//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Road to Royalty // by Cassandra //------------------------------// “Luna what do you have to say about this,” the mistress, Winterbottom scowled, pointing at the large smashed vase. “I’m sorry I didn’t pay attention when I ran past the vase,” Luna spoke, without a hint of remorse in her voice. She could see through the corner of her eye, Celestia, standing with the rest of the ponies shrinking into herself. Luna cringed. She knew that she was going to get harsh talking from Celestia, and an even harsher punishment from Mistress Winterbottom. ****** “I can’t believe you! You know this is the third time you broke a vase,’ Celestia said, counting her bits. She gave it to the pony behind the counter, collecting the precious cargo. “It’s not my fault they put the vase in the way,” Luna replied. “What about Candace, last week she broke the vase and she didn’t get in trouble. It is not fair,” the young alicorn complained. Luna flew playfully over her sister, but Celestia gave her sister a stern looked at her sternly, causing her muscles to freeze. Luna thought to herself that she was going to get Candace. But Luna also thought to herself that it was going to take a long shot to get forgiven by Celestia, but that didn’t matter now. She had more important things to think about. ****** Celestia, Luna, and Candace poked their heads around the corner. Today was the day. Tonight, was the night. The grand escape. Luna was sorely disappointed that she couldn’t get Candace back, but it didn’t matter. They were finally going to leave. “Are you sure this is a smart idea?” Candace whispered with fear injected into it. Luna rolled her eyes. Celestia just chuckled. “Don’t worry Candace. I and Luna know exactly where to go. If that doesn’t work, we always have a plan B,” Celestia said enthusiastically. Candace shuddered but Luna had to smirk. She was so posh and always worried about where she stays. When Candace finds out about the barn they picked, she surely would run back to the orphanage in a heartbeat. The three alicorns raced to the gates. Celestia went to an odd-looking stone and using her magic lifted the stone to retrieve some keys. Luna’s eyes widened in surprise. “How did you get them?” she asked her older sister. Celestia laughed and explained how Mistress Winterbottom dropped the spare one, earlier the day. Celestia said that she was excited as tonight was also the night that they planned to leave the orphanage. Candace stood with her mouth open, while Luna looked at her sister in a different light. CREAK! The old rusty gate swung open and freedom was theirs. “Hey! Where in tarnation do you think you're going?” Granny Pie shouted. The youngsters cringed. They were caught. Granny Pie trotted up to them and handed Candace a map. All three ponies crowded around the map. “What this for?” Candace questioned, gesturing to the map. Granny Pie smiled at them. She knew it was time to tell the girls the truth. “That’s the way to the palace in Canterlot. It's about time you girls learned the truth, but first, we have to run. To the barn where you girls will be staying. I already prepared it.” Granny Pie reared up and the ponies galloped away to the barn. Candace, Celestia, and Luna each gave each other quizzical looks. What did they have to do with the royal family? What did they have to do with the palace in Canterlot? Each pony kept the questions to themselves but knew there was more to the story than told.