//------------------------------// // Chapter XI: Morning Lesson // Story: The Young Prince of Equestria // by GoebelTron //------------------------------// The next morning, Bowen woke up and then saw the time which said 6:30 am. Bowen then ran over to his mother’s bedroom to wake her up. “Mommy! Mommy! Come on, Mommy, we gotta go. Wake up,” he said, as he entered the room. He then ran over to her bed and climbed up and carefully untucked some of her blankets to get closer, but she kept snoring. “Mommy? Mommy,” he said disappointingly, until she moved on her bed and snuggled with her blankets. “Mommy? Come on, Mommy,” Bowen said as he tugged her head to get up, but he rolled towards the end of the bed. Ignoring her son, Bowen butted her on the neck, until she woke up and sleepily eyes her son. “You promised,” Bowen said, as his mother saw his impatience as he gave her the puppy eyes. Celestia rubbed her hoof on his head, and then looked at her clock realizing it was time to raise the sun, “Okay, okay. I'm up, I'm up.” “Yeah!” Bowen said as he got off the bed. Celestia then yawned and stretched herself. After Bowen got dressed, he got onto her back as they went over to the dining hall for breakfast, and after they finished eating, they both went to the balcony outside the throne room and then Bowen watch his mother’s sun rise. “Look, Bowen. Everything that the light touches is our kingdom,” Celestia said. “Wow.. You rule all of that?” Bowen asked. “Yes. An alicorn’s time as ruler usually rises and falls like the sun everyday, depending upon the nearest century. One day, Bowen, the sun will set on the eve of that time of year, and will rise with you as the new prince,” she said. “And this will all be mine?” Bowen asked. “Everything, but it belongs to nopony, but it will also be yours to protect. A great responsibility. We will rule the rest of Equestria together as a family, when you turn 10,” Celestia said. “Everything the light touches. Those mountains, the waterfalls, those hills, those trees… the Whitetail Woods, the Everfree Forest… and… what about that shadowy place?” Bowen asked. “Those are other kingdoms beyond Equestria. You must never go there, Bowen,” Celestia said. “But I thought a prince can do whatever he wants. Take any territory and make peace with them,” Bowen said, as Celestia smirked at him. “Oh, there’s more to being a prince than getting your way all the time. While others search for what they can take... a true prince or princess searches for what he or she can give. Besides, you still have a lot to learn.” “There’s more?” Bowen asked as he heard his stomach grumbling, as Celestia giggled. “Bowen, of course. Come. Let me show you.” Outside the castle, Princess Celestia took Bowen outside, as they continued with their lesson, as Celestia took him near the Whitetail Woods and saw a herd of deer leaping and running to another part of the forest. “Everything you see exists together, in a delicate balance. As a prince, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures in Equestria from the crawling beetle to the leaping deer, but beware of most other creatures that are extremely dangerous including the manticore, chimera, and especially the Timberwolf.” After , Bowen asked, “But, Mommy, don't I eat the deer?” “No, sweetheart, you don’t. I’ve put a strict order of your diet for both meat and vegetables so that you can stay strong and very healthy. I know it’s harsh, but let me explain. When we die, our bodies become part of the grass and the deer eat the grass. And so we are all connected in the great Circle of Life,” Celestia said. “Wow…” Bowen said, as he started eating his second donut. “Mommy, do you think other ponies out there will like me?” “I’m sure they will, sweetie. You have an amazing personality that nopony can hate. You are very gentle and wise just like me,” Celestia replied. “Mommy, do you think I’ll make a great prince?” Bowen asked. “I do, my son. I do. You will be the best Young Prince Equestria has ever seen. Besides, other ponies in Canterlot respect me as well. When you’re at the proper age, we’ll make sure that others in our other kingdoms will get to know you,” Celestia said. “I promise that I will always be there to protect you until you’re grown up soon enough. You are bound for great things, Bowen. I know you will do great things and I will be by your side always.” “Thank you, Mommy. I love you,” he said as he hugged her head and softly stroked her mane. “I love you too, my little prince,” she said. “Your highness!” said a voice. It was Captain Silver Spear with two guards. “What is it, Captain?” Celestia asked. “Timberwolves in the Whitetail Woods! They’re attacking a herd of deer, and a tour group from Ponyville!” Silver Spear said. “Send out a rescue party immediately. I’m coming along as well,” Princess Celestia said, until she saw a female unicorn guard. “Guard, take Bowen back home to the castle.” “Aww… Mommy, please, can I come?” Bowen asked. “No, sweetheart,” Celestia said, as she kissed him on the forehead and went with Silver Spear and the calvary. “I never get to go anywhere,” Bowen said sadly, as he climbed up on the guard mare’s back. “Don’t worry, little prince. You’ll fit in someday when you’re older,” the guard mare said, as she took Bowen back to the castle as the boy rode on her back.