• 40+ Great Fanfics to Read for Shiny and Cadance Day!


    Want something to read today? How about a Cadance fanfic? It's the only place you will find her shipping with Chrysalis! How wonderful.

    Get around 40 of them below! As usual, these are all different from last year, so if your fav isn't here, it might be over there.





    Slice of Life



    Guardian by Skywriter
    Somewhere in the deep, dark foundations of the Crystal Castle, Princess Cadance finds herself a perfect mother.

    Proud Mother of a... Changeling? by Digital Ghost
    Cadence and Shining Armor visit one of their generals and his wife in the hospital to give their congratulations on the new born foal. However... the visit wasn't as routine as they first thought.

    The Two Who Know by taterforlife
    Princess Cadance likes to keep her palace doors open for any subjects that may want to speak with her. But on this particular day, she gets a visit from a certain Draconequus...
    And sheesh, is his heart loud!

    You Can't Have Everything Your Way by Xepher
    When Cadance comes to foalsit Twilight Sparkle, she finds the young filly playing a pretend game of cards with her stuffed animals. Curious, Cadance joins the game, only to find Twilight is far more serious about her betting than she lets on. Can she help Twilight learn what's really valuable?

    Dear Small Pony Book by Carapace
    Dear Small Pony Book,
    Hello. My name is Thorax. I am a changeling formerly of the Badlands Hive, ruled by the terrible Queen Chrysalis. Nowadays, I am fortunate to call the Crystal Empire home, and their Royal Family my friends.
    Since I'm rather new to living in pony society—without orders to infiltrate, of course—my new friends have been doing their very best to help me get acclimated to this strange, alien way of life. To this end, Princess Cadence has instructed me to tell you of my experiences so that we might use this as time to reflect together. However, I do find it strange. How am I to discuss my day to day interactions with a book? Especially one without a name? You can't not have a name, that would just be rude. So, I will just have to figure one out for you.
    I'm not sure why Cadence is laughing at that, or why Shining Armor is groaning. This is a very serious issue.
    These ponies are strange. But I don't think I'd have them any other way.

    The Luna Papers by CoffeeBean
    With Celestia out on vacation for a week, Cadance sees a fine opportunity to spend some time with her Auntie Luna, who's now in control of Equestria for that time. She's always known Luna to be a bit... different, but she never thought she'd find herself suspecting her Auntie Luna of trying to take over Equestria again. Is she simply over-thinking things, or is something truly the matter with Auntie?

    Post Negative Comments Only by Estee
    Cadance isn't Sombra. But Sombra's leadership is all the crystal ponies remember, a ruler they had to love at all costs, with the final payment being their own lives. And as they gradually come to see their new Princess as leader instead of savior, too much of that residual fear is being transferred to her. They praise her, adore her, refuse to correct her no matter what she does -- because they live in terror of the consequences for doing anything else. They have yet to find their own voices, and may go on repeating hers until Celestia and Luna switch shifts. So how can she make them tell her when she's wrong, see that there's nothing to be afraid of, and take the next step in coming back to themselves once and for all?
    Forbidding them to do anything other than criticize her should do the trick, right?
    ...right?

    This Side of the Mirror by Baal Bunny
    After learning about their human counterparts in the world beyond the mirror, Cadance and Shining Armor begin to wonder about the pony counterpart of Abacus Cinch.

    The Adventures of a Reluctant Foalsitter by CharmingChaos
    When shy Princess Cadence is told she has to help out with a fundraiser for school, she isn't quite sure what to think. She doesn't even know if she's good with kids. When she meets her first clients, the studious, firm Sparkles, she really doesn't think much of her new job. But that's only because she hadn't seen their adorable filly.Soon afterwards, she meets Twilight's even more adorable older brother.

    Making Up a Bedtime Story by lord_steak
    A certain baby princess doesn't want to go to bed, even though it's past her bedtime and she's super sleepy. With Cadance already ready to just hit the sack, it's Shining Armour's turn to put Flurry Heart to bed. He should have picked a bedtime story first...

    The Price of Motherhood by Rao the Red Sun
    Flurry Heart returns home after a visit with her Aunt Twilight. She's noticed an interesting difference between her mother and her aunts, and sits down to have a talk about why exactly Cadance is the odd mare out.

    Don't Grow Up Too Fast, My Child by Flutterpriest
    Princess Cadance wakes up to care for Flurry Heart in the middle of the night, but notices something. She's growing. This makes her realize her little baby isn't going to stay little for very long, and thinks ahead to all of the wonderful things yet to come.

    Shining Armor Follows His Muse by Chengar Qordath
    Shining Armor is an eager young officer in the Royal Guard, fresh out of the West Hoof Military Academy. When his mother asks him to help family friend Vinyl Scratch deal with an overenthusiastic admirer, he jumps at the chance to aid a damsel in distress. Perhaps he'd have second thought if he knew just how much of a mess he would be getting himself into...

    Cheering Section by mayorlight
    Unbeknownst to their peers at Canterlot High and Crystal Prep, Vice Principal Luna and Dean Cadance take belly dancing classes. Fearing ridicule, they keep their hobby a secret, yet they still long to have friends and loved ones attend their recital...





    Comedy



    Game Day by Baal Bunny
    Relaxing after a rousing session of "Ogres & Oubliettes," Spike, Big Mac, Discord, and Shining Armor begin questioning certain of their life choices. Not all their life choices, of course: just certain of them...

    On The Importance of Spelling by Softy8088
    After a busy day celebrating princess Mi Amore Cadenza's birthday, Shining Armor and his wife take time to wind down, relax, and talk. The topic of their conversation soon moves in an unexpected direction, and the couple finds that their marriage still has surprises in store for them both.

    Breaking Out to Avoid Being Broken In by Justice3442
    An infiltration attempt goes from ‘wildly successful’ to 'weird and confusing' in record time.

    Princess Cadance Turns Right by Between Lines
    Sometimes, looking good can be hard.
    Other times, it's impossible.
    Today, for Princess Cadance, it just became impossible.
    Literally.
    Now, three princesses will confront a world they do not, cannot, understand.
    But that won't stop them trying.

    Starting on the Wrong Hoof by LDSocrates
    After her whole life as one of only two alicorns, Cadance is finally introduced to Luna. To call it awkward would be an understatement of the highest caliber.

    What Do You Do With a Drunken Princess? by Tumbleweed
    Twilight Sparkle hosts a gathering for all the other pretty pony princesses at her magical castle. Sometimes, even royalty needs to let their hair down, right?
    Hitting the liquor cabinet is a very important part of that process.

    Shining Armor's Secret Latenight Gig by naturalbornderpy
    Three nights a week, Shining Armor returns to bed more tired than normal. Annoyed by his complete lack of openness, Princess Cadence goes out of her way to figure out what's going on.
    As it turns out, Shining has been spending all that time with another of Equestria's most popular mares.
    Sort of. Basically. It's kinda complicated.

    Shining DONE! by Aragon
    The day of Shining Armor and Cadance's wedding anniversary is coming. Shining Armor, wants to give his wife a truly exceptional present, so he asks the Royal Guard of Canterlot for help.
    Things get very out of hand from there.

    An Awkward Day by RainbowDoubleDash
    Three hundred years ago, Equestria almost invaded the peaceful and idyllic nation of Cavallia, the homeland of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.
    The invasion would have been accidental.
    It was quite awkward.

    Come (Around) Again by Aragon
    To save Equestria, all Shining Armor has to do is stand in one spot and do nothing.
    A story of a pony's struggle against himself.

    The Fundraiser by Karrakaz
    As a princess, Cadence is used to the slog that accompanies any fundraiser. It's not fun for anypony, but it is important. When it becomes clear that Twilight doesn't have the same issues, Cadence feels like she can enjoy herself a little.
    Although that doesn't mean that she can't help some ponies out in her own little way.

    Celestia Has a Lot of Sex by Pony with a Pen
    No really, Princess Celestia has a lot of sex. Really. Cadance's claims to the contrary are unfounded, wholly false, and her concern over the matter is entirely misplaced. There is absolutely no reason to continue discussing the matter. So let's just drop the subject completely and move on.
    Please.

    Becoming Aunty Celestia by Skywriter
    It is a well-known fact that motherhood changes a mare. In Cadance's case, it seems to be changing her into Princess Celestia.

    A Mistake in Identity by JapaneseTeeth
    Princess Cadance wakes up with a hangover, and some garbled memories of the previous night's events.

    Parenting Is Easy, I Swear by Aragon
    Cadance and Night Light share a pleasant conversation in a café. Everything somehow manages to get really weird, really fast.

    Shining Armor and Son - A Loving Parody by Georg
    Eleven months after their wedding, Princess Cadence and Prince-Consort Shining Armor are visiting the new Princess Twilight Sparkle when an unexpected visitor arrives with a surprise gift for the newlyweds.
    The little bundle of joy is taken a little differently than Chrysalis or Shining Armor expects.
    Having had enough of the “Chrysalis brings home a little bundle of joy for Shining Armor” fics for now, I thought it was high time to deliver a cream pie to the face of this genre. Enjoy.

    My Niece, The Star by Georg
    Princess Cadence introduces a new foal, and gives Twilight Sparkle a lesson on just what is involved in bringing a new princess into Equestria.
    When a stallion and a mare love each other very much and spend the night out under the stars…

    Black Magic by Justice3442
    Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor ask their mutual bedmate Chrysalis to bring them coffee. What they get seemingly defies the laws of known physics and is likely unfit for consumption. This doesn’t stop them.

    Hearts and Hooves Day: The Reckoning by Noir de Plume
    Ruler of an empire. Wife. Sister-in-law. Champion of love. Cadance has many roles, and for one day a year, she gets to shed them all and just... be. So when the sun rises on Hearts and Hooves day and her beloved Shining Armor is nowhere to be found, the pretty pink alicorn starts to see red. And Tartarus hath no fury like a pony princess scorned...

    Martial Bliss by Skywriter
    Shining Armor learns the most important tactical lesson of his life.





    Sad/Dark



    Purpose by wYvern
    After being banished for casting a malignant spell on ponies in a fit of madness, Cadence returns to Equestria. Haunted by her actions and eager to redeem herself, she decides that only by serving ponykind will she be able to regain her self-respect and the trust of her loved ones. In going to Canterlot to face Celestia, she finds Equestria in a state of prosperity... but its ruler is acting strangely.

    Black Hole Sun by SPark
    The newly ascended Alicorn of Love is learning to use her newfound powers, including the ability to see emotions. When Cadance looks at Princess Celestia, though, she's sure that she must be doing something wrong, because what she sees makes no sense at all...
    A brief story about feeling depressed.
    And a continuation of my habit of naming stories after songs which may or may not actually be relevant.

    One Morning by ArgonMatrix
    Princess Cadance and Princess Luna have a talk.

    What Dreams Are Made Of by Posh
    Cadance asks Luna what Flurry Heart dreams about.
    Luna tells Cadance what she wants to hear.

    Cutie Mark Crusader Flower Girls, Yay! by HopeFox
    The Cutie Mark Crusaders are underhoof in the wedding preparations, with nopony letting them help. Princess Cadence rescues them from their boredom by running them through a flower girl rehearsal and talking about their loved ones.





    Shipping



    Honeymoon by Darth Link 22
    As she rides off into the night with her husband, Cadence takes a moment to reflect on how lucky she is, and to assure Shining Armor of how great he is.

    To Befriend the Night by LucidTech
    Submitting to Trials, Tribulations, Lies, Misunderstanding, and Pain. And all these things for one purpose. To Befriend the Night.

    Royal Blood by SPark
    Shining Armor has it pretty good. A beautiful wife, a perfect daughter, and a job he enjoys. But he recalls a night, years past, when discovering a shocking secret about his then-girlfriend almost made him throw it all away...

    That's Not Quite How He Told It... by Calm Wind
    Shining Armor and Princess Cadance are happily married, but how did they first get together? They had an interesting first date that they would never forget.
    How did their first date go? Well, it depends on which one you ask.
    A story of young love and no matter how bad things may go, if you have your heart in the right place, anything is possible.

    Finally, A Quiet Moment by Soothing Stone
    After all the times their lives have been in danger, after all the times their days have been occupied from royal duties, Shining Armor and Cadence finally have a quiet moment with just each other. They can talk about their day, snuggle up, or have cute little fights.
    Of course, given it's Shining Armor and Cadence, it quickly turns into something more serious than that.





    Drama



    All That Lingers by Ice Star
    The night that Cadance discovered the ghost of King Sombra lurking in the Crystal Palace should have been the worst of her life. Her greatest enemy is now lingering in her own home... and she knows that she's going to get to the bottom of this.
    There hasn't been anything going on in the palace for a long time, and the tyrant's ghost will only prove to be a problem... won't it?

    Seven Years by D4ftP0ny
    All things told, Princess Flurry Heart really doesn't have any major problems in her life. Sure, she's a Princess and heiress to the throne of the Crystal Kingdom and potential successor to her mother Princess Cadence, who has been, without question, one of the Kingdom's best rulers since it's inception, but she know she'll grow into that.
    She might have Princess Twilight Sparkle as an overly-enthusiastic teacher who seems to think she can learn everything there is to know in the world before she hits her teens, but Flurry Heart knows that her Aunt Twilight means well and knows that as long as she tries her best the Princess of Friendship will be happy with her.
    All in all, the Princess's life is pretty good, all things considered.
    Now if only she could figure out why she's hearing voices late at night: voices that mention crystals, the sky, and her name...

    A Scratch on Shining Armor by BaeroRemedy
    Vinyl Scratch is alone. Her parents are gone and she's estranged herself from the rest of her family years ago. Now she's fallen on hard times; she spends her days drinking, her nights partying and the intervening time in trouble with the guards.
    After one too many run-ins with the authorities she is assigned a personal guard to help her get her life back on track. The only question is: can she truly be helped, or is she far too gone at this point?





    Adventure



    Reflections by RQK
    "My name is Crystal Faire, but your reality knows me as Flurry Heart. You may call me that if you wish.
    "In some places, I am a monarch all of my own in my prime, I am aged and retired in other places, and I am deceased in others still. I go by many names in each of those realities. I have been to them.
    "My mission is to travel the multiverse and save it one timeline at a time. But the multiverse is breaking down and timelines are collapsing and I do not know why. I have always been a master of time and I have always been on my own, but the past has a habit of catching up and I fear that my lonesome may no longer be enough..."

    Heart of the Dragon General by Tatsurou
    General Iroh. Fire Nation hero. First born son of Fire Lord Azulan. The Dragon of the West. It was thought he would be the greatest warrior in the history of the Fire Nation.
    But all that changed when the war claimed his son's life. This changed him, and he turned his back on the war.
    This was a necessary event. Iroh had a role to play in bringing balance back to the world...but to play that role, he first had to be broken down, so that he could be rebuilt. This truth was self evident in the spirit realm.
    But one particular spirit felt this was unfair to Iroh. The wheels of fate are cruel to those caught in the gears, but this particular spirit felt that Iroh deserved kindness. And so this spirit sent Iroh one who would help him to rebuild himself.
    And so, shortly after his son's funeral, Iroh would find a creature sent by the spirits, the likes of which he never would have imagined...a pretty pink pony princess.
    Somepony to love...and be loved by.

    Princesses Over Queensmouth
    Princess Cadance's life is fraught with intrigue, chaos, and diplomacy. She has been trained for it—educated, prepared, and hardened by her Aunt Celestia. However, all the training in the world couldn't prepare her for real life. Things only become crazier with the return of her formerly exiled and insane Aunt Luna, and she finds herself responsible for her newfound aunt amid the mysteries in the seaside town of Queensmouth.