King Sombra x Pegasus Reader

Chapter 19

As Sombra left Canterlot castle, me draped securely over his back, I heard him let out a sigh of relief. 

"Let's get out of here," he whispered. Without waiting for an answer, he used his magic to tether me to him and he began to run. My hooves bounced against his flank as we sped past the rubble of what used to be Equestria's most prided city, fire still licking at every building, blood still pooling from every doorway. 

I forced myself to look away, Celestia's warning about Sombra still fresh in my mind. He wasn't a monster. He couldn't be. It was all just self-defence against the royal guard. Nodding to myself, I looked over to where the exit of the city was getting closer and closer. 

We passed through the archway and came to a stop. 

"This will get us home faster than by hoof."

I turned my head to see what looked like a chariot. It reminded me of the ones Celestia has, pulled by pegasi in the royal guard, yet this one was made of dark crystal, and pulled by what looked like some kind of phantom pegasi...

His magic has gotten stronger...

Sombra gently lifted me from his back and into the chariot, which he then stepped into and brought off the ground. As soon as it began to move, he looked down at me, making sure I wasn't somehow bleeding to death. I gave him a questioning stare in return and he averted his eyes.

Though that kiss was- incredible, it seemed to make things a little awkward between us, like an official document of sorts had been signed. That and how much more confident he was acting was making this reunion all the more uncomfortable. What happened while I was gone? Was he hiding something from me?

"You seem deep in thought."

I looked up, forgetting that Sombra was right beside me.

"I'm just- thinking," I said, not sure what else to let out. He hummed in acceptance  and turned his attention back to the charted course ahead of us. 

I glanced back at Canterlot, a sea of smoke and ash, and felt a guilty pang in my chest. Even if it was in self-defence, there was so much blood... So many ponies must have died...

Why can't I figure out if that's the fault of Celestia or Sombra? 

I bit my lip. I had no idea if any of the information being fed to me was true or not anymore. A paranoia has set in and I can't shake it. Celestia has to be wrong about Sombra using me, right? The bond we share- it has to mean something to him too, otherwise he would never have risked his life to come for me. 

Sombra cares about me. I know he does.

I slowly shuffled into a better position and closed my eyes, knowing the flight would be a while.

Sombra shook me awake, smiling. "We're almost there. Can you stand?"

"I don't know," I rasped, swallowing to get rid of my dry throat. Sombra helped me up and I looked over the side of the chariot.

My mouth opened in shock. It wasn't the cave that we were headed for. It was the Crystal Empire. And it was covered head to toe in Sombra's power. 

"Welcome home," he whispered in my ear, rubbing his muzzle against my cheek as I stared, frozen, at the newly conquered kingdom.