Chapter 3: Das Pony und der Prinz

“What an excellent horse do they lose, for want of address and boldness to manage him! ... I could manage this horse better than others do.”-Alexander III of Macedon on seeing his future war-horse Bucephalas being led away for being ‘unfit.’

September 21, 1823 Anno Domini

                The last couple of years had been the same monotonous structure they had grown so used to. Despite their advanced minds, they were in the same positions they were usually in. Charles was going over a book about some man named Alexander, while de Foresti was talking with Twilight. It had come up to her through a comment on the status of the Americas, that there were in fact different types of governments out in this world other than monarchies.

        Currently de Foresti had taken out a recently made map, describing the current status of the continent where Equestria was located, 'Nordamerika' as it was called. After he pointed out the significant portion of the continent her homeland inhabited, which she herself was a little bit astounded by, she asked about the other nations inhabiting the area. “Well, that right there are a bunch of British colonies and such. Down there, that's Mexico. Just got independence from the damned Spaniards in fact. Here they're having a lot of instability problems though...”

        Twilight hummed at this info, glad to be learning more about the general area. “And that one?” the unicorn asked, pointing to the big blue blob to the right of Equestria.

        “Oh, that's the United States. Former colonies of Britain, got independence a few decades or so ago. Recently had an election I believe, though I have no idea who won the bid for presidency. Don't care much myself honestly. ”

        “They only won their independence due to French assistance” Charles cut in, his national pride flashing, before continuing his reading.

        “Ah yes, with French assistance. I bet they won't forget that anytime soon.”

“Ha, as if.” de Foresti laughed.

Twilight nodded, before speaking again. “So what do you mean, a 'president?”

        “Oh, basically an elected official put in as head of state.”

        “... What!?” Twilight was shocked at the very notion.

        “Yes, it's very strange. It's pretty much based on the Tagsatzung of Switzerland, or the United Kingdom without the symbolic monarch,” at her blank look at this he continued, “Oh right, we didn't cover that yet. Well basically, in some nations the monarch is little more then a figure for the state to rally around, while in nations like the United States or Switzerland it's based on a conglomeration of the people, or a 'democracy'.”

        “I know what a democracy is” Twilight answered, choosing not to be insulted at de Foresti's assumption.

        She had read up on the idea numerous times back home and here in relation to the old Greek philosophical texts. But the fact that some nations had adopted it? Astounding. “So how well off are these nations?” she continued.

        “Meh, the United States has got nowhere to go save the south or north, and I doubt they'd be willing to fight the Brits again after the whupping they gave them over a decade ago.”

        “Switzerland is a small turtle that exists only at the behest of old tradition and the whims of other nations” Charles cut in once more, starting to get more interested in their conversation now.

        Twilight raised a hoof to her forehead in askance. “So... no Prinz, or Prinzessin, or Kaiser, or whatever?” she asked again, still trying to wrap her mind around it.

        “Indeed.”

        Twilight considered this thoughtfully. Princess Celestia was a great ruler, sure, as befit anypony who had the wisdom of centuries of rule to deal with. But she could see why the human nations would actually elect their own leaders. After all, none of the humans she had seen were Gods after all. Sure Equestria had its votes on local leaders and representatives to the court, but that was the result of centuries of tradition that came with their ruler. “Rule by the people... that sounds nice” she chose her last words carefully, hoping not to accidentally upset the two.

        Charles huffed in disapproval, giving her a disappointed look. “Ah yes, it sounds nice, but like most things that sound nice, it works theoretically, but in practice it is a failure” he countered.

        Twilight held his gaze with one of her own, while de Foresti looked at the prince approvingly. “How so?” she hounded him.

        “Simple. The rule of many leads to the rule of idiocy. Tell me Twilight, did any of the common person or pony in Equestria share the same intelligence, the same passion for life as you?”

        It was a bold question. They rarely shared anything involving their respective pasts, but the challenge was set. “I wouldn’t say most people were as studious as me, but that does not make them stupid by any means. Saying that just because they don’t have the same desires or interests as me doesn’t mean that I’m better somehow! It’s rather elitist honestly.”

        Charles’ eye twitched slightly. “Is it elitist if it is true though? Most people are not nearly as smart as you or I even in the depths of age, and they could not care less. While we discuss the ways of old and how man or pony-kind works, they are content to labour in their fields, not daring to rise above their position. To think they are equal to us is simply foolish, and I expected better of you honestly.”

 “So that’s why we need to educate them, to build a system where everyone can be learned and make more of themselves. How else can we improve as species’?” Twilight paused, surprised with herself that she actually got that deep into the discussion.

“And you’re saying democracy would be better?” Charles said skeptically.

Twilight took a deep breath, considering things. She didn’t know how it would work exactly, but the idea seemed tempting a utopia of sorts that all creatures aspired to but could never reach. “No, but only for the flaws in it” she admitted against her own will.

Charles smirked triumphantly. “Exactly. And because of that, eventually someone with enough power will take autocratic rule, or the country will descend into anarchy. The British have taken a compromise, having a monarch keep the eye of the public while Parliament controls things from a less public eye. But even their Prime Minister, the leader of Parliament is basically a monarch with lesser titles at best. Every nation needs a man who is basically a King. Someone the people will want, no need to treat as if he was a God. They obey him, worship him, he would be practically a deity. Because the people want Kings and Dictators, not freedom. It is only natural for the powerful to eventually take over, and if not there will be two or more sides fighting to the death for power. I can only hope they both kill the other, so a proper leader can take power.” He spoke throughout with a rising voice, finally finishing his soliloquy with a few quick breaths to collect himself.

        Twilight was struck silent by the arrogance of that answer, and was about to tell him off on how wrong he was, before de Foresti raised a hand to stop her. The Hauptmann nodded in agreement to Charles’ words, not impartial in this conversation at all. Catching the growing darkness outside, de Foresti spoke to prevent Twilight from shouting. “Forgive me, meine kleinen Schüler, but it's time to leave I'm afraid. Gute Nacht” he spoke, rising from his seat.

        The two ignored him though, as they continued to stare at each other. Neither was exactly angry with the other, but more... stubborn. Defiant. The unicorn put her fore-hooves on the table, using the leverage to raise herself so she stood above her erstwhile friend. “There's one thing wrong with your little assumption Charles. It's that people, both pony and human, would be awful enough, or hypocritical enough to actually betray such principals, to destroy what seems like a beautiful system.” she told him off.

        His mouth set into a grim line, before the edges of it twisted slightly upward. That was what he liked about Twilight. Her defiance. Her passion. Her devotion to the goodness of man and ponykind, so seemingly simple-minded yet on closer inspection rooted in a belief and experience of both races, despite the horrors she had endured. Her personality was... truly beautiful. But he would not let her win so easily. Oh no, that would take the fun out of it.

“That may be true Twilight. But you seem to have so presumptions yourself about the inherent goodness in all sentient beings. Are we not all corrupt and hateful on the inside?” he spouted off some tripe he read from some philosopher he didn't care to remember, only using it to rail Twilight more.

        “That is stupid!” Twilight now shouted, a feat which was astounding enough to almost knocking his chair back, “People are all good on the inside.   But whether they make bad choices that lead them to doing bad deeds, or just are influenced to doing awful acts, they still are fundamentally good. If we are not good at heart, how can we have any hope for the future?” she asked the piercing question.

        “If I may,” de Foresti finally interrupted the two, long since satisfied at how this was going, “Perhaps you are both misinformed or disinclined towards the truth. Instead, maybe people both man and pony are simply born as a 'Tabula Rasa', or a blank slate if you prefer. Instead of blasé assumptions about whether we are born good at heart or not, perhaps we choose for ourselves? Otherwise, what use is their in even discussing morality, if we have no choice in the matter at the heart?” he finished, fixing them both with a stern yet kind stare.

        The two swallowed this new take on things, both willing and unwilling to accept it. They both were stubborn at heart, another reason the two 'fit' so well, yet they were still young, and predisposed to the nearest thoughts they were exposed too. Twilight, living in a place that encouraged the best in all of life, and the inherent goodness of all living beings, was optimistic yet not naive. Charles, having all his family and life taken from him at a young age, and forced to live a life he did not at all want, was pragmatic and bitter, but not descending into full blown cynicism.

        “Well? Thoughts?” de Foresti asked, annoyed at their silence.

        Twilight nodded after a moment, grinning at him. “I can’t say I agree with it fully, but it could work.”

        “Good,” de Foresti smiled back at her, before turning to Charles, “And you, Prinz?”

        Charles was quiet, noticeably so. He almost looked pouting in fact, which displeased de Foresti greatly. “Prinz Franz, learning other view points is not a weakness. If you wish to act like an adult, learn like one.” he sharply chastised the boy.

        “... Fine,” Charles spat out, before the sharp eyes of de Foresti forced him to continue, “I can see the validity in that argument.”

        Now the Hauptmann smiled fully. Next, de Foresti took another look outside, whistling lowly at how dark it had gotten. “Now children, I’m afraid we have to leave. I trust you can find your own way back again?”

        Both of them grumbled a bit at this news, finally getting into a good discussion, one that inflamed their passions and minds with an otherwise unknown greatness. Reluctantly, they rose from their seats, or simply hopped off in Twilight’s case, hastening towards the exit, de Foresti staying behind to write in his small journal. When they were half-way there though, Twilight stopped, her eyes focused downward at her hooves as she tried to muster the courage for what she planned to do. “Charles, go on ahead. I need to ask de Foresti something” she began.

        Charles was surprised by the request, prompting him to inquire further into what was going on. “Why? Can’t you ask him later?”

        There was enough honest desperation in her voice to stall any further attempts to harass her. Instead, he grunted, continuing on. “Fine, I’ll see you later” he spoke, and with that he continued on

        She smiled back at him. “Thank you” she said, just loud enough for him to hear.

        He paused just for a moment, giving no hint he heard this save a growing tension in his shoulders. He walked on without another word spoken between them. When he was gone, Twilight trotted over to the Italian Hauptmann. “Herr de Foresti?” she greeted him softly.

        de Foresti was noticeably surprised at her return, nearly jumping when she spoke from behind him. After collecting himself, he answered her with a rushed attitude. “Ja Fräulein?”

        It took a moment for Twilight to respond. The words were caught in her mouth, the fear of what his answer would mean setting a cold dread inside her, one she had not felt since she had been captured so long ago. But she had to be brave! How else could she find out or not? “I... I was wondering, if you could send a letter? Back to my home I mean” she asked, her hopes building up already.

        de Foresti considered her words. “You made a letter?”

        “Yes, I did! I got some parchment, and one of those little quills, and I used my magic to write it. I can show you it if you want, it’s in our room and so-”

        “Twilight,” he cut her off, “I can’t send a letter to Equestria.”

        If there was a single sound that could describe how Twilight’s feelings were at the moment, it would be the crack of shattered glass, before it broke apart into hundreds of tiny, jagged shards that cut through her heart with a blistering precision. “Why?” she pleaded, her voice cracking against her will.

        “Well, because I’m not a mail-mare or anything,” he winced when he saw Twilight did not laugh at his joke. “Okay that was stupid of me. But Twilight... I can’t send a letter to Equestria. No one can.”

        “Why not? You can just have a mail-mare take it, or send it by ship, or, or something!”

        de Foresti paused, a guilt unlike any other setting in for him. The purple unicorns felt stung, as the fact that had secretly taken hold in her for a while now finally came to her fully. He would’ve made a joke to lighten the mood, but he knew he had tried too hard already. Instead he took a deep breath, preparing for the explanation he knew for awhile that he’d have to give to her.

        “Twilight... I don't even know how you got out of Equestria in the first place.”

        “What do you mean?”

        “Twilight... no one can get out of Equestria, it’s impossible!”

Twilight was astounded by this news, trying to wrap her hooves around it. “What do you mean impossible?”

        “Exactly that. Kind of at least. It’s a phenomenon that’s been studied for centuries now, and it’s known throughout all the civilized world as the greatest of barriers, physical or natural. And it’s been a mystery even longer then that I suppose. Here’s the borders to Equestria itself” he said, pointing towards the large and beautifully designed map on the table.

        As he circled his finger around the borders, he explained further. “The border of Equestria has a, a field around it.  It’s been described as bright as the sun itself during day, and then black as the darkest night. It is a barrier that defined Equestria’s borders and has proven the extent of any claimed land. One that allows anyone to enter, but never to leave. Countless search teams have entered it over the years, and none, I repeat none have returned. Honestly I’m astounded as to how you got out of there in the first place.” He was also astounded as to how she was not questioned about her home, but he suspected the hand of Metternich was involved in that matter.

        He sighed, having said his piece. Twilight’s reaction was rather unlike his expectations. She stood stoically stolid, no more tears dropping save the ones that had already fell. “No... no way at all, then?” she whispered, the words barely reaching his ear.

        The Hauptmann answered her softly. “No. I’m sorry Twilight. I... I really am.”

        She nodded in agreement, a bitter agreement that eased none of her wounds, emotional or otherwise. “May I leave now, sir” she asked with a curtness that was unbecoming of her.

        Hoping to get out of this incredibly depressing situation, de Foresti nodded, offering her only a strangled ‘Yes’. It offered no comfort to either of them. Watching the mare trot out of the titanic room with a stone pace, de Foresti sighed. He was not paid enough for this, he sweared.

---

        She entered the room with out any sound, any greeting or anything else that would tell Charles his unicorn friend had arrived. The only reason he knew she arrived was because the door creaked slightly as she used her magic to open it. The pink glow was somewhat hard to miss, too. Her behavior was enough to let him on to the fact that something was wrong. The problem was how to deal with it. Honestly, emotional torment was something he was not an expert at. The few times they had comforted each other, it was either on a whim from himself or the unicorn herself. And that was when he had an idea as to what the problem was. Right now, he had less than an idea. So he would wait. Patience was a virtue after all.

        Her hooves clopping against the hard floor, a clip-clop sound echoing through the room, she circled around their shared bed, his eyes watching her the whole time. With a low huff, she jumped onto the bed, her added weight shaking him for a moment. “Hi” was all she muttered, before burying her muzzle into the soft pillows without a second word.

        Laying on top of the sheets, he twisted to face her, his head resting on his crooked arm. Silence reigned, an occurrence which was usual in their more awkward moments. He took the time to admire her mane. It was a beautiful mane, he could freely admit this. Everything about Twilight was so... excellent. Her will, her passion, even in her somber moods such as this, her looks were to be admired. Truly she was a being above many others of her race.

        Minutes passed. He could hear the uneven breathing, the short choked off gasps of pure misery that made his heart ache for her. Words failed him. Finding a suitable solution was impossible to him at this point, so he did what he could. He waited. More minutes passed. She did not remove her muzzle still, and he was honestly beginning to worry more and more. He could hear the low, pained gasps of her breath from her, proving she had not done a most gruesome deed, but there were shakes in her body. Trembling shakes that came with soft breaths and muted sobs which threatened to leave her, but which she was too strong-willed to admit. She had cried too much already. Why should she continue now, when there was no point, no gain from it save her own humiliation.

        Now this was getting annoying to him. He expected an explanation, a torrent of pleas and begs for comfort, which he would all too happily give her for both her benefit and his own. It was maddening. Silence, how he hated it! It left room for empty thought, all the alternate paths this situation could take, whether they end in his happiness or having his help forsaken by the only one he dared trust above all others. The only one he could trust above all others. Damn him for exposing himself so, damn the fragile mind and body he was forced to partake in!

        This was madness. He could take no further ignorance to this situation. No more indecision that could only prove to be his inevitable downfall. Forcing himself ever so slightly closer to her, he forced himself up a tad with his bent arm, looking down at the purple mare in a quixotic manner against his own desires. His mouth was dry when he first began to speak, incapable of diving head on into the problems that encircled her with a dangerous grasp. Dear God, women, or rather, mares, were the hardest of all of natures’ creatures to deal with, he realized.

        But he would find no solution in just hovering over her with an indecision rivalling that of a writer struggling to find the perfect words for a single sentence in his foolishly hopeful magnum opus. No, decisiveness was what was needed now. After all, how could he expect to one day start a military legacy of his own, when he could not even offer aid to, arguably, the one closest to him? With his resolve tempered and found stiff, he began. “Twilight,” he said, “do you... wish to talk?”

        No spoken response was made. Instead, she shook her still buried head, causing much consternation within himself. He would have to press forward, he supposed. “There’s something wrong with you right now mon amie, I can tell” he continued.

        She sighed deeply into her pillow. “Just leave me be Charles. I don’t want to talk about it. I want peace.” She stressed the word carefully.

        “And if I seek to continue my little inquisition?” he dared.

        Mumbling something or other about over-inquisitive princes, Twilight turned to lay on her back,  angled slightly so her eyes would meet his own. They stayed in contemptuous quiet for a few delicate moments as they examined and analyzed the facets and features of the other. Their eyes averted themselves from their companion when the awkwardness of the situation set in once more. “What do you want?” she spoke, suddenly taking interest in the portrait that hung over their bed every night.

        “The problem. With you that is.” Charles answered, inadvertently looking at the same portrait she was now.

        “It’s of no matter to you. I... I’m fine. There’s no need to worry, see?” she tried giving him an overly large smile that reeked of secrets and lies.

        He scowled down at her. Twilight had to admit, he looked older when he scowled, like a disapproving adult scolding a child for bad behavior. Memories of magic kindergarten flowed through her at the thought, and she barely suppressed a shiver of distaste. “You’re lying. I can tell from a mile away in fact” he chided.

        Thoughts of turning away from him once more crossed her mind, but she decided against it. Was she not trying so hard to act like an adult at times, someone worthy of listening to. Doing something so flagrantly childish would shame both her and make Charles think less of her. Neither of which were acceptable in any way, shape, or form. “Fine. I’ll tell you” she at last relented.

        Giving only a ‘hmm’ of approval, Charles laid down on the bed fully, waiting for her. Twilight in turn rested fully on her side, both of them down lying down and staring at the other with thoughtful expressions. She told him everything. How she had spent the last few weeks gathering the appropriate materials. Writing out delicately worded sentences and paragraphs that would tell her mother, or the Princess, or whoever would receive it of her plight, how she missed them, how she hoped to come back to them one day, but to not despair. To not worry for her, to know that she had at least found a companion in this strange new land. And a request, if they were able, to find her, or to establish mutual contact with her in any way, to just let them know that she was safe, relatively speaking

        He absorbed this news with a growing anger, not at Twilight, but at himself. He felt so stupid now! How could he have not known she would be sad in any way to not be able to return to her home? He was caught up in the pleasure of having a companion to share his thoughts with, an interruption of the droll tedium life in this nation brought him, a break from the constant hours of bitter brooding that were his only solace save his studies.

        After she had finally finished her spiel, he considered an appropriate response, something that would actually bring some comfort to his most beloved friend. He agonized over this as Twilight looked expectantly at him for any sort of response, until a rather clever, in his own opinion, response came to him. “Do you need to cry?” he tread forward carefully.

        The abruptness of the question knocked Twilight asunder. “What?” was all she could say.

        “Remember what you said to me, a year or so ago?” he smiled playfully at her, “That it was okay to cry, when you need to for your own sake?”

        Contrary to his expectations, Twilight actually started to laugh when he informed her of this, nearly tumbling off the bed in quakes of mirth. “I can’t believe you actually remembered that!” she managed to speak through her guffaws.

        While her behavior acted contrary to how she was before, he could appreciate the amusement it gave his friend, especially if it distracted her from the more depressing moods. “Ha, it seems I’m more observant than you would believe mein liebchen. How else could I even attempt to decipher such a mind as knotty as yours?”

        Twilight wasn’t sure whether to get annoyed at his word usage, or blush at the sudden informality he has used. She was not sure herself whether he knew the word he just used or not was rather personal. Asking seemed like it would bring too many consequences and implications for her to bear, so she let it slide past any comments she could make. “I could say the same of your mind Charles. Sometimes I think you just have a different mindset then anyone else of your species.”

        His face became rather contemplative at that remark. “And are you not the same in regards to your own species?” he commented.

        Pausing, Twilight considered it. As much as she, or her mother, or her most illustrious Princess would have it, she always was different from the other children, filly or human. Where they took the time to partake in child's games that gained them only scrapes and bruises, she partook in all the knowledge she could find, gathering it, absorbing it like a water to a sponge. “I guess you could say that” she admitted.

“Indeed” he replied, before putting a closed fist up to his mouth, coughing into it.

“You okay?” Twilight worriedly asked.

He coughed some more before answering. Removing his hand, he eyed her stubbornly. “I’m fine. What I would like to know, is if you’re fine?” he rushed out, hastily attempting to divert her attentions elsewhere.

A little wary at his response, Twilight nevertheless smiled back at him. “Yeah, I’m fine now. Thanks a lot.”

        He gave her a smile of his own, the rare deed being rather appropriate in his own eyes. “Excellent. I can’t have the smartest mare in the land being struck down by her own self!”

        There he was again, making her feel all confused, split between having warmth flush her cheeks or rolling her eyes in mock apathy. Hopefully it would go away soon. Until then however, she gathered herself, rolling over away from him. “So what now?” she queried.

“Definitely.”

---

August 14, 1824 Anno Domini

“... And that dear children was how Österreich was made!”

        It was a simple day, at least for the now thirteen-year old human prince and purple unicorn. For numerous years now the two had studied under their tutors, confined to the grounds of the palace save for the few times they were allowed on special discourse to explore the capital itself, always with either de Foresti or von Dietrichstein or an unknown agent of the court on watch. Twilight had found a certain love of the city of Wien over time, and Charles could easily understand it. It was a center of a multicultural empire that spanned most of central Europe, and it showed with the beauty and culture of it's populace and architecture.

        Right now though they were in the middle of an impromptu history lesson from de Foresti, as usual in the library where they had done most of their studying. Already on the cusp of puberty, Charles had grown a few inches, shying just short of the English 5', making him an average sized man. But it was Twilight who had truly grown a bit. Where before she had stood at half the size of a nine year old, now she was approximately 5'3, and growing day by day. Ponies generally had the same growth period as humans, save the differences brought on by being completely different in almost every way.

Concerns were raised by some of the palace staff as to if she should be allowed to continue to stay in Charles' room with how quickly she was growing, but Charles dismissed them all. For now, his friend stayed comfortably in his bed with him, and it was still more then spacious enough for the two of them. In the library at least, de Foresti had acquired a few pillows for her to lay on whilst they were studying, an excellent solution for the time being.

        Charles was particularly happy through the past few months, despite these nuisances to his life. The reason being he had received a cadet’s uniform, gray with shining buttons and trimmed white at the edges, and an unofficial rank in the K.u.K as an officer from the Kaiser himself a few months ago, for his excellent advances in his studies. To his own annoyance, he was ‘advised’ not to wear it every day as he wanted, instead still dressing in his regular black shirt and trousers.

While he was annoyed that he could not actually practice with the soldiers yet, he still took the uniform as a proud sign that he could go even higher. Twilight would swear that he practically glowed the day he got it, so high was his joy. The more the mare knew of him, the more she saw he was obsessed with all things military.

There were numerous events which showed this to her, the least of which brought her up each and every morning since he received the uniform. Every day, between waking up and going to their studies, he would actually drag her out of bed, almost pleading with her to come with him to see the soldiers march outside from the palace windows. She complied if only to see him, it being one of the few things that did make him happy strangely enough, but she had to admit it was an intoxicating sight, hearing the click-clack of boots against stone streets and the almost rhythmic sounds of the bugle boy playing in front of them. Twilight did not like to think about how she was slowly growing more inclined to the military tastes her friend had, so she did not.

        Coughing into his gloved hand abruptly, Charles shot de Foresti an amused look. “We've read the books a dozen times now de Foresti. There's no need to worry about us learning.”

        “It was actually eleven, Charles” Twilight butted in, resting her head on one of her hooves.

        “The point still stands.”

        de Foresti smirked at the two. Dear god, these children, no, these teens were always running circles around him. It was  a wonder that he and the Count still attempted to hound them on their studies, the two of them breezing through all the important knowledge of everything they were brought with such ease it was if it was as natural to them as breathing. But he could still surprise them from time to time. Not now though, not now... “While I can see what you mean Charles, I'm just making sure. Constant repetition is the only way to get such things into your heads after all” he only half-joked.

        Charles brushed the comment off with a flick of his hand through his golden locks. Standing up from his seat, he stretched his hands for a moment before intertwining them behind his back, a sudden stoic concentration coming to his face. “True Hauptmann, true. However, I believe we've done enough here now. I think it's time me and the Fräulein here leave for the river. Care to join us?” he asked, a raised brow the only interruption of his calm face.

        The Hauptmann's reaction proceeded to bewilder the two teens. For some reason de Foresti's mood had shifted noticeably, an almost... fearful expression on his face. Gulping he answered the prince with a nigh-trembling voice. “Yes, yes, that would be fine. Now if you'll excuse, I must do something... somewhere! I'll be there soon though” he hastily exclaimed, before heading off to god knows where.

        Both the unicorn and the prince eyed this behavior with confusion. “What's up with him?” Twilight asked.

        Charles put a hand on his chin, developing a perplexed expression. “No idea. Until then however, I believe it would be prudent to use this new found isolation to practice, ahem, certain talents” he mischievously told her.

        Jumping off her seat, Twilight answered him as she tried to blow a few loose strands of her mane our of her face.  “You sure? I mean, the last few times were rather close to say the least.”

        He grunted, shrugging her concerns off with ease. Proceeding up to her, he brushed the loose strands of hair out of her eyes, to look her deep in the eyes. “Trust me Twilight, I am assured nothing worse then what occurred at our last practice would happen.  Besides, how else will you get the practice?”

        Twilight sighed ruefully, giving him a bemused look. Charles had gotten awfully close to her face as he plucked the loose strands away, neither of them taking their eyes off the other. Neither commented on this. “If you say so” she replied.

        With a pinkish glow from her horn, Twilight concentrated her magic, building it up slowly. The prince watched this display with great interest, inching closer to her as the seconds rolled by. And then, without warning a huge blast of magical energy erupted, causing a pink field to surround the two. Before either of them could comment, they disappeared in an instant, the only traces left of their presence being a few black marks on the library floor.

        Not a few moments later, just outside the palace enclosure but still within the grounds, a blast of pink energy appeared from out of nowhere. Disappearing within a moment, it left only our two protagonists standing there in a mix of apprehension and success as the bright yellow sun shone down on them. Thankfully no one seemed to be outside to take notice of them, which is what they expected. This part of the palace grounds seemed rather unused. Taking a moment to see if her friend had made it through or not, Twilight clopped her fore-hooves together when it all came together.  “Success!” Twilight cheered.

        “Indeed. And with less side-effects as well” Charles noted, clearing the trace amounts of soot that appeared on his gloves and shoes off with ease.

        After cleaning themselves up, the two checked their surroundings to see if everything had proceeded as plan. “Let's see, decently-sized river, huge palace right next to us, Charles not being a heap of ash on the ground. Yep, I did it!”  Twilight listed off in her head.

        Charles nodded to himself. “Yes, much better then last time. And we won't have to come up with such excuses anymore as well.”

        The very thought of coming up with an excuse again made Twilight want to bury her head into the ground. It had all started a few months after the Twilight's first year at the palace. She had been practicing some of her more advanced magics for her entire stay at Schönbrunn in private, due to fear of what would occur after reading of the treatment of magic in this continent. However, Charles had found her once practicing teleportation, and instead of being nervous or even fearful, it had fascinated him with an intrigue she had not yet seen from the prince, save in the arts of war.

        And so they had begun a sort of routine. Twilight would practice any magics she remembered from her schooling days, with Charles doing his best to cover it up. It had not been easy. After their first and only attempt at joint-teleportation a few weeks ago had ended with Charles covered from head to foot in soot. They had nearly gotten de Foresti and von Dietrichstein on them for awhile, but all Twilight knew was that Charles managed to lead them off. When she asked him how he did that, all he replied was the he told them a story involving copious amounts of some fluids. the type of which he didn’t elaborate on, a wheel of Swiss cheese, and twelve tonnes of steel. After hearing that, she was sure she didn’t want to know the exact details. Twilight proceeded to not ask any further, unsure if he was even telling the truth and not really wanting to know.

        Charles shot an annoyed look at the palace itself, starting to tap his foot impatiently. “Now all we have to do it wait for our most knowledgeable tutor to arrive” he said, the word 'knowledgeable' in a mocking tone.

        He was given a disappointed look from Twilight. “Don't be so hard on de Foresti Charles, he's probably doing something important. While else would he look so worried?”

        “Unless a Griffon or Dragon came down upon him, I’d say he has no eligible excuse.”

        That was another thing that got to Twilight. The knowledge that their were more sentient races in the world besides man and pony. From what she had read up and from her tutor’s reports, their were a race of winged Chimera inhabiting the land known as Scandinavia, known as Griffons, mighty and fierce creatures. Charles had told her nigh-mystic tales of how Griffon troops under the Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus nearly conquered the whole of Germany almost two centuries ago before being driven back by his untimely death. Dragons were a far more mythical creature, known only to inhabit the Orient from what she heard, wherever that was. While their descriptions as gigantic winged-reptiles intrigued her, the fact that they were so rare in number fought off any chance of her getting to see them. But despite these woes of hers, there were far more pressing matters, mainly those involving the teen prince in front of her. “Charles, do you really believe he would not be worried unless he had just cause?”

        His annoyance would not be abated, but he could see her point. Sighing, he dropped his hands to his sides, interlocking them behind his back once more. He proceeded to pace back and forth across the soft grass that was bent beneath his boots, his head lowered so his eyes were focused only on the ground in front of him. Twilight had noticed he had gained a number of quirks lately like that. A variety of behaviors had set in over the years that grew and cultivated over time in the young prince. He would get a stone look on his face when he was in deep concentration, he would put his hands behind his back when he was thinking as well, and he would pace constantly, treading the same ground over and over again as if doing so would tell him the answers he so required.

        Now Twilight, her behavior had little to change over the years. She kept up a good face for her friend, providing a helping hoof when needed, though he would never ask her. If there was one thing she knew about him, it was his darn pride. She had become almost used to the dull schedule that would take place everyday at Schönbrunn, the vivid memories of  her home, the place she so longed to return to breaking down day by day. It made her want to cry. She wouldn't though. If Charles could have his pride, she could have her dignity.

        The next hour or so took place with little to no excitement. The two talked briefly over small things, miscellaneous topics that would prolong the dull boredom that had come down upon them. Twilight sat beneath a large oak tree, the branches offering great shade from the sunlight, while Charles paced in the brisk sun as it boiled down on them below. With how thick his current uniform was, it was a wonder to Twilight that Charles wasn't sweating. Charles would comment at random intervals about how de Foresti was a 'lazy bastard' and Twilight would chide him at such coarse words. Finally, the Hauptmann arrived, looking significantly less troubled then before.

        Sprinting towards them with a sluggish paced, he stopped himself when he finally arrived, taking a few key moments to collect his breath. After this short procedure, he greeted them with a rather forced smile. “Good news, my little prince and pony! The Kaiser has requested the presence of both of you, and needs you to arrive at the throne room as soon as possible” he explained hastily.

        “What!? We haven't even begun our workout yet, and now suddenly mein Op-” Charles paused the change his wording, “the Kaiser wishes to speak with us for whatever reason? What does he need?”

        Recently, the teachers of the two teens had begun a steady workout procedure using a river that flowed next to the palace. Twilight was more interested in how the river flowed through the center of the city so well, but the most of an answer she got was something involving irrigation and architecture. Nevertheless, Charles took to swimming with ease, even if he seemed excessively tired after each swim. Twilight did not care for swimming that much, finding that every moment she got wet and cold was one she could use to study, but she went along with it, if only to spend time with Charles.

        At Charles' question, de Foresti suppressed  a gulp before answering his question. “He didn't say. Only told me, to tell you, to say that you were needed. Don't know why, don't really care. All I'll say is that I'd recommend following those instructions. Your Opa is not known for his levity in regards to his demands” the Hauptmann warned.

        Behind his back, Charles' fists tightened imperceptibly. Only Twilight could see it from her position, so she rose from her seated spot, walking up to her friends side and taking up where he left off in the conversation. “We'll be there right away. Right mein freund?” she tilted her head towards Charles.

        Barely stopping himself from rejecting this proposition, Charles nodded, giving de Foresti a crooked smile. “Fine. We'll be there right away.”

        de Foresti smiled back at him, a real one this time. “Danke Charles. I'll see you two soon, hopefully. While I have no idea what's going on, I have an idea. And I'm not so sure you'll like it...”

        Before either of them could question what he meant, the Italian sped off, running briskly off somewhere in the palace grounds. Twilight put a hoof to her muzzle in perplexion. “He was acting really weird there... Well weirder then usual.”

        “True” Charles said nothing else.

        Walking forward for a moment, Twilight then shot him a look, motioning him towards her with a single raised hoof. “Well c'mon then, he did say the Kaiser wanted to meet us, right?”

        Charles sighed, before looking bitterly back at the river. It was so hot today, and he needed the practice. But, he knew she was right. “Fine, let's go” he said, walking with her now.

---

        The throne room of the Kaiser was as resplendent as when Twilight first arrived there four years ago. The only difference now was that there were a few more than well-dressed soldiers flanking the walls, and a couple a dozen or so other persons standing around in fine and puffy dresses and suits, all human. Charles had told her these people were courtiers, people who stood at court and 'basically were paid to look pretty'. The idea seemed frightfully familiar to her. But the epicenter of the room was still the same. The Kaiser, in robes as regal as the ones he wore any other day, sitting on a throne that almost shined in the light. The only difference to him from before were a few added crevices and lines that now dotted his face. The years were adding to the olden monarch, but he still had a decent life-span ahead of him.

        But it was the figure that stood next to him that truly caught the eye of the teens. Kanzler von Metternich, in plain buttoned clothes and trousers that still looked amazing on him, only a few gray hairs added to his thin hair showing any signs of age at all. He stood next to the equally aging Kaiser, eyes low and set on the two as they entered, his mouth a thin slit that was prepared to enter a conversation at any moment, but none so daring as to begin it and insult the Kaiser.

        Ever since she had arrived at Schönbrunn, von Metternich was one of those few people that Twilight, for whatever reason, had a natural dislike for. Maybe it was the shifty way his eyes moved, maybe it was the bony look his fingers had when you looked at them from anything resembling a distance, or the way he would sometimes appear out of nowhere, and ask her a seemingly innocous question about how her and Charles' studies were going. Either way, as much as she didn't want to think such negative thoughts, she had to echo Charles' assessment of von Metternich, or 'the snake'. He truly seemed to live up to the name whenever he came.

        When the two entered, Charles still stuck with his hands behind his back, a few whispered gasps were heard from the courtiers, supposedly silent gossip that was loud enough to hear but not loud enough to make our. Even the guards seemed a bit tense today, their fingers holding their muskets just a bit closer to the themselves. All of it directed at Charles. He ignored this blatant insult to his honor, but Twilight had much more trouble keeping it in. Why was everyone acting so weird today? It was madness that was what it was. Ever since he had started these habits lately, the whole of the palace acted as if he had turned into a creature of unenviable terror. Even von Dietrichstein a few days ago gave him a horrified look when Charles began his practices.

        Regardless, the Kaiser greeted them with a jubilant gesture, a kind smile meeting them as his wizened old face stretched and ached with a low pain. Ignoring it, he spoke to the two with a hollowed voice that echoed throughout the large chamber, the court silencing itself out of whatever groveling respect they had for their soveriegn. “Prinz Franz, Fräulein Sparkle, excellent to see you once more! I trust your studies have been going well since we last met?”

        They had both been ordered to the court of the Kaiser at numerous times in the past, always taking a keen  and equal interest in his grandsons and his friends studies, but never so abruptly. It was the main reason the two were so confused by this sudden call. Bowing slightly, Charles answered him, Twilight not far behind in bowing. “All is well mein Kaiser. Ich lerne den ganzen Tag über, und Twilight ebenfalls. Although if you would be so kind, I would like to ask about the sudden nature of this visitation.”

        The Kaiser nodded sullenly,  hands gripping the edges of his throne tight. His smile did not leave him though, as he spoke. “Simple. In case you have forgotten, we are having a gathering tomorrow, or a party of sorts if you prefer.”

        Charles' mouth twitched in abject misery. Forcing a smile, he replied “Ah, yes, I forgot. And you would like me to go I take it?”

        “Indeed. However, I was also wondering if your friend would mind coming as well,” the hazy eyes of the Kaiser darted over to Twilight, “What do you say Fräulein Sparkle?”

        Said unicorn suddenly felt like crawling under a bed and not getting out for a very, very long time. The eyes of the court fell upon her, as excited whispers and gossip passed on, about the rarely seen and beautiful unicorn from the far-off land of Equestria itself! And to have her arrive at rather prominent social gathering? Stupendous! As the words and whispers danced around her, Twilight timidly answered the Kaiser with a voice that shook admirably little given the circumstances. “Um, Herr Kaiser, I don't think I'd really fit in so well...”

        More than a few stunned gasps emerged at her rather informal tone in addressing the Kaiser, but little reaction came from the man himself save a slight smirk. Metternich leaned over to the Kaiser now, whispering a few select words into his masters ear. The Kaiser nodded in approval, causing Metternich to lean back and address the unicorn. “Fräulein, you were a resident of Equestria, were you not?” at her nod to the rhetorical question he continued, “So were you not a patron of the government of the land? Of the court of the most mythical Princess Celestia herself?”

        Twilight gulped. She had made a few references to her past, mainly to Charles or de Foresti, one of them telling of her few times at the Equestrian court. She knew Charles wouldn't tell Metternich anything, so that meant de Foresti... Her heart stopped momentarily. Facing no way out with the eyes of the court trained on her, Twilight answered to the best of her ability. “Ja Herr Metternich.”

        Charles wanted to hit someone right now, preferably Metternich. He could see what the Kanzler was doing, leading her on with questions, and he couldn't do anything without being rebuked for speaking out of turn at court. The snake had once again coiled itself around its chosen target. “Gut, gut. Now, I think it would be just fantastisch if you were to come. After all, you would like to meet new people here, and since you were at a court before, you would be just fine at our own, correct?” the Kanzler led on.

        Twilight tried to find the strength to resist the insistent questioning, but the iron gaze of the Kanzler gave her no pity, no room to retreat. “J... Ja Herr Kanzler” she at last relented, speaking as little as possible on the hope that she could leave as soon as she could.

        Metternich smiled. “Gut. Mein Kaiser, would you be against me ordering a suitable dress for the young Fräulein, to allow her to participate in all of her radiance tomorrow?” he turned towards the Kaiser as he spoke.

        The Kaiser shook his head, now fulling turning the situation over to the Kanzler. “Ausgezeichnet. Now, run along children, and prepare. We would not have you feeling overwhelmed after all!” he snidely chided them, flicking his hand towards the two.

        It was a wonder that Charles kept his face so calm after all of this, and it was more of a wonder that he could bow to the two after that spectacle, the words 'Auf Wiedersehen, mein Kaiser' only just audible. Seeing his purple maned friend still stuck in a state between shame and embarrassment, he tapped her lightly on the flank with his foot, knocking her out of it and allowing her to bow as well. With that at last done they left as soon as possible, Charles only muttering 'Connard’ after he turned away from the throne, so lowly that only Twilight could hear the foreign tongue her friend used at times.

        Once the two exited the courtroom and left the ear shot of the guards, they walked through the halls at a steady pace, before Charles suddenly finally hissed out “Damn him!” he added by smashing a fist against the clean white walls, bruising it slightly.

        Twilight sighed, still hating herself for giving in so easily to the Kanzler. “I'm so sorry Charles, I, I shouldn't have let him lead me on so easily” she apologized.

        This only caused Charles to snap back towards her with an infuriated look. “What are you apologizing for? That snake was the one to put you on the spot like that before the whole accursed court, not you!” he shouted back.

        Her ears lowered themselves against her head. “I know, but I feel like I should have... I should been more resistant, you know?”

        “Ha, you can be made of iron and Metternich could still find a way to get into you! Like I said, he's a snake, a man who uses deception and trickery to get what he wants!” he ranted, the blood beginning to boil inside of him.

        Twilight's ears perked up again as he spoke with what sounded to be a personal hatred of the man. Metternich seemed unpleasant sure, but Charles seemed to have some sort of grudge against him.  The hate was practically rolling off of him in waves as his fist still contacted the wall, the prince himself staring down at the floor, lost in whatever thoughts plagued him now. She'd love to ask him what about Metternich troubled him so, but they were still very stand-offish in regards to their pasts.

They talked and discussed all the philosophy, the history, the mathematics they had picked up with a vigor unknown to most, but their pasts, they kept to themselves. The only thing Charles revealed was that his father was some great man who fought all of Europe once and beat them back numerous times, something that sounded almost like a fantasy to Twilight. But she did not outright dismiss such claims. In a world of magic and such, the impossible can be possible even under the most extraordinary of circumstances.

        In regards to Twilight's own past, she told little save small references or unintentional slips of the tongue when with her tutors or Charles. Her tutors, they always glanced at her when she mentioned such things, before proceeding back to their main topics. Taking some time to think about  it, she could see why Charles didn't trust them so much now.  They were still in the service of the state, and by extension Metternich. But Charles, he seemed to take no interest in her past. It was a welcome relief to her. Every time she tried to think about her home, about her family, about the Princess... it hurt. She could not force it out of her mind even! She had, once, tried in vain to send a letter back home, but that had failed miserably to say the least. Even then though Charles asked her no questions save ones that had him genuinely concerned.

“Twilight?” Charles asked from her side.

Turning back to him, she saw his fist had left the wall, his body slumped to the floor. He looked up at her morosely. “Will you be fine going to the gathering tomorrow?” he said, the concern evident in his voice.

That was a good question. It was true that she had to endure some of the more eventful royal parties during her few-year stay with the Princess, at the Princess’ own pleading to ‘find some nice people to meet and be friends with!”, it was a type of event she would prefer to never occur again. Snobbish nobles vocalizing all their complaints and claim of superiority, everyone else being too quiet or too apathetic to pay her heed, and the Princess herself always being overwhelmed with the hordes that came out to greet and/or unashamedly gain her favor. All in all, if this was anything like that, she was very, very nervous. But she could be brave she supposed, after all not going now would only provoke the wrath of the Kaiser and his Kanzler. “I’ll be fine Charles. I mean, how bad can it be?” she confided.

For some reason they both had chills in their stomachs set in when those words were uttered. Strange. Charles pushed himself off the floor, and rubbed his still tender hand with the other. “I suppose we should get some rest then. We cannot be too restful for what tomorrow will bring. We might even have some fun!” he deviously said mostly for her own benefit, and with that he proceeded to continue on to his room.

        Twilight followed close behind. While there was still a minute amount of dread left within the mare, she could persevere she supposed. Though she did not dare wonder just how they could possibly have any sort of fun there, perhaps she could at least stay in a corner and blend in with the scenery. That way she could at least survive it without much awkward social interaction that would surely come otherwise. Similar thoughts pursued her as she trotted with Charles back to their room.

        A smirk found it’s way onto Charles’ mouth as a wicked thought came to him. “Besides, I am assured that you’d look absolutely beautiful in a dainty dress!” he joked.

        He barely dodged the book that suddenly flew off the shelf and aimed at his head.

---

        The Next Day

        “Do... do I have to wear this?”

        It was the middle of the day, and Twilight was standing on a small podium in slightly larger room with rows of pony-dresses her size hung up on the walls, wearing a dress that could only be described as extremely gaudy. It rode high on her flank, was rather tight around the middle of her torso, and consisted of an array of colors that threatened to make her eyes bleed. The other denizens of the room were Charles himself, watching the proceedings with a not so honest attempt at being interested, Count Mortiz, there to escort the two through the build-up, and a single man, a court dresser, who shall remained unnamed. The dresser gasped in horror. “What do you mean my dear? That looks simply fantastisch! I mean, the contours fit perfectly against your legs, the colors match amazingly against your mane! It. Is. DIVINE!” the dresser exclaimed as if he had just eaten a particularly large ham.

        Mortiz groaned, while Charles was simply happy he could forgo this idiocy. He had insisted, rather virulently, that he be allowed to wear the cadet’s uniform he had received a year ago to the soiree, and by god he had put up an argument. Mortiz gave in just to hurry up, and at this rate he would have to do the same for Twilight if she harassed him with complaints. “But sir, can’t I just wear something, I don’t know, simple?” the unicorn tried to reason.

        The dresser shook his head. “Nein, it cannot be! My job is assign the best outfit available to you, and by God I shall do it!”

        Charles and Mortiz wanted to slam their heads against the mannequins. This man seemed to take his rather mundane job with a serious attitude that instead of evoking admiration brought only annoyance to them all. Twilight knew that dresses and suits were expected for ponies at events like this, it shared that much with the parties back home, and along with that it shared the painful and impractical looking clothing that looked as if it was sown by mad-men or mares, and intended for inmates at an asylum instead of high-born nobles and officers of the state.

        “Please sir, I really don’t mind what I wear, and it doesn’t really matter what I look like so long as it looks decent, right?” Twilight pleaded, squirming in the awful attire..

        “UN. AC. CEPTABLE!” the dresser enunciated each syllable in a drawn out manner, shouting with a decibel level that threatened to break each of their eardrums.

        Twilight’s ears pressed against her head while Mortiz and Charles covered their own with their hands. “Is this really necessary?!” Mortiz roared out, the inanity of this situation finally getting to him.

        Charles was tiring of this as well. Eyeing the row of clothes on the wall impatiently, his gaze caught something rather fetching to him. Ignoring the squabbling adults for a moment, he walked over to the outfit, picking it up and examining it thoughtfully. Nodding to himself, he interrupted the incessant yelling. “How about this?” he called out.

        The three others in the room turned to him. He held up a dark-blue dress, with finely-trimmed edges with sharp contours. As an added bonus, it actually looked comfortable to wear. Twilight ‘oohed’ at the dress, remarking “That actually looks good!”

        “Agreed” Mortiz added.

        “Meh, it’s not tight or small enough” the dresser whined annoyingly.

        Mortiz was getting tired of this idiocy, and it was only the presence of the two ‘innocent’ teens that prevented him from saying something along the lines of ‘Dammit, I am tired of this scheiße!’ “Too bad, I’m tired and the party starts in a few hours. We’re taking it” Mortiz said.

        “Where’s it from anyway?” Twilight asked, curious as to how something actually decent got in such a miserly group of clothes.

        The dresser harumphed, searching his memory for the answer. “Some place in Toulon one of our suppliers brought over. It was called Carousel Boutique I believe.”

        Both teens kept this in mind, Twilight hoping to thank the owner for indirectly allowing her to wear something decent, and Charles to see if they made men's suits. He could not fulfill his ambitions without being well-dressed, correct? But now that this mess was over, and after a short spat ensued between Twilight and the dresser over her, in her own words ‘being able to dress herself!’ they left with all due haste, each of them vowing to never return to this man again.

        Mortiz dropped them off outside the palace outside the Tiergarten of the palace, rushing off after explaining that he needed to organize some troops for the party. This left Charles and Twilight sitting by themselves waiting for the minutes to pass by, Charles on one of the marble benches that were spread evenly on the outskirts, while Twilight rested on her knees, neither wanting their clothes to get dirty. “So... how awful will this be?” Twilight only half-joked.

        Charles shrugged apathetically. “As awful as any other in this nation. A bunch of boring nobles talking and gloating. I can only hope the officers will arrive though. Any such hope of actually interesting conversation brings a tear of hope to my eye!” he made a mock wiping gesture to accentuate the point.

        Twilight rolled her eyes, smiling bemusedly out of his view. “Well you actually know most of the people there, right?”

        “So you can explain who they are to me? I don’t want to be too much of a klutz after all.”

        He raised a hand to his chin, thinking over it and finding it an appropriate response. He probably should have done this earlier actually, teaching her the names and faces to recognize in court so she could manage in such a disgusting environment, but he could forgive himself easily. For him, talking about court was only one step away from actually being there. It could only be worse if she was there. Shuddering at the very thought of it, he answered her. “That seems fine. I’ll be your eyes and ears you could say.”

        “Funny.” she deadpanned.

        “That’s why you’re the only one I dare even attempt a joke on” he replied.

        “I love you too,” she joked, saying a rare non-sequitur, “But seriously though, how bad will this be?”

        At her sudden worry, Charles sneered, casting contemptuous eyes towards the center building of Schönbrunn where the part would take place. “Don’t worry Twilight. I’m sure it will be the best night ever” he said in a tone that dripped with sarcasm.

---

        Moments before the party

        “Perhaps you should have dressed more... appropriately, mein Prinz.”

        Charles eyed the guide with a fearsome glare. The stout, shallow-faced hatted-man who was leading the two through the halls quickly backed off when the brown eyes of the Prinz bored into him, the Prinz’s annoyance at all these events finally seeping through. Twilight leaned over to him, dragging him down by the cuffs of his gloves with her mouth. “Did you need to be that rude?” she chastised.

        “When he’s being a nuisance? Yes!” he venomously declared.

        Twilight looked as if she would continue it, a scenario that Charles was more then willing to follow up on. While they were friends, they differed on key points on how to deal with people, like now for example. Fortunately for them, the guide interrupted any potential scuffles by announcing “We have arrived, sir and madame.”

        Stopping, the two looked to see the guide standing in front of a pair of large oak doors not too dissimilar from the other ones in the palace. The guide pushed the doors open, opening up a madhouse. A cornucopia of persons, human and pony littered the great hall that revealed itself to them. Hanging over the incredible display was a humongous chandelier, with hundreds of clear glass prisms hanging from it, glistening from the last hints of sunlight shining through the clear glass windows that dotted the walls. As far as the eye could see were the most fanciful dresses and suits in the land, worn by human and pony nobles or the few non-noble-born officers that were permitted entry into the gathering. It was a harvest of the old world values,

Coughing into his hand, the guide winced as the collective eyes of the room fell upon the new guests, silence overshadowing the usually boundless chatter in a rare moment.. “Introducing, Seine Hoheit, Durchlaucht Prinz Franz of Österreich, und Madame Twilight Sparkle, of ‘Equestria’!” he shouted out, announcing the last word with a hint of an amused smirk.

A wave of polite clapping came forth from the human guests, as the few ponies clopped their hooves against the ground in their own mock version of clapping. Strangely enough, both parties giggled audibly on the mention of ‘Equestria.’ Charles leaned over to her subtly once more, whispering  just loud enough to hear over the debacle ‘Just smile and wave’ to her. The advice seemed rather prudent as Charles leaned back and proceeded to do just that, putting on a frigid smile that fooled the crowd easily. Anxious yet appeasing, she followed, slowly waving a hoof at the crowd with an out-stretched smile that would not fool anyone up close, but from a distance more then served its purpose.

The impromptu greeting ended as soon as it began though, as the guests turned back to their own things, only a few pairs of eyes keeping track of Charles at best, who kept up his recent hand behind back posture. Charles himself sighed in gratitude that the introduction ended quickly, while Twilight was left stumped as to what had just happened. Even back home, things rarely getting this hectic back home. It was unnerving to her, and from the way Charles looked the feeling was mutual. The guide proceeded to leave them, tipping his hat at them as he left.

“Now just stay by me, and have some general rules,” Charles said, beginning to list off, “Don’t look at anyone in the eye without greeting them. Don’t greet them without them greeting you first. And above all, try for the love of Christ to not have to greet them.”

        “Excellent advice” she grumbled.

        “Hier, mein liebchen, it is,” he replied with a smirk, “But for now, follow me. I know enough of this side of my family to understand who to avoid or not.”

        As they began to walk through the pure-white floor, Twilight was astounded at the number of guests and the implications of Charles’ words. “These are all your family members?”

        He took an eyeful of the patrons here before answering. “About eighty percent of them I believe. Otherwise it’s just the odd Hungarian or Italian noble, or some other dignitary or officer. Not a diverse crowd, I know, but there’s a reason my mother’s side of the family gets around so much.”

        Easily dodging one of the larger groups of people, Twilight continued her questioning. “This is just your mothers side? I wouldn’t even want to imagine the size of your fathers side!” she exclaimed.

        “You would not be astounded by their size, nor by the composition of my family on my fathers side” he said darkly.

That turned her off further questions in that direction. Besides the fact that he was obviously uncomfortable with the familial questions, it was taking a while just for Twilight to comprehend this much family on one side. She would not dare delve further into his clan without sufficient knowledge on the current nobles here, and she doubted this would be a visit for knowledge.

They had just found their way through another clog of nobility before a high-pitched voice called out “Fränzchen!” and Charles found himself being accosted by a plain-faced elderly woman with graying hair, his face being grasped in a massive hug that forced him into her chest. “Mein Fränzchen, it’s so excellent to see you again!” the elderly woman greeted enthusiastically.

“Grüß dich, Oma” he mumbled through her grasp.

‘His grandma?’ Twilight thought, taking a closer look at the plain yet kind-looking woman. Her dress was as splendid as the rest of the outfits here, even more so in fact considering who her husband was, yet she had a carefree attitude as shown by the fact that she was so openly hugging her grandson who was just a few inches taller then her. “Oh, and you have a little pony friend as well! Hello!” she continued, letting go of Charles to his not-so-secret pleasure, grasping one of Twilight’s hooves with her hand and shaking it amiably before Twilight could even tell what was going on.

“It’s so nice to see the pony who’s been making Fränzchen feel so well since she came. He was so grumpy before you arrived, but now he’s just a barrel of sunshine!” she cheered, leaving Twilight now to pinch one of Charles’ cheeks in the way only grandmothers do.

As Twilight was left staring at her hoof, wondering just what in the world happened, Charles’ grandmother was unknowingly causing said grandson massive amounts of both pain, embarrassment and annoyance. “Isn’t that right Fränzchen?” she cooed.

Having to remind himself for a moment that his grandmother was one of the few relatives he didn’t hate, Charles forced an arctic smile. “Ja, Oma. Now if you would be so kind, me and Twilight need to leave, we’re meeting other guests later” he almost begged, hoping to get out of this as soon as possible.

Gasping in a thunderstruck manner, his grandmother let go and nearly wept in melodramatic sorrow. “Oh I’m so sorry Fränzchen! I’ll leave you two be. Now, just don’t get into any trouble!” she warned before at last leaving.

As Charles was nodding at her as she left, rubbing his still sore cheek, Twilight was staring absent-mindedly between her shaken hoof and where his grandmother used to be. “What just happened?” she asked blankly.

“Meine Oma” he said, simmering.

“Ah.” she said, not really understanding yet not actually sure she wanted too.

There was a perverse silence for a few moments till Twilight spoke again. “So... Fränzchen?” she could only just prevent herself from laughing.

The way his face suddenly turned red proved to her the heavenly usage she would get out of that word. “Don’t. Say. A thing” he ordered through gritted teeth.

She gave him an oily smile, trotting away from him a bit before calling back to him, making sure to draw out the syllables as much as possible, “Suuuure Fränzchen!”

        With a series of giggles erupting from her mouth, Twilight trotted away in a mock dainty manner. Feeling cross, Charles followed after her, but to each of their dismay seemingly out of nowhere a new group of nobles seemed to spring out of their lines of sight, blocking their view of the other. “Merde” Charles cursed.

        “Oh dear” Twilight said on her end.

        Both tried to find their ways through the crowds, but by this point the swarms of feet and hooves were too tightly packed for them. Neither could see the other now, causing quite a dilemma. “Problem, Franz?” Charles heard from behind him, and his heart sank as he recognized the voice.

        “Prinz Metternich,” Charles said in a voice devoid of joy.

        Turning, he saw the Kanzler himself, wearing what he could describe nicely as a ‘devil’s grin’, or in more crass words, as a ‘shit-eating grin.’ He stood in his same old plain yet still fanciful suit, hands behind his back and looking approvingly at him. “It’s so nice to see you here Prinz Franz. And behaving like a proper Prinz von Österreich too. How joyous an occasion for us all!” the Kanzler remarked.

        Charles’s hidden hand tightened, though from Metternich’s view it simply seemed as if the prinz posture stiffened. Not noticeably enough for most eyes to see, but for someone with Metternich’s experience in reading people, was easy enough. “Joyous indeed Kanzler. But dare I ask why you would deem to greet me, instead of staying at the Kaiser’s side?” Charles asked innocently.

        Metternich’s mouth turned from a grin into a thin line, a fact which nearly made Charles replete with joy. It came back within an instant though, but that fact that he had irritated the snake was enough for Charles. “The Kaiser is at the end of the room, holding a small show for some of the guests,” he raised an inquisitive brow, “Though I should ask where Fraulein Sparkle is. After all, is she not foreign to this setting, a delicate charm that should be properly handled with care.”

        ‘You bastard, you practically forced her to come!’ Charles wanted to scream, but he did not. This was a public setting after all, and the only point of this verbal spar was to see who could incite who and make an arse out of himself in to the whole crowd. And he would rather damn himself than let Metternich make a fool of him! But that jab at Twilight was almost too much, even for his tempered patience. He could hold though. Metternich was a snake, that he could be assured of, but other then pokes and prods he could do nothing to him. “Fraulein Sparkle is perfectly fine. In fact, she assured me herself that she could handle herself, so confident was she of her own social grace!”

        It was a outright lie sure, but it was told with a straight enough face that Metternich did not question it. At least, not externally. The Kanzler made a small humming noise before responding. “Well if that is the case, perhaps I should go find her? A young filly like her surrounded by such strange environments could bring disastrous results. It would be only my duty as a gentleman to ensure her safety.” Metternich spoke with the voice of a saint.

        Charles did not know how he prevented himself from strangling the man at this very moment. Probably because it was a public venue and nothing else, but it was still just an urge barely defeated. His passive smile became one tinged with a passionate anger, his eyes sharp and hateful now, an expression that almost forced Metternich back. The Kanzler vaguely wondered if he had tread too far at last with the young prinz. But what the former Prince Imperial said bewildered him with its almost playful tone. “If you would wish it Herr Kanzler. Until then though, I must be off. Places to see, people to meet...”

        He began to step past Metternich, stopping just as he stood by him. Charles leaned over to the Kanzler, and spoke “If you dare hurt her, I will break you” with the enough audible hatred that Metternich did step back now, simply out of the pressure it put on him.

        Right after that Charles walked away as if nothing happened, humming a delightful tune to himself. Metternich stood there, his skin shaking with chills now. A random patron of the party walked over to him inquiring as to his problem. “Is there a problem, Kanzler Metternich?”

        Metternich breathed deeply before answering, casting a wary look at the direction Charles left through. “I don’t know why, but that little bastard scares me.”

---

        Scared would be too extreme a word to describe Twilight’s condition at the moment. Despite the general unfamiliar atmosphere, she focused on the positives, as she generally did in bad situations such as this. But calling her unafraid was simply untrue, as she was anything but. Everyone else towered above her, even the other ponies being grown adults that stood even above the humans, and both sides treated her with a forced apathy when she tried to plead for help or some form of guidance. She would persevere though, she had too! ‘I mean, I can’t rely on Charles for everything here after all,’ she resolved herself.

        Trotting forward slowly with her hooves clopping softly against the hard floor, head moving back and forth across the vast swathes of people that towered over her, looking for some sort of salvation. Unfortunately for her, salvation did not come. Instead, a well-dressed unicorn colt in a white suit and tie stepped in front of her, who was only just taller then her by a few inches. With shimmering white fur, a well-pressed cyan coat, and a golden-blond mane, he looked more a noble then anyone else here. The scientific part of Twilight’s mind noted that he stood a few inches shorter than the humans here, which either meant he was a teen, or a very malformed adult. Twilight hoped that perhaps this colt was a nice pony, one who could perhaps help her through this predicament. These thoughts were immediately dashed however when he stared down at her with pure contempt, grunting at the mere sight of her. “And just who are you, that would get in the way of the Prinz Blaublut himself!?” he screeched at her.

        Her legs shivered slightly as the colt, who’s name she hoped was chosen intentionally. Not backing down in the least, she stared back at him with all the courage she could muster. “Ich heiße Twilight Sparkle, Herr Prinz. Didn’t you see the whole intro thing a while back?” she explained, waving a hoof towards the general direction of their point of entrance.

        The Prinz, who she could already tell acted nothing at all like the type of Prinz Charles as, snorted arrogantly. “Bah, as if it was worth my attention! Why would I even pay attention to the son of that Corsican tyrant, when it can be assured that he’s little better by virtue of birth! That is how science works after all” he explained with total assurance in himself.

        One of Twilight’s eyes began to twitch almost sporadically, the words he said being understandable, yet not. How someone could say something so very unscientific and just plain stupid that it seemed surreal to her. Plus, no one ever insulted her friend. That was a stance she would always stand by. Gathering her bravery, Twilight stepped forward, getting dangerously close to the other unicorn. It was so unexpected an action that the colt backed up before he even realized what he was doing. “Listen here mister, don’t you dare insult people like that, when you don’t even know them! So you’d better stop right now, or else!” she threatened.

        Blaublut was visibly shaken, perhaps pathetically so considering that the purple unicorn was smaller and not actually intending to hurt him, considering they were in a public venue, but nonetheless he was terrified. That terror was quickly replaced though with a furious scowl. “You insolent cur, I’ll be sure to make you as miserable as possible when I’m-”

        “What is going on here?” a new voice interrupted.

        The two unicorns turned to the new arrival, a tan-coated earth pony who towered over the two, obviously an adult, with the few inches he had over the rest of the humans there. He wore a gray buttoned uniform, similar to the other officers that were normally human. It wasn’t that rare a sight apparently, as no one around them took heed of it, though considering the general crowds apathy to recent events save a few prying eyes perhaps this was understandable indeed. The earth pony sent a glare Blaublut’s way, causing the arrogant noble to back off from the sheer intensity of it. “Well, what’s going on I say?” he asked once more when no response came.

        Blaublut gathered himself a bit, sucking up some air to make his chest seem puffed out and make him look bigger then he was. It did not work. “That little cretin over there disrespected me! I demand immediate compensation!” the arse complained.

        The officer pony snorted, not believing this in the least. “Oh of course Herr Blaublut. Und Russisch sind intelligent” he sarcastically declared.

        “But-”

        “But nothing. Get out of here, bother some other person that actually deserves it instead of this fine girl” the officer cut him off, barely raising his voice above that of casual annoyance.

        Blaublut looked as if he would offer some more of a protest, but another glare silenced him immediately. The Dummkopf trotted away in a huff, but not before giving Twilight a dirty look. One which he quickly stopped when she returned it in turn. “Scheißkerl” the officer muttered.

        “Excuse me sir,” the officer looked down to see that Twilight was now right in front of him, smiling upward gratefully, “Thanks for helping me with that bully!”

        “No problem little one. Just doing a gentlecolts duty after all. What else could I do when a child such as yourself is in danger?”

        It irked her that he called her a child, she was thirteen already darnit, but she would let it slide out of gratitude. “It’s just you really got into him. I can’t believe a jerk like that is a Prinz!”

        The officer was astounded at what she said for a moment, before small bursts of laughter that threatened to escape his muzzle. “What, he’s acting like he’s a real Prinz still? Ha! It’s common knowledge he’s a Prinz alright. Prinz of a small town on the Russian border. Yet he still acts as if it makes him the Archduke himself, mostly to compensate for how small he is at this age. In both ways I hear. Makes him fit in rather well in this environment though I suppose...” he said darkly, a frown forming on his muzzle.

        At Twilight’s confused look at this statement he stopped such dark thoughts. “Anyway, what are you doing out here alone? Not to be rude, but you seem a bit lost in this place.”

        She blushed in embarrassment, beginning to explain things to him abruptly. “Well you see, I came with my friend Charles, I mean Franz, and we got separated so yeah...”

        The officer was visibly interested at the mention of her friend, his ears perking up in surprise. “Prinz Franz, eh? So you’re a friend of his then? How is he?” he asked.

        Twilight tilted her head to the side at the sudden interest in Charles, but decided there couldn’t be anything too harmful in telling him such things. She hoped. “Oh, he’s doing good. We’re both progressing on our studies well, and he’s generally been okay. Why do you ask?” she queried.

        Giving her a pleased smile for her curiosity, the officer answered her question. “Simple. I take a keen interest in promising military minds such as his. Considering who his father was it’s practically a guarantee for me to follow where his career goes,” he paused to lean forward and take a closer look at her, “And from what I’ve heard of you Fräulein, you’re one to watch out for as well.”

        Speechless was just one way to describe Twilight at this moment. She was astounded! He considered her a promising military mind? Was he crazy or something? There was no way at all she of all people could be anything at all resembling a strategist. Feeling anxious now, she decided to confront this assumption. “I’m sorry sir, but I don’t really think I could be described as anything resembling a military strategist. I mean, I don’t exactly care for war as is, why would I even think of fighting or even organizing it?”

        The officer hummed lowly, thinking over that. “I suppose you could say that Fräulein, but I’m afraid it never matters whether you care for war or not. War has a habit of dragging the talented towards it whether they want to or not” he said, indulging in his own philosophic stance.

        That thought scared Twilight more then a tad worried. If she was at all skilled in the art of war, would she be drafted into fighting? Would she have too? Charles made no secret of his love for one day starring in the field of combat, but would she go with him? She had promised him not long ago that she would follow him, help him through his trials until he had fulfilled his ambition, but could she do that? It was a sobering thought, one that threatened to destroy what little good mood Twilight had left.

Sensing the growing despair within the purple mare, the officer tapped her horn with his hoof, knocking her out of her spiral before it could descend further. “Hey, don’t worry. We’re in a time of peace now, so I’d hardly think you have to worry about matters such as this soon. Even so, you’re still practically a filly after all. I doubt the officers would demand someone of your size to even fight on the front lines, let alone be an officer.” he attempted to comfort her.

        That was a very potent explanation, Twilight had to admit. It wasn’t as if there was actually going to be a war anytime soon, right? Though considering that Twilight herself had next to no knowledge of the diplomatic relations, territorial claims, and numerous other vendettas the governments of Europe had with one another this might have been an optimistic yet still impetuous attitude. Either way though, she was calmed. “I guess you’re right sir. By the way, what’s your name?” she asked, realizing she had spoken to him for a while now without even asking.

        “Oh, my name?” the officer replied, a little astonished she was actually interested in knowing it, “Antoine de Prokesch-Osten. Major Antoine de Prokesch-Osten. Und I already know of you, Fräulein Sparkle.”

        Twilight was a bit perturbed at his... human sounding name. Not that it bugged her or offended her anything, but it struck her as rather queer. But maybe they just had different naming standards over here? Who knew? There were a few other questions she would have liked to ask, like how he was the first colt with any sort of officer ranking among all the ponies she had seen so far, compared to the other ponies here who were at best rotten nobles. And what his cutie mark looked like, but that would be rather personal to just suddenly ask.

But in the end, it was no matter to her at the moment. She did a little curtsy towards him, or the best she could do considering she couldn’t tug at her dress what with her having hooves instead of hands and using her magic for the mundane task of simply tugging at her dress seemed both needless and lazy, but it was the gesture that mattered. Antoine smiled down at her once more as she spoke. “Danke Herr Antoine. I don’t want to impose on anything, but I was wondering if maybe you could help me find my friend... If it’s not a bother or anything to you!” she hastily added, not wanting to offend in the least.

        He chuckled at her nervousness. It was rather endearing, he had to admit, to find someone so polite and thankful at these gatherings. But it was just improbable, not impossible he supposed. “Ja Fräulein, I promise I’ll help you. It’s no problem at all to me,” he agreed, “Where was your friend then?”

        “Oh, over there” she pointed a hoof where they last met up, still swarmed by people.

        ‘Well, that will be a problem’ he thought dryly. There were a lot of people there, none of them the size of a thirteen-year old human. This was going to take a while, he could just tell. But he made a promise to this little filly. He couldn’t take that back now, could he? “Okay then, follow me Fräulein. We might have to circle around the crowds to find him” he told her, beginning to trot around some of the larger crowds.

        Twilight began to follow him, but she couldn’t deny she was a tad worried. This was a simply huge room after all, who knows how long it would take them to find Charles? And maybe her friend was right now facing some dilemma or crisis, and needed her help!? These thoughts nibbled at her mind, making her several sorts of worried. But there was nothing she could exactly do at the moment save follow the helpful major. After all, even if she could bring out some spell that would allow her the ability to track her friend, she was told quite strictly by Charles every time she offered it in the past that it was a very bad idea. From what she read up on the rules of this land, she had to concur reluctantly. At least she could be assured her friend wouldn’t get into any trouble.

---

        “And these are the nephews of some of the court mares nephews, Silberlöffel und Diamantdiadem. Aren’t they just precious?”

        “Um, yes, precious...”

        Charles felt like banging his head against a wall. He had been trying to link back up with Twilight. Unsuccessfully considering where he was now. Every five steps, every goddamn five steps, he was interrupted by yet another member of his extended family, wishing to trade false pleasantries and such for valuable time. As much as he would like to stop his family obligations though, it would be considered rude in the least to bolt out of these talks. Besides, they were family, no matter how far off they were from him in terms of relations. Family loyalty was one of the first things his father and his grandfather had taught him, one of the few similar lessons in fact. He held true to it.

        But he digressed. Currently he was being forced by yet another aunt or something into taking a good like at two small baby fillies in a stroller, both from two of the court mares. She was here to show off their ‘absolute preciousness’ and other such nonsense to the public, which is what they were doing right now, looking up at him with excellent facsimiles of happy baby faces. Charles was not convinced though. There was something almost off about the two. “Don’t you just want to pet them?” his aunt cooed.

        He could tell that was more of a demand then any sort of request, so he reluctantly complied. Taking a tentative hand and patting one of them slowly on the head, Charles could perhaps admit that they were in fact cute. If not for the fact that immediately after that, one of them, for he still could not remember which was which, bit his hand with a huge chomp. With a loud ‘aargh!’ Charles pulled his hand back, nursing it from the excruciating pain that now lanced through it. “What in the world was that?” he hissed at his aunt.

        “Oh, aren’t they precious?” she replied, seemingly ignorant of his pain and petting the young fillies on the head.

        Charles wasn’t sure if it was the after-effects of the pain, or his some hazy visions, but he could swear the two little demons were grinning at him. That couldn’t be it though, they’re only fillies, right? Awful, horrible fillies admittedly, but fillies nonetheless. Excusing himself wordlessly, Charles left out, still holding tightly onto the bitten hand.

        He had next to no idea where Twilight was. He had tried to find some way through the absolute mess of the crowded room, ear-pounding at the incessant talking and conversation that went on around him. He could barely hear his own thoughts in this torrid mess. Trying to find someway to Twilight, Charles nearly bumped into the back of another person, a lady if the fact they were wearing a dress was any indication. “Excusez-moi madame” he said, slipping back into his mother tongue for a moment.

        As the lady turned to him, Charles was stunned at what he saw. An absolutely diamond of a lady, dressed in the most stunning red gown he could see. Her every feature was practically glowing to him, her auburn hair, her oak eyes, everything called to him, such was her grace.  He could feel his heart beating ever faster just as she gave him a small, curved smile. It threatened to make his face erupt into a molten mess of emotional consternation. As she took sight of him, she flashed an almost predatory grin his way, but he ignored that in favor of her beauty. “There is no need to excuse yourself to me, young sir. May I have the honor of knowing your name?” she asked with an almost salacious wink.

        Finding his mouth suddenly dry, Charles answered to the best of his abilities. “Prinz Franz, Duke of the Reichstadt, and your most humble admirer, Lady...?” he trailed off, almost slapping his own face at the incredibly obvious flattery.

        Laughing politely and falsely at the not-so-subtle compliment, the lady took his right hand with her own left, leaning over it and kissing the knuckles of it softly. He could almost feel his heart stop as she performed this most dazzling feat on him. “Prinzessin Sophie von Bayern. And I have heard of you, Prinz Franz. I must say, you seem quite the mystery,” she lifted herself from her leaned position, bringing her face awfully close to Charles’ own and cupping his chin with her hand, “And I must say, mysteries appeal to me.”

        Now Charles might have been a thirteen year old, sure, but he had enough common sense to both know what was going on, and to ask her further questions before he proceeded. Besides, he could have sworn he had heard of this Princess of Bavaria before. He just forgot where. Inside his mind there was also the niggling thought that he was ignoring his best friend in order to cash in on the off-chance he could possibly get anywhere close to intercourse with this woman, who despite being slightly shorter then him looked much older, eighteen he suspected. “Well I would hope to be appealing to one as beautiful as you. I am amazed no one else has gotten the gall to approach you as of yet.”

        She smirked, for some hilarious reason she knew but he did not yet. “That would be because my husband to be, the Archduke Franz Karl, would not normally appreciate such attempts on my maidenhood. At least, if he had the spine to not differ any such responsibilities to me.”

        ‘The Archduke?!’ he wanted to shout out in absolute horror. Suddenly it made sense now as to why this lady was not the highlight of every man in the rooms day. Archduke Franz Karl himself was her husband, second to the throne next to Archduke Ferdinand. She was set to be wed to a Prince of House Habsburg itself! Finding a very sudden urge to get the hell out of there as soon as possible, half out of a desire to find Twilight, half out of a fear for whatever retribution might incur if he was caught badly attempting to woo a married women. Yet... he could not exactly leave yet. There was something intoxicating about her presence, one that beckoned him to learn more. It was scary, yet oh so tempting. “And you would prefer to spend time with me then your own husband?”

        “Why of course. Only thirteen, and you’ve already captured the interest of quite many people here. And with a tongue as rapacious as yours, I can see why!”

        Fighting back a blush at the compliment, Charles smiled back at her. “You do me a good kindness with your presence madame. But, might I ask what you seek of me?”

        “Simple,” her tone was so innocent, yet it contained a lustrous quality that drew him in further to her, “You belay a certain... attractiveness, and I have had little fun with a man since I was set to be wed. And my husband to be is certainly less then willing to lay with me.”

        There was more than enough bitterness in her words for him to catch the hint. Feeling his heart beat steadily faster at what she was implying, Charles asked further. “And you would ask what of me?”

        Sophie smiled. This would be too easy. she thought. Gods, she wondered if she would break her own record in seduction with this lad. He was all too easy to reel in, so confident was he in his own abilities. “Whatever you wish. I am an experienced woman after all, and I’m certain that a boy of your age could do with my experience. And I could use the time of a fine young specimen of manhood such as yourself.”

        As much as he wanted to be disgusted or turn away from this act out of some sense of morality, the offer was tantalizing. What remaining part of him that wanted to pursue Twilight was silenced dutifully, as his smile turned predatory. “You have a place I assume?”

        The Princess rolled her eyes at his attitude, as if he actually assumed he was the one in control here. It would be almost adorable if it just wasn’t so pathetic. This kid must not have had his viewpoints challenged often if he was so gullible. Though in the end, that made it all the easier for her.

Charles was oblivious to her thoughts thought. Sophie looked wondrous when she smiled, he thought idly. The woman grasped his hands with her own. “I know a place.” she whispered.

        Sophie leading the way for him, Charles felt a dark pit in his heart. While some would complain about such acts between a young man of his age and a woman, this was almost common in the Austrian court. It was a mark of pride of sorts to have bedded a lady, especially at his age. Particularly the Archduke’s bride to be. That did not stop the growing self-loathing at what could only be a betrayal of his friend and his own self-restraint. It was too late now though. Far too late.

---

        “So, where are you from?”

        It was a sudden question, one the Major asked without turning back to her, still trotting forward with her behind dutifully. “Equestria.” she answered without hesitation, wondering why he asked when it was announced earlier.

        “I see.” he replied with more then a little bit of doubt evident.

        Twilight was put off by his unconvinced attitude, deciding to confront him about it. “What, you think I’m not from the place I was born in?” she said incredulously.

        “I’m saying you came here at a young age, due to traumatic events, and thus might be more open to fantastical scenarios in order to explain them” he offered, deftly dogding past a particularly bulbous man.

        “Fantastical scenarios!?” she with an even greater furor then before, drawing a few wandering eyes to them.

        Nearly jumping at the outburst, Antoine turned to her and put a hoof to her mouth. “Don’t be so loud, okay?” he asked, and when she nodded morosely he moved the offending appendage.

        “What I mean is, you’re young, and you were scared. I know horrible, horrible things were done to you,” he said with the deepest of sympathies, “But perhaps, just perhaps, you could admit that you thought some things up? Just to make the pain lessened? We all know Equestria is a fairy-tale at best, and an unknown hell-hole at worst. How a little filly like you could have ever gotten out of there is an explanation I’d like to hear, but you don’t have it, do you?”

        “But I do remember!” she spoke quieter now, but with much less force, “I was-”

        She stopped as she reminded herself of her own lack of reflection on the events that brought her here. The sudden destruction of her peaceful life, the deaths, the large imposing figures that haunted her nightmares, even if she did not show it on the outside. Dear Celestia, she had almost told this man of things she would not dare tell her closest confidant here. And by this point, with her holding it in for years, it did not seem all that undesirable. Taking her silence as a gesture of recognition, Antoine continued for her. “You were scared, and so you made it up. I’m sorry that you had to deal with the mean-spirited laughs of these people to realize it, but hopefully you  can get over it. After all, it’s not everyday a filly of your station gets to live in what is practically the center of central Europe, am I right?” he said, raising her head to meet his eyes.

        Dread seized Twilight, that even if she wanted to tell him now, tempting as it was, she had no proof of her claims. Sure, she could use her most advanced magics to prove she was not in fact a liar or delirious, but that would surely provoke a wrath unheard of to her. At least, that was what she feared. So, burying her own tearful protest, Twilight nodded, slow and sorrowfully. “Yeah... you’re right.” she lied, both to him and herself.

        “Good to see you’re seeing sense. Now, hopefully we can find your friend. He’ll hopefully not have been nailed by the nobility of this place...”

        Nodding slowly, Twilight complied when he sought back on his well-plotted path. Though his words seemed hazy in their intent, she could definitely tell he meant something bad by that. But what could possibly happen here that was so bad? He was among family and friends, was he not? She was in more danger actually, as shown with the jerk-face prince earlier.

        “Wait, is that your freund now?” Antoine said.

        Twilight turned to see that Antoine was correct, that Charles was far away, but still seeable. And with another person, a woman at that. “Who’s that?” Twilight said, half-worried and half-curious.

        “That’s... Prinzessin Sophie?!” Antoine was barely able to contain his surprise.

        That wasn’t helpful to Twilight at all, a fact she called the colt out on. “Is that good or bad in this case?”

        “Depends,” Antoine shrugged, “Knowing the Prinzessin, well...”

        Twilight would not take that drawn out answer lightly, not at all. “Well, what?”

        Oh this was bad, very bad. Antoine worriedly thought. “Uh...”

        Mercy shined down on the major today, as an interruption would draw the mare’s attentions elsewhere for now, forcibly so. “Fräulein Sparkle, guten Tag!” a familiar old voice called out.

        Surprised by the sudden call, Twilight found the Kaiser and a large retinue of variously dressed individuals, most the same white skin as he, though there was a tan-skinned man among them, a fact which drew her curiosity due to the general similarity in the skin color of most humans she had seen here. It was not like back home where there were a variety of colors mixing together, Germanic Caucasian knights intermingling with red and tan-skinned peoples of various dress and status with good graces towards one another. She never asked why, mainly due to a rudeness inherent in asking questions based on race that both her mother and the Princess instilled in her, yet she found it strange nonetheless.

        Nevertheless, the Kaiser motioned her over with a flick of his hand. Despite how much she wished to keep pressing Antoine, the unicorn knew this was a request not to be ignored. Twilight complied readily, trotting away from Antoine, who it had took a moment to discover that his charge was now meeting the Emperor of Austria himself at the Emperor’s own request. Nearly stunned into unconsciousness from the sheer implausibility of the situation he had found himself in, Antoine followed after Twilight, still having a duty to her after all. As they arrived before the Kaiser, who was standing almost hunched-back with his personal guests waiting by his side, a few guards circling them like vultures to a carcass, he greeted Twilight with a warm smile. “Fräulein, excellent to see you again little one. I trust the party is going well for you?” he greeted politely.

        Bowing to him out of civility, Antoine doing so with her, her muzzle almost touching the floor, Twilight smiled at him in turn from her leaned position. Despite having a generally unpleasant time so far, she would not dare insult the monarch of this land in his own party. Socially awkward as she was, she could understand such basic concepts such as this.  “Excellent mein Kaiser. Danke once more for inviting me” she said only a bit unsteadily, much better then she thought she would do, a fact which made her a bit proud.

        Twilight and Antoine rose from the ground, awaiting his response. “Gut, gut,” the Kaiser’s croaked out, his spider-like fingers intertwining in a bony mess, “I am pleased you could come indeed. Though may I ask why you are here with this soldier, instead of my grandson?”

        Antoine quickly stepped forward. “Mein Kaiser, forgive me, but I have sought to help this mare, for she and her friend have been separated. This is quite the hectic gathering you see, so sadly it would only make sense that such young souls would have trouble getting through the place. I took it upon myself to help her until we could find her” he explained.

        The Kaiser hummed softly, placing one of his pale hands on his chin. “You are Antoine de Prokesch-Osten, are you not?” at the pony's nod he continued, “Ah yes, I’ve heard of you. Highest ranked pony in the K.u.K, are you not?”

        Antoine’s chest puffed out in a show of pride. He was suddenly very glad he had gotten his uniform cleaned before he had arrived. “Ja, mein Kaiser.”

        “Hmm, you’re a credit to your race Major. We need more good ponies like you these days, especially with the growing subversive elements among the minorities in the state.”

        “Danke, mein Kaiser. Your words honor me.”

        Despite knowing it was a compliment, Twilight felt something terribly off about how the Kaiser had chosen his words. Perhaps it was the usage of ‘your race’, but whatever it was practically screamed of some sort of prejudice. And prejudice was something she cared naught for, remembering all her moral lessons especially. The Princess had always sought to teach her the goodness and kindness of all peoples, pony and human, even when it did not show itself, and to not judge others based on who or what they were. Such thinking seemed impractical in this land though, as while things were admittedly not nearly as bad as she had first thought all those years ago, it had dawned on her that it was a more morally gray situation here. And she did not like that in the least. Moral grayness, that was a tough prospect to swallow, considering her constant plain and simple logic before arriving here.

        But nonetheless, during her off-topic tangent the Kaiser had focused on her once more. “Madame Sparkle,” he spoke, surprising her with the sudden change in terming, “Seeing as my grandson is away as of now, I would ask that you stay here with me. He is sure to arrive here sooner or later after all, and I would love to have you by my side, understanding the way gatherings like these work after all.” he offered kindly.

        Despite the gracious nature of the offer, Twilight felt that she had to decline. “Forgive me sir, but I really do need to find Charles on my own. After all, who knows what he’s gotten into while I’m away from him?” she joked.

        “Ha, indeed madame, indeed. Nevertheless though, he needs the time to himself. You two are practically attached at the hip and flank after all, and besides, he needs to get to know the court better. If he is going to be the Prinz von Österreich as we wish him to be, he must learn all the nuances on his own. And I’m sure the nobles love him, charming as he is.”

        While she could see the point in his words, Twilight felt they belayed a more sinister meaning. ‘A proper Prinz von Österreich?’ Charles made no secret of his displeasure of being at the palace whenever he felt possible, claiming they were trying to mold him into some Germanic toady, and when before she could pass it off as some more of his irregular bitter speakings, the Kaiser’s words made her think otherwise. It was an almost chilling thought indeed. And she did not appreciate the comment about them being attached, but that was just another thing to keep hidden. Sullenly, she realized she was hiding a lot of things lately.

        Forcing a smile, she answered the Kaiser at last after her deliberation. “Ja mein Kaiser. I... would love to. Your kindness is overwhelming.”

        That was another thing she didn’t care for. The almost blatant flank-kissing that went on with the Kaiser. While she certainly liked him and his almost grandfatherly aura, she was told again and again by Charles and her tutors to act all proper and such with him, never acting informally. They told her just using ‘Herr Kaiser’ in her first meeting with him long ago was almost an insult in its forceful informality. Back home with the Princess, she always hinted at her always bowing subjects to not act so formally, to treat her as just another mare. One that could control the power of the sun itself yes, but otherwise just another mare. Twilight herself loved the Princess for this, her closeness with everyone and everything. It was a show to her of how Celestia was truly an exemplar of how a monarch should act, one  that the Kaiser followed in some aspects, while overall  lacking in many others.

        The Kaiser nodded, pleased at her answer. “Excellent. Now, you and the Major stay with me. I have a decently-sized retinue due to arrive soon, and it would be splendid of you to watch us.”

        Twilight and Antoine both suppressed groans of irritation. The two were wondering just what in the world they had gotten themselves into, the unicorn especially. ‘Charles had better be trying to find me right now’ she thought. But perhaps she was quick to judge. What else could he be doing besides be bored out of his mind while trying to evade the pressures of family?

---

        His uniform was still creased. That sent a jolt of annoyance through Charles, as he began to try and flatten the creases to the best of his ability with his gloved hand. Despite the hour or so it took to get through the ‘activities’ Sophie offered him, he came out rather unsatisfied of the experience overall, disappointingly enough. It wasn’t that it did not feel good--dear god, yes it felt good--but more that there was this perturbed feeling he got by doing it with Sophie. Maybe it was the moral part of his mind preventing him from experiencing joy in laying with a set to be wed lady, or some other reason he couldn’t fathom, but it was bugging him nonetheless. He set out to ignore it though to the best of his ability, he couldn’t be too distracted by such rampant thoughts.

        Damn, the creases wouldn’t come out. That’s what he got he supposed from doing it in a small hovel that barely enshrouded them from the prying eyes of the populace. He had to admit though, the danger of it did add to the charm. Otherwise though he and Sophie parted on mostly amicable terms, both of them promising to continue such meetings if they ever had the time, or to simply dine together on less erotic ventures. Despite her lack of interest in the same subjects he was keen for, a fact which led to some rather awkward questioning during the undressing portion of their arrangement, she was a sweet lady who he could not deny a certain attraction towards. Not that he had any foolhardy hopes towards this venture going beyond a mutually beneficial, if unattached, relationship, but he supposed he could dream at the very least. After all, were dreams not the sanctum for foolish hopes and whatnot?

        His lungs began to feel irritated, a hot burning swelling up inside of them. It was a common phenomenon recently, one he dutifully ignored. The more pressing matter at the moment was finding Twilight, and leaving this accursed place. The hell for politeness and family civility, by this point he had grown far too tired of these petty engagements that only distracted him and Twilight from more practical and knowledgeable fields of action. He doubted anyone here had half a clue about the campaigns of Turenne or Gustav Adolphus, that he was assured of. A pity almost for their minds sure, as a lack of historical knowledge was one of the greatest sins to Charles, but even so he could not find it in his heart to care for these people, these foolish sycophants who spent half their days lording their wealth and status over one and another without making anything more of themselves, and, more offending to him at least, their own nation. Disgusting.

        A few polite ‘Désolé’ and ‘Es tut mir leid’ were enough compensation for the noblemen he had to rush through. He had enough civility in him for that gesture. After all, he was not some savage tribesman from the dark continent itself, was he? Of course not. His eyes scanned the environs thoroughly, looking all over for the purple mare, yet as the minutes dragged on he found nothing at all. Only more examples of the debauchery and such that pervaded the room, with flagrantly expensive clothes and fattened bellies all over that, combined with his growing lack of success, nearly drove him into a frenzy, such was his annoyance at this point.

This was getting him nowhere, he realized. Sighing disapprovingly at his own lack of success, Charles decided his best course of action was to find his grandfather. As humiliating as it was for him, his grandfather would surely have some guards that could find Twilight with ease. At least he hoped so. Far darker happenstances could have occurred, though such mellow thoughts were unwelcome to him at the moment.

It took him quite a while till he could circumvent the grand throngs of people here, but he was auspicious in that no one conceived to bother him once more. Even so, the room was huge, and the numerous stairways that led up to numerous balconies meant the Kaiser could be anywhere. Thankfully however, he finally saw the Kaiser and his retinue from afar after minutes of pointless searching, concluding in him trying to reach him. When he was in sight the Kaiser greeted him warmly, waving towards him and calling him over. “Franz, come here, I have someone who wishes to visit you!” the old man shouted towards him.

Glad to have found him at last, Charles hurried over to him. However, as he neared his grandfather, he saw a certain pony standing near the Kaiser that nearly knocked him off his feet. “Twilight?!” he gasped.

The mare was in hearing distance of this outburst, and turned to him with a look that crossed moderate suspicion and relief. “There you are!” she greeted him warmly.

Reaching them at last, Charles was curious to know how this situation occurred. He greeted his grandfather first, mouthing an apology to Twilight as a recompense of sorts for his dalliance, who at least seemed to understand his intent. “Mein Kaiser” he bowed slightly to his grandfather.

The Kaiser simply smiled at him in return. “Guten Tag, Franz. I trust you are enjoying the party so far?”

‘In a certain sense’ he thought, but did not dare say. He could have gotten annoyed over the usage of the name Franz once more, but he had long since learned to tolerate it in a sense. A fact which worried him slightly. “Indeed, mein Kaiser. As much as I would wish to speak with you though, I have urgent matters I wish to discuss with meiner Freundin hier. You understand, I hope?”

“Yes yes, indeed Franz. Go, leave if you must, the day is settling down anyway” the Kaiser conceded, looking eager to return back to his duties with his retinue.

Offering a muted thanks, Charles turned to Twilight as the Kaiser began to walk away. “Twilight, what were you doing with the Kaiser?”

“Well, he called me over. Simple as that. He wanted me to see the sights and sounds of his retinue for a bit. And it’s been most... informative” she said in a voice that told him she meant ‘boring.’

        He crossed his arms, sighing to himself in displeasure. He spent God knows how much time screwing around, just to have her be in the place he last checked? Sometimes he thought the world was playing a cruel game with him, and moments like this heightened these thoughts further. Preparing to speak further, he was stopped by another tall uniformed earth pony coming into view, bowing slightly towards him before speaking. “Prinz Franz, excellent to meet you at last!” the pony greeted, raising a hoof towards him.

        Charles grasped the hoof with one of his own hands, shaking the rough appendage politely. “I would say the feeling is mutual, if I knew your name, considering you seem to know mine.” he replied, letting go of his hoof now.

        Antoine made a mock gasp of horror before speaking. “Ah yes, where are my manners towards royalty? I am Antoine, Antoine de Prokesch-Osten. Major in the K.u.K” he said with more then a hint of pride.

        The young prince’s interests were now definitely stirred by that proclamation. A major, here? A non-noble pony one at that, if his memory served well? Now he was most securely interested in him, but he had more pressing matters, such as his purple pointy-headed friend. That didn’t mean he could not ask a question or two though. “Excellent to meet you then. May I ask how you met my friend here?” Charles asked, motioning to Twilight.

“Ah, forgive me your grace, but after the young miss here told me of your separation, I took it upon myself to guide her as any kind stallion in my position should,” he looked guilty for a moment before continuing, “Forgive me sire, but I must admit my goals were less then noble in their original intentions. I had a desire, neigh, a need to meet with you! To meet the son of the emperor himself.  I’ve studied quite a lot about the campaigns of the Grande Armée in the last few year, and to meet you is a milestone to me. By god, this is a chance of a lifetime” Antoine said with ample pleasure in his voice.

Charles was blind-sided by the interest the stallion had in him, and nearly blushed in return. To hear someone who had studied of his father, who knew probably more about him then he ever did... The chance of a lifetime indeed. Smiling pleasantly he nodded back at him. “I feel no offense towards your motivations major. To find someone knowledgeable of my father is morale-boosting, really.” he admitted truthfully.

Twilight was caught in a rather tight bind about just what the two were talking about. Charles spoke as if the fact that someone knew of his father was a surprise, a fact that he was interested in greatly. Didn’t he know of him already? While he was rather predisposed to never speaking of his past along with her own in their silent arrangement, he did make vague references at times when he was tired or somber, to a titan of a man who stormed through Europe like a comet, who brought a new age into being through force of will alone. The imagery he prescribed was tantalizing to her in its scope, even if it seemed almost unreal. After all, how much did one man really matter to history at large?

“Your pleasure matches my own Prinz,” Antoine continued, “If you would, I would wish to speak with you more sometime. Perhaps, if I could plead with the Kaiser enough, I could arrange some lessons about your father as well.”

The very idea of that sent shivers of delight down Charles’ spine. “I would appreciate that greatly Herr Antoine. Until then however, I have a duty to my friend here. Danke again for your kindness, rest assured that I will not forget it.”

“You are too kind, your grace.” Antoine said with a bow, before departing.

“Dare I ask what took you so long?” Twilight asked him, both of them keeping an eye on Antoine as he slowly disappeared from sight.

Charles shrugged his shoulders, crossing his arms behind his back tightly. Trying his best to not break out any hints of what he truly did, Charles prepared his defense. He gulped only once, an action which Twilight did not fail to notice. “Simple. Family matters, brought forth by a few distant cousins of whose distance in blood towards me I am certain is fairly long. Nevertheless though, I found myself accosted by various persons in darkened situations that in hindsight I should not have gotten in, and I would like to express my most sincere apologies towards you.”

What he said was not technically a lie. Exact words and all that trickery. It made him feel a small bit of guilt, deception being one of the few tools in his arsenal that he did not enjoy using as much as others, but it was a necessary precaution after all. How could he explain what had happened to Twilight, who he was unsure even had a knowledge of the sort of events that had transpired. Thankfully, his purple friend seemed to have accepted his apology with ease, giving him a warm smile, her trusting nature showing through once more, a facet of her personality he found both beautiful, and morbidly easy to exploit in precarious situations such as this. Well, that’s what he thought was the situation. The truth was that the mare was waiting for a more opportune time to confront him, not here, not in public.

“Ha, that sounds almost exciting compared to what I had to go through.” she joked, trying to bring back a warm atmosphere to the conversation at hand or hoof.

Charles raised a brow at that, looking directly at her now. “Oui? Dare I ask what took up so much of your time?” he said with a devilish smirk.

        Amused at his choice of words, Twilight continued. “Well, the Kaiser, in all his infinite wisdom,” at that they both chuckled, in hushed voices though, careful not to draw too much attention, “Decided it would be appropriate for me to escort him in all those mundane actions he partook in tonight. The least of which being discussing with a close associate of the political and economic situation in Saint Dominique for up to ten minutes!” she finished with an exaggerated wave of her fore-hooves in the air.

        Charles shook his head in bafflement, wondering just how Twilight had withstood such trivialities. Though the name Saint Dominique seemed familiar to him. Wasn’t it some island in the Caribbean where there was a failed slave rebellion, if he heard correctly? It was no matter at the moment though, seeing as Twilight seemed to have somehow lived through the boredom of it. They both feasted on knowledge for sure, but knowledge that interested them. Not boring wonderment that got them nowhere and achieved nothing! He almost pitied her, if he was not so amused by her situation to begin with. “As much as that interests me Twilight, I’m afraid we’re getting rather crowded in here” he noted, motioning towards the still large crowds around them.

        “Oh Charles, I thought you’d love to hear stuff like that. After all, you want to get into a position like the Kaiser’s someday after all, right?” she joked.

        His smile descended into a grim line at that, nodding slowly. “True. But come with me, I have an idea of where to go.”

        “Lead the way” she smoothly responded.

        Taking one of Twilight’s fore-hooves in his own hand carefully, something that Twilight was surprised by yet accepting, Charles smiled down at her once more as his free hand fell into his uniform as per his usual pose. “You said to lead the way fair lady, and after what has already happened, I’d rather be safe then sorry.”

        Twilight rolled her eyes at this gesture, but if he wished to be so insistent that was fine with her. “Lead the way Prinz Charming.” she said with a mock bow.

        As they left, the major that had just met them earlier kept a watchful eye on them from afar, before smiling to himself and turning away. The prince’s pose, it was a familiar one indeed. “It looks as if you inherited more then one thing from your father.” Antoine muttered quietly.

        Leading the way for her, Charles slid through the large crowds, deftly ensuring that they didn’t get into any more impromptu contact that would only serve to distract them. It took them more than a while to finally reach his destination of choice, taking only bare glances at some of the patrons and the ornate decorations that hung over and around them. Even so, they eventually reached a large set of stairs, Charles beginning his ascent with Twilight at his side. “Up here?” Twilight curiously asked as her hooves clopped forward against the hard stairs, not able to see what was beyond their ascent.

        Charles looked down at her for a moment to reply. “Indeed. There’s less people up here, and it leads right to where we want to go. I learned this route my last time he-”

        He suddenly stopped as he caught something in the corner of his eye, a person he was dreadfully familiar with below his position. Caught off guard by his strange behavior, Twilight turned to look at what he was, trying to find it. “What’s wrong Charles?” she asked.

        Shaking his head, Charles tried to get out of his stupor, but his eyes remained fixed on the figure. “It’s nothing, let’s go.”

        He tried in vain to move, but Twilight remained firm. “No, what’s wrong? Something’s bothering you, I can tell.”

        Attempting to stare her down, Charles found that Twilight was an iron wall of defense, her desire to help him over-coming their usual boundaries. Sighing, he found that concession was the only option. “Meine Mutter.”

        ‘His mother?’ She didn’t know he had any direct family after his father, seeing as he never spoke of his mother. Twilight assumed his mother had died as he was in the care of his grandfather, with his father being in custody of some sort until his death from what she understood. It was another consequence of their relative lack of correspondence involving their pasts. As she attempted to catch who he was referring to, he pointed her out. His mother’s beauty astounded Twilight. Even from a distance, she could tell the vibrant face of his mother, and the gorgeous yellow blouse drew the attention of all near her. Twilight could tell from the woman’s breathtaking dark-blonde hair that she was from whom Charles had received most of his excellent looks.

        The figure at her side however caused her great consternation. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a large nose and a black uniform with a white sash around it, and the way he got very close to her brought a tilt to her head. “Didn’t you say your father was dead?” she asked him, taking what she could from the situation.

        Charles free hand tightened out of her view. “He is.” he answered simply, but with more than a hint of acid in his voice.

        “But, she’s with him-” realization dawned on her, “Oh.”

“Yes.”

They did not talk much after that. Instead, he silently led her forward once more, neither of them speaking out of mutual embarrassment and shame. When they finally reached the apex of the stairs, they found the area practically empty, only a few guests leaning over the right side of the balcony. Charles only nodded to himself, satisfied that his prediction came true. “Most people avoid these spots. It’s too solitary and away from the festivities. Which is good for us. I want you to take a look at this place before we leave.”

Interested at what he meant, Twilight made no complaint as he released her hoof and walked over to the left balcony, resting his arms upon the side and looking down. Following him, Twilight did the same with her hooves, though she only just managed to lean over it with her relatively small size. Though Charles seemed to not dare a look where his mother was, Twilight did not pry. Instead, he took a big glance of the entire room, looking down at the proceedings with a contemptuous eye. He raised his arms and spread them in the air, looking as if was about to grab the whole of the room in his grasp. “Do you see it Twilight?” he asked calmly, not taking his gaze off or moving from his pose.

Twilight tried to find what he was speaking of, but couldn’t find ‘it’ in the least. “What do you mean?”

“I mean the people here Twilight, the humans and ponies. The air, a thick miasma crowded with the stench of their fetid decay. Look Twilight, and see the rotting corpse of a nation, an ideology, already dead but not even knowing it. Do you see Twilight?” he was on a roll now, feeling the power of his own words enhance him.

“What in the world do you mean by that? You’re talking crazy talk” Twilight attempted to reason with him.

“No, Twilight, the world is crazy. Or at least corrupt. Take another look, Twilight, and see. Can’t you see them, feasting on the spoils of their own wealth, content to do nothing more then rest on their laurels and do nothing to advance themselves, or their own country,” he snorted derisively, “Does it not anger you in the least?”

Now that she knew what he was talking about, there were some rather painful signs of what he meant. The large tables filled with food, the fat-bellies only held in by their tight outfits, the gaudily expensive clothing. Twilight suddenly felt very under-dressed in her own relatively plain outfit, and Charles looked even more so in his plain uniform. And if what he said was true, they seemed depressingly similar to the nobility back home. At least there were some similarities, she supposed. “It doesn’t anger me, but... it’s disappointing to see people who’ve been entrusted all this power spend it on themselves.” she admitted.

He grunted lowly. “Acceptable.” he muttered under his breath.

        Turning away from the offending scene, Charles walked towards the lone door on the wall at the end of the balcony. “Come with me, I have something further to show you” he told her as he walked further.

        Complying more out of a desire to leave at this point then anything else, Twilight followed behind him as he opened the door. Behind it was the dark-blue color of the sky, the two now basking in the luminescent moonlight that shined down on them. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” he said.

        “Yes, though I have always preferred the sun myself.” she replied.

        “No matter. Look over the edge if you could?” he asked of her.

        Leaning over the edge, she saw the green grass that spread throughout the palace grounds, the Tiergartens not too far away. “And, what is there to see that we haven’t already?”

        “Nothing, save a test of your abilities. I need you to teleport us down there.”

        She gave him a skewed look. “You really want to get out of here don’t you?”

        “And you don’t?”

        It was a good point, she had to admit. But there were other things to deal with first before she could just give in like that. “First, you have to tell me what you were doing.”

        Charles felt his heart stop momentarily. “Doing what?”

        “What you were doing with that person?” Twilight continued, not willing to let him go easily.

        This was bad, very bad for the young prince. Maybe he could throw Twilight off with a few well-placed words? Yes, that would work. “I was... carried off by some men of the Kaiser’s. They wished to see me off to, uh, safety.”

        Charles waited patiently for her to take the lie easily. Which was why his blood ran cold when she answered him. “That’s a lie. I saw you with that girl, there were no men there.”

        “Than why are you lying right now?” was the armor-piercing question.

        Twilight sighed. “Charles, am I your friend?” she said, her tone turning considerate.

        Taken aback by the simple question, he answered mainly out of instinct. “Yes.”

        “Than you can tell me the truth. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s no reason to lie to me.”

        As much as he hated to realize, she was right. Charles felt genuinely guilty over lying to his friend. He could use petty excuses he supposed, like it was for both of their own good, yet if he himself did not believe it, he was sure she would not. And further lies would not help him or his conscience in the least. “Okay Twilight, I’ll tell you,” he took a deep breath, preparing to explain, “Sophie, the girl, wished to speak with me in private. She shares some of my interests, and wished to know my thoughts on some things. We had a pleasant, discussed some more uncouth things in private, and left. There, happy?” he sighed out, expecting the worst.

        The mare smiled at him. “Yep.”

        “Wait, what?” he said, unbelieving.

        The mare nodded, her face still showing a content expression. “Yeah, I’m happy. I’m glad to see you’re actually meeting other people, joyful to be more precise. I’m just mad you had to lie to me before I could see the truth.”

        Now another pang of guilt struck his stomach. Charles knew he could not even think to tell her the more... intimate details, but he thought he told her enough to clear any discrepancies between them. That’s what he thought, but his damned heart seemed to disagree. No, this was a lesson to him he realized. That he shouldn’t lie to his only true companion here. Twilight was his ally, no, his friend, and acting otherwise was despicable. In a rare moment of self-acknowledgement, Charles realized he was acting like a jerk, and sought to make up for it from here on out.

“Can you forgive me for acting like a true mule than?” Charles said, smiling down at her.

“Of course. You big dummy.” Twilight jokingly said.

“Great. Now, are you ready?” Charles said, indicating his readiness to move on.

“Sure. Just get the door before I make fireworks in here.”

        Charles wanted to ask her what these ‘fireworks’ were, but he thought better of it. He closed the door behind him, careful that no one could see their little show. “Go ahead.”

        A bright and familiar pink glow erupted from her horn, and Charles had just enough time to admire the spectacle before him until they disappeared in a bright glow. Appearing in a bright flash on the grass below, Twilight and Charles were both very pleased at their success. “Now this is what I call a job well done.” the unicorn commented.

        Charles nodded in agreement, taking a look at the night sky once more. He spoke nothing, causing Twilight to have to voice her qualms. “Just why are we out here?”

        Taking his eyes off the vast starry visage that dominated the sky in a radiant field, Charles answered her handily. “Why, we’re going to look at the stars of course.”

        “The stars?” she said with more then a hint of doubt evident.

        “Why yes, the stars. And before you voice your displeasure Fräulein, let me explain.”

        This was starting to sound a little silly to her, but the least she could do was give him a chance she supposed. “I’m listening.”

        “Excellent, now look with me.” He looked at the sky above once more, only motioning Twilight with a hand to look with him.

        Rolling her eyes, Twilight complied, silently admitting that at the very least the night was a work of art indeed, truly a master-piece of Princess Luna’s design. “Do you see it Twilight? The patchwork patterns of stars, that form a natural art in of itself that triumphs what most of what man can build?” he took a deep breath, lost in adoration, “It allows one to think peacefully, to sink their minds in the greatness of it all.”

        While Twilight could point out the Princess Luna did such things as make the stars move and such, as the Royal Academy taught. After all, since when were they wrong? Never of course! But that did not hinder her appreciation for the view in the least. “It is beautiful. The stars, millions of them, sharing the same space. You ever think someone will go up there?” she dared to ask a question that had been bothering her a long time.

        The question felt particularly poignant to Charles, who considered it thoughtfully. “Why not? One day, when there is no more territory left to govern on this soil, why not go into the depths of space? Perhaps a particularly bold Pegasus will try it, if most of them got their heads out of the clouds, or maybe somehow we’ll make a giant machine that’ll be able to do it!”

        They considered that for a few moments, before bursting out into laughter. As if that would ever happen! Their mirth was so thick, they tumbled over, falling on the soft grass with Charles landing first and Twilight landing on his chest. They continued like this for several more moments until at last they stopped, and breathed deeply, their chests rising and falling in unison. “I swear Charles, sometimes you come up with the craziest ideas” Twilight rolled over to get a better look at him.

        Charles lowered his eyes to see the unicorn that was now spread almost all over his upper body and smiled cheekily. “Ah, but is imagination not the second most valiant of traits?”

        “That depends. What’s the first one?” she pursued.

        The mare put her head on her hooves, which were now bent on his chest, as she waited expectantly for him to answer. Charles was always more than a bit intrigued as to how dexterous ponies were considering their size and general body shape, which remained throughout most continents strangely enough. It was one of life’s more flagrant mysterious though he supposed. “Ambition.” he finally answered her.

        Her expression became one of confusion, demanding further elaboration. And he was more then happy to accept. “Ambition, the most noble of traits. What is it that separates man and pony and the other sentient races from the barbaric traits of the rest of nature? Ambition of course.”

        “Ah mein liebchen, it is simple, but decisively so! Tell me, what is the purpose of a bird?”

        ‘Huh? What is he doing now?’ Deciding to go along with this more out of her own curiosity then anything else, Twilight answered his question the best she could. “To find food, survive, and feed its young, right?”

        “Correct!” he replied before continuing, “And what is the purpose of a man?”

        Twilight deliberated on this for a few moments before coming up with only one sensible answer. “... None. There is no set purpose.”

        His smirk had a victorious quality to it that was rare indeed to see from him. “Exactly! And is it not true for ponies as well?” her slow nod to this only enhanced his inevitable victory, “That, mein liebchen, is why ambition is a virtue above all. Where the animals are content in their positions, where the mechanical delirium of mutts and cats leave only patterns in behavior, we have something more! We have desire, we have feeling, we have the want, no the need, to make more of ourselves! Those who do nothing, like those fools back in there, who waste their time content with where they are instead of doing something with themselves are the epitome of all that is wrong with the system, and why ambition is a necessity instead of an evil as some would claim.”

        Considering this, Twilight found the answer suitable, but discomforting to her. “But aren’t things like generosity and kindness more important in the end? To act as a decent person instead of advancing your own goals?” she countered.

        The very question caught him off guard for a moment, but only so. “Generosity is a rarity in this world, and kindness almost as much. I would say they are to be admired, but I in this world they are like diamonds in the rough. But nonetheless my point stands, that such traits you speak of can exist in animals, mainly to protect their young, but in the end it is ambition that can drive a being forward. To bring them to heights unseen save by the winged hussars themselves. Do kindness or generosity bring out the best qualities in a life like that, to make themselves all they wish to be?” he said, still staring at her and awaiting her response.

“How do you assume they don’t, maybe, even matter more? If someone devoted their life to kindness and helping others, wouldn’t that be a life more worth living instead of for yourself?”

        He was surprised at her ability to reason with him, actually bringing some doubts to his mind. Was it worth more to help others then to advance ones self? It was a tough sell, but an idea struck him. “Why not both?”

        “Huh?”

        “Why not both mein liebchen. For example, my ambition is to one day return to my homeland, to bring France back to its days of glory. In that effect, I would seek to help the people of France, both man and pony, achieve opportunities and glory that would not be available otherwise,” he considered this further, finding it more and more appealing the more he thought of it, “Yes, like de Foresti said once, an ample compromise that can fit both views.”

        The fact that he was compromising with her brought a smile to Twilight’s face. “If you’re going to fulfill that ambition for just reasons, I’m sure you’ll do just fine.”

        Her words were a welcome boon to him. But another thought crossed him now. “Twilight, what is your ambition?”

        It was a sudden question, such a divergence that Twilight was unsure of how to respond. Her ambition? To return home of course, but that seemed unlike whatever Charles wanted her to say. An idea, a goal, a destiny she set for herself, that was what he wanted to hear, she knew this. But... she had nothing. No idea of who or what she could become, what to do even if she did someday return home. Before she had aspirations to becoming a librarian, or a magician of the court of Equestria, but now that seemed so... minor. So wasteful, with how large the world was aiming for such pitiful goals had no more appeal to her. “I... don’t know. I don’t really have a goal I suppose” she admitted.

        “No goal?” Charles said with honest surprised, disappointment leaking through his tone.

        A memory struck her. “Wait, I do have one!”

        “What, tell me” he urged, leaning his head forward out of dire anticipation.

        “To help you. To help you achieve your goal. I made a promise, remember?” she said, amazed that he seemed to have forgotten about it.

        There was a vast gap between her statement and Charles’ response, until he finally broke out into fits of bewildered laughter. He shook so hard Twilight rolled off of his chest, ruffling her mane a bit to her own irritation. “Oh dear God, I did not know you would consider a plea made in the depths of rage and childhood loss with any sort of seriousness!”

        Brushing a few strands of hair out of her face with a hoof, Twilight rolled her eyes but smiled at him nonetheless. “I’m a mare of my word, you should know that already.”

        Suppressing his jubilation, Charles shook his head at her fortitude. “Ah Twilight, you are too good for this world I swear. But even so, it will be a while before I can even think of returning to France. Mein Opa would be sympathetic to my pleas to go there at a later age perhaps, if not for the fact that Kanzler Metternich would be listening in at every moment to counter whatever argument I could make up” he sighed, his mind beginning to descend into depression.

        The feeling of a hoof on his shoulder became known to him. Twilight had taken the time of his monologue to snuggle up to him,  warming them both up as she patted him reassuringly. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll make your father proud someday.”

        There was a slight tension in his shoulders at the mention of his father, that made Twilight think she had done wrong in reminding him. “Oh, sorry...” she apologized.

        “No, there is no need. It’s just sometimes I wonder how I will ever even get close to his glory,” his voice became small for a moment, trembling ever so slightly, “I must admit... I do not know much of him. Only vague descriptions and such, the snake only allowing me that much in his attempts to mold me into a compliant toady. His portrait over our bed is the only visual reference I have of him left really, such is the decay of my young memories.”

        He sighed once more. “Do you remember your father Twilight?” he said suddenly, desperate to change the subject.

        The daring of the question nearly caused Twilight to reply in an irritable cry that would have silenced him, but she would not do something so vain and childish. After all, had he just not shared secrets of his father with her? And was it not kind to do the same in return? “I... never really got to know him well.” she admitted.

        Charles hummed lowly, sympathy welling up in him. ‘We have common ground indeed’ he morosely mused. “That doesn’t mean I don’t remember him at all,” she hastily continued, not wanting him to get the wrong idea or anything, “It’s just its been so long now, and I remember being so sad at the time. But my mom and the Princess helped me through that. It was amazing, going to Canterlot for the first time, because...”

        She set off on a huge tangent, speaking fondly of past memories and experiences that she was lost in. After hiding them from everything save her own personal review for so long, it was liberating to open up at last. Charles was content to just lay there as his friend spoke, careful to focus on her speech as she lay next to him. It was a bonding experience to say the least, a great leap forward for the two, especially on a night that was thought to contain naught but boredom and whatnot. After she had poured her mind to him for a good few minutes, Charles occasionally commenting or giving a similar experience. It was a fulfilling experience to say the least, one that gave them both a great deal of relief.

        At last finished, they laid quietly with one another, staring up at the stars again. “You sound as if you’ve lived a nice life, Twilight.” he noted.

        “And you did not?”

        “Hmm. I cannot say I have lived a truly unmerciful life. I have lived well, and mein Opa has treated me graciously, all things considering. The problem is I wish for more, I wish to escape this wretched nation, to speak in my own tongue once more with someone of equal knowledge and patriotism to do it with me.”

        “You mean French?” she asked further.

        The question was unexpected, but welcome to him. “Yes. Why do you ask?”

        Blushing a bit, she stammered slightly before giving her reply. “Well... I wanted to know, if, maybe you could teach me it? I learned Italian well, so French should be easy” she said with an easy-going manner.

        Her suggestion both astounded him and made him immensely thankful, that she would ask him to teach her his mother tongue just so they could speak it with one another. Though he knew she would have probably liked to learn it for the sake of learning alone, the thought was still most welcome. “Uniquement pour toi, ma petite pouliche, uniquement pour toi.” he answered.

        Her eyes were crossed in bemusement at that. “I assume that means we’re starting then?”

        As the stars continued to shine down on them, Charles’ smile was answer enough. “For you mon amie, anytime.”

        “That’s great... Fränzchen!” she finished with a tiny giggle.

        His left eyebrow twitched ever so slightly. “...Gottdammit.”

        In what she thought was at first a mild show of distaste, Twilight was shocked when Charles began to cough in a brutal sounding manner into one of his hands. Turning away from her to avoid accidentally coughing on her, Charles violently heaved and choked for a few minutes as Twilight tried to figure out the problem. “Charles, Charles, do you need help?!” she desperately pleaded, concern leaking through every facet of her voice.

        He shook his head derisively, forcing through a few words. “No, I’m fine!” he attempted to console her.

        “You’re obviously not!”

        “I’m fine!” he shouted back, the coughing at last subsiding now, but still coming up in small chokes.

        Holding out his now dirtied hand, Charles shot her a knowing look. “See? I’m fine!” he replied.

        Twilight was not so easily beaten back though. “That awful cough says otherwise. Shouldn’t you check with a medical professional?” she reasoned.

        “Now, can’t you see, I’m fine!” he said, getting angry now.

        “I’m just worried about you, that sounded serious.”

        He was getting a headache from this now, so he desperately attempted to stall her. “Look, I’m fine now. Okay? There’s no need to worry.”

        “... Are you sure?” she asked, her voice getting deathly quiet now.

        “I’m sure.”

        There was a dreadful silence now, one that made the previously jubilant air thick with miasma and worry. Charles suddenly felt a pair of hooves around his neck, and a purple muzzle buried in his neck. “Promise me,” Twilight said softly, a worry setting in that she needed to solve,  “promise me you won’t fall, okay?”

        He was astounded by her boldness. And readily enchanted by it. “For you Twilight, I would give the world. My life is a rather drab offer in comparison, but acceptable nonetheless. I promise. I am a man of my word. You should know that already.” he said with a slight smirk.

        They did not at all talk after that. There was no need, when so much had already been admitted and fought over and cheered for. The only option left was comfortable silence. Only to bask in the once again calm and peaceful air, as the white light of the moon shined on them in a perfect array of beauty that threatened to dwarf all the other lights in the sky in its embrace. The two below the white blotch in the sky did not mind such petty thoughts though. Their only feelings being the warm breaths of the other on his pale skin and her purple fur. It was indeed, eine perfekte Nacht.

---

A/N-Here we see some of the alternate history stuff that this whole ponies business brings about, creating such butterflies as:

Equestria is on the west coast of North America and isolated for reasons to be explained far later. Haitain Revolution failed due to some slight butterflies that I picked up and then threw at the timeline. EDIT: I fix’d the image as well to make it less stupid. Retcons away! Griffons are in Scandinavia (Sweeeeedish Griiiifons!) And numerous other things that will be revealed at a later date either out of reasoning or because I thought ‘fuck it!’ and thought it was cool.

        Also, to those who care for some raisin, here’s some of the sources for the events of this fic. If you read it, you’ll see most of the events in this fic are based on actual events, save changes based on either drama or coolness factor. Antoine himself was a real person, just ponified here to add some extra conflict that will be shown in later chapters. Thankfully, the real big stuff will happen next chapter. I’m so excited! Thanks once again to TekcoR from the Paradox forums for finding them.

Once again though, thanks to all the people I’ve mentioned before for all their great help in making this flow well and look as nice as it does. Siraj, MONSTERheart (aka IronTiger63), Gerazzi, and geggoever for keeping me sane throughout this, and the EqD staff for whatever reason deciding putting this totally insane and weird project up! Special props to my favorite Kraut geggoever for making that awesome map, and MONSTERheart for his awesome edit suggestions. You two rock! Though it amuses me that due to my specifications, he made Equestria look a lot like Albania... Also on magic, I kind of took stuff from the show as to it’s effects, but if there’s any complaints as to how magic would work in this version of the world, well just remember the MST3K Mantra. Thanks for reading though, and be sure to tell me what you think in the comments or to me personally, I’ll be sure to lend an ear to any suggestions you make. Until then, auf Wiedersehen!