Canterlot had won. The changelings had failed in their attempt to overthrow the unicorn capital. Chrysalis was now the queen of a starving hive cut down to one third its original size, and everyday brought another death.
 
It was all her fault too.
 
At first, her sole focus was protecting her hive and their territory from the possibility of a counterattack. She was ready for anything. The sun could fall on them at a moments notice. an army of unicorn soldiers could arrive and magically rend their world apart. The elements could banish them them to the far reaches of space.
 
She told herself they’d survive, they’d make it through what ever came their way. She was ready.
 
or so she thought.
 
Instead of armies, solar death rays, and angry alicorns knocking at her doorstep, she was informed that a changeling scout had spotted a unicorn emissary walking towards their outpost, and he was carrying a white flag, a representation of peace.
 
This greatly confused chrysalis, and she reacted with defensive measures just in case. The hive’s protection came first after all. Sadly, with so few soldiers and civilians remaining, it was hardly intimidating. The climax came and went without notice. the unicorn guard stopped short of their rickety outpost and levitated a scroll over to one of her soldiers. he cautiously accepted it and hoofed it over to his queen.
 
The scroll read:
 
“To her royal highness, Queen Chrysalis.
 
We, the Alicorns three, wish to have a summit with thee. Thou can accept or decline, but know we only seek peace and harmony. IF thou accepts, bring yourself and a changeling guard with our emissary back to canterlot. Be assured that no harm will befall thee so long as thou means no harm to us or our citizens.
 
On the eve of the seventh sunset, we will meet in the Canterlot main throne room and begin our peace talks in private.
 
If thou declines…We will be disappointed, but no military might will befall those of you who remain. Any and all changelings that are in Canterlot at this time will be detained and politely asked to leave or given citizenship as an equestrian changeling.
 
We send our regards,
 
Princess Luna, Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance.”
 
Chrysalis was quiet for quite some time after that. The emissary waited patiently, but as the minutes turned into an hour he began to frown. Soon he stood, stretched and shook his mane before looking to her directly.
 
“Your highness, I must return to Canterlot soon, do you have an answer for the princesses?”
 
Chrysalis nodded numbly, and turned to her next in command.
 
“Fetch my regalia from the vaults, I’m going to need it.”