>when in the final editing pass before posting, you realize a "princesses" was left in, despite they not being such in the story
Yeah, such is when certain characters are always depicted in the same era, and the same roles. Conventions are a powerful thing. I also got used to "princess" so much when I referred to Celestia or Luna in the story, that early on, I actively hunted for the moniker to edit it out.
They aren't princesses. Not yet.
Just a funny thing I wanted to share.

My first long-form story, By the Will of the Council, featuring a young Celestia and Luna, is getting released... NOW!
Accompany the not-yet-royal sisters on the first of their many journeys that shaped Equestria, and find out about the past they never spoke about.