Attend the ball

Cadance looked at herself in the mirror. She looked incredible, and she knew it. For occasions of state like this, she had to impress and convey the dignity of her throne. She didn't want any visitors thinking that Equestria couldn't afford to spoil its royalty, after all. Impressions of power matter. Consequently, even some of the royal jewels had been broken out for the occasion. A silver and ruby tiara graced her head, a long midnight blue dress wrapped around her body, trailing behind her on the floor, radiating beauty and elegance.

Downstairs, Cadance could hear the faint strains of music and the hubbub and chatter of assorted guests. It was quite an event and there was at least a hundred and probably two hundred people downstairs, all leading citizens of Equestria or visiting dignitaries, plus a large coterie of staff and servants.

Turning to Shining Armor with a smile, her husband offered her his arm which she took. "It'll be fun." "Mm, I certainly hope so, dear. I appreciate you making the effort. I know you're not much for parties sometimes." *Hopefully it'll be more than fun*, Cadance thought to herself as the royal couple descended a carpeted spiral staircase, flanked by two royal guards turned out in their best dress uniforms.

The ball was a bit of a whirlwind. The fanfare trumpets signalled the royal couple's arrival and Cadance felt herself relax, enjoying the music, making conversation, and not worrying too much about anything. That was the whole point of a ball, right? To celebrate the freedom to waltz in fancy clothes, to eat and be merry, free from the cares of the world. Cadance was good at that. Nothing ever worried her too much or for too long. A drink helped even more.

Still, Cadance's mind, and her body, wanted what they wanted. She had definitely managed to spot a couple of prime cuts in the ballroom that she would definitely enjoy spending some time with. Was it worth picking out a stud and escaping the proceedings?