It is amazing how fast Pinkie Pie could turn a private bedchamber into a small ballroom. Ten minutes ago, I had asked the princess and my friends to try on the newly made dresses when, out of nowhere, Pinkie gave her wedding gift in the form of a party.

“This is the best bridal shower ever!” Pinkie Pie shouts as she bounces on the bed.

The others are with her, expressing their agreement as they dance the polka.

I remain observant from afar. It seems most polite of me to keep my distance from the bride-to-be. After all, this is her wedding, and I would not have it spoiled by my presence.

She is a wonderful mare. There is no reason for me to hate her.

I keep the smile, as always. It is the most appropriate ornament for an occasion such as the princess’s wedding.

And even to the preludes of such occasions.

The bridal shower is harmless enough, I suppose. Though personally, due to the commotions and all the inadequacies, I would not advise it given that the wedding is an hour from now.

It is enjoyable, at least, watching from the sides. I do not think of myself above dancing—goodness, no!—rather, my friends are too free spirited for me to join them right now. I join them in the simple act of tapping my hoof in rhythm with the beat.

“Punch?” a voice asks beside me.

My view of Princess Cadance is replaced by the smile of an orange-coated mare. I force a crooked smile to my lips in return.

“Why, yes. Thank you,” I say, taking the cup handed to me.

“Long day, huh?”

“Quite possibly the longest." I shrug. "Or perhaps the shortest. Both.”

“Was beatin’ up changelings that fun for ya?” Applejack throws a punch in the air, mimicking my earlier behaviour.

“Hardly. Soiling my hooves is unbecoming of a lady such as myself. I just hope no distinguished pony saw me engaging in such...barbarism.”

Applejack laughs. “Well, that ‘barbarism’ ya refer to helped us save Canterlot.”

"It could have ruined my reputation."

"Still, yer a natural."

"Please elaborate, dear."

"Well, you did buck a manticore in the face." Applejack observes my oblivious look and imitates a high-pitched Manehattanite accent."'Take that you ruffian!'"

Oh, the fight with that manticore, yes. "Why, Applejack, that was over two years ago."

She smiles and playfully tosses her mane. "Does 'Fighting is not really my thing, I'm more into fashion. But Ah'll rip you to pieces if you touch one scale on his cute little head' ring a bell?"

"H-How did you...?" I grind my teeth, thinking of the only one who could have spread the rumor. “Spike.”

"...Rainbow Dash."

Ahh yes. The pegasus who seems to be no more mature than the baby dragon.

I plant my hoof on my face. My head starts to throb.

"Eeyup. Don'tcha worry about it none. Ah got lotta respect for mares who can hold their own."

I roll my eyes and catch a glimpse of Applejack looking at me. I turn to her and she immediately faces the other direction.

“Ah mean, not that ah think less of a mare that prefers otherwise.”

“True,” I say absentmindedly as I take a sip from my glass.

My attention once again focuses to Cadance. Right now she is lifting the pair of dumbbells Rainbow Dash gave her a few minutes ago.

My gaze hardens on the princess. No royalty should be caught dead lifting those things.

“Something on your mind, sugar cube?”

“Huh?” Again, I am reminded of Applejack’s presence.

“You’ve gone quiet.”

“I only stopped talking for a second. Or are you, daresay, implying that I am quite the chatterbox on other occasions?” I meant my words in jest, but Applejack must have missed the humor in them.

“Nah. It’s just that… how do ah say this… Listen, why don't ya join us and have some fun?"

"I am here with everypony, am I not? And I am having fun. Though, admittedly, not as much as Pinkie." I look over. The pink party pony has taken it upon herself to make a makeshift trampoline out of the bed. Her wistful laughter and tune fills the room, amusing everyone save for...

I sigh, reminding myself I need to enjoy myself despite weariness.

"Yeah, but... Ya haven't said no word since we got to Cadance's room."

"I was minding the interior," I lie, surprising myself. The lie came out of nowhere, the moment Applejack mentioned the bride's name, with no sort of premeditation.

"And why don'tcha go chat with the princess? Ah'm sure you two–"

"I'd rather not."

Applejack gives me a puzzled look that asks for some form of explanation.

"I couldn't,” I answer the unstated ‘why’. “It'd be too awkward."

The cowpony maintains her expression, as though waiting for me to continue.

I use the safest and humblest excuse that comes to mind. "I'd be such a bore to her. I couldn't possibly be interesting enough for a princess, now could I?"

"Rarity," she sighs. "Ya do realize she’s sort of our friend now, right? Yer not gonna bore her."

"Enough of Cadance," The words snap like a whip. I quickly catch myself and tone down my bite. "I mean...she's not the cause of my current feeling of displacement"

I snap, and Applejack recoils before my words as if she were avoiding a lash

Did I lie? Truth be told, I do not know. I did feel like I stated the truth, if only in part.

"So ya admit that yer feeling uh... out of place?" Applejack asks.

“Are you saying that I should take my melancholy elsewhere?” I say with my snout raised. “Well, pardon me if my seemingly disturbing silence is a hindrance for you enjoying the party. Pay me no mind then, I will be off.”

I did not intend to raise my voice enough to be heard by anypony else. Fortunately, only Fluttershy glances up from her punch

I trot away, but Applejack’s grip lassos me to the spot.

“Now wait a minute here. Ah didn’t say nothing about ya leavin'.”

"I need not your permission.”

“Nah, Ah mean...If ah offended ya that’s the last thing ah intended.” Applejack takes off her hat. “Pardon. Ah didn’t want that. Ah'm just worried ah guess.”

I tilt my head, giving a quick run-over of her features: the wavering smile, crumpled Stetson and lonely eyes. Perhaps she did indeed mean no harm. Regardless, I start to feel the other's eyes would move upon us. I need to end this now without drawing any more attention to myself.

“In that case, what were you implying?” I tone my voice down and notice that Fluttershy seems glad that the spat did not escalate any further. The others were too busily browsing Twilight Sparkle’s gift to notice.

“Well…it's like this." Applejack clears her throat. "Remember that fancy fashion stallion you made dresses for?”

Hoity Toity. Yes. How could I forget the fashion show…both of them.

“When yer sad ya don't keep it to yerself. Ya tend go drama queen about it.”

I glare at Applejack.

“Now hold yer horses. Let me finish–”

“I’d rather not Applejack.” I say, cutting her off. “I was going to give you the chance to explain yourself but I cannot hear it now. You need to word your sentences properly, and I am referring neither to your accent nor your vocabulary, but your terminology. Euphemisms, dear. Also, I appreciate your concern. I really do. But I highly doubt this is party chat. I say we save it for a rainy day. Don’t you think so? In the meantime, why don’t we just enjoy ourselves.”

Applejack remains unresponsive for quite some time. She looks down and says, “That just it, Rare. Ah was worried ‘bout you cuz yer not enjoyin' yerself. Ah figured ah might cheer ya up, but ah guess ah figured wrong. Guess ah’m not cut out for talking, huh? Ah’ll leave you to yer lonesome now if that’s what you want.”

She smiles as she turns away, and I see her ears slightly droop along with her shoulders.

Oh, Celestia. Was that too much?

I had only wanted to end the conversation, not hurt the poor dear. She who had only my best interests at heart.

This time it is my turn to grab her. But before I can do so, Pinkie Pie appears, blocking every corner of my vision.

“Hey Rarity!" the party pony says. "We’re playing pin the mule on the tail! Wanna join us?”

“Umm…I would rather not.”

I shuffle to the side to take a peek of the cowpony but, once again, Pinkie Pie blocks my view.

“Awww…why not?” she asks.

“If you would excuse me, dear, I need to make an apology to—”

“Care to join us, Rarity?”

There are few things in this world that can cleave right through my heart and splatter my soul on the wall behind me. Cadance’s appearance beside Pinkie Pie manages to do just that.

“C-Cadance!” I do not think she knows she interrupted me. Or if she did, she certainly was not trying to be rude.

Through the small gap between Cadance and Pinkie Pie, I see Fluttershy talking to Applejack. The cowpony seems distant now, irrelevant, compared to Cadance.

Well, if Applejack can smile like that I think I overreacted worrying about her.

Disregarding Applejack completely, my mind resettles to the bride-princess.

“Though I adore Pinkie’s games," I say with a stiff smile. "I do not think I am quite up to it now.”

Cadance blinks. “Is anything wrong?”

“Oh heavens no, far from it.” I wave a hoof and fake a laugh. “It is just that, after fending off all those changelings, I need to conserve what’s left of my energy lest exhaustion takes its toll on me for the rest of the evening.”

I look at Pinkie Pie who tilts her head. How that mare survives off so little sleep, I may never know.

“Well, I do hope you are not too tired for tonight.”

“I was about to say the same of you and Shining Armor.”

Cadance draws back with a flushed face. Soon, the implication of what I just said dawns on me.

“Oh, goodness. I must apologize, your highness. I don’t know what has gotten over me. I was referring to the magic barrier you both uhh...It was not my intention to hint at your–”

“It’s alright,” she laughs, her face still flushed red. “I know you meant no harm.”

“I don’t get it,” Pinkie says. “Why apologize for the after-wedding party?”

“Well, it’s more of an adult party, Pinkie,” Cadance giggles, winking. My eyes go wide at the princess’s own hint of her honeymoon.

“Not the kind you are quite accustomed to,” I add.

Thankfully, Pinkie Pie's innocence is there to protect her.

Me and Cadance look at each other and share a laugh.

“I still don’t get it,” Pinkie says with a raised eyebrow.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash join us just in time; before Pinkie could ask more questions.

“So you’re gonna join us anytime soon?” Rainbow Dash asks. She is flying in the air while lifting the small dumbbell she gave to Cadance.

"Rainbow Dash, put that infernal thing down right now," I scowl. "I won’t have you work up a sweat in that dress."

"Hey, chillax! It isn't even that heavy," she says, juggling the object. "See?"

“But seriously, darling? A barbell for a bridal shower? That is hardly fitting.”

“Do you know how cool this is?” The cyan pegasus balances the weight on both hooves. “At least the princess likes it.”

“Indeed, I do. I thank you for it, Rainbow Dash,” Cadance says with a smile.

“No prob. I’ll get you a bigger one on your birthday.”

“Still, something more elegant would be apt,” I say.

Rainbow Dash snorts. “Referring to your present again?”

I smile at Dash’s remark. She was able to see through it clearly. “Hmm…Quite possibly.”

Parallel to the bed, affixed to a life-size doll, is the new wedding dress. Pristine in substance and color, the dress is almost translucent. The neckline runs down the shoulder of the mannequin to expose most of its ceramic skin. A golden plate covers the edge of each hem, matching the maize roses on the headdress and the chest. Finally, a large pink ribbon is pinned to the back by a pearl.

“Big deal,” Rainbow Dash says, “it’s the same thing you gave to that changeling queen.”

“Hardly. I’d be damned if I’ll have her royal highness wear a gown that has been desecrated by something so hideous. Obviously, this had to be better.”

“It’s. The. Same. Dress,” Rainbow Dash says with utmost syllabication.

“Not quite,” Cadance says cheerfully. "The dress Chrysalis burned was made of satin. This one is silk charmeuse, a very fine material that gives the dress luster.”

I feel my eyes make the most subtle twitch at hearing Cadance's remark to the wedding dress I have so painstakingly poured my soul into. She continues.

“The gusset in the seams is elastic, allowing a tight fit so I wouldn’t have to worry about size. The same goes for the armscye. The lining hides the seams of each godet, while the general folds and flow of the fabric is laid-back to prevent awkward movements. The chiffon skirt narrows by the side and adds depth to the bottom, giving the illusion for a slimmer figure. Not to mention that it feels and breezes as comfortably as a cloud. The engraving on the beaded neckline makes it appear as a makeshift necklace on a mermaid dress from the front. Not only that, every patchwork is hoofstitched.”

Clearly, I have underestimated Cadance appreciation and knowledge of the craft.

“Truly, I couldn’t thank you enough,” she says to me.

“Well…ehem… why of course. Only the best for the princesses of the kingdom,” I say as I bow my head.

“You’ve really outdone yourself this time,” Twilight says to me. “If only you could have made something similar for my brother, then he’d be wearing something better too.”

“You want me to make a wedding dress for your brother?” I say in jest. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and even Cadance laugh. Twilight and I join in as well.

“Well, that would be at least better than a captain’s uniform,” the lavender unicorn says.

“Twilight…” I sigh. “If you really wanted one for your brother, then I–”

“I was joking.”

“Well, I’m not. Come to think of it, I guess he could use an or two ornaments to go with that uniform of his.”

“He’s cool as it is.” Rainbow Dash nods.

“Yeah, I mean it’s not like you can make a full suit in twenty-seven minutes, thirty-three seconds and counting.” Pinkie says while rolling on the floor.

Everyone stares at her.

“...Before the wedding,” she adds, pointing at an imaginary watch on her arm.

Immediately, we all turn to look at the wall clock. True enough, the wedding proper is twenty-seven minutes away.

Twilight Sparkle jumps and gasps. Every hair on her coat and mane seems to stand on its end. “It’s three minutes past five-thirty already!? Oh my gosh! How could I have missed the time?”

“Oh, that was me,” Pinkie Pie confesses, but she is generally ignored.

“The wedding is in thirty minutes and there isn’t ample time to prepare!”

“Prepare for what?” Rainbow Dash throws her hooves in the air. “All the changelings have been dealt with and all the fancy thingshave been set up. You’re just being worried about nothing again.”

“Yeah, everything’s ready but my brother. That goofball is probably still playing cards in Spike’s bachelor party. I need to make sure he's ready.” Twilight Sparkle runs out the door, then runs back in and says to Cadance, “No offense,” before vanishing again.

“Don’t worry. She’s always crazy like that,” Rainbow Dash says.

“I know,” Cadance replies with a giggle.

Rainbow Dash flies off following Twilight.

“Wait for me!” Pinkie shouts in sing-song as she hops after them, floating on unseen clouds.

Pinkie’s midair ballet should be, by all extension of logic, impossible. Yet there she is, and even Candace, an alicorn that’s seen everything, can’t look away. How does she do it? I’ll have to remember to—

Applejack is looking at me.

Though it lasted only for a second, I saw a gaping, dark hole where her eyes should have been. The earth pony says something to Fluttershy and the two trot off in pursuit of the others.

There is something in the way Applejack left, the way she beckoned Fluttershy to follow her, as if contempt was written in every step for my eyes and mine alone. Where the thought came from, I have no idea. Somehow she is intentionally walking out on me.

No, it is simply my absurd imagination.

Then, hearing her voice, I realize with shocking revelation that I am left alone with Cadance.

“Since we’re alone now,” she says, “do you mind if we talk?”

I prefer not to.

“If that is what her highness wants,” my lips say.

“Please don’t be so formal, it’s just the two of us here. Call me, Cadance.”

“As you wish… Cadance. But we only have half an hour before the wedding. Don’t you wish to get ready?”

“We can talk as I get ready. That is, if you don't mind.”

“Of course... I mean, of course not.”

“You can help me too. I mean, if you like.”

“I would love to.”

In truth, I do not. It was a difficult process, helping Cadance into her dress. Not because I found it awkward that I, an impersonal subject, would be given the task to ready her for her wedding. It is something else entirely, an emotion too ugly and profane to be named outright. My body seemed too heavy to move alongside Cadance.

Full wedding dress on, she stares at her vanity mirror. It sits on a rosy pink piece of mahogany with cabriole legs and a shining coat of finish. The three large cylindrical mirrors of vermeil fill the cold, lonely chamber with a princess.

"The bridal shower was fun, was it not?"

“I truly could not fathom what Pinkie Pie was thinking." I finalize the dress with a few more stitches, before biting off a loose thread. "A surprise party, of all things, an hour prior the wedding.”

“I believe it was very thoughtful of her.”

“I doubt that hardly a thought was given. Partying is within that pony’s nature, bridal showers included.” I levitate several of the perfumes from the vanity table. Expensive scents that, until now, had only existed within the clipped pages of my Cafe Society magazines.

“I mean, if she hadn’t thrown me this bridal shower, I wouldn’t have. It only happens once in a lifetime right?”

“Yes,” I say, my eyes on the perfumes. “Once in a lifetime.”

I took a small whiff of the fragrances, making sure that I get the exact aroma appropriate for the celebration. There are a lot of factors to be considered: Cadance’s own natural scent, the color of the wedding dress, the locations of each of the particular events. Everything has to be perfect.

“Rarity?”

“Yes, your highness?”

“Just call me Cadance.”

“Very well...Cadance.”

“Is there something troubling you?”

I feel a needle strike my heart as she says those words. The thought that she might be able to read my mind strikes fear unto me. My concentration is lost for a moment, making the magic loosen its grip. Two perfume bottles fall from my hooves and shatters on the floor.

“Oh, I am so sorry,” Cadance says.

“No, no. I apologize I was being careless. Let me clean it up.” The scent of the liquids overpowering my muzzle is so thick and strong that it makes me cringe.

“No. Let me.”

“Please. The bride should not be troubled on her night.”

I levitate the glass shards, dropping every piece into a nearby trash bin. Then I took some leftover fabric from under the bed and wiped the liquid off.

“I am so sorry, princess. I promise to pay for all of this. It was due to my carelessness and my inattention.”

“It’s alright. Please.”

“It’s very troublesome for you, especially on your wedding day. If you want me to leave then I completely understand.”

“I said no such thing.”

“Only your natural modesty has prevented you from saying so. I’ll take my leave now.”

“As princess, I order you stay,” Cadance says. I turn to face her, and see a playful smile trying to mask the hopelessness in those purple eyes. “It’s a joke. I don’t have that kind of authority.”

I turn back and walk to her, for no other reason than leaving now would be a display of discourtesy.

“I don’t like saying that word: ‘order.’ It sounds too impersonal to me.” She sits with her back to the mirrors and hides her eyes. “I’m sorry. My jokes always did have questionable tastes.’

“I apologize if my stubbornness caused you such discomfort.”

“Oh no, please don’t apologize,” she says, “I genuinely want your presence. However, if I offended you in any way, then I would not have you endure my company.”

“I have no reason to harbour enmity towards you, princess.” I try to be honest.

“Then I would like to apologize.”

“Whatever for, your majesty?’

“Cadance.”

“Yes,” I smile, “whatever for, Cadance?’

“For my presumption earlier that you were uncomfortable.”

“I cannot forgive you on account that you have nothing to be forgiven for,” I say with careful wording. “The fault is mine. I was just caught off guard, that is all.”

“All things considered then... Would you consider brushing my mane? Not that I’m–”

“It would be an honor.”

I walk behind her, levitating a pearly white brush. We see each other in front of the mirror and smile as I run the brush against her mane in long curly strokes. It was an honor, really, to be brushing Cadance’s mane. For somepony else to groom oneself implies a deep mutual trust.

“It’s true what the rumors say,” Cadance murmurs, her eyes closed. “You have a fine eye for detail.”

Rumors...? Ah, yes. Canterlot’s gossip.

“Rumors tend to exaggerate.” I say.

“Not this one.”

I blush slightly at the compliment.

“I can see that in this dress.”

“There’s nothing wrong with it, isn’t there?” I immediately panic.

She only laughs meekly. “Oh, Rarity. You underestimate yourself too much. Aunt Celestia couldn’t have made a more perfect ensemble.”

“That’s too much of a compliment,” I say in respect of the superior majesty.

Cadance looks back at me and places a hoof over her mouth. “Don’t tell the others, but your wedding dress is the best present I’ve ever had. And to think... I got it from someone I never knew.”

I remain quiet. I detect some tension in her voice. It is an expression of joy, I knew, but the kind that seems to have squirmed its way out of loneliness.

“I heard you want to escape from Ponyville and join the Canterlot elite.”

“I do not want to escape Ponyville, as the rumors might have implied,” I explain. “Simply, I believe that the life here is much more, shall we say, fitting for somepony of my preferences.”

“My, my,” Cadance says, clearly amused, “though I have to warn you that it is not as glamorous as its light.”

“I know it. From firsthoof experience.”

“If I may ask, how old are you?”

“I’d rather not.”

Cadance laughs. “My apologies. That was unladylike of me. You are still very young though... and I see promise in your future. You are quite, dare I say, mature for your age. More mature compared to your friends, if I may.”

“Thank you,” I take the compliment. Maturity is a difficult attribute to express when age is the counterbalance. Age to maturity is like the seams woven into a dress: Skillfully hidden, yet it holds everything together.

“Perhaps that is the reason I was so curious of you–Curious, goodness! It’s such a bad word. I make it sound like you are some sort of decoration to be observed.”

“I find the word quite genuine.”

“Yes. That’s what makes you interesting for me, Miss Rarity... This might be too forward of me but I would like to be more acquainted with you.”

The strokes of the brush pauses for a second, an instant too short to be perceivable. “I would like that as well,” I say.

The door clicks and opens. Before we could ponder on the rudeness of entering a lady’s bedchamber without knocking, my lips gasp the moment I see who stands in the doorway.

“Shining!”

We both said it the same time. Mine was barely audible beside the princess’s exasperation.

“Hey there honey. Sorry to interrupt,” he says. Then he looks at me, but only for a moment, and nods.

“Hello...” I say meekly, the comb pressed against my thumping chest.

“What are you doing here?” Cadance says to him with a light blush. “The wedding is in... five minutes!”

“I know, I know. Tradition or not, I’d be damned if I’m not the first stallion who looks at you in that wedding dress. You look wonderful.”

Cadance blushes heavily. “Well, if you have somepony to thank it’s Rarity.”

“Thanks.” He says without looking at me, his eyes not leaving his wife. “So... You’re ready?”

“In a minute.”

“I can’t wait that long.”

Shining Armor closes in on his wife and takes her in his hooves. My heart stills as he pulls her face close and leans in for a kiss; and then, before their lips touch, the door bursts open.

“There you are!” Shouts a panic-driven Twilight Sparkle. Her horn flares and Shining Armor’s plate glows to a deep purple. “The groom isn’t supposed to see his wife getting dressed!”

“Wait, Twiley. I’m just–”

“You’re coming with me. Celestia’s waiting.”

“See you at the altar, honey,” Shining playfully says to Cadance.

With that, Twilight Sparkle drags his brother away.

“Rarity,” Cadance says. But my mind was elsewhere.

My name floats somewhere beyond my reach. Rarity . . .

Was someone calling my name? It didn’t matter; my mind was elsewhere

My eyes follow the siblings, heart fluttering in relief as I watch Shining Armor depart. He looks back just once, eyeing his bride, as Twilight’s magic shuts the door close.

“Rarity.”

I turn, realizing that the princess has been calling for my attention.

“Yes, Cadance?”

“Again, I can’t thank you enough for what you have given me.”

“Your majesty, it’s only a dress.”

“Don’t lie, Rarity. We both know how important a dress is to a bride.” Cadance opens a drawer with her magic. From it she levitates out a heart shaped bottle made of carved diamonds. Inside it is a clear rosy liquid. “I want you to have this.”

My eyes are dazzled by that bottle. Whatever is inside pales in comparison to the bright precious gemstone.

“It’s not a love potion is it?” I ask with a hint of hesitation. I know what Cadance’s magic is capable of.

“Of course not,” she chuckles. “It’s just a perfume... My grandmother gave it to me.”

She levitates the bottle and it lands directly upon my outstretched hoof.

“Don’t break this one,” she says playfully.

“Oh, Princess, I couldn’t. Something so... precious.”

“It’s fine. I have two more in my drawers.”

My eyes remain transfixed on the small vial. The tenuity of the essence inside might truly be valuable, but still it is the precious stone that holds my attention.

“My grandmother told me to give it to my dearest friends,” Cadance continues, “this one was actually meant for Twilight but I don’t think she would appreciate it as much as you will. I figure I’ll just give her a rare book about love. That would be more fitting. What do you say?”

“Your highness, this is too much.”

“It’s nothing compared to this dress you made me. Now, don’t think of it as a payment. Consider it as token of our newfound friendship.”

I hesitate still.

Am I imposing on her generosity a bit too much?

“Very well then. I will cherish it.”

“...And one more thing.” Cadance smiles. “I’d like you to stand as my maid of honor.”

I could not hide my gasp. But it was not a gasp of grateful astonishment, but of something else entirely. It was a shock of fear, anger, hate, of a primal emotion that has been buried and let unnamed, only to resurface at the mention of an unpardonable insult.

Me, Rarity, the maid of honor to your wedding?

“Indeed,” she says happily as though she read my mind. “I would have you stand closest to me when we make our vows.”

“But I thought that I–" I stammer, struggling to maintain decorousness. "That it’s for your personal friends.”

Cadance laughs. “Oh Rarity, I don’t have any friends.”

My smile drops. But Cadance’s doesn’t.

“I have acquaintances," she explains. "Lots of them. But more because of my being royalty. I don’t have anyone I can call a friend. That’s why I’m envious of you and Twilight. To be honest, Miss Rarity, you’re the first friend I ever made...” Cadance hides her eyes. “Anyway, I think this isn’t the best thing to talk about before–”

“I am glad,” I say as I drape my hoof over her shoulder, “to be considered your friend.”

Cadance looks to me with a stunned expression. Could it have been too forward of me? But her smile broadens. I knew I made no mistake.

“Thank you,” Cadance says as she places her hoof against mine.

We remain in that quiet position for quite some time.

Then, a knock on the door snaps us back to reality. My heart stops and I pull my hoof back, expecting Shining Armor, but instead see only to see Fluttershy there. I sigh in disappointment and relief.

“Umm...” says Fluttershy, poking her head in, “Princess Cadance... Celestia said that it’s time... Not that you’re late or anything but everypony’s already is waiting.”

“Oh my goodness, I’m late.” Cadance looks up to the wallclock, then back to me.

“A bride is never late,” I say. “You go on ahead, princess. I’ll be quick. I just need to get my hair done.”

“I won’t walk down the aisle till I see you there.”

“Very well. I shan’t be long.”

Cadance walks to the door and says something to Fluttershy, and together they leave.

I find myself alone in the middle of the bedchamber. The pain is my chest lingers, and refuses to die into the evening. I know I should be glad for Cadance— I am truly!

But why do I feel so...

Cadance’s words come back to haunt me, echoing throughout the chamber. ‘That’s why I’m jealous of you...’

The pain in my chest intensifies. It is a distasteful feeling, and I do not like it. I do not want to like it. I found myself wishing something bad would happen to her wedding: a misstep on the stairs, a toppling furniture, anything! Just anything!

What am I thinking! This isn't me.

I shake my head and groove my hooves against my eyes. I know this emotion. I, more than my friends, know it best. It was the same feeling I felt back when Fluttershy outshone me when she became a model. But this time the emotion is uglier, more buried and more denied.

Comb in hoof, I trot to the door, pull it close and secure the lock. I return to the princess’s vanity table, and brush my mane.

“...Two hearts, becoming one. A love that cannot be undone...”

The party is reaching its climax. Twilight Sparkle’s song reaches throughout the Canterlot Gardens, pulsing around the newlyweds in the middle of the dance floor. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are dancing comfortably close, while Applejack appears to have completely recovered from our little spat earlier...an encounter from which I have yet to heal.

The music trails and the dance grows, and I notice that a crowd has joined us on the dance floor. With everypony dancing all over the place, it is apparent that nopony in particular is the center of focus. It becomes easier to move without all the attention.

I look over my shoulder, and notice several stallions talking to Fluttershy. The poor thing declines them in a very approving manner.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash is now dancing with the Wonderbolts, or rather, a Wonderbolt. His name is Soarin if I am correct. Another Wonderbolt joins them: the yellow mare with a fiery mane.

"Quite a glorious night if I do say so myself.”

I look towards that familiar voice and see none other than one of my dearest friends from Canterlot.

“Fancypants!” I run to him and we arrive at an embrace. “The pleasure of my trip would’ve been halved if I had missed your company.”

He spills out a hearty laugh. “I as well.”

“Where’s Fleur?”

“Ungentlecoltly of me to have lost her. I came to get her a bowl of punch and, well, she’s probably been dragged away by some small group. Being as popular as she is.”

“You think it’s alright to leave her?”

“I believe she is more than capable of handling herself. But enough about me... You and your friends, you all really are quite something.”

“What?”

“Elements of Harmony. Having beaten Nightmare Moon, Discord and those Changelings. Really my dear, you needn’t be so humble.”

I laugh meekly. “Well, I always wanted to keep those to myself. Don’t want the others thinking I’m... uncouth. Unladylike.”

“Too late for that. Gossip is society’s wildfire.”

“All good I hope.”

“Most outstanding to be exact. I daresay your popularity has doubled.”

I could not hide my excitement. The possibilities returned to me: the parties, the trip to museums, the regal and the exquisite— all at once. I’ll have those once again. Perhaps even more.

“You might even outshine me when the time comes,” he says.

“Oh, don't exaggerate.” Though I admit that the idea is very tempting to entertain. “But when I do I’ll try to remember you.”

We both laugh at the joke. I hope simply that he didn’t take offense to it, but his expression shows no hint of having been offended.

“Picture ma’am?” a young colt said to us. He had a camera film for a cutie mark.

I close in on Fancypants in time for the flash. Satisfied, the young colt moved on to another pair.

“That’s one for the history books,” Fancypants says, “I’ll have to ask the lad for a copy.”

I nod in agreement. I would also like a picture of Fancypants to commemorate our friendship. It just occured to me that I have no memorabilia of him other than pure memory.

The music grows louder and more upbeat. The musician has monopolized the turntable. Pinkie Pie is lying on the dance floor, enjoying a slice of cake.

“Rarity!” Another familiar voice, and another dear friend.

From the crowd appears one of the most beautiful mares I have ever seen. “Fleur!”

The two of us join together in a hug just in front of Fancypants.

“You are as lovely as you ever were,” I say, giving her a quick peck on the cheek.

“And so are you,” then to Fancypants, “honey, you sly puss, you were hogging Rarity all to yourself the entire time.”

“No, no,” Fancypants grins. “Only for a short time dear. I was to lend her to you in a moment.”

“We have so much to catch up on,” Fleur say as she takes my hoof.

“I assume the rumors got to you too.”

“Oh dear, who hasn’t. You have so much to tell.”

“And so little time to say it.”

“Indeed. This revelation of your adventures and triumphs could not have come at the most improper time. You owe me a story.”

“And you owe me yours. I have been gone from Canterlot for far too long that I do not know what is going on anymore.”

Fleur de Lis gives me a knowing a smile that seems to hide all the secrets high society has to offer. I know that somewhere behind that smile of hers lies the juiciest of gossips. She looks at Fancypants, then back to me, then back to Fancypants again.

“Should I tell her?” she asks.

“It could wait.” Fancypants grins. “But I can see your excitement could not.”

“Do tell...” I say.

I lean in closer to Fleur and lend her my ear. She nuzzles close to me and whispers, “Fancypants and I are getting married.”

“You’re what!?”

“I know, isn’t it exciting?”

I grab both their hooves and shake them. “Why, this is great news! I am so happy for you both.”

“Not so loud,” Fleur says with her other hoof on her lips. “You’re the only pony who knows.”

I lean in forward to Fleur. “So... when’s the wedding?”

I have placed my voice low enough for a whisper but it seems that Fancypants is still able to hear it. “We’ll be announcing our engagement in two months," the gentlecolt says, "and the wedding will be held four months after.”

“Six months from now?”

“Shhh.” Fleur calms me down again with a whisper.

“Why so long?”

Again, it is Fancypants who replies. “Wouldn’t want to be overshadowed now, would we?”

“With what?”

“These,” he says, tracing his hoof across the garden.

From every direction that party is only getting bigger. Even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are dancing in their most princess of ways.

“Six months ought to be enough time,” Fancypants says with a laugh. “Fleur always wanted the second grandest wedding in Equestria.”

“Honey...” Fleur blushes, and the two nuzzle close together.

“Well that’s the ol’ chap for you,” Fancypants says. “We’ll give the details sometime in the future. Wouldn’t want to monopolize you for ourselves now, now do we? Just expect some invitation as Fleur’s maid of honor.”

“I look forward to it.”

“But who knows. You might get married even before us.”

Fancypants winks to me, or at something beside me. He nods, turns, and leaves. Fleur does the same. I look behind me to see the object of Fancypants's mischievous gesture.

“Heya, Rare,” Applejack says, tipping her Stetson.

“Excuse me, Applejack.”

I ran from her and chase after Fancypants and Fleur before they disappear into the crowd.

“Fleur!”

Fleur de Lis turns and smiles to me.

“Anything wrong?”

“Before I forget, I need to tell you something,” I say. She waits patiently and Fancypants stands beside her and listens. “It is in six months, yes?”

“Uh... Yes.”

“Six months... Then promise me one thing. Until that time do not buy a wedding dress.”

“Why on Equestria not?”

My smile broadens in reply. Fleur turns her head to look at Cadance, and looks back to me and nods. “Six months. Alright. I’ll be expecting it.”

“You will not be disappointed.”

“I know I won’t.”

We say our farewells and she leaves. I turn back just once to see Fancypants trying to decipher our conversation. Fleur only shrugs and giggles.

I see. So she intends to make it a surprise for her fiancé.

I return to the party and see Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sharing a glass of what seems to be some brandy. Though I have heard that pegasi are a ‘lightweight’ when it comes to alcohol intake, I do not think that the amount they have consumed would be enough to make them see pink elephants.

From the other side of the table, where the other two drank and toast, was a figure an orange earth pony holding onto a violin.

Didn’t Applejack want to say something to me?

I approach Applejack, and she sees me coming towards her. She puts down her instrument, smiles and waves a hoof, beckoning me to join her.

“There you are,” another voice says to me. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

I’m quite popular this evening.

“Hello, princess Cadance. You’re quite the dancer.”

“I wish I could say the same.”

We both laugh. “It’s no secret,” I reply, “the music does not really suit my tastes. It’s not bad though.”

“I understand. It was a joke.”

“Of course.”

A passing earth pony with a barrel for a cutie mark approaches the both of us and offers a glass of champagne. We each take one in our hooves and thank the waiter.

“Somehow you can’t drink champagne without a toast to go with it.” she says.

“Something of the wedding?”

“The usual ‘to the bride and groom’ that everypony’s been saying?”

“Something more original would be preferable.”

“Very well,” she says, raising her glass. “To the maid of honor, whose friendship I look forward to in life.”

I look at her for a moment, not responding. With the motion of an automaton, I clink my glass against hers. “...Cheers.”

I drank only half the glass. The wine had lost its taste.

Shining Armor arrives and stands beside her. I almost drop my glass the moment I notice him smiling at me, particularly at me.

“You must be, Rarity,” he says.

“You’ve met before, darling. Don’t be rude.”

“Really? When.”

“In the bed chamber, specifically when you barged in while I was changing. You remember that too, I hope. Or were you too struck by revelation to notice?”

“Oh, I remember.” He looks at me again with his crystalline eyes. “I apologize, must’ve slipped my mind. I didn’t intend it as rudeness.”

“It’s perfectly alright. A groom on his wedding day does have a lot on his mind.”

“I’ve only seen you in passing so far. This is our first formal meeting, yes?” He takes my hoof and kisses it. “Let me reintroduce myself. My name is Shining Armor.”

What’s left of my blood seems to rush up my face at the sudden contact. I had not imagined that his lips would feel so tender. "C-C-Ch... Charmed."

Curse this white coat of mine! I’m probably blushing like a schoolfilly right now.

I look at Cadance, who in turn looks to me with curiosity. Then, with smug playfulness, she shoves her husband aside. “Stop that, honey. You’re embarrassing her.”

“Sorry,” Shining Armor apologizes to us both.

“Thank you,” I say in response. Then I immediately realize the implications of what I have just said. “I’m... You’re welcome... I mean... It’s perfectly alright.”

“Cadance told me about you already. You have her very impressed with what you did with the dresses. We can’t thank you enough. To be honest... If you weren’t here, and with the Changelings invading and all, I thought we would have had to postpone the wedding. So I guess... your dress actually saved our most special day.”

A stab of regret comes, and vanishes just as quickly. “You flatter me. Anypony would have done the same thing.”

“Not just anypony. Your reputation as the Element of Generosity is well earned,” he says, wrapping a hoof around his wife. “I speak for the both of us when I say that if you ever need a favor then don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I’ll hold you to that offer.”

We toast our glass, and down the champagne in one gulp.

“Shall we, dear?”Cadance says to Shining Armor.

“You go on ahead. I still need to talk to my sister.” He looks at me and kisses my hoof again, “It was a pleasure meeting your acquaintance, Miss Rarity. I hope we meet again sometime soon.”

“I as well.”

I watch Shining Armor trot to the carriage where Twilight Sparkle waits.

Cadance sighs. “Ugh... Forgive him, Rarity. That stallion tends to get into a mare's personal space.”

“That’s not a very healthy thought for a newlywed.”

Cadence looks at me, pauses, then laughs. “You’re right. After tonight I’ll make sure he knows he’s no longer a bachelor.” Cadance smirks and winks at me. “If you know what I mean.”

I unconsciously make a choked laugh. “That’s more than enough detail.”

“Will you be back in Canterlot soon?”

“I will try. But not, perhaps, in the foreseeable future.”

We both hug. “Till next time, then.”

“Go get him, tigress.”

She enters the carriage and is immediately followed by Shining Armor. The crowd gathers as the two prepare to leave for their honeymoon.

I look around and see everypony. There are all so happy for those two, genuinely happy to have been a part of the greatest wedding Equestria has ever seen. Nopony in Canterlot doubts that this evening will go down as one of the most celebrated nights in history.

It will be written down and spoken of for countless years; to be passed on to generation after generation, inspiring tales of romances, chivalry and love. Each stallion and mare here would have a story to go along with this night. It was the mythical ‘Happily Ever After' made real. They all knew it. That’s why everyone appeared so fabulous and so happy: the dresses, the lights, the music, the glamour of it all. Perfected for this closure. The wedding of Prince Shining Armor...

...and Cadence.

I see Cadance appear out of the window. Looking at me, she throws something in the air. Her eyes beckoning me to catch it.

It traces an arc through the vast expanse of the night sky; over the shimmering lights of twinkling stars and above the confetti and balloons. My body moves on pure instinct. It is everything that I could see in that brief moment; it was as though that object represented everything that belongs to me: The guests! The carriage! The dress! The vows! The ring! The wedding! The groom— I throw aside the ponies in my path and jump—“It’s mine!”

I caught it, the bouquet.

For the bridesmaid.

The carriage ride back to Ponyville is too quick. We could have stayed in Canterlot until the morning, where we could have waited for the train, but Celestia’s recommendation to leave tonight was well grounded. The last thing we need right now, after fending off Changelings, is to be swarmed by the equally persistent paparazzi and Canterlot elite that hounds like coyotes.

Princess Celestia was right when she said that we need to take some time off to let the heat of the moment cool down.

I cannot agree more...

Inside the carriage, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy snuggle close together, barely aware of their surroundings in their sottish state. Perhaps it is not a rumour that pegasi have a low tolerance for alcohol. Rainbow Dash is saying something incomprehensible; I wonder if she can even understand herself. Fluttershy is more sober, but barely, she admits to drinking one glass of champagne. I do not believe her.

Pinkie Pie is just as animated sleeping as she is awake. Her body spreads out like an eagle and is taking the most space of anypony inside the carriage. She shifts from one side to other, trying to look for a comfortable pillow to lay her head on. This time, my shoulder is the chosen headrest.

I remember Rainbow Dash saying that Twilight Sparkle ‘took one for the team’ by not drinking. The lavender mare went outside to lead the carriage after mentioning something about constellations. I imagine her looking up the stars, taking notes like the academic she is.

That just leaves me and Applejack- correction: A drunk Applejack. The cup lies empty beside her chair, long devoid of its contents. She’s content with staring out the window, occasionally blubbering something indiscernible accompanied by a look. Every now and then she turns and looks like she’s going to say something.

Based on the seething glares she bulldozes my way, it’s not anything good. I sit and wait for the first words to fall.

They never do.

Instead, Applejack eyes me from my neck to my heels. From the way her eyes crawl all over me, I do not think she particularly fancies the garment I chose to wear.

“Is something the matter?” I ask her.

“Just tipsy...congrats there,” she says without commendation. “Who in tarnation are ya marryin’?”

“Excuse me?”

Applejack motions to the bouquet in my hooves.

“Oh, this old thing?”

“Ya can’t marry a bunch of flowers,” Applejack snaps. “Maybe rich unicorns might be more your type.”

“Excuse me!”

Applejack glares at me angrily. She takes a swig from her bottle.

“I must ask you to stop drinking now before further inebriation makes you too obnoxious for propriety.”

“Don’t use ’em fancy Canterlot words on me.”

“I reserve the right to use whatever words I deem necessary.”

Applejack mumbles something incoherent. I hear the words ‘goody four shoes’ and ‘flank kisser’ somewhere there. I pretend not to hear it.

“So?” she asks.

“So what?”

“Ah asked who are you marryin.’”

“Supposing that such an assertion is true, I hardly believe it to be your business.”

Applejack seems to have taken offense to my statement. “Yeah, yeah. Dumb old cowpony has no business with you.”

“I said no such thing!”

“Well that’s what ya meant!”

The carriage comes to a halt, the peek hole from of the carriage slides open and we see a coat of lavender and a pair of eyes from the small window behind the orange earth pony.

“Everything alright girls?” Twilight asks.

Before I could say a thing, it is Applejack, twisting the angles of her body, who retorts. “Everything’s fine and dandy. Just old friends going at each other’s throats is all.”

“Uhh...Should I be worried?’

“No!”

I look to Applejack, then to Twilight. I point to the bottle of alcohol that Applejack is holding. Twilight is quick to follow and makes an ‘Oh’ with her mouth. She returns to her seat and the carriage moves again.

“Ah saw that,” Applejack says to me.

“What of it?”

“Ya think ah’m drunk.”

“Well dear, you aren’t completely sober.”

“Alright, what is yer problem!?”

“My problem?”

“Yeah. Your problem.”

“I’m not the one in a complete drunken rage!”

“Well, I’m not the one who goes all flirty with every rich stallion she sees.”

Oh, Celestia. I nearly sneered.

“I hardly believe that’s your concern,” I hiss.

“It is mah concern!” Applejack shouts, throwing her hooves up. “When ah thought that you were feeling sad and lonely I felt nothing but concern for ya! Ah tried to cheer ya up but ya shut me up every darn time! Ah tried to git yer attention but you ignored me like ah wasn’t there! Probably cuz ya don't want them fancy Canterlot folks to see ya with somepony as... as... uncouth as me."

A lump leaps into my throat, but I shove it right back down. “It is not that I was ignoring you–”

“Bullshit.”

"Watch your language."

A sleeping Pinkie Pie, too dim to be aware of her surroundings, groggily lays her head on Applejack's shoulder. The frustrated cowpony pushes her away.

"Lay off!" Applejack screams at the pink pony, then brings her attention back to me. "If you can say whatever you want, so can I."

“Well, go ahead and say it!" I yell back. There is no way I will let her outvoice me. "You said you were worried about me. Well, go on then! Be worried. Here I am.”

Applejack looks at me for a minute too long, eyes intense with a look of what seems to be disgust and contempt mixed into a dangerous concoction.

“Pfft. I don’t need this,” Applejack says. She looks out the window and shouts, “Hey Twi, pull over.”

The carriage stops and Applejack bucks open the door. She jumps out of the carriage, takes her bottle and trots in the general direction of Sweet Apple Acres.

I jump out after her.

Twilight looks at me, waiting for an explanation.

“Where are you going?” I ask.

“Home,” she says over her shoulder.

“You’re walking all the way to Sweet Apple Acres?” Twilight butts in.

“Ah ain’t spending one more minute with that... that mare over there,” Applejack says groggily, pointing a hoof at me.

“Rarity, what did you do?"

“Apparently, not stopping Applejack from drinking.”

“C’mon, we have to get her back.”

We chase after Applejack, several yards ahead by now.

It is hard to chase after the earth pony. Neither Twilight nor I are very accomplished runners, but we do have the advantage of being sober. Applejack, on the other hand, trips over a piece of rock up ahead and lands face first into the dirt, disappearing beneath a puff of dust.

“Applejack!” Twilight and I shout at the same time.

“Consarn it...” the earth pony mutters between her teeth. She glares scornfully at me. “What in tarnation are ya doin’ here?”

“Trying to make you look less of a fool,” I respond.

“Ah ain’t no fool.”

“Well, this stubborn immaturity you’re displaying says otherwise. Get up before you hurt yourself.” I approach her and lend her my hoof.

“Don’t touch me!” Applejack slaps my hoof away. “We earth ponies don’t need help picking ourselves up from the ground. Especially not from a bunch of prissy unicorns.”

Though the insult is targeted at me, I see Twilight also take offense at Applejack’s remark. But the lavender unicorn remains steadfast. I can see how she finds comfort with the thought that the intoxication has taken its toll on Applejack’s better judgement.

She approaches Applejack and eases the bottle from her hooves.

“Let’s get you back home, AJ,” Twilight says softly.

“How bout you, best mare?” the earth pony says with a hiccup. “Happy to know yer brother’s been ruttin’ the babysitter behind yer back since you were a foal?”

Twilight draws back in shock and tosses her hooves into the air. “Oh, Celestia. I can’t believe what I am hearing!”

This last is just too much. Even I am hurt by the accusation. Anger lashes against my lips, which cannot hold back the poisonous tide any longer. “Why you vile, inconsiderate, ungrateful—”

“At least ah ain't a loose pony!” Applejack yells back.

I gasp. “How dare you, you commonplace simpleton!”

“Stop it! Please,” Twilight shouts to no avail.

“You are utterly unsophisticated,” I move in dangerously close in between words. “No taste! No class!”

Applejack stands on all fours and plants her hooves on the ground. "And yer just jealous cuz Cadance got a prince and you got nothin’!"

My hoof moves on its own, cracking like a whip upon Applejack's face.

I hear Twilight gasp from behind.

Applejack bites her lower lip. She looks at me, her eyes as red as her swelling cheek.

“C’mere you!” she roars.

I did not think she was actually going to do it. No. I never believed she was capable of doing it. In one fell swoop, Applejack jumped, grabbed me, and forced me down.

And then I felt her lips against mine.

I feel Applejack all over me. My entire mind goes numb, paralyzed by the sudden influx of sensation all concentrated on the single earth pony who imprisoned me in her hooves: Applejack’s color, Applejack’s touch, Applejack’s scent, Applejack’s taste.

It was only a moment. I snap back to reality.

I struggle and squirm away from her powerful hold. Her lips press against mine with almost brutal force. It is a kiss not to pleasure or be pleasured, but to physically hurt. I feel her tongue carving its way into my mouth, carrying with it the rancid taste of cider. I try to fend her off, frantically throwing my hooves about just to push her away.

Then I feel her hoof press against my loins. My hind legs snap closed in reflex, but it is too late. I feel Applejack touch my marehood, and the sensation overwhelms me. Her violent hoof over my fragile part awakens every nerve in my body.

Applejack breaks away from the kiss and sends her muzzle directly on my neck.

Immediately, I shout.

“Help! Twilight, help!”

Twilight Sparkle, who had been too stunned to move, snaps back to reality. She charges her horn and fires a bolt towards Applejack, flinging the earth pony meters away.

I did not hesitate; I run to Twilight Sparkle’s side and hide behind her.

Twilight Sparkle glares at Applejack. “What the fuck is wrong with you!”

The profanity catches Applejack and I by surprise. And I see how, as the earth pony's eyes went wide, the monumentality of her crime dawns on her.

“Oh Celestia... What have Ah–” She moves forward. “Rarity, Ah’m sorry. Ah didn’t mean–”

“Stay back!” I shout instinctively. Twilight’s horn flares in defense. Applejack just stands there, shaking.

“Ah'm sorry. Ah'm sorry!" she pleads. "Ah don’t know what’s gotten over me.”

“Back away,” Twilight says. “I think it’s best if you walk back home now.”

“Ah swear ah’m sorry! Rare!”

I do not say anything.

“Applejack!” Twilight commands, louder this time.

There was a moment of silence. There was nothing to hear but the rustling of dry leaves against the wind. Then I hear hoofsteps growing softer and more distant. I look over my shoulder to see Applejack leaving with her head down.

“Are you okay?” Twilight comes into view. “You’re not hurt, are you?"

I shake my head. Somehow it feels difficult to talk.

“Can you stand? Walk?”

I nod. Twilight helps me back to my feet. It is unneeded of course. My injury is, in no way, physical.

“Are you alright? Do you need anything.”

“A napkin," I respond meekly. "If you have one.”

Twilight Sparkle conjures a white napkin from thin air. She levitates it over to me. I take it in my hooves, thank her, and proceeds to wipe off the tingling taste of apple left on my lips.

“Can you make it back to the carriage on your own?” she asks.

“I-I believe so. Where are you going?”

She casts a long look in the earth mare's direction. “I’m going after AJ.”

“W-Why?”

“As much as I hate her for what she said and did, I don’t want anything happening to Applejack. It’s too dark, she’s too drunk and it’s a long way back to Sweet Apple Acres.”

“You’re taking her side?"

Twilight angrily glares at me. “I’m not taking anypony’s side. You two will fix this. But not tonight.”

“I’m the victim here.”

“Maybe... But after hitting her like that—" she stops and shakes her head in disapproval. "No...We'll settle this in the morning."

Twilight turns and follows Applejack.

“Go back to the carriage, Rarity,” she says without looking back. “Applejack and I will probably arrive late. Make sure our friends get home safely.”

I am the last to leave the carriage. Rainbow Dash was too drunk to fly, so she settled in Fluttershy's cabin. Then I had to wake up the Cakes in the middle of the night to deliver one incapacitated Pinkie Pie.

I give my thanks to the royal guards and wait for the carriage to leave before entering the door.

The boutique seems darker than when I left it. No. I have never seen it as dark as I see it now. The moonlight gives little luminance through the windows, casting shadows onto the lifeless porcelain ponies garbed in extravagant ensembles. The eyeless and blind marionettes follow me with their empty stares as I climb the stairs to my bedroom.

My first instinct is to go straight to the washroom and shower away the lingering feeling of hoofs and tongue against my coat.

But I can’t.

A certain powerlessness creeps around me, as though I am still held in Applejack’s ruthless grasp. I cannot move.

My hooves let go of the bouquet and the bottle of perfume, letting the two objects clamber to the floor. I climb into bed and hold my hooves to my eyes.

What happened?

I take the blanket and wrap it around me.

Wasn’t tonight supposed to be the best night ever?

The wedding. The event comes to me in flashes: The wedding dress. The dance. The smiles. The glamour. The perfect wedding and the perfect night.

For Cadance…

The pressure returns, along with the taste and the scent and the hold of the earth mare. A drunk earth pony reeking of alcohol and stolen purity.

If it had been Shining Armor…

The image sparks in my brain. Shining Armor: The ideal stallion. The white knight who slays dragons and saves princesses. A pony with the strength and power of a mountain, but with a refinery and sophistication fit for unicorns. He whose sweet lips could awaken eternal slumber.

Right now, Shining Armor and Cadance are probably…

My hoof slowly makes its way between my legs. On instinct, my thighs close, remembering the pressure that Applejack left...the frisson that had sent a shock from my crevice to my spine, unattended and demanding attention.

I pressed my hoof painfully against my quivering marehood. It was not a release of desire. It was to conceal it from the world.

My eyes shut close and I see in my mind’s eye a flash of Shining Armor, of how he looked at me tonight: Serene, so adult, and yet so...capable.

My hoof slowly circles my delicate entrance and I can feel the moisture seeping.

“Gah…!” I gasp in an intake of breath.

My lips feel dry and my vision blurs. Shadows overtake me and imagination prevails over the darkness.

And he appears. Like the white knight in medieval romances, Shining Armor comes to save me from the grim reality.

I find myself looking up to the stallion I would have given my life to have. The shape of his figure takes form the pride of his stature. It is the proper posture of a pony who has nothing to hide and has no cause to be hidden: Upright and headstrong to whatever his eyes seek to conquer. Sapphire eyes of such shimmering determination, polished by the pressure of ruthless innocence. He appears as though he could depart at any moment, with nothing but his strength and confidence to take him to the heights of giants and to come back with his invincible pristine coat untarnished and untainted. His mane, a bright aquamarine that resembles the waves of the deep, flows evenly to complete the vibrant prism of light that would not forgive anything short of purity. The form to which sculptors carve immortality in marbles. So young and so masculine, so full of potential and promise!

I force myself to see him. Shining Armor, climbing into my bed, planting kisses on me, his words dribbling nectar to my ears, words that I have longed to hear from princes and nobles. He whispers my name and I feel him bite my neck ever so gently.

My hoof moves faster, the wetness creating obscene noises that echoes in time with the pants of my hot breaths. My mouth dries and I feel my teeth biting against the pillow.

But it does not matter. Shining Armor is here. He takes me in his hooves, forcing me to face him, entrapping me with a stare as he moves closer. His lips touch mine. He pushes further and he pulls me in tight. His kisses, so gentle and so patient, leave me panting for breath as he pulls away. Then he looks at me, smiles, and tells me he loves me.

My hoof moves violently. Short quick breaths are all that I hear. A bead of sweat runs from my forehead down to my chin. I can smell the scent of my sex. The heat leaves my body and gathers around my loins.

But Shining Armor is with me. He’s here to protect me, to save me, to caress me and tell me he loves me. He takes his pride and, with it, takes all of me for himself.

“Shining! Shining!” I pant out in between breaths. “Oh, Celestia!”

He moves back and forth gently. His hooves guide me, caressing my bosom and curves. With each thrust he carries me with him. He tells me he loves me again. Then he leans in for a kiss and I comply. I offer no resistance. I am his mare. With this communion, I give myself to him.

“Shining Armor!” I moan aloud to the darkness. “I love you!”

My foreleg sores in the unstopping rhythm against my marehood. My whole body jerks and twitches, every muscle tenses in anticipation, hoof taking ahold of the covers. The pressure builds. I reach climax. My body arcs, my eyes widen, and then–

‘I love you too,’ I hear him whisper as he lowers me back into the gentle embrace of the sheets.

‘Cadance.’

“No!”

–my body releases all the pressure it could hold.

“Ahhh–!” I shut my scream off with my hoof against my lips. “Hnng!”

Wave after wave of pleasure erupts from me. A gush of liquid exits the stern walls of my folds and leaves me helplessly spasming.

“S-Shi... Shining... Ar–”

I collapse onto the moist mattress. A soft tingle lingers as the liquid dribbles down my thighs and swollen lips.The adrenaline subsides and I feel myself breathing once again. The fluid gathers between my legs and sullies the rose-red sheets.

I open my eyes, seeing darkness instead of a prince. I lie still, a lonely mare drenched in sweat and guilt. Indulging in the afterglow of fantasies and broken dreams of a newlywed stallion that, just hours ago, had pledged his life to a mare who is not me.

Then, without warning, a pain grows steadily in my chest. With it come tears from the depths of my heavy heart. I don’t bother asking why. My breathing breaks into half-choked sobs.

I roll over to my side in a fetal position.

And cry myself to sleep.