(I couldn't find a better picture of Zipp in royal regalia)
Many moons have passed since Opaline's defeat. In that time, Queen Haven abdicated her throne, passing the crown to Zipp Storm. As ruler, she reaches out to the griffon kingdom, in order to reforge international relationships. However, due to ponies' tendency to split up by race, the griffon king wants nothing to do with them. But Zipp can't give in.
An entry in Imposing Sovereigns IV, using the prompt Zipp/Persistence.