Authors Note:
Double Chapters to celebrate the New Year.
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POV Rio
After the strange actions of the palace servants, we expected to possibly have to fight our way out, but nothing of the sort happened. I kept an eye, and it seemed they reported to their leader, and that was about it. They didn't seem anymore hostile than they were originally, so we didn't make it seem like we were ready for a fight. The staff came back and acted as if nothing happened, but they did act a bit off with me. They seemed oddly... scared... but not for themselves but for me. Like I was made of glass. I also felt a strange amount of pity for myself and distaste towards my companions.
'What the hell is up with these people?'
The mixed signals were not making me feel any more confident in this situation. The only thing preventing me from leaving was the fact that they hadn't mobilized a large amount of their troops. Or at least not towards us. They did seem to cut off all entrances from the lower city into the palace, which I found a bit strange.
'Are they keeping us from going deeper? If so, why? If it came to a fight, we would obviously flee the city, not go deeper. A trap then?'
The situation was growing increasingly bizarre. But before too much could happen, I was told the Princess would see me now. I was also told that I can only bring 2 people with me. I was initially skeptical, but I also understood the logic behind it. I chose to bring Guto and Quiet with me. Cait was annoyed with this, but I knew she might not be able to keep her mouth shut and might make things a bit... complicated. This was royalty we were dealing with, and I didn't want to take any chances. Quiet was as her name implies, quiet. And Guto carried the panic button staff.
"Right this way," says a maid as we are led towards the throne room.
We reach two massive doors that slowly open to reveal a nice throne room with a very open and surprisingly friendly feeling to it. And at the throne sat the Princess. She looked a whole lot like Princess Cadance, but I would wait to see if she was just a look-alike or the real deal.
[Throne Room Picture]
"Now announcing the arrival of Lord Rio of Earth," says a herald at the door.
The Princess looks down from the throne with massive, sprawled wings. Her nose was pointed slightly upwards, and she was staring right at me. We give a polite bow but don't prostrate before her. The herald doesn't seem bothered by this. At least not that much.
"There is no need to bow between equals. I must admit I am surprised to see another member of royalty. Especially one that comes from beyond the wall. So tell me, Lord Rio, what news do you bring from the wastelands?" Cadenza asks.
"There is not much to say. The world beyond your walls is a frozen wasteland where no life exists. My visit here was because I was quite shocked to see life still existing on this planet," I reply.
"Planet? That is an interesting way to word it," Cadenza says with some curiosity.
"Yes, you see, I come from another world. One called Earth," I reply.
"Truly? Another world... Pray tell, what is Earth like?" Cadenza asks with some excitement leaking into her tone, only for her to quickly suppress it.
"It is very different from this world. We still have plant life. And we don't have to hide beneath a bubble to protect ourselves. The sun shines on us, and while we get snow, it is only in the winter," I say with a smile.
"The sun... I always wanted to know what the sun looks like. We have been living in this city for nearly 1200 years. You are the first visitor in nearly 200 years. And surprisingly, the last one was an Alicorn as well. Perhaps this is a sign... You come to us at the turn of a new age. I have seen it, heard it. And with this new age, I know troubles will follow," Cadenza says while looking out the window.
"Perhaps we can help each other," I offer.
That suggestion gets her to refocus on me, and I see her crystal blue eyes stare right into mine.
"You? I don't mean to be harsh, but a Stallion cannot be expected to endanger itself like that," Cadenza casually drops.
I freeze for a moment and realize something I had completely overlooked until now. I hadn't met a single male since coming here. And the males I did see were all in the city, almost exclusively in homes doing chores and the like.
'Oh. So that's why the staff panicked. I was not just a male. I was male royalty, and I basically disrobed in front of them. They were also probably surprised I was a male Alicorn.'
I could sense a massive feeling of confusion from Quiet. Guto, on the other hand, quickly adapted and seemed to figure out what I did.
"Ehem, well, you see, in my world there isn't such a... difference between male and female roles. We all work as one to ensure survival," I reply diplomatically.
"Of course. I am not one to believe such nonsense, but that is the sentiment that many of my subjects hold. Even my staff was... unsettled, with the idea that you came from the wasteland. So I must apologize ahead of time for any trouble my people might cause you. I also ask that you keep your... royal status, secret," Cadenza explains, and I was relieved.
'Oh, thank god that was just an example. This would have gotten really awkward if it continued down that path.'
"May I ask why?" I ask.
"My rule... Is not the most popular at this time. There are whispers in the dark. They speak of revolution. An end to my rule. If a new Alicorn were to appear at this time, I fear..." Cadenza says with hesitation.
"It could cause the revolt to start immediately. I am curious as to why they wish to overthrow you," I ask bluntly.
"My kingdom has a long history of royalty. But those before me were Unicorns. They had limited lifespans and, as such reigns. I have ruled for over 100 years with no signs of old age. Those I rule over wish to see a change in leadership, as I have refused to empower certain tribes over the others. The Pegasi see that I was a Pegasus before I ascended and demand that I side with them and give them more privileges. The Earth Ponies are... struggling, and I have tried to help them. But they see my help as meddling and an attempt to wipe out their culture. The Unicorns wish to see a return of the previous Unicorn-led kingdom. The Griffons are uninterested in the affairs of the kingdom and refuse to support me. The Krirns are uninvolved as always, and everyone prefers it that way. The Thestrals are my biggest supporters right now, but they are one of the smaller tribes in the kingdom," Cadenza explains.
"Yeah, that sounds pretty bad. You mentioned the Earth Ponies were struggling. Why?" I ask.
"When the city was founded, it had a lot of various tribes that didn't like each other and preferred to stick to their own tribes. The city only had so much space, and as such, not everyone could live here. Despite the cramped living conditions, a truce was made, and some tribes slowly started to open themselves up to each other. Intermarriage became more and more common. Which helped prevent medical issues. But... Not all tribes did so. The Earth Ponies refused to intermarry, and those who did were exiled from the tribe. At first, this worked to keep them the strongest tribe. But over the generations, the fertility rates dropped, and still births were growing in number until now, where they haven't given birth to a new foal in over a decade. I have tried to resolve this issue in any way I could. Negotiations. Incentives. Government Programs. All of them failed because the tribe leadership forbade them. They see my attempts at helping as a means to erase their culture and their tribe," Cadenza explains.
"I don't get it. Why would they think you were trying to erase them? I mean, I could somewhat understand the fear about their culture, but the tribe?" I ask.
"Sigh. It's because of an old study done around the time of the city's founding. It has been thoroughly debunked by now, but the Earth Ponies refuse to acknowledge it. The study suggested that Earth Ponies who marry other tribes have a very low rate of Earth Pony births compared to other tribes. Thus, they think that any marriage with another tribe is an attempt to replace them with non-Earth Ponies," Cadenza explains.
"And is there any truth to it?" I ask.
"Technically, yes. But the difference is minor. Not much more than a few percent, and those born are almost always born incredibly healthy. The original study heavily overstated the numbers and cherry-picked results to fit their narrative. It has been debunked by hundreds of scientists over the years, but most of the Earth Ponies refuse to accept that. Most of the previous monarchs ignored the issue and were on average, hoofs off in their governing. I have been more active, but only because I want to improve the lives of my subjects," Cadenza argues.
"How can you be so certain of the percentage if Earth Ponies rarely intermarry?" I ask.
"The study came out during my reign and used our extensive records of births to get an accurate estimate of Earth Pony births," Cadenza says firmly.
"Fair enough. I am willing to stay at your palace for a few days. If possible, I would like my guards to be permitted to explore the city," I request.
"Granted. The Griffons shouldn't cause any issues. I will have some of my guards escort them through the city. They must follow our laws while they are in my kingdom," Cadenza replies.
"That should be no problem. My entourage is well-disciplined and won't cause any issues on purpose," I reply.
POV Cadance
After Rio agreed to my terms, we had nothing more to discuss, which was a bit unfortunate as it was nice to speak so freely. As he was an equal in rank, I could drop some of my usual stiff royal talking. But I had to admit his existence was so... Strange. I mean, Alicorns are rare, but everything we knew about Alicorns suggested they were only female. Even the ancient records suggest only mares can ascend.
As Rio leaves the throne room, I hear my head maid, Star Detail, speak.
"You can lower your wings, Your Highness," Star Detail says with a smirk that knows I can't.
"Ehem, I am only maintaining my royal decorum, is that not what you are always... correcting me on?" I reply while avoiding her eyes.
"You were about to say something very unladylike, weren't you?" Star Detail catches me immediately.
"Sigh. I hate how observant you are," I reply with a huff.
"Oh, stop pouting, you know I am only doing my job. Now come here so I can help you deal with your wings," Star Detail replies.
"I don't know what you are talking about," I reply.
"Princess, I have been alive for over 60 years. I know how pegasi respond to certain stimuli. And I am not shaming you, but we should deal with this before you get a cramp," Star Detail explains bluntly, and my face turns a bright red.
I nod and follow her to my room.
"Honestly, kids these days. Always so stuffy about these things. You know, back when I was a spry young mare, I used to..." Star Detail starts to tell her stories of her youth as a young maid, and I am stuck between furiously blushing, intrigue, and a bit of disgust.