"How long are you going to keep lying to that poor filly?"

Rarity had pulled me away from the group about an hour after our departure from the camp. Upon her inquisition, I gave her a skeptical look.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Do not lie to me, Twilight Sparkle. I know what you did, and I have a hunch as to why. As your friend, I will respect your privacy and keep this between the two of us. But Pinkie Pie is my friend as well, and so help me, Twilight Sparkle, if you do anything to upset her..."

"I wouldn't do anything to hurt her."

"It's not something you can control, though, is it?"

I was silent.

"Oho, was I correct? Why Rarity, you are a talent!"

"...how did you figure it out?"

"Twilight, for shame. I am a skilled craftspony, surely you know that the first thing on my mind when I see torn fabric is the question of how I might go about mending it? Yet you said we should move underneath the cliff. Why? It's clear to me that you wanted us to be in that particular spot."

"You figured it all out from that?"

"Well, that's when I began to get suspicious. From then on I made myself aware of your activity. But enough of that. Twilight, you must find a way to repress your feelings. You must. Pinkie Pie is counting on you to help her control her emotions, but you won't be of much help to her if you can't control your own emotions-"

"I KNOW THAT!" I shouted, rather louder than I had intended. It was frustrating, since I had already told myself those same words many times over since this ordeal had begun. I sighed.

"Look, Rarity, we just need to get to Canterlot castle. Luna will give us all separate rooms. I won't have to worry about hurting Pinkie Pie's feelings, and I also won't have to risk another deviation."

"And what will you do if Pinkie Pie asks you to stay in her room? Twilight, you know she will. You know that there's more to this situation than just who sleeps where tonight. You've never been one to ignore the facts, so please, don't start now. Not when there's so much on the line."

"...You're right. But I need time. I need to think of a permanent solution."

"Indeed, Twilight, you need time. But time is exactly what you're running out of. I can make sure the rest leave you alone and give you space so you can think. But once we get to the castle it's all up to you. I can't keep helping."

With that, Rarity went to the rest of the group. She was true to her word; they left me alone for the remainder of the journey.

It was dusk when we reached Canterlot, and well after dark by the time we made it to the castle.

"Twilight Sparkle, and company," I said to the guards, "here on invitation from Princess Luna."

The guards stepped aside, and we were permitted to enter.

To be continued in Act III: The Puppeteer!