“Are you not amused, dear knight? Laugh with me, my pet! Hahahahahahaaa!”

Part of a pair of YCH’s I gifted to my friend, featuring his ponysona: Iron Reign in the Nightmare Takeover Timeline, a world in which he sided with the challenger to the throne of Equestria, fulfiling his original mission to end the era of coddling, stagnating peace under Celestia’s rule. Following the establishment of the new order, he has decided that he has paid enough service to demanding spirits, and any claiming to be arbiters of cosmic balance. Instead, he has chosen to pledge his loyalty and oath to his true liege, his beloved princess, Nightmare Moon. X3

Like any true villainous horse, Nightmare Moon always finds time for a proper sinister chuckle for that which amuses her somewhat fickle whimsy. Apparently Iron Reign didn’t find it as funny…or perhaps he’s just trying to impress his mistress with his composure? He’s certainly got a grin tugging at the edges of his snout now, though whether out of mirth or nervousness is anypony’s guess. ^^

He tries not to let her get to him in public, especially since he’s the only pony in her court with the stones to actually sass and backtalk to her and he likes to uphold that reputation. Still, when an alicorn demi-goddess gets right up in his face with such a meaning grin, it’s easy to become nervous with sharp predatory teeth bared right at him…herbivore instinct is a hard to ignore. >///<

Sometimes it’s nice to just feel like warm putty in his princess’ hooves…relationships are give and take after all, and he can’t just be an obstinate snarker all the time. What’s wrong with indulge one’s more vulnerable side to his beloved? Especially when she’s quite compelling and exciting when she’s being scary… X)

Art is by the supremely talented, incredibly patient and surprisingly affordable: TheWandie, thank you for all your hard work! And for the rest of you, if you want quality pony art that won’t cost a month’s pay and your firstborn son, I cannot recommend her enough! :3