we may tend to your wounded! Lay down your arms! It is over!"

Craning her head back she watched as the crystal ponies slowly put their hands up while the last few surviving soldiers did the same. Soldiers began to filter forward and force them to their knees while the civilians were ushered away towards the rail line and forced to stand in a dense line.

Looking back towards the battlefield she watched as her soldiers were left bleeding as the officer approached her.

"Princess Cadence by order of King Steelshod you are hereby stripped of your rank and crown on charges of insurection. You will stand "trial" in Canterlot for your crimes against his majesty."

He stopped and looked her over slowly before his eyes settled on her bulging belly.

"Do not fear for your life or that of your unborn child. Your king is not a monster. No harm shall come to either of you so long as you do not resist any further."

Cadence knew he was lying but had little choice, the officer had picked his words very carefully to appease her own people within earshot but also to remind her of who held the upper hand.

"Your king IS a monster. A monster mascarading as a saint."

He cracked a small grin and knelt down beside her and placed a ring over her horn before leaning close to her ear whispered so low she could almost not hear him.

"Lets keep that our little secret. Princess."

"Citizens! I present to you Emperor Steelshod the Second!"

There was no applause but that suited him just as well as he walked onto the balcony with his hands up. Celestia stood beside him looking down but ever bit as beautiful and regal as she had always been. Her horn was still missing but a fake had been put on making it appear as if everything was normal while the severed part was locked away safely along with the horns of Cadence and Luna.

It had been a very good day. Very good. Crowned emperor, wed to Celestia and the only opposition that remained was Ponyville. Cadence was rushed in early that morning on a private train and now could be used as leverage against Shining Armor but there was no rush. Ponyville was isolated and while it was strategically important it would not actually matter for another week when his second army arrived.

One week to get here, a few days to unload, another to bring them here and then go visit that pest scurrying around in his dank caves. Steelshod had a bone to pick with him for the murder of his father and he intended to collect.

Beaming out at the massive crowd below he lowered his arms slowly.

"My people! Long have you been left under the neglectful eye of Celestia, but no longer. I understand your fears and anger at what I have done and forgive you. A leader must do what they have to do when the time calls on them and after seeing Tirek tear away at your peaceful nation I knew something must be done."

"With heavy heart I invaded your lands and seized the throne but you must understand that I am not a tyrant. What has been done is for your own safety and in time you will hopefully come to realize that I am your friend, not an enemy."

"Yet there are still those who seek to divide us, to turn us against one another and unfortunately they are loud and violent but thankfully few. As you already know Cadence is a prisoner now having refused to accept aid for her people that I had sent in hopes of peace."

"Cadence called upon her army to fight the relief force sent with food and medicine to help the crystal ponies and my forces were forced to fire on her army."

He raised his hands again as murmurs spread.

"Be at ease, no civilians were harmed, only saved. Even now they are being given blankets, food, medicine and all the care my soldiers can give. Tents, supplies and other necessities are also being sent even now but those who oppose me try and wreck the trains bearing these desperately needed supplies!"

It was a massive lie but the looks on ponies faces showed it had the desired effect.

"Please, be at ease! These vicious, uncaring and monstrous creatures will be brought to justice soon enough! This war is over and we must come together in peace and harmony if we are to survive whatever evil is thrown at us next and rest assured my army WILL be there to PROTECT you!"

"As you can clearly see Princess Celestia is free, unchained, unharmed and as a gesture of my good will I have married here so she will not have to step down as princess. Her bright light shall continue to shine for as long as I can protect it."

Heads nodded in approval and his smile grew.

"Luna unfortunately continues to fight us, slipping into her old ways once more. It saddens me to inform you she must remain locked away until she can calm down and I hope and pray that she will so that once more you can enjoy her glorious nights. But until then..."

"Other forces that have threatened you will also be hunted down and dealt with. Celestia allowed Queen Chrysalis to go free and even though it is unbecoming to say this with her present... Refused to hunt her down and bring the monster to justice. I will not make that mistake, once Equestria has calmed itself I promise that the vile creature WILL be hunted down and stand trial for her crimes against Equestria!"

Applause and cheers rang out.

"My apologies to my wife but it was necessary."

Reaching a hand out to Celestia he made a soft beckoning movement and she hesitantly joined him as he took her hand and raised it up.

"United as one people there is nothing we can not accomplish but first we must put aside our differences, anger and hate. We must embrace one another and work together to rebuild a land stricken with centuries of neglect. The Noble Armies have all surrendered to my authority and even now move to keep the borders safe while others make haste to hunt down the culprits that seek to tear our new peace apart."

"Together! Together there is nothing we can not do but we must do it together! One people! Once voice!"

Celestia was grinding her teeth but keeping up the facade quite well. Lowering their arms he did not let go of her hand however. He motioned with the free hand to calm the crowd down.

"Together we must forgive and forget the recent tragedies to move forward. Even now I fear that there are forces out there seeking to destroy us."

Murmurs spread through the crowd, he had them wrapped around his finger now and he smirked at Celestia a moment making her flinch.

"Fear not! Whatever trials are to come I will be there to face them and protect the peace and tranquility you enjoy! I am certain you can agree... Equestria can ill afford another Tirek!"

The crowd howled and Celestia choked back a sob.

"As your Emperor and divine ruler I swear to you now that Equestria will remain safe and secure under my careful watch!"

There was a long heavy pause that made the crowd jittery with anticipation before he continued.

"But there is something I need... Something only you can give..."

Below the voices rose up in curiosity as to what price he wanted for their safety and security.

"I require only your loyalty, friendship and support. Nothing more. Hah! Well make certain to also pay your taxes so I can keep the schools up and trains running! But that is all I ask of you. Nothing more."

"Many changed lie ahead and they will not be easy to adjust too but together we will prevail. Uphold, obey and respect the law less chaos overtake us."

Steelshod raised his hand in a wave to the crowd but it also gave a signal as the soldiers below banged on their shields and howled out together.

"All hail Emperor Steelshod! All Hail Empress Celestia!"

It caught on and soon the throng below was stomping and howling wildly giving praise to their new emperor and empress. Steelshod stood there basking in the howling praise as it thundered up from below the balcony.

Turning to Celestia he embraced her and whispered in her ear.

"Keep it up or else."

Celestia returned the embrace and accepted the kiss hesitantly which only made the crowd howl all the louder.

"Now wave you conceited bitch..."

Turning back the two waved to the crowd with their hands held together raised high giving their best fake smiles. Steelshod's personal detail of newly minted "Royal Guard" grinned knowingly.

Retiring after a few minutes from the balcony guards grabbed Celestia and led her forcibly to the throne room. Only Steelshod's soldiers were permitted inside the castle now and officers awaited their arrival along with Luna, bound, gagged and kneeling on the floor in tattered rags.

"Sire, I enjoyed you speech. I almost believed it myself."

"It is still true. This is my country now and be damned if I let any upstart take it from me. They will remain well protected but they will find the price a little steeper than what they currently believe. Of course we will get LOTS of help from a certain someone in making them accept these measures."

"About that one. He could be anywhere."

"Drilling down will make him show himself sooner or later. When my forces arrive with the needed equipment his musty old army of bones will be hard pressed even if they have multiplied in the past millennia. Do not assume me arrogant either now that I have won general. It will be a fight but one we can win."

"And if he does not show?"

"The crowd out there thinks Chrysalis is out to get them again so she will do. A few fake attacks here and there will convince them. Wipe out some small hamlet and blaming her will do just fine. Hmm... Find a small hamlet and draw up the plans now just in case."

"Yes sire. But what about the... Report... We received?"

"Hah... That... Five soldiers missing because the circus kidnapped them after giving them a show... Feh. If they are dumb enough to be overtaken by a gaggle of rebels dressed as circus clown's and show ponies we are better off without them. *Sigh* Have a warning order sent out to watch for a traveling circus act... Never had I imagined the day..."

"Yes sire."

"Wait... Where is this place? What was it called again? Sunny?"

"Sunny Vale."

"Population?"

"Mmm... Less than eighty I believe."

"Perfect. Draw up plans to have them put to the sword, we will blame Chrysalis or him for it... Have the smiths craft some changeling weapons first... I have a book in my chamber with details on them, craft a set of weapons in secret. Even if we do not use them on this hamlet they can still be used later to scare the ponies into doing whatever I want."

"At once."

"Now Celestia. You did VERY well! As promised I will not chain you to your bed tonight. A little cooperation goes a long way does it not?"

"You are holding my sister hostage and threaten to kill her if I do not!"

"Oh no, no, no!"

Steelshod walked over to Luna and stroked her face lovingly.

"No... No... I promised that if you did anything or so much as sneezed wrong I would torture her. I will have her beaten, raped over and over again by my soldiers till she BLEEDS! That is just the begining of what I can do to dear Luna here without ever killing her or permanently damaging her very... Fine... Body..."

Luna gagged and struggled.

"But dont worry! So long as you uphold your end of the bargain no harm will ever come to her."

"I thought you hoped to win me over still?"

Steelshod looked Celestia over and shook his head slowly.

"Not now... I had hoped at first to resolve this little problem peacefully and win your hand but the past few weeks... No. You buried your true nature so deep you would never come around to seeing the truth and accepting my hand openly. Your loss."

"I pity you."

"How could a slave pity their master? I defeated you all, conquered the nation, lost a handful of troops while mopping the floor with your own... Not only that but did you see the crowd? They love me now. ADORE me. Soon you will be forgotten and become expendable... I can blame Chrysalis for that in the future... That's a good idea... When she denies it they will only demand her head and I will GLADLY deliver that..."

Steelshod shuddered a minute thinking about the insect queen.

*Ugh* "That repulsive insect's head to them. I will even behead her myself before the crowd just to rid the world of such a disgusting thing! Anyway. There is nothing to pity. I own you. I own it all."

Celestia glared at him as Luna continued to struggle against her bindings even trying to lunge forward at Steelshod only to be yanked back by two soldiers.

"Hrrg hrmm hurr!"

"Oh take the gag off her and lets hear what she has to say, I am in a very good mood!"

Spitting the gag out when it was loosened Luna growled.

"You will pay!"

"Oh I very much doubt that. Gag her."

Luna was gagged and drug away to her cell while Celestia was taken off to be sealed in her tiny room. Steelshod sat on his new throne for a minute before removing Cadence's horn and rolled it in his hand.

One princess left to go. He was not a cruel master though... He would allow her another week before the town would fall and for her crimes... A simple... "Accident" during the fighting would suffice. Handing the horn off to a soldier waiting with a lock box it was placed inside with the other three and quickly removed from the chamber.

Rising from the throne and heading to the dining hall Steelshod wondered what he would have for dinner tonight with his officers to celebrate their rise to power.

Above him an unseen and most unwelcome guest clung onto the ceiling hiding in the shadows and morphed to blend in with the surroundings. It almost buzzed its wings in anger over what it had just heard and trailing its eyes down to the lone soldier slid free quietly and stalked after him.

Author's Notes:

Alright cast your vote. Who is the most evil SOB in the story?