The quarters were less like a set of rooms and more like a mansion set of rooms built into the pyramid with windows towards the outside.

“Well, this is nice,” I said and looked around.

Sunset nodded in agreement, “It is,” and removed her cloak, starting to unbutton the uniform, “Tomorrow while you do the entire political talk thing, I’m going to check out the city.”

“Bring a couple of guards,” I told her and started to do the same, “For the image if nothing else.”

Trotting over to the couch, I jumped up and gave it a bit of a try, “Hmm. Not bad. Bit soft.”

Sunset finished undressing and shook her hair back before she put the uniform on the table for a maid to collect before she trotted over to check out the balcony.

Closing my eyes, I sighed and leaned against the couch, slowly relaxing.

Nothing had even started yet and I was exhausted. Smile, look comfortable, confident. You’re representing Equestria. All you have to do is be perfect.

Celestia, this is the last time I’m letting you talk into any kind of official work. Next time, I’d take the damn maid uniform for a day.

I just found this kind of stuff so exhausting.

Stretching my wings, I opened my eyes and jumped off the couch, heading for the balcony to join Sunset looking out over the city, “Pretty.”

“Strange,” Sunset disagreed, “The buildings are so… square.”

They did look rather boxy and a lot more uniform than pony buildings. I can’t imagine that those were individually planned and constructed.

Very different from how ponies do things.

I nodded, “Very different,” I agreed before I looked at her, “Speaking of which, reception tonight. Dinner.”

Sunset nodded, “Formal?”

“As formal as pass for griffons, which mean yes, dressing up.”

She nodded, “Dress it is.”

“And uniform for me,” I agreed and shifted my wings, “Could be worse. Besides, if I’m to suffer through these things, then so are you.”

She shot me a look, “I like ‘these things’! How often do I get to wear a dress that cost more than I make in a year?”

I paused at that before I frowned at her, “…What do you get paid for anyway?”

“Same as Twi,” Sunset explained, “An educational stipend. More than enough to live on.”

“Especially when staying at the castle and eating for free.”

Sunset grinned, “That too.”

I nodded, “Well, that’s go…” before I frowned at her, “Wait, how do you have a dress worth more than you make in a year?”

“You bought it for me. Thank you by the way.”

“Huh, that was nice of me,” I teased and poked her with my wing.

That got a laugh from her and she shook her head, “I actually got it from Rarity for free. When she heard we were heading here and there were going to be formal events. She was outraged that I was going to bring my own dresses. She went into a couple of all nighters and got me a couple of new ones.”

“That does sound like Rarity,” I agreed with a smile, “Well, there’s going to need a dinner in a couple of hours, I’m going to take a long hot bath and try to relax.”

“Mmm,” she agreed, “That would be nice. But I need to get ready. Just a short bath for me and then I need to start getting dressed. See you in a couple of hours.”

With that, she headed for her room.

I glanced after her before looking out over the city again. Sun was slowly setting in the distance.

Back in Canterlot, Celestia were standing on her own balcony, slowly lowering the Sun. Luna would be getting out of bed around now.

Getting ready to raise her moon.

A couple of weeks and I’d be back there. I’d just have to do my best not to disappoint them.

That was not helping my stress levels but a bath might. At least a little.

Heading back inside, I looked around, “Uhm… Amber?”

“Bath is to then right, sir. I turned on the water while you were outside, should be full by now,” she answered from where she was lounging on one of the comfortable chairs, forelegs hooked over the armrest.

I blinked at her in surprise, “You didn’t need to do that.”

She buzzed her wings, “The Princess tasked me with your protection, sir. Had to make sure there were no dangers in there, all I did was turn on the water.”

Crossing the room, I gave her a quick hug, “Thank you.”

“Very welcome, sir,” she answered with a smile.

Changelings was the absolute best.

Which I suppose is a survival trait for them now.

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