It was late in the evening and the nobles of Canterlot, along with the Barons of the North, all gathered together in the royal ballroom. Celestia and Luna were both greeting the noble families with Marshall while Wulfirc and his wives we’re preparing to announce the big news.

Meanwhile, the children were hanging out with one another and surprisingly, Gummy was with them wearing her own dress. She wore a simple forest green dress and even let her hair and tail down. One would not recognize the young recruit because of how pretty she looked. While the party was going on, a certain human was no where to be seen. Before Wulfric and his family set off for the party, Lock simply said that he had to take care of something important but would return in time before Wulfric made his big announcement.

“It’s almost time.” Rainbow said as she scanned the room for Lock.

“You don’t think he bailed, do you?” She asked Applejack and Wulfric.

"He better not." Grumbled Applejack as her husband rubbed her belly.

"He'll be here love."

“My lord and ladies, it is time.” A servant said.

“Can we wait just a little longer?” Applejack asks.

“I’m afraid not, my lady.”

Just when Wulfirc was about to step forward with his wives, the doors opened with a loud enough bang gaining everyone’s attention. Dressed in a black and red tuxedo with a silver bow tie, Dimitri walked in with a hand in his pocket and both pairs of wings spread out wide. He then made his way to Wulfric and his wives with a small smirk, occasionally glancing at some mares winking at him.

“Evening Wulfric, ladies.” Lock greeted as he furled his wings back.

“Sorry I’m late, had to take care of something important.”

"About time." Wulfric huffed as he stepped forward to begin the announcement.

"Everyone. Thank you for coming this evening." He said with gratitude in his voice.

"Sorry for the late invitations but my family and I have big news." He paused to let his wives come forward and sure enough, all could see their swelling bellies as a mix of surprised gasps filled the room for a moment.

"It is as you see. Both my beloved Applejack and Rainbow Dash are once again carrying new children. Soon my family will have three new additions as Rainbow is carrying twins."

The crowd immediately applauded the big announcement with happy smiles and raised glasses.

“But what of the human that is standing with you?” A Baron asked curiously.

"Ah yes. This is Dimitri, an adventurer who recently became our guest here in the castle. Over the past two weeks he has become a good friend and my children have grown quite fond of him, that is why i'm appointing him as their godfather and protector."

Lock gulped and stepped forward to face the crowd and cleared his throat.

“Good evening everyone.” Lock said in a polite tone before swarms of press ponies bombarded him with questions and flashing lights from their cameras.

“Is it true you’re the new godfather of the family?!”

“Where exactly did you come from?!”

“Why did he name you godfather so soon?!”

“What is your relationship with Applejack and Rainbow Dash?!”

“Why do you have two pairs of wings instead of one?!”

"Everyone please." Celestia shouted slightly with her hand raised.

"We are here to celebrate, not create a ruckus. Now let us all enjoy the rest of the evening."

Lock sighed in relief and gave a silent thank you to Celestia. He then glanced over to where there were a few ponies playing music and got an idea as he made his way over to the band.

“Where are you going Dimitri?” Wulfirc wondered.

“To have some fun.” Lock said in reply when he spied a spare cello to the side and smiled as he grabbed it and sat in a free chair. The band members were confused at first, along with the rest of the crowd and royals, as he tuned the instrument. Lock then gave the audience one last look and smirked as he began to play a beautiful song.

Impressed by his skill, the other band members joined in and soon the whole room was filled by the melodious tune.

"Mmm what fine music." Said one of the party guests.

The band strummed away as the crowd swayed and some danced to the tune as Lock’s eyes remained closed and focused. Unbeknownst to him, many ponies had gathered around to listen as close as possible. The mares all had dreamy looks in their eye and the stallions smiled during his performance. Celestia and Luna were even taking turns dancing with Marshall along with the other party memebers. Wulfirc and his wives were still a little shocked he could play this well but still enjoyed the music nonetheless. Soon the song came to an end and Lock paused for a moment before opening his eyes again with a smile as he stood up, setting the cello to the side and put one hand behind his back and raising the other above his head and gave a courteous bow which resulted in a round of applause.

“Thank you, thank you all.” He said as he bowed.

Lock also gave the band a bow to which they returned and began playing their own music. The royals took this opportunity to approach as he met them half way.

“Hello everyone, I take it you enjoyed my little performance?” He said.

"Most impressive." Said Marshall offering him a glass of wine.

"You used to play before you were a soldier?"

“Eh, just a skill I picked up during my youth.” Dimitri said as he sipped his wine.

“I can also play the guitar. The boys back home always liked it when I sang to them before we went out on duty.”

“Excuse me.”

The royals and Dimitri turned around to see the cellist mare, Octavia Melody, dressed in a formal musicians attire.

“Ah, Miss Octavia, a pleasure to meet you again.” Celestia said.

“An honor, Princess.” Octavia said with a bow.

“I am most impressed of your skill with the cello. I have never heard or seen such skill before.”

“Why thank you, Miss Melody.” Dimitri said with a curt nod.

“I am pleased you admire my talent.”

“Perhaps you may indulge me in playing more songs later tonight?” Octavia asks.

“I don’t see why not?.” Lock said.

“Marvelous, well enjoy the rest of your night. You as well, your majesties.” Octavia said and left the group to rejoin the band.

The party continued on with the royals mingling with the party goers and words of praise and congratulations for Wulfirc and his family. Lock was merely off to the side with a glass of wine in his hand and made small talk to any pony who gave him the time. Meanwhile the children were still amongst themselves and talking with one another while Selene seemed lost in thought which Gummy and Apple Jewel seemed to notice.

“What’s wrong Selene?” Apple Jewel asked.

“Yeah, you seem a little sad.” Gummy added.

The princess only sighed in response as she watched the couples on the dance floor while the music played.

"Ohh I see." Said Gummy after putting the pieces together.

“I as well.” Apple Jewel added.

“You know Uncle Lock is standing over there.” She said, pointing at the human.

“Maybe ask him to dance with you?”

Selene glanced over to see Lock with a simple smile and a glass of wine in hand. It didn’t help the fact that there were other mares talking with him, nor how unfairly handsome he looked in that tuxedo, but how those mares were obviously trying to woo him due to the apparent bedroom eyes they were giving him.

“Sis.” Imperius spoke up.

“If you really like him, then you should actually go tell him.”

“I agree, mom always told Beorn and I to always be honest with ourselves.” Apple Jewel said.

“But I can’t.” Selene sighed.

“I’m not old enough to be with him.”

“So?” Beorn said.

“You shouldn’t let age tell you how you should feel. It’s also best if you speak your mind now, that way you can get the closure you obviously crave.”

“Yeah!” Gummy said.

“Besides, what’s the worst that can happen?”

At that moment, Dimitri walked up to her surprising everyone and offered his hand to her asking.

"Care to dance?"

Selene blushed and looked to her sibling and friends who ushered her to accept his offer, she smiles and placed her hand on Dimitri’s hand.

“I would love to.” Selene said.

Dimitri smiled and led her to the dancing area where they caught the attention of most in the room. Soon the band started to play a slow waltz dance. Dimitri released Selene’s hand and faced her and bowed respectfully and Selene curtsied back to him. Dimitri then stepped forward and took Selene’s left hand with his right and intertwined their fingers while he gently placed his left hand on her hip and her right hand on his shoulder. The pair then began to sway and dance to the music as they stared into each other’s eyes, not knowing the audience were watching their performance.

“You’re a human of many talents, Dimitri.” Selene commented.

“How did you learn to dance like this?”

“A gentleman must always be prepared to please a fine lady like yourself.” Dimitri said, earning a blush from the young princess.

On a nearby balcony, Marshall watched the party goers while helping himself to some cider and a few horderves from the buffet.

"Room for one more dear?" Called Celestia dressed in a stunning outfit no doubt made by Rarity.

“Always.” Marshall smiled as she wrapped an arm around his.

“It’s been quite eventful ever since he showed up.” He said as he watched his daughter dance with a wide and dreamy smile.

“To think, my little filly has found someone to love.”

“Indeed, they grow up so fast.” Celestia said as she eyed her son.

“Speaking of growing up.” She cooed as she nudged Marshall to look towards Imperius.

Come on Imperius. The prince thought in his head. If Selene can do it, why can’t I?

“Um…e-excuse me, G-Gummy?” Imperius stammered as Gummy looked to him.

“Yeah Imperius?” Gummy answered with a warm smile.

Wow, so cute… He thought but shook his head slightly.

“Would you…care to d-dance with…m-me?” Imperius asked, tripping over his words as he held a shaky hand out to the young mare.

"SURE!" Gummy squealed before dragging him back into the ballroom to dance.

"As expected from Pinkies daughter, full of energy." Marshall said with a smirk.

“Our little colt.” Celestia sighed proudly.

“I suppose we have Dimitri to thank for this. To think, he of all creatures would be able to give Imperius the confidence he needed.”

“I agree.” Marshall nodded.

The pair continued to watch the party with smiles all around. Back on the dance floor, Imperius was dancing with Gummy to the best of his ability and Lock was dancing with Selene. Both pairs smiling as the music played, that is until a few ponies emerged from the crowd. Wulfric, who was enjoying a pint of ale, recognized these ponies as diplomats from Saddle Arabia which made him furrow his brows since they were obviously uninvited guests. As the song of the dance ended, the dancers all bowed to each other in respect which the diplomats took the opportunity to approach Lock and Selene. Wulfirc noticed that one of the diplomats was eyeing the princess with a hungry gaze and even caught him licking his lips slightly which made him scowl and grip the handle of his mug.

What are those bastards up to? Wulfric sneered in his head.

Lock noticed the diplomats approach him and immediately felt the uneasy presence they were giving off and instinctively nudged Selene behind him so that he could face them properly.

“Can I help you gentlemen?” He asked in a calm yet stern tone.

"Forgive us my lord but we were hoping the princess would dance with us next?" The gentleman replied with a bow.

It was then that Dimitri saw it, behind their false smiles was a glint in their eyes that he’s seen too many times to count in his reality. A glint of carnal lust and sickening desire, and they were looking straight at Selene.

Lock clenched his fist and took a few breathes to keep calm since he didn’t want to make a scene. Just then he felt something grasp his hand which made him glance over his shoulder and saw Selene with a look of fear in her eye and she was trembling in his hand which told him all he needed to know.

“I’m afraid the Princess doesn’t wish to dance with any of you.” Lock said coldly.

“As you can see, she’s with me for the night.”

"This does not concern you commoner." The second diplomat replied giving him a disgusted look.

"Now move aside. The princess would prefer REAL stallions to a mongrel like you."

Dimitri was just about to punch his lights out when Marshall appeared from behind with two night guards in tow.

"Gentleman, that's quite enough." The lord regent said sternly.

"Oh. Lord Marshall, please forgive our rudeness. Our intentions were pure."

"I'm sure. Now please leave."

The diplomats did as instructed and were prepared to leave when he heard the feint clink of metal under their robes.

"Hmm a bit hot in all that armor eh...Hassansin?"

"....."

CLANG!!!

The sound of swords colliding echoed throughout the room. The diplomat closest to Marshall spun around and tried to slash at him with a curved blade but Marshall was quicker on the draw as he used his scabbard to block the attack. The other diplomats, now revealed as assailants flung their robes off revealing their armored bodies. Two of them made a dash for Selene by trying to jump around Lock who quickly unfurled both pairs of wings and swung them forward, smacking each of the assailants and making them fall. Already enraged that they tried to harm Selene, Lock used his power to morph the feathers of his upper wings into blades and held them against each of their necks.

“Don’t…move.” He hissed.

Meanwhile, Marshall was battling the first assailant but was having no trouble parrying and blocking his crude attacks. The hassansin looked to his comrades and saw that they were already down which made him scowl.

“Surrender, and I’ll be sure to send you and your comrades back to your King slightly unharmed.” Marshall warned.

“My King sent us here to claim what he desires.” The assailant said.

“And he always gets what he wants.”

The assassin then blew a high pitched whistle and the windows suddenly shattered around the room and multiple Saddle Arabian ponies jumped in all armed to the teeth.

“CAPTURE THE YOUNG PRINCESS! SLAY THE REST!” The assailant bellowed.

"Dimitri. Keep my daughter safe, these bastards are mine."

Selene was now more scared than ever as she watched her father march up to them as if he were taking a stroll yet for the others, a sense of relief was felt but for the enemy it was a sense of dread.

"It's Sir Marshall..."

"The Knight of The Moon..."

“Only warning.” The Lord Regent said in an icy tone as he slowly unsheathed a black blade that looked like a piece of the night sky forged into a weapon; His sword Nightfall.

“Leave here now and live, or stay and face your destiny.”

"Fool! You have no chance against all of us, marriage and fatherhood have made you weak! Your destiny...is DEATH!!"

The second the hassansin finished those words, the last thing he saw was a black blade flying towards him just before he felt his arms being cut off and soon the rest followed. Despite the ten years of peace, Marshalls skills never faded and his senses were as sharp as ever.

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHH” the hassassin cried out as blood spurted from his bloody stumps. With another quick swipe, Marshall slashed the assailants throat which resulted in the sounds of bloody gurgling.

“Next?” He said flinging off the blood.

“SWARM HIM!” The lead hassassin ordered.

Like black wind, Marshall moved with fierce grace as he fought the group of assailants. Two ponies tried to slash him in his front only for him to lean back just in time to dodge their attack before he twisted his body and kicked one of them in the kneecap, shattering it and the assailant cried out in pain.

"Too slow."

Marshall jumped to the side and stabbed the other assailant through the head which killed him instantly. The downed hassassin with a shattered kneecap tried to stand but the lord regent whipped around and sliced his head clean off.

It seemed things had calmed down when he heard a cry of anger behind him and saw one of the wounded assassins flying at him with his dagger just a foot away from his chest.

Crap! He's too close for me to block!! He thought trying to move his blade into blocking position.

Out of no where a blade impaled itself in the skull of the assailant. The blade was crimson red and looked like a feather, which made Marshall turn to see one of Lock’s wings unfurled which meant he shot a feather blade just in time.

Marshall took one last glance before returning to battle and saw Selene clinging to him as she stared at her father in fear for his safety. Marshall simply smiled at her as he returned his gaze to the remaining ponies.

"Men. Search the grounds, they must have another group waiting for them."

"Sir!"

The crowd applauded at how quickly the assailants were dispatched while Marshall cleaned off the blood from his blade and face.

"Daddy!" Selene cried out clinging to her father with tears in her eyes.

"There there sweetheart, i'm alright. It's okay now." He said in a gentle voice as he hugged her.

Lock smiled as the two hugged each other with Celestia and Luna joining in. Just as things were quieting down,Lock saw in the corner of his eye that one of the assailants was still alive and was aiming a crossbow bolt at Marshall.

"Oh I wouldn't do that if I were you." Cautioned Wulfric who held a dagger up to his throat.

"Marshall, what should we do with this one?"

"To the dungeons. if he resists break his arms."

“Whew! Well that was surely an interesting entertainment.” Lock said as he wiped his brow. He then glanced at the body of one of the assailants and snorted as he kicked it.

“Bastards…trying to ruin tonight of all nights? You’d think they’d know better.” He scoffed as he fished into his coat pocket and pulled out a packet of some kind. He opened the packet and pulled out a cigarette and placed in between his lips and snapped his fingers as a small flame lit the cigarette and began to smoke.

“So.” He said as he exhaled and a puff of smoke escaped his lips.

“Guess the asshat who calls himself King of Saddle Arabia is making his move, and against the royal family no less.”

"Indeed. Guess he did not like being turned down." Celestia replied while holding onto Selene.

"But why take Selene and not Imperius? He wants them to marry."

"Well they left no evidence of who their client was or where they were heading." Said Marshall after checking their pockets.

After the excitement died down, the party resumed as if nothing happened save for Selene being sent to bed early after her traumatic experience and while the celebration kept going, the royal family was nowhere to be seen.

The gardens

Luna was walking through the garden with Imperius as it was something they usually do from time to time. She was holding his hand which made him smile up at her and also the night sky.

“The night is as beautiful as ever, mother.” Imperius said.

“Thank you Imperius.” Luna said as she leaned down and nuzzled the colt.

“So, I see you’ve been well acquainted with Gumdrop.” She teased.

“Especially since you were dancing with her.”

The prince hid himself under her wing like a foal on his first day of school, too embarassed to confront his mother.

“Oh come now Imperius.” Luna said as she stopped to kneel in front of the young colt now hiding under his own wings.

“There’s no need to be embarrassed. I’m proud you were able to finally come out of your shell and interact with a young mare like Gumdrop.” She said as she pulled aside his wing to see his face.

“You like her, don’t you?”

"Um...a little." He admitted

Huzzah! Luna squealed in her head.

“Then you should continue to explore these feelings. Spend time with her, speak with her, get to know the mare who’s caught your interest. Who knows? There might be something there between you two.”

“Thank you mother.” Imperius said as he hugged Luna.

“Of course.” She replied with a gentle smile.

The pair hugged each other for a moment longer before Imperius rubbed his eyes catching his mothers attention.

"Time for bed little mister, you've had a long night."

The prince made his way back to the bedroom after receiving a kiss on the forehead and as he left, Luna could not help but sigh as her little colt was growing up.

A little while later

The royals gathered in the council room after sending the children to bed and contacted Cadence and Shining Armor via hollow crystal, Celestia then explained in great detail about everything that had transpired at the party leaving the couple mortified and speechless.

"As if the undead weren't enough." Shining Armor sighed while rubbing his left temple.

"Now we have to deal with both Blueblood AND Saddle Arabia, not to mention those Kirin mercenaries."

"One thing bothers me." Said Wulfric.

"The undead army has been roaming around the northlands this whole time, why haven't they attacked?"

"Perhaps they're waiting to see who falls first." Answered Shining Armor.

"Or perhaps their magic isn't strong enough to blanket the land in snow again." Added Twilight.

“Well one thing’s for sure.” Lock said.

“The royal children have officially become alpha targets. Both Blueblood and the king have now come after them and it’s only a matter of time before they try again. Marshall, did the prisoners say how they even got into the party?”

“The prisoner said that Duke Venture and Orchid Charm had used their titles to to help them gain entry after being paid off.” Marshall replied which made Celestia and Luna worry not only for their children but also for the members of the royal court.

"Then perhaps we should call off tomorrows event." Cadence suggested but Wulfric was quick to protest.

"It will be my sons first hunt, I promised I'd take him."

"Wulfric.” Shining said in a concerned tone to his old friend. “

We’re now fighting against two, possibly three, enemies in this war. They’re using dirty tactics to gain the upper hand and one of them is as crazy as Dainn. I’ve met some pretty crazy people during my military days and this is no different. I understand this hunt was something Beorn has been looking forward to, but you need to think about the safety of your children.”

"But if we cancel the event, the citizens will be concerned and not to mention spread worry throughout the city." The northern king stated when Marshall came up with an idea.

"Then we take an armed escort. Five royal guards from Canterlot and five shield maids from the clans."

“That works, we should also each travel with one of the children for added protection.” Lock adds.

“My sister and I can stay with Imperius.” Celestia said.

“I’ll stay with Apple Jewel, we always like to hang out with each other.” Shining Armor said.

“I’ll even bring along my new protégé I’ve been training, Flash Sentry.”

Flash? Lock thought to himself.

“I shall be with Beorn and one of my best men shall accompany me.” Wulfirc said.

“Guess that leaves Selene.” Lock said.

“I’ll look after her then.”

"Then we are agreed." Cadence smiled when all began to hear the distinct sound of a foal crying.

"Oh dear, Flurry's awake. Gotta go."

"Very well, council adjourned." Celestia replied as she deactivated the crystal.

As they turned in for the night, Luna peeked in on her daughter to see if she was doing alright and was relieved to see her sleeping soundly despite her traumatic experience.

"Luna?" Whispered the voice of her husband who wrapped his arms around her in a loving embrace.

"She's fine love." He whispered pecking her cheek.

"I know but I can't help but worry." She replied before nuzzling him while gently closing the door and joining her husband in bed.

Meanwhile

In a dark alley way, two figures wearing hooded cloaks met with one handing a small sheet of paper to the other. The first mysterious figure could easily be described as Equestrian thanks to his muzzle sticking put from the hood and as he read the note a sinister grin appeared on his face.

"Are you certain of this?" He asked his partner who returned the same grin saying.

"I'm certain. At long last, we'll finally be free of those northern savages."

The stranger was given a small pouch full of bits before disappearing into the night while his partner strolled down the alley and unsheathed a dagger with his grin turning into a murderous smile.

"Heh heh...Long live The King...."

End.