Twilight stepped into her room with an exhausted sigh. The smile from the news earlier was still firmly on her face. Inside, she paused for a moment to catch a breath. She wanted nothing more than to lay down after everything that had happened so far, but the day was far from over.

Her eyes drifted around the lavish guest suite she was staying in. Certainly, it was a bit more than she was used to on her visits to the castle, but she certainly couldn’t complain. She made her way over to the bed and placed her hoof on the plush surface. The fine silk of bedsheets felt comforting against the underside of her hoof. “So much has happened already,” she said, turning her head to Dash who followed behind her.

“You knew it would be a big day.” She smiled as she walked close to Twilight. “I guess you just didn’t know how much,” she said with a sly smirk.

“Oh, stop it. You can’t act so condescending when you were worried sick.” Twilight placed her forehead against Dash’s, just enjoying the moment with her fiance. She sighed happily. “I was wondering why you were sleeping on the other side of the bed last night,” Twilight whispered.

Dash pressed her forehead firmly against her fiance's, rubbing her muzzle against Twilight’s as she did so. “Sorry. I’ll sleep right next to you tonight to make up for it, alright?”

Twilight giggled as she pulled her forehead away from Dash’s. “That’s a start.” She leaned in and placed her lips on Dash’s.

Just as she was about to wrap her foreleg around her lover, a soft knock came from the door. Twilight leaned over to see around Dash’s head. Standing in the doorway was Princess Celestia, silently observing the pair with a small smirk on her face. “P-Princess!” Twilight pushed Dash back and stood up straight.

“I hope I’m not interrupting something, Princess Twilight.”

Twilight’s cheeks flushed red. “N-no, nothing at all!”

Dash furrowed her brow and rolled her eyes. “Yeah, nothing at all…” she muttered.

Twilight nudged Dash with her foreleg while keeping a nervous grin on her face. “I-is there anything we can do for you?”

Celestia laughed as she stepped into the room. “Quite the opposite.” She gave a warm, gentle smile. “Since you came to Canterlot for your coronation, we’ve discussed the ceremony, festivities to follow, as well as a few of your new duties, but none of that is particularly useful for a new alicorn. So, I thought that this would be a good time to answer any questions concerning your transformation.”

Twilight paused for a moment as she pondered what Celestia meant. She glanced over to Dash who only shrugged her shoulders. When she looked back to Celestia, she gave her a questioning look. “None really come to mind…”

“While I’m sure Rainbow Dash would be more than willing to help you with wing-care and flying lessons—” the pegasus nodded in agreement, “She won’t be able to help you with everything.”

“What do you mean, Princess?”

“I’m sure you’re aware that your magic is more powerful than before?” Twilight nodded. “The added strength of earth pony magic has probably caused a bit of surprise as well. While your friends may be able to help you cope with these changes, there are some uniquely alicorn problems that may arise.”

“Y-you mean like…immortality?” Twilight gave a concerned look to Dash before turning back to the princess.

Celestia shook her head. “Not all alicorns are like my sister and I, Twilight. I was more hinting to your increased magic reserves. Magic spikes aren’t unheard of for a new alicorn. It can be a lot to get used to and it won’t only manifest through your horn.”

“Magic spikes? Like…”

“Your exam for school comes to mind, but that was a very severe case. I want you to know that if you’re feeling something or have concerns—be it with your ascension or your new position—you can always talk to me about it.”

“Thanks, Princess.”

“What should she do if that happens, though?” Dash interjected, placing her hoof on Twilight’s shoulder.

“I’m not a filly anymore, so I won’t lose control of my magic from my horn—at least not like I did… Practice is the best way to deal with it. Learning to use my wings and my earth pony magic will be the best way to stop it from happening, right?”

Celestia nodded. “There is also another matter that I wanted to touch on, however.” She cleared her throat and subtly directed their attention Twilight’s belly with her hoof.

Twilight’s eyes opened wide at the realization. Slowly, her head drifted downward until her gaze was fixed on the floor. “It never even crossed my mind…” she muttered in disbelief. Suddenly, Twilight’s head snapped back up to Celesta. “P-Princess, what will—”

“I wouldn’t have waited so long to give you bad news, Twilight,” she said comfortingly. “I’m only bringing this up because I’m sure you would have worried about it sooner or later. You’ve also been preoccupied with your change and the coronation, so I didn’t feel it was right to bring it up until after that.” She took another step closer to her former pupil and placed her hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “Your foal should be fine.”

Twilight and Dash both breathed a sigh of relief. “For a second I thought you were going to say the foal would be an alicorn, too…” Dash chuckled.

Celestia laughed playfully. “I didn’t say that, Rainbow Dash.” Dash's and Twilight’s eyes went wide.

Celestia gave them a teasing smile before shaking her head. “Biologically speaking, your foal shouldn’t have been affected. The transformation affects your magic, giving it attributes of all three pony races. The wings and added physical strength are a side effect of that. The little one’s magic shouldn’t have been impacted by the change, however.”

“S-so, what about…” Twilight looked over at Dash before continuing. “Future…passengers?” she said, blushing. Dash’s eyes went wide briefly before looking at Celestia.

Celestia covered her mouth with her hoof and chuckled to herself. “As far as your body is concerned, you are still a unicorn, Twilight. Just with some…additional parts.”

“So, we don’t have to worry about an alicorn foal?” Dash asked, cautiously. Celestia shook her head, and Dash sighed in relief. “Sorry, I don’t know if I could handle a foal flying around and using magic…”

“It could be a bit tiresome, I would imagine.” Celestia nodded in understanding.

“Um, Princess, how can you be sure of this?” Twilight asked, confused. “Alicorns aren’t exactly a common occurrence, so where did you learn this?”

Celestia laughed. Her attention turned out the window towards a tower at the opposite end of the castle. “When Luna and myself underwent our changes, she was also carrying a foal.”

Twilight nodded subtly. “That explains her nephew, I guess…” she muttered under her breath.

“Well, it sounds like good news to me," Dash muttered.

When Celestia looked back, something caught her eye. She gave another sly smile when she noticed something glinting on Twilight’s head. “I also feel there is something else to be said here, Twilight. Congratulations.”

It took a moment for Twilight to realize what Celestia was talking about. She cracked a smile as her hoof touched the ring on her horn “T-this?”

Celestia nodded. “You weren’t wearing that earlier today, so I’m guessing that happened after the ceremony?” Her eyes shifted to Dash, catching the pegasus puffing out her chest proudly and boasting a pleased grin.

“Just before we got back to the room.” Twilight blushed.

“This is a big step, and I am proud that you two are making it.” Her smile turned soft as a bit of seriousness crept into Celestia’s eyes. “Though are you two sure about this after only six months?”

Twilight and Dash’s eyes met, and without even realizing it, they smiled at one another. “Of course,” Twilight replied. “We may have only been dating for six months, but we’ve been friends for much longer.

“Besides, after all the stuff we’ve been through, we should be fine.” Dash took a step closer to Twilight and wrapped her wing around her, pulling her close.

Celestia closed her eyes and gave a small nod. “That’s good to know.” She turned to walk towards the door. But just before she left the room, she faced Twilight and Dash again. “If you have any more questions, I’ll be happy to answer them if I can.”

“I don’t think so…” Twilight placed her hoof to her chin. “I’ll have to see if any come to mind. Maybe I’ll make a list—”

“She’ll get back to you, Princess.” Dash nudged Twilight, reigning her in before she trailed too far off.

Celestia laughed at the pair's shenanigans. “Then I will see you two at the ball tonight.” With a small nod, she left the room. As she walked down the hall, she couldn’t help but think, “At least Twilight found somepony to keep her grounded from time to time.”

Dash shook her head once Celestia was out of the room. “You get way too uptight around her.”

“She’s my teacher. Of course I’m going to get nervous around her, especially after she walked in on us having an intimate moment.”

A sly smile grew on Dash's face. She turned to Twilight and let her wing slide down her fiance’s side, eliciting a small giggle from her. When Twilight finished, Dash moved her muzzle closer to hers. “Speaking of which…” Dash whispered seductively.

Twilight rolled her eyes and turned her muzzle away from Dash’s lips. “We have a ball to get ready for. Sorry, Dashie, but there’s no time to celebrate.”

Dash groaned. “That’s not fair…”

“I was going to cut you off before things got too carried away, anyway.” Twilight placed her hoof on Dash’s chest and stepped back. “But believe me, tonight, I’m going to rock your world.” A devilish grin spread across Twilight’s face.

Dash took a step towards her, getting nose to nose with Twilight. Her sultry gaze stared deep into Twilight’s eyes as she inched closer. “Really now?”

Twilight returned her lover’s gaze, but placed her hoof over her lips to stop Dash’s advance. The flirtatious look in Dash’s eyes vanished immediately. “I’m serious. We need to get ready for tonight.”

“Fine,” Dash said as she rolled her eyes.

Twilight nodded and smiled. “Good, I’m glad you understand.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Dash sat on the floor, her cheeks puffed out. A small scowl sat on her face as she stared at her fiance, barely containing a laugh. “What?”

“You don’t have to pout. We’ve got all night after the ball is over to…celebrate our engagement.”

“That’s true.” Dash shrugged. As she did so, her expression relaxed back to her usual self.

Twilight’s smile grew into a wide grin. “Speaking of celebrating, we’ll need to tell my parents!” She jumped in excitement. “I can’t believe it! They’ll be so excited!”

Dash’s heart dropped in her chest. She winced as she cleared her throat to catch Twilight’s attention. “I…uh…kinda already told them…”

“What? When?” Twilight’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Well, I had to ask them…” Twilight’s gaze relaxed and her disappointment was replaced with surprise. “That’s what you’re supposed to do, right? Ask to marry somepony’s daughter?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes, but…”

“I mean, they don’t know that I asked you already, but they know that I was going to…”

“So, they’re expecting the news then…” Twilight nodded again, this time in acceptance of the situation. “They’ll still be happy,” she reasoned, aloud.

“Yeah, just send a letter to them telling them to come a little early so we can tell them the news.” Dash waved her hoof dismissively. “No problem, right?”

“Spike’s with Rarity, though. She made him a new bowtie and everything for tonight… Besides, we don’t need to send them a letter. We can just talk to them before the ball.”

“That’s even easier.” Dash stood back up as Twilight walked to her.

“You’re awfully relaxed. I guess my parents didn’t give you a hard time when you asked?”

“No way. I mean, your dad was a little skeptical, but he came around.”

“Good. I think they might actually like you, Dashie.” After she placed a quick peck on Dash’s nose, Twilight walked over to the nearby closet. “Tonight’s going to be perfect. So, what did you plan on wearing to the ball?”

Dash sighed. “The same thing I wore for coronation,” she said in a bored tone. She climbed on the bed and rolled over onto her back. A small groan escaped as she stared up at the ceiling. The mention of tonight being perfect made her uneasy. She couldn't shake the feeling that something will go horribly wrong.

“Oh, you’re just wearing your Gala dress?” Twilight asked, a tinge of disappointment in her voice.

Her eyes shifted to Twilight though her head didn’t move. “That a problem?”

“No,” Twilight answered quickly. She looked back in the mostly empty closet. Hanging inside was her fiance’s dress, her own Gala dress, and the dress she wore for her coronation. Twilight sighed as her eyes came to a fourth one. It was hanging in a black dress cover, a dress she hadn’t seen before. “I was just going to wear mine too, but Rarity insisted I have a new dress just for the ball…”

Dash nodded knowingly. “Is that what that other one is?” she asked, still reclining, though her ears were now perked up.

“Yes. It’s Rarity’s design, so I’m sure it will look nice, but…” Twilight trailed off, but Rainbow kept her ears perked up to show she was still listening. “Seems like a lot of trouble when I have a perfectly good dress, you know?”

“Yeah, but you know Rarity.” Rainbow rolled over and shifted to face Twilight. “It’s fine, Twi. It’s your big day, so it's fine to be a bit spoiled.”

Twilight chuckled. “I guess…” Twilight sighed as she levitated the new dress out of the closet. “I suppose we should get ready then…”

Dash groaned. “Already? It’s not for a few hours yet!”

“That’s when it starts. I’m sure I’ll have ponies to meet and things to do before the actual event. Now let’s go.”

She rolled onto her back again. “Sounds boring already…” she muttered as she placed her foreleg over her eyes.

Twilight walked over to the bed “I’m serious, Dashie. Besides, we do have to tell my parents when they get here, remember?”

“I know…” Dash lay there for a moment before peeking out from behind her foreleg. Though she could see Twilight was smiling, she couldn’t quite bring herself to do the same. “Twi, are you sure you want to wear your ring tonight? I just…” Her eyes shifted to the side for a moment. “I have a bad feeling about it.”

“Are you really that jaded with everything that’s happened? I thought you were the optimistic one, Dashie.”

Dash reluctantly laughed. “After the crap with everypony in Ponyville and how your mom and dad reacted, can you blame me? I just don’t want you to have to deal with that again. Especially not tonight…”

Twilight nodded. “No one will find out. Besides, I’m more than sure.”

Dash cracked a half smile. “I guess as long as you’re sure, it’ll be fine, right?”

-----------------------------

As day faded into night and the festivities began, Twilight found herself sitting at a large rectangular table at the front of the grand ballroom. To her left was Princess Celestia and Luna, both paragons of perfect table etiquette. To her right was Rainbow Dash and an elder alabaster mare she had not seen before.

She didn’t have to look farther to see who was on the other side of this mare to know. She could sense the self-important aura even from where she was sitting. “Why did Blueblood have to be up here?” she mentally questioned. Flashbacks of a few interactions with him made her shudder.

Dash placed her hoof on Twilight’s foreleg. “What’s up?”

“Nothing.” Twilight forced a smile.

Dash grinned. “Thinking about how bad it could’ve gone when we told your parents?” she teased.

Twilight shook her head and giggled. Her smile turned genuine in an instant. “Yeah right. I knew they would be happy. Though my mom was a little upset that we ruined her makeup by making her cry.”

Dash chuckled. “She can’t be too angry.”

“No, she can’t,” Twilight agreed.

Her eyes turned to the filled ballroom. The constant chatter and occasional clang of dishes filled the air. The smiling faces of the ponies brought a small smile to her own, but it fell almost hollow when she noticed a table close to the front. Sitting at it was her friends and family. “I wish they could have sat up here with us…” Twilight muttered.

“I’m sorry, Twilight, but the head table is for royalty and their significant others only,” Celestia replied to the idle complaint. “Though your friends are important to Equestria, if they were up here with us, it would show clear favoritism.”

Twilight nodded, but still couldn’t bring herself to stop frowning. As her gaze fell down to the empty plate in front of her, she felt a small nudge from Dash on her right.

“They’re fine. Your mom and dad don’t seem too upset either.” Dash tried to cheer her up, but failed. She sighed. “The new Princess of Equestria shouldn’t be frowning at her coronation ball, Twi…”

“That’s not fair…” Twilight nudged her back.

“She’s right, Twilight.” Celestia gave her a teasing smile, which made Twilight roll her eyes.

Twilight sighed. “Fine. I’ll just try to enjoy the evening.”

Dash motioned to the table with their friends. “I really don’t think they care, Twi. They’re just happy to be here.”

Twilight looked back to the table again. As soon as her eyes met Pinkie’s, the mare stood up on her hind legs and started waving her hoof enthusiastically in the air. Twilight smiled and without even realizing she waved back, though far more reserved than her friend. When Rarity pulled Pinkie back into her seat and gave the ponies around her an apologetic grin, Twilight giggled. “I guess you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right.” A cocky grin grew on Dash’s face as she sat back. “You’re worrying too much—”

The sound of a clearing throat drew everyone’s attention to a small stage. A stallion dressed in a formal suit stood up front, behind him stood a small ensemble waiting patiently by their instruments. The stallion’s horn was glowing, and a small patch of magic resonated around his throat as well. “Ladies and gentlecolts, the formal dining portion of this evening is drawing to a close,” he said in a deep, but soothing voice. “I hope you found everything to your liking as the festivities in honor of Princess Twilight’s coronation are about to commence. Tonight’s entertainment is courtesy of the Royal Canterlot Orchestra.” The stallion stepped to the side and bowed to the audience while presenting the musicians.

After that, music began to fill the air. A team of servants appeared and went to clean the tables. Once everything was tidied, the music swelled as the ball officially commenced.

Twilight laughed nervously. “I hope I’m not expected to be out there…”

“Only if you want to,” Celestia remarked with a small laugh. “It was a tradition among the earth pony tribes for the newly crowned queen or king to partake, but…” Celestia glanced over at Luna.

“I refused during our coronation,” Luna stated bluntly, a small tinge of red visible on her cheeks.

“She still doesn’t dance,” Celestia teased.

Dash leaned over the table to see past Luna. “Did Cadance dance at hers?” she asked with a sly grin.

“Not at my coronation, but Aunt Celestia did make up a tradition that the youngest princess had to share a dance with the captain of the Royal Guard during the Gala one year.” She gave a playful nudge to Shining. Celestia, Luna, and Cadance all shared a laugh as Shining rubbed the back of his head with his hoof.

“That does sound like something you would do, sister.” Luna covered her mouth in an attempt to quell her giggling.

“I could see a spark between them and thought I could give a little helping hoof,” Celestia said after she stopped laughing.

Twilight looked back at Dash. “Did you want to dance?”

Dash laughed nervously. “Not really…”

“Good,” Twilight said with a sigh of relief. “I didn’t want to make a fool of myself on the dancefloor tonight…”

“You’re not that bad.” Dash cracked a smile when Twilight gave her a knowing look. “Okay, you’re pretty bad.”

“Thanks…” Twilight groaned.

Before Dash could reply, they heard the soft sound of a pony politely clearing their throat. Dash turned to the mare next to her. She was older unicorn mare with pristine white fur and a silver mane with a slight blue tint. “Excuse me, but could I have a word with Princess Twilight?” she asked in an overly sweet tone.

Dash looked back to Twilight with a skeptical glance. Twilight shrugged her shoulder, but nodded. “I guess I’ll go talk to everypony else for a bit. You’ve got princess stuff to do, right?”

Twilight nodded with a small laugh. “Go ahead.”

After Dash had left the table, the mare moved closer to Twilight. “Princess Twilight. I’ve heard so much about you,” she said, placing her hoof on the table.

“I’m terribly sorry, but who might you be?”

“Where are my manners.” Her voice carried a distinctly southern drawl, but still carried a refined feel. It was clear she came from money. “I’m Duchess Silver Crown.”

“Duchess?” Twilight mentally noted.

“I’ve never been one for the public sphere,” she said with a small laugh, “but I’m sure you’ve at least heard of my son, Prince Blueblood?”

“Oh, you’re Blueblood’s mother…” Twilight forced a smile. “It’s nice to meet you,” she replied in a friendly tone.

“Likewise.” She smiled back, seemingly oblivious to Twilight’s aversion. “Blueblood has been telling me a lot about you—well, there’s also your escapades. Can’t hardly pick up a newspaper without hearing about you or your friends.” She laughed again placing a hoof daintily on Twilight’s shoulder before letting it fall. She leaned in, looking over her shoulder as she did. “Speaking of which, he’s single, you know—”

“Mother!” The stallion snapped his head in her direction, despite her low tone.

“Hush now,” she retorted playfully. “I swear that boy will never get married.”

Twilight laughed nervously. “Actually, I’m—”

“Already taken?” She raised an eyebrow, though clearly privy to the information already. “I was teasing,” she assured. “It’s been around the rumor mill for a while now that you’ve been smitten with somepony.”

“R-really? A rumor about me?”

“Of course, dear. You're famous,” she said, matter-of-factly.

“I just didn’t realize ponies knew I was…seeing somepony…”

“Well, once the news gets out…” she chuckled. “That, and the ring you’re wearing, darling.”

“Excuse me, your highness, Duchess.” A server approached the table. “Would you care for a drink?” he asked, levitating down a silver platter with two glasses on it. Both glasses contained a golden, bubbling beverage that reeked faintly of alcohol.

Twilight raised her hoof. “I’ll pa—”

“Of course,” Silver interrupted as she levitated two glasses from the tray and passed one to Twilight. “It’s your coronation, Princess.” Her eyes held shifted to Twilight and a small, almost devious smile appeared on her lips.

Twilight scrunched her face slightly as she looked into the bubbling glass. But, politely, she wrapped it in her magic before setting it down in front of her. “I’m not very big on drinking.”

“Princess, it’s your big night,” Silver said, raising her glass in a small toast. “You should celebrate. It’s not everyday you rise to royalty.” She gave a small laugh.

Twilight glanced behind her, hoping Celestia would offer an easy out for her, but she was nowhere to be seen. She looked again, realizing that there was no one behind her. Twilight looked around the ballroom, catching Celestia and Luna meeting with a group of ponies, Cadance and Shining Armor were enjoying themselves on the dancefloor, and her friends were talking amongst themselves and her parents. Anyone who could offer a quick way out of this situation was preoccupied. “Guess I’ll have to handle this by myself.”

Twilight smiled as she raised the glass up and tapped it gently against Silver’s. Once the mare started to drink, Twilight quietly set hers down in front of her.

“Though I am quite surprised,” the duchess said as she lowered her glass. “I never would have thought you would be one for a pegasus.” She gave a devious smile.

Twilight’s eyes went wide. “What do you mean by that?”

“With your upbringing and who you are, it just seems that a unicorn would be more—”

Twilight groaned. “That’s rather rude…”

Silver laughed again. “I don’t mean anything by it. It’s just ponies tend to like similarity is all. A powerful, well respected unicorn like yourself usually settles down with another unicorn.” She swirled the champagne in her glass and took another sip. When she lowered her glass, she saw Twilight glaring at her. ”There’s nothing wrong with it, darling, just a bit of a surprise is all.”

Twilight’s glare softened. “I guess I misunderstood…” she said after a small sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted to do was to get into a heated discussion over her love life with some pony she barely knew nor was it much of her business.

Silver smiled again, giving Twilight a sly look. “Though she seems like quite a catch.”

Twilight cracked a smile herself. “I think so,” she said, giggling.

“So, how long has it been for you two?” she asked, taking another sip of her drink.

“Well, we’ve been dating for about six months, but we have been friends for much longer.” Twilight relaxed a bit in her seat. Though a bit of a gossip, she realized the duchess wasn’t being malicious. “She actually just proposed today.”

“Today?” Silver’s ears perked up. “That seems a little coincidental.”

“She had been planning to propose for a few months,” Twilight assured her.

“That’s good to know.” She stared down at her drink, pausing for a moment as she did so. “I remember when I married Blueblood’s father. The press had a field day with that one.”

“Were you always nobility?”

“The title was bestowed after marriage.” She rest her head against her hoof, staring into her glass with a listless gaze. “After I married Prince Noble Heart, Blueblood’s father, I was given the title Duchess.”

“You don’t seem to happy about that.”

“It’s a meaningless title, unlike yours.” She chuckled, shifting her gaze to Twilight. “So, how far along are you now?” she asked, politely.

“Six months—” Twilight stopped herself, turning to the duchess with wide eyes.

Silver smiled back with a smug smile. “So that one was true too…” She motioned with her head towards Dash, chatting away completely oblivious to the situation. “I’m guessing that sweet little thing over there’s the daddy?”

Twilight’s eyes grew wider. Her heart sank as she opened her mouth to speak. “How did you—” Her voice started to raise, but the duchess just brought her hoof to her mouth to shush Twilight,

“Don’t make a scene now, Princess.” She chuckled unpleasantly. “Most ponies don’t take kindly to this type of news. Especially not from a newly crowned princess.” Silver sat up, tipping back her champagne glass into her waiting mouth. When she finished her glass, she brought over Twilight‘s with her magic. “But maybe we can keep this between ourselves?”

“A-are you blackmailing me?”

“I don’t like using that kind of colorful language. Let’s just say that secrets can make you some friends.” Silver gave Twilight a wicked grin.

“W-why would you—”

“Because being an old, washed-up duchess doesn’t satisfy me. I have almost no say in the government these days—not that I ever had much, even when that bastard was still alive…” She took another gulp from her commandeered glass before setting it down angrily. “Blueblood’s useless. The boy’s little more than a political pawn in case they need some dolt to marry off for a treaty or something. You, on the other hoof, are somepony I might be able to…reason with…” She laughed again, though sounding more hysterical than cheerful.

“You’re blackmailing me for some political power?” Twilight shook her head a bit, trying to wrap her head around the very idea.

She was a new princess. Celestia and Luna were the ones who ran the country. Even Cadance was mostly a figurehead for the Crystal Empire. Twilight was no one in the grand scheme of things, even if she was a princess. “Celestia and Luna won’t listen to me…” she muttered.

“They would listen to you more than me, darling. I’m just their late nephew’s wife and current pain in the flank’s mother. Besides, once you’ve been around for a little longer, you might find yourself having more sway in affairs.” Silver raised her eyebrow at the suggestion, hoping to convince Twilight. “I would just like to have your ear more than other ponies, if you catch my drift.”

Twilight’s eyes shifted from the mare to the ballroom. Around her, ponies were dancing, enjoying themselves, completely unaware of what was happening. Their smiling faces almost hurt, but not because Twilight wished she was in their shoes rather than dealing with this. It was because she had already failed them as their princess. “First day on the job and I’m already being blackmailed…” Twilight closed her eyes.

“Of course, I won’t force you to listen to what I have to say, but I doubt you want this little information slipping out.” She took another gulp of her drink. “It’s up to you, Princess.”

Twilight opened her eyes. She tried to think about other options, but there weren't any. As soon as the conversation took this turn, she knew how she would handle this. Twilight calmly turned to Silver Crown. “I refuse,” she said plainly, causing Silver’s eyes to open wide. “I have more faith in the ponies of Equestria than that. The ponies who know about this have been accepting and understanding after they’ve come to see my reasons behind it. I believe the ponies of Equestria will as well. I won’t let you bully me into being your political puppet.” Twilight pushed her chair back from the banquet table. without even excusing herself she started to leave. “Good day, Duchess.”

Silver’s smile immediately fell flat. She stuck out her hoof, stopping Twilight from leaving. Her eyes narrowed, and that sense of superiority she boasted before turned into vengeful contempt. “You’re making a huge mistake, Princess.”

“Please let go,” Twilight asked politely.

“Once ponies find out you have another mare’s foal in that belly of yours—”

“She what?” Blueblood yelled, causing everyone at the ball to turn their heads. “She’s pregnant with another mare’s foal?” A plethora of gasps came from the crowd, causing the music to stop.

Silver clenched her jaw. “That dolt,” she thought to herself. But before she could get too upset, she realized that this might be just what she needed. With a small laugh, she turned her head to Twilight. “Princess, I can make this all go away if you accept my little offer. This could all be a simple misunderstanding,” she said in a low tone so that only Twilight could hear.

It took a moment for Twilight to register what Silver had said. When she looked out at the crowd of ponies all staring at her with questioning eyes, she remembered how she felt in Ponyville when the town’s unicorns confronted her. Her heart trembled, but even though she was scared, she couldn’t let that show. Things were different than before. Twilight forced her body to relax and took a deep breath.

She looked toward her friends and family. Each seemed ready to stand up and defend her if needed, but the face that stood out to her was her beloved’s. Dash had that same defiant look she had when she stood up to her parents. That look brought a small smile to Twilight’s face.

Her gaze turned to Cadance and Shining still on the dancefloor. She could see the worry in Cadance’s eyes from where she was, but she also knew Cadance would stand up for her in an instant if needed. Her brother had a similar look to Dash’s, ready to defend his little sister at a moment’s notice.

Finally, Twilight looked to Celestia and Luna. There was no fear or concern on their faces. Twilight knew Celestia wouldn’t abandon her at this time, she realized that look must have meant something else. When she saw a small nod from the princess, Twilight immediately understood.

“I don’t believe that will be necessary, Duchess,” Twilight replied with the same soft tone.

The room fell silent, waiting for her to speak. Twilight cleared her throat. “It’s true,” she stated plainly. A few of the mares gasped and a low chatter began as everyone talked amongst themselves.

“Everypony, please,” Twilight said, grabbing their attention. “I know you must have noticed the pony sitting next to me during dinner. I’m also sure some of you noticed that I am wearing a ring this evening.” Twilight paused, noticing a few nods. “The pony that was sitting next to me is very important to me. It may be a bit soon to announce, but we’re engaged.”

There wasn’t much of a reaction from the crowd. Many were still hung up on her earlier statement, but Twilight felt that needed to be said. She thought that perhaps it framed her situation for them or they would understand if they loved one another, but that wasn’t the case. These ponies weren’t like the ones in Ponyville; they breathed the stuffy atmosphere of Canterlot high society their whole lives. Where the ponies in Ponyville had been reluctant and tried to force Twilight out as a sense of duty, these ponies actually believed it. “That being said…” she started, keeping their attention before they could start talking amongst themselves again, “I am carrying her foal.”

“Monster!” a stallion called out from the back of the room. A few shouts followed shortly after, mimicking the original pony’s taunt.

Twilight winced at the slur. She noticed the pegasi and earth pony guards placed around the room moving to deal with the offender, but Twilight raised a hoof to stop them. She had also taken notice that the unicorn guards made no move. A look of uncertainty hidden in their stoic facades.

“I understand that you all may be upset, but—”

“You should be stripped of your crown and ran out of town!”

“Hey!” Spike yelled.

Dash stood up, glaring at the mare who yelled that. “Let her finish, alright? Or I’ll kick you out of town…”

“Why I never!”

“I agree,” a stallion said stepping up from the crowed. “After everything that Princess Twilight has done for our kingdom, at the very least she should be allowed an explanation!” After a few ponies agreed, the stallion nodded to Twilight.

She smiled at him before continuing. “I understand that this is a taboo among unicorns, but in the research I’ve done and the ponies I’ve talked to, no one can actually give a tangible reason why this spell is so frowned upon in our society,” Twilight tried to reason, but the ponies didn’t seem sympathetic—at least, at first glance. A few faces that stood out to her were more confused that angry. The ponies that were unfazed by this entire ordeal, happened to lack a horn on their head.

“Princess, there must be a good reason our ancestors outlawed such a spell.” The duchess gave a condescending laugh. Twilight’s friends and parents glared at her from their table, with Dash barely able to contain herself. “There’s no way that—”

“Silver Crown,” Celestia interrupted before Silver could finish her sentence.

The crowd parted as Celestia made her way through. She and Luna joined Twilight behind the head table. Once there, Celestia placed her hoof on Twilight’s shoulder before looking to the crowd of confused and angry ponies. “As somepony who lived during the times this taboo was established…” Celestia started before looking at her sister.

“We can assure you that there was no reason for doing so.” Luna looked down at the duchess. “This was an erroneous practice established by a long dead authority in hopes to maintain a slipping grip on power.”

The crowd gasped. Ponies exchanged confused glances before one mare finally asked, “Princess, is this true?”

“It is.” Celestia gave a gentle smile to Twilight. “I was not aware of this practice among the unicorn community until Twilight told me about her condition.”

“You knew?” Blueblood asked, still in shock over the initial realization. Celestia’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the stallion, making him shrink down into his seat.

“Of course. She was very distraught over what happened and I put her at ease.” Celestia turned her attention to the crowd. “And it pains me that the ponies of Equestria would do such despicable acts.”

“While we may not be able to stop ponies from discriminating—” Luna looked out at the crowd with a judgemental gaze.

“Banishment falls within the realms of our power. The nobility and upper class citizens of Canterlot, or any city in Equestria, do not hold that authority.” Celestia’s usually kind expression had turned stern. It was a rare look to see on her, but it was a look that no one would dare take lightly.

“P-Princess Celestia, Princess Luna…” A unicorn stallion stepped forward. “Thousands of years have passed with this taboo standing and we are just to accept this?”

“She’s besmirched the title of princess!” yelled a pony from the back of the ballroom.

Celestia and Luna exchanged a glance. “Perhaps something can be arranged?” Luna asked her sister.

“Indeed. Perhaps this matter could be put through the courts…”

“It should!” Cadance rushed past ponies until she and Shining Armor were standing beside Twilight. “If you all won’t be satisfied with what Aunt Celestia and Luna have said, then perhaps an official court decision could resolve this!”

A wicked smile grew on Silver’s face. A trial like that would play in her favor. She knew that no judge in Canterlot would dare rule in favor of Twilight. “If she won’t play ball, I guess I’ll have to settle for her losing her crown instead.”

An earth pony in the background cleared his throat. “If I may interject, your highnesses.” He spoke with a distinct Manehatten accent. “As a mayor, I’ve had this matter come before me on a few occasions and each time I’ve denied expulsion from our city on the grounds that there’s no evidence to support it. Besides, I don’t see how anypony could look at a new foal as a bad thing. It seemed kind of heartless to me.” The mare next to him jabbed him in the side with her foreleg. “Right…If this matter does get to court, I don’t see it going anywhere. There’s no point in wasting the time and money for—”

A pegasus mare stepped forward. “For the sake of fairness, a trial would solve the issue for those wishing Princess Twilight’s title to be removed. We can weigh both sides and see if this taboo has any weight. If it does, then perhaps the princess shouldn’t have her title.” The smile on Silver’s face grew. “Though I would have to insist that no unicorn judge may preside over the trial.” Silver’s smile vanished instantly. The pegasus received a few glares from nobility, but she didn’t let it faze her.

Celestia, Luna, and Cadance looked at one another before nodding. “Princess Twilight?” Celestia asked, turning her attention back to Twilight. “Would you agree to a trial to judge the validity of the claims lobbied against you?”

Twilight looked at her friends and family. All of them nodded, showing faith that Twilight did nothing wrong. A small smile appeared on Twilight’s lips. “Of course. If anypony has a valid argument, it should be heard.”

“Then it’s settled. If anypony would like to argue against history or present some valid evidence, they may file a case with the courts.” Celestia smiled before looking back at the crowd.

Luna cleared her throat. “But, having lived through the events in question, I can tell you that there is no such evidence,” she added, bluntly.

“Now then, why don’t we continue the ball,” Celestia offered, looking towards the musicians. After a few cautious glances between them, the music started once more.

It took a few moments more for the ponies to awkwardly return to what they were doing before the whole incident began. Though the unicorns attending seemed more reluctant to move on than other kinds of ponies.

Finally, Silver stood up. She turned to Twilight and gave a small nod. “Princess,” she said with an overtly fake politeness. “It was lovely to meet you.” Her sarcasm practically oozed. With that, she turned her back to Twilight and she left in a huff. Her horn lit up as she passed her son, pulling him from his chair. “Come along, Blueblood.”

“M-mother!” he cried before getting up on all fours and chasing after her.

Once the mare was out of sight, Twilight looked back to Celestia. “Princess, are you sure about this?”

“Twilight, while this may not have been the most opportune time, what you did today took a lot of bravery.” She gently rubbed Twilight’s shoulder with her hoof. She looked at her fellow rulers and brother, all smiling and nodding approvingly. “The nobles of Canterlot can be stubborn, but they are not all bad. They realize how much good you’ve done for our country.”

“You and your friends have saved them many times from unfathomable evils,” Luna added. “They are not so foolish to ignore that fact. You are a hero.”

“I knew a trial would silence their qualms, but that’s not all," Celestia said. "I already know this will not go that far.” Twilight looked at Celestia, confused. “There’s one thing that I know about the nobility: they’re lazy. Filing a case in the courts can be a bureaucratic nightmare for civil case and when nobility is involved, the paperwork is tripled.” Celestia giggled.

Luna laughed as well. “It serves them right. They would be the ones who set that system up as a shield to protect themselves.”

Twilight stared at them for a moment. “So…”

“Twilight, they would rather handle this discreetly and pressure you to leave than go through the proper channels,” Celestia said. “But now that it’s in the open, they know that they can’t force you out of your position so easily. I can assure you, having worked with these ponies for all these years, this will be the last you hear of it.”

Twilight was almost dumbfounded. “All of that worrying I’ve done…and it’s…” she pressed her hoof to her forehead.

“You won’t get out of this unscathed. You may be their least favorite princess for a few years or so and they may be pestering you over us as a bit of revenge, but there is no legal action they can take against you.”

“I also doubt they’re invested enough to try other means. With all the good you’ve done and their apathy towards anything not directly impacting them considered, Celestia is right.” Luna looked out at the ballroom, finding that no one was even looking at them. After a few minutes, it was as if the whole mess had never even happened. “I don’t think I will ever understand high society today…” Luna muttered to herself.

“Don’t worry, Aunt Luna. It’s not easy for me to follow either.” Cadance laughed.

“B-but…what about the taboo…they…”

“You have a lot to learn about dealing with nobles, Twilight. It’s not about tradition or taboo, it’s about what will benefit them.”

“I…” Twilight sighed. “So it’s over?”

“It’s over, Twilight. And you did very well by showing you wouldn’t be pushed around.” Celestia turned her attention to the door. “I’m guessing that Silver Crown was trying to manipulate you?” she raised an eyebrow to Twilight.

She nodded, dejectedly.

“By standing up to her, you have shown that you won’t be easily swayed. That news will spread amongst the nobles in time.” Luna nodded approvingly.

“Twily,” Shining said, walking towards her. “I’m proud of you.” He wrapped his foreleg around her in a hug.

“Thanks, BBBFF.” Twilight laughed. After her brother let go, she sighed, almost wearily. “Well, if you really think this is it, then I guess I’ll go spend the rest of the evening with my friends.”

“Enjoy the evening, Twilight. This is your big night, after all.”

As Twilight walked over to her friends, she felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. For the first time in six months, there wasn’t something hanging over her head, there wasn’t someone to tell, or people who couldn’t know. After everything she had been through, she could finally relax. Once she arrived at the table, Dash stepped next to her and wrapped her foreleg around Twilight. With a sigh of long-needed relief, Twilight placed a kiss on her fiance’s cheek.