Ocellus knew this would be the first time a King of Aquinas had visited Equestria. Celestia had tried many times during her reign but to no avail. Now, however, they had chosen to journey to see the new ruler of Equestria. Let’s hope this is the start of a friendship between our kingdoms.
Ocellus looked at her sleeves. The rich colors made her stand out, which she didn't like. Rarity had tailored each of her friends a new dress to greet the Aquinians. Each was made of the most elegant silk and emblazoned with the owner’s cutie marks. Ocellus, not having one, left Rarity free to choose whatever pattern she wanted, which ended up being golden vines with leaves and grapes. It felt strange to Ocellus to wear something like this, but she did love the feel of the silk.
The horns rang out to sound the coming of King Highever and his escort. Ocellus could feel the pit in her stomach grow; she had never liked being in crowds or the gaze of judging eyes. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself.
A cool breeze ran through the courtyard carrying the aroma from the kitchen. Flash baked bread, apple pies, and many other smells that made the mouth water. Applejack, Pinkie, and the royal cooks had spent most of the morning away to prepare the feast.
The gates to the castle were open, and beyond the ponies had gathered to get a glance of this foreign king. Royal Guards lined the roads to keep the streets clear. The first members of the Aquinains’ entourage came into sight. It was doubtless his armed escort, of which each wore armor with the royal eagle of the king on the breastplate, with long royal blue cloaks. Behind came King Highever, a tall unicorn stall how stood head over all the others. The king and his son both wear golden medallions with a ruby in the shape of an eagle at the center. Next to him was a bat pony dressed all in black with eyes like pale ice, next to a mare in robes of many colors. Lastly came a stallion who was clearly the king's son.
King Highever would stop now and then to greet a foal that had slipped passed the guards.
Okay, maybe there’s nothing to worry about. He seems nice enough. Ocellus thought as she watched from her place next to Twilight.
As the royal escort passed into the castle courtyard, Ocellus, Twilight's friends, and a Canterlot Royal Guard all bowed.Front left leg out, front right back, head low to the ground. Ocellus thought as she bowed. Twilight was the only one who didn't, as she was meeting the king as an equal.
A smaller old stallion stepped forward and cleared his throat. "I present you King Aquila Highever, King of Aquinas, the Golden Hills, king of the unicorns, earth ponies, and bat ponies, Son of Lux and Defender of the Realm. Prince Caecus Highever. Duke Umbrawing, Lord of the Shadowfort and Keeper of the South. Lady Aqua Dawn, Granddaughter of the Duke Victorian Dawn, the Iron Hoof of the North." The old stallion's voice was loud and clear.
Twilight didn't make use of a herald, instead, she stepped forward and greeted the king, with her own voice.
"Your grace, King Highever, I welcome my kingdom." Twilight stood tall and met the Highever's gaze. He was taller, but at that moment, Twilight stood as his equal.
Highever smiled. "I greet you, Princess Twilight." His voice was soft and warm but held an authority. His eyes passed over all that were attendance, one could not tell if he approved of any or disliked any. Ocellus could feel a disdain directed at her; it could have been any of the king's party.
Twilight glanced at her friends and all rose. "I believe your welcome feast should be ready. So let us adjourn to the dining hall."
"Very well. Lead on, your majesty."
The dining hall was lit through the vaulted windows and the candles that burned from the chandeliers. Minstrels played sweet music from the high harp, flute, and lute, changing the song from time to time. Seated at the high table were Twilight, Highever, Aqua, Umbrawing, Fancy Pants, Rarity, Fleur De Lis, and the Prince. There were also the first to be served, followed by the lesser nobles of Canterlot, and lastly everypony else.
Apple pies, vegetable stew with bread, baked apples, red and honeyed wines, salads, and smoked fish were carried in one after another. Ocellus didn't eat much as she listened from her seat near the high table. "So tell me, your grace, was your journey enjoyable?" Fancy Pants asked Highever.
"Aye, fair winds and weather, the towns we passed were welcoming." Highever took a sip of wine.
"Yes, you will find that all Equestrians are welcoming and always willing to make new friends," Twilight stated with a smile.
The king smiled. "Mayhaps one day my kingdom will show you the same warm welcome."
Ocellus knew she shouldn't listen, but was curious to know what was being said, as the only talk at her table was about food, family, and life in general. Now and then she would glance around the room,; some of the Aquinains looked at her with disdain, which was expected. Even from the high table, she could feel mistrust, and not all of it was from Aquinains. Changelings were still the ones that attacked Canterlot, and not all the ponies had forgotten that.
From her reading of Aquinain history, Ocellus had learned their land was more ancient than Equestria, and had seen kingdoms rise and fall. They had fought bloody wars against nearly every race, some of which had faded into history and myth. Changelings were one of the worst in their eyes; her race would steal foals and leave drones to undermine Aquinas. The shadow killings, the swarms that tried to take their lands, had formed a deep mistrust of changelings in the minds of the Aquinians. In truth, she had feared they would order her sent away, but they hadn't. Whether it was out of respect for Twilight or an act of kindness, she didn’t know.
The feast seemed to drag on, and Ocellus became more aware of ponies whispering. She could see some of the Aquinains seemed to be debating something, and with glances at her, it was clear what the subject was. One of the guards seemed to keep a careful eye on her. She hoped that it was just being among so many that her mind was playing tricks on her, but she felt there was more to it.
Ocellus found it harder to breathe as she glanced around the room. She felt like everything was closing in around her. She needed some fresh air, so got to her hooves, knowing that she wouldn't be missed if she left the feast early. Ocellus made her way to the nearest door.
"So the treacherous bug scurried off," she heard, but was not sure who had said it.
Ocellus found a quiet place in the garden to meditate. She closed her eyes and let the world fade away, every sound and thought, until a calm washed over her.
It's not that bad, most of it was just my imagination. They know my hive is different from the others. I mean, don't they? It was that thought that broke the calm. For all she knew, they viewed her hive the same as all the others.
After all, it took time to change one's view, even here. So how would a nation a world away have a new perspective, when all they see are monsters? Maybe that's why Twilight had me come, to show them. Yet, thus far I haven’t said one word to any of them and left the feast.
Ocellus stood, knowing she had to return.
At the entrance to the dining hall, Fluttershy had stepped out. Ocellus knew it had to do with the number of ponies, which she could understand.
"Oh, Ocellus. I didn't know you stepped out." Fluttershy smiled warmly.
"I needed to get some fresh air."
"I understand. So many new faces, and most of those are less than friendly. I overheard some of the whispers." Fluttershy glanced back at the door to the dining hall. "Twilight would understand if you chose to head to the library or stayed in the garden."
"I can't... I mean, I know Twilight would understand, but what does that say about changelings if we hide from whispering ponies, or about Twilight if her student avoids ponies that dislike her?" Ocellus asked, not knowing the answers herself.
Fluttershy thought about it a moment. "And that is why Twilight chose you, and Thorax put his faith in you."
Ocellus wasn't sure if that was the reason, but it was comforting. Within the dining hall, some of the tables had been moved aside and music was being played. It was a joyful beat that was meant to be danced to, which many ponies were. The only four at the high table were Twilight, Highever, Caecus, and Umbrawing.
Ocellus didn't worry about being asked to dance in front of everypony and found it a simple matter to return to her seat. As she watched the merriment, she did wonder what it would be like if somepony asked her to join in. She knew she would be nervous, but it seemed that would turn to joy after a few moments.
The dancing went on for a long time. A few stallions asked Twilight to dance, but she turned them all down. A few of the mares tried to get the prince's attention but it was in vain; he watched but didn't partake. The king would call out the name of songs now and then.
That evening Ocellus couldn't sleep, so she took a stroll around the Canterlot gardens. It was peaceful this time of day; only a few ground's keepers would be out this time of night. For the first time today she felt at peace, with no crowds or judging eyes. She felt lighter with each step, trying not to think of the morrow.
At the back of her mind, she knew tomorrow she would attend Twilight in the meeting with the king. The thought filled her with unease, but she couldn't say why. King Highever seemed the caring sort, but then again it could have been an act. After all, Queen Chrysalis appeared to be the sweetest and most caring mare, but under it all was hate, envy, and a scheming mind. Maybe it’s just old training from back then, but what if it isn’t?
As she strolled Ocellus took note of a pony sitting near one of the fountains. She couldn’t tell who it was, only that they seemed to be rubbing and stretching their right front leg. Out of curiosity, she went slowly over to them. As she got closer she was able to make out the figure of Prince Caecus.
Even from afar the Caecus looked like his father, but up close even a fool could tell. The same sliver eyes and mane, the same fur color, and one could feel the raw magical power the echod from both. The differences were small: Caecus wasn’t as tall as his father, nor did his mere presence command a degree of fear.
Caecus hadn't taken note of her, but it was clear that his leg was causing him pain. He would wince when he stretched it out and pulled it back. He muttered something under his breath, which was more than likely a curse of some kind.
"Are you okay, your highness?" she asked.
"Aye, just a stiff-" Caecus started to say, but stopped once he turned to face Ocellus. "So the bug stalks the night," he muttered under his breath. He stood, pain flashed across the face.
Ocellus was worried he was going to fall so took a step forward. "Do you need me-" She stopped as she saw the glare aimed at her.
"I need nothing from the likes of you, now leave me be," Caecus said sharply.
She took a step back. "I only wanted to help," Ocellus replied.
"Then leave me be." Caecus started toward the castle. He hid the pain well; had she not seen him just a moment ago she would never have guessed.
Ocellus watched him disappear slowly into the castle. She wondered if it was the pain or having somepony see him in a weakened state that was the cause of his anger. Either way, she needed to return to her room and try and get some sleep before tomorrow.
The next morning she took her meal with Twilight, King Highever, and Caecus.
"Tell me, why is she here?" Caecus asked when he first saw her sit down. Ocellus didn't need to wonder who the 'she' was.
"Ocellus is my student, and could one day represent me in diplomatic meetings," Twilight stated as tea was brought forward. Should I try and befriend him? I mean, it’s what Twilight taught us to do. Ocellus looked to her mentor, hoping to find the answer.
Caecus seemed to went to say more, but one look from his father put a stop to that. "A cunning choice. I'm sure she has many skills that would benefit a diplomat."
Twilight nodded. "Yes, she is very knowable." Twilight took a sip of tea, "So what do you think of Equestria?"
Highever seemed to consider that matter as he took a bite of bread. "It’s a noble ideal, and has its charms. I may even agree to an alliance with you."
"That is wonderful to hear." Twilight smiled. "I'm sure it would bring both our kingdoms a new age of prosperity."
"First, however, I will require a tour of Equestria as I have seen only the parts of your kingdom that ponies call home, so I need to see with my own eyes if the other races-" Highever seemed to consider and glanced at Ocellus for a moment before turning back to face Twilight. "Not to offend your student, but we have many hesitations regarding non-ponies."
Twilight looked in thought for a moment. "That would be fair, and I'm sure once your tour is done, you will have a new perspective on the world."
"If I may be so bold as to suggest where we start this tour, I would like to see Griffinstone."
Twilight raised a brow. "Forgive me, but why?"
The king took a sip of tea. "Its beauty and might were known even in the west, along with the kingdom’s fall." He smiled as he placed his hooves together. "So tell me, what will I find there? Will it be love for the Equestrian Crown, or hate?"
"You find that they are loyal to the crown, and the ideals of friendship."
"I'm sure I will see if you speak truly. For now, let us toast." Highever raised his cup. "To Equestria, and our future friendship." He offered a toast.
"To Equestria, and to new friends," Twilight said to the king's toast.