It was an extraordinary morning. The sky was it's finest blue, the clouds were formed ever so nicely, the birds singing their morning song. It was truly lovely, especially for a certain Princess.
Twilight slowly opened her eyes, yawning as she awoke. After doing her morning chores, she went to grab her current book off of the night stand when she noticed a letter resting on top of it...
"Dear Twilight,
Forgive me for failing to mention this yesterday, but Sister and I decided to uphold a Gala, in honor of you and your friends' achievements upon saving Equestria. The Gala will be held in five days, so you shall have enough time to prepare.
Wish you well,
Luna."
She smiled. "Wow, a Gala? I guess I'll have to take a break from my princess work. I know Pinkie will have a blast with this!" She thought, giggling at the thought of Pinkie decorating with Rarity.
She then exited her room, trotting to the lobby of the Canterlot castle. Visitors that came were walking, chatting, or simply taking pictures of the castle, enjoying their time. Smiling at the sight, she levitated a book to herself with magic, reading it.
After putting it away, she noticed an unfamiliar guard greeting certain ponies in and out. Curious, she trotted over to the main entrance.
"Hello!" She greeted.
The guard, who turned out to be a light grey stallion with dark and light blues for a mane, faced her.
"Oh, hello." He greeted back with a bow. "You are Princess Twilight, correct?"
"Yes, and you are?"
"I am Aqua Mist. I'm starting my first shift here in Canterlot."
"Oh, welcome then!"
"Thanks!"
"Do you like it here?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, actually. It is elegant yet beautiful. I am happy to be here! And I can't wait to see what the food court serves."
Twilight chuckled, and Aqua laughed as well.
"Yeah, I always enjoy their hayburgers," Twilight said, then noticed the time. "I should be going, it was nice meeting you!"
"It was nice meeting you, too!"
They waved to each other, before parting in separate ways.
Time passed, and Aqua's duty was to guard the gate entrance, which meant letting ponies in and out, while mostly staring at nothing. It can be pretty boring.
Then, it was time for the guards' lunch break.
"Finally!" Aqua sighed in relief before flying to the Gala room, where the kitchen was held. There was a small line of tourist ponies eager to satisfy their hunger.
While the Celestial guards were having their lunch, Twilight was chatting with her friends, who had just arrived in Canterlot.
"Here Twi, I brought you this delicious batch of cupcakes! And the frosting is your favorite colors!" Pinkie said with excitement, giving the box of cupcakes to Twilight.
"Thanks!" Twilight said, using a teleportation spell to store the cupcakes in her mini-fridge.
"How are your princess duties going, Twilight?" Rarity asked.
"They are fine."
"I hear y'all are planning a Gala in a few days?"
"Yes AJ, it's in honor of Equestria's heroines," Twilight replied, smiling.
"Oooh! I bet that means us!" Pinkie jumped in joy.
"Yay, I can't wait! I hope they allow animals in, so they can watch the ceremony!" Fluttershy cheered.
They had no idea that something, or somepony, was secretly eavesdropping the Mane 6. Whoever they were, interest had sparked. They simpered, before disappearing from their hiding place.
Twilight couldn't help but look behind herself. She felt something was...off.
"Twilight? You there?" Rainbow spoke.
"Hm? Oh yes, you were telling the story about your very first race?" Twilight replied.
"Yeah! Now, as I was saying..." Rainbow resumed her tale. The Mane 6 were enjoying it, and Twilight was happy she was spending time with her friends instead of doing her princess tasks.