//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 // Story: Midnight's Shadow: Succession Crisis // by Ponibius //------------------------------// The following takes place about a month after the previous section. Little of note happens after Midnight’s discussion  with Snowfall, so I determined it would be best to skip ahead to future events. Midnight writes nothing of what Snowfall and Freezy Hail said to one another, likely out of respect for their privacy, and the return trip to Canterlot was uneventful. After that, the Honeyfield succession isn’t mentioned again in Midnight’s journals until Freezy Hail’s trial. I entered Princess Celestia’s private audience chamber shortly after receiving her summons. Where normally the floor was left open for ponies to stand, instead many seat-cushions had been set in neat rows for those gathered to listen to the proceedings. A pair of desks at the far end of the room faced the throne, which currently sat empty. I was unsurprised to see a number of ponies from Honeyfield gathered in the chamber. Freezy Hail caught mine attention foremost as she sat at the accused’s table, her counsel seated beside her. Stripped of her arms and armor, the former house guard captain sat quietly with her head bowed. The experiences she had been subject to had taken a toll on her, for she seemed a very different pony from the proud and fiery mare I met in Honeyfield. Little surprise when she had slain her lover, dishonored herself, been stripped of her rank, and now helplessly awaited her sentence. Still, she was not without supporters. Four of her fellow Honeyfield guardponies sat behind her in solidarity. Snowfall was not there, and I suspected that either her mother or other family members had decided not to include her in this sullen moment. Rumble squirmed in his seat while his Great Aunt Émeraude calmly sat beside him. Duke Fierté Ferme and Coin Count were there as well, each quietly talking to the other. The only ponies whose presence was unexpected was a small group of knights of the Order of Sol Invictus gathered nearby. Curious. ‘Twas a small gathering in spite of the stir this case had created amongst the nobility. The only ponies here must have been directly invited by Her Highness, though why Princess Celestia would conduct things in such a manner was a question in and of itself. Perhaps she wished to address the more private affairs before publically declaring her rulings. In any event, considering the sour looks I received from nearly everypony in the room upon entering, I decided it would be best if I sat by myself and pulled out a book to read. No one except perhaps Émeraude would desire my company after all that happened during my time at Honeyfield, so I saw little point in making myself or any of them uncomfortable. Part of me wondered if Mother would be proud of how I had managed to make so many enemies in such a short period of time or if she would lambast me for my behavior. ‘Twould likely be both. I did not get far into my book before Princess Celestia entered the room. I and the other ponies rose in respect to our sovereign until she seated herself upon her throne. Her Highness was grim as she addressed the court. “Freezy Hail, rise to face thy judgment.” Freezy dutifully did as she was instructed, her face carefully void of emotion. “For the foul and evil crime of murdering thy liege, whom thou wert sworn to protect, I must level a most stringent punishment. Freezy Hail, thou wilt spend the rest of thy days in atonement for thy crime. From this day until your last, thy life will be dedicated to charitable works under the supervision of the Order of Sol Invictus, to whom I entrust thy sentence.” Interesting. Her Highness had decided to show mercy to the former house guard captain. There was precedent for it when the accused confessed their guilt, and while a life of atonement and charity would not be an easy one, ‘twas a kinder fate than the noose. She would still have her life, in addition to a purpose to that life, and I did not see the Order mistreating her. I was somewhat ambivalent about the decision. She should be harshly punished for slaying the pony she had sworn to protect, but on the other hoof I could understand Freezy’s motives, even if she had gone about them in the incorrect manner. Really, the pony I felt the most pity towards was Snowfall. The poor child had just had her whole life thrown into heartbreak and chaos. The only good news was that her mother would live to see her grow old. “Do you have anything to say, Freezy Hail?” Princess Celestia asked. Freezy shook her head, her ears flat against her head and her eyes low. “I do not, Your Highness.” Princess Celestia nodded. “Very well. Please be seated.” After Freezy complied, Her Highness turned her attention to the other ponies in the room. “Furthermore, I would like to address the Honeyfield succession. I realize this is somewhat unusual, but I think it prudent to settle the matter with everypony here.” Ah, so that would explain the nature of our audience. I had been curious how Her Highness intended to resolve the issue, and when. I had of course offered mine own suggestions for a resolution, but she had not told me directly what she thought of them. When nopony objected to the proposal, Princess Celestia continued. “First, I shall make Snowfall a ward of the Crown, since neither of her parents are in a condition to raise her. Furthermore, she should be raised by a proper family, and after making some inquiries, I had found a pair of fine ponies within the Order of Sol Invictus willing to adopt her.” “Y-your Highness!” Freezy bolted to her hooves, earning a scowl from some of the nearby guards. “If my Snowfall is to be raised by the Order, can I please work near where she is to live?” She bit her lip. “I beg of you ... she is all I have, my reason to live. If no other comfort is to be given to me, at least give me the opportunity to see my daughter grow into a mare.” Princess Celestia nodded. “Assuming thy good behavior, I will grant this request.” “Thank you, Your Highness.” Freezy sniffed and rubbed her eye. “That is ... thank you.” She sat back down, no longer looking like the utterly defeated mare she had been but a couple minutes ago. “Though I state that is not all,” the Princess said. “Snowfall will also be given a stipend as she deserves as the daughter of a count. She will also be made a squire under the tutelage of the Order and raised to be a knight of honor.” Émeraude stood and she frowned at Her Highness. “She is to be a knight? So then is Snowfall not to be the Countess of Honeyfield?” “Hah!” Rumble smirked at his aunt. “Told you I would become count. I am the only right pick, after all.” Princess Celestia shook her head. “Neigh, I am afraid that neither Snowfall or Sir Rumble Rapids are to become count.” Rumble’s head snapped in Her Highness’ direction. “What?!” “Instead, I have decided that in light of recent events that the County of Honeyfield will be absorbed into the royal demesne,” Princess Celestia continued. “House Honeyfield will be disbanded and its estates seized by the crown.” Émeraude quivered as she glared at the princess. “But the Compact—” “Shall be renegotiated,” Princess Celestia interrupted. She frowned deeply as she met Émeraude’s furious glare. “I have determined that the affairs of Honeyfield have fallen to a state where they need to be repaired under royal supervision before I can return it to my subjects, and amongst those affairs I intend on addressing are the specifics of the Accord. I expect thee to remain in Canterlot until this business is settled.” “You cannot just do this!” Émeraude stomped a hoof. “My house has served you for centuries! It was founded under your direction by my sire. My family is not extinct, and taking their titles and property from them has no justice!” Princess Celestia’s face was a stony mask as she addressed Émeraude. “‘Tis well within my power given the circumstances. What is more, thou above all others shouldst know that mine actions are just. The surviving members of thy family will be accounted for. Rumble will become a royal knight, for one, and Snowfall has already been accounted for. ‘Tis my hope that I can negotiate with thee to make a new Compact which allows my subjects in Honeyfield remain happy and prosperous, but I will do what is ultimately in their best interests for their safety. Especially in light of recent events.” Émeraude trembled in fury, but gradually sat down. “Very well Your Highness,” the fey spat. Rumble crossed his legs over his chest and gave his aunt a sour glare. “A fine job you have done. I could have been a count if not for you.” Émeraude let out a harsh huff. “Now is not the time, Rumble.” For myself, I was discontent. I had thought I had come up with a suitable solution to maintain House Honeyfield, but Her Highness had discarded it wholsale. It might not have been perfect, but I thought ‘twould receive greater consideration. Especially when the current solution would take Snowfall away from her family and home, though she would at least be allowed time with her mother. Here I had made the best solution I could to satisfy the princess, but it seemed I had failed. Duke Ferme was the next to speak. “And what of the debt that Honeyfield owes my house? That has still not been resolved.” His eyes momentarily shot my way. Princess Celestia gave the duke a pleasant smile. “Thou should of course receive thy due compensation.” Duke Ferme smiled back, though his smile was a far less pleasant thing. “That is good to hear. Though if the crown does not wish to part with so much of its coin due to this unexpected and undeserved debt, I would of course be willing to consider alternative measures by which it could be resolved.” “Naturally.” Her Highness’ smile widened. “Though there is one little problem.” Duke Ferme’s smile became a less confident thing. “And what problem would that be?” The princess shook her head with an exaggerated sigh. “Alas, the late count’s financial records are not what I would declare as ... complete.” That was excessively generous to the horrible mess I discovered in Honeyfield. I had managed to get a rough estimate of the sum Count High Stakes owed the Duke of Blackwood, but ‘twas not what I would call a full account. “Considering the inaccurate nature of those records, I must seek alternative means to confirm how much is owed. I have thusly decided to have auditor Busy Body look into the matter, starting with the financial records of the Duchy of Blackwood.” Duke Ferme’s smile broke like a window that had just had a rock thrown through it. “That is not necessary, Your Highness. I assure you, I have brought all the necessary records with me for your perusal.” The duke’s sudden discomfort did not surprise me. Busy Body was an infamously rigorous auditor. (1) More than one pony had been destroyed when the auditor had discovered evidence of tax fraud or other illegal financial practices. Considering what Duke Ferme was willing to do to a pony he called his friend, I could well imagine what he might do to a stranger. 1. Busy Body was an agent of the royal treasury who was despised by many among the affluent in Equestria for his knack for uncovering illegal financial practices. Known for being intelligent, hardworking, and incorruptible, he was subject to several assassination attempts during his career. “But I insist.” Her Highness’ smile became overly sweet. “I would not wish for thee to feel cheated of thy bits.” “'Tis quite alright.” Duke Ferme squirmed in his seat. “In fact, I forgive the debt. Consider it a gift to the crown. I would not wish to be seen as minsterley, after all.” Princess Celestia frowned slightly. “If thou art certain...” “I am quite sure,” Duke Ferme insisted. “I seen no reason to worry over a few bits.” I would have argued about this being over only a ‘few bits’. The sum owed by Honeyfield was substantial, but it seemed that Her Highness had successfully intimidated the duke into releasing the debt, and all without a single harsh word. I suspected Mother would wish to sic Busy Body on the Duke anyways—after the debt had been forgiven in writing first, of course. If the duke was willing to give up such a substantial sum of money, then there must have been something considerable he did not wish the crown to know about. Mayhaps Her Highness already knew something about Ferme’s misdeeds, and had thus felt confident about this ploy she had used. Now I felt somewhat foolish I had not come up with something so clever. “'Tis thy decision, my good duke.” Princess Celestia turned her attention to Coin Count. “I believe thou also had business in Honeyfield?” Coin stood and smiled as he addressed the princess, though the gesture did not reach his eyes. “That is correct. My business associates believe that there might be untapped business opportunities in the county worth investing in.” “And thou and thine associates are free to do so. I welcome good investments into territories I oversee.” The princess let that hang in air for a moment before continuing. “Of course, any natural resources in the area will first need to be examined, and as thou probably knowest, 'tis my policy to have such resources be exploited by the highest bidder and whose proposals best please me.” Coin’s smile became something more akin to a grimace. “Aye, I am aware, and I will pass that onto mine associates.” It seemed that Her Highness would be no kinder than myself to Coin Count. At the very least, he and his business consortium would not be getting their gem mine without a rigorous bidding war. With Honeyfield to be part of the royal demesne, ‘twould only be a matter of time until the gem deposits were found by royal agents, and thus the scheme would be at an end. “Thank you.” Celestia’s smile faded. “And my condolences for the loss of thy friend.” “Aye.” Coin sighed and ran a hoof through his mane. “My thanks for that. Shining was ... a good friend.” His gaze briefly turned my way. “At least her murderer is dead. It brings little comfort, but ‘tis something.” “All I can do is encourage thee to move forward with thy life,” the princess said. “Remember the happy times thou hadst with her, but continue forward nonetheless.” Coin nodded slightly. “I will take that under advice.” Princess Celestia rose her head to address all those gathered. “If there is nothing else to address, I would like to call an end to this trial. Are there any objections?” When nopony spoke, then princess stood and stepped away from her throne. The knights from the Order of Sol Invictus immediately took Freezy Hail into custody while everypony else made their way to the door. I started moving to do the same when Her Highness called out. “Magus Midnight, wouldst thou attend to me for a while?” I stopped, apprehensively curious what she might want from me. “What is it you desire of me?” The princess smiled in an unreadable manner. “Walk with me, if thou wouldst.” She led the way and cast a privacy spell about us. Whatever she wished to speak of, she did not wish for others to overhear us. Once we were in the hallways, I decided to ask a question. “Are you displeased with me, Your Highness?” She looked at me out of the corner of her eye. “Should I be?” “I do not think so.” The disquiet in my heart grew as I thought over the details of the princess’ announcements. “Yet you rejected nearly all my proposals for dealing with the Honeyfield succession. I cannot help but think you are displeased if that is the case.” “I am hardly displeased with thee,” Princess Celestia said. “‘Tis merely that I saw a better means to set things right in Honeyfield.” I grimaced. “So you are saying that my proposals were insufficient? Strange, I had thought they were designed to please you.” We entered the main throne room of the palace, though ‘twas largely empty except for the odd guard or servant carrying out their duties. “I think it might be best if I were to explain my reasoning. Was my sentence for Freezy displeasing to thee?” I shook my head. “Neigh, I can see the logic in thy mercy. Freezy murdered her liege and that needed to be harshly punished, but I do not think her an unrepentant ne’er-do-well, but a scared mother who let her fear control her.” “Those were mine own thoughts as well.” The corners of her mouths turned up into a smirk. “Though I suspect thy mother will lambast me for being merciful again.” “Mother is not one for mercy unless it can be turned into some sort of advantage.” She was certainly capable of mercy. After all, she had argued for giving clemency to any rebel that laid down their arms at the end of the Lunar Rebellion, though that was merely to expedite their surrender. Harshly punishing every individual pegasus for the sins of their leaders would only have provoked them to fight to the death. “Indeed so,” Her Highness agreed. “But just because the two of us disagree now and again does not mean I do not value her advice.” I narrowed mine eyes. “Is this some sort of talk about how even if you do not always agree with my proposals you still value my counsel?” Princess Celestia’s smirk widened. “Something like that.” I sighed. “Some days I wonder if I will ever stop being lectured to.” Her Highness shook her head. “Just because thou art no longer an apprentice does not mean that thy lessons have ended. Thou hast moved from learning from books and lectures, aye, but now experience is thy teacher.” She stopped before the pane glass window of her and her sister’s discovery of the Elements of Harmony. “Understand, I hardly expected perfection with thy first assignment. I have been doing this for many generations, so ‘tis hardly fair for me to expect thee to come up with a solution to the succession on par with mine own, and that is not even getting into how we are both to have our own opinions of the matter.” “They why send me at all?” I felt my frustration grow. It was feeling like I was doomed to failure no matter what I did now. “Either mine opinions would differ from your own, or mine inexperience would make mine efforts insufficient. What use was there to me trying in such circumstances?” “A great deal, actually.” She turned her gaze to the stained glass windows. “For one, ‘tis always valuable to get a second opinion. As the Princess of Equestria, ‘tis far too easy for me to become lost in an echo chamber.” “I suppose that is a good point,” I allowed. “Second, I only have so much time in the day,” she continued. “It would have taken me days to fly out to Honeyfield and then interview everypony to determine who should succeed, and even then I fear I would rush the task so that I could return to the many other things that require mine attention. That is not even getting into all the issues of changing my schedule to allow me time to go to Honeyfield, the trouble of creating a royal procession, how I and my retinue’s arrival at Honeyfield would have disrupted the lives of the ponies living there, and a hundred other issues. Sometimes such things are necessary, but in this case I think ‘twas not.” I sighed and nodded. “Those are also good points. ‘Twould not have been efficient for thee to go to Honeyfield given the circumstances.” Princess Celestia turned to face me. “And thou didst a fine job. Thou gathered the information I desired so that I could make an informed decision. While my decisions differed from thy recommendations, thy work was nonetheless instrumental.” “That is ... good to hear.” I felt my cheeks flush. Even when I was displeased with Her Highness, her compliments were quite charming. The princess smiled and placed a hoof on my shoulder. “Thou also stopped a werewolf from ravaging the countryside and uncovered Count High Stakes’ murderer. Either one of those things would have been above and beyond what I had called for, and I daresay ‘twould have been beyond the ability many of my servants would have been able to accomplish. Do not for a moment think I am displeased with thee, especially when this was intended to be a simple refresher task.” I took a deep breath and nodded. “I will keep that in mind.” I was feeling a bit better now, though I still had questions. “So why did you decide not to have Snowfall raised by her uncle and great-aunt?” Princess Celestia’s face creased into a small frown and she started walking further down the throneroom. “‘Tis a for a few reasons. Foremost, after interviewing Sir Rumble Rapids, I determined he would likely forever be more of an uncle to Snowfall than a father to her.” I tilted my head as I followed Her Highness. “Of course he will always be more of an uncle than a father to her. He is her uncle and not her father, unless a great many ponies had been lying to me about Snowfall’s heritage.” The princess chuckled and shook her head. “Thou dost not grasp my meaning. Snowfall needs parents who will raise her as their own, and give her the love, care, and discipline she needs to grow into a fine pony. Rumble is ... loving, in his own way, but he is far more the fun-loving uncle than a stern parent that a child needs to create structure in their life. To be a parent is to be equal parts teacher, disciplinarian, and guardian. Rumble lacks the qualities Snowfall will need in her life, and I do not see him growing into the role as most parents do when they find themselves with a child in their lives.” “Qualities you think these ponies you are entrusting Snowfall have?” Princess Celestia nodded. “They already have two children of their own, and I have every confidence they will do a fine job including Snowfall into their family.” “And what of Émeraude?” I blinked slowly. “She also has experience raising children, and she is of Snowfall’s blood.” Her Highness stopped before another stained glass window, this one depicting the Liberation of Manehattan, with the Royal Sisters leading an army of three pony nations to face the gryphon defenders. “Because I do not trust that fey. I suspect she has been behind far too many family tragedies in her desire to keep her house strong.” Her hoof lightly touched the picture of her sister, bedecked in her black arms and armor as she led the charge. “Family should never fight one another, and someone who provokes such conflicts in the name of making their house stronger is cursed in spirit, for they will find no true happiness in their actions. All they will have is power if they are the victor, but they will not have their family to love.” “But what if power is what is needed to make others happy?” I questioned. “A leader who is powerless or pony who is beholden to a family member ill-suited can lead their house to yet more tragedies. What’s more, the common pony could suffer terribly under poor leadership.” Princess Celestia smiled sadly. “The necessity of such an action will bring joy to nopony—trust me on that. ‘Tis not a choice I would wish on anypony.” She withdrew her hoof from the glass. “And I would condemn anyone who would intentionally provoke such conflicts. Émeraude has played her family members against one another, and what’s more, she threatened thee while thou conducted thy duties. That is not the type of thing I can tolerate lightly, and I intend on bringing her to heel by renegotiating the Honeyfield Compact. No more turning ponies into werewolves, threatening mine agents, or inviting conflicts amongst family.” I thought back to Émeraude’s story about Azurite and his siblings. His actions had resulted in the death of his siblings, and based on what Émeraude had told me, had found little joy in becoming count. Neigh, in addition to the weight of his office, he had chained himself to the guilt of slaying his brother, and took a series of actions that resulted in the unnecessary death of his little sister. Even Émeraude had been unhappy with how events had transpired, and she had probably manipulated her family into conflict in the first place. Who knew how many family tragedies were of her design. Yet she kept doing it over and over again—her latest victim being her nephew High Roller—for she was a being without free will. She could do little else but what her nature demanded of her, even if it eventually led to the destruction of her house. “I understand where you stand now.” Mine ears wilted and mine eyes fell to the floor. “I feel somewhat foolish now, but I knew not how to defeat her without it resulting in a bloodbath as magi and guardponies battled werewolves and fey under a full moon in a preventable conflict as each slaughtered one another at behest of their masters in an orgy of violence.” The princess shook her head. “A battle with Émeraude would be a daunting conflict for nearly anypony. I cannot incriminate thee for seeking compromise and trying to maintain the prosperity of the county, even if that peace would be imperfect. Hence why I am taking on this burden myself: she has less to threaten me with, and she knows I am more than capable of destroying her if I must.” “I still feel the fool.” I scraped a hoof along the floor. “I wish to be a great magus someday, though this is not the story of a great magus, but of a pony playing at being great.” Princess Celestia shook her head. “Thou art too hard on thyself.” She sat on her throne and pointed to the grand vizier’s chair next to her. After a moment’s hesitation, I complied and sat in my mother’s chair. It felt strange to sit where Mother conducted public business from, even if this was an informal meeting. Yet did not Mother intend for me to sit here someday? I had even fantasized about doing so, but ‘twas a queer sensation now that I was here. Once I had settled into the chair, Her Highness continued speaking in her maternal tone. “Thou art a new magus, Midnight, and already I have been asking difficult tasks of thee—more difficult than even I suspected. Mistakes are bound to happen. Even with all mine experience, I still err.” Her eyes drifted to the stained glass window that depicted the Lunar Rebellion and Shadow’s victory over the Avatar. “Overall, thou didst quite well considering what thou wert up against, as I have already said, and thou gave me everything I needed to make a proper judgment for the Honeyfield succession.” I slumped in the chair. I knew Her Highness was trying to make me feel better, but a powerful melancholy had already fallen over me. “As you say, Your Highness.” A small frown spread across the princess’ lips. “So my magus, how often does thy mother speak of her discontent with my decisions?” I was wary to admit the truth, but even moreso about lying to the Princess. “Often.” She nodded. “Quite often, I daresay. I can hardly think of a month where we have not disagreed on some course of action, especially when pragmatism confronts idealism. Wouldst thou consider thy mother to be a poor official because she disagrees with my decisions so often?” “Neigh, of course not,” I was quick to say. “‘Tis the duty of an advisor to give her opinion to her sovereign, even if she might disagree with it.” Princess Celestia smiled impishly. “And so should it not be with thyself as well?” I frowned, having been captured in the logic trap constructed for me. “Aye, I have no counter to thine argument.” I was beginning to appreciate Mother’s times of frustration with the princess. Being lectured to could be irritating, especially when one was made to feel foolish. “While I appreciate it when my servants hold themselves to a higher standard, I do not wish for them to do so to a level where ‘tis a detriment to themselves,” Her Highness informed me. “I have high hopes for thee, and I will have need of thee in the coming days.” I tilted my head. “Me?” “Of course.” To my surprise, Princess Celestia wrapped a wing around me. “Thou hast great potential. Already it has shone through in Appleton and Honeyfield.” She smiled as she squeezed me with her wing. “I know thou hast the ability to become a great archmagus someday, and ‘twill bring me great joy to see thee ascend to those heights.” I blinked. That was not something I really expected Her Highness to say. Both I and my mother desired to see me succeed her as an archmagus, but royal approval was beyond mine expectations. “You really think so? ‘Tis my desire to become an archmagus someday, though that goal seems a very long ways away.” “Most worthwhile goals can seem that way, but ‘tis a goal within thy reach.”  The princess’ brow furrowed. “Though there are two pieces of advice I would give thee.” Considering Her Highness would have to approve mine appointment, it seemed wise to accept whatever wisdom she might have to offer. “I would be happy to hear your words.” “The first is to keep thy mind open and flexible,” Princess Celestia said. “Thou art an intelligent and gifted young mare, so ‘twould be prudent to use all of that to thine advantage. I am confident thou couldst have come up with similar ideas if thou hast allowed thy mind to do so. Do not let others constrain thy thoughts, or think that just because things have always been done one way they should always be done so. Always be ready to change the dynamics of the situation facing thee.” I considered her words carefully. “I think I understand what you say. For example, if we find parts of the Compact with Émeraude undesirable, then we should seek to change them if possible. By thinking I had to deal with the Compact as it stood, I had limited mine options.” Her Highness nodded. “Just so. Whenever thou dost find thyself in undesirable circumstances, seek a method by which to change turn. Do not work within the constraints thine opponents give thee—break through or around them in a way they had not considered. By giving thyself more options thou dost give thyself more power to act. Never forget this.” “I will contemplate this wisdom in the future.” It gave me something to think about. Far too often I had felt constrained in one manner or another. Mayhaps the answer to my quandaries was to rethink them and approach them from a different direction. “What was the other point you wished to make, if I may ask?” “This one is more warning than wisdom.” Her Highness looked to the window of the Royal Sisters’ defeat of King Sombra. “Be careful in thy pursuit of power, for that path is a treacherous one, and many a pony has fallen to evil by taking the wrong turn to their destination. I see great potential in thee, but potential cuts two ways. The more capable the pony, the more good or evil they contain within themselves.” She nodded at the depiction of Sombra. “King Sombra was one of the most gifted unicorns I had ever seen. Had he used his abilities for good, his reputation would have rivaled that of Starswirl the Bearded. But instead of using his powers for the benefit of ponykind he chose to enslave everypony around him with his power and become a most terrible tyrant. Now the crystal ponies are but a memory, their great nation lost to history, and the world more empty for it.” I frowned. “I hardly have any intention of becoming a great and terrible ruler who uses her magic to dominate the whole of Equestria through insidious mind control magics, where the totality of all my citizens’ lives are nothing but a miserable state of soulless toil, where even death is no release as their bodies are treated as nothing but future undead masses intended to continue an endless cycle of tyranny and oppression, as the foulest magics are now a fact of life, and make the nations of the world tremble at the mention of my name. Such would be evil.” Princess Celestia sighed and shook her head. “I know thou wouldst not seek such a path. But that is the insidiousness of it: even a righteous pony can fall under the right circumstances.” She pointed to her sister’s image in the glass. “My sister was once one of Equestria’s greatest defenders. Monsters, demons, and foreign invaders all fell before her, and she helped me bring justice and harmony to the land.” She hugged me closer with her wing. “But then jealousy drove her to madness, and I did not see the danger for what it was ‘till ‘twas too late. Her madness drove her to attack me and threaten all of Equestria, and I was forced to banish her to the moon. My one true partner in life is now imprisoned, and now I must forever fear what she will do to the ponies that I spend my life protecting.” Her Highness pulled aside the locks of my mane so that she could examine my face. “If she is willing to harm a child for the sake of her mad ambitions, what is she not capable of?” I could not continue matching the princess’ gaze and turned mine eyes to the floor. The memories of the closing days of the Siege of Canterlot were not pleasant ones. “That is something to keep in mind. If a pony such as your sister could fall—a hero for all of Equestria for so many centuries—then it can only serve as a warning to the rest of us.” “That is not the legacy I would wish for Luna, but aye.” Princess Celestia let out a long sigh. “Just be mindful of the dangers of thy path thou followst, dear Midnight. ‘Tis the way of the magi to seek power and knowledge, and both contain their own dangers. All that separates the magus and the warlock are the magics they use and what they are willing to do to achieve their goals.” I nodded. “I will keep that in mind, Your Highness.” These were warnings I had heard from other magi in the past. Often the most terrible of warlocks were former magi who had fallen to evil. Hidden Facts had been an archmagus before he revealed his true loyalties and created the Avatar of Nightmare Moon. The true question was, why did Her Highness speak of this with me personally? Was she suspecting mine intentions, or mayhaps of the path I was on? “Good, then.” Princess Celestia stood and smiled down at me. “But enough of such morose discussions. If thou hast the time, I would like it if thou couldst join me for lunch and some cake. It has been too long since just the two of us sat down to talk, and I am curious to know of thine exploits.” “That sounds fine by me.” I could hardly reject such an invitation from the princess unless I had pressing business, which I did not. Mother would certainly scold me if I did not take this opportunity to get in Her Highness’ good graces. “Excellent.” The princess wrapped a wing around me and led me towards the royal garden. “I did wish to know if anypony has caught thine eye as of late?” A mischievous smile slowly spread on her lips. “Romantically?” I failed to suppress a groan. It seemed Her Highness intended to use me for her midday entertainment. The things I did for my princess...