I'd attended the odd funeral before, although it'd been awhile since the last one. One would reasonably guess that something about my past misconduct likely contributed to the lack of funeral invitations. And yes, I'll admit that I would have found the experience to be intolerable. As things were now, at Civil's funeral service in Celestia's solarium, I was just on the other side of intolerable. Celestia took my advice and didn't officiate this service herself. The head chaplain of the Palace Royal Guard stood at the podium, his tone sincere and kind when Civil's achievements and accolades were listed.
I'd honestly forgotten her titles and her most correct styling. Civil would've hated that. As a Baroness and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Sun, Lady Civil List was given full rights and privileges. Her ashes lay inside a beautiful urn engraved with her full style and with symbols of the medals she'd earned and titles she'd held. The final resting place of the urn would be in the private mausoleum for Knights of the Order here, just beside the palace.
Macha Method stood near me, her old guard stance a comforting presence as Civil's casket passed by. Joe was on my other side, his presence not just comforting but an absolute necessity. Celestia and Luna were a row ahead of us, Celestia's unreadable face masking what I knew to be a storm of emotions. Shining Armor and Cadence were on Celestia's other side. As the casket exited the solarium, Celestia sat back down on the bench. Ponies had already begun to file out, while Civil's few relatives that attended made their way to Celestia to say their thanks and exchange condolences.
Celestia weathered through the empty words with near imperceptible detachment. By the end of the line, I could tell she was done. Looking over the heads of those around her, Celestia gestured towards me.
"Sister, this is neither the time nor the place," Luna whispered harshly. "You both have had a very long day."
"As have you. It is noon, after all. But I insist. I want to see some pony react to good news," Celestia countered.
Luna shook her head. "You know this is technically meddling in my House's affairs."
"Please." Celestia's voice was as close to a whine as I'd ever heard it. Luna gave a heavy sigh.
Luna huffed. "Fine. Blueblood, as this involves you, I want you to know clearly that I am not doing this on Celestia's orders. This was my idea and I wanted to wait until the party to announce it."
I shrugged. "Trading me back to Celestia?" I guessed.
"No," both sisters said in unison.
"I told you he'd think that," Luna reminded her sister.
Celestia shrugged. "Fine, so I owe you some of my favorite cake. Now get on with it before he guesses something worse." Celestia waved a hoof to hurry her sister along.
Luna spared another glare at Celestia before turning to me. "Blueblood, the responsibility of a Head of House is one that should always be taken seriously. In all matters of importance since you've joined my House, you have shown a willingness to work and fulfill your obligations and responsibilities. You've even taken on responsibilities that were not yours to bear and in doing so, brought honor and respect to my House. I can think of no better pony to run my House as I look to take over more matters of state."
I blinked, not quite getting what she was saying. "What?"
"You. I can think of no better pony than you." Luna punctuated her statement by pointing at me.
I blinked again. The weight of her words crashed on me all at once. "What!" I exclaimed.
Celestia looked around. Luckily, at this point we we're the only ones in the solarium besides the Royal Guards. "Perhaps you were right about timing."
Luna looked deeply into my eyes and rephrased her statement. "I am making you the Head of the House of the Night."
Exhaling, Luna smiled a bit before continuing. "Assuming you want the position. I mean, it does involve a bit of travel every so often to check on all the holdings. And there is all the paperwork and travel involved with Warrants of Approval that I haven't even begun to look into. Quite a few companies are looking to add our House's seal to their products and services. You'd have to regularly associate with said entrepreneurs and maintain good relationships with said ponies. Likely by traveling to certain locations and even scouting out some newer products and services. Did I mention traveling? You'd get to do a lot of traveling." Her grin had widened considerably as she spoke.
My ears had perked at the first mention of travel. Glancing around, I remembered to keep my decorum. "Well, I believe that sounds good."
It was Luna's turn to blink. "Your love of understatement is truly mind-boggling, nephew."
Celestia hugged her little sister. "Oh don't worry about him! He's practically prancing around on the inside. Aren't you, Blue?" Without waiting for a response, she drew me into the hug as well.
As the hug subsided, Luna embraced me on her own. Satisfied, the princesses departed off to their respective wings of the castle to recover. The reception after the funeral was already underway, but the royalty wasn't expected to attend this function. By longstanding tradition, this was an occasion for the family, friends and colleagues of the departed. I felt a bit out of place at first, but Macha and Joe made me feel at ease. My entrance attracted attention and a token show of respect from most attendees. Removing myself to one side, I sent Macha to collect the pony I'd most wanted to speak to since I'd recognized him at the service.
Civil's son, Check List, approached and was formally introduced. He was nothing like his mother, his smile looked a bit pinched but sincere. His sky blue mane was longer than his mother's mane was and his cream coat, while well-tended, was shaggier than the current style allowed for. As Civil’s baroness title was lifetime and not hereditary, it wouldn’t pass to him. Not that I think he was too terribly bothered by that idea.
"Mr. List, I'd like to extend my condolences to you and your family," I said, extending a hoof.
Check smiled wryly and took my hoof. "Your Highness, thank you for your condolences. Now, can we speak like real ponies?"
I looked at him, startled but not showing it. "Sure," I replied, almost automatically sensing something else from Check.
"My mother was a driven, successful mare, but she knew absolutely nothing about raising a family." Check List's words were as blunt as his mother's had been subtle.
My own smile broke and a small laugh erupted before I caught hold of it. "Well, then we're both truly kindred spirits after all. I knew Civil List as a makeshift nanny, tutor and an advisor. But I can't say I ever saw her nurturing side."
Check shrugged. "She didn't have one. I'd heard she had a part in your upbringing after her marriage with my father fell apart. I'd always hoped she'd done a better job with you than she did with us."
"Are your siblings here?" I asked.
Check shook his head. "I'm the oldest and the only one that would show up. She practically drove off my younger sister, and my little brother is taking care of my father in Vanhoover. He never got over having to divorce her and he didn't want to make a scene here."
I couldn't help but feel sad about these revelations. "I suppose that's exactly why I wanted to see you. I'd always hoped there was a better part of her she didn't share with me."
"Nopony is bad through and through. I expect my mother had her reasons." Check looked away before turning back to continue. "She definitely had her good moments and her career is proof enough of that. You don't become the top advisor to the princess without gaining something along the way. But the world she lived in didn't have room in it for the little things. By your permission, Your Highness, I'd like to exit her world as soon as possible."
I nodded. "I'd rather not live in her world, either. I'm making steps to change that world for myself. Please, let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family. She may not have been a great caretaker, but there are many things the crown owes her that we would like to repay," I said, bowing my head in farewell.
"Good luck to you in your endeavors, Your Highness." Check List bowed as well and walked away.
"I think I needed that." Joe reached a hoof around my shoulders and hugged me sidelong. "I don't think this is closure, but it's as close as I'll get."
That night, Joe sat on the edge of my bed and watched me as I prepared for a night's sleep. It was almost a ritual at this point: after showering and going through my mane-treatment routine, I came out and sat in front of my vanity. It took a variety of products to maintain my looks, and it took a variety of others to undo the image I'd created so that I could sleep like a normal pony. As I dragged my brush slowly through my mane, Joe crossed the room and took it from me. He went marginally faster than I'd been doing, but he was far more thorough and ultimately it was pure bliss having him help me this way.
As my coat was still a bit damp from the shower, he stood me up and fetched a new towel to dry me off. His hooves on my coat, even in such a chaste manner, was enough to warm me up. I shook out my head and legs as he finished, celebrating in the glow of his attention. He sat me back down and massaged my neck and back for a while as I tried not to make a ridiculous amount of noise. Not that he'd make fun of me, but I was feeling acutely self-aware as I stared at my own reflection.
I leaned back as I was feeling more loose and he leaned down to kiss me upside-down. As he set his hooves on my face to admire me, i noticed that his hooves were looking a bit worn.
Taking hold of one hoof, I switched places with him. Sitting him in front, I grabbed the hoof ointment and began massaging it into his forehooves. His hooves were just a touch bigger than mine, the muscles above them more developed from years of kneading dough. Joe smiled, his genuine eyes reminding me of the effect we had on each other.
Turning him around, I picked up his rear hooves and massaged the ointment into those as well. They were a touch more worn than the forehooves. Whatever else was going on, Joe was not paying great attention to the little details. But I could hardly fault him, as he'd done so much in the last few days just for me. Joe tried to hide his enjoyment, but his eyes couldn't lie. I smiled broadly, taking note in just what spots to hit to get him to let go of another sigh. I caught my reflection in the mirror and barely recognized myself. There I was: sitting on the floor of my own room, with another pony's hooves in mine as I massaged them.
Music started to play softly as Joe set the record player on. He'd done it with just a touch of magic, without me noticing. Looking back at him, I took hold of his forehooves once again and we stood on our hind legs. Wrapping our forelegs around each other, we slowly swayed to the tune. With a flick of magic, I turned the volume up. Moonlight Serenade flowed around us as we shuffled around.
Joe leaned his head towards mine and we shared a small kiss. I broke away first and laid my cheek against his. We danced on for a few more measures while Joe played with my mane. I massaged the back of his neck idly. He led us to the side of the bed and we fell into it together, tangled in each other's limbs.
We rolled away from each other, exhaustion playing through both of us as we heaved and sighed. "Do you believe in destiny?" I asked as I caught my breath.
A few huffs later, Joe answered, "I believe that we are given talents that we must either ignore or explore. We have freedom to choose to make changes in our lives. There must be a way to move beyond your limitations, whatever they are."
"You don't think that our lives are laid out for us?" I asked, gesturing idly with a hoof.
Joe scooted closer so that our sides were touching. "No, I don't. There are too many little things that have to happen in order for the big things to come into place. Some ponies might find it comforting that there's some great force in the universe that makes everything make sense. I find it comforting that there isn't."
I furrowed my brow. "What do you mean?"
He turned over to face me. "In what universe would my destiny lead me to you? No baker ever catches the heart of a Prince."
I rolled onto my side. "You did. I stumbled into your hooves and you schemed your way into my heart."
Joe snorted. "I think I should be offended by that."
"What? Do you know how many ponies have schemed into a position where they could try and court me? Not that I fault you, mind you. I am a magnificent specimen of stallionhood." I said, playfully brushing off a shoulder.
Joe tapped my forehead. "Are you for real? Do you really think that I used my favor with Luna to try and weasel my way into your heart?"
I opened my mouth to make another snide remark, but caught the hurt in his eyes. Closing my mouth, I thought about it. "So you had no ulterior motives for helping me out by suggesting I serve in your shop?"
Joe opened his mouth to issue a hasty denial. But then he closed it again. After a moment, he sighed. "You were miserable. I hated seeing any pony like that. And then, you refused to defend yourself. I wanted to make sure things got better for you. So, I invoked the old rule by stretching the definition of saving the life of a noble and had you work with me. My ulterior motive was only to see you happy. I fell in love with you later."
Penitent Prince Placed in Position of Power. by Life Story.
While official channels remain silent in the unexpected wake of Lady Civil List's passing, word in the castle has it that Prince Blueblood, former playboy prince and current beau of donutier Pony Joe, is poised to take a place of prominence in Her Royal Highness Princess Luna's inner circle. The exact position is unclear, although it is noted that Princess Luna operates with much less staff than does her sister.Canterlot is still abuzz at the reveal of Prince Blueblood's sudden announcement establishing his romantic relationship with the donut king of Equestria. Traditionalists amongst the nobility have been unusually quiet, as the pair seem to have the blessing of both rulers. Progressive ponies in the peerage are much more outspoken. Lady Fleur de Lis and Lord Fancy Pants were quick to extend their congratulations, although shrewd palace sources are quick to note that both nobles are looking to lay an anchor in the Night Court.
Thanks to the efforts of Princess Luna in rebuilding the cadre of artists she calls her 'children' and one well-received monument in the Crystal Empire during their last big celebration, the Night Court is riding a wave of positive press. That Prince Blueblood is partially involved in reviving not only his own reputation, but that of his new Noble House, is something that even the most optimistic amongst court-watchers would have called unbelievable.
With a Moonlit Garden Party set to take place soon, the House of the Night is set to take its place in the Canterlot social calendar. Time will tell how far these noble ponies can go in their endeavors, but if there's one thing anypony knows when it comes to the Royal Family, it's that the sky is the limit!
It was a small feature, tucked to the side of the front page. Life Story seemed to have an ear in a few corners of the palace, given the scoop he'd been able to put together. For my part, I resisted the urge to curse the red-coated devil. The pressure to perform well at the garden party was already high!
Joe put a hoof on top of my newspaper and none-too-carefully moved it away from breakfast. Had we not been dining in one of the private royal dining rooms, he'd likely have pushed it off the table and onto the floor. "What are you getting so worked up about? Everypony involved in this event wants it to succeed. We all want to put you and Luna in the best light."
"I know!" I snapped, only just managing to keep from snapping out more. I picked up my glass of orange juice and took a long pull.
Joe took the opportunity to get a word in. "Look, everything is taken care of. Dr. Turner even took care to make sure you and the Fields family interact as little as possible. Let's go out and eat." Joe drummed a hoof on the table. "Delmaneco's is good this time of year."
I crinkled my nose and adjusted the napkin on my lap. "Isn't that where we had our first fight?"
Joe gave me a strange look before he looked away. His eyes fixated on a spoon as he spoke. "Still sorry about that."
I waved a hoof. "You don't need to..."
He held up a hoof. "The place means a lot to me. Patri delManeco was one of my first investors. He helped me go from donut stand to donut shop and networked me with good ponies to expand my business. I'm not saying everything he does is on the level, but he's got a good heart. I went to school with his son, too. Erede used to get pushed around when we were foals. It took a lot to get him to stand up for himself."
I lowered my ears. "Sorry, I didn't know them quite so personally."
Joe shook his head. "No, that's fine. I just hope it can be someplace good for you too. I'd hate for it to always be associated with a fight."
I sighed, turning to see Raven, Celestia's personal assistant, entering the room. "Looking for something?" I asked.
"Somepony, actually." Her eyes turned to Joe. "I received some bad news from the royal guard. Joe, your shop was vandalized this morning. Somepony broke the front window. As far as they can tell, nothing was stolen."
Joe was up before I knew it. He took a half-step away before turning back around. I waved him off. "Go take care of it. Let's try a new place tonight, my treat."
As Joe hugged me and walked out, I felt uneasy. Trying to shrug the feeling off, I turned to Raven. "Speaking of which. Can you recommend someplace new?"
Raven looked as if she wanted to roll her eyes. "I suppose there is a new place that specializes in Southeastern cuisine. Owner's names are Cumin and Masala, I think."
The region was known for one thing. "Spicy? Perfect. I'll burn out this bad feeling I'm getting," I said. I turned and grabbed a pen and paper from the sideboard in my magic and drew it close. "Let's get some directions."
By some small miracle, Joe's shop really was just vandalized. The window was already replaced, because of course Joe knew the guy who did glasswork.
We sat in the colorful, if earthy, southeastern restaurant and looked about at the decor. The place was called Tasty Treat, and the father-daughter team who ran it were quite charming in their unique way.
Just as the waitress was about to take our order, a brick flew through the flower shaped window on the front door. As the street beyond was a bit darker, only a faint cloaked shape could be seen.
I jumped up and ignited my horn immediately, my common sense having completely left me. Running out the door, I saw a bit of cloak turn the corner. I focused on the need to find the pony who did this and my horn color changed. I could nearly see the pony in my mind's eye.
Giving chase, I was vaguely aware of hoof falls behind me. As we rounded the next labyrinthine corner, I stopped abruptly. There were several cloaked ponies in this alley. And I blocked the one visible exit.
"Oops."