Even though the Crystal Empire’s weather was absolutely beautiful one Autumn morning, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance decided to spend the day to themselves in their bedroom. With the window left slightly ajar, the two could overhear Sombra’s genuine laughter as he enjoyed a game of badminton out in the courtyard. In the months following his appointment as Royal Crystaller, it seemed that the Prince was finally able to acquire some much-needed friendships apart from the Royals he was accustomed with. The event also helped to lessen his probation limits tremendously, even though the Prince preferred to stay on castle grounds whenever he could. But despite his lingering worries and controversial past, the two couldn’t be happier that Sombra was not only able to be tolerated by the Crystal Ponies nowadays, but actually accepted to some degree.

Of course, the two ponies kept to themselves while Cadance was laid back on Shining Armor’s couch, and her hooves were clasped over her swollen stomach. Shining, who was seated at the end of the couch by her hind-legs, had his head softly rested on top of her baby-bump as he listened with a blissful smile. He could hear the faint and subtle thumps from inside Cadance’s pregnant belly, just as he had when she was carrying Flurry Heart years ago. Even if the fact remained that it was Sombra’s baby inside of her right now, the Guard couldn’t have felt more complacent about it as he held her with such a devoted feeling of admiration.

In fact, he felt great about that fact, and was already hopeful their Prince could impregnate her again as soon as their son was born.

A son, Shining thought with a prideful smile, unable to hold back how amazing that sounded in his head. And one day, he’ll grow up to be a Prince. Just like his Father…

While Cadance rested with a tranquil smile, Shining Armor sighed as he rubbed that belly with a look of pure contentment. Sure, he may have not been “married” to Princess Cadance anymore. And sure, he may have not been a “Prince,” or even a “Head Guard” to either of their eyes. But despite knowing in his heart how drastically things may have changed over the past year, the stallion felt no remorse about where his life was now. As far as he was concerned, he actually felt rather safe where he was; he was still with the mare he loved, but now felt himself to be more carefree after Cadance and Sombra placed him where he belonged.

Where he knew he belonged.

Even his chastity, which used to be a grueling ordeal at first, now carried that same sense of comfort and security Shining was able to appreciate nowadays. Of course, as his thoughts trailed back to that eventful night following Cadance’s pregnancy, Shining’s eyes widened when he realized just how long it had been since he was locked up. Technically speaking, he hadn’t been able to use his member at all since Cadance and Sombra’s wedding. Following that eventful night, the Guard was left to allow his Prince to take over any duties he couldn’t have done himself within his constraints. But strangely enough… Shining couldn’t envision himself taking back that role anymore.

As the seconds passed in thought, the Guard eventually smiled as he realized how fine he felt about that ever-present fact. He may have lost such a significant right for himself as soon as that key was broken before his eyes, but now it just seemed like a pleasant memory. In fact, it was doubtful that he would have been upset if he was never freed from his new confines. It may have sounded silly in his head, but Shining was a little uncertain about being unlocked by now; even if Cadance did break his lock so they could actually have sex, part of him knew deep down that he’d never meet to the standards set by his Prince. As long as Sombra was able to keep satisfying her, Shining didn’t see any reason to provide something he wasn’t suited for himself. Not to mention, he knew that it wouldn’t have been right to change anything now.

After all… Shining knew exactly where he was supposed to be. He wasn’t meant to be a Prince, and certainly not a lover that could provide himself for a Princess. In the end, he was simply a Guard, who was meant to protect and support the ponies he loved. And with that, Shining knew that despite his constraints, he was left with more than enough to make him feel happy. He already had Cadance in his heart, just as she had him within hers. And even with Sombra’s foal inside of her now, the two still had a daughter of their own who they loved endlessly. In a weird way, nothing really changed apart from the physical aspects of their relationship. Even if he couldn’t be with her that way now… Shining knew he had something far better than that...

He had a deep, and welcoming sense of closure. He now had the knowledge of who he was meant to be. And with that…

Shining Armor truly knew his place.