"But Shining!" Twilight protested. "I can take care of myself."
"While that maybe true, Royal Protocol says that every princess must have at least six castle guards and one personal guard," he informed. "I'm sorry, Twilie. This is just how it has to be."
Shining Armor give her a quick nuzzle then joined Princess Cadence to say goodbye to guests as they left. Twilight stomped over to a table where Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Fluttershy stood. She faceplanted onto the table.
"Not exactly princess behavior," Applejack commented.
"Shining said I have to have Royal Guards at my castle," she mumbled.
"Well you are a princess," Fluttershy sweetly reminded.
"I am having an absolutely wonderful time!" Rarity interrupted. "This is possibly the most fun Chrystal Empire party that I have ever been to! And, not to mention, Princess Skyla is so adorable."
"This party would be more awesome if they had cupcakes," Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
"Pinkie they do have cupcakes," Applejack informed.
"WHAT!" Pinkie jumped strait into the air and ran to the table of refreshments.
"Ugh!" Twilight picked up her head. "We leave tonight, right?"
"Yes darling. Why would you ask?" Rarity questioned
"I only have one day to clean the castle and get rooms for the guards ready," Twilight explained. "I would like to start as soon as possible."
"I'll come help ya," Applejack offered.
"I will come too," Fluttershy added.
"Me as well," Rarity consented. "And I am sure Pinkie Pie and RainbowDash will help too."
"Speak'n of Rainbow, where is she?" Applejack asked. The mares looked around the fastly emptying room.
"Who ya looking for," Rainbow asked from behind Rarity. Rarity jumped which made RainbowDash laugh.
"Where were you all night?" Rarity replied, regaining herself.
Rainbow landed next to Rarity. "Hangin with the Wonderbolts," she said with some pride.
"We should go pack," Fluttershy reminded. "Our train leaves in a hour."
The other mares nodded and approached Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. Pinkie was already there giving them tips on what they could do next time they had a baby. "Thank you for the advice, Pinkie." Cadence replied o Pinkie's babbling.
"Thank you for the invites, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. It was a wonderful party and we all enjoyed ourselves," Rarity spoke for everyone.
Twilight gave them each a hug, "We have to get going."
"I'll see you tomorrow night," Shining replied.
"Safe travels!" Cadence called after them.
The mares went to the castle's guest wing. They each went to their rooms, took off their dresses, and packed their things. Since they had only stayed for two days, there wasn't much to be packed. They got done about 45 minutes before their train left so they decided to got to Joe's Donut Shop.
The bell rang as they opened the door. They got their donuts and sat at a table in the corner. "Do ya'll remember those sales ponies? The Flim Flam Brothers?" Applejack asked.
The other mares nodded. "Well as you know Big Mac went ta that stallion getta way thing like he does every year. Well this year Flam was there too. Apparently the brothers quit bein' salesponies and they were lookin' for another job. And 'course Mac offered them a job on da' farm."
"Where are they going to stay?" Twilight asked.
"I really don't know," Applejack thought. "They'll probably end up staying in our spare room in the house. I just ain't feelin' very comfortable with it though."
"Do you really think that they can do farm work?" Rarity questioned, taking another bite of her donut.
"They are unicorns," Dash reminded.
"Yes but apples taste much better if their bucked by hoof," Applejack countered Rainbow's comment.
"I'm sure it will be fine," Fluttershy assured.
The sound of a train whistle could be heard in the distance. "Let's get to the train station," Twilight said wiping her mouth with a napkin.
They had an uneventful ride home. Once they stepped hoof in Ponyville they said goodnight and went their separate ways. When Twilight got home, the first thing she did was make a list of what needed to be done in the morning.