Prince, There's something I should probably tell you...
Golden walked into the banquet hall to immediately be swarmed by ponies. There were reporters all around, asking him questions faster than he even had time to process what was asked. He didn't know what to tell ponies, or even how to dodge questions. He breathed in deeply.
Marble came to the rescue, "All problems are going to be solved as we get to them, and we'll solve them accordingly based heavily on public opinion. In the meantime, would you all just enjoy the banquet?"
The ponies quieted down and the crowd dispersed as cliques of reporting teams went from celebrity to celebrity to get their answers on questions. As if these actors had any say on politics. Golden nodded in thanks to Marble, who nodded back and walked to where she was asked questions. He went over to the table Prince was sitting at.
"Sorry about earlier, I kinda walked out on you." He told him.
Prince sighed, "It isn't any big deal. I was making you uncomfortable."
"I didn't mean to be rude." He said.
Prince shook his head, "If anypony was being rude, that pony was me."
"Still, I'm sorry." Golden made eye contact.
Prince smiled, "I forgive you then. Not that I would ever need to."
"So, about negotiations..." Golden started.
Prince nodded, "They're on. I hope our kingdoms can find peace between each other."
"Me too. Though I'm sending my diplomat. I'm afraid I'm never good with negotiations." Said the princess.
He nodded, "I will keep that in mind."
The meal was called and few personal words were spread. All the ponies sat at the long dinner table and ate the exquisite meal provided. Even the reporters seemed quiet. The kitchen staff had outdone themselves this time. Every bite was fantastic. Once everypony was finished, they were all dismissed to wait until negotiations. Golden journeyed back to the courtyard. The air was far cooler than it felt earlier. The fountain had stopped running for the day and was being drained for the afternoon maintenance. Golden closed his eyes as he thought about what was to come. He knew he had more of Prince trying to hit on him to look forward to, though now he would be more tolerant of it, as he did consider him a friend. He was, however, glad that he wasn't going to be in the negotiations.
"Good afternoon, m'lady." Authority Figure spoke up from behind him.
He opened his eyes, jumping slightly, "Oh, it's you. How are you?"
"Feeling a little lonely without my scribe. He was transferred to another palace." Authority stated.
Golden turned and looked at him, "That's unfortunate. He seemed like a personable pony."
"All good things must come to an end, my dear. It was a good thing, therefore, it was inevitable." He sighed.
Golden spoke up, "What about love? Does it ever end?"
"Are you implying that you are falling for the prince? That is a treacherous, but potentially beneficial path." He responded.
Golden shook his head, "A different pony. Marble, actually."
"Marble? Now this will indeed be an interesting term. I look forward to seeing the result of your pursuit. I had no idea the princess was of that walk of life." He remarked.
Golden glared, "Would you just answer the question?"
"I do not believe love itself to be a good thing, rather things that result from it. Say a despicable criminal falls in love with a mare. That love might not be a good thing, but imagine if they had a foal who turned out to be the most influential wizard Equestria has ever known. That, is indeed a good thing." The senator spoke.
He nodded, "I guess I can see that. But, what if ponies find out about me?"
"In this day and age, I think a lesbian princess is likely to be welcomed." Authority replied.
Golden asked, "I'm not sure you actually understand. Can I tell you something? But you have to keep it a secret."
"Keeping secrets is my job, m'lady." The stallion smiled.
Golden cleared his throat, "I'm actually a stallion..."
"I'm sure that..." The senator's eyes widened, "A stallion?
Golden nodded.
Authority cleared his throat, "Well, there is nothing against the princess being male, I suppose. And I will say that you do indeed make a better feminine figure of power than you would a masculine one. That is your natural voice, correct?"
"Yes, it is." Golden confirmed.
The senator nodded, "I will not tell anypony, you can trust me. Though I do hope Marble knows."
Golden nodded again.
"Good, it's best for your assistant to know most things about you. Look at that, the sun has gone down. Negotiations are likely underway right now. I do hope the diplomats find a way to work things out." He observed.
The two exited the courtyard from opposite doors. Golden made his way to the balcony of the palace. He overlooked the kingdom from the elevated position. He saw many buildings, residential and industrial all separated into districts for hundreds of miles. All of the buildings were higher in quality depending on how close they were to the palace. There were three other palaces in view, each one looking smaller due to distance than the last. His concentration on looking at the kingdom was broken by Prince.
He laid a hoof on Golden's shoulder, "It is a beautiful evening, is it not?"
"It is, Prince. One of the prettier I've experienced. Though I can't say I've experienced a great many. I spend a lot of time inside." Golden replied.
Prince leaned in, "It's a very romantic atmosphere, wouldn't you say?"
"I have to tell you something... I have a-" Golden was cut off.
He interrupted, "Oh, I'm so sorry, I was so stupid, of course you have a special somepony already, right?"
"No, I'm not in a relationship. I'm a stallion." Golden admitted.
Prince smiled, "No matter, I am interested in either-"
"No, Prince. I'm not interested in stallions. I'm sorry. I like the whole princess thing and all, don't get me wrong. But I'm not going to be in a relationship with a stallion. I'm sorry." Golden interjected.
Prince began to shed tears, "I feel I'll never find a life partner."
"Don't you dare give up hope. That's when you've really failed." He said.
Golden hugged the prince emotionally supporting him for the remainder of the negotiations. The two agreed to write each other about what happened and would keep in touch to support each other. Wednesday was stressful, and full of anticipation of the negotiation results. Eventually, sighs of relief were heard all around at the statement that the two kingdoms were at peace. Many civilians celebrated the momentous occasion and new trading posts were opened all around the kingdom.