Twilight paced back and forth as Celestia sat at her throne, idly sipping on her tea. The alabaster white alicorn looked down at her young lavender counterpart with amusement as the mare passed her for the twentieth time. Multiple times, Twilight paused and looked up to her former mentor, going as far as to raise her hoof almost in protest, but quickly shook her head of the thought that plagued her and resumed her pacing. After quickly glancing at the clock, Celestia decided that enough was enough and politely cleared her throat.

"Something on your mind, Twilight?" She asked, kindly.

Twilight froze mid step, her eyes darting back to Celestia in shock, "Oh, um... n-not really." She lied.

Celestia simply raised an eyebrow and sipped her tea. After a few seconds of the silent staredown, Twilight sighed heavily.

"Fine, fine. I just... I was wondering if there was anything else we had to do while I was up here in Canterlot?" She admitted.

Celestia tilted her head to the side, "Whatever do you mean, Twilight? Has there not been enough to do?" She teased.

Twilight shook her head, "I mean, at first sure. There was a lot of legalese and etiquette that I had to learn, not to mention how to run day court... but once I got the hang of all those, then it felt like there wasn't much. Then the whole Chrysalis and changeling situation popped up and while that was a lot of work... I still feel like I didn't play that much of a role in it." She explained, her eyes downcast.

A look of concern quickly formed on Celestia's face, "Twilight, what do you mean? You were extremely important in this entire situation with the changelings."

Twilight quietly nodded, "I guess so... but Anon has done so much more than me. Chrysalis has been his responsibility this whole time and he's been at the head of a lot of the legalities while all I really did was try to get ponies to calm down at the announcement and help organize the immigration of all those changelings. Even then, you and Luna handled almost all of that."

Celestia pursed her lips, "Twilight, I'm not sure what to say. You were instrumental in integrating the changelings into Equestria. There's still much work to be done with them, but without you, we wouldn't have been able to even begin." She offered, comfortingly.

Twilight sighed and sank to her haunches, "Thank you... I guess it just doesn't really feel like I did all that much. I just want something to do that feels... deserving of a princesses attention, you know? Everything I did so far could've been done by Raven or any other secretary." She replied.

Celestia thought over Twilight's response for a few moments. Eventually, she set her tea down on the table and pushed herself to her hooves. Twilight glanced up at her as she walked down the steps of her throne and over to her. With a smile, Celestia unfurled her wing and draped it over the lavender mare while nuzzling her cheek. Albeit with a moment of hesitation, Twilight gratefully returned the gesture.

Once she was satisfied that Twilight was feeling slightly better, Celestia pulled away but kept her wing on her former student, "Twilight, you needn't be so concerned. I promise you that your time will come. In fact, I've actually just remembered that we are due to be in the Crystal Empire next week to meet with the Duke and Duchess of Maretonia. All four royal alicorns will need to be present." She offered.

Twilight slowly felt a small smile forming on her face, "Really? B-but, are you sure you and Luna should be going to that? You're both due in just a couple more weeks." She replied, looking down to Celestia's belly.

The solar alicorn chuckled, "I appreciate the concern, Twilight, but it won't be a very physical affair. It will take most of the day, but it shouldn't be anything that Luna and I can't handle. Either way, we need you there. In fact, should Luna or I suddenly go into labor while this meeting is taking place, you'll have to fill in for us."

Twilight nodded, enthusiasm forcing its way onto her face, "You mean... I'd have to take over as either of your replacements? A-are you sure I'm ready for that?" She asked.

Celestia laughed, "Twilight, were you not just asking me for more to do?" She teased.

Twilight blushed, "I-I mean, I'm happy to do it, but I don't want to sound like I'm hoping you go into labor during the meeting or anything. That would be a massive inconvenience and probably quite embarrassing for your water to break in front of the duke and duchess..." She trailed off.

Celestia only laughed harder, "Oh, Twilight... you really are a treat, you know that? You can always make me laugh," She smiled, her radiance and mirth making Twilight smile as well, "I know you don't want Luna or I to be indisposed, but you do want to have more responsibilities. So for now, we'll start with this, alright?"

Twilight beamed, "Oh, thank you, Princess!" She lunged forward, wrapping her forelegs around Celestia in the gentlest yet firmest hug she could muster.

Celestia pulled her closer with her foreleg, "Twilight, dear, how many times must I tell you? You can call me Celestia now. You are a princess."

Twilight sheepishly giggled into her fellow princess's wither, "Hehe, my bad."

They pulled away from each other with a mutual laugh.

"Well then, you've got a lot of work ahead of you, Twilight. This meeting will be very important for our relationship with Maretonia. I can have all of the relevant talking points brought to the library in Ponyville since its your last night here." Celestia offered, warmly.

"Thank you, but I'd rather get started on them asap. Could you have them brought to my room tonight?" Twilight replied.

Celestia nodded, "i'll have them brought up to you immediately. If its too much hassle to bring them back with you to Ponyville tomorrow, I'll send the points via dragonfire. Oh, speaking of which, feel free to bring Spike and the rest of your friends along if you'd like. Those six always tend to make things more entertaining when they're around for dull events like this." She suggested.

"I'll let them know. Thank you, Celestia." Twilight warmly replied, before leaning in for another quick hug.

Anon, Javelin, and Chrysalis sat at the dining room table of the airship along with Fancy, Fleur, Photo, and several other models. A few butlers brought out the dishes and placed them before each of the guests present. The silver trays were absolutely loaded with fresh salads, various soups, pasta, and breads. Each tray contained a full three course meal, and spanned almost two feet across.

Anon stared down at the spread before him as he sat in the extravagant dining room. The table was a long, mahogany wooden fine dining table that stretched over forty feet long. It needed the room to fit the almost two dozen creatures present as well as all of their dining utensils and platters. The walls were made of the same hardwood that the deck of the ship was constructed of, giving the entire room a rustic, warm feeling.

As the group dug into their meals, Chrysalis simply sat next to Anon, her chair noticeably closer to him than anyone else around her, and no food before her. She didn't touch the prince, but it was clear that he held her attention, if the slightly smug look on her face and the thin smile on her lips was anything to go off of.

While Fleur, Fancy, Javelin, and even Photo took notice of this apparent change in dynamic, Anon was far too busy stuffing his face with the food before him.

"Oh god... I've been starving all day... didn't eat breakfast today and that was a fucking mistake." Anon muttered, before taking another bite of the Caesar salad before him.

Fancy and Fleur shared a look, before chuckling to themselves.

"Anon, old chap. Is the food up to your standards?" Fancy asked, a smile on his face.

Anon quickly nodded, "This shit is better than what they have at the castle. You guys have the best chefs in the country here."

"We do hire 'em from Canterlot Castle every now and again." Fleur chuckled.

"Remind me to go on your airship more often, Fancy." Javelin added, before digging back into his own salad.

"I'd be delighted to loan you and Raven the airship for your honeymoon, Javy. I think the two of you could make some good use out of it for a week or so." Fancy replied, happily.

Javelin froze mid bite, "Wait, seriously? You'd actually do that for us?" He asked, sitting more upright.

Fancy looked to Fleur, before she happily nodded, "We'd be glad to. We only get to use this airship once or twice a year for shoots or transport to shoots. If anything, it needs to get a bit more use." He kindly offered.

Javelin gratefully smiled at his cousin, "Thanks, Fancy. Fleur... I don't even know what to say. I know Raven will be ecstatic when she hears about this."

"Think nothing of it, Javy. Consider it your wedding gift." Fancy chuckled, prompting a chorus of chuckles to spread through the group.

"So, Chrysalis, mien schatz," Photo suddenly spoke up, leaning forward onto her forelegs and fixing the changeling with a smug look, "Are you sure you aren't hungry?" She asked.

Chrysalis, her gaze still fixed on Anon, snapped out of her stupor by the question and quickly turned to Photo, "I'm sorry what?" She asked, looking back and forth between Photo, Fleur, and Fancy.

Photo laughed into her hoof, "You haven't had anyzing to eat, mein schatz. Or are you perhaps... already fed?" She asked, grinning widely.

Chrysalis felt the blood rush to her cheeks and as inconspicuously as she could, glanced over to Anon for just a moment. Said motion was still easily noticed by the skillful eyes of the photographer pony, and she simply reclined in her seat, her hooves crossed as the smuggest of smiles forced its way onto her muzzle.

"Oh, I haven't been hungry for the past couple of days. We feed on love and I have received enough to stave off hunger for quite some time." Chrysalis replied, putting on a small smile.

"Ah, so you two have been intim werden, zen?" Photo replied.

Fleur immediately spit out her drink and delved into a coughing fit, prompting Fancy to gently pat her back and all ponies to look over to her in concern. Even Anon looked up from his food and gave her a worried glance.

"You, uh... you okay, Fleur?" Anon questioned.

"I am *cough* *cough* alright. *cough *cough* Zank you." Fleur replied, getting control of herself and dismissively waving to the rest of the ponies at the table, "I am alright." She announced.

The rest of the ponies went back to eating their food, including Anon, Javelin, and Fancy. However Photo simply stared at the changeling queen with a smug grin on her face while Fleur leaned over to her.

"What in ze Tartarus? You cannot ask zings like zat!?" Fleur whisper shouted into Photo's ear.

Photo simply shrugged as she looked over to Fleur, "Vat? Ve all assumed it. Besides, it is natural for ze prince to hump ze Qveen. Er ist ein kräftiger hengst und muss viele stuten mit seinem samen füllen, damit er viele fohlen bekommen kann." She replied, just as quietly as Fleur.

Fleur could not stop the blush that formed on her face, "Non! You harlot! How do you even know zat she in interested in 'im? I was ze one with 'er tongue wrapped around my throat like a scarf!"

Photo simply grinned, "And do you know vhere her eyes vere almost ze entire time, mein freund? Zey were locked onto ze prince like a hawk watches ze mouse. I followed her eyes and do you know vat I saw?"

Fleur hesitantly shook her head.

"Ze bulge. Ze bulge in his pants was zo big, and thick. Zat bulge was for her, mein schatz. A bit for you too, but mostly for her. He vants her. She vants him. Look at zem." Photo whispered, pointing to the duo as discretely as she could.

Fleur followed Photo's hoof to the prince and Queen, finding that Chrysalis did indeed appear fixated on Anon. She almost dreamingly looked at him , her elbow resting on the table as her foreleg propped her head up. Anon, while he was still somewhat engrossed in his meal, subconsciously leaned closer to the changeling Queen while he ate.

Fleur raised an eyebrow at the scene before her before looking back to Photo, "Zey don't look like anyzing more zen particularly good friends. Zey are just leaning a bit close to each 'ozzer."

Photo laughed a single time, "Ha! Mine schatz, you and I both know zat she is giving him much more zan a friendly gaze. She is longing for him. Look at how he leans toward her. Zere is something there, I am certain of it."

Fleur pursed her lips and dipped her head in thought. After taking a few moments to ponder Photo's point, she turned to her husband and gently elbowed him in the ribs.

"Hmm?" Fancy inquired, turning his head to his wife.

"Mon ami, I need your input. Do you think Chrysalis and Anon may 'ave somezing going on between zem? Per'aps zey are becoming more zen just friends?" Fleur quietly questioned, inconspicuously nodding toward the subjects of discussion.

Fancy followed Fleur's gaze to the prince and Queen and observed the quietly for a few minutes. As the dinner progressed, Chrysalis scooted ever so closer to Anon, who seemed to lean even closer to her in response. The distance between them shrunk inch by inch until they were almost touching. On top of that the faint hint of a blush on Chrysalis's face only grew more and more visible until it was quite noticeable. On the other side of the coin, Anon's blush was starting to form as well, giving even more credence to Photo's claims.

Eventually, Fancy turned back to Fleur, a somewhat shocked look on his muzzle, "You know what? I think you might be onto something, my dear."

Fleur slowly nodded, "I see." She turned back to Photo, "Okay, so you might have a point."

Photo triumphantly grinned, "Of course I do, mein schatz. Zose two look like a couple of school fillies with zere first crush. Both too afraid to show it but getting just close enough to showing it for ze rest of us. It's so obvious I'm surprised you didn't see it sooner." She teased.

Fleur rolled her eyes, "Well it's not exactly a common sight to see Chrysalis fawning over any creature, you know?"

Photo snickered, "Zat is why ve must help zis along, mein schatz."

Fleur did a double take, "What!? Are you crazy? Zat is none of our business!" She whisper-shouted.

"Zen ve make it our business." Photo grinned.

"Why do you 'ave a sudden affixation with ze prince and Queen's relationship?" Fleur quietly demanded.

Just as Photo opened her mouth to respond, Chrysalis suddenly spoke up from across the table, "What are you two talking about?" She asked.

Both Photo and Fleur froze, and although Chrysalis's words were spoken with a calm, curious tone, the look on her face said that she was well aware of the nature of their conversation.

"Uh, it was nozzing-" Fleur started, only for Photo to cut her off.

"Ve vere just admiring how you and ze prince look togezzer." Photo casually replied, making Anon nearly choke on his food.

"Why, whatever do you mean?" Chrysalis replied, with a smug look on her face.

Photo leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and her head on her hooves as the rest of the ponies on their side of the table also focused on the conversation. As Anon managed to recover from nearly choking on his salad, thanks in no small part to Javelin patting him on the back to help clear the obstruction, Photo smiled back at the changeling Queen with a similar level of smugness in her eyes.

"Vy, ve just noticed how sexy you two look together. Maybe ve could do anozzer shoot vith ze two of you. I'm sure ze ponies in Canterlot vill take kindly to ze sight of zere Prince vith a little less clothing on." Photo suggested, making everyone around her except Chrysalis do a double take.

Fleur simply buried her head in her hooves while Anon owlishly blinked at Photo. Javelin and Fancy shared a remarkably similar look of shock while Chrysalis merely tapped her chin in thought.

"You know, today was quite a bit of fun. I'm sure that would... bolster my image to the public some more. What do you think, Anon?" Chrysalis asked, practically purring Anon's name.

Anon managed his best impression of a tomato as he glanced back and forth between Chrysalis and Photo. Fleur attempted to help him out of the awkward situation her manager thrust the poor prince into, but before she could say anything at all, Photo beat her to the punch.

"Oh, I have just ze perfect shoot for you two! Sunset at ze Canterlot Castle vith ze two of you togezzer! I can see it now. Ze power. Ze pose. Ze atmosphere. Ze magics!" She excitedly prattled off.

With Photo practically planning out the shoot before his very eyes, and Chrysalis excitedly nodding along with each new word to leave the eccentric pony's mouth, Anon quickly found himself between a rock and hard place. He looked down to Javelin to find the stallion giving him the smallest of shrugs.

"Uh, it's up to you, bro." He unhelpfully offered.

Anon looked back over to Chrysalis, finding her batting her eyelashes at him while she playfully pawed at his chest. He nervously swallowed the bite of food still in his mouth and awkwardly cleared his throat.

"Uh, hehe... maybe we should talk that one over with Luna and Celly first, don'tcha think?" He asked.

"Nein. Zey vill love ze idea. Zere is no need to ask permission. Are you not a strong, independent stallion?" Photo pressed, giving Anon a predatory grin.

"Photo, zat's quite enough. Do not pressure ze prince. For the love of Faust, don't make zis worse zen it is already." Fleur spoke up, with a sigh.

Photo let out an overly dramatic sigh, "Fine, fine! Ze offer still stands, but I vill be silent... for now." She muttered, going back to her food.

With the potential crisis averted, Anon let out a breath of relief and gave a grateful nod to Fleur, who happily smiled and winked at him in return. The rest of the dinner progressed in pleasant fashion, and within half an hour, the butlers and maids were carrying trays of food away from the table as the models and royals moved to the entertainment rooms down the hall. However instead of following the large group, Anon stopped at the stairs leading up to the deck.

"You guys go ahead, I'm gonna get some fresh air for a bit." Anon announced, taking flight up the stairs without another word.

Fleur watched him leave, before turning to Photo and quickly pulling her by the ear with her magic, over to one of the modeling booths and away from the rest of the group.

"Ow! Vat ze buck, stute!?" Photo indignantly griped.

"Look at what you did to ze Prince! You made him extremely uncomfortable! Ven are you going to learn zat some stallions 'ave bound'ries!?" Fleur rebutted.

"Oh, boundaries, smoundaries. Stallions always say zat scheisse. Besides, ve both know he vants her. Maybe he just doesn't know zat, himself yet?" Photo suggested.

Before the two could bicker anymore, Chrysalis caught up to them. Her ears were pointed straight at them, indicating that she'd heard most of, if not the entirety of, their conversation.

"I'll go make sure the Prince is alright." She announced, leaving no room for debate.

As the changeling Queen ascended the stairs, Javelin let out a quiet sigh and followed after her, ensuring to keep a moderate distance between them.

As Chrysalis arrived on the deck, she found Anon pacing back and forth near the bow of the ship, his hands on his hips and a deep crease in his brow. She trotted over to him while Javelin came up to the hatch entrance and stopped, keeping a watchful eye over the pair as Chrysalis reached Anon's side.

"You alright?" She asked, tilting her head to the side in moderate concern.

"Oh, I'm fine, I'm fine. Just needed to get some fresh air is all. It was getting kinda stuffy down there, you know?" Anon replied, turning to acknowledge his changeling guest.

"You know, I was only teasing you down there, right?" Chrysalis offered, "I know I might not be your type and all, but-" She started.

"No, no! You're fine, you're fine! You're actually... really pretty. Especially with the socks and stuff." Anon cut her off, shaking his head almost frantically.

Chrysalis blushed not just from his response, but from the honesty with which he spoke. She felt no deception from him, nor any negative feelings directed towards her. She felt a soft smile forming on her face as she looked back at the human before her.

"Well... thank you. It's not every day a creature compliments what I actually look like." Chrysalis replied, a strange feeling of elation in her chest.

"I can't see how. You scared the shit out of me when we first met, but now that I've been able to actually look at you for an extended period of time without fearing for my life... you're really pretty." Anon offered, not so subtly glancing away.

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow at the compliment, "Okay, now I know something's going on. Why're you buttering me up so much all of a sudden?" She playfully questioned.

Anon chuckled as he walked over to the side of the airship and glanced over the landscape below, "No reason. Just... felt like saying something nice, I guess." He offered.

For a few seconds, Chrysalis simply observed the man standing before her, his hands in his pockets as he tried his best to hide his nerves from her. Unfortunately for him, she was a changeling.

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow, "Okay, do you want me to go into how I can read your emotions like a book, or are you going to tell me the truth, here?" She pressed.

The response was enough of a shock to make Anon pause in his pacing and turn around to look at the changeling Queen.

"I... fuck... I kinda forgot you could do that." He sheepishly admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

Chrysalis chuckled, "Yes, yes, I know I'm drop dead sexy and I can tell that I turned you on earlier. No need to get all disheveled over it." She teased.

Anon felt the blood freeze in his veins and his stomach flip, "Uh... y-yeah... I guess that's one way of putting it." He admitted.

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow, "So what's the problem? Don't tell me Celestia and Luna are the only mares to ever make you look twice."

Anon shook his head, "No, no... it's nothing like that, it's just... uh..." He trailed off, sheepishly scratching the back of his neck.

Keeping her eyebrow raised at the man's antics, Chrysalis pursed her lips as she read his emotions. After a few moments, she suddenly turned from him and gestured toward a bench mounted against the side railing of the airship, "Sit with me. Let's talk."

Oh boy. It seems as if our bug queen has caught Anon's affections. Now the real question is, 'what will the two of them do about it'?

Only one way to find out! ;)

Oh! For anyone interested, I have finally made a discord server! If you want to chat with me, hang out and play games or watch me stream art and such, feel free to join :D

https://discord.gg/kVfKVH4f