//------------------------------// // Dinner // Story: The B-Side // by KnuxChangeling //------------------------------// A knock was sounded at the door and Aqua sat up with a start. Heck, she didn't even remember falling asleep that day. When she looked outside it was sun down and Princess Luna was about to raise the moon. "What is it", Aqua called in a groggy and still sleepy voice. "The princesses request that you join them for dinner", said a gravely voice. One of the guards presumably. "I will be out soon I just need to freshen up a bit", Aqua called out, her voice a bit more clear. She walked to the bathing room and splashed some water onto her face. She looked at herself in the mirror and almost jumped back. She looked....different....happier really. She had this inner glow that shown in her eyes. She hasn't seen that glow since she was talking to that one changeling who expressed his concerns to her. What was his name? Thorax! Thorax yes! She remembered sitting with him outside his home and talking about how her mother can doom them all. He didn't feel right about attacking Canterlot all those years ago but he stayed because he feared the Queen's wrath. Aqua promised him that when she was Queen, she will change their way of life for the better. He will be Aqua's adviser and most trusted friend. Thorax has known Aqua since she was a youngling after all. She remembered the look on Thorax's face when she said that. the glow that came from his eyes was shocking to her but comforting. He was truly happy to hear what the Princess said and that showed. She would have to bring Thorax to Canterlot to meet with everyone else when she gets the chance to go back. On the way to the dining hall Aqua looked around. She wasn't looking around before because she was still stunned at what Princess Celestia had said to her earlier. Now Aqua was seeing the pillars and the art work all over the walls. If she were to go home now, back to the hive, her description of the castle will seem like a fantasy. The doors were pushed open for her and she saw her own guards by where she was to be seated, their armor fixed and now shining brighter than before. She nodded to them as they bowed. "Ah Princess Aqua", a voice called from her right. It didn't sound like Princess Celestia. Aqua turned to see a midnight blue alicorn, her height, walk up to her. The alicorn's mane was a lighter blue than her coat and glittered with stars, just like the night sky. "Princess Luna", Aqua breathed, "You're just as beautiful, no, even more so than the nights you create." The alicorn smiled and stood next to the Changeling Princess. "It is nice to see somepony enjoys my nights", Luna said. "To be honest", Aqua stated with a blush, "A few Changelings and I would sneak out to the entrance of the hive and watch the moon rise and the stars punch into view. I had one particular friend who would say that you would place literal jewels in the sky and then surround them with a lot of light so they will shine bright enough for us to see." "And what was your friend's name", Luna asked, the smile growing a bit wider. "His name is Thorax", Aqua replied with a bit of sadness in her voice, "I wish he were here with me now." Luna looked at Aqua with a warm smile. "I am sure he will join one day", Luna said. Both princesses walked to their respective seats and sat. The food was brought out which was steamed vegetables and daisy sandwiches. Aqua didn't seem so fond of it but out of respect for her hosts she took a bite out of the daisy sandwich. It wasn't half bad really, not as amazing as actual love, but not bad. She took another bite and another until she finished the sandwich then moved on to the vegetables. "So, about your mother", Celestia started. This made Aqua stop and look up from her plate. "Does she still hate me", Celestia asked, "I know she still hates my niece Princess Cadence. She did defeat your mother in an act of showing love. I just want to know if she hates us enough to attack us again." "She does hate you", Aqua admitted taking a bite of carrot, "But she will not attack in risk of you destroying what we have and leaving me with nothing to rule over and no drones of my own. She mostly fears leaving me before it's her time." "I see", Celestia said taking a sip of her tea. "Why do you ask Princess", venom dripped from Aqua's voice as her eyes narrowed. "My sister did not mean any harm by asking", Luna quickly interjected, "She was just asking if we are to expect an assault soon." Aqua shook her head in no and returned to her food. She also ordered more food so her guards could eat. At first they refused but because of Aqua's insistence, they ate. The desert was about to be served when Celestia spoke suddenly. "I deeply regret what happened to your mother that day", she said, "I tried to help her as best I could. She refused but I healed her and her drones anyway. I saw you for the first time sitting next to her on her throne." Aqua was interested and she leaned forward a bit, barely even noticing the desert that was placed in front of her. Celestia continued in a sad tone. "She hated me for showing pity", Celestia said, "She said that Changelings are a proud race and they won't accept outside help unless too desperate. She was trying to hide you from me when I saw you and asked about you. You weren't even four years old yet. I am sure you don't remember me at all. She was scared when I went past her and approached you. She thought that I was going to steal you away from her and never return you so she kicked me out." Luna was the only one who uttered a sigh in the silence that came after. Aqua looked down at the table thinking on what Princess Celestia had just told her. It would make sense that after all these years her mother was so strict on her not leaving the hive or not asking for any outside help. It was all because she was too proud to admit receiving help from ponies. "I guess I know what I will talk to my mother about when I get back", Aqua thought to herself. The rest of the dinner concluded in silence and Aqua barely registered the Solar Princess say her farewell and leave the room.