The weather was every bit as perfect as it looked. It was comfortably warm, with not a cloud in the sky as the father/son duo approached the castle.
“When we get inside, stick close to me, kiddo. Canterlot Castle is a big place and it's easy to get lost if you don’t know where you’re going.”
Star Spark rolled his eyes, suppressing the urge to sigh. “I’ve been in the castle before, dad.”
“Don’t you roll your eyes at me, it’s still true.” Solid chided, though his demeanor quickly softened. “I’ll give you the rings when I drop you off. They’ll be magically bound to the case so you won’t need to worry about them falling out, but don’t let it out of your sight.”
As they entered Star Spark’s attention turned toward the rich decor all around him. From the intricate stained glass windows to the pristine marble floors to the numerous ornamental vases and sconces it was always a sight to see. No matter how many times he saw the inside of the castle, its splendor never failed to impress him.
“Lieutenant Solid Strike.” A pegasus approached them and gave a salute, which Solid immediately mirrored. “Captain Shining Armor has asked to speak with you in his office, there’s been a last-minute change that he wants to discuss with you.”
“Understood, Corporal Cobalt. Do you know what it’s about?”
Cobalt shook his head. “No, sir, but I’d bet my wings it’s about the wedding. It’s the only thing on his mind right now.”
“That makes sense.” Solid looked from Cobalt to Star Spark before looking back. “Tell Shining Armor I’ll be there as soon as I drop my son off at the chapel.”
“Understood.” Cobalt flashed Star Spark a warm smile before he turned and trotted off.
“Hey dad, why does Shining want to see you? Are you in trouble?”
Solid thought for a moment before shaking his head. “I doubt it. Like Cobalt said, it’s probably about the wedding.” He sighed, shaking his head. “I told them they should’ve postponed the wedding until Canterlot didn’t have a security threat hanging over it, but Princess Cadance insisted it happen today.” He thought for a moment. “Change of plans. I’ll drop you off, see Shining, and be back to give you the rings after he sees them, ok?”
“Ok, dad.”
With a gentle nudge from Solid the two set off again in relative silence. As they approached the chapel Star Spark could see three fillies talking amongst themselves. He could see each was a different race, and even from a distance he thought their dresses were cute. A heat rushed into his cheeks and he cursed his snowy fur for exposing his blush so completely.
Solid seemed to notice his son’s anxiety, flashing him a reassuring smile. “You’ll be fine, kiddo. Just be kind, be yourself, and go make some friends. I’ll be back right after I visit Shining Armor.”
As soon as he walked off, Star Spark looked at the three fillies, who by now were looking back at him. He took a deep breath before he started heading over, quickly making sure his tie and mane were presentable. Oh, why did his fur have to be white?!
“Relax, you look like you’re about to burst into flames.” The pegasus said.
“Yeah, we won’t bite, promise!” The unicorn added.
Now it was the earth pony’s turn to speak. “How’s about we introduce ourselves? Ah’m Apple Bloom, that’s Sweetie Belle, and that’s Scootaloo.”
“Star Spark.” He rubbed the back of his head, the ensuant silence threatening to become awkward if someone didn’t talk. “I like your dresses, they’re really cute!”
That got a smile out of Sweetie Belle. “My sister made them, she said they highlight all our best features.”
“That’s nothing,” Apple Bloom smirked.” Mah sister baked most of the desserts for the reception.” Apple Bloom smiled proudly.
“Oh yeah?” Scootaloo grinned deviously as she glanced at her friends. “Well Rainbow Dash is going to perform a Sonic Rainboom as soon as they say ‘I do’!”
“My dad made the rings for the bride and groom.” Star Spark added, feeling the tension slowly leave his body as his blush faded.
Solid leaned back and took a sip of the tea he’d been served. Shining Armor’s office was much less regal than the rest of the castle, opting for a more cozy atmosphere instead. He glanced out the window and took in the view of the gardens below before turning back to his captain.
“I’m honored, Shining, but what about your sister? I thought Twilight Sparkle was supposed to be your Best Mare.”
Shining sighed, rubbing his forehead as he dumped two lumps of sugar into his drink. “She was, and I really wanted her to be, but she called Cadance evil! She wouldn’t listen to reason, and if I didn’t do something she was going to mess up the whole wedding. She left me no choice.” He sighed, glancing at a picture of her on his desk. “I’ll forgive her eventually, but I don’t have time for her right now.”
Solid frowned, watching the pained look on Shining’s face as he levitated a spoon into his drink. “I know you’re not going to like me repeating this, but have you considered postponing the wedding until Equestria isn’t in possible danger and you don’t need to maintain such a taxing spell?”
“I can’t without upsetting most of Canterlot. It’s almost time for the ceremony. All our guests are here, all the baking and prep work are done, and it’d cost a lot of money to call it off now.”
Solid sighed, but he could hardly blame Shining’s reluctance. “I know how you feel, I really do, it’s the same as when I got married. You’re excited, you’re stressed out, and you’re about to start a new chapter with the mare of your dreams. But look at this through a guard captain’s eyes: this is a perfect opportunity to get at any member of the royal family, even the princesses themselves.”
“I mean this in the nicest possible way, but it’s not like your wedding. This is the social event of the year, and if it doesn’t happen today somepony’s head is going to roll, probably mine.” While he spoke, Shining tried to levitate his cup but suddenly a bolt of pain dug into his head and his magic fizzled. Moments before the teacup hit the desk it was caught in Solid’s magic and safely set back on its saucer.
“See what I mean? If something happens you aren’t in any condition to stop it.”
“That’s a big part of why I want you up on that altar with me, I want you watching our backs if anything happens. I need somepony I can count on. Can you be that somepony?”
“You even have to ask, Shining? Of course I will.”
As soon as he finished Shining slumped back into his chair, rubbing his temples as his migraine intensified, like a vice was squeezing his brain.
“I’ll do what I can, starting with helping you with your headache. I’m not an expert but raising Star Spark has given me plenty of practice with the first aid spell.” A blue aura surrounded his horn as he focused it toward his friend.
Shining Armor groaned as he felt a warm tingle in his head. The pressure was beginning to slowly subside, and he allowed himself to sink deeper into his chair as relief flooded through him.
As soon as the magic was released Shining doubled over clutching his head, sucking air through his clenched teeth as the pressure around his brain was cranked down harder than ever. “What did you do?!”
Solid’s eyes widened in surprise. “I don’t know, that’s never happened before. Hold on, let me try again-”
“NO!” Shining forcibly barked. A tense silence filled the room as he looked up, wincing as an aching throb pounded in his head. He looked up to see Solid giving him a disapproving look. “I’m sorry. I’m under a lot of stress, juggling a lot of things, and now I’ve got the drama from my sister and you thinking this wedding is a bad idea. It’s a lot all at once.”
“This is exactly what I’m talking about. As your lieutenant and more importantly as your friend I’m begging you, postpone the wedding until things settle down. If your fiancée really loves you, she’ll understand.”
Before Shining could respond, a feminine cut in. “You worry too much.”
Solid turned toward the source of the new voice, seeing Princess Cadance entering the room. His eyes caught a fleeting glimpse of green magic on the doorknob before it dissipated.
“This wedding will be happening today. Now, do you have the rings?”
Solid reached into his uniform, pulling out a small, stainless steel case. “Hot out of the forge. I admit I’m more used to working with steel than gold, but I think they turned out pretty well.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Cadance snatched the case out of his hoof and flipping it open. Inside were two pristine golden rings, one set with a blue gemstone and the other one in pink.
“They’re both sapphires, just different colors. So, how do you judge them?” Going off her smile, Solid had a good guess, he just wished it wasn’t so… toothy.
“Acceptable.” Cadance snapped the case closed and tossed it back to him as Solid caught it in his magic. “I think you should be going, though. My poor Shining Armor needs some relief from his terrible migraines.”
Solid slowly stood up and walked toward the door, a sense of unease filling him as he stared at Cadance’s smile. The first word that came to mind for it was predatory.
That smile quickly melted into a glare. “Why are you still here?” Solid felt himself roughly gripped in an aura of green magic and shoved out the door, a slam resounding as it was yanked shut.
He looked back towards the door, seeing a green light coming through the keyhole. He approached and put an eye up to it seeing the princess casting a bolt of sickly green magic on Shining that made his eyes seem to go wide and unfocused. A knot formed in Solid’s gut, telling him that it wasn't for headaches.