Princess Twilight Sparkle was lying down on her favourite couch reading yet another book from her library in the orange glow of the sunset. Unlike most days, the alicorn had the balcony door wide open, letting in the cool breeze from the wind that swept through the city and the evening songs that the birds were singing. Life had resorted back to normal once more in Ponyville since the attempted invasion of the Storm King months back, and at last, Twilight felt that she could forget about being a princess for the evening.
It had been a long day for Twilight and her friends. Earlier on, they went over to Canterlot to open a brand new bookstore that had previously been destroyed by some of the invaders. Of course, it was Twilight's dream to open a bookstore for herself, so she kept a big smile on during the whole event, even if the pony who was doing the opening speech did seem to drag on a little bit.
Of course, she wasn't alone. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy helped with the decorations, whilst Pinkie Pie and Rarity hosted the buffet afterwards for the rest of the ponies. Spike helped with a few notes that were written by Princess Celestia, and Starlight Glimmer welcomed every pony who went inside the bookstore. Twilight was extremely proud that every customer who came in always found the book they wanted, especially Rainbow Dash who had discovered that she was selling Daring Do books in the centre of the store.
For a very long time, Twilight had doubted herself for putting Equestria on the edge of destruction so many times. It may have been those who have attempted to rule Equestria a few times, but it was her who they were really targeting. She was the prize to evil itself. Even Tempest Shadow thought so too when she was working for the Storm King all that time ago, but then Twilight remembered that she was now working alongside them and no longer against.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, which made Twilight jump out of thought. She looked away from what she was reading and turned to look who was knocking. Twilight thought that it may be one of the guards who had decided to forget that she wasn't to be disturbed by an order from Princess Celestia, after suggesting to Twilight that she needed to have a break from princess duties.
"I'm busy!" Twilight said, trying to get her message past the door, "I can't answer at the moment!"
"Twilight, it's me." Spike's voice came out muffled from the other side of the door. Twilight quickly got up from where she was sitting and placed her book down on a nearby table. She went over to the door and opened it using her magic and stepped aside, allowing the baby dragon to walk through.
"Oh sorry, Spike!" Twilight said, "I didn't mean to offend you in any way." Spike rolled his eyes and then gave a playful chuckle.
"Twilight, you don't need to worry about that!" Spike replied, "I'm your assistance; I won't be offended. I'm sorry that I disturbed you from what you were doing." In response, Twilight blushed.
"It's fine, Spike," she said softly, "I wasn't doing anything important anyway. Was there something that you wanted to ask me?"
Spike coughed and scratched the back of his head as he began talking. "I was asked by Princess Celestia via letter to tell you that Commander Tempest is coming over to see us. She wanted to see you, Twilight."
Twilight blinked in response, leaving her expression blank with the element of surprise. It would be the first time that she really talked to Tempest since she rescued her from the power of her ruler, the Storm King. Her relationship with Tempest had changed from being afraid of her dark magic to becoming one of her most beloved friends. Would she be ready to even have tea with her yet? Twilight knew that she still had problems with friendship at some points, especially when it comes to asking a pony what they want to drink for their visit.
But Twilight knew that she was now a friend and that friends treat other friends at some points. Even if it was drinking tea and talking about their adventures. Tempest Shadow, though, would be an interesting experience. She never really told Twilight or anypony as a matter of fact what her past was. Still, a friend was a friend and it was important to listen to friends no matter what.
"Tempest?" Twilight repeated, "Oh, I see." Spike picked up on how Twilight responded to his comment. She seemed to be surprised. "I wonder what she'll like. I thought she would enjoy some tea and cake. Hopefully, Pinkie Pie doesn't eat it all!"
"Yeah! I bet she would!" Spike added. The pair of them laughed for a while until Twilight yawned. "You seem tired, Twilight. You should go to bed and get some rest. I'm considering the same thing."
"Yeah, I'm coming to that conclusion!" Twilight managed to say through a yawn. "Would you like to stay with us for the day, perhaps?"
"I would love to," Spike replied, "but perhaps not for all of it. I'm quite busy tomorrow anyway." Twilight picked up at this comment and tried to think why Spike would be busy on a restful day.
"What exactly are you thinking of doing tomorrow?" Twilight asked her assistance.
"Oh, there's a new doughnut store opening in Canterlot in the centre of the city! Every pony's going to be there, so I thought I would come along too!"
"I thought you would be doing something like that!" Twilight laughed, "Oh I just can't trust you sometimes, Spike!"
Spike laughed again at Twilight's statement.
"No, perhaps you can't always trust me!"
"Thanks for telling me, Spike" Twilight said, "I'll get everything ready for tomorrow. However, if you could, can you stay for the first five minutes of the meeting, please? I would like someone to take notes for me."
Spike sighed in disappointment.
"Fine. But, why not have the meeting today?" Spike asked. Twilight gave a stare and a smirk.
"I think it's getting quite late now," Twilight explained, "and every pony will be heading back to their homes now. Tempest will need some rest for tomorrow and I think I'll need some too. Is that okay, Spike?"
"Of course, Twilight."
Twilight smiled and gave Spike a hug. Afterwards, Spike left her and went off to see Tempest. Twilight watched him leave, before picking up her book with her horn and leaving the room. Soon, Twilight found herself yawning.
"Wow, I haven't been this tired for years!" she said, "Then again, being a princess is a tiring job!"