--- Sent shortly before Twilight's last letter. ---
Twilight Sparkle,
Please read this letter immediately.
While I appreciate that you have been faithful in continuing to write to me, your reports over the last year have changed in a way I never expected of you. I have been patient in writing back up to this point, though I cannot understand why you have disregarded my responses. I must insist that you read and take this one seriously.
I would travel there to speak to you, if I could, but am needed here as we look into a new threat toward Canterlot. My new student, who I have mentioned to you before, has been training hard to prepare to aid if trouble should come, but everyone asks when you will arrive to help. However, your hooves are clearly quite full there.
Your magic is growing greater still, but as I have many times of late, I must implore you to reconsider the way you apply it. The castle renovations and expansion to its pool and gardens are indeed impressive feats, and apparently your subjects respect you enough to aid in this work, but is this really an appropriate use of your magic or authority? What of the citizens you used to care so much about - are they not still unhealthy and arguing among themselves? It seems you have abandoned the great project you began to help them. What of all the lessons you wrote to me about from Ponyville? Was it all a show?
When I sent you to this new place, there was no doubt in my mind that you would be successful and well-loved - that you were the one pony who could lead them and build a flourishing nation. You were the one who gave up any chance of personal gain in order to save the Crystal Empire, who gave up your chances of returning to Equestria to protect new friends in another dimension, who took every opportunity to help a friend in need. I fear that this new authority has begun to distort your view. We discussed early in your training how devastating a self-centered monarch, especially one with great power, can be to a kingdom. It is your responsibility, as princess, to always put others before yourself. Twilight, this focus on your own interests has caused you to forget about those who need you, and even those who care about you.
The alicorn magic you wield is worthy only of a selfless ruler. I have warned you of these things too many times and have no choice but to intervene. One of my messengers will arrive there within the week to take your Element of Harmony. It will remain in Canterlot for safekeeping until you are ready to use it responsibly.
You know how much you mean to me, Twilight. I chose you as my student and our new princess for so many reasons. Prove to me that I was not wrong. Otherwise, I will have to find someone to take your place and fulfill the duties that you cannot. For now, I highly recommend that you take time to reflect and consider what you need to do.
Princess Celestia
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Done, I sighed. Pastel purple light from her coronation window covered the page. Twilight is the last pony to whom I ever expected to send such a letter. But am I being too harsh? Glancing back over the page absently, approaching footsteps interrupted my thoughts.
"Ahem, Princess Celestia, your student awaits you in the library."
"Thank you, but isn't she a bit early?"
The guard looked confused. "Actually, she is quite late for once, your majesty."
More time had passed than I'd realized. "Very well. I will be down shortly." He looked suspiciously at my parchment. I closed it and reassured him with a polite princess smile until he had left.
They are all so protective of me, so concerned at the slightest sign I might not be completely happy, but they certainly can be nosy at times. I chuckled. Yet despite all their attention... I began walking and felt my face relax to a frown as I reopened the scroll, colors flowing over the page. I still feel very much alone. I do wish I could talk with someone about this. But no one must know of Twilight's failure - she needs them to believe in her if there is to be any hope that she might turn things around - I paused as blazing yellow and red overtook the letter - as she has. But what if she couldn't do it?
Magically sealing the scroll, I sent what I knew might be my last letter to my dear student, the last communication with one who had been a true friend.
Twilight, how could you?