Trixie stood in stunned silence at the revelation, though a few moments after the information had sunk in, she decided to voice her displeasure.

"Princess Celestia, Trixie has no desire to return to that place! She was unfairly singled out for --"

"If memory serves me correctly, Trixie, you had cheated at the blackjack table," the Di-arch responded flatly, interrupting the show-mare's train of thought. "This will also serve as a challenge for you. Depending on how well you behave, you may find yourself being rewarded sooner than you think."

Trixie's face lit up as she beamed a big smile. "Trixie accepts this challenge!" she nearly giggled.

"Amethyst, Trixie, we wish thee well," Luna stated softly as she rose from the table. "Tia, we desire sleep. We shall see thee this eve."

"Must she always be so formal?" I asked. "How long has it been since she was returned?"

"Verily, Amethyst, we desire to retain the old ways, lest they be forgotten. Somepony must remain true to those old ways," the Lunar Princess smiled softly.

"But of course, Luna. Perhaps I should follow your example," I mused.

"Thou wouldst do well to do so, Amethyst," she chuckled as she left the dining hall. A brief silence fell over the room before Celestia spoke up.

"Amethyst, Trixie, I suggest you make the necessary preparations for your journey to Las Pegasus. I shall assign a few guards to assist you in those preparations."

"Yes, your Majesty," I replied almost mechanically.

"Must I keep reminding you, Amethyst?" the Alicorn chuckled. I grinned in response.

"Celestia, I have to admit that these sudden changes can cause a little confusion, even in somepony who has undergone so many of them in such a short period of time. For 49 years, I was in one body, yet over the past 5 years I have been transformed several times. I only call you 'your Majesty' because I still respect you enough to do so. If my formality causes you discomfort, I apologize," I replied.

"Very well then. I must reiterate my previous suggestion, though I also request you take your leave at the earliest convenience. I have already informed the mayor of Las Pegasus of your impending arrival, though she was not all that pleased to receive that news."

"That's because she's on the take, Celestia. The pony who owns the High Roller and Pink Swan casinos also owned the Visage until I took it away from him and awarded it to the pegasus who used to perform there. It is her casino now, and I intend to take my residence there," I replied flatly, eliciting a gasp of shock from my show-mare wife.

"Amethyst! We can't go there! Trixie forbids it!" she protested vociferously, glowering at me.

"If you're worried about me cheating on you with Chocolate Sweetness, that is not going to happen, Trixie. You have my word of honor on that -- I'll even Pinkie Promise you I won't cheat on you, if that means anything to you," I offered sincerely.

The pink party pony popped from behind the corner of the nearest wall and shouted "FOREVER!" at us before she disappeared again. I simply nodded at Trixie and her expression softened.

"Trixie accepts your word and promise -- but if you break it..." she stated, letting her words trail off in a thinly veiled threat.

"I understand full well the consequences, Trixie, which is why I made that promise to you. I chose the Visage because it's one of the newest casinos in that city, but I have also chosen it because the former owner threatened my life, your life, and the lives of our foals. I need to keep a close watch on him to make sure he doesn't do something he will come to regret."

"Amethyst, I strongly suggest you return ownership of that casino to him -- I believe it was unfair of you to strip him of one of his casinos," the Solar Princess opined.

"Be that as it may, Celestia, he stripped Chocolate Sweetness of all her worldly belongings -- she came to Canterlot to petition me, begging for assistance -- she had lost everything she owned and I felt at least partially responsible for her state at that time. Seeing her in such a sad state made me feel a deep compassion for her. She confessed that she left Las Pegasus fearing for her life as a result of Trixie's attack on me when we were still traveling around Equestria. I felt it was a matter of personal honor and duty to teach the owner a lesson and apologize to the pegasus for the harm I inadvertently caused her."

"Amethyst, your actions were hasty and though I am sure you attempted to make amends for your previous transgressions, I am somewhat disappointed you chose that option. I entrust you to act a bit more equitably in future, which is why I have made the specific request regarding ownership of the Visage," she admonished, giving me a serious look.

"I'm sure we could discuss the merits or lack thereof regarding that decision, Celestia, but the truth is that it's not only this particular casino owner but several others who have abused their privileges and have taken advantage of your kindness. They see your kindness as a weakness, and even though it's nice to be kind, one should always be cognizant of those who seek to game the system, so to speak. I was primarily concerned with ensuring a level playing field for all the ponies of that city, not just those who have more money than they know what to do with," I explained, though the Alicorn's expression still appeared somewhat neutral. She seemed to be pondering my assessment of the situation and a silence took hold for a moment as neither of us spoke. Trixie appeared to be bored again.

"Very well then, Amethyst. Perhaps I have been too lenient in the past regarding the excesses of certain ponies from Las Pegasus -- but I still implore you to treat them fairly when you begin your governance of that city, for my sake, please. I desire weekly progress reports from you, Amethyst."

"Considering the size of that city, perhaps the best I can do for you is bi-weekly reports -- one week's progress is negligible, considering the task I am about to undertake," I responded.

"You will have plenty of time to send me weekly reports, Amethyst -- this is part of the assignment and I have set rather high expectations of you. I am counting on you to do this correctly and I will be deeply disappointed if you fail me."

"As you wish, Celestia," I replied tersely. "Come on, Trixie, we need to get Marina and Jade. We'll be taking the car to get there."

Trixie followed me as we exited the dining hall and were greeted by four guardsponies. Two of them left to retrieve Marina and Jade as we continued to our bedchamber to pack what few belongings we had, then trotted to the entry yard to check on my vehicle.

"Mommy, Daddy, where are we going?" asked Marina. The little filly seemed to be concerned about our dour expressions.

"We're going to Las Pegasus," I replied flatly. Trixie was wearing a carrier with little Jade strapped in it. Our little colt was still sleeping, the sensation of being held so close to his mother quite comforting to him as he snored faintly, a smile on his face.

"Ooh! I've always wanted to go there!" the filly chirped, beaming a big smile and flapping her wings excitedly, lifting off the ground a little.

"We're going to have guards around us at all times while we're there until I can deal with a certain threat," I stated in a dull monotone, maintaining a very serious expression. Trixie seemed to be frowning as well and remained silent.

"What's wrong, Daddy? Are you angry?"

"Yes, a little," I replied flatly. Marina frowned a little. "Cheer up, Ray, we'll be okay," I said softly, tousling her mane a little which caused her to giggle. Trixie let a smile slip across her lips momentarily as I opened the car's doors.

"Ooh! I've always wanted to see what this was like!" the filly chirped again, bouncing excitedly before I lifted her into the back set.

"Settle down now, Ray, this will only take a few minutes," I said as I closed her door. Trixie removed the carrier and placed it in the back beside Marina, fastening it securely with the seat belt. She then sat in the front passenger seat and gave me a small smile.

"It's been awhile since Trixie last rode in a vehicle with you, Amethyst. Trixie would like to go back to those days where we would travel together like this!" she offered cheerfully, refreshing a more pleasant memory.

"I would like that very much, my love," I responded softly as I inserted the key into the ignition. Remind me to enhance this car with a push-button or voice activated engine start and stop system. Using a key is so last-century, I thought as I turned the car on.

"Analyzing driver and passenger data," TS stated in her flat monotone. "Amethyst Flame, Trixie Lulamoon -- I sense a presence in the rear seat area. Please state a name."

"I'm Marina!" she chirped. Jade woke up and started crying. TS started playing a soft soothing instrumental song on the radio, lulling little Jade back to sleep.

"Rear passenger data confirmed. Amethyst, where are we heading today?"

"Las Pegasus," I replied flatly.

"Specific destination?" asked TS.

"The Visage casino," came my terse response.

"Target destination acquired, preparing to teleport," TS stated in her monotone before we disappeared in blinding flash of white light. I felt my stomach drop as we teleported, materializing in front of the Visage. I drove the car to an area behind the casino and turned it off.

"Okay, Trixie, Marina, we're here. Let's get our stuff and take care of some unfinished business," I announced. Trixie retrieved the carrier little Jade was still sleeping in and fastened it around her body, the colt secured at the base of her neck. Marina was very excited, gawking at everything.

"Wow, these buildings are so tall!" the filly exclaimed excitedly. "Is this the one we're gonna be staying in?" she asked as she gazed skyward, impressed by just how tall the Visage was.

"That's right, Ray, this is the Visage, and we're gonna be staying here," I replied softly, tousling her mane again. I retrieved some of our belongings from the trunk of the car and locked it up. I then placed certain protective wards on the vehicle to prevent anypony from moving or damaging it. We then trotted to the front entrance of the casino and were greeted by security.

"Foals are not permitted in the casino, sir," one of the security agents stated flatly.

"Please have Chocolate Sweetness come down to meet us," I responded tersely. I lamented the fact I was not wearing my regalia, which would have commanded the pony's attention.

"Who?" he asked.

"There is a dark brown pegasus mare who is supposed to be the owner of this casino. I am Amethyst Flame and I have been appointed by Princess Celestia herself to govern this city. I have come to this casino specifically to take residence here. If Chocolate Sweetness is no longer the owner of this casino, I request whomever is to come down here to meet us."

"You came to the wrong place if you're seeking residence," he replied flatly. I flared my wings in annoyance, causing him to express deep surprise. "Oh -- I'm sorry, your Highness -- I will contact my supervisor." He bowed then turned tail and left in a hurry. Trixie shifted on her hooves uncomfortably and sighed.

"Trixie hopes that pegasus does not own this casino," she offered flatly. We waited a bit longer and the security pony returned with his supervisor, but a dark brown pegasus mare had joined them. She smiled upon seeing me.

"Amethyst, welcome back! It's good ta see ya again! Oh, yer wife is here? Are these yer foals? They're so pretty! Please, please come in! What can I do fer ya?"

"I was hoping to see you again. Trixie and I are here to take residence in your casino, as Princess Celestia has assigned me the task of governing this city and its inhabitants," I offered, smiling warmly at the brown mare. Trixie glowered disapprovingly, but said nothing. Marina bounced happily alongside us as we entered the casino proper. "So, has the previous owner given you any trouble?"

"Well, yeah, a little bit -- but the security here is good and kept him away. Ah've had ta hire extra security guards for mahself as a precaution. Lemme get a key fer ya, ye'll be stayin' in a penthouse suite, jes' down the hallway from me!" she chirped.

"You promised Trixie, Amethyst," my show-mare wife admonished sternly, turning her steely gaze toward me.

"Yeah, I know, Trixie. Give me a little credit, won'tcha?" I asked, some exasperation creeping into my voice.

"Trixie, Ah'm sorry fer doin' what Ah did -- ya scared me real bad the last time you were in mah room. Ah hope ya behave yerself, fer mah sake," the pegasus stated, a slight amount of apprehension coloring her words.

"Trixie will behave herself if Chocolate Sweetness behaves herself. Trixie demands Amethyst behave himself as well!" she stated quite stridently.

"Mommy, please be nice to Daddy, he wasn't trying to hurt you," Marina half-asked, half-said. She gazed up to her mother, pouting and giving her very best sad eyes look. Trixie's resolve broke at the sight of her daughter pulling the same trick on her as she would sometimes use on me.

"She's pretty good at that, isn't she? Takes after you, she does," I chuckled, smiling at my show-mare wife. She chuckled softly in response.

"Trixie will try to be nice to you, Amethyst," she offered softly as we continued trotting to the elevators, the pegasus returning with a room key. I was surprised to see that it resembled something akin to a skeleton key and had a small metal tab attached to it.

"Hey Sweets, I thought this was a modern casino. What's with the antique key?" I asked, giving he a quizzical look.

"There are only four rooms on the penthouse level, Amethyst. Those are special, and they have special keys. The rest of the hotel rooms in this casino have normal keys," she explained. She flashed me a brief smile before returning to a more businesslike demeanor.

We entered the elevator and the pegasus used another key to allow the car access to the penthouse level. I don't recall the elevator taking nearly a minute to reach the top level, but all of us remained silent for the entire ride up. The doors opened with a ding and we trotted out, escorted to our room by the pegasus. She opened the door to our room and hoofed me the key.

"Lemme know if ya need anythin' else, Amethyst. By the way, how long are ya gonna be stayin'?"

"I dunno, Sweets. It all depends on how things go around here and whether or not the Princess approves of my governance," I replied flatly. "And thanks for letting us stay on the penthouse level." Marina cantered over to one of the beds in the room and started jumping on it, laughing and giggling as she bounced on the mattress. "Ray, please stop jumping on the bed," I admonished gently.

"Aww, come on, Daddy! Please?"

"It's a bed, Ray, not a trampoline," I chided, chuckling softly. She reminded me so much of myself when I was that age. She stopped bouncing and groaned in disappointment.

"Well, if ya need anythin', jes' holler," the pegasus giggled as she closed the door behind her. She trotted to her room to resume sleeping.

Trixie glowered at me once again before expressing her displeasure. "Amethyst, please remind Trixie why we're here again? Why must we stay in the hotel with that ... Trixie can't believe you'd want to stay here! After what you did --"

"Must I remind you, Trixie, that you did not need to attack me the way you did," I admonished her. "And as Celestia stated, this is a challenge not just for me, but for you as well. Might as well get used to it. Perhaps Sweets can set up a stage for you to perform your magic act on a nightly basis?" I grinned.

"Hmm. Trixie will consider it," she replied flatly. "However, Trixie feels she should be here for her foals," she offered a little more softly. "Trixie was hoping she could find somepony to watch them when she's performing -- she also desires your assistance on stage, Amethyst!"

"I wanna watch you do your magic, mommy!" Marina chirped, resuming her bouncing on the bed, giggling and laughing. I smiled at her, amused by her actions, though her jumping caused me a little concern.

"Ray, what did I tell you about jumping on the bed?" I asked, trying not to sound too stern about it.

"Aww, c'mon, daddy! Please! This is so much fun!" she pouted.

"I'll see about getting you a trampoline," I chuckled. She smiled broadly at that. "Besides, I think it might help you learn flying a little better as well."

"Ooh! Thank you, daddy!" she exclaimed happily, cantering over to me and giving me a big hug, burying her face in my chest, causing me to chuckle.

"I love you too, Ray! I've got some business to attend to, give your mama a hug, why don't cha?" I asked, tousling her mane yet again. She giggled and trotted over to Trixie, climbing on the bed and wrapping herself as best she could around the show-mare.

"Amethyst, where are you going?" my show-mare wife asked me.

"I need to pay the Mayor a visit," I replied flatly. "I will also be visiting the police station."