//------------------------------// // The Opportunity of a Lifetime // Story: A Taste-Test of Royalty // by Liquid Savage //------------------------------// Midnight Blossom was almost certain, the last thing she expected on her graduation day was for Princess Luna to appear at her front door. Just a few hours ago, the bat pony was in front of Manehattan University, celebrating her tenure there with a shiny new degree in Alchemic Cookery. Her parents were there too of course, and they couldn't be prouder of their daughter when they watched her climb the stage in her black robe and square cap to accept her certificate. Group photos were taken, hugs were given, congratulations were shared, and hooves, claws and other assortments of appendage were shook. Though, now she had her future to think about. How to put this degree to good use and make some good bits. As she rode the train home to Canterlot with her folks, she weighed her options. That new cafe on Restaurant Row is hiring. Maybe I could start there? Begin as a waitress, then I can move up when I show how organised I am. Maybe even head of staff. Or, Midnight Blossom: Manager. Yeah, that's got a good ring to it. She told her parents her thoughts when her mother had asked on the way home what she planned to do next, and they offered their support with big smiles. With her qualifications, she'd be a shoe-in for that kind of job. All she had to do was work on her social interaction skills, but that didn't sound too hard. Her parents went back to their home in the dark quarter, and she to her own apartment near the high street. She laid on her bed, tapping her quill on her chin as she stared at the blank parchment. Jobs required a good resume after all. Let's see, I have that new degree...I'm organised, I can work in a team and on my own. Oh, I'm eager too! Always good to include that. And, um, I live nearby and am available on short notice. Oh, that'll clinch it for sure. She smirked as she wrote down her thoughts on the parchment. It might need some tweaking, but this would be a brilliant resume. There wouldn't be anypony around who wouldn't hire her on the spot! knock knock knock Midnight's ears perked up. She wasn't expecting any visitors, so who could that be, the bat pony wondered to herself as she he trotted downstairs and opened the front door. Her jaw almost unhinged when she saw a very familiar, dark blue alicorn standing in front of her, flanked by a pair of bat ponies, larger than Midnight and clad in purple armour. "Your Highness!" she gasped, and her face practically slammed into the floor in a hasty bow. She dared a glance up at the Princess, and blinked quizzically at the smile on her face. "Arise, Midnight Blossom," she said, her tone soft but with just a pinch of authority that made her subject obey right away. "This is merely a friendly visit, no need for such formalities." Midnight tilted her head. "A friendly visit? How come?" "All in due time," Luna said with a raised hoof. "May we discuss this privately? If it would not impose, of course." "Oh, not at all! Um, I mean it wouldn't impose! Please come in!" Midnight scurried aside, leaving the doorway clear. Luna smiled and let herself inside. Her rounded middle jiggled and bounced in her strut, but Midnight dared not stare. She flicked her tail at the guards about to fall in behind her. "You two shall wait outside, make sure nopony disturbs us." The guards bowed their heads and turned to stand outside, making sure the crowd gathering outside were kept at a distance. Midnight reluctantly shut the door and followed Luna into the living room. Her mouth twitched as she wondered what the princess was thinking as she looked around at the furniture. Then she froze as she realised something. This would be perfect practice! If she could impress one of Equestria's rulers, she would have ponies begging her to work for them! She took a deep breath and approached. "Can I get you anything?" she offered, hoping Luna wouldn't notice her voice crack. "Tea? Coffee?" Luna gave the bat pony a smile. "Coffee would be nice, thank you. Milk, four teaspoons of sugar." "Four sugars?" she blurted out without thinking. "Is this a problem?" asked Luna, raising an eyebrow. She bit her lip and her wings sprang out in alarm. "N-no, not at all! I-I just- I wasn't- um, milk and four sugars, coming up!" She leapt into the air and swooped into the kitchen, quietly scolding herself for her lack of tact. A few minutes later, the bat pony emerged with a mug of coffee in her curled wing. Luna had made herself comfortable on an armchair. Midnight couldn't help but wonder, did she make it correctly? Did she use the right amount of milk? Were there a few grains of sugar too much or too little? Maybe she should go back and remake it? She shook her head. She needed to relax, be confident. "Your coffee, Your Majesty," she said, unfurling her wing when she spotted the blue aura of magic around the mug. "Thank you." Luna smiled as she lifted the mug to her mouth to take a sip of the dark, steamy liquid. Her head tilted in thought as she swished the liquid from cheek to cheek before swallowing. "Hm, this coffee is quite good." Midnight's flanks had just touched the couch across from Luna and they were about to leap right off again. "It is?" "Just the right amount of milk, and very sweet," she said with a nod. "My duties involve a lot of long nights, so I'm sure you can understand." "Oh, absolutely," agreed Midnight. "But, why did you want to see me of all ponies?" Luna floated her mug to the coffee table and sat, front hooves crossed. Midnight could swear she looked a little plumper than usual, but she dared not ask. "I understand that today was your graduation from Manehattan University," she began, "and with a degree in Alchemic Cookery, yes?" Midnight's eyes widened. "How'd you know about that?" "I make a point to keep a close eye on my fellow night-dwelling subjects," Luna explained, then added with a knowing grin, "even those who are not so nocturnal." Midnight blushed, but nodded. "Yes...?" "Well, it just so happens that a spot in the castle staff has just opened for a pony of your qualifications." The bat pony gasped, wings fluttering with excitement. "Really?! You want me to work for you?!" The Princess nodded. "As my personal taste tester." Midnight halted, and she wasn't sure what emotion to go with. She wasn't disappointed. Surprised? A little. Confused? Yes, confused would do. "Taste tester?" she repeated, earning another nod. "To make sure our food at meal times and royal functions are prepared with immaculate attention, and without poison." Luna snickered into her hoof as Midnight stiffened up. "The poison has never happened, twas merely a jest. My sister and I used to share one between us, but recently, thanks to a surprise influx of confections in recent months - that had nothing to do with myself, I will have you know - she had the poor thing...shall we say, transferred to work as personal assistant to the Royal Dietitian?" Midnight got the hint, but tilted her head. "You want me to fill in for them?" "They will not be fit to return to such duties for a long time," Luna explained. "Quite literally. My sister and I agreed to hire a tester for each of us, and I have decided to grace you, Midnight Blossom, with this offer. You will be paid quite handsomely for good work, and receive the benefits befitting a personal assistant to a Princess of Equestria." Midnight rubbed her eyes, to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Luna was still sitting there, watching her expectantly. She was truly offering her a job at the Castle, no strings attached! Forget a cafe, she was going straight to the top! "When do I start?" she asked, her wings fluttering in excitement.