//------------------------------//
// 332. Deception by Donraj 
// Story: The Sun and the Stars: A Twilestia Prompt Collab 
// by Fuzzyfurvert 
//------------------------------//


by Donraj


***



"We are in position. Night Queen, over."

A sigh came over the crystalline speaking charm. "I want to reiterate that you choosing that name makes me very uncomfortable, Princess."

There was a long pause. Shining Armor sighed again and added, "Prize Stud, over."

"Nonsense Prize Stud," came Luna's confident reply. "Our designations were selected entirely at random and have no implications whatsoever for Our view of Ourselves or others. Is that not so, Puppet Mistress? Night Queen, over."

"Absolutely Night Queen," Cadance answered. "Prize Stud and I are in position. Bookworm Steed has arrived at rendezvous point. Puppet Mistress, over."

"Acknowledged, Puppet Mistress. Approaching Cake Flank. Night Queen, over."

Luna strode down the hall to her sister's private quarters. Her platinum shod hooves clacked grandly against the polished stone floor. The golden armored ponies standing watch had long since risen to attention when Luna stopped in front of the sun embossed double doors and gave them an imperious look.

"Humble officers of the Solar Guard, your Princess of the Night doth desire the company of her beloved sister!"

The two stood ramrod straight. "Princess Celestia stated that she is extremely tired and desires no interruptions."

Luna looked at them ominously. Tension mounted. Then she smiled abruptly and nodded her head once.

"So be it! We fain would not deprive our dear sibling of her rest. We and We alone shall assume responsibility for the handling of the mishap in the Sculpture Gardens and give Our assurance that We shall take all measures to minimize damage to the palace and the surrounding city."

The two guards exchanged a look. Protocols had been set in place for this sort of situation. Their horns lit up and the heavy doors swung open without a sound. Luna walked between them imperiously.

Celestia's bed chambers were a study in elegant simplicity. A comfortable bed, a closet and mirror and an alicorn-sized desk were the main furnishings. A scattering of mismatched but well made rugs offset the cold marble floor and gave the room a homey feel. Celestia was currently enjoying the comfortable bed. Luna flapped her wings and leapt next to it in a graceful arc to avoid disturbing her sister with noisy hoofsteps.

"AWAKE, SISTER!" Luna said in full Royal Canterlot Voice. "FEAR, FIRE, FOES! AWAKE!"

Celestia spluttered as she shot upright. Her wings extended reflexively and sent covers and cushions flying everywhere. Her eyes darted in every direction before settling on Luna. She started to say something. Luna interrupted her.

"SISTER MINE! DIRE EVENTS ARE AFOOT IN THE SCULPTURE GARDENS! YOUR ATTENTION IS REQUIRED!"

Celestia gasped.

"Don't tell me he—"

"VERILY SISTER! TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! GET THEE HENCE!"

Celestia struggled free of the remaining bedding and leapt off the balcony and into flight. Luna remained behind. Her horn glowed and the chunk of crystal reappeared.

"Cake Flank is in motion. Night Queen, over."

A squeal of pure girlish delight came through the speaking crystal in reply.

"Oh my gosh this is it! My OTP! My masterpiece!" Cadance paused for a moment before adding, "Bookworm Steed is wearing the socks. Puppet Mistress, over."