Some Progress · 7:51pm Aug 10th, 2022
I'm still just getting started with this, so don't get your hopes up for a new chapter anytime soon.
But I thought y'all would like to see that I have gotten some writing done. 
"You know, Pokey-poo, it's simply outrageous what I do for you and for all of ponykind." Chrysalis twisted this way and that to take in her complete look in the vanity mirror, and she gave the reflection a smug smile. "I mean, just look at me! The very image of stunning elegance and reserved grace, called upon to make a public appearance before dignitaries and potentates once again." Her magic plucked a tube of lip gloss from the selection of cosmetics on the table before her as she spoke, and in one smooth motion, she applied an even layer on her bottom lip, then pressed her lips together several times to ensure an even coating. "Perfect isn't easy, but it certainly is me."
Out of the corner of her eye, Chrysalis watched as Hokey Pokey rolled his eyes, but her smile grew when his gaze returned to her. Despite all of his professed annoyance at having to foalsit her during this visit, he certainly didn't have any problems with enjoying the view, and that was a fact she was was going to exploit to the fullest.
"Naturally, when one knows the world is watching, one does what one must," she went on, her magic snagging several bobby pins as she pulled her mane into an stunning updo. "Some minor adjustments, darling, but not for my vanity, of course."
“Of course,” Pokey replied dryly. “How very thoughtful of you.”
“Aren’t I?” she coyly shot back. “But when all the world says ‘yes,’ then who am I to say ‘no?’ Clearly, the dignitaries that Sunbutt and that Bean have invited are positively starved for a Queen of the highest caliber, and just look how my breeding shows! Oh!” She threw a dramatic hoof to her forehead, her magic plucking a large green bottle from the table and removing the stopper. “Sometimes it’s too much for even me!”
“I very much doubt that.”
“Are you insinuating that I am doing this for my own benefit?” she asked in faux surprise. “My dear Pokey-poo! I thought you knew me better than that.” Her attention moved back to the floating bottle before her, and with a grin, she splashed a generous helping of the liquid onto her left foreleg.
“Chrissy, everything you do is for your own benefit.” Pokey moved from his position, a confused look slowly coming over him as he approached her. “And what in Equestria are you doing to yourself?”
“What, this?” Chrysalis shook the bottle, placed it back on the vanity, and then grabbed a nearby terry towel. “This is me proving my point, my succulent snack. As I recall, you were rather smitten when you found me in your shower, covered with that horrid armor wax. This,” she paused as she briskly rubbed one leg with the towel, “is how I achieve the same look without all of those waxy nasty side-effects.”
The Queen couldn’t hold back a small laugh of delight when she pulled the cloth away and admired the results. The all-natural and removable polishing agent she had found had brought her chitin to a glorious shine, and even she admired how the light of the room flared off of her leg. With a hummed note of glee, she quickly ran the towel through the holes in her leg, inspected her handiwork for any missed spots, and then snagged the bottle again to repeat the process on her other foreleg.
“The bigger question I have right now is why you’re doing this,” said Pokey. “We aren’t feeling a bit jealous that the crystal ponies sparkle more than you do, are we?”
“Of course not,” Chrysalis said through a strained smile, her attention fully fixated on her furious buffing process. “Though it will be a pleasant side benefit. I’m doing this because of you.”
“Hey, don’t try to pin your bizzare motivations on me.”
“Oh?” Pokey had inadvertently walked right into her trap, and now it was time to snap him up. She stuck her nose in the air slightly, and her tongue licked the rim of her lips. “Then why am I tasting so much delicious lust in the air right now, hmm?”
Pokey’s cheeks turned a bright red, and he snapped away from her, with some grumbling, half-hearted denial that wasn’t going to fool anypony, especially himself.
Chrysalis had to laugh at his embarrassment, but she couldn’t help but notice that it was a warm, joyful laugh instead of her usual cackle.
Not that she minded how it sounded, or how much she enjoyed how it felt.
“C’mon, lovercolt.” Chrysalis floated the bottle in front of his nose and shook it back and forth a few times. “Since you like what you see so much, why don’t you help me out and start working on my back? Be gentle around my wings.”
* * ✹ * *
“Are you done admiring yourself yet?” Hokey Pokey asked as he donned his helmet. “It’s time to head down to dinner.”
“Must I?” Chrysalis said to her reflection in the mirror, and she twisted so she could flick her tail across Pokey’s nose. “I could just stand here and admire myself all evening long. Or better yet, I could stand here, let you admire me, and then snatch up every last drop of love you have.”
“Don’t get any ideas,” Pokey warned. Though he could somewhat conceal his blushing under his handsome royal purple coloring when out of uniform, it was impossible to hide any hint of red when he was Royal Guard white, but Chrysalis hoped he’d still try to. He was cute when he was embarrassed. “Remember, if you’re not on schedule, Sergeant Stonewall and the Crystal Corps ponies will beat the door down and haul you away.”
Chrysalis sighed, but she stepped towards the mirror to inspect her mane for loose hairs. “I suppose you’re right. Besides, I shouldn’t keep all of this fabulousness to myself! It simply demands to be shared with the world!”
“Shall we, then?” he asked with an exaggerated motion towards the door.
“So, what is on the menu for this evening?” Chrysalis asked as she turned and moved to leave. “It doesn’t really matter, of course, since all of your pony food tastes the same to Changelings, but if it’s something extravagant, I can swipe some love from the guests as they enjoy the meal.”
“Curry,” Pokey flatly said while they stepped into the hallway, where the rest of Chrysalis’ escort detail was waiting. “Nothing but curry for as far as the eye can see.”
Chrysalis stuck her tongue out at him. “Look, if you don’t want to tell me, then—” pshe cut herself off when an unexpected taste tickled her tastebuds, and she sniffed the air.
“Now what are you doing?” Pokey asked with exasperation.
“Shut up. There’s something…” she sniffed again, glanced down the hallway towards the source of the smell, and grinned. “Or, rather, there’s some buggy here that shouldn’t be.”
This is great start, a really good one. Can't wait to see more.
Thorax is d.e.a.d.
Woof Ruff Ruff Ruff!
Pokey should be howling.
5678923
Well, I am in the opening stages of writing, so this could happen...
Uh Oh, Chryssi's on the hunt for her little lost drone lmao. In all seriousness, I can't wait to see how this scene plays out