Celestia smiled and gently swept the last remnants of pancake from her lips. Platinum had not been wrong: the ‘Hearts and Horns’ restaurant certainly exceeded her expectations. Every few minutes, Malachite returned—with a bow each time—to refill their water glasses. He spoke at length about how honoured he was to be in the presence of greatness, also thanking Celestia multiple times for her takeover of the sun and overall happy feelings around the common ponyfolk.

“Do you know, I had such a hard time maintaining my job these last years before you returned,” he said while scooping up four plates in his aura. “Raising the moon was not so bad, but the sun took such an exhausting amount of energy out of my group and I, every morning of our shift. Yet you raise it effortlessly and appear to go about your day as normal. Truly, your power cannot be disputed, Your Highness. Canterlot owes you—will always owe you—a great debt.”

“Your words warm my heart, dear Malachite.” Celestia’s teeth glinted in the morning sun. “You simply must lower your praises of me, though. Without Princess Luna beside me, I would be no more useful to you all than anypony else.”

“Of course, Your Highness. I would never presume to doubt the equally great power possessed by the Princess of the Night.” He nodded to Celestia and turned his attention to Edge and Platinum. “My Duke and Duchess, you enjoyed your meal, I trust? I must inform you that our regular caravan is late this morning, so we had to use yesterday’s spares.”

“Assuage your concerns, Malachite. Breakfast was delicious as always.” Edge nodded and placed a leg around Platinum’s back. “It is ever a pleasure to dine on exquisite food with the best view in the city. Do pass on our compliments to Mr. Strudel as well.”

“Mine too, please,” Celestia added. “Be sure to tell him that the Royal Tongue and Royal Stomach are completely satisfied.”

“I shall, Your Highness.”

With a final bow, Malachite backed off the balcony then turned and headed for the kitchen, their four plates, three glasses and water jug in tow.

Celestia relaxed into her seat and sighed. “It is too bad that I am a generous mare. Were I not, I would summon Mr. Berry Strudel to the castle and have him bake my breakfast every morning. Alas, I should not deprive Canterlot’s citizens of such an outstanding cook.”

“I am sure he would jump at the opportunity, Princess.” Edge stifled his own sigh and leaned forward. “Now, about this danger…”

“Of course. I am a mare of my word, after all. Please, walk with me.” Celestia stood and used her magic to return her seat beneath the table. Edge did the same, also offering a hoof to Platinum, who wobbled as she stood with his support.

“Duchess Platinum, would you like further assistance?”

Platinum shook her head, her wavy blonde mane flying askew. “No, Auntie. I am only in my first term, I will be fine. Thank you for the offer, though.”

“As you wish.”

Together, Celestia, Edge and Platinum departed the restaurant, waving a final goodbye to Malachite as he returned from the kitchen. The sun sat two length’s higher in the sky than when they’d entered. Far more ponies mulled about the city, setting up their daily trading stalls and hawking their wares.

Celestia stopped briefly, a thought entering her head.

"Princess?" Platinum turned and faced her after walking three steps ahead.

“It just occurred to me that you did not give dear Malachite any of these ‘bits’ you ponies have come to use these days. Nor did he ask for any. I do hope it is not because of me.”

“Actually,” Edge interjected, “that would be the arrangement that the Royal Guard has with Berry’s restaurant. You see, the ‘Hearts and Horns’ uses only the freshest produce to create every meal. Each morning, a pair of my pegasus guards fly to the south, to escort the Earth ponies carrying the wagon with Berry Strudel’s daily order. They pass close by the Everfree Forest on their journey, so the guards are there to defend against any threats that may stalk them from the wood.

“In return for this service, Berry allows each member of the guard—and up to two immediate family members—a free meal once per week.” Edge beamed. “I just used up our weekly quota this morning. I am pleased that your Royal Body Parts approved.”

His ears perked up, like he’d heard an unusual sound. “That reminds me—I must greet my stallions for the morning round-up. There are reports to be made and a head-count to perform. May I meet you under the gazebo in the Royal Gardens in approximately half an hour?”

“That will be fine. Captain Stalwart, see to your stallions then return to us. In the meantime, I shall entertain my niece.” Celestia draped a wing over Platinum and gave a short nod to Edge, who offered a salute to Celestia and a wink to Platinum. He quickly walked over to his wife and planted a kiss on her muzzle before departing.

The mares turned on their hooves and trotted slowly toward the castle. As they walked, Platinum pointed out many ‘hidden’ areas of Canterlot: more restaurants, an indoor galloping center, a pampering spa…

“Canterlot truly has many hidden gems, Platinum,” Celestia said. “I will certainly be gracing the thresholds of these various establishments over time.” She halted at a sculptor’s stall, whose wares Platinum was eyeing. “However, perhaps we should make haste toward the castle? What I have to tell you and your husband is imperative to Canterlot’s security.”

“Oh. Yes, of course. There is just one thing, Auntie.” She beckoned Celestia’s head down. “I should not be running in my condition.”

“Hmmm…” The corner of Celestia’s mouth lifted slightly. “Platinum, how much do you trust me?”

“With my life, of course. You should know that.” Platinum lifted a leg. “Where are you going with this?” In that moment, her leg glowed a deep gold. “Whoa, hey, what—”

The glow extended from her leg to completely cover her in its aura. She was lifted up off the ground and floated into midair, behind Celestia’s shoulders, onto the princess’ back.

Celestia turned her head and viewed Platinum, trying to grasp the sides of her unexpected mount. “We will make better time if you allow me to escort you, my dear. I assume you have never flown before?” At Platinum’s rapid head shake, Celestia closed her eyes and concentrated. “I promise you will be perfectly fine. I will not let you fall. Now, let us fly to the castle!”

She spread her wings and lightly leapt into the air. With five great flaps, Celestia and Platinum found themselves soaring over the heads of their subjects, the airborne mares surveying the city from above.

Platinum clutched her aunt like she was her first-born, instead of the life already beginning to form inside her.

“Does the wind not exhilarate you, Platinum? Oh, what a joy it is to fly, truly. I find myself able to do so less and less, these days especially.” Celestia turned and headed for the Castle Gardens. All the while, she soared over rooftops and cast her shadow upon many other ponies in the streets. She heard various cries from civilians such as ‘Princess Celestia!’ and ‘The Princess and Duchess are out together’ from below.

“Urp… uh, A-Auntie? Can we p-please land soon? I feel a little… ill.”

Celestia hung in midair and studied Platinum’s face. The slightest of green tinges had appeared; the mare seemed to be having difficulty keeping her breakfast down. “Oh, I do apologise, Platinum,” she said. “I did not consider that you might get airsick. I shall land immediately. Luckily for us, the Gardens are right below. Hold on for just a few more seconds.”

With Platinum’s nod and tighter clench around her flanks, Celestia descended slowly toward the gazebo. The mid-morning breeze blew a gentle zephyr, inviting the delicious scents of the perfectly maintained flower beds to waft into her nose. Over rows of violets, roses and frangipani she soared, finally coming to rest before the tall, latticed structure. She wrapped Platinum once more in her magic and softly floated her toward the ground.

Platinum landed on shaking legs while swallowing down whatever threatened to rise from her stomach. “I ap-preciate the idea, Auntie,” she stammered, “although I m-must ask you to never do that again.”

“Have no fear, Platinum. I am sorry to have put you through that.” Celestia wrapped a wing around her and set about gently caressing her back. “In my defence, you are the first I have ever seen to ever display such a lack of bodily enthusiasm toward flight. Did you never dream that you might one day?”

“Um… well, sure. Everypony does. However, I would have been the one with the wings. It feels… different to how I imagined.” Platinum shook her head and steadied herself. She trotted out from underneath Celestia’s wing, up the short steps toward the modest setting beneath the gazebo. “Now that we are here, in any case, please join me. We can discuss this issue further.”

Celestia gave a short nod and followed Platinum up the steps. Being in the midst of Canterlot’s Royal Gardens, both of them took great pleasure inhaling the fragrances of multiple berries and flowers that surrounded the gazebo. Verdant green ivy snaked its way through, around and over the latticework and the slanted, wooden roof, creating its own variant of shade. A modest table and two cushioned benches sat in the centre, shadows dancing over it while the breeze kissed the ivy.

Platinum’s horn emitted a streak of gold, shooting off toward the castle’s side entryway roughly fifty paces away. It struck a small, equally golden bell, which tinkled briefly. She smiled at the sound and turned to face Celestia, who sat on the opposite bench, lightly crossed her hooves beneath her and lay on her stomach. Even with her own sitting pose, Platinum’s horn barely drew level with the tip of Celestia’s chin.

Before either could re-initiate conversation, a unicorn trotted out of the doorway toward them. Her silver mane shone with the sun, neatly tied back behind her pink coat, which bore two marks depicting a gilded crown atop a silver dish. She bore a platter with various sweet things, slices of bread, assorted plates, a teapot and four cups, all suspended in her rosy magical grasp.

“Good morning, Miladies,” she said, levitating the dish between them. “Please take anything you wish, or feel free to inform me if you desire anything different.”

“Thank you, Serra Grey.” Platinum lifted a buttered, cherry-encrusted scone and a strawberry cupcake from the tray and placed them upon a plate, then placed them in front of herself. “Auntie, anything?”

Celestia simply grasped the teapot and three of the cups in her own golden glow and placed them between herself and Platinum. “Just the tea for me, thank you, Serra Grey. Ahhh.” She closed her eyes and indulged in the smell of the soaking leaves. “Your specialty today, I see. I do quite enjoy this blend. Perhaps I should name it after you?”

Serra squeaked and offered a quick bow, the remaining sweets on the platter trembling slightly. “P-pleased you enjoy it, Princess. Are you sure there is nothing more I can fetch for you?”

“That will be quite all right, Serra. I am content for the immediate future. If we have future cravings, we will be sure to let you know.” Celestia chuckled on the inside at Platinum’s indignant glance, which Serra Grey fortunately overlooked. “Leave us in peace now, please. Though if you do see Captain Stalwart, inform him that we require his immediate attention.”

“Yes, Princess. Enjoy your tea and sweets, Princess, Duchess.” Serra offered a bow to each mare, then jogged back to the castle, the tray still held aloft in front of her by her magic.

Celestia followed Serra Grey’s retreat for a moment, then turned to face Platinum. She allowed her grin to unfurl at the look on her niece’s face. “Oh, lighten up, Platinum. It was simply a choice word. It meant nothing more to any pony than any other word.”

“With all due respects, Auntie—are you insane?” Platinum leaned over the table. “Serra loves to gossip. She’s always talking to the other staff about royal going-ons. Do you seriously think throwing out the word ‘craving’ in casual conversation won’t generate any chit-chat among the staff? Or that it won’t reach the common ears?”

Platinum stared at Celestia’s widening grin. Her eyes shriveled up as she watched the princess’ expression, a horrible thought dawning on her. “Wait…” She leaned back into her own seat and sucked in a breath. “Did you let that slip… intentionally?”

The smile covered Celestia’s face.

“No, Auntie! How could you? I told you we were keeping it a secret! We were waiting for the right time!” Platinum sagged until she lay on the bench in Celestia’s same pose.

“When I have explained our situation, you will know that now is indeed the right time, dear Platinum.” Celestia stood and fluttered over the table. She landed next to Platinum and brought her head down, while raising Platinum’s head with a hoof beneath her chin. “Believe me when I say that the ponies of Canterlot will need cheering up very soon.”

“That may be so—” Platinum shook herself from Celestia’s touch “—but Edge and I still wanted—”

“Princess!”

Celestia and Platinum looked up and saw the Duke running toward them. The clop of his hooves came within earshot as the cry left his lips. “Two of the guards…” he stopped before Celestia and panted for a few seconds. With a gulp, he looked into the pink eyes above him. “They… have not returned from escorting Berry Strudel’s cart. Nopony has seen any sign of them, or any Earth pony entering the citadel today at all.”

He took a deep breath and swallowed the intake. “Is this related to your news? What do you know about my stallions?”

Celestia closed her eyes and lit her horn. Immediately, Edge and Platinum found themselves hovering over Platinum’s bench. Gently, Celestia set them down together and took her own seat opposite them. Her aura left the couple and instead enveloped the cups and teapot. The steaming brown liquid poured out, filling each cup without spilling a drop. She then moved the cups in front of each pony accordingly.

“I need you both to remain calm while I tell you what I know,” Celestia began. She rose her cup to her lips, pursed them and blew lightly before taking a small sip. She lowered the cup back to the table and sighed, fighting a war within herself to hold back the moisture building behind her eyes.

“It’s about your friend, Valencia Orange…”

Cirrus held his head high and pumped a hoof into the air while the flugelhorn rang out over the arena. He hovered over his seat next to Clover, who sat on a small throne next to a larger, gem-encrusted pink one. He cast a quick glance at Princess Aura, who shot a side-long peek at him and nodded. A quick wink passed between them while more crystal citizens and other ponies filled the stands.

Star Swirl and Portia sat on Aura’s other side, also assessing the increasing crowds. Their eyes lifted above the bounds of the sparkling arena. Star Swirl quickly turned to Aura and whispered in her ear.

Her eyes widened when she also looked at the new arrivals. Abandoning her throne, she moved past Clover and settled in front of Cirrus. She pointed a hoof to the sky. “Hey, are those ponies up there your parents and your brother?”

Cirrus stopped at Aura’s voice and came to rest in midair, flapping only to maintain his altitude. He looked up into the sky and squinted for a second, then widened his eyes. “Aw yeah, they actually made it! I wasn’t sure if they were coming or not.” He flapped higher, then turned back down to Aura. He swung a leg up above his head. “Let’s go, I’ll take you to meet them!”

Aura shrank an inch or three. “Oh... Um, I don’t know, Cirrus. Is that really a good idea?”

“I think—” Cirrus and Aura both turned to face Clover “—that Aura should be seated on her throne when they do so. She is the Crystal Princess, after all. It would not do well to have her shepherded around like any regular filly. Do not forget that she has a tendency to be rather ‘eye-catching’.”

Aura nodded quickly and leapt over Clover. She took her place and settled into her seat once more.

“Well, suit yourselves. I’m going up to see them. I’ll introduce you later!” Cirrus turned tail and sped off through the air.

Aura watched him approach his family, a small smile on her face. She inclined her head toward her mentor. “Thanks for that, Clover. I’m just really shy meeting new ponies. Greeting foreign representatives of different nations is one thing but this is Cirrus’ family. They might want to get a little more… personal with me.”

Clover reached out a hoof and lightly stroked Aura’s mane. “I know, Princess. I thought the same thing. You are a ruler and leader, as well as a hero. It is only fitting that you be introduced as such, rather than simply a friend. Of course, there is no reason why you should not be able to socialise with them later if you wish, once formalities have passed.”

Aura nodded and turned back to survey the ever-increasing crowds. “Wow, there must be over a hundred ponies here.”

She scanned the various shining bodies and found a few darker figures. Other ponies from Cloudsdale, Canterlot and even the rural farm areas were in attendance. Bindii and her crew were absent. They’ll still be setting up and looking after their animals. Continuing around, she caught sight of King Sunder’s pryde entering the grounds. She looked on as the griffons easily parted the crowd and took their own positions in the stands, most ponies more than willing to give them a wide berth.

Where is the king?

As if in echo to her thoughts, Clover spoke. “I do not see the griffon king anywhere. I wonder where he is?”

Together with Aura, Clover took another look around, past the griffons and assorted other ponies. “We should not have any difficulty perceiving him; he is easily the most outstanding of them all.”

“Why, your words humble me, dear Clover.”

Both royals jumped at the deep voice from above. Sunder flew over from behind the throne and descended to face them, offering a quick bow and placing a claw to his chest. Aura and Clover repeated the gesture as best they could.

“King Sunder,” Aura began, “I’m amazed that such a… great creature like yourself can fly on such silent wings.”

“When one’s diet ranges from sweet berries and lemongrass, to the carrion flesh of the unlucky, one learns to adapt to his surroundings and utilise his gifts.” Sunder raised his head and chuckled at the expression on Aura’s, her parents’ and Clover’s faces. “Have no fear, everypony. None of you in this Empire are on our menu.”

“O-of course, I knew that. Still, it’s hard for me to imagine any creature consuming another.” Aura let her shock fall from her face. “In any case, it is good to see you here. Are any of your entourage partaking in the events today?”

“As far as I know, only my son has shown interest in a bout. The rest of us are mere spectators here. We feel that our size may provide an unfair advantage to any who would challenge us.”

Sunder stood on his hind legs and spread his wings. “Look at myself; I would consider combat with any of these flashy, yet tiny subjects of yours a no-contest. No offense, of course.” He lowered himself to his regular height, still managing to cast a shadow upon the royals.

“Your point is conceded, Your Majesty. I would never dream of letting any of these ponies face you.” Aura sat a little taller. “Also, no offense to you either.”

“Although…” Sunder leered over all of them. “There is one pony whom I would challenge, with your permission. Only because I do actually feel the fight would be fair. Not to mention, entertaining.” He looked to the sky over their heads.

Star Swirl’s eyes bulged at the sight of the pony descending toward them. Portia looked from her husband to the new pony and brought a hoof to her mouth. Aura and Clover stiffened on their thrones.

Her pink mane flowed around her shoulders. She folded her white wings in upon her landing and rested a gentle gaze over the smaller ponies before her. She closed her pink eyes and offered a bow, her horn protruding further from her forehead than all other unicorns present.

“It is good to see you all again,” Celestia said, raising her head to look upon everypony again. She turned to face the Crystal Princess. “May I have this bout, Your Highness? I promise to not rough your esteemed visitor up too much.”

Her eyes flashed green for a brief moment.

“Er… um…” Aura took a deep breath and turned to her advisor. “Clover, will you join me for a minute, please?”

“...Sure, Princess. Anything you ask.”

Aura nodded. “Princess Celestia, you too?”

The alicorn gave her own nod.

Aura then turned to her parents as she hopped down from her throne. “Mother, Father, please excuse us.”

Without waiting for a response, Aura stepped down next to Celestia and beckoned Clover over. When the mare came within reach, Aura placed a hoof upon each of her partners’ legs and lit her horn. With a flash, all three of them disappeared, materialising just outside the arena on the shadowed, southern end.

“Mantissia, what are you thinking?” Aura hissed. “You know you’re not supposed to be here. Not everypony trusts the changelings enough yet to allow you entry, as much as I hate to say it.”

With a flash of green, Mantissia resumed her usual form. “Forgive me for the deception, Your Highness.” She bowed again. “However, you must see why it was necessary.”

“All I see is a disobedient sentinel who should be back at her post,” Clover stated. She lit her own horn and stood in front of the princess.

“Ah, protective as ever, Miss Clever. Good. Have I ever told you how lucky Princess Aura is to have you nearby?”

“Save the flattery, Mantissia.”

“That’s enough, both of you.” Aura placed a hoof upon Clover’s shoulder. “Calm down, Clover. I’m sure Mantissia wouldn’t have come here without a good reason.” She held her hoof in place until she felt the muscles beneath it relax. Once Clover took a few steps back, she met Mantissia’s gaze. “Well, Mantissia? What drives you to abandon your duty, exactly?”

Mantissia sank into a low bow again. “Your Highness, you know I usually take my orders seriously, following them without argument. This day would have been no different. However…”

She rose and stood tall, dwarfing her little princess. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss having some excitement in my life. And when that source of excitement meets me in mid-air, then challenges me to a duel to see who is stronger, how could I possibly deny him?”

“Sunder? He and you, a melee?” Aura shook her head. “I don’t know if I can sanction that. He’s… a very daunting figure. Have you seen how long his talons are? Or that he’s almost twice your size?”

Mantissia snorted and placed a hoof to her mouth, though it failed to suppress the growing corners of her lips. “Please, Princess. Surely you remember how much trouble I gave you and your aunts, all by myself.”

Aura closed her eyes. Images of the past flew in and out of her mind’s forefront. She let out an involuntary shudder. “I would rather not, actually.”

“What are you trying to pull here, Mantissia?” Clover stepped back up to Aura and stood half a step in front of her. “Why would you remind us of that day?”

“I assure you, Clover, I am not proud of my past actions. I seek only to convince the princess of my power. A power which, I might add, has only grown with the passage of time.”

Mantissia’s eyes flashed emerald. “King Sunder claims he has never met a worthy opponent. I intend to break that flawless streak of his and show him that we ponies are not as defenceless as he may think.”

“‘We ponies,’ you say. When last I checked, I was speaking to a changeling.”

Mantissia sighed and placed her rump on the ground, her head bowed. “Oh, how I wish you would disperse that negative air surrounding you, Clover. It is most depressing, not to mention that my taste buds disagree with its presence.” She lolled her tongue around just outside of her lips. “But now we’re getting off topic.”

She lifted her head and looked Aura in the eyes. “Princess, I do humbly request that you grant me permission to accept King Sunder’s challenge. I wish to show him just how adamant your kingdom’s defences are, and that he does in fact have a match for power in this world. The fight will not be a malicious one—we do not seek to destroy one another.”

Aura took a deep breath. She turned and began to walk a short distance to her right, before reversing her direction and returning to her original position. She exhaled.

She says she wants to show the griffon king what power I command. Turn. Breathe in. But the fact remains that she has deserted her post. Turn. Breathe out. She must have left her children in charge, surely. Turn. Breathe in. How can I be sure her words are true, or her motives clear? Turn. Breathe out. She might get hurt—no, she will get hurt. Can I allow that? Turn. Breathe in. Then again, I know perfectly well what she’s capable of…

A final turn and exhale preceded Aura’s halt in front of Mantissia. “Can your children maintain Crystal City’s defence in your absence?”

“Yes, Princess.” Mantissia lowered and rose her head once.

“And can you promise that nopony will be injured if I let you do this, barring the blows that you’re sure to deal to your opponent?”

“Of course.”

“And after this fight is over, for better or for worse, can you swear to never disobey my commands again?”

Mantissia flickered her translucent wings, hovered above ground and dropped back onto her hooves. She placed a hoof over her chest. “Your authority is absolute, Your Highness. Although I do have one more request, if I may be so bold.”

A snort came from behind Aura. “Pah, you are in no position—”

Aura rose a hoof. “Please, Clover, let her speak.” Once the mare blinked and glowered before closing her mouth, Aura steeled herself. “What request would that be?”

“Only that I be allowed to feed off the Crystal Heart during the melee, should my need arise. I would rather not put my children through… what happened in our battle. I…” Mantissia faltered for a second, then resumed. “I honestly had no idea that my action would almost kill them.”

Aura turned back and faced Clover with her eyes swimming in her face. “Thoughts?”

“Your call, Princess. She is your servant.”

Aura smiled. “Mantissia, do you agree to uphold the terms of engagement?”

“I do, Princess.”

“In that case, I grant you permission to face King Sunder in an exhibition match after all of the jousting events are completed. You may take strength from the Heart only if you feel you need it. As a safety precaution, I will be projecting a magical barrier around the combat area that neither you or King Sunder will be able to pass through. Only upon the surrender of either competitor will the shield be removed.”

Aura ceased her speech and offered a hoof to both of her partners. “Come on, let’s get back to the others. Mantissia, resume your previous form.”

When the changeling’s green and black were once again replaced by white and pink, she grasped Aura’s hoof. Clover held onto Aura’s shoulder. With a quick flash, Aura teleported the three of them back into the Royal Box. Next Chapter: Act One Chapter Seven: "Enough Talk, Have At You!" Estimated time remaining: 34 Minutes