I sat on my throne, Foxglove had sent a letter and would be home with my guard and the foals soon enough. They were getting far too much attention back in Vermont, and my family said they couldn't keep track of all my foals without me around. "Such a nice trip...just buggered."

"It wasn't terrible for me." Moon mumbled, peeking past a column and over at me. "The Dusk said it worked...and, I'm inclined to trust those whoreponies."

I rubbed my face. "Congratulations?" I held my head in my hands. "Parenthood is pretty...pretty god damn hard."

Moon walked out onto the carpet before me. "I'll handle it." She walked up to me, pressing a hoof against my toes. "I'll have help, yes?"

I looked down at her with a frown. "I'll do everything I can." I stood up and ducked down before her. "Foxglove, the foals, the duchy, I'll handle it. And I promise you, I'll make time to visit you whenever I can."

Foxglove stared at my hand. "I know, Ben. You made a promise, and like you said-" she nuzzled my knee, "you hold your promises."

I smiled down at her. "So what's the name gonna be?"

"Pale." She laughed, smiling up at me. "I love you Ben...remember that."

I felt my face tighten up as she spoke. "I know Moon. If I'd known earlier, maybe things could have been different."

Moon closed her eyes and nodded, smiling all the while. "Time will make a fool of you if you surround yourself with, could haves."

"I suppose so." I squeezed her withers, rubbing down her sides. "You'll make a find grand-mayor."

"And you'll be a fine duke. But please, remain The Count. Your people will find it easier to attach to you." She turned to the door, far off down the hall. "They sent you to take care of foals?"

I joined her in her stare down the hall. "Yeah, that was my first job."

Moon nodded. "And now you're here, taking care of everyone." She smiled a tired, content little smile. "I couldn't think of a better person to do it." She pulled her hooves from my toes. "Now, stay safe Ben. You've got too many people that care about you to go and be reckless."

I could only stare from my throne as she walked down the hall. Her white tail swept behind her, her body swung as she walked. "Bye Moon Light, I'll visit soon." I rubbed my hands together, feeling a bit empty as I did. "That kid is gonna be beautiful...." I wiped off my eyes. "All my kids are beautiful." I looked up at a massive fresco a few ponies from House Dusk were painting. Old world ponies tied up around a dragon, spears and lances, crossbows and war, all painted above me. "Each and every one of them."

I'd done it. I'd raised them up. Now I could only sit back, enjoy their prosperity and keep them on course. As any good parent would.