Twilight marched towards the train station. Two guards followed behind her, making her feel like a prisoner being escorted to the dungeon. The frown etched on her face was making her jaw hurt and each stomp of her hoof on the ground swept up a cloud of dust and rocks. It was a rare treat for her to spend time with her dad, big brother and foalsitter. That had calmed her down, but now they were gone and there remained a contingent of armed guards surrounding her library.

That was a problem that would have to be dealt with. Her march ended at the iron train tracks. She stopped and mingled with the crowd of other Ponies waiting for the train to Canterlot. The sunlight was fading away, the last crimson rays flickering against the darkening sky. Twilight gazed at the sight and took a deep breath. A few moments passed and the town was bathed in deep, purple shadows. The crowd of Ponies kept their distance while Razor Wing and Valiant Heart flanked her right and left side.

Her companions were clearly not much for conversation, not that Twilight had attempted to engage them. "You don't have to follow me, you know."

Razor flapped his wing, sending the dust away from him. Valiant Heart did the same. Razor returned his attention to Twilight once the dust cloud had dissipated. "The Princess has ordered us to accompany you at all times. We felt you would be safe with the captain and ex-general, in addition to Princess Cadence, but that does not apply to a train ride."

Twilight brought a hoof to her face. Everypony had formed a wide berth around her. "Alright. I get that. But do you really believe an assassin would target me on a train ride?"

"That is beside the point, Lady Twilight. We must carry out our orders."

Twilight held back a groan. It wasn't their fault. They were only doing their job. She would have to wait here for the train to come, with everypony staring at her, maybe wondering what she'd done wrong to bring down the attention of the authorities. One golden coated mare kept sneaking glances at her, her expression one of perverse curiosity.

Twilight kept her gaze straight ahead and avoided the gazes she could feel burning into her. She shuffled forward a few inches to show that she was at liberty to move. She shuffled up a few more inches till she was a foot away from the guards. The guards, sensing that their charge was about to make a break for it, shuffled back up to her sides.

This time, Twilight did groan and looked around. Nopony was looking at her, but she could feel their eyes. Their eyes felt like shame, even if Twilight was fairly sure that didn't make any sense. When she got back from Canterlot, she was going to have tea with Fluttershy. Fluttershy would understand in a way none of her other friends ever could.

After what felt like an eternity, the train chugged into the station, its tops belching smoke into the air. The earth trembled at its approach until the metallic behemoth stopped. The passengers trudged onto the platform and into the vehicle. Twilight found a red seat near the window and settled into it. The guards dutifully took their place just ahead of the seat.

Twilight hid her face in her hooves. The train took off with a lurch and the hamlets of Ponyville sped by. In the darkness, the hills and mountains of Equestria sloped and lifted, rolling across the landscape. The train turned with the curve of the landscape, going ever east towards the royal city. The hills lifted up, massive shapes looming in the shadows.

The hills were crowned with woodlands and ancient forests. Twilight could only just make out the trees. She couldn't make out individual trees in the moonlight, only clumps of tall oaks and wide armed beeches. Occasionally, a river of moonlight would spill over the forests and illuminate the thick trunks of the ancient denizens of the forest, sparkle on the verdant leaves.

The train sped on by, passing the hills and the forests. The meadows were bathed in silver light, a lone hill occasionally jutting up from the soil of Equus before tapering away. Twilight fell into steady, rhythmic breaths, thinking about what she was going to say when she saw Celestia.

Was she angry? She had been angry. Yet, as she came closer to her destination, anger was melting away. She silenced her mind with an act of will and focused solely on her surroundings. Whispered conversations (none of which were about what crime the purple Unicorn surrounded by guards probably committed), the steady roar of the train, the golden inlay covering the silver roof of her car, the sweet, savory smells of roasting hay.

The tap of a hoof on her shoulder which knocked her out of her meditations. "Yes, Lieutenant?"

"Just Razor, please."

"Yes, Razor? Also, you can just call me Twilight."

The train chugged steadily forward. Razor hesitated as if to collect his thoughts. "What are you going to say to the Princess?"

Twilight chewed on her lip. "We're just going to have a talk."

"Ah." He shuffled a hoof. "I have been in relationships where I just wanted to have a talk with a marefriend and it sometimes ended in crying and screaming. I don't know if I was the problem or they were. I figure a relationship between two mares would be particularly volatile."

Twilight smirked. "It's possible you've just had spectacularly manipulative marefriends. That crying stuff works on stallions, but we don't dare try it on other mares. Sometimes works on our mothers if we happen to be below the age of five."

Razor's downcast expression didn't change. "Still, I hope you don't do anything to upset the Princess. You make her happy. In my years of service, I have not seen her so alive before you began your relationship. Don't hurt her."

The last part came out as a clipped command that made the fur on the back of Twilight's neck stand on end. "Look Razor, I promise you, I will not hurt her. I would never do that."

"Not on purpose."

"I won't, I swear it."

The train traveled forward, through villages very much like Ponyville. Tendrils of smoke from chimney stacks curled into the evening air. Twilight leaned back into her seat. The train ride was smooth, the rocking of the wheels over tracks oddly soothing in its own way.

Her thoughts turned to Celestia. What was she going to say to her? Twilight hoped that they would not be harsh words spoken in anger, as Razor feared. Her anger had rolled away somewhere past the hills. Outside her window, the familiar sight of Canterlot was coming into view. The high alabaster towers gleamed even at night, even if it was the silver light of the moon rather than the golden light of the sun that currently illuminated them.

As the train rode towards the royal city, it struggled up the rocky terrain. To get into Canterlot, the train had to ascend up the steep slopes of the mountain. Canterlot perched on the edge of a cliff, a white silhouette against the darkness of the star spangled night.

What had dissuaded several generations of would be conquerors also challenged the conductor of the vehicle. Twilight could feel the pressure as the train accelerated up the slopes, the towers coming ever closer. Gray, rocky mountains surrounded her on all sides. The towers appeared to grow steadily larger as the train got ever closer.

Twilight closed her eyes and prepared herself. This was not going to be an argument or a confrontation. She was going to express her views and then Celestia would express hers.

It was going to be a conversation, that was all. With a mighty push, the train entered into Canterlot and pulled into the station. The other passengers kept their distance from Twilight while everypony surged out into the city. The guards returned to their flanking position. Twilight started towards what she knew was the quickest route to the palace, the neighborhoods where the nobles lived.

Valiant Heart touched her shoulder, shook his head. "Let's go through the lower class's quarters. I grew up there, I'll show you the way."

"It'll take longer to get to the palace."

"Right now, the nobles are out for you. It'd be best to avoid them."

Twilight couldn't help but concede the point so they began their trek towards the poorer neighborhoods. While they were not the grand opulence of the noble quarters, the residents did try to keep things clean. There wasn't a scrap of trash anywhere. The buildings were mostly made of stone, which was abundant due to Canterlot being nestled in the mountains.

She couldn't make out individual houses in the dark of the night, only indistinct shapes of one story buildings. Low fences surrounded many of the homes. Sometimes, an upraised shout of anger or happiness would echo through the streets making Twilight jump. Her companions didn't even flinch.

They came finally to the palace that dominated Canterlot, went through the gates and continued onward through the halls. Twilight assumed her escorts would leave her as she ascended the stairs leading up to the higher levels, but they didn't leave her side. When she got to the royal bedroom, she was going to put her hoof down.

The stairs led to a wide, white hall. During the day, the lights of the stained glass windows played and danced on the floor. This night, the images within the glass could not be made out. Twilight trotted down the hall that she had played in as a filly. Her faithful guards followed after. Celestia's room was on the highest level, up one more set of stairs. This was where the highest ranking nobles had their quarters at.

Twilight quickly strode through the room, the clop of her hooves echoing. The room was cold, the stone floor chilly, especially against her horse shoes. She shivered slightly, feeling a sudden longing for Celestia's chambers which were always incredibly warm.

"Lady Twilight Sparkle? Is that you?"

Twilight whirled around, Razor and Valiant turning with her. They kept their spears in a neutral position, but Twilight could see that they were ready to use them at any minute.

Twilight instantly recognized the mare who had spoken. Earl Sunrise Shimmer's red, curly mane spilled across her orange fur. A curved horn spiraled from her forehead, a rare mutation that made her particularly desirable and attractive. She smiled a honey sweet smile as she approached Twilight and knelt her horn. "I was wanting to speak to you and tuned my horn to your magical signature. Peace, let's put aside our clan's differences."

Twilight returned the gesture, very lightly tapping Shimmer's horn. "Peace, let us hold palaver."

They separated. "An escort? I see the Princess is fretting about your safety. That Duke Green Feather...simply dreadful. But what can one expect from such a rough and tumble house? Hardly nobles at all if you ask me. But, me and you? We're the true nobles aren't we? By blood and nature."

Twilight inwardly cringed. "I suppose."

Shimmer patted her cheek. "Work on that self-confidence, Sweetie. Too much humility is not becoming."

Twilight resisted the urge to stand back. "Of course. I have been."

"Excellent! Also, let me apologize for my nephew attacking your cousin in the market place. This feud our stallions carry on is dreadful, simply dreadful, wouldn't you agree?"

Twilight sighed. "It is. Also, I would like to apologize for my cousin leading a raid on your husband's apple orchard. Did he send that apology letter we made him write?"

"Yes, yes. All is forgiven...mostly."

She began to walk like she couldn't manage to keep still. Twilight trailed beside her, the guards following behind. Shimmer flashed a withering glance at the guards. "Might you give us some privacy?"

Razor shook his head. "No can do, Ma'am."

"Ridiculous." She returned her attention to Twilight. "There is a way to end this feud."

"I have thought about that myself and I've drawn up plans."

Shimmer's ears perked up. "Truly? Let me hear them."

"A meeting between our two clans and the exchange of compensation for any actual or perceived insults. It'll take a while, but-"

Shimmer lifted her hoof. "My younger son has a quicker solution."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "What would that be?"

"A peace marriage. And he has indicated a desire for you."

Twilight choked. "Wow. Have you told him I'm taken? My cousin, Dawn, is single."

"He will not be satisfied with anypony else."

"I must refuse. But like I said, Dawn is available-"

Shimmer narrowed her eyes. "You are the most eligible member of your clan. Are you trying to insult me? Dawn Sparkle is almost as worthless as my own foolish daughter."

"Now, wait just one minute-"

"She didn't even finish college, barely finished high school! Almost no magical talent!"

Twilight stomped her hoof. "She is kind and goodhearted!"

Razor stood between the two. "Perhaps it would be for the best if we continued onward to the princess's chambers."

Shimmer shoved him aside. "We're not done. You have a duty to your clan, child. The princess will understand."

Twilight spoke through gritted teeth. "I have no duty to enter into a loveless marriage in order to end a clan feud that would have ended long ago with the application of common sense by both parties!"

Shimmer stood back. And then she began to laugh. It was a cold, bitter sound utterly devoid of joy or good humor. "My goddess, you're...you're actually in love with the princess! That's so cute!"

A scarlet hue crept up Twilight's cheeks. "I am very much in love with her."

"Love is nothing. Power is everything. Princess Celestia does not love you."

"Watch your tongue!" Twilight almost struck forward with her horn. Razor and Valiant interposed themselves between the two.

Shimmer had the good sense to step back a few paces. "I am only telling you the truth, Child. Listen to your elders. The princess, how old do you think she is? Older than I am, I know that. Older possibly than my oldest named ancestor and yours as well. What could you possibly mean to her? You are a plaything, a lovely, precious plaything, maybe, but in the end a plaything. You will die, little filly, and she will go on and she will forget that you ever were."

Twilight trembled, the words echoing the doubts and fears she kept inside of her own heart.

Shimmer grinned as she moved in for the kill. "But what will last? Legacy. You can help our clans join together, obtain new heights of glory. All you have to do is break it off with the princess and marry my son."

Twilight blinked back the tears. "No. No, Celestia loves me."

"You, and I bet she's loved one-thousand others."

"So what? She loves me now!"

Shimmer shook her head. "Poor child, so naive."

A flash of information scraped its way to Twilight's conscious mind. "Wait, your eldest son courted Celestia."

"So he did."

Twilight's teeth clenched so tight her jaw hurt. "So, that's what this is about." She pushed past Razor and Valiant who had moved their spears into a guard position. "With me out of the way, he can court her again. You presume she would be emotionally vulnerable and then your son would have more luck."

"And if I did? What of it?"

"You conniving, manipulative, bitch!"

Shimmer gasped. "Such language! Unfit for your cultivated tongue!"

Twilights's chest heaved as she tried to hold back the wrath boiling inside of her. "You want cultivated? Manger de la merde!"

The Prench swear made Earl Shimmer gasp.

Razor patted her shoulder. "Let's go, Twilight. She wants a fight, don't give her one."

Twilight raised her hoof to her chest and let out a breath of air. "You're right." She didn't even stop to acknowledge Shimmer as they walked away.

Shimmer cleared her throat and Twilight hesitated before turning around. Shimmer took a few cautious steps forward before Razor and Valiant's spears dissuaded her from coming closer. "It's very simple, my dear. For a long time, courting the Princess was a rite of passage. Everypony wanted the prestige, nopony thought she'd actually consent to a relationship. That was before you came along and did what nopony else had been capable of. Bit of a habit with you isn't it? Now, it's been shown that it can be done, the princess loves like any other being of flesh and blood. A place at her side belongs to my son. All you have to do is butt out."

Twilight strode forward, ignoring the uneasy looks of the guards, and pressed her muzzle to Shimmer's. "I'm not going anywhere."

"How unfortunate for you." She turned, swatting Twilight's face with her tail, and sauntered away. Twilight touched her stinging cheek.

Razor and Valiant returned their spears to a very hesitant neutral position, but Twilight could see that one wrong move would make them return to a more aggressive stance. They strode alongside her.

"What do you think she meant by that?" Razor asked, coming to a stop. "How unfortunate for you. That sounded like a threat to me."

Twilight said nothing as they reached Princess Celestia's door. She didn't knock, only pushing the door open. The guards didn't follow her, taking up positions outside on either side of the door. Celestia was lounging on her white sheets and looked up from a book. Her face broke into a wide grin upon seeing Twilight and she cast aside the book, lept up from the bed and raced across the red carpet to sweep Twilight into a hug.

Any vestigal trace of anger in Twilight's heart faded at the two white forelegs drawing her close to the princess's chest. She rested her head against Celestia and listened to the rhythm of her heart beat which had lulled her to sleep countless times. Lifting up, she pressed her face against Celestia's cheek. Celestia returned the nuzzle. "On such short notice, Twilight? While I love surprise visits it's not like you. Is something wrong?"

"Hmm, yeah. We need to talk."

"Oh. Oh, dear. It isn't about the Guard Ponies I ordered stationed around your library is it?"

Twilight gave her a flat look. Celestia shrunk back. "I admit, an entire regiment might have been a tad much."

"Yes, just a tad." She hugged Celestia's neck. "I'm not mad, I'm not even disappointed. Also, you give the best hugs, you know that?"

"I know." She nuzzled Twilight's ear.

"Hmm, I was going to be mad, but I can't seem to remember why."

"The guard regiment surrounding your library?"

"Ah, right." She pulled away from Celestia's embrace. "I know you were worried, Tia."

"I was more than worried." Her voice shook. "The thought of you being hurt might have driven me a little insane. I actually drew up the paperwork I'd need to authorize Duke Feather's execution. They're unsigned, sitting on my desk. I know I shouldn't violate thousands of years of precedent, but Raven almost convinced me. I. Want. Him. Dead." She closed her eyes and took a deep, rattling breath. "You have no idea, Twilight. I've lost too many. I won't let you be hurt."

Twilight touched her cheek. "No, Tia, don't. I won't let you violate something you believe so deeply in."

Celestia patted Twilight's hoof. "Don't fret. It was more of a stress relief exercise. Duke Feather was banished this afternoon so he is beyond my power."

Twilight nestled beneath Celestia's chin. "I'm glad. I met Earl Shimmer. She tried to convince me to break up with you."

"And what'd you say?"

"Something in Prench that my mom would wash my mouth out with soap for saying."

"Good for you. I know her son, who was a gold digger only interested in advancement. I knew her daughter too...so much lost potential, that one."

The note of sadness did not go unnoticed by Twilight who stroked her face. "Is something wrong?"

"In the past. A failure."

"Want to talk about it?"

"Maybe later." Celestia spread her wings, laid them against Twilight's withers. Twilight shivered at the caress of the feathers.

Twilight smirked. "Stop trying to distract me with snuggles. I know you were worried, but I can't have a regiment around the library, it scares the patrons away."

Celestia looked away and Twilight couldn't tell if she was only playing at the shame on her face or not. "Very well. I'll downsize it to a single unit."

"Maybe just Razor and Valiant? I like those two."

A tentative smile graced Celestia's face. "I trust them, they are two of my finest guards. Very well." She moved away and sashayed towards the bed, resting her stomach onto the satin sheets. Twilight didn't hesitate to join her. Celestia's wing enveloped her and she in turn nuzzled into Celestia's side.

Celestia floated a book in front of them. "I was looking through a book of old Pony's tales from Megan's time. Have you ever heard the story of the Stolen Shadow?"

Twilight cuddled closer and glanced at the elegant script of the book. "No, I never have. I've never gotten around to studying Vallisian either...which I have a suspicion you know."

"Hmm? Are you saying I chose this book to distract you with the lure of knowledge in case you were angry about my barricading your home?"

Twilight kissed her. "As peace offerings go, it's a good one."

Celestia began the chant, her sweet voice rising and falling in the lilting tongue of the Ancients. Twilight listened, enraptured by her voice. Slowly, Celestia started to translate. They spent the rest of the evening studying and exchanging kisses.

Author's Notes:

Yes, that's Sunset's mom.

Just imagine Sunset standing over Celestia's broken body, with an army of teen zombies screaming "DO YOU LOVE ME NOW, MOMMY?!"