A few hours had past by the time a gentle knocking came at the door. Rarity gave a fearful groan while Applejack went to answer the door. “Good morning, Queen Celestia and, uhhh, Tirek.” She spoke his name with a nervous tone, not sure if she should address him but thought to be polite. Applejack moved aside so the two of them could enter.
“Good morning, Applejack. It is good to see you all. And Steward, I should’ve known you’d be here.” She gave him a friendly smile. His mustache raises with a returned smile and gives her a nod.
“We’ve gotten a lot moved around to make room for whatever we may need, though we may need to figure out a way to get more,” Twilight explained. “Although, I was able to raise the doorways enough to fit your height, Tirek.” She gave a nervous laugh accompanied with a similar smile.
Tirek looked around at the place. The interior was a mess of colors. Shades of pinks, purples, and yellows mixed with patterns of stripes, diamonds, and lace. Stars and heart shapes molded the walls here and there. It was, in all its ugliness, a boutique. He hadn’t thought about this before he got into this mess, so it was only him to blame. Not that he would blame himself in the least. “It’s acceptable,” he groused. Well, that was better than any of them expected from him.
Twilight moved to an area. “We were able to section off an area here to start an entrance to a new room. We had, at first, wanted to section off an area for him. However, Rarity decided it would be best to add a room altogether.”
“How very generous of you, Rarity,” Celestia commented. She looked to Applejack, knowing she’s the most capable with her hooves. “How long should this take?”
“At least by the end of the day at most. I can get Big Mac and Rockhoof to help us out, so it shouldn’t take but an afternoon.”
“That’s good to hear. I’m sure Tirek would not mind volunteering to help out.” She glanced to him and he only glowered back in response. She stepped toward Rarity. “I have something for you.” She took out a small ring with a jewel pendant on it. She moved Rarity’s hair aside to fit the ring on her horn, tightening it at the bottom. “It may be uncomfortable, but it will ensure your safety. Tirek has already had this explained to him, but he is not to harm you under any circumstance. If you come into pain through any other means, he will feel it as well and will affect him the same manner it does for you. He already cannot harm anyone else, Discord has taken his own measures. This is extra security for your benefit.”
“I appreciate the offer, Queen Celestia.” She was going to take some time to get used to it, as Celestia had said.
Celestia then turned and went for the door. “Unfortunately, I have some business to attend to with Rich. Tirek, I expect you to be on your best behavior.” He huffed in response. The door shut behind her, leaving them alone together.
The silence followed shortly thereafter. The awkward feeling it brought was thick in the air, almost as if one could reach out and feel it.
After several moments, Steward broke the silence, “Shall I prepare breakfast for everyone? Perhaps some tea? I am sure you are all hungry after the effort you put into cleaning up the place.”
“I’ll help!” Evening raised her hoof and trotted to Steward.
Tirek was unaware of the child’s presence until now. The little alicorn appeared unfazed by him being there. It's possible she didn’t know who he was or what he was capable of. Her resemblance to Twilight was unmistakable aside from the wings and bright eyes. He paid the little thing no mind. However, there was something off about that butler. He couldn’t quite figure out what.
“You are most certainly welcome to help, little miss.”
“That would be rather nice, Steward,” Applejack mused. “I could use the energy after staying up for so long. Spike, could you do me a favor and fetch the guys for me? We’ll make sure your breakfast is ready when you get back.”
“I'll get right on it!” Spike fluttered his wings with excitement. He stepped outside and took off.
“Sir Tirek?” Steward acknowledged the centaur. The title threw him for a loop. Sir? That was a new one.
“I am not picky,” he remarked. “Anything will do.”
“Come now, there must be something you would prefer than this 'anything'.”
Tirek shot him a glare. Not because he was testing his patience; it's because he was right.
As if sensing his caution, Steward added, “Do not be so brash in your judgment, sir. I am merely a butler. It is my job to know those I serve. Even if I have just met them.” His mustache turned up with the unseen smile.
“Fruit salad then,” he grumbled.
“Would you like any yogurt or honey with that?” This earned a glare from Tirek. “Very well, sir. I am to assume everyone else wants their usual.” They nodded anxiously, and Steward got to work with Evening.
“You all right with knocking down this wall, Rarity?” Applejack asked when the two stallions arrived with tools and supplies.
“Yes. It would be best to be on this side. Over there has to much clutter. I really should take a day to organize the new order that came in.”
“If you want, I could help you organize while they start building the room,” Twilight offered. Her eyes almost begged Rarity to let her help with excitement. Rarity could sense her eagerness.
“Go on ahead an’ do what you need to, lass. We'll let you know when we need your help.” Rockhoof glanced over to Tirek, unafraid of the centaur. “Will you be helping us out? We could use your input at the very least.”
“Then I will give you that.”
“Then let's get working.” AJ was ready and raring to work.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Twilight looked out upon the setting sun, the glow of yellow magic surrounding it. Evening was getting more active around this time as she usually did. “Looks like we were able to get it done just in time. And you have a bed to sleep in tonight. Luckily we found one big enough for you.”
Tirek huffed. He knew their kindness only went so far as Celestia wished. He made his way back into the boutique while they discussed making the exterior match the rest of it. The interior of his room was bland and lacked personality. Some would probably say the same about him.
He took a seat on the large mattress that rested on the floor. In the light of the setting sun, something glinted near the nightstand that he didn’t see before. Sitting on top of the stand was a longbow.