"Father, I am of more use here, not at some school that teaches friendship. Have one of the dukes send their foal to Equestria. Queen Celestia would see it as an act of faith on our part, and allow me to remain here," Caecus argued, pacing back and forth in front of the throne.

King Aquila Amor Highever simply watched as his youngest son tried to come up with a reason he shouldn't go to Equestria. While he agreed that the notion of learning friendship seemed a waste of time, it was the chance to gain a much-needed ally that was the true reason behind his decision. "Nay, you are going, as it would be a simple matter for the dukes to claim they sent the foals of their own free will. So you will go as a prince of Aquinas, and represent our kingdom and family in Equestria and show them we are willing to enter into an alliance."

Caecus stopped and looked toward the throne. "But, surely I would be of more use commanding troops along the border," the prince stated, looking toward his brothers for support. Neither offered any words on the matter and simply watched the display.

The king stood and walked over to Caecus. "Son, you must have faith that I'm doing what is best for Aquinas and you. If I thought there was any other way I would take it, but you must go." Aquila placed a hoof on his son's shoulder. "I am only sending you until we have secured Queen Celestia as an ally, then you will return home."

The prince looked down at the floor. Caecus didn't speak for a long while. "I shall do as you will father," he said at last.

"Very good. Now hurry off and pack your things, as you leave in the morning for Equestria," Aquila said.

Caecus gave a weak smile and left the room.

"Father, Caecus does have a point. He is a better soldier than a diplomat," his oldest son Amor Dei said, leaning against one of the pillars in the room.

Aquila couldn't deny that fact as he returned to his throne. "That may be, however; that is all the more of a reason to send him. To teach him some diplomacy."

Aurum chuckled a bit. “Aye, Caecus does lack those skills. But I must wonder, father, would it not have been simpler to have mother arrange a marriage? I mean, both the Hippogriffs and Equestria have unwed princesses, not to mention a few petty kingdoms," his second son pointed out.

While the thought had crossed the king's mind, he found that it would cause more harm than good. If by some luck the Hippogriffs or Equestria agreed to such a deal it would lead to discourse in the nobility, even more so if the Hippogriffs were the ones to agree. As for the petty kingdoms, none held anything that would be of use. "Nay, that would just cause us more trouble later on," Aquila said, taking his seat back on his throne.

The first time I'm trying a story like this and would love to hear your thought on it. So hope you are enjoying it. :)