//------------------------------// // 38: Order in the Court // Story: Death of a Queen, V2. // by Arkane12 //------------------------------// “Twilight? Are you in there?”  Cadance’s songful tone floated through the air, stirring Twilight from her sleep. She sat up slowly, peeling her cheek off the book she used as a pillow. After a moment studying her surroundings, Twilight glanced down at the open text. The first paragraph, a foreword written by the Royal Scribe of the time, introduced the Noble Houses of Equestria.  “The door’s unlocked. Come on in, Cadance,” Twilight said. She heard the door open behind her, but kept her focus on the writing in front of her.  “Good morning, Twilight,” The elder alicorn sang, skipping across Twilight’s bedroom.  “It’s morning already? Shoot.” Twilight’s vision clouded, blurring the text into an incomprehensible inky mess. She rubbed her eyes, trying to clear them. “You okay?” Cadance’s hoof touched her shoulder. “You pulled another all-nighter, didn’t you?” “That’s one way to put it.” Twilight spun in her chair until she faced her sister. “Did you know that I was supposed to be overseeing Celestia’s Royal Court this morning? Because I didn’t. At least, not until Inkwell told me last night.”  “What?” Cadance stepped back, shielding herself with a hoof. “You didn’t know about that? I sent a messenger up here yesterday afternoon to inform you.”  “Well, I didn’t get the message,” Twilight bemoaned, sighing in annoyance.  “I’m sorry, Twilight. I thought you knew.”  “It’s not your fault, Cadance. Besides, I should probably be prepared for something like this. I feel a princess should know most of this information if she intends on ruling efficiently.” Twilight closed the heavy tome. The icon of a merchant’s scale adorned the cover: the mark of Equestria’s Merchant’s Guild. She set the book on her desk, trying not to think about Doctor Heart’s report from last night hidden underneath it.  “Well, we’ve still got a few hours before we have to convene.” Cadance stepped forward to look over Twilight’s collection. “Would you like me to help you study more?” Twilight shook her head. “No. I’m done. I should probably eat breakfast before I head down.” She leaned back in her chair, craning her neck to stare at the ceiling. “At least I’m not going to be alone, am I?”  “Of course not.” Cadance wrapped her forelegs around Twilight’s shoulders. “I’ll be right there next to you. Inkwell and Shiny will be there for you, too. Celestia might rule, but even she can’t do it alone.”  “Celestia.” Twilight patted her sister’s hoof. “You think anyone will ask about her today? I mean, they must know something’s wrong if I’m the one ruling over the court.”  “I don’t know. Luna was convinced we needed to keep this secret.” Cadance pulled away from the embrace and started pacing around the room. “She might be right. Ponies will panic if they know that two of the princesses are incapacitated. The bigger problem is the Noble Houses. If they know Celestia’s out, they might try to discredit you in order to seize a bit of power.”  “They wouldn’t dare,” Twilight said, jumping out of her chair.  “A lot of them wouldn’t. Those that would definitely won’t call you out in public.” Cadance frowned. “But politics is a dangerous game, Twilight. If some nobles think you might be a threat to their power, they . . . suffice to say, they’ve got a lot of good friends in high places. And, of course, if enough of the nobles agree, they could always veto your decision, but you probably don’t need to worry about that. It’s pretty rare.”  Twilight straightened herself. Celestia’s condition already had her nerves shot, and now she had to learn how to play politics. Could anything ever be simple? “Any suggestions on which houses I should keep a watch out for?”  Cadance tapped her chin. “House Blueblood would be a major one, but they almost never show up unless they know something important will be decided.” “House Blueblood? As in, Prince Blueblood?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow.  “He’s the head of House Blueblood. But he’s far from their most clever member.” Cadance tapped her hoof as she sifted through her thoughts. “House DeLis and House Stratum are powerful, but rarely go against the crown. House DeCanter won’t be happy, but they don’t have enough pull around here to cause any trouble.” She chuckled. “And of course, House Cadenza. But I don’t think you’ll have a problem with them.”  “House Cadenza?” With just a tilt of her head, Twilight conveyed several questions. Cadance blushed. “Yeah. Me, Flurry, and Shining are technically part of a Noble House. A gift from Princess Celestia when I left for the Crystal Empire. She figured it would be a good way for me to stay involved. In case something like . . .” She pedaled her hoof in the air. “Something like this happened.”  “Alright,” Twilight waved a hoof to stop Cadance. “You’re just going to get me nervous again. Let’s start heading down. We can grab breakfast on the way.”  “Sounds like a plan,” Cadance said, following her younger sister out of the room.  With a start, Twilight froze in the middle of the hallway crossroads. “Before we go, there’s something I’d like to do first.” She turned and ambled over to Chrysalis’ door. The guard standing outside snapped to attention.  “Good morning, Princesses,” he said.  Twilight hesitated, staring at the soldier. “Private Quartz? Is that you?”  “Yes, Ma’am. Wasn’t sure you remembered me.” Quartz beamed beneath his helmet. “Lieutenant Dusti and I have been put in charge of guarding Chrysalis.”  “Of course I remember you. We spoke together back in the cafeteria.” Twilight’s head swiveled back and forth. “Where is Dusti? Is she around?”  “She ran to the bathroom.” He scratched his mane in the gap between his armor. “She should be back in a moment.”  “It’s alright,” Cadance said, waving him off. “Is there anything to report after last night? Has Chrysalis been causing trouble for you?”  “No, Ma’am.” Quartz shook his head. “She’s actually been pretty quiet for the last few hours. Would you like me to pass along a message when she wakes?”  Twilight pursed her lips. “I was really hoping to talk with her before work. But if she’s sleeping, I guess we’d better just let her rest. When she wakes up, go ahead and tell her that I’ll be back around sunset.”  Quartz snapped into a salute. “Will do, Princess.”  They left the soldier standing alone at the door and started down toward the public section of the castle. Along the way, they passed several more soldiers from each faction of the Guard. While most of them were simple Royal Guards, they passed a few dressed in the gold and white armor of the Solar Guard, the dark armor of the Lunar guard, and the colorful, glassy suits of the Crystal Guard. Each of them greeted the princesses without fail. Their journey took them past the mess hall, allowing both princesses to snatch a decently-sized muffin for breakfast before continuing. Before entering the castle foyer, Cadance stopped, blocking Twilight from going inside. Even from here, she could hear the crowd on the other side.  “Are you ready?” she asked.  Twilight calmed herself, blending her expression into a blank mask. “As ready as I’m going to be. Open it.”  “Just remember to keep your eyes forward, and I would recommend not making any comments to the press. You might regret it later.”  With a confident nod, Cadance tapped on the oak gate. The door inched open, revealing an army of ponies waiting for them. Cameras flashed as several different voices shouted out questions at the princesses. A line of Royal Guards, led by Shining Armor himself, moved into position, forming a wall between the royals and the rabble.  “Princess Twilight, we’ve been hearing rumors that you’re in a new relationship. Is this true? And if so, with whom?” “Princess Cadance, our sources tell us that you and Captain Armor are expecting again. Can you confirm this story?”  “Princess Twilight, can you tell us all why you’re overseeing the Court this morning? Does this have anything to do with the rumor going around saying that Princesses Celestia and Luna are missing or injured?”  Twilight kept her head down and pushed through, keeping her focus on Cadance’s puffy pink tail ahead of her. More than once, a rowdy visitor pressed against the defensive line. The guards held fast, though. Shining kept close to his wife and sister, watching the mob with a narrowed gaze.  “Good morning, Princesses.” An older unicorn standing beside the giant doors ignited his horn, opening the door to the courtroom. Twilight followed Cadance inside to find the room already full. Wooden stands stood on either side of the room. Nobles were already waiting in their seats, debating the deals that would shape the future of Equestria. Even the princesses’ arrival hardly registered above the din.  Keeping a smile on her face, Twilight sped up, hurrying to Cadance’s side. “Are things usually this chaotic?” she whispered.  “No.” Despite her smile, Cadance sounded troubled. “Rumors have been going around Canterlot. Press ponies are clamoring to find either hide or hair of Celestia. And now with Luna gone, too, those rumors are exploding.”  “I’d guess they’re not happy to see me,” Twilight said.  Her expression softening, Cadance led Twilight up the dias toward a trio of thrones. “It has nothing to do with you, Twilight. Celestia’s been ruling for a thousand years. Any time she’s gone for more than a few days, they get worried.”  “I know. I just hope I don’t make things worse.”  Cadance moved to one of the back thrones while Twilight took her place at the front. She stood before Celestia’s throne, feeling small against the tall marble monument. Inkwell, Shining Armor, a small column of guards, and a few members from the crowd outside entered. The military kept the inflow controlled and steady.   “Welcome, Ladies and Gentlecolts.” The crowd fell silent as Inkwell’s announcement. “In a few short moments, we will begin the daily Celestial Court. As always, any disturbances or outbursts are prohibited. Before we begin, are there any opening comments from the Noble Houses?”  A few ponies shared glances, but remained silent. As she spoke, Inkwell climbed the same set of stairs up to the pedestal. She settled into her desk off to the side, removing her scribing tools and papers from within.  “Very well. Princesses Twilight or Cadance, do either of you have any opening announcements?” The princesses offered no words. “Then, if there are no announcements to be made, then we may begin. Captain Armor, would your guards bring in the first case to be judged?”  Shining nodded to the rest of his team. They escorted a young, handsome stallion into the center of the room to stand before Twilight. “The first case is from Sir Vin Ordinaire of Noble House DeCanter. Sir Ordinaire, would you be so kind as to explain to the court and for the transcript what issue brings you here today?”  The stallion stood up straight and raised his chin. “Of course. I would be more than happy to bring my case before this court. I’ve come on behalf of one of my business ventures in Downtown Canterlot.” He smiled deviously, as though owning such a valuable asset made him the most important pony in the room. “One of these issues involves a whole case load of zoning violations that have been levied against them. I humbly request, Princess Twilight, that this court takes a close look at these issues and dismisses them.”  Out of the corner of her eyes, Twilight stared at Cadance. She could see Cadance return the look with a sympathetic smile.  “I’ve heard your request, Lord Ordinaire.” Twilight kept her chest puffed out, making sure to speak loud enough that her voice echoed through the high ceilings of the Throne Room. “And I assume that you did not come before this court without any evidence of these claims?”  The stallion’s lips curled into a forced smile. “Of course, Princess.”  Twilight settled into Celestia’s throne. Both physically and emotionally, the seat didn’t fit her. Just the thought of her taking Celestia’s place, even just for such a short time, left her with a bitter taste in her mouth. She tried to keep that thought at the back of her mind as she tried to listen to the noble’s complaints.  “Mister Ruby, I sympathize with your concerns, but the Throne cannot take responsibility for each farm that fails this season.” Twilight tucked a piece of her mane behind her ear, trying her best not to look at the earth pony standing before her. “And so, it is with a heavy heart that I have to deny your request for a loan from the Royal Treasury. ”  “I . . . of course.” Mister Ruby backed away. “I understand, Princess. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to hear my case.” He turned, his head hung low, and sank back into the crowd. “Inkwell,” Twilight whispered. “Do you think you could set up a meeting with Mister Ruby and some of my more agrarian-inclined colleagues? They might be able to help with some of his problems. I can get you a list of names.” Inkwell nodded. “Of course, Princess.”  “Thank you.” Twilight took a deep breath and sat back on the throne.  Shining Armor cleared his throat. “The princess has made her decision. With that, the case has been judged and closed. The next case will begin shortly.”  Twilight slouched in her seat. Throughout the stands, nobles and commoners alike returned to their previous conversations.  “Hanging in there?” Cadance’s voice startled Twilight. “Yeah. I’m alright. I feel bad for Mister Ruby.” As Twilight chewed her tongue, she glanced up toward her sister. “You think I made the right decision? Denying him the money?” “It might be a tough season for him, but, like you said, you can’t exactly pay every farmer just for having a bad year. You’d bankrupt the treasury far too quickly. So, yes, I think you made the right decision.”   Twilight shook her head. “It might have been the right call, but that doesn’t make me feel all that great about it. I don’t know how Celestia makes this look so easy.”  Cadance pressed her lips together. “She does have a few centuries of experience.”  “I guess so,” Twilight said, shrugging. “Do you know how many cases are left?”  “Inkwell,” Cadance called. The secretary looked up from her desk. “How many cases are left for today?”  The unicorn dug through her papers. “Seven more.”  With a groan, Twilight nearly slumped out of her chair. “Seven? Just shoot me now. Get it over with.”  “We’ll be alright, Twilight,” Cadance’s magic hauled Twilight back up into her seat. “Besides, you’ve got your friends here to support you. I know that you can do this.”  Twilight raised a brow. “My friends?” “Yeah. Over there.” Cadance pointed her hoof into the crowd. Sure enough, Twilight spied her friends sitting in the back of the room. Rarity and Pinkie noticed, waving back to the princesses. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were in the middle of a heated discussion. Meanwhile, Starlight stood nearby, trying to calm a nearly-panicked Fluttershy.  “I didn’t even see them come in,” Twilight said, a slight smile returning.  “I asked them to come.” Cadance turned back to Twilight. “Not that I needed to. They told me they were already planning on coming down. Don’t forget, Twilight, even if it feels like you’re lost and don’t know what to do, you’ve got a lot of friends and family ready to back you up.”  “Thanks, Cadance.” Twilight hugged her sister.  They were interrupted by Shining Armor clearing his throat once again. “Case seven is ready to proceed. All attendees, please return to your seats so we may begin.”  “Alright, I’ve got to go.” Cadance gestured back to her throne. “Don’t forget, you’re not alone up here, Twilight.”  Once the crowd was settled in, Shining continued. “The next case is from Mayor Snow. Mister Snow, would you be so kind as to explain to the court and for the transcript what issue brings you here today?”  A stocky, white-furred earth stallion stepped forward. He removed his wool cap, pressing it to his chest as he bowed to the princesses. “Your Majesties, it is my pleasure to stand here before you.”  “The honor is mine, Mister Snow.” The petitioner’s down-to-earth stance and tone lifted a weight from Twilight’s shoulders. “What brings you before the Celestial Court this fine afternoon?”  The mayor shifted uncomfortably beneath the glares of the upper class. “Uhh . . . sure.” He sniffled and returned his hat to his head. “I’m here on behalf of my village, Hosslo.” A quiet murmur spread through the crowd.  “My apologies, Sir Snow, but I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of Hosslo,” Twilight said.  Mayor Snow studied his hooves. “That’s not too surprising, Princess. It’s a small village up north. It sits on the Equestrian side of the border with the Crystal Empire. Our last census put our population around eighty.”  Twilight shot Cadance a confused glance. She closed her eyes, deep in thought, before returning Twilight’s unasked question with a nod. Satisfied with her answer, Twilight returned her attention to her subjects. “And what aid, exactly, does the town of Hosslo require?”  Again, the mayor shifted his weight back and forth. He opened his mouth twice before finally speaking. “On their behalf, I’m requesting a small contingent of guards be sent to reinforce our militia.” He swallowed hard. “Around ten should suffice.”   The crowd's murmurings grew louder. Some of the guards looked to Shining, waiting for the order to step in. Twilight spoke over them. “That is quite the request, Mayor Snow. What purpose do you have for nearly a dozen trained soldiers in your little town?”  The mayor’s nerves faltered. He stepped back, keeping his head down. “Apologies, Princess. Perhaps this was a poor idea.”  “Mayor Snow.” Twilight stood and walked to the tip of her throne’s pedestal. “If any of Equestria’s citizens are in danger, I would be more than happy to spare a bit of our military might. But I must know the situation and why you are requesting their help. There is no need to be nervous. Speak freely.”  “You see, Princess, it’s because of the changelings.”  The crowd’s volume increased dramatically.  “Silence!” Shining demanded, slamming the butt of his spear against the floor.  The crowd quieted, letting the court continue.  “Changelings?” Twilight frowned. “Mister Snow, the changelings are our allies now. If you intend on accusing them of plotting against Equestria, then you had better have some proof to back up your claim.”  “O-Of course, Princess.” He spent a few seconds steadying himself. “We’ve had several of our gatherers return from the forest telling the same story. There’s something living in the trees. Every account has given the same description. Dark figures, shifting in and out of the morning mists.” Twilight listened patiently, hiding her annoyance. When the mayor fell silent, she met his gaze. “That hardly counts as sufficient evidence of changeling involvement. And even if it is changelings, they have hardly shown themselves to be a threat to your town--” “There’s more to the story, Princess.”  His interruption sent a brand new wave of whispering through the court. Twilight scanned the crowd, trying her best to ignore the stares of nobles. They didn’t bother to hide their judgment as they watched the youngest princess.  “Then speak,” Twilight said.  The mayor obliged. “Recently, several of the residents on the outskirts of the town have gone missing.”  Twilight settled back into the throne. She leaned to the side, propping her head up with her hoof. Her fur bristled as she felt more eyes on her. Wherever she looked, conversations fell silent. The disrespect made her heartbeat quicken.  “And what makes you suspect foul play?” Cadance chimed in. “Are there any signs of damage or break-ins?”  “No, Princess Cadance. Their homes show no signs of break-ins, nor is there any evidence of a struggle. They’re simply gone.” “That doesn’t sound like proof,” Twilight noted, her tone harsher than she intended. Even though she spoke to the mayor, her gaze streaked across the nobles in the balconies. A few of them met her stare with a challenge. Others ignored her completely.  “What you must understand, Princess, is that these folks that have gone missing aren’t your typical ponies. They’ve spent their whole lives in those homes. Their families have been living in those forests for generations.” His gaze moved past Twilight until it was a thousand yards away. “They know those forest trails like the back of their own hooves, true, but they also know better than to leave without explanation.”  Twilight tore her attention from the rowdy nobles. “And what would you have these guards do, exactly? Shall they comb the forest looking for these missing villagers? Or would you have them track down the changelings you believe responsible? I would like to know exactly what you’re requesting them for.”  The mayor shook his head, terrified. “Princess, my ponies are scared and becoming increasingly paranoid. I’d wager that having some proper guards on duty will put them at ease and help me keep the peace. Maybe they can even figure out where the missing folks have gone.”  “Keep the peace?” Cadance asked. For the first time, Twilight noticed the dirty looks cast in Cadance’s direction as she spoke. If the elder princess noticed them, she didn’t let them bother her.  “Yes.” The mayor’s head drooped shamefully. “Our village is protected by a small militia. And those that make it up are more scared than most. I fear that if the situation gets too bad, I don’t know if I’ll be able to control them.”  By now, the crowd had seemingly lost interest in the mayor’s pleas. They weren’t even bothering to hide their conversations. Twilight looked to her friends, whose various expressions hinted that they seemed to be just as upset as she was about the blatant disrespect on display.  With a huff, Twilight pressed her hoof against the bridge of her nose. Celestia’s constant headaches were starting to make sense. By now, the mayor and Cadance had both noticed the several other discussions taking place. Inkwell has stopped the transcript, watching the crowd with disbelief. Shining’s calls for silence went unheeded completely. Even he looked to Twilight, confused.  “I’ve heard enough!” Twilight rocketed up from her seat. Her hooves slammed and wings flared, drawing the attention of the gallery. The room fell silent as her voice shook the very foundations of the castle. A few of the nobles watched the display with a sneer, but most were scared silent. Color drained from the mayor’s face.  “Twilight?” Cadance’s soft tones quelled the flames in Twilight’s eyes.  With her temper reined, Twilight cleared her throat and spoke. “I see no reason to draw out my judgment of this case any further. You have provided a sound argument, so I will allow a squadron of ten guards to be stationed in your village. These soldiers will have standing orders to protect the town and its citizens. Likewise, they will look into these disappearances. If foul play is suspected, they will report back and we will send a larger contingent.” Twilight stopped for a breath. “However, in return, you will be expected to offer housing and meals for these soldiers during their stay. Are these terms agreeable?”  Mayor Snow, still trembling, smiled. “V-Very agreeable, Princess,” he said with a bow.  “Good.” Her gaze snapped upward. “Are there any objections to this course of action?” To her dismay, three of the ponies in the stands rose from their seats, already shouting their arguments. From this distance, Twilight couldn’t make out their noble crests. “Why should we expend our resources to deal with such a minor nuisance like this? Celestia would never allow such frivolity.”  “If Lady Cadance wishes to step in, have the Crystal Empire handle this. Equestria has real issues to deal with.”  “I vote we send out an army. Comb the forest and drive those bugs from our land.”  “Silence!” Twilight’s roar quieted the dissenting party. “Three nays have been put forth. Are there any other nobles willing to throw their influence into the ring?” She scanned the crowd, watching for any movement.  It was Cadance who spoke next, her voice as soft and songful as ever. “Then the vetoes fail. Princess Twilight’s judgment will stand.”  Mayor Snow bowed until his head touched the floor. “Thank you, Princess. We will not forget this kindness--”  “Let me be clear about something, Mayor Snow,” Twilight interrupted. “I have judged your cause real enough to commit several soldiers to your aid. That said, you managed to provide no evidence that changelings are responsible for this.” Though she addressed the mayor, she made sure the nobles were listening. “Lest this court forget, the changelings have called for peace with Equestria. Throwing out accusations against them is something that should not be done lightly. Am I understood?”  “Y-Yes, Princess,” Mayor Snow said. Twilight didn’t hear him.  Cadance put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “If that is all, then we’re finished here. The judgment has been made and the case will be closed. I would recommend we break for a recess and allow time for tempers to cool.”  Several silent seconds ticked by before the soldiers sprung to action. They carried the announcement to the crowd and opened the doors to the castle foyer. Several groups filed out. “I didn’t need a moment.” Twilight growled.  “What makes you think I was referring to you?” Cadance asked, her hoof yanking Twilight in for a hug.  Her features softening, Twilight sighed. “Yeah. Okay, I did lose my temper there a bit. But those nobles were just . . .”  “Don’t worry about them. You’re doing just fine, Twilight. Those nobles have gotten lazy with Celestia out. It’s good you stood up to them. Someone needs to remind them who’s in charge.” Cadance released Twilight from the hug. “Now, what do you say we use this break to go say hello to your friends. I’m sure they’re eager to see you.”   Twilight leapt down from her pedestal. A pair of guards jumped as she landed between them. Her unfurled wings caught her, negating most of her fall’s force. She pushed through the crowd, ignoring the nobles trying to get her attention. Eventually, she fought her way to her friends. Cadance showed up soon after.  “Hey, Girls,” Twilight said, breaking into the circle. She wrapped her hooves around the two nearest, Applejack and Rainbow Dash.  “Hey, take it easy,” Rainbow complained, trying to struggle out of Twilight’s grasp.  “You sure put those fancy stiffs in their place. It was a thing of beauty, Twilight,” Applejack said. With her free hoof, she pulled off her hat and removed a silver flask. “Want a drink?” she asked, offering it over. “I don’t think that’s the best idea,” Starlight interjected.  “Depends. Let’s see if the next case is just as rough,” Twilight said with a laugh. The other mares joined in. “Honestly, I’m surprised you managed to keep your cool that well.” Rarity pressed a hoof to her chest as she spoke. “If that were me, I would have had them thrown out of my court for such insolence.”  Twilight smiled. “As tempting as that is, I’d rather not start trouble.” She glanced around at the group. “Hey, where did Fluttershy and Pinkie go?”  “They stepped out for a minute. They should be back any second,” Starlight said.  Twilight looked to the door, expecting to see the rest of her friends walking in. Instead, she spied a familiar set of crystal armor shuffle in through the doors.  “Princess Twilight? Princess Cadance?” The soldier tore his way through to his princesses. The group split, allowing him to approach. Private Quartz was panting, his helmet crooked. “I . . . I need to . . . to speak with . . .”  “Quartz!” Shining appeared behind him, straightening the recruit’s helmet. “You’re a Crystal Guard. Take a breath and give a proper report!”  The panicking soldier took his officer’s advice. He took a deep breath before locking eyes with Twilight. “I’m sorry, Princess Twilight, I messed up.”  “What are you talking about?” Twilight asked, her smile fading slowly. “It’s Chrysalis. She’s gone.”