I woke up the following morning to a knock on my door. My voice was muffled beneath a pillow.

“What do you want?”

I heard the door open and cracked an eye to see who was disturbing me.

“Sorry to wake you sir, but there is a lot to get done today.”

It was one of Celestia’s aides. She had a large scroll floating next to her. I groaned as I sat up.

“That better not be the agenda for today.”

She smiled.

“Oh no sir! This is the reading material for the first meeting today.”

“Please tell me you’re joking.”

“No sir. If we wrote out the daily schedule, we’d use up half the scrolls in Canterlot within a week!”

I glared at her and she took a step back.

“Sorry. That was a joke. I guess it wasn’t as funny as I thought.”

I stood up and walked towards the door.

“I’ll read that behemoth over breakfast. How soon is the meeting?”

“An hour sir.”

“Well I can get through that in an hour. How does Celestia manage it?”

“She usually skims it for the important bits.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Of course she does. Honestly, how she’s made it this long without me is amazing.”

I passed the aide and exited my room. I shook my head as I made my way towards the kitchen.

“Skimming. Honestly!”

The aide came trotting after me.

“Well it’s served her well up to this point sir.”

I stopped, causing the aide to nearly run into me. I looked over my shoulder at her.

“That’s something we’re going to take care of right now. No more ‘sir’ this and ‘sir’ that. You can call me Shade when it’s just the staff around. If we have visitors, then you can call me sir.”

She straightened up.

“Yes sir. I mean- Yes Shade!”

“And what do I call you?”

“Oh! How could I forget to introduce myself? I’m Rain Cloud.”

“Pleasure to meet you Rain Cloud. Now how about some breakfast before we start the day?”

She nodded and followed me to the kitchen. There was already a plate ready at the small table inside. I looked up to see Butter Whisk nod in my direction.

“Figured I’d have it ready for ya. You got a big day from what I’ve heard.”

“Thanks Butter Whisk!”

I sat down to breakfast and summoned Rain Cloud’s scroll forward. It levitated in front of me, turning constantly as I read through it. Thankfully Discord’s “punishment” hadn’t stunted any of my old gifts. I could still shapeshift, mimic, and speed read. Thank Celestia for that!

I could feel Rain Cloud watching me. I glanced over at her and she immediately looked away. I smiled to myself.

“Never seen anything like it, have you?”

She slowly turned back to me.

“Like what?”

“My reading.”

“No. I haven’t. I didn’t even know that it was possible to read that fast.”

The scroll came to an end and I let it float down to the table.

“You probably haven’t seen a unicorn with such a short horn either, right?”

I parted my mane to reveal my horn. At that same moment I realized that I had just called myself a unicorn. Weird..

Rain Cloud shook her head.

“You don’t look like any pony I’ve ever seen.”

I chuckled.

“Good. I wouldn’t want to lose my edge.”

I pushed my empty plate away and stood up.

“Thanks again Butter!”

I walked out of the kitchen, Rain Cloud trailing behind me. I spoke over my shoulder as I walked.

“So I’m meeting with a delegation from the South?”

“From the Appleloosan area, yes. It’s the Buffalo Chief and his strongest warriors.”

“Warriors? Is this a meeting or an attack?”

“It’s their custom. They like to show their strength.”

“Anything I should be aware of besides the reading?”

“No, no! I’m sure you’re fine. And I’m sure the Princess filled you in on the greeting.”

I skidded to a halt.

“Greeting?”

Rain Cloud froze.

“Oh no. Please tell me she told you.”

“Does it sound like she told me Rain Cloud?!”

“Okay, okay. That’s alright. We can figure this out.”

Her horn lit up and several books popped into existence. She began flipping pages frantically.

“I know it’s in one of these.”

I turned around, spotting a nearby guard.

“What time is it?”

“A quarter to nine, sir.”

I flipped back to Rain Cloud.

“Fifteen minutes!”

“I know! Don’t rush me!”

I sat in silence as the air filled with the sound of pages turning rapidly. This was going to be a close one...

—————————

I entered the throne room with Rain Cloud right on my tail. A sigh of relief left me.

“They’re not here yet. Thank Celestia.”

I sat a few steps below the thrones. Rain Cloud gave me a funny look.

“I know you’re new to this, but you’re the leader of Equestria right now. When the Buffalo come in, they’ll be expecting to see somepony on that throne. They might take it as disrespectful otherwise.”

I looked up at Celestia’s throne. It felt wrong to sit there. I didn’t belong on a throne. But...Rain Cloud was right. How would it look if my first time in charge led to a dispute with the Buffalo of the South?

I stepped up to the throne and sat down.

“Huh. Pretty cozy actually. She likes a soft cushion, doesn’t she?”

Rain Cloud nodded.

“She hates being uncomfortable. Especially during these types of meetings. Or when it’s an open forum. You know the weird part though?”

“What?”

“She only had the cushion done six years ago.”

“You’re kidding!”

Rain Cloud shook her head and I began to laugh.

“You’re telling me that Celestia just put up with an uncomfortable seat for nearly a thousand years?!”

Rain Cloud nodded again, her own smile appearing.

“She hates to bother ponies with those sort of things. She thought she’d sound...prissy.”

That got my laughing even more.

“Stop! I can’t meet the Buffalo like this!”

I reigned in the laughter as fast as I could. It was a close call too! No sooner had I gotten my hysterics under control, that the main door to the throne room opened. A pair of guards led in a group of five Buffalo. I stood up from the throne and smiled.

“Welcome! I’m pleased you made it here. I apologize for the absence of Princess Celestia, but she was called away for a...family emergency.”

The Buffalo at the front of the group stopped just short of the stairs. I descended to the bottom, stopping directly in front of the Chief. I had to stop myself from cowering a little. I hadn’t realized just how large the Buffalo were!

I stood my ground and straightened my posture.

“I am the Right Hoof of the Royal Family. Princess Celestia has left me to serve in her place while she is away.”

The Buffalo snorted and spoke.

“I am Chief Thunderhooves. It is an honor to be invited here. Allow me to give you our ceremonial greeting.”

I nodded.

“Of course! I hope I don’t get it wrong.”

“We’ll forgive any error. Though I wonder if you’ll be able to...handle the end?”

I chuckled nervously.

“Oh that? I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

Thunderhooves smiled and began the greeting. I followed along as we stamped our hooves and danced in a circle. The ending was coming and I had to admit that I was terrified what would happen. The Chief got into the final stance. I mirrored the movement and prepared myself.

Without thinking, we both threw our heads forward.

I could have sworn I heard a crack, but it wasn’t bone breaking. That I knew of anyways... I stood back and shook my head.

“Wow. You guys sure know how to say ‘hello’, don’t you?”

Thunderhooves laughed.

“I’m just impressed that you’re still conscious!”

He looked back at the other Buffalo.

“This Right Hoof is tough! An honorable pony for sure!”

The Buffalo stamped their hooves. I looked back at Rain Cloud. She was smiling and nodding encouragingly. And so was her twin! ....Wait.

——————————-

The meeting with the Buffalo went well, even though I had a massive headache throughout the event. I attended three meetings with various councils afterwards. They were only bearable thanks to Rain Cloud bringing me some medicine.

When the day finally came to a close, I collapsed into a chair in the kitchen. My physical state made Butter Whisk laugh.

“Rough day there?”

I cracked open an eye and did my best to smile.

“I could have done without the head-butting Buffalo. But what can you do?”

He laughed again and brought over a plate of food.

“Well I hope he didn’t knock the appetite out of ya.”

He set the plate down on the table and my stomach growled. I got my second wind and began eating.

Rain Cloud entered the kitchen and sat across from me.

“We’re almost done for the day.”

I froze.

“Almost?”

“You need to read a couple scrolls for tomorrow. And I have a letter for you.”

“I’m sure Celestia can wait to read her own mail.”

“It’s not for Celestia. It’s for you, Shade.”

My ears pricked up as she raised a scroll up. I grabbed it with my magic and let it fall open in front of me. My eyes darted back and forth for a moment. I thought of my words carefully before I spoke.

“Huh... Twilight and her friends were summoned to the Crystal Empire. Princess Cadance has had her baby!”

Everypony in the kitchen cheered at the news. I smiled with them, even though sadness was ebbing in on me. That meant I wouldn’t be seeing Rarity anytime soon.

I hadn’t said it, but the letter was actually from Rarity. She was letting me know about the trip with the others. Celestia had summoned them apparently. Was there trouble? Was the baby proving too much for them? I had a hard time believing that three full-grown alicorns, soon to be four, would have trouble with one infant. Then again I didn’t know what kind of power she might be exhibiting.

As the kitchen quieted down, Rain Cloud passed a couple scrolls to me. It seemed I had a little homework for my meetings tomorrow. I thanked Butter Whisk for dinner and left the kitchen. Rain Cloud was right behind me.

“Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Yes. I’ll make sure to read these tonight.”

“That wasn’t- Are you-?”

She looked around the hall. I glanced around as well. Nopony was in sight. Rain Cloud leaned closer and whispered.

“Are you really a changeling?”

I hid my shock well. I’d learned that from Luna. There were times you couldn’t let others know what you were thinking. Right now, I didn’t want Rain Cloud to know how much I was freaking out.

“What makes you ask that?”

“Well...I might have overheard something the other day.”

“From who?”

“Umm...you and Discord.”

I closed my eyes and held in a scream.

“I’m going to kill him.”

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to upset you!”

I opened my eyes and sighed.

“It’s alright. What did you hear exactly?”

“That you’re a changeling spy that’s gotten in with Celestia.”

Ouch. Not good.

“Have you...?”

Her eyes grew to the size of saucers.

“Oh no! I would never! I’m not a gossip like some of the ponies around here. I’m one of Celestia’s aides. Do you know how many personal things I’ve heard or embarrassing moments I’ve witnessed? Too many to count. And I’ve never blabbed about one of them.”

“But I’m not Celestia or Luna. I’m not a princess.”

“But you’re the Right Hoof! You’re just as important as they are!”

“I don’t think I’d go that far.”

“Either way, I’d never reveal something about you unless you told me it was okay.”

I nodded.

“That’s good to hear. I guess I should tell you my side of things so that Discord’s words aren’t the only ones in the mix.”

I led her to my study and we sat down. I set my scrolls on the desk and locked eyes with the aide.

“I was a spy for the changelings. I helped with the Canterlot Invasion. But I got separated from the horde as we were blasted out of the city. By the time I was found, I was tired and weak. I was taken in by Twilight Sparkle and nursed back to health. After a while I was introduced to Celestia and she was interested in my reading ability.”

“You mean like how you read that scroll this morning?”

“Precisely. When I amassed enough knowledge, I began helping her with her meetings. She gave me more responsibilities along the way, leading up to running the country for a few days while she and Luna are away.”

“Wow. That’s a lot to take in.”

“I know. But it’s imperative that I keep this under wraps.”

She cocked her head to one side.

“Why? Don’t you think ponies should know the truth?”

“It’s not a matter of the truth. It’s a matter of what the truth might do.”

“You think somepony will use it to push you out.”

I couldn’t hide my surprise. Rain Cloud smiled.

“Trust me. You pick up on a few things when you’ve been around politics as long as I have.”

“Yeah... I don’t want to put Celestia and Luna through the trouble.”

“You’re more worried about them?”

“Well...yeah. They’re my friends.”

Rain Cloud nodded and stood up.

“That’s good to hear. I’ve honestly wondered about you for a while. But you seem to be a good, honest pony. Oh! Sorry. I mean changeling.”

“No, no. Pony.”

Her brow raised and I shook my head.

“Long story involving Discord.”

She smiled again.

“Thanks for sharing with me Shade. But a word of advice?”

“What’s that?”

“Be careful who you’re honest around. There are some that aren’t as trustworthy or loyal as I am. You got lucky with me, but don’t press you’re luck.”

She left the room and I sat back in my chair. She was right. Why had I been so open about my past? Was I trying to get run out of the castle?!

I shook my head to clear it. This wasn’t all bad. I was in charge right now. I needed to start forming ties with the staff so that they trusted me. But Rain Cloud was right. I would need to be more careful from now on.

I stood up from my chair and left the study. I was ready for a good night’s sleep. I still needed to sleep off this headache. Next time, I’ll just shake hooves with the Buffalo.

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