Twilight walked through the halls of the castle. The stone halls illuminated only by the light of the moon seeping through the windows, no stars tonight. The magical candles were unlit, the lavender that usually adorned the halls were missing, the castle felt colder than usual.
Her small hooves, adorned with small golden slippers tapped through the halls at a hesitant pace. All those signs, ones she knew not to ignore, her mother was not happy.
She should’ve turned back, but she trod on despite her increasing remorse. After all she had great news. A cutie mark was an important moment in any foal’s life, normally one that a parent was either part of or informed off immediately.
Key word normally. Everypony knew, except her mother. She looked back proudly at her starburst cutie mark. Everypony knew she had gotten hers, except for her mother, and know she had to tell her, when she had a bad day.
She slowly approached the gigantic door to her mother's study. The door was made of dark wood, with a moon made out of steel in the middle. Two stoic thestrals guards stood at attention next to the door. Seeing Twilight approaching the hesitantly blocked her way and regarded her with sympathetic looks.
"I wish to pass. I have important news for Princess Luna." Twilight tried, regarding the guards with a curious looks.
"Your Highness, we have direct orders. Her Majesty shall not be disturbed." The guard fidgeted his wings and regarded is companion.
"It is a very important matter. I am aware that Princess Luna may not be in the best of moods. Nevertheless I believe that these news shall impact her positively." Twilight smiled.
The guards cringed, the second one took a deep breath and with a hesitant motion moved in to whisper. "Princess Twilight, I'm afraid that your mother is...Well she..." The guard trailed off and looked away.
Suddenly, there was a loud sound from inside the study, similar to a clatter of various items, then multiple breaking and crashing sounds. All present winced and moved lightly away from the door.
"Princess, the matter has no cure. She is livid this night, we-" He motioned to himself and his partner. "-implore you not to enter, lest you get hurt." More crashes sounded from within, followed by various pops of spells, then everything became eerily quiet.
Twilight gulped and took in a long, calming breath. "Thank you for thy concerns. But I shall stand by my intentions to deliver these news." Twilight gave them a small smile, copying her aunt, and hoping it was reassuring.
The guards nodded with hesitance and stepped aside allowing her access to the door. Their faces lit up with understanding and smiled. "Princess, congratulations on obtaining your cutie mark! May thy rein be long and fruitful and may thy talents befit thy position." They bowed low after reciting the phrase they had been taught since the first day of guard training. They made sure to show as much support as they could while keeping their place, they knew she would need it.
"Thank you." Twilight smiled, her worries almost erased. Everypony had acted excited and proud, why would her mother be any different?
She knocked once, knowing that her mother had heard her and not wanting to irritate her, but she still could hear a low growl. She waited patiently until she heard her mother's commanding voice from inside. "Enter."
Twilight did so, swiftly, as she was told. The room was again immaculate, the expensive gifts from various countries made of ceramic, glass, porcelain and more were all where they were supposed to be. Everything still glowing from the various mending spells her mother used. Speaking of which, Princess Luna sat on a desk looking over a star map inspecting every single detail.
"What is of such importance that We art to be bothered?" She asked not even lifting her eyes to see who it was, her tone harsh.
Twilight winced and began to worry. Perhaps this was a mistake. Yet she continued, just as her mother had taught her. "M-Mother I-"
"No stuttering Princess Twilight." Princess Luna lifted her gaze up, her eyes focused and stern, reminding Twilight she must not show weakness.
Twilight gulped and started again. "Mother I come bearing news..."
"Yes?"
"I have obtained my cutie mark." She said excitedly turning and lifting her wings for her mother to see.
Her eyes widened as she stared at the starburst star surrounded by five smaller ones and another behind the main one. She muttered something under her breath and returned her attention to the map and then back to Twilight.
"Well, that explains a few things." She said evenly, then she got up and walked up to an increasingly nervous Twilight, no reaction? "I have been reviewing the star map you created. It was sent to me, earlier this night. Quite impressive, I believe the stars have chosen a new princess." She placed a hoof over her withers. "Good work." She turned and sat back on her chair. "Tomorrow night your training shall be accelerated, Equus cannot be left without stars for much time. You must learn to raise and lower the stars in half a month. Dismissed." She motioned with a hoof, but Twilight stood there shocked.
Nothing. No reaction. No joyful expression. Just a mutter and more demands.
"Is there am problem Princess Twilight? Something else you wished to discuss."
Twilight frowned, and bowed her head in respect. "No Your Highness that shall be all." She turned around and stormed out of the study. The guards outside looked to the ground, already knowing what had happened and refusing to look at the small princess.
As soon as they closed the door and the silence wards glowed as they were put into place once again, Twilight let out a weak sob and a shudder and teleported away.