[FLUTTERRAPE] The Woes of Princess Cadence


                                            Originally uploaded to Pastebin: January 7th, 2014

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                                            >"Next stop! The Crystal Empire!"

                                            >Grunt and peer out the window at the rolling scenery.

                                            >Over the course of the last few hours, the familiar green hills and forests had given way to a harsh, miserable wasteland of endless white.

                                            >A blizzard rages on outside, but the train chugs along unhindered.

                                            >You reach into your pocket and pluck a scrap of parchment from it.

                                            >Unfurl the note and read it again.

                                            >' Dear Anonymous, I am sending you to the Crystal Empire to meet my brother, Prince Shining Armour, and his wife, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza (just call her Cadence!). Hope you have fun! I'll have your house purged of giant mutated flesh eating rats by the time you get back. Also, Fluttershy sends her love from hospital, her bite wounds are healing nicely. '

                                            >' Lots of love, Twilight. '

                                            >Grumbling, you stuff it back from whence it came and return your gaze to the merciless storm of snow outside.


                                            >Shortly afterwards, the train pulls into a station, the sudden movement pulling you out of the daydream you were having.

                                            >Blinking a few times, you are confused to see the sun beaming down on the meadows around the train station, the landscape dotted with huge spires of gleaming crystal.

                                            >What truly captures your attention is the city before you.

                                            >A shining, orderly layout of houses and other structures is spread out before you.

                                            >Step out onto the platform, your eyes wide with wonder.

                                            >You undo your jacket and take it off.

                                            >It seems you aren't going to need it after all.


                                            >Carrying your bag over your shoulder, you walk down the streets, also paved with crystal.

                                            >The ponies, translucent and lively, regard you with the same curiosity that you regard them.

                                            >This entire city is like something out of a distant dream, and its every feature captivates you.

                                            >A smile stretching across your face, you relax and allow yourself to indulge in the sights of this remarkable place.

                                            >Making a logical decision, you decide that the mountainous crystal palace towering above the rest of the landscape must be where you'll find the royals.

                                            >Hopefully Twilight will have told them that you're coming.


                                            >"AGH! WHAT IS THAT THING?!"

                                            >Sigh and drop your bag to your feet.

                                            "Anonymous. Didn't Twilight tell you I was coming?"

                                            >"What? I'm not called Anonymous. Don't be so stupid."

                                            >The white stallion before you scoffs at your plebeian attempt to introduce yourself.

                                            >"Who let this thing into the throne room? Guard, was it you?"

                                            >He glares at some random unicorn stood next to the door.

                                            >The pony shakes his head and stammers out his reply.

                                            >"N-no, Prince Shining, I didn't. He just walked in!"

                                            >"Walked in?! What kind of palace guard are you if you're just going to let surprisingly polite monsters wander our halls?! I'll have you court marshalled for that!"

                                            >The guard's expression drops.

                                            >"I'm sorry, Prince Shining! Please don't!"

                                            >Shining turns to you, grimacing.

                                            >"Can't be doing with these terrible guards. So. Would you like to be a palace guard? You seem to know how this place works pretty well."

                                            "I literally have no idea what you're talking about or what's going on. Did I miss something?"

                                            >At that moment, a garishly pink alicorn wearing a crown strides into the room, each step calculated and measured.

                                            >"Shining Armour."

                                            >Her voice wafts across the room and snaps the pony in front of you out of his confused anger.

                                            >"Ah, Cadence. I was just about to issue a court marshal and replace a palace guard with an alien. How are you?"

                                            >She smiles at her husband.

                                            >"I'm fine, dear. Drink this."

                                            >A cup of hot liquid hovers over to Shining, held aloft in light blue aura.

                                            >The stallion chugs it down, caring little for the temperature, then crumples to the floor, asleep.

                                            >Silence permeates the room for a moment before Cadence sighs, shakes her head and turns to you with a pleasant smile.

                                            >"Good afternoon, Anonymous."

                                            >Raise an eyebrow.

                                            "Oh, so you know who I am?"

                                            >The pony giggles, a sweet sound.

                                            >"We both know--"

                                            >She nods at Shining Armour's sleeping form.

                                            >"--But Shining has been working excessively as of late. Come, I'll show you to your room."


                                            >As you walk alongside Cadence, your bag slung over your shoulder once more, she tells you of recent events.

                                            >"Shortly before I received Twilight's letter, the Crystal Empire was... Infested. With giant mutated flesh eating rats."

                                            "...Oh."

                                            >"The blasted things were apparently spotted all over Equestria, and it hit us quite badly since the rodents appeared to be immune to any kinds of weather. Shining has spent the last four days wide awake trying to make sure they were all eradicated."

                                            "Four days? Seriously?"

                                            >Cadence smiles.

                                            >"That stallion doesn't seem to care for his own personal safety, and would sooner work himself to death than let anything bad happen to the ones he loves."

                                            >The princess sighs dreamily.

                                            >"That's why I married him... Among other reasons."

                                            >You just nod.

                                            >"Of course, four days is quite long enough, and we haven't seen any rats all morning, so I thought it was time to put him to rest. Needless to say he'll be absent from his duties for a while."

                                            >Cadence giggles again.

                                            >"Ah, this is your room. Did Twilight mention how long you would be staying?"

                                            "Just until the giant mutated flesh eating rats were purged from my home."

                                            >Flash her a grin.

                                            >The princess blinks and starts laughing.

                                            >"Well! That would explain a lot!"

                                            >She calms down, a carefree smile on her face.

                                            >"Since Shining won't be joining us for a day or two, and since I don't have much on my agenda either, perhaps you would like to spend dinner with me?"

                                            >Dinner with a princess and you've only been here 30 minutes.

                                            >Damn you're good.

                                            "Sounds good to me, when do we eat?"

                                            >"Oh, just wander into the dining hall at around six-ish. Ask a guard where to find it if you get lost. I have to go and carry Shining to his bed, excuse me."

                                            >With that, she trots off at a brisk pace.


                                            >The rest of your afternoon is spent out and about in the Empire, surveying the shops and inspecting the library for any good reads.

                                            >You kept looking up from your book to see the librarian quickly looking away.

                                            >A trend that persisted throughout all your day's ventures.

                                            >Not that you minded. You're used to getting odd looks. You don't exactly fit in, after all.

                                            >Checking your watch, you see that it's getting towards six, so you pay for the drink you were having outside a cafe and stroll back to the palace.

                                            >Hopefully the food there is as good as the stuff in the city.

                                            >Though the idea that you'll be eating alone with the Princess is unnerving.

                                            >You're not exactly 'talkative', let alone able to break the ice to a royal.

                                            >Then again... You made her laugh earlier. Perhaps that's how to do it.

                                            >Develop a smile as you plan your attack.

                                            >Jokes, a simple solution. You'll just make her laugh some more, that should pass the time nicely.


                                            >Push open the doors to the dining hall.

                                            >Instantly recoil at the amount of food on the table.

                                            >A feast has been laid out for you both.

                                            >Cadence sits patiently at the table, and smiles at you as you enter the room.

                                            >"Hello again, Anonymous. Glad you didn't keep me waiting -too- long!"

                                            >Shit.

                                            "Sorry, really, I am. I--"

                                            >The princess laughs.

                                            >"Relax, I've only been here about five minutes. Come, take a seat! We've got much to discuss."

                                            >Stick to the plan, Anon. It's just dinner with a princess.

                                            >Alone.

                                            >Look around the room.

                                            >With not even any guards to watch over you.

                                            >You walk over and take a seat across from Cadence.

                                            >She laughs softly at this, adding to your anxiousness.

                                            >"Oh, am I not good enough to sit next to?"

                                            >Before you can apologise again, she chuckles.

                                            >"So sorry, I tend to make a lot of jokes whenever I get nervous!"

                                            >You feel yourself smiling at this.

                                            >She's really not that much different to you.

                                            >Except that she's a pony, a princess, can fly, can do magic, runs an empire, is married, is probably older than you, can--

                                            >Alright, she's nothing like you.

                                            >But she did the job you were fearing you would have to, and broke the ice.

                                            >Walk around the table and sit yourself down next to her.

                                            >This seems to put her at ease.

                                            >She reaches over your plate and plucks a small salad dish from the table.

                                            >Then nibbles at some pieces.

                                            >Watch her eat with a bemused look.

                                            >Cadence blushes and puts down the carrot she was chewing on.

                                            >"Truth be told, I never could get behind the whole 'princess' thing. I used to foalsit Twilight, you know. Those nights were some of the only nights where I ever felt normal."

                                            >Let out a quiet laugh.

                                            "Really? Because whenever I babysit her I feel anything -but- normal."

                                            >Cadence snickers.

                                            >"Oh stop, I'm trying to eat."

                                            >She brings the carrot back to her mouth, but can't stop grinning.

                                            >So the carrot's tip rests against her lips whilst she tries to compose herself.

                                            >"Anonymous?"

                                            "Hm?"

                                            >"Aren't you going to eat anything?"

                                            "Oh, yeah, of course."

                                            >Grab a few bits to eat and tuck in.

                                            >Cakes with vegetables is hardly the best diet in the world, but you manage.

                                            >Notice the princess watching you stuff your face with a curious look.

                                            >Freeze before you can cram another jam tart in your mouth.

                                            >Swallow slowly.

                                            "Guess I forgot my manners... Sorry."

                                            >Cadence sighs.

                                            >"Could I ask you a favour? And you have to promise not to tell any pony."

                                            >Lean closer to her.

                                            "Go on?"

                                            >"Can we not keep apologising to each other? Do you think that maybe we can just stuff our faces and act like pigs for a while?"

                                            >What.

                                            >Your face must reflect your confusion, because Cadence goes on to explain herself.

                                            >"I love my kingdom. I love my husband, and I love my life. But I just..."

                                            >She places her carrot back on her expensive looking gold rimmed crystal plate.

                                            >"The whole... Princess thing. I feel like I have to constantly keep up this mask of royalty in order to impress every pony. Sometimes I doubt I can act normal around Shining as well..."

                                            >For the first time since meeting her, her demeanour crumbles.

                                            >Cadence's head bows, and a sullen, weary look crosses her face.

                                            >"I never wanted to be a princess. But Celestia said I was perfect. And who am I to go against her word, right?"

                                            >Nod, trying to show as much sympathy as you can.

                                            >"She said it was my 'destiny' to lead an empire because I was the model leader. And I get it, I display all the right traits, and no pony under my rule ever frowns or feels afraid... But I didn't want to. I don't care if it was my destiny, I wanted to live a normal life."

                                            >The pony looks up at you, tears welling in her eyes.

                                            >"Does that make me selfish?"

                                            >For all your inner monologue about wanting to break the ice, this is a little bit more than you were bargaining for.

                                            >Do the only thing you can think to do.

                                            >Reach around her with an arm and shuffle your chair closer to her, pulling her close to you and comforting her.

                                            "Hey, I know how you feel about being forced into things you don't want. I just woke up one morning in a field with Fluttershy trying to get my pants off, and suddenly that was my life."

                                            >Cadence sniffs and laughs.

                                            >"Fluttershy? Yellow pegasus? Pink hair?"

                                            "Yup."

                                            >"Wow. That seems... Out of character for her."

                                            >She giggles to herself and buries her head deeper into your side.

                                            >The next few minutes are spent simply sat together in a massive dining hall without dining.

                                            >Cadence is content to stay huddled against you, and you absently rub her coat with a hand and stare at the opposite wall.

                                            >"Anonymous?"

                                            "You can call me Anon if it makes you feel more comfortable."

                                            >"...Anon?"

                                            "Mm?"

                                            >"Thank you."

                                            >Shrug.

                                            "It's no problem at all. Are you feeling better now?"

                                            >Cadence pulls away from you and gives you her biggest smile yet.

                                            >"You know what? I am. I'm feeling excellent!"

                                            >Grin at her U-turn attitude.

                                            "Well that's great! Shall we eat?"

                                            >The princess nods eagerly and you both set about stuffing your faces like pigs without a care in the world for 'royal etiquette'.


                                            >"But of course, Twilight didn't want to go, so I had to physically drag her out of the library with my magic!"

                                            "Haha! Oh wow."

                                            >You are both walking back to your room, the moonlight shining through the great windows around you.

                                            >"Well, this is your room, Sir Anon."

                                            >She mock bows.

                                            >Stick your tongue out at her and open your door.

                                            "Good night, Cadence."

                                            >"Y-yes. Good night."

                                            >Walking through the door and shutting it, you listen for a while.

                                            >For a full minute you listen to that door, but not a noise is heard.

                                            >You begin to wonder what's going on until you hear a faint sigh and the sound of hooves walking away from your door.

                                            >Odd.

                                            >With a belly full of good food and a mind full of funny jokes, you crawl into bed and bury yourself in the heavenly pillows.


                                            >With a belly full of good food and a mind full of Anon, you walk away from his room.

                                            >The way back to your own bedroom is a surreal experience.

                                            >You can't quite muster the same air of authority that you usually can.

                                            >Normally you can walk past a night guard with perfect form and offer a curt nod with a smile.

                                            >But as you pass one on the way up the stairs to your royal chambers all you can manage is a sluggish nod.

                                            >The guard seems confused, but knows better than to question you.

                                            >Though you wish they would.

                                            >On any other given day you would relish the chance to talk to the guards about how they feel.

                                            >But your schedule and the unseen 'rules' regarding how a princess behaves puts playful banter with the lower classes out of the question.

                                            >You never understood that part of being a royal.

                                            >Why do you have to act better than everyone else? Why can't you just be friends with those under your command?

                                            >There's always the danger of letting a potential assassin get to close to you, but is that small risk really worth alienating yourself from your own people in such a way?

                                            >Touring the city and inspecting shops, asking ponies the same trivial questions about how business is faring and how they feel about the current state of affairs might seem nice to them, but to you it's just odd. Don't they want to talk to their princess some more without bowing all the time?

                                            >Sighing, you keep on moving, the bedroom and it's sole inhabitant await you.

                                            >Even Shining Armour has taken to being a dutiful prince in recent months.

                                            >You love that stallion more than words can convey, but all his duties make him so tired.

                                            >Almost distant.

                                            >He still gets the gleam in his eye whenever he sees you, and the sight of him makes your heart flutter.

                                            >A loving husband, an adoring people and a life of luxury that most ponies can only dream of.

                                            >Does it make you selfish to want to just take your husband and abandon everyone?

                                            >To just run away with Shining to somewhere more quiet and live out the rest of your lives in peace?

                                            >Anon doesn't think so.

                                            >...

                                            >Anon...

                                            >An amazing person to say the least.

                                            >You haven't felt that relaxed in... Well, forever.

                                            >The last time you did was during your childhood, back when you sent sappy love notes to Shining and the only thing you had to worry about was whether he liked you back.

                                            >Feel yourself smile at the thought of both Anon and Shining.

                                            >Smiling turns into a fully fledged grin at the mental image of Anon entering the dining hall.

                                            >He looked so nervous, it was adorable.

                                            >You wouldn't mind running away with him either.

                                            >...

                                            >You stop dead in your tracks.

                                            >The door to your bedroom is facing you, and your eyes are wide with shock.

                                            >Did you just...

                                            >No.

                                            >No, Cadence.

                                            >Looking left and right, there are no guards patrolling this floor.

                                            >You sit on the floor, your back leaning against the heavy oaken doors leading to your beloved.

                                            >Resting your head in your hooves, you try to untangle the situation in your mind.

                                            >Funny, easy to talk to, relaxing.

                                            >Anonymous was one of the few beings you had met that you felt truly safe around.

                                            >The others being Twilight and Shining.

                                            >But are you really going to rank him so highly after a single dinner with him?

                                            >You've only just met him!

                                            >What are you thinking?!

                                            >You furrow your brow in frustration, a feeling of dread forming in your stomach.

                                            >Was it even dread at all?

                                            >Closing your eyes, it hits you.

                                            >You've only spent your entire life studying its effects, and learning how to incorporate it into your magic.

                                            >Despite every instinct telling you no, and despite it making not a shred of sense.

                                            >You had gone and fallen in love with Anon.

                                            >The ape you had known for a day.


                                            >Stare at the floor for a good 30 minutes.

                                            >Why him, though?

                                            >He's not even the same species as you.

                                            >And your heart belongs to another.

                                            >Does a heart have room for two lovers?

                                            >Lovers...

                                            >Listen to yourself.

                                            >Already plotting to court another when you are already married.

                                            >MARRIED, CADENCE.

                                            >Yet in the face of such overwhelming reason against it, your mind wanders back to Anon.

                                            >And stays there.

                                            >His laugh, his smile, his voice, his clothes, his smell, the way he eats.

                                            >The sense of dread from before only builds up the more you remember about him.

                                            >And it shocks you how much you were paying attention.

                                            >Every little detail about your encounter with him is fresh in your mind, and replaying relentlessly.

                                            >Is it true love?

                                            >Impossible. You belonged to Shining Armour, and he to you. Your love was strong enough to defeat an army.

                                            >But here you were. Fawning over some exotic newcomer like a schoolgirl.

                                            >You're a monster, Cadence.

                                            >Are you really so prepared to throw away everything for a shot with someone you barely know?

                                            >Your mind screams no, but your heart tells you yes.

                                            >The torn emotions swell inside you like a volatile mixture, threatening to burst out of your chest.

                                            >Take a deep breath and raise your head, resting it against the door and looking at the ceiling.

                                            >You are in love with Anonymous.

                                            >As well as with Shining Armour.

                                            >They both fill you with a feeling of joy, and you cherish them more than you cherish yourself.

                                            >Letting out your breath, you feel a lot better having admitted that to yourself.

                                            >The real question is: What are you going to do about it?

                                            >You can't just throw yourself into Anon's arms. Shining Armour would be devastated.

                                            >But then again...

                                            >...Shining Armour won't be awake for another day or so.

                                            >You have a whole day without him, and there probably won't be another rat catastrophe that will so conveniently put Shining out of the way and give Anonymous to you on a silver platter.

                                            >As much as you detest (and love) to think of such a thing, you have a perfect opportunity to fix your little 'problem'.

                                            >Are you really thinking about doing this?

                                            >As you ask yourself that question, you gaze at the ceiling.

                                            >Crystal chandeliers dangle from up high, and the roof has the most beautiful patterns carved into it.

                                            >As you study them closely, your mind works the situation over and over again.

                                            >You could lose Shining.

                                            >You could lose Anon.

                                            >You could lose both of them.

                                            >Was it worth it?

                                            >Does this little bump in the road really concern you so much that you would risk throwing away your life, as well as your heart?

                                            >The scandal would be of unimaginable proportions.

                                            >Celestia would be ashamed of you for abusing your position.

                                            >Twilight probably wouldn't ever look you in the eye again.

                                            >Your gut is telling you to forget this unscrupulous business and to just wait until Shining is awake again.

                                            >But the mere thought of passing up such an opportunity fills you with fear.

                                            >It's possible that you'll never see Anon again after this.

                                            >He might leave and never come back.

                                            >Your training as a princess seems to be falling apart, as your mind concocts a thousand situations where you fail, causing you to panic even more.

                                            >Anonymous might not even like you that way, he might push you away and glare at you with those beautiful eyes of his.

                                            >But why, in the face of so much potential misery and suffering are you so determined to see this through?

                                            >Your head droops again, and you let out a final sigh, whispering to no one but yourself in that quiet, empty corridor.

                                            "Such is the nature of love..."


                                            >Morning comes.

                                            >Stretch and yawn, your hand covering your mouth as you kick off the covers and get out of bed.

                                            >That was probably the best night's sleep you've ever had.

                                            >Hell, you would class that as one of the best nights altogether.

                                            >Ate well, slept like a baby and managed to get a princess to cry on your shoulder. All in a single night.

                                            >Who's awesome?

                                            >...Well, not you.

                                            >You'd better apologise to her and be as sincere as possible.

                                            >She was most likely overworked from stress due to the rats.

                                            >Yeah that must be it.

                                            >Getting dressed with the clothes from your bag and walking out of your room, you ask a guard for directions to the dining hall.

                                            "Sorry, I kinda forgot."

                                            >The guard rolls his eyes and points down a corridor.

                                            >"Three lefts, two rights, straight on, door at the end."

                                            >Nod and try your hardest to remember what he said.

                                            >Nudge open the door and poke your head around it.

                                            >The table is empty, but there's still food out.

                                            >Creep over and start helping yourself.

                                            >As you chew on a fruit roll, the door behind you opens.

                                            >Turning, you see Cadence.

                                            >She stares at you for a few seconds, unblinking.

                                            >What is she--

                                            >Oh shit you started without her.

                                            "Bluh buhh!"

                                            >Crumbs go everywhere as you try to speak with your mouth full.

                                            >Cadence giggles then catches herself, almost like she didn't mean to.

                                            >Another second passes, and she shuts the door behind herself, trotting towards you with a confident smile.

                                            >"Good morning!"

                                            "Bu--"

                                            >Swallow what's in your mouth.

                                            "Sorry, I was -really- hungry."

                                            >The alicorn beams at you.

                                            >"Quite alright, Anon."

                                            "Listen, I also have to apologise for last night."

                                            >She cocks her head, a quizzical look taking hold.

                                            "I guess I sort of took advantage of you in a vulnerable state, what with your husband asleep and the empire recovering from a rat infestation and all."

                                            >Cadence raises an eyebrow and gives you a wry look.

                                            >"I assure you, Anon, last night was one of the most genuine moments of my life."

                                            "...Oh... Well then, I guess... Uhh."

                                            >Look around before picking something up off the table.

                                            "Fruit roll?"

                                            >You hold out the palm of your hand, the roll resting in it.

                                            >Cadence, rather than taking it with magic, leans her head forwards and--

                                            "Uhh."

                                            >Eats straight from your hand.

                                            >Once she's finished, she licks the crumbs from your palm and fingers, then smiles sheepishly at you.

                                            >"Apologies, guess I was just hungry as well."

                                            >She smirks and walks past you, her tail wrapping around your leg slightly as she passes.

                                            >"I was hoping we could just spend some time together today. Shining Armour is still very much asleep, and I've cleared my whole schedule just for you!"

                                            "No offence, but, why?"

                                            >Cadence is still for a moment, and you fear you might have done something upset her.

                                            >Instead, she turns back around, a few bits of celery floating next to her with a small, happy look on her face.

                                            >"No reason."

                                            >The pony pops a few pieces of veg in her mouth and talks over her food.

                                            >"I was thinking we could just talk. In the retiring room."

                                            "Retiring room?"

                                            >She swallows.

                                            >"A nice little abode on the other side of the palace. Lots of books and comfy cushions to sit on."

                                            >That's... Odd.

                                            "Okay? Anything else?"

                                            >Cadence gazes at you for another awkward second before letting out a cheerful response.

                                            >"I'm sure something will come to us. So, are you coming?"

                                            >You don't feel like you really have a choice. She just cleared her entire day for you.

                                            "Yeah, yeah, okay. Let me just grab a few more cakes."

                                            >With a breakfast of sugar and cake mix inside you, you follow Cadence across the palace towards this 'retiring room'.

                                            >You can't help but notice the way she walks.

                                            >With a sway to her hips.

                                            >Her tail swishes from side to side, and you're ashamed to admit you saw what sat behind it.

                                            >Rather than risk being caught looking at the princess' package, you whistle softly to yourself and look around the corridors at the various artworks on the walls.


                                            >He agreed to come!

                                            >With a skip to your step, you lead him through the winding passageways of the elaborate palace.

                                            >Last night ended with a bit of a revelation.

                                            >You loved Anonymous.

                                            >And even if you did consort with him, it's not like Shining would ever find out, right?

                                            >Even as you think that, you start having regrets.

                                            >Being torn like this hurts.

                                            >You're happy that you're going to have some alone time with Anonymous.

                                            >But on the over hoof you're cheating on Shining Armour during a moment of weakness.

                                            >It's not fair though.

                                            >All your life you have been forced this way and that. 'Destiny' led you to lead an empire, and you had no say in the matter. The princess of Equestria herself decreed that you lead them. You can't go against her word!

                                            >Plus you went and ended up marrying the stallion of your dreams.

                                            >But now Anonymous has entered the mix, and despite your life being perfect you just want to feel like you're capable of doing something on your own for once.

                                            >A single, brash decision. Just one moment in your life that wasn't leading up to something greater.

                                            >Just one moment of freedom before you plunge back into your perfect world of husbandry, royalty and routine.

                                            >That's all you ask.

                                            >Are you -really- that selfish for wanting this one little thing?

                                            >A small voice in the back of your mind screams yes.

                                            >But you squash it out.

                                            >You're going to do this, and you're going to enjoy every second of it. Then you're going to say goodbye to Anonymous and get on with your life.

                                            >And Shining Armour will be none the wiser.

                                            >What he doesn't know can't hurt him.


                                            >Why won't this feeling of dread go away?


                                            >You follow Cadence for a long time, and her movements are confusing.

                                            >Sometimes she skips, other times she slows down slightly and just trots for a while, then gets straight back to skipping and swishing her tail.

                                            >If you've learnt one thing about her it's that there's more to her than meets the eye, so you'd like to think you're prepared for whatever she's got installed for you.

                                            >Finally, you stand outside a simple looking door tucked away in a quiet corner of the castle.

                                            >Cadence turns to you, her face flushed and eyes... Damp.

                                            >"Well, here we are! The best part is that it's totally soundproof for the readers inside to concentrate on what they're doing! Y-you do like reading, right?"

                                            "Sure I do. I lived with Twilight for like a month. Kind of -had- to like reading in order to survive."

                                            >You grin at her, expecting a laugh in response.

                                            >But to your puzzlement, no such thing occurs, instead, Cadence just quietly opens the door with magic and nods towards the room.

                                            "Right, of course."

                                            >Taking your cue, you enter.

                                            >It's a quaint little room.

                                            >A rich assortment of dark brown bookcases line the walls, crammed with ancient tomes you wouldn't be able to comprehend.

                                            >Some sort of pillow mound sits in the centre.

                                            >Deep red pillows that look just as inviting as the room itself.

                                            >The door shuts behind you, and you hear a quiet click.

                                            >Cadence walks past you and sits on the cushions, smiling your way.

                                            >Take a seat next to her, leaning back on your arms and spreading your legs out across the bed of soft fabrics.

                                            >A moment of silence between you both is proceeded by the princess clearing her throat.

                                            >Somehow, the chemistry between you both had evaporated since last night.

                                            >"You look good today!"

                                            >What?

                                            "Thanks... You too."

                                            >Glance around.

                                            "Sooo, what do you want to talk about?"

                                            >Cadence doesn't answer you, she just stares longingly at you.

                                            >You meet her gaze and see the face of what you can only describe as a broken mare.

                                            >Tears flow freely from her eyes, and her entire body is trembling.

                                            >Shocked, you move in to comfort her.

                                            >She hurls herself into your arms and weeps.

                                            >Her form shakes from her muted sobs and all you can do is stroke her back, trying to figure out what's wrong.

                                            >Did you do something? Was it your attitude towards her last night?

                                            >Cadence's cries are muffled by your clothes, and you feel a dampness seep through the fabric, pressing against your skin.

                                            >She pulls back and looks up at you, her mane a mess and her eyes swollen.

                                            >"I-I can't do it, A-Anon. I j-just can't."

                                            "Do what? I don't understand--"

                                            >"I can't love you."

                                            >For some reason you expected her to laugh. You expected her to burst into merriment and say "Got you!" like she would have done last night.

                                            >Instead, she sniffs and awaits your response, her breaths as uneasy as the atmosphere around you.

                                            >You like to think you're a witty person, but you really can't think of anything to say, so you just pull her close again and let her hug you.

                                            >Her words echo in your mind.

                                            >Was that what it was? Her sudden attachment to you? Her fluctuating behaviour?

                                            >You can't make heads or tails of it, and as the pony on your lap squeezes you tight, refusing to let go even for a second you can't even pretend to understand what she must be thinking.

                                            >Stroking her head, you speak out to her in a quiet voice.

                                            "Cadence?"

                                            >She looks up, her tears dried by your shirt.

                                            "What do you mean by 'love me'?"

                                            >The mare sniffs and tries to smile, but only succeeds in making her lips quiver.

                                            >"I l-love you, Anon."

                                            >Once more your quick brain full of puns and quips fails you.

                                            >You so desperately want to make a joke to liven the mood, anything to pull her out of this misery she's created, but you can't bring yourself to do it.

                                            >"B-But I love Shining Armour as well."

                                            >Attentive, you watch her face carefully.

                                            >"And I don't know what to do."

                                            >She shudders and hugs your waist even tighter.

                                            >"I just w-want to feel f-free again, but I don't want to hurt Shining Armour. A-and I don't want to push you away."

                                            >At that moment, you realise.

                                            >Her relief in talking to you last night, the carefree and joyous laugh.

                                            >Then this morning with her erratic behaviour.

                                            >This pony is locked in a system that she can't control.

                                            >She feels forced into everything she does, and can't enjoy the simple pleasures she craves.

                                            >With that, you can empathise with her.

                                            >This shattered, defeated mare just wants to live her own life.

                                            >But she doesn't know how.

                                            >She never has.

                                            >A life trapped in destiny and expectation. A depressing existence surrounded by wealth, love and fame that she can't control or savour.

                                            >You wrap both arms around her and return her hug, pressing your lips against her head and holding her close, as if trying to protect her from the life she so very much hates and loves at the same time.

                                            "It's okay, Cadence."


                                            "I'm here for you."


                                            The End.