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"Shining! Cousin, wait up." Raven called out, catching Shining jr walking down one of the halls.
Shining stopped and turned to him with a smile, "Raven, what can I do for you?"
"I wanted to go on a stroll with you, do you have time?" Raven returned a light smile.
"Sure, I have some time to spare, let's go." Shining and Raven began walking side by side, Raven led them to the far side of the garden where it seemed isolated.
"Have you seen the special flowers that grow over here? They're a beautiful sea blue and the pattern looks like raindrops." Raven stood before the flower, turning to Shining.
"I haven't noticed these before, but I also don't spend much time in the garden." He chuckled but Shining wasn't stupid, he knew this wasn't a spontanious walk. "Raven, we don't have to beat around the bush, what's so private you need to tell me?"
Raven nodded, "I knew you'd catch on, cousin. I don't need to tell you anything but rather I want to ask you smething, I thought you'd appreciate it being kept under wraps though."
"Well now I'm more curious, what's your question?" Shining raised an eyebrow.
"Why Princess Nina? You could've had any creature in Equestria but you chose your blood enemy, why?" Raven said it simply, keeping his voice down.
Shining tensed up, Raven shouldn't know about this. He wasn't around. "How.. what do you mean?"
"Shining, you don't need to play dumb, I know she's Rosegold's mother." Raven watched Shining's body stand on edge.
"What do you want? How did you find it out? Are you trying to blackmail me?" Shining spewed out questions, sweating a little.
Raven shook his head, "None of that, I don't want anything from you. I'm hurt you think of me like that, all I want to know is why? I don't really care for the blood feud between our empire and Sombra. I'm just curious."
Shining searched Raven's face for deceit but he couldn't find anything in his unwavering expression, Shining glanced over his shoulder. "Will you tell anyone if I answer your questions?"
"Sure, I wasn't planning on telling anyone for Rosie's sake though." Raven sat down.
"Don't tell me she knows too," Shining rushed closer to him, "Right? She doesn't know?"
Raven shook his head, "She was there when I found out."
"Someone's going around telling everyone?" Shining seemed to loose the color in his face.
"No no no, Rosie's just a smart girl and figured it out herself. After all, she has a keep sake from her mother to connect the dots."
Somehow that relived Shining, only a tad that it wasn't be spread around or all his effort to protect her would be wasted. "I figured she find out, I was hoping it wouldn't be sooner than later." Shining sighed, finally taking a seat as well.
"Now that your mind's a little more at easy, tell me why her?" Raven tried again.
Shining bit the inside of his cheek, "When I first met her, I thought she was just a tourist. She was breathtaking, she had a certain energy around her that made me think I had to know who this mysterious girl was. And once we had a conversation, my heart told me she was special. But she left soon after, and the next time I saw her was Gardenia's coronation. She somehow looked even more beautiful in her regalia, I even laughed to myself because I complimented on her 'accessories' only to find out it was part of her marknigs, my first impression to her I probably looked a fool," Shining smiled to himself, "I hung out with her in secret, and I could tell she was different, nothing like Sombra. She must have inherited her mother's personality. I foolishly thought we could have a future together but apparently I am not a good judge of character. I fell ill, but I didn't know why. For months it felt like I was in and out of consciousness even though I could still walk around."
"What happened to you?" Raven asked, trying to contain his investment.
"She poisoned me- she was poisoning me with a special tea. Somehow Gardenia found the antitode and when I came to, she was fighting Gardenia. She told them we were engaged, and then I didn't see her for what felt like forever. She strained my sisters' relationship with me and yet I still longed for her. Soon enough, she came around again except I didn't get to catch a glance of her, it wsa when she dropped Rosegold off on my blacony. And that's it, I haven't seen nor heard from her since."
"That's... wow. It seems like she either did like you at some point or she's a really good manipulator and was taking the long ride." Raven commented while nodding. "Don't worry though. I know what could happen if the word got out, and besides I said I'd take full responsiblity if anything were to happen regarding this."
"Why would you-... Gardenia told you didn't she?" Shining looked back to the palace.
"I won't say, but there was a price to pay for the information." Raven stood up, "We should be getting back, they might notice if we're gone too long."
Shining was stuck in his thoughts on the way back, why would Raven want the information in the first place? Surely he's got an alterior motive, and he told Rosegold. As well as he somehow got Gardenia to tell him in the first place, his head was spinning. Nothing will go wrong, nothing will go wrong, he tried to convince himself.
-----------------
At the same time, early that morning Gardenia sat on her throne, yawning quietly as they had an early visitor. Gardenia fixed her posture once the doors opened and a stallion walked in. He walked before her throne and bowed, when he stood up straight his eyes were glued to the floor and his head lowered.
"Greetings Empress Gardenia. I am Princ- I mean Emperor Albus Alma Dawn of Shi mǎ." He spoke softly.
"Shi ma? You visit me from far away, I'm honored. What can I do for you Emperor?" Gardenia asked.
"My kingdom, it's not doing well. I humbly ask for your assistance, Empress Gardenia. I've heard of your kindness and hope you can spare me some today." His head bowed lower.
Gardenia glanced to the side where Comet stood, who looked back at her equally puzzled. "Emperor, we are an ocean and mountain range away, surely a neighboring kingdom could've offered you support."
He shook his head no, "On the contrary, I'm afraid. Once my grandmother passed, our land began to wither, our harvest as been weak and we face hostile invasion."
"If your lands are withered, there's no use in sending new crops, what is it that you're asking, Emperor Dawn?" Comet chipped in.
He bowed quietly to Comet now, "It is a selfish request but I hope that her majesty will grant my people a home in the Crystal Empire, safe from those who wish to take away everything from us."
"You want me to take in your whole kingdom? Emperor, our empire is big but I'm not sure-"
"Forgive my rudeness but it's not as big as you imagine, Empress." He almost looked up at her but kept his eyes down, desperation cracking into his voice. "It's merely the size of your outskirting towns. If you were to grant us land we can live humbly on the mountain line, away from your citizens. As long as we can be here, we can deal with any conditions." He spoke faster.
"What are you willing to give for her highness's kindness in such a big matter?" Cherry Carnation, Gardenia's newest council member finally spoke. "Our Empress is kind but due to the circumstances, there must be something we gain considering your people will require more resources."
"I am willing to give her majesty anything I can manage, she may use me and my people as she wishes. We will be at her disposal." He pauses, "I will even be her humble servant if she wishes."
Cherry and Comet looked to Gardenia who seemed to be thinking, "I will take your offer into consideration, you will get your answer once I've had time to speak with my council."
"Your majesty, please my people can't wait too long." He pleaded.
She raised her hoof to silence him, "This isn't a matter I alone can have input on, the elders may want to be involved on the desicision as well. I will give you an answer as soon as I can. You are dismissed."
He bit his tongue, refraining from possibly offending his only chance and simply bowed again and left.
Gardenia stood up and walked down to Comet and Cherry, "Can you two handle matters for me? I'm going to go tell the elders about this."
"Are you sure? One of us could inform them," Comet offered.
"I need to stretch my legs, don't worry." Gardenia smiled and walked out, instead of going to the elder's hall though she went to Amore's room. She knocked on the door gently, hearing a 'Come in' soon after.
Gardenia walked over to see her grandmother laying in the sun provided by her large window. Amore greeted with a smile, "Gardenia, come bask with me."
Gardenia went over and sat beside her, "Grandmother, may I discuss a political matter with you?"
Amore closed her eyes, turning her face to be in the sun, "Is this a matter you think the elders won't agree with you on?"
"Technically, you're a supereme elder so if I have your approval I should be fine." Gardenia cheekily smiled.
Amore chuckled, "I suppose you're right, very well let me hear it."
"Do you know the land of Shi ma?" Gardenia asked.
Amore nodded, "The graceful Mistmane's home, yes I know it. Why? Is Empress Sable Spirit here? She must not be in her prime anymore."
"It seems she has passed, her grandson Albus Alma Dawn is here instead. He requests their kingdom come here for refuge against their hostile neighbors."
"Hm, let me think. Shi ma... their neighbors should be a few villages around, all quite small. The biggest one would probably be the the Kirin's valley. In that case, he must have quite the delima on his hooves."
Gardenia nodded as she listened, "I see... do you think it would be wise to allow them in then? He requested to be along the mountain line, even offering himself as a servant to me for his people."
"He seems selfless and humble, kind and thoughtful of his people and realistic about their chances of winning if a battle should break out. I see no reason not to let them in." Amore looks at Gardenia. "Doesn't it feel nice to soak up some sun every once in a while?"
"It does, thank you grandma. I appreciate your thoughts." She stood up, "What should I do with him though? I'm not sure how good a newly appointed Emperor can be as a servant."
"You could always use a husband." Amore loosk at her playfully. "It'd probably please his people if they have the reassurance that he is still able to look after them from the palace."
Gardenia's face flushes, "I- If that's the case I can just put him in a high position."
"Like~?" Amore says, leaning on her hoof enjoying teasing her.
Gardenia pauses, "Council, he could be my unicorn council member. Then I'd be able to kill 2 birds with one stone, the support of his people and completing my council."
"Ah so you like him enough to trust him as a council member? Interesting." Amore chuckles.
"Grandma- Since we're done here I have to return to my Empress duties." Gardenia bashfully leaves.
"An Emperor would be make it easier!" Amore calls out, fullly laughing to herself now. She continues to smile even after the door's closed.
-----------------
"Mully, Mully I can tell you anything right?" Mulberry walked into Rosegold's room only to see her stressed and looking off her balcony. He wasn't sure what happened to her but it seemed serious enough.
"Of course, Rosie. What ever it is, you can always tell me. What happened?" Mulberry leaned down and put his hoof on his shoulder.
She looked back at him, with a confused expression, he tried to guess what could have possibly happened and even expecting the worse. "I- um, it's my-"
"Rose-" Shining burst into the room, seeing Mulberry. "Oh sorry, I didn't realize you were in here too, could you leave us be for a moment Mulberry?"
Mulberry stood up and glanced at Rose, "Of course, your highness. I'll be outside."
"Ah it's almost lunch could you go the kitchen and see what it's going to be? Flurry's stomach's been upset so can you give them a headsup?" Shining said surprisingly calmly.
"As you wish, your highness." Mulberry bowed his head and left, Shining closing the door behind him and sat in front of Rosegold.
"I see we need to have a talk." Shining starts.
Rosegold's ears fold back and she hugs him. "I went behind your back- I'm sorry dad- I just- I wanted to know- I'm so sorry."
"It's ok, my Rosey posey, I should've known that you're smart enough to find out yourself." He sighed, "Were you going to tell Mulberry?"
She quietly nodded, "It's been eating me up... Plus I never keep secrets from Mully. Can I just tell him? Please?"
"I know you trust him, but he won't react well Rosie. I know he loves you but there's no telling how he'll react to the news I just know it won't be good." Shining pressed his horn gently against hers. "If you need to talk about it or have any more questions, I'll tell you. There's no point keeping secrets between us, you're all I have left."
Rosegold backed away and looked at him, "Did she trick you? Or did Sombra do something to you, dad? Was I made to manipulate you? Have I always been a pain to you?" She teared up.
"Nonsense, Rosie. You have never been a pain to me. Your mother- I thought we were in love, I thought we could have a future life together so I want you to know you were made from love, with the hopes of a great future. It's my fault that it's anything less than that." Shining kissed her forehead.
Rosegold put her hooves on his face and pulled him close to her, "I love you dad, you've been the bestest dad I could ever ask for. Thank you for my life. I'll make you proud, I promise."
He smiled and chuckled tiredly, "You already have. I'm so proud of how strong my dear daughter is. She's everything I hoped for and more, such a good girl. I love you too Rosie."
They hugged once more and this time just sat there, no words spoken but a few silent tears did fall as Shining looked out the window.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another part another day in the crystal empire! Lots to read once again xD I hope it's fair since it feels like there wasn't a lot to say the past couple of parts.
I finally thought of a way to introduce Albus Alma Dawn ~ Long name I know lmao he was made by the wonderful Dazey-The-Goat !

~Enjoy the picture and have a good day!~

Description
"Shining! Cousin, wait up." Raven called out, catching Shining jr walking down one of the halls.
Shining stopped and turned to him with a smile, "Raven, what can I do for you?"
"I wanted to go on a stroll with you, do you have time?" Raven returned a light smile.
"Sure, I have some time to spare, let's go." Shining and Raven began walking side by side, Raven led them to the far side of the garden where it seemed isolated.
"Have you seen the special flowers that grow over here? They're a beautiful sea blue and the pattern looks like raindrops." Raven stood before the flower, turning to Shining.
"I haven't noticed these before, but I also don't spend much time in the garden." He chuckled but Shining wasn't stupid, he knew this wasn't a spontanious walk. "Raven, we don't have to beat around the bush, what's so private you need to tell me?"
Raven nodded, "I knew you'd catch on, cousin. I don't need to tell you anything but rather I want to ask you smething, I thought you'd appreciate it being kept under wraps though."
"Well now I'm more curious, what's your question?" Shining raised an eyebrow.
"Why Princess Nina? You could've had any creature in Equestria but you chose your blood enemy, why?" Raven said it simply, keeping his voice down.
Shining tensed up, Raven shouldn't know about this. He wasn't around. "How.. what do you mean?"
"Shining, you don't need to play dumb, I know she's Rosegold's mother." Raven watched Shining's body stand on edge.
"What do you want? How did you find it out? Are you trying to blackmail me?" Shining spewed out questions, sweating a little.
Raven shook his head, "None of that, I don't want anything from you. I'm hurt you think of me like that, all I want to know is why? I don't really care for the blood feud between our empire and Sombra. I'm just curious."
Shining searched Raven's face for deceit but he couldn't find anything in his unwavering expression, Shining glanced over his shoulder. "Will you tell anyone if I answer your questions?"
"Sure, I wasn't planning on telling anyone for Rosie's sake though." Raven sat down.
"Don't tell me she knows too," Shining rushed closer to him, "Right? She doesn't know?"
Raven shook his head, "She was there when I found out."
"Someone's going around telling everyone?" Shining seemed to loose the color in his face.
"No no no, Rosie's just a smart girl and figured it out herself. After all, she has a keep sake from her mother to connect the dots."
Somehow that relived Shining, only a tad that it wasn't be spread around or all his effort to protect her would be wasted. "I figured she find out, I was hoping it wouldn't be sooner than later." Shining sighed, finally taking a seat as well.
"Now that your mind's a little more at easy, tell me why her?" Raven tried again.
Shining bit the inside of his cheek, "When I first met her, I thought she was just a tourist. She was breathtaking, she had a certain energy around her that made me think I had to know who this mysterious girl was. And once we had a conversation, my heart told me she was special. But she left soon after, and the next time I saw her was Gardenia's coronation. She somehow looked even more beautiful in her regalia, I even laughed to myself because I complimented on her 'accessories' only to find out it was part of her marknigs, my first impression to her I probably looked a fool," Shining smiled to himself, "I hung out with her in secret, and I could tell she was different, nothing like Sombra. She must have inherited her mother's personality. I foolishly thought we could have a future together but apparently I am not a good judge of character. I fell ill, but I didn't know why. For months it felt like I was in and out of consciousness even though I could still walk around."
"What happened to you?" Raven asked, trying to contain his investment.
"She poisoned me- she was poisoning me with a special tea. Somehow Gardenia found the antitode and when I came to, she was fighting Gardenia. She told them we were engaged, and then I didn't see her for what felt like forever. She strained my sisters' relationship with me and yet I still longed for her. Soon enough, she came around again except I didn't get to catch a glance of her, it wsa when she dropped Rosegold off on my blacony. And that's it, I haven't seen nor heard from her since."
"That's... wow. It seems like she either did like you at some point or she's a really good manipulator and was taking the long ride." Raven commented while nodding. "Don't worry though. I know what could happen if the word got out, and besides I said I'd take full responsiblity if anything were to happen regarding this."
"Why would you-... Gardenia told you didn't she?" Shining looked back to the palace.
"I won't say, but there was a price to pay for the information." Raven stood up, "We should be getting back, they might notice if we're gone too long."
Shining was stuck in his thoughts on the way back, why would Raven want the information in the first place? Surely he's got an alterior motive, and he told Rosegold. As well as he somehow got Gardenia to tell him in the first place, his head was spinning. Nothing will go wrong, nothing will go wrong, he tried to convince himself.
-----------------
At the same time, early that morning Gardenia sat on her throne, yawning quietly as they had an early visitor. Gardenia fixed her posture once the doors opened and a stallion walked in. He walked before her throne and bowed, when he stood up straight his eyes were glued to the floor and his head lowered.
"Greetings Empress Gardenia. I am Princ- I mean Emperor Albus Alma Dawn of Shi mǎ." He spoke softly.
"Shi ma? You visit me from far away, I'm honored. What can I do for you Emperor?" Gardenia asked.
"My kingdom, it's not doing well. I humbly ask for your assistance, Empress Gardenia. I've heard of your kindness and hope you can spare me some today." His head bowed lower.
Gardenia glanced to the side where Comet stood, who looked back at her equally puzzled. "Emperor, we are an ocean and mountain range away, surely a neighboring kingdom could've offered you support."
He shook his head no, "On the contrary, I'm afraid. Once my grandmother passed, our land began to wither, our harvest as been weak and we face hostile invasion."
"If your lands are withered, there's no use in sending new crops, what is it that you're asking, Emperor Dawn?" Comet chipped in.
He bowed quietly to Comet now, "It is a selfish request but I hope that her majesty will grant my people a home in the Crystal Empire, safe from those who wish to take away everything from us."
"You want me to take in your whole kingdom? Emperor, our empire is big but I'm not sure-"
"Forgive my rudeness but it's not as big as you imagine, Empress." He almost looked up at her but kept his eyes down, desperation cracking into his voice. "It's merely the size of your outskirting towns. If you were to grant us land we can live humbly on the mountain line, away from your citizens. As long as we can be here, we can deal with any conditions." He spoke faster.
"What are you willing to give for her highness's kindness in such a big matter?" Cherry Carnation, Gardenia's newest council member finally spoke. "Our Empress is kind but due to the circumstances, there must be something we gain considering your people will require more resources."
"I am willing to give her majesty anything I can manage, she may use me and my people as she wishes. We will be at her disposal." He pauses, "I will even be her humble servant if she wishes."
Cherry and Comet looked to Gardenia who seemed to be thinking, "I will take your offer into consideration, you will get your answer once I've had time to speak with my council."
"Your majesty, please my people can't wait too long." He pleaded.
She raised her hoof to silence him, "This isn't a matter I alone can have input on, the elders may want to be involved on the desicision as well. I will give you an answer as soon as I can. You are dismissed."
He bit his tongue, refraining from possibly offending his only chance and simply bowed again and left.
Gardenia stood up and walked down to Comet and Cherry, "Can you two handle matters for me? I'm going to go tell the elders about this."
"Are you sure? One of us could inform them," Comet offered.
"I need to stretch my legs, don't worry." Gardenia smiled and walked out, instead of going to the elder's hall though she went to Amore's room. She knocked on the door gently, hearing a 'Come in' soon after.
Gardenia walked over to see her grandmother laying in the sun provided by her large window. Amore greeted with a smile, "Gardenia, come bask with me."
Gardenia went over and sat beside her, "Grandmother, may I discuss a political matter with you?"
Amore closed her eyes, turning her face to be in the sun, "Is this a matter you think the elders won't agree with you on?"
"Technically, you're a supereme elder so if I have your approval I should be fine." Gardenia cheekily smiled.
Amore chuckled, "I suppose you're right, very well let me hear it."
"Do you know the land of Shi ma?" Gardenia asked.
Amore nodded, "The graceful Mistmane's home, yes I know it. Why? Is Empress Sable Spirit here? She must not be in her prime anymore."
"It seems she has passed, her grandson Albus Alma Dawn is here instead. He requests their kingdom come here for refuge against their hostile neighbors."
"Hm, let me think. Shi ma... their neighbors should be a few villages around, all quite small. The biggest one would probably be the the Kirin's valley. In that case, he must have quite the delima on his hooves."
Gardenia nodded as she listened, "I see... do you think it would be wise to allow them in then? He requested to be along the mountain line, even offering himself as a servant to me for his people."
"He seems selfless and humble, kind and thoughtful of his people and realistic about their chances of winning if a battle should break out. I see no reason not to let them in." Amore looks at Gardenia. "Doesn't it feel nice to soak up some sun every once in a while?"
"It does, thank you grandma. I appreciate your thoughts." She stood up, "What should I do with him though? I'm not sure how good a newly appointed Emperor can be as a servant."
"You could always use a husband." Amore loosk at her playfully. "It'd probably please his people if they have the reassurance that he is still able to look after them from the palace."
Gardenia's face flushes, "I- If that's the case I can just put him in a high position."
"Like~?" Amore says, leaning on her hoof enjoying teasing her.
Gardenia pauses, "Council, he could be my unicorn council member. Then I'd be able to kill 2 birds with one stone, the support of his people and completing my council."
"Ah so you like him enough to trust him as a council member? Interesting." Amore chuckles.
"Grandma- Since we're done here I have to return to my Empress duties." Gardenia bashfully leaves.
"An Emperor would be make it easier!" Amore calls out, fullly laughing to herself now. She continues to smile even after the door's closed.
-----------------
"Mully, Mully I can tell you anything right?" Mulberry walked into Rosegold's room only to see her stressed and looking off her balcony. He wasn't sure what happened to her but it seemed serious enough.
"Of course, Rosie. What ever it is, you can always tell me. What happened?" Mulberry leaned down and put his hoof on his shoulder.
She looked back at him, with a confused expression, he tried to guess what could have possibly happened and even expecting the worse. "I- um, it's my-"
"Rose-" Shining burst into the room, seeing Mulberry. "Oh sorry, I didn't realize you were in here too, could you leave us be for a moment Mulberry?"
Mulberry stood up and glanced at Rose, "Of course, your highness. I'll be outside."
"Ah it's almost lunch could you go the kitchen and see what it's going to be? Flurry's stomach's been upset so can you give them a headsup?" Shining said surprisingly calmly.
"As you wish, your highness." Mulberry bowed his head and left, Shining closing the door behind him and sat in front of Rosegold.
"I see we need to have a talk." Shining starts.
Rosegold's ears fold back and she hugs him. "I went behind your back- I'm sorry dad- I just- I wanted to know- I'm so sorry."
"It's ok, my Rosey posey, I should've known that you're smart enough to find out yourself." He sighed, "Were you going to tell Mulberry?"
She quietly nodded, "It's been eating me up... Plus I never keep secrets from Mully. Can I just tell him? Please?"
"I know you trust him, but he won't react well Rosie. I know he loves you but there's no telling how he'll react to the news I just know it won't be good." Shining pressed his horn gently against hers. "If you need to talk about it or have any more questions, I'll tell you. There's no point keeping secrets between us, you're all I have left."
Rosegold backed away and looked at him, "Did she trick you? Or did Sombra do something to you, dad? Was I made to manipulate you? Have I always been a pain to you?" She teared up.
"Nonsense, Rosie. You have never been a pain to me. Your mother- I thought we were in love, I thought we could have a future life together so I want you to know you were made from love, with the hopes of a great future. It's my fault that it's anything less than that." Shining kissed her forehead.
Rosegold put her hooves on his face and pulled him close to her, "I love you dad, you've been the bestest dad I could ever ask for. Thank you for my life. I'll make you proud, I promise."
He smiled and chuckled tiredly, "You already have. I'm so proud of how strong my dear daughter is. She's everything I hoped for and more, such a good girl. I love you too Rosie."
They hugged once more and this time just sat there, no words spoken but a few silent tears did fall as Shining looked out the window.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another part another day in the crystal empire! Lots to read once again xD I hope it's fair since it feels like there wasn't a lot to say the past couple of parts.
I finally thought of a way to introduce Albus Alma Dawn ~ Long name I know lmao he was made by the wonderful Dazey-The-Goat !

~Enjoy the picture and have a good day!~