A month has passed since the tragic death of Wulfric Warborn. The death of the King of the North racked everyone who supported him with grief and sadness, especially his own people. The Funeral was almost as heartbreaking for Equestria as his actual death as the Kings body was laid to rest with all the highest honors of viking custom. Wulfric’s family, the royals, and Lock all said their words of farewell which were filled with nothing but tears. Everyone did the best they could to move on but those from the North still struggled to accept that their king was gone. Now, according to Wulfirc’s last written words, Beorn and Apple Jewel would become his successors as rulers of the North and even though some were supportive of the idea, there were still others who had doubts they could pull it off.

It was early in the morning and both Applejack and Rainbow Dash were sleeping on their backs since their protruding bellies had their infant foals still growing inside. They both woke up to the rooster crowing and looked at each other and frowned since there was someone missing. They both sighed as they lifted themselves up and sat at the edge of the bed next to each other and leaned their shoulders against one another.

“He’s really gone, isn’t he?” Rainbow Dash asked solemnly.

"I know sugarcube..." replied Applejack while rubbing her belly.

"I can hardly believe it myself..."

“And Dimitri…” Rainbow said, starting to tear up.

“He’ll leave soon, back to his reality.” She looks to Applejack about ready to cry again.

“What are we gonna do?”

All Applejack could do was hug her lover and pray things would be alright but could not help worrying about the future herself.

While many admired her late husband for uniting the kingdoms, there were still others who sought to gain power from his absence and knew they would come after not only her and Rainbow but their children as well.

With nothing else left to do, both mares slowly got ready for the day. Once their morning rituals were done and they got dressed, they both exited the room and were met with a couple armored stags.

“My Lady Applejack and My Lady Rainbow Dash.” One of the stags greeted with a bow.

“Hello boys, were is my son?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Young master Beorn and young mistress Apple Jewel are at the training grounds with Lord Marshall and young master Imperius, along with Sir Lock as well.” The other stag responds.

“Sir Lock as requested that we escort you two to them so that you do not run into any more unneeded attention.”

"Good idea." Applejack sighed in relief as she did not want unwanted stress affecting their pregnancy.

It wasn't even a day when both queens were given sympathies and promises of protection by numerous bachelors. Some were genuine while others were empty words hidden behind false emotions and fake smiles.

"Has anyone tried contacting our children?" Asked Applejack as they continued down the hall.

"Mostly the cadets milady. They're trustworthy enough and as for princess Apple Jewel, many suitors come to offer their sympathies but nothing too bold as of yet." Replied the guard next to her when they spotted some nobles talking amongst themselves.

“Such a shame, King Wulfirc was a noble soul.” One noble said.

“Indeed, I wonder what will become of his wives?” Another replied.

“More importantly their children. My daughter seems like a suitable suitor for the buck but it’s like he has his head set on training with that demon.” The third noble said.

“Speaking of that demon, why do the ladies of the North insist on keeping that thingaround?”

“I’ve tried to ask if my son could court princess Apple Jewel but the demon just shooed him away, the very nerve!”

“I heard he’s nothing but a monster, you heard how he single handily butchered dozens of those bandits without remorse?”

“If anything it should be imprisoned or at the very least put down like the monster it is.”

"Now gentleman, be reasonable." A voice called out as all turned to see Fancy Pants walking towards the group.

"Their is no need to take such drastic actions. Need I remind you that with The King In The North dead, Bluebloods forces have gotten bolder. Reports are coming in from all over with news of attacks on caravans and farms all over the countryside."

“Then what do you propose we do, Lord Fancy Pants?” A noble asks.

“We have tried to ask Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to reconsider Saddle Arabia’s offer for an alliance but they refuse every time.”

“Indeed and Prince Beorn and Princess Apple Jewel are far too young to lead the northerners. Sir Gregor should have been the one to lead them. He seems like a far more capable leader and would have lead his subjects proudly if Shining Armor hadn't challenged him.” Another scoffs.

"Need I remind you gentleman, that was the kings final request and if you have any objections then feel free to challenge one of the northerners for the throne. I'm sure the kings bodyguard is itching for a fight." Fancy replied while fixing his monocle.

"Furthermore, you know why we can't allow slavery back into our society. Did you forget what kept Equestria divided for so long?" He asked his fellow nobleman but all was silent.

"There was a time when we Equestrians made slaves of one another instead of helping one another and It was that division that brought the windigo's to our land in the beginning."

“But Lord Fancy Pants-”

A noble prepared to speak but Fancy Pants simply raised his hand, cutting them off.

"Now that same evil threatens us once again. It is only a miracle that they are still in the northlands."

The nobles wanted to protest more but soon hung their heads and nodded in defeat. They then all slowly walked away leaving Fancy Pants and Rainbow Dash and Applejack took the opportunity to walk up to the honorable noble.

“Hey Fancy, thanks for sticking up for us like that.” Rainbow said.

“Yeah, we really appreciate it.” Applejack said.

"My pleasure ladies and believe me when I say that I also share your grief." Fancy replied with a short bow.

"Your husband was a great man and an even greater father. I know he would've loved to see his future little ones."

“As do we.” Rainbow said, looking down at her twins in her belly.

“My ladies, we must be off.” One of the guards said.

“Huh? Oh yeah, sure. It was nice seeing you again, Fancy. Maybe we can catch more some time later?” Rainbow offers.

"But of course."

With one last bow, the group parted ways as the queens headed for the courtyard to find Beorn pounding away with his bare fists at a wooden post covered in rope.

“Woah there tiger, gonna hurt yourself if you keep hitting that thing like that.” Rainbow said as she approached her son.

“Mom, I’m fine.” Beorn said as he punched the post once more.

“I need to be ready for the next time I go into battle.”

“Where’s Lock?” Applejack asks.

“He’s over there with Uncle Marshal and Imperius.” Beorn replied, pointing to the other side of the training grounds.

When both mares turned around, they saw Lock was siting crisscrossed on the ground, his back up straight, his eyes closed, his arms spread out with his hands clenched into fists, balancing on his arms were two massive boulders as Lock kept his tribal marked arms straight out, not budging an inch. His body was producing massive amounts of sweat as his muscles strained under the weight and thanks to days of not visiting the barber his hair had grown out quite long so he styled it in a ponytail tied with a string with his bangs spread out to the sides of his head. Lock seemed to be in complete focus as Marshall kept track of how long he was in this stance.

“Father, how much longer does he have left?” Imperius wondered.

"He's been at it for three hours." Marshall replied before lock finally snapped out of his trance and smashed the boulders to rubble with one quick strike.

“Three hours, huh?” Lock said as he cracked his knuckles.

“Seems about right.”

One of the squires handed him a towel and water flask before he joined Marshall in observing the recruits and discussing certain issues within the court.

"More lords wanted to talk with Beorn today." The lord regent said in a calm voice so they wouldn't draw attention.

“Hmph, probably to get Beorn to court their daughters for power and influence.” Lock scoffed before drinking a swig of water and dumping the rest over his head and body.

“Not like that’ll ever happen anytime soon.”

"They've been getting desperate since Chrysalis offered her daughters hand in marriage to him."

“Speaking of Chrysalis, I wanted to talk to you about something. A month ago, when she explained why she wanted Crysta and Beorn to wed, I could tell she wasn’t telling us the full story.”

"You think she's hiding something?" Marshall asked before pulling out his flask and taking a swig.

“Maybe, I’ll talk to her before Beorn meets with the elders. Apparently they want to discuss something with him and I wanna be there when they do.” Lock before he noticed Rainbow and Applejack walk up to them with smiles as he met them halfway and hugged them both close, forgetting he was soaked.

“How’s my two favorite mares this morning?” Lock asks lovingly.

"I'd be a lot better if my back weren't so sore." Applejack sighed before hearing a familiar voice.

"Join the club darling."

The three turned to see Rarity walking over with her belly looking twice as big yet somehow she looked more radiant than ever.

"Hey Rarity. Spike not with you?" Rainbow asked after noticing her husband wasn't around.

"Twilight needed his help so I'm just taking a stroll with my little one." She smiled rubbing her stomach gently.

“Ah, Miss Rairty, we finally meet face to face.” Lock said as stepped forward.

“Sorry we couldn’t meet sooner, things have been really hectic lately. I am Dimitri Lockdrom, so good to meet you.” He greeted with a curt nod.

“You look like the spitting image of your alternate self in my reality, and my congratulations for your little one soon on the way. Do you know if it’s a colt or a filly? If you don’t mind me asking.”

"Oh one can never be too sure my good sir but I have been making pajamas for either one." She winked before hearing what sounded like a loud thump and looked back to see Beorn pounding away at the post again with more force.

BOOM...

BOOM...

BOOM!!!

Though he did not show it, all could see the prince was still grieving over the death of his father and their family sword being stolen.

"Poor darling..." said Rarity looking sad.

It was after the seventh strike, the top half of the post snapped off with a loud crack and flew just a few feet away startling some of the trainees.

“Kid has been doing this since that day.” Lock sighed.

“I’m the one who instructed him to do that but I guess he’s taking it to the next level already.”

It wasn't until after they looked at the broken half of the post that they saw a bloodstain on the rope and noticed Beorns hands were now red with blood. Rainbow let out a short gasp and ran over to see the skin of his knuckles were badly torn.

"Sweetie your hands! I told you to take it easy-!!"

Her lecture was cut short when she noticed his tears and that he was clenching his fists tightly and as she raised his head, all she could do was hold him like any mother and comfort him as best she could.

"It's not fair..." he hissed with anger as blood dripped from his fists.

"It's not fair!!" He said again in a pained voice.

“I know Beorn…” Rainbow soothed her son for what seemed like several minutes.

Lock stepped towards the whimpering buck and kneeled down in front of him. He then took both his hands and softly ignited his Hellfire and began to heal them.

“Your father was the second most honorable and benevolent man I’ve ever met in my lifetime. He loved you and your mother so very much and still does even in death. What happened was a tragedy but you must remember what he died for. You can become stronger but destroying yourself isn’t worth it.” Lock said after Beorn was healed and hugged his godson close.

“I’m not Wulfric, but I made a promise to him to look after you. You’re not alone in this world, remember that.”

Beorn nodded in acknowledgement of his godfathers words as he hugged him back with his sister joining.

"I'm here for you as well little brother."

"Sis..."

“We all are, sweetheart.” Rainbow said she too joined the hug. They stayed like that for a good long while before letting him go back to training.

“Rainbow, walk with me for a moment, won’t you?” Dimitri asked his pegasus lover who didn't seem to mind as they left the training grounds.

“Beorn! Take a breather before you go back to hitting the next post, I don’t want to see your hands bloody again and neither does your mother!” Lock calls out over his shoulder before he leaves.

"Okay!" The young buck shouted while cleaning up his mess.

"So what did you wanna talk about?" Rainbow asked while she leaned on him as they walked.

“I’ll be honest with you.” Lock said as he wrapped his arm around her and held her close.

“It’s about Chrysalis, back when she pitched her claim as to why Crysta and Beorn should be wed, while her words rang true, I could tell she wasn’t giving us the full story. So earlier this morning I had someone send for her to meet me in private to discuss this matter. I figured since Beorn is your son you’d also wanna know what her true motives are.”

"Mmm I never did trust that bug." Rainbow pouted as they stopped for a rest.

"I have nothing against her kid though. She seems nice."

“I agree, she does appear to have some feelings for Beorn.” Lock said as he turned and looked down at Rainbow.

“And no calling anyone by what they are, ok?” Lock said, cupping her cheek.

“Chrysalis is our ally and maybe her true motives are somewhat just. So when we talk with her let me do the talking and you the listening, ok?” He asks while rubbing his thumb across her cheek.

"Yeah yeah." She pouted again while pressing her chest against his arm.

“You know, you’re pretty adorable when you pout like that.” Lock said as he slowly leaned down and kissed Rainbow softly.

"Mmm if I wasn't pregnant, I'd do it with you right here~." She teased while leaning on him again.

“I’m sure you would.” He teased back.

“Come, she's probably waiting for us now.” They both continued to walk until they reached a room guarded by changelings.

“We’re here to see the Queen, I’m the one who sent for her.” Lock said as they both nodded and stepped to the side as they open the door for Lock and Rainbow. Once they enter they are met with the Changeling Queen herself, sitting at a table with a couple maids beside her, and sipping on a cup of tea. When she looks to Lock and Rainbow, she gives Lock a bit of a sultry grin.

"My my Sir Dimitri. You look dashing. " She compliments before noticing Rainbow Dash clinging to his arm.

"And Rainbow Dash, you look lovelier than ever."

“Thanks, been saving it for a special occasion.” Lock said as he approached the table.

“If I may be so bold, your highness, I would like to speak with you privately about something.”

"Oh? About what?" The queen inquired while taking another sip of tea.

“I must ask you dismiss your staff.” Lock inquires as he and Rainbow sit down at the table across from her.

"Hmm...very well."

Deciding to humor her guests, the queen snapped her fingers and the guards marched out of the room with no hesitation.

"Now that we are alone, what is it you wish to know?"

“I’ll be straight with you.” Lock said as he intertwined his hands together and rested his head on his fingers.

“I know you weren’t telling us the full story back when you stated your reasons as to why Beorn and Crysta should be wed.” This made Chrysalis pause from taking another sip of her tea and glance up at Dimitri.

“As the Devil’s Hand, I too make it an obligation of mine not to lie. But as a former military man, who’s interrogated dozens of terrorists by my CO’s command and supervision, I can tell when someone is either lying or withholding intel. And as a godfather to Beorn and Apple Jewel, I must also make sure that they are kept safe from those who still wish to do harm. Wulfric may be gone, Gods rest his soul, but Beorn is still my and especially Rainbow Dash’s responsibility. So depending on your answer, and forgive me for being blunt, I would highly advise you answer my question to the fullest extent and not attempt to lie in the slightest. What else are you after besides wanting your daughter and my godson to be wed?“

Chrysalis gently placed her teacup back on the table and walked to a nearby window overlooking the gardens.

"Despite what they say about me, not all changelings are my children. Crysta is my one true child....my only surviving child."

“Surviving?” Lock repeats.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow wonders.

Chrysalis turned to face them with tearful eyes despite her best to hide her pain.

"The day we were driven into the swamps...was the day I lost everything..."

Ten years ago

The hive was completely engulfed in flames as the changelings fought desperately to repel the invaders but while the battle raged on outside, Chrysalis was frantically running towards the nursery hive.

"My babies!! MY BABIES!!" She screamed as the hive shook once more with pieces of rubble falling everywhere.

"My queen!!" Called one of the hive guards who had returned from the battle.

"Our defences are breached, you must leave!"

"No! I will not abandon my little ones! Have the nursery hive evacuated at once!!"

"Yes my queen!"

The guards and staff worked quickly to transport the queens offspring out of the castle through a secret entrance while Chrysalis carried a newborn crying in her arms as the rumbling and explosions scared her.

"Hush little one, mother's here." She whispered gently as they arrived at a set of longboats docked on a hidden shore near the hive.

"Quickly your majesty." Urged one of the boatmen as he helped the queen get aboard when suddenly an arrow struck the boat.

"THERE THEY ARE!!" Shouted a stonehoof soldier as more came charging down the hill.

"PROTECT THE QUEEN!!"

The samurai were able to stop the attackers long enough for the boats to escape and as Chrysalis watched she saw several of the raiders aiming a flaming arrows towards the boat carrying her eggs.

"No...." was all she could whisper as the arrows went soaring through the air and setting the boat aflame.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!"

She could only watch in horror as her young ones were burned alive before the boat sank to the bottom of the river. After finally escsping their pursuers, all was quiet save for the crying infant in the queens arms and after finally collecting herself, Chrysalis partially opened her robe allowing the little one to nurse.

"There there, don't cry now my child." She said with tearful eyes and a smile.

"I promise, mommy will always protect you...my little Crysta."

Lock and Rainbow were speechless, the tragic story of how Chrysalis lost most of her children shocked them to their very core. Rainbow also had tears in her eyes as she hugged her belly close and Lock pinched the bridge of his nose, still trying to process her sad tale.

“What a fool I am…” Lock said.

“Does your daughter know of the fate of her siblings?”

"She does. Every year; on her birthday she prays for them."

Chrysalis sat back down for another sip of tea and looked at her reflection on the surface.

"Despite all that, my daughter became a wonderful girl and made many friends in the hive as well as Equestria...but I'll be damned before I let some sleezey noble take her from me!"

“So that’s why.” Lock said.

“But if all you wanted was to protect your daughter from an unruly engagement, why didn’t you just tell Wulfric?”

"Well Rainbows late husband was not exactly trusting of me."

"And I don't blame him." Rainbow said bluntly with a deadpan expression.

“Rainbow, enough…” Lock snapped, shocking her.

“You still have the nerve to hold resentment to Chrysalis after everything? Why? Was it because of all the times she attempted to conquer Equestria like at Shining Armor’s wedding? The past is the past and you need to accept it. In case you had forgotten there was an even bigger threat that had befallen Equestria when Dainn invaded and she lost most of her own children because of it. Put yourself in her shoes, Gods forbid if you lost Beorn or those twins, how do you think you’d feel? Well I know how she feels, being helpless as those precious to you are taken away, I’ve experienced it many times during my service…” Lock said, placing a hand over his eye.

“And now this world is still in shit’s creek because of that little piece of rat shit Blueblood and those fucking entitled pricks who don’t seem to understand the grave situation Equestria is in, especially since a great man like Wulfric had just lost his life. In fact…” Lock growled as small embers ignited on his body and wings and his eyes began to turn amber.

“I should round up each of those stuck up fuckers and remind them that the world doesn’t revolve around them, that there’s more to life than their fucking prestigious titles and selfish desires for power and influence.”

"Fine words Dimitri." Chrysalis smirked.

"But Rainbow is right to be suspicious of me. I did on more than one occasion try to seduce her husband."

Lock had to do a double take on Chrysalis at what he was told as the flames snuffed out on his body.

“Excuse me?” Lock questioned as she smiled a bit sheepishly.

"Well can you blame a girl? Wulfric was the perfect man. Strong, dependable, full of stamina~" she purred licking her lips.

"Hmm now that I think about it, Beorn is also allowed to take more than one wife. Perhaps I should-!"

"NO!!" Rainbow and Lock shouted in unison much to her amusement.

“Back to the matter at hand.” Lock said, rubbing his temples.

“It seems all the royal children have the same problem with the nobles. None of us wants them to end up with someone who’s only in it for reputation. The children have the right to experience what it’s like to fall in love, just like Wulfirc did with Rainbow and Applejack and…” Lock said trailing off.

“And…I as well.”

"Indeed." Chrysalis agreed as she finished her tea.

"Well this was a fun chat but I promised my daughter we'd have lunch together. Oh and Dimitri?" She called to him with bedroom eyes.

"If you ever feel lonely, my bedchamber is always open~."

“Uh…” Lock mumbled as he glanced to Rainbow who was giving him the stink eye.

“Gonna have to take a rain check in that.”

"Mm pity."

"We're leaving. Now!" Rainbow said sternly as she dragged Dimitri out by the collar and back towards the courtyard. Nagging most of the way.

"Can you believe her?!? First offering herself up as a bride for my son, then trying to seduce you! That lady needs self control!!"

“Oh come on Rainbow.” Lock said as he freed himself from her grip.

“She may be a bit brash-” Rainbow stops in her tracks and spins around and stares at Lock with her face an inch away from his, giving him the stink eye of stink eyes.

“Ok, she’s very rash, but all she really wants is what’s best for Crysta. I mean I certainly wouldn’t want Apple Jewel to end up with some douchbag or Beorn with some fake girl. Besides, you said it yourself that Crysta is a sweet girl, right? I agree.”

"Yeah your right." She sighed finally calming down.

"But if she even THINKS about putting the moves on my sweet Beorn i'll rip her wings off!"

“Hey now.” Lock said as he hugged Rainbow and wrapped his large wings around her.

“Chrysalis is just a big tease who likes to grind peoples gears. Even someone like her has her limits so I doubt she’d pull anything on Beorn.” Rainbow looks up to Lock as he smiles and strokes her cheek again with his hand.

“You’re a great mother who loves her son and these little ones soon on the way. We’ll think of something to keep those nobles away, so for the time being let’s focus on the issues we have to deal with now.”

Rainbow smiles and nuzzles into Lock’s chest.

"Mmm you're sweet you know that?"

Rainbow playfully bumped him with her flank as they resumed their walk when a scout came running through the corridor.

"Urgent message!! Urgent message!!"

“Report.” Lock said to the frantic scout.

"Oh sir lock! It's bad. Our scouts reported a band of mercenaries marching towards the border!" The messenger responded with panic in his voice.

"They're planning to raid a small village and if that happens then hundreds will be slaughtered!"

“Shit, now of all times?” Lock cursed.

Lock wasted no time unfurling his wings and even brought out his webbed wings and spread both pairs out wide. He hugged Rainbow one last time and gave her a kiss before he shot through the halls at breakneck speeds towards his room to retrieve something he kept hidden among his possessions.

"Guess it's time." He said to himself as he began to don a set of black robes armor with a strange mask and finally a double bladed spear strapped in ragged leather.

He arrived at the training grounds in less than a minute and landed while skidding on the ground. Applejack, Marshall, Beorn, Apple Jewel, Imperius, and even the Princesses and Selene were all in the training grounds as Lock approached them.

“Sir Lock?” Celestia said.

“What is that armor?” Luna asks.

“It looks very nice, Lock.” Selene compliments with a faint blush.

“Thanks but now’s not the time for that.” Lock said as he furled both pairs of wings.

“We got trouble on the border, a band of mercenaries are on the move and are closing in on a village.”

"Blueblood." Celestia hissed coldly and called for an emergency war council with Beorn and Apple Jewel in attendance as well as Twilight and her friends.

“Scout, how many did the reports say the enemy has in this attacking group?” Lock questions.

"A thousand strong, if not more."

The council talked amongst themselves as they tried to find a solution but within moments they began to argue while Twilight did her best to defuse the situation.

"Everyone please calm down!"

"We should evacuate the village!"

"There's no time! We should send a thousand of our own men as a counterattack!!"

"And risk leaving our military depleted?!? You're mad!!"

It was at this point, the arguments came to a boil and suddenly another voice shouted above the rest.

"ENOUGH!!!"

WHAM!!

Having grown annoyed by their bickering Beorn slammed his fist to the table leaving a huge crack as he stood from his seat.

"While we sit her fighting amongst ourselves, the enemy marches on our doorstep! I'll take my best warriors and delay them as long as possible."

Spoken like a king. Lock thought time himself as he smiled with pride at his godson along with Rainbow and Applejack for in that moment, Beorn became the spitting image of his father.

End.