“It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well.”
―Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
I opened my eyes, and quickly shut them. It was too bright, but as I squinted through the cracks in the darkness, I could see the white ceiling of what appeared to be a hospital room, with golden rays of sunlight dancing across it. So bright… it must be noon.
Wait, why am I in a hospital bed at noon? And why do I not quite remember getting in it? Just… just what had I been doing?
That was when the memories hit.
In a second, it all came back to me. Chrysalis flying in front of Belladonna. My teleport. The agony! I had fallen from the sky and hit something. I lost consciousness.
I bolted upright, my forelegs throwing the blanket away. I pressed my hooves to my body, trying to see if I was still there, and blinked. Bringing up my legs, I stared at my hooves, my real, black, holed, changeling hooves, only one thought pounding in my head.
Was I dead?
As much as I hated to even think about it, I could recall the excruciating pain as the dark spell had ripped me apart. I should be dead.
But as I looked down at myself, I gasped.
The glossy carapace toward the left side of my front had a hole about three hoof-lengths in diameter. In its place was a patch of overlapping, burnished steel scales looking like that of a reptile; scale mail. This patch was attached to a metal frame that fitted around what was definitely a hole in my chest. Peeking out from just underneath the scale mail appeared to be some sort of leather-rubber skin that was also attached to the frame. I had no doubt that underneath this patch were my fleshy, changeling insides.
I tapped the scale mail, running my hoof over the artificial barrier in half horror, half amazement.
Horror, because I could see how close I had come to death.
Amazement, because I had survived. After all, if I was dead, why would I have an armored patch over my carapace?
But how in the name of Great Hive Mothers had I survived that?
I needed answers. Brushing my mane out of my face, I moved to pull myself off my bed, wincing as my tired limbs protested.
That was when my door opened, and the last pony I had ever expected to see trotted in, escorted by two silent guards.
For a moment, I simply stared, not quite believing my eyes. The last time we had faced each other she was bleeding, missing an eye, wounded beyond all recognition. Yet, I recognized her radiance, her shimmering tri-color mane, her alabaster coat, her long pointed horn and her great wings.
After all, for a thousand years, this pony had been my reflection.
“Celestia?” I rasped, and broke into a series of hacking coughs. My throat was sandpaper dry! Just how long had I been asleep?
The alicorn trotted toward me, a small smile stretching her lips, and for the first time I noticed she was levitating a tray with a glass of water, which she proffered to me.
“It is us, Queen Alternia. How dost thou fare?” she asked, her deep, regal voice somehow the same as it had been a thousand years ago.
Too tired to levitate, I took the glass in my hoof and took a small sip, just to wet my tongue and get rid of the stickiness in my mouth.
“I’m alive. I don’t know how, but I’m alive. What happened?” I asked. The last I remembered was screaming as the flames engulfed me.
Celestia, still smiling, sat her rump on the ground. “Thy sisters and friends saved thy life, Queen Alternia. While my Luna kept thee breathing for as long as it was in her power, thy sisters used my crown as a guide in order to locate my resting place. They then brought me to thy bedside. Thine student and her fellow Bearers then used the power of the Elements to restore me to wakefulness.”
I nodded, though I could scarcely comprehend what had transpired. That they had found Celestia and woken her up all while I was on my deathbed was astounding.
Celestia’s smile faded. “Thou very nearly succumbed in spite of our efforts, and despite our power and skill in healing, we could not heal the wound in thy chest. However, we have succeeded in healing the burns on thy carapace, and breathing new life into thy bosom. Then thy spellcasters and engineers fashioned thee the armor that thou now wearest. We hope thou art satisfied by our joint efforts.”
I nodded, blinking as my eyes moistened, and my throat became choked again.
“Celestia… thank you.”
“It is we who should be thanking thee, Alternia,” replied Celestia.
I raised my head, my brow furrowed, only for my eyes to widen.
The alicorn was crying, again, but where a thousand years ago she had been beset by despair, this time her smile beamed as bright as the sun, even as tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Equestria is” —Celestia closed her eyes, shaking as she gulped in deep breaths of air— “beautiful, Alternia.”
Tired as I was, my lips lifted into a smile. “I’m glad you think so.”
To my puzzlement, Celestia shook her head, briefly rubbing the tears off of her cheek. “No, thou dost not comprehend the magnitude of what thou hast done. Thou art not even a pony. Thou art a foreigner, and a stranger to the Elements of Harmony, yet the Equestria thou hast built surpasses all I could have possibly dreamed.”
Then Celestia raised her head so that her magenta eyes met mine. At the same time, I felt her emotions, and needed no further explanation.
For how does one describe such thankfulness, such gratitude? The alicorn of the sun was beholden to me, and I had a good idea as to why.
“Then, thou saved our sister, our Luna. In spite of all that we have forced upon thee, thou didst so much good in our name, and for our behalf. How can we ever repay thee?” asked Celestia.
Pride stirred within my breast, and it took quite a bit of self-control for me to rein it in and shake my head.
“You don’t have to. She is now also my sister, one of the ponies I hold dear to my heart. Her friendship is all that I desire.” I took another sip from my glass to wet my tongue, before frowning. “Did you get to talk to Luna, by the way?”
I was surprised when Celestia blushed and averted her eyes like a filly caught stealing from a cookie jar. “We have shared many words, and rest assured, though our sister has been most preoccupied with affairs of state for the past month— especially with the revelation of our deception — we have been greatly chastised.”
Chuckling, I did not fully process the last part of Celestia’s confession until a few seconds later.
When I did, I found myself fixed in place. Slowly, the right side of my lip twitching, I turned to Celestia.
“Celestia.”
“Yes?”
“What did you mean when you said ‘especially with the revelation of our deception’?” I asked, every word carefully enunciated.
Celestia frowned at me, one elegant eyebrow raised. “Dost thou not remember? Thy disguise was dispelled in front of the multitude when thou wert struck by the curse.”
My whole world began to tilt sideways as I listened to Celestia’s explanation. No, I was not dreaming. My ears were working. I heard that very clearly, and my mind was replaying those words again, and again.
Thy disguise was dispelled in front of the multitude when thou wert struck by the curse.
Thy disguise was dispelled in front of the multitude...
Disguise was dispelled in front of the multitude...
“Oh crap.”
“Thou shouldst watch what thou sayest, Alternia,” said Celestia in a disapproving tone.
I whirled on Celestia. “Watch what I say? There’s no time to worry about what I say! This is a disaster!” I screamed.
Celestia seemed taken aback and she rose hurriedly to her hooves.
“Alternia, there is nothing to be alarmed about.”
I shook my head, running my hooves over my scalp as I tried desperately to collect myself, to think of my options. “Celestia, every single pony in Equestria now knows that their ruler for the last thousand years was actually a changeling queen feeding on their love! I’m surprised Luna has managed to keep the castle standing for so long! There must be riots all over Equestria!”
I expected Celestia’s eyes to widen, and they did, but instead of confirming my fears, she burst out into laughter. Her hooves wrapped around her own chest, decidedly unregal guffaws pealing from the usually serene alicorn’s lips. I gawked, mirroring the reactions of the guards in the room.
“Oh Alternia, thou shouldst have more faith in thine abilities, and in the loyalty of thy subjects,” Celestia managed to say, as she brushed tears from her eyes.
I blinked. “What do you mean?”
Celestia, now chuckling, grinned at me. “Equestria hath eagerly awaited thy waking for the past week, Alternia.”
I shook my head. “That’s impossible.” But it was also the only explanation for Celestia’s behaviour. No wonder she seemed so relaxed, but could it really be? My ponies… were they really waiting for me to recover, even knowing who I really was?
Celestia trotted to the door, her guards moving to follow her. “Thou mayest not believe what we say, but thou hast only just awoken, and there is much for you to take in. Furthermore, we believe that thou art due to have the doctors in to look thee over.”
With that, Celestia opened the door to let in a team of hospital staff that quickly started to fuss over me. I wanted to speak with her more, but the doctors were too busy asking me polite and concise questions about how I felt, as well as checking if my prosthetic chest armor worked or not. I answered them quickly, my eye searching for Celestia, but she was already leaving my room.
Sighing, I submitted myself to the questioning of my ponies, and their ministrations. All the while, my eyelids dropped lower and lower, until I fell asleep.
I stayed in hospital for another month, a month where I had only Celestia’s visits to keep me updated on what was happening outside of my room. It was through her that I learnt of how Blueblood, Shining Armor, and Cadance had pacified and explained the situation to my generals and the populace, and that their continuing efforts to lay out the events of a thousand years ago was the chief reason why they hadn’t been able to visit. When Celestia told me of this, I inwardly swore to give them all a big hug the moment my chest fully recovered.
The waiting grated on me heavily as I wanted to see Twilight and the others. They couldn’t visit though. As the doctors had explained to me, in order to make sure I recovered completely, and that my injuries wouldn’t become infected, it was safer to keep visits at a minimum. Apparently, every time someone had to enter my room, every inch of them had been sanitized. Despite my loneliness, I could hardly disagree with the doctors as I had never felt so weak. The healing had saved my life and sealed the wounds, but my body had yet to fully recover from the trauma of the flame spell.
Luckily, I had lots of books and newspapers to read, and luckily, thanks to edicts I had personally issued, the hospital food I was given was excellent. The doctors and various medical staff did act rather wary around me for a while, but I suppose they didn’t know what to think of me, and as the days passed, they started to open up to me. I even got their names.
To this day, I am not sure how Luna, my loved ones, and Celestia managed to keep Equestria waiting quietly until I could personally explain to the public what had happened. The newspapers were full of speculation, despite testimonies from Luna, Celestia, Blueblood, and Cadance that gave the same story to the public.
I suspect that one of the measures that helped restore some confidence, was the fact that the returned Celestia was on a probationary period, where her authority was restricted, and her activities were observed by several ponies at all times. This coverage of Celestia, who clearly didn’t act like I did, but was definitely benevolent in nature, helped to bolster public confidence and assure the ponies that the story we were telling them was true. Additionally, Cadance, Blueblood and Luna’s constant public appearances also assisted to ease worries.
In addition, it also appeared that my sisters were encouraging pony-changeling relations on their own initiative. Together with Luna, Blueblood, and Cadance, they were arranging exchange programs with Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns and Cloudsdale’s Summer Flight Camp, as well as coming up with a design for the visa that would soon be issued to itinerant changelings.
So in spite of my fears, it seemed Equestria managed to hold itself together until today: the day when I could finally exit the hospital.
The doctor in charge of my case, Doctor Home, gave me a clean bill of health, along with written instructions for the maintenance of my prosthetic chestpiece. I was then escorted to the lobby of the hospital.
The foyer was surprisingly empty as I trotted in, but for two figures that were sitting in adjacent chairs. One was reading a book, the other was waiting silently, her black frame slightly hunched over as she twiddled her hooves.
“Twilight? Chrysalis—”
As soon as I spoke, my student threw her book away, galloped up to me, and hugged my forelegs. As for Chrysalis, she jumped up, scooted around Twilight, then wrapped her legs around my neck and buried her face in my shoulder.
“Twilight,” I said in a gentle voice, my hoof stroking her mane. “It’s all right. Thank you for waking Celestia up for me.” As Twilight beamed, I turned to my elder sister.
To think that not too long ago I had been so terrified at the mere sight of my sister, and so angry for what she had done. Now that I looked at Chrysalis, at her wide, joyous smile, I felt nothing but happiness.
“Don’t ever do something as stupid as that again, Alternia!” cried Chrysalis, her tears moistening my shoulder.
Twilight nodded in agreement with Chrysalis, but said nothing. She was too busy hugging me. She did remember not to squeeze me too tightly, though.
“I’ll make a great effort not to.” I swallowed. “And thank you, Chrysalis, for forgiving me my deception, and for saving my life.”
Chrysalis blinked and wiped a tear from her eye. Sniffling, she met my eyes again and grinned. “You’re welcome, Alternia.”
“We had a hoof in it as well!” said Simulacris’s wry voice.
I turned to the hospital doors and gasped.
All the ponies and changelings that I loved were standing there, waiting for me. Luna, Belladonna, Simulacris, Lamia, Cyndra, Cadance, Shining Armor, and Blueblood. I also spied Celestia lurking in the rear near Luna. They must have been waiting for Twilight and Chrysalis to greet me first.
Now, though, they rushed into the hospital foyer and crowded around me, relieved smiles on their faces and surrounded me, chattering furiously, asking if I was well, until Belladonna and Simulacris pushed through the gaggle.
“I think Twilight and Chrysalis have warned you, but we would like to repeat the warning,” said Belladonna.
Simulacris nodded and looked me in the eye. “Don’t do something so idiotic ever again!”
I had to resist the temptation to roll my eyes. “Of course not.”
Simulacris didn’t seem quite convinced, so I grabbed her and Belladonna with my hooves and dragged them into a big hug with Chrysalis. Belladonna protested half-heartedly, but didn’t resist as I squeezed her tighter. She even chuckled as she knocked heads with Chrysalis.
Ah yes, everything was going to be just fine.
When my sisters and I had finally extricated ourselves from the hug, I turned to Luna, who was watching us, standing so close to her sister that it almost looked as if they were one pony. The two of them had even folded wings over each other.
“Luna, thank you for keeping me alive. I know it must not have been easy,” I said from the bottom of my heart.
Luna dipped her head gracefully. “I’m just glad my efforts paid off, Alternia. But there are three more ponies whom you should really give thanks to.” She turned to Shining Armor, Cadance and Blueblood, who had been waiting quietly by the wall.
Walking up to my niece, I immediately nuzzled her forehead, like I had done when I was taking care of her, and stroked Blueblood’s mane.
“Thank you for reassuring my ponies while I was injured. You’ve done a fantastic job, both of you.”
My adopted nephew grinned. “Think nothing of it, Auntie,” he said as he took hold of my hoof in his. Cadance was less composed, and I saw a tear running down her cheeks as she returned my nuzzle.
“I’m just glad that you’re back,” said Cadance, her voice choked.
I smiled. “As am I.” I turned to Shining Armor, who was standing slightly awkwardly at the side of his wife.
“Captain Armor, your loyalty and actions during this crisis do your predecessors proud. I expect great things from you in the future, especially in your continued service to Celestia,” I said.
Twilight’s eyes widened. “Alternia? You’re not going to be princess anymore?”
I shook my head. “With my disguise gone and Celestia returned, I can hardly keep ruling Equestria anymore.” I sighed, my smile fading slightly. “I didn’t want to have to leave like this, but it has been a long time since I’ve had a break.”
That was when Luna called out, “Speaking of the rulership of Equestria, my sister and I have a proposition for you, Alternia.”
My brow creased a bit, but I nodded. “Go ahead.”
Luna nodded, and seemed to grow in stature, as her Royal Canterlot voice, though far softer than usual, echoed around the room. “In the time since our return, my sister and I have been discussing how we shall rule Equestria together. During these discussions, we realized that one of the problems of our previous joint rulership was that there was nopony to mediate our responsibilities and decisions. If we disagreed, there was nopony to give a fair ruling over whose decision was correct.”
Celestia spoke up. “We believe that part of the reason we drifted apart was due in large part to the frequency of these impasses, culminating in the situation both of us have suffered in for the past thousand years.” A frustrated grimace made its way onto Celestia’s serene features. “We —that is to say, I— currently have my royal authority restricteddue to my extended absence, and in light of the recent revelation of thine identity. Hence, when my sister and I spoke on this subject, we realized that there was only one solution.”
Her grimace giving way to a smile, Celestia turned to me, her eyes shining. “We would need to appoint a third ruling princess.”
In an instant, I understood what they were asking, and yet, I couldn’t believe what they were asking.
“You’re not suggesting…”
Luna grinned. “Yes, Alternia, we would like thee to become the third ruling Princess of Equestria.”
The pronouncement was greeted by gasps from around the room even as I shook my head, my jaw agape.
“But Cadance—”
“Has refused our offer. She told us that it is not her place to sit on Equestria’s throne,” said Celestia. I blinked, and noticed Cadance was one of the few who didn’t seem surprised at the offer. She actually winked at me rather impudently.
I turned to my nephew. “Blueblood—”
“Has also refused, and also mentioned that there would be a better changeling for the job.”
I frowned reprovingly as Blueblood gave me his practiced, nonchalant shrug.
Still, despite the hopeful looks on Celestia and Luna’s features, I shook my head. My task had never meant to be for all time, and Celestia deserved her place. Moreover, how could Equestria accept me, a changeling, as their princess?
“I cannot—”
“Do not be so hasty, Alternia,” said Celestia, cutting me off gently. Trotting towards me, she looked me in the eye, like she had on that night a thousand years ago.
“Thou hast ruled Equestria for a thousand years, longer than we have. Thou understandest thine subjects, and how to bring harmony to the land. Thou art the ideal changeling for this great task.” Celestia paused and her eyes shot to the ground. “On the other hoof, knowing how thou hast been forced to rule Equestria for a thousand years already, we would understand if thou dost not wish to continue shouldering the burdens of the throne. We are aware that thou wouldst like to start a hive.”
I nodded. Celestia was right. I did deserve a break, and it had always been my long-held dream to start a hive of my own, something I had been deprived of so long ago.
But still… I wanted what she offered. Equestria was my home, my country, my hive. Not ruling, not protecting my little ponies on Equestria’s throne… was unthinkable.
“Take as long as you wish to think on this, Alternia,” said Luna, her smile understanding.
“But if thou desirest to accept this new responsibility, we would be filled with great joy,” said Celestia.
I swallowed and bowed my head. Whatever my answer, this would be the greatest decision of my life, including the one I made a thousand years ago. If I did accept, I could ruin Equestria. But if I did not… then would Equestria continue to shine as brightly as it had under my care?
I dearly wished the decision had not been left in my hooves, for there was but one answer I could give. One that I was not sure was right, but one that I dearly wanted. Selfish my choice may have been, but I could not lie to my very heart.
I raised my head, stiffened my back and looked Celestia and Luna in the eyes.
“I accept, your highnesses.”
The end is neigh.
yes
Yay!
So the story is getting pretty wrapped up now it seems. Just a couple last things left to tell. Hopefully there's a sequel in the works for this. There is still plenty to be explored in this universe going forward.
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6214004
Zervziel, do reply to this lovely comment.
T-t-t-tiebreaker!
Well, a three-legged stool is a lot more stable than a two-legged stool.
Who says she can't co rule Equestira AND start a hive.
Bleh. Disappointing.
It seems to me that the major conflict and dramatic question that this story appeared to be setting up for the last 140,000+ words has just been brushed off in the space of a few paragraphs.
I'm almost sad to see this fic ending.
6214004
The pun is fun.
I think this is probably one of the few times I've ever been shocked by how well something's ended.
I could probably count on my two hands the amount of stories I've read with an ending so happy for all sides.
Noooooooo! IT CANNOT END SO SOON! NEIGH!
6214088
i3.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/006/759/both.png
6214095 No almost about it. Good fics should go on forever!
Quick resolution? Maybe. But I enjoy seeing reconciliation and things ending happily after all that's happened, so
6214088 Equestria is her hive already in a way
I hereby do declare Alternia Princess of Tiebreakers!
6214166 but she is a Queen and she was about to start her own hive when it hit the fan. WHile she has done wonders for Equestira and loves the ponies she still has that need. Now with three of them around she will have time to finally build that have and the Canterlot caves is a great place ot build it.
6214161 well Celestia did save her life and said Alternia did more then she beleived possible with Equestria. I think her anger over what she had to deal with is gone. Will it still be a sore point yup. but I then the price has been paid.
Eh... I expected Celestia to die to save Alternia's life.
Now we have three princess , which effectively make a triumvirat.
And we all know how well these kind of ruling often end...
... and all hail Alternia-Vador.
6214062 Yes, there may or may not be something that may or may not be planned ahead. Maybe.
6214093 It's almost as if it's the calm before the shit hits the mixed metaphor. As it is, how about actually giving some usable feedback as opposed to just vague complaints? Then maybe something could be done.
Excellent chapter.
Man, the meeting between Celestia & Alternia's loved ones must have been really awkward.
6214168 I love this. Can we keep this? Please?
It's almost like all these people didn't read the spoiler. I'll admit I didn't see the prosthetic coming, though I probably should have. Very neat.
6214085 But a lot less fun.
6214199 They work great! Triads are best-ads!!
6214275 Lamia: "Oh please, I wore a prosthetic before it was cool."
I was expecting a life force transfer with Celestia, putting her out of commission again for a while, but damn everyone gets a happy ending. This works out really well.
Well that went well. given the populace was cheering for her last chapter, so we have 3 rulers now huh, well wonder how this is going to go. and as Admiral Q Ponyform said Y can't she have both, plus as she herself said if she can't Equestira is her hive. also please sequal or sequals and stuff. then again I think you said that at some point.
You do realize you could do another arc, or even a sequel, where Celestia is acclimated to ruling a very different Equestria, where we get to see the civilians react to all of the real Celestia's quirks and eccentricities, while Alternia lends a guiding hoof. You could also show how Equestria has changed what with the passing of The Pact, and the reveal of the princess's identity. It would also be interesting to see the new day court complaints, the possibilities are endless.
6214363 Agreed
6214221
The majority of the story was about changeling and pony relations and Alternia/Chrysalis specifically (I loved this part). The meat of the conflict was about politics even if the occasional catalyst was direct conflict. The last few chapters have been the direct opposite. It has been all about as much physical drama as can be shoehorned in, so much so that it feels forced, not natural.
A part of me was kind of hoping Alternia would welcome Celestia back with a big party. Then give her the keys to the castle of the two Sisters. Explaining, "No, this is my kingdom which I rebuilt from the ruinous war you caused. My ponies don't know you, why should they suddenly serve you, who hasn't lead anypony for 1000 years?" Of course that really wouldn't work with the way things went, being wounded and everything. No chance to gather influence and prepare loyal ponies in the right positions. That Celestia maintains so much loyalty surprises me. I guess that's just the feudal mindset, "I've been serving a pony named Celestia all my life, why stop now?"
I was half expecting Celestia and Luna to adopt her as a sister.
So like, is Celestia gonna take back those memories she put in her?
Yay! For the first time this entire story there is no cliffhanger!
6214454 I'd say no, memories and experiences are a major factor in shaping who we are. So removing memories that she has had for a 1000+ years even if they weren't originally hers wouldn't be a smart thing to do.
6214376 It feels more like it escalated far to fast, If there was possibly a interlude showing them planing the attack but not going into the specifics (Final Meeting where they go over who is doing what.) It would feel like there was more time between the ending of the talks and the beginning of the press conference.
I would recommended them complaining about how most of the organization is falling apart and the fact they are going to have to get their hooves dirty if they want anything done right, it would also provide a nice intro to this section.
You also may want a chapter just of news snippets from the past few months during which the peace talks were going on. That would show what the public was thinking of it all. Also some (nut job) must have had his/her theory sent in (and published) that Celestia was a changeling.
Finally adding more to the castle bit, even just idle chat would help, this may be a way for them to discuss how they admire her being able to rule all of equestria over all the years they were just getting by.
Just some recommendations from a avid & enthusiastic reader.
6214385 you haven't read the latest chapter have you?
The Original Celestia is having the few things she is allowed to do being questioned and double checked by several other pony's. Also most of the kingdom knows that "new" Celestia is not the same as "old" Celestia and that they have been following the old one far longer than the new one.
6214498 6214454 She could ask for the last few decades of memory's she has to get her up to speed.
I wonder if she still wants to found her own changeling hive... Can she be one of the ruling princesses and a queen of her own hive?
6214376 You have any idea how freaking tough it is to write a satisfying climax based entirely on politics? Plus the recovery of Celestia is something the story has been building up to for just as long. Plus all the politics created by current circumstances? Too big for the length of time remaining in the story. Yes, there's plenty of reform and upheaval coming, it just won't fit very well in the next few chapters. Partially because some of the issues take a little time to manifest. They will be addressed, just not here.
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I was referring more to Celestia's childhood, Celestia's mother, all those memories and junk. The ones before Alternia took front and center.
Great to see Alternia alive and...somewhat well, what with that wound. Man, that is going to be annoying with dealing with the aching pain for her. On another note, I actually thought about the possibility of her joining as a princess before this chapter came out, since it seems logical after her years taking good care of Equestria. Can’t wait to see how that will play out...
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Well, I think that might be a good bet. Alternia already seems to have a sisterhood relationship with Luna, according to this.
By the way, congrats on getting 2300 likes!
C&C:
We —that is to say, I— currently have my royal authority restricteddue to my extended absence...
> Separate ‘restricteddue’ apart.
I really wanted to see a chapter where Celestia had a conversation with the other queens.
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I read it. I just think there's a big difference between temporary limits on executive power and what my reaction to Celestia returning is this Universe. Of course that just might be my politics. I enjoyed the read, if every story I read went exactly where I thought it should go it would be boring. I like surprises, and Celestia is hardly a villian not deserving of her authority. I think my headcanon of how much Alternia did to expand and improve Equestria is different than the actual story. Also I'm an asshole who would do that in Alternia's position. It's why I don't run for public office, I'd either become a snarky dictator or go to prision for something stupid like ethics.
Your making me shiver. out of excitement for the final chapter!
I wonder if Alternia has any plans for throwing Twilight under the proverbial bus so she can focus more on her hive - I mean, the timeline is steadily coming closer to the point where she had planned to Alicornize Twilight and make her a Princess of Equestria
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I doubt anyone would tell her she can't at this point, but I can only imagine the paperwork needed to run both her own hive and Equestria.
6214521
Princess Queen Alternia!
Queen Princess?
Quincess?
6214717 Preen? Honestly though, it's just Princess. Alternia is Queen in name only since she has no hive....for now.