I was anchored to the spot, my brain no longer able to process as well as it had been only a few seconds prior. Judging by the expression on his face, his couldn't either.
"Shining Armor..." Sunset presumed correctly, though I was thankful that she'd spoken up. If she hadn't, I'd probably still be stuck in my stupor. I still wasn't sure what to do, and I was more than a little afraid, but he was right in front of me. There was nowhere to run now.
"H-hello, Shi-"
"TWILY!" his sudden shout caused me to flinch. As he moved my way with fervor, I instinctively closed my eyes, recoiling away from his approaching form.
"S-STARLIGHT!?" Sunset shouted. She almost sounded desperate.
"Slow it down a little there, PRINCE!" Starlight's voice came from in front of me, the last word delivered with an exceptional amount of venom. The chime of her mana was growing so loud I couldn't ignore it any longer. I cautiously opened my eyes to find the lilac mare standing protectively in front of me, her horn shining brightly. My brother wasn't angry or even surprised that she'd blocked his way, a slight smirk on his face the only thing hinting at what he might've been feeling.
"You must be Starlight Glimmer," he looked her up and down, nodding with appreciation. "Mo-" he stopped short, clearing his throat. "Queen Cantata said you were bold, but I didn't think you'd be this feisty," he slowly stroked his chin with a hoof. "You're exactly what I need..."
"Why am I not surprised?" she growled.
"But... right now..." Shining wasn't bothered by her in the slightest, his smile growing. "I really want to talk to my little sister, so can you get out of my way?"
She bristled, probably because he was trying to brush her off. "Why don't you try and mak-"
"Star..." Sunset interrupted, though neither my brother nor Starlight took their eyes off of each other.
"Maybe we should try calming down a little?"
"I AM calm, Sunny!" Starlight snapped at the mare. "Can't you tell?"
"Not... really?" Sunset replied.
She actually is...
To be perfectly honest, I was astonished she hadn't used any spells yet. With how loud her horn was singing, she was prepped to cast a powerful one, but she was holding herself back.
For... me?
"Starlight..." I stepped forward, gently laying a hoof on her shoulder. She didn't budge, her eyes staying locked forward. "Thank you. It's alright."
"... You sure?" Still, she kept her gaze on my older brother who didn't seem to have a care in the world.
"Yeah," I took a deep breath before continuing. "I can handle it."
She moved backwards, though she never took her eyes off of Shining Armor, even when she came to a stop next to Sunset. Sunburst let out the breath he'd apparently been holding in since Starlight had gotten between me and Shining, a look of relief coming to his face.
As I cautiously stepped forward to confront my past, Starlight's voice stopped me. "Twilight!" I looked over my shoulder to find a bright smile on her face. "You're not alone," she wrapped a foreleg around Sunset's neck who was also smiling. "Me and Sunny are right here."
I nodded in response, their smiles infectious. I turned back around, coming face to face with my brother. The support my friends had given me burned away all the doubt and fear that had been gripping me before.
"Hello, Shining." I kept my head held high, staring my brother in his cyan eyes.
"Hey, Twily. It's been too long." He bowed his head, closing his eyes. "I'm sorry, sis. I never should have left you alone like that."
For the second time today my brain seemed to cease functioning properly. Of all the possible scenarios meeting with Shining had generated in my mind, this was the furthest from what I'd expected.
"Can you ever forgive me?" he lifted his head to look at me, his eyes filled with remorse.
"I..." I looked behind myself, seeking guidance from my friends. Sunset was still smiling brightly, her enthusiasm almost heartwarming enough to get me to forgive my brother on the spot. Starlight though... Starlight was back to staring daggers at him and her distrust dragged me right back down to earth.
She's right.
"We'll see," I said after turning back to him. He seemed genuine, but there was no way to know for sure this soon. My answer didn't disappoint him, a wide smile coming to his face.
"I'll make it up to you, sis. I swear." He stood to his full height, walking up to me with open forelegs. I heard the low hum of Starlight's horn behind me. I held out a hoof, stopping him.
"Not yet," I shook my head, my hoof pressed against his chest.
"Right! Right..." he lowered his forelegs. "I get it."
"Shining Armor!" A vaguely familiar voice echoed from within the throne room, drawing his attention.
"OH, right! Crap..." he muttered under his breath, looking nervous all of a sudden. "Coming Mo- er, Your Highness!" he called back at a normal volume. "Sunburst, show them in."
"Yes, sir!" Sunburst saluted quickly, the gesture lacking any form of military decorum, but an effort was made. "This way, ladies," he waved a hoof as he trotted into the room.
"Aren't you coming too?" I asked my brother as the four of us began to move once again.
"Fraid not," he shook his head. "Official business of the crown is a liiiittle higher than my pay grade... for now," he smirked. "I'll be waiting for you right here." He took up a position next to the doors, a toothy grin on his face. "We've got a lot of catching up to do, after all."
"O-okay," I nodded as me and the girls walked by him.
"You too, Starlight," he smirked confidently at the lilac mare behind me. "I'm certain I'll be seeing a lot more of you."
"I look forward to it," Starlight sneered in response. Shining's only reply was a delighted fit of laughter. It was the last we heard from him as the doors shut behind us.
Walking into the Crystal Empire's throne room was very much like walking into Canterlot's. Embroidered banners hung from the ceiling decorated with various emblems and symbols that must've meant a lot to the Empire, though I wasn't familiar with them myself.
Despite how late into the day it was, bright rays of Princess Celestia's sun shone through multiple stained glass windows lining both the walls to our left and right. The same impressive architecture was used to construct this room, most notably the ornate throne that I assumed was currently occupied by Queen Cantata.
She was an absolutely beautiful pegasus mare. Slender and tall, much like her daughter standing next to her. It was difficult to take my eyes off of her. Her coat was a lively fuschia that gradually lost its vibrancy as it got closer to her hooves. Her violet mane and tail shimmered in the sunlight, though not anywhere near the degree that Princess Celestia's or my mistress' did. They were both straight and flowed downwards, nearly touching the floor. It was obvious she kept them trimmed that exact length so they wouldn't do so.
A crown made of crystal rested atop her head, a spectrum of colors that reflected the light of the world around her. A crystal regalia adorned her neck. A shining jewel -- possibly a sapphire -- was at its center. Her hooves were covered with brilliant horseshoes made of crystal as well.
"Greetings, Sunburst," the queen spoke, her voice melodious. "I trust you had no issues locating our guests?"
"None whatsoever, Your Highness," he waved us forward with a hoof as he stood to the side. The three of us lined up in front of the queen and princess, Sunset in the middle, me on the left, and Starlight on the right. "Presenting Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's pupils: Twilight Sparkle." I bowed low, knowing exactly what was expected of me. "Sunset Shimmer." Sunset bowed next, just as low as I. "And finally-"
"Starlight Glimmer..." Queen Cantata finished for her servant. Sunset and I both stared at the lilac mare, wondering just what she would do.
"Your Highness," she responded, a smirk and a very slight decline in the elevation of her head the only sign of respect she'd give the monarch. The queen narrowed her gaze at the unicorn, but that was quickly eclipsed by the clap of laughter that came from the princess.
"I TOLD YOU, MOM!" she couldn't contain her mirth, her snickers filling the throne room. Sunset and I raised our heads in confusion, looking at each other for any answers the other might have. Starlight's grin faded, her eyes flitting between both pegasi as she went back to her normal stance.
"That you did, dear," the queen's strict expression softened several notches. "I should heed your advice more often."
"What's going on?" Starlight's question was more of a demand than a request, but her lack of respect didn't appear to bother Cadenza or Cantata.
"You're just as perturbed as you were over in Canterlot," Cantata explained. "My daughter had surmised you would be." It was easy to see by the frown on Starlight's face that she didn't like the queen's response. "Starlight..." the queen got off of her throne, standing to her hooves. "As Queen of the Crystal Empire I assure you, I've no ulterior motives in inviting you here," she walked up to the lilac mare. "We really do just need your help."
They stared at each other for what felt like several minutes, Starlight's eyes examining the mare before her, but Queen Cantata's staying focused on Starlight's face. Finally, she relented, letting out a huff.
"Fine, I guess I'll trust you..." Starlight lifted a hoof. Queen Cantata chuckled a bit but took her hoof into her own, shaking it vigorously. "for now."
"That's all that I ask," the queen smiled in spite of Starlight's sour mood as she moved to stand in front of us. "That's all I ask of each of you," she smiled brightly, bowing her own head slightly. "Welcome to our home, the Crystal Empire. Twilight," she looked at me, bringing a smile to my face. "And you as well, Sunset," she turned her gaze to the golden mare who returned her kindness. "I offer you my thanks and I pray this will be just as beneficial for you three as it will be for us," she glanced at her daughter who was waiting patiently with a smile on her own face. "Now, I must beg your forgiveness. I've a pressing matter I need attend to, but I leave you in the capable hooves of my daughter, my love, Cadenza. I will rejoin you all for dinner later tonight. For now, I bid you, adieu."
Sunset and I bowed once again. Even Starlight lowered her head further this time, though she looked away as she did so. The queen was satisfied as she gave her daughter a quick hug.
"Come, Sunburst," she started toward the doors in the back of the hall. "We have much to do."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the orange stallion replied, quickly falling into step behind the queen. "See you later," he smiled at us before turning his full attention to Starlight. "Farewell for now, Starlight."
Starlight stared back as Twilight and I silently waved at the pair as they exited the hall through one of the smaller -- though by no means small -- doors behind the throne.
"Thank you, Starlight," Cadenza drew our gazes as she stepped up to us. "And you too, Sunset."
My friends exchanged confused glances before turning back to the pegasus. "For what?" Sunset was the first one to speak.
"I know just how difficult royal obligations can be," she gave them a sympathetic look. "You didn't have to come here... you didn't have to help us." She turned to me. "So... thank you."
She didn't need to say any more than that, at least, not to me.
"Don't worry about it," Starlight replied for the three of us. "Besides, what are friends for?" The devious smirk that came to her lips was all too obvious to me at this point. She was already working her charm, trying to get the princess under her hoof. Probably not the smartest decision, but it's not like I'd call her out in front of royalty.
"I'll do my best to live up to such a gracious title," Cadenza was absolutely glowing. "Did you have any questions?" she asked, looking us over.
"Too many to count," Sunset shrugged, the atmosphere of the room shifting to a much more laid back one. Cadenza's giggles were like an instrument from the heavens.
"How about first things first?" she walked by us, heading towards the doors we'd entered through. The three of us followed close behind her. "Let's head to your room."
...Wait...
"Room?" I lifted a brow.
"Well..." she kept her head forward, a slight tinge on her cheeks. "With the wedding in three days, we've a lot of foreign dignitaries in the palace. We're kind of... at capacity... soooo..."
Great...
"Sounds like a good time," Starlight remarked. "One bed? Maybe you can join us, Princess?"
"WHAT!? NO!" Cadenza whirled around, her face beet red as she flailed her hooves in front of herself. "We refurnished one of the larger rooms to accommodate the three of you! Three beds! THREE!"
Sunset and I grinned silently at each other. Even though I didn't want to admit it, watching Starlight so clearly having fun was entertaining. The lilac unicorn was practically trembling with glee as she successfully spun her web.
"Shoot," Starlight sighed with so much phony disappointment I could almost feel it. "I've never been in bed with a princess before..."
"I'M-I'M ENGAGED!" Cadenza was nearly shouting, already way too flustered by Starlight's meager efforts. The lilac unicorn ambled up to the Princess, her expression so lewd even I was beginning to blush. Sunset was covering her own face with a hoof, completely exhausted by Starlight's antics by this point.
"I won't tell if you don't," Starlight winked at Cadenza. The princess nearly lost it, her entire body becoming a dark maroon as she took a shaky step away.
"Sunset," I sighed, shaking my head.
"I know, I know," Sunset grabbed Starlight. "Come on, Star. That's enough for today." The golden mare pulled our friend away from the princess.
"H-HEY!?" Starlight only protested for a second before giving up. "But I was having fun, Sunny," the troublemaking grin hadn't left her lips.
"And now it's time to behave," Sunset said firmly.
"But-"
"For me?" Starlight had tried to object but Sunset cut her off immediately.
...
"Fine. For you, Sunny," Starlight said with a defeated shrug.
"You should probably just ignore her when she gets like that," I turned back to the princess who was still on her back leg, but not as crimson. "It's one of her many bad habits," I glanced playfully at the lilac mare.
"Fun," she smirked back. "You mean "fun" habits, Sparkles."
"Sorry, I meant fun," I faced Cadenza once again, my smile growing. "You'll get used to it."
Cadenza looked at the three of us as if we were a group of zebras with spots rather than stripes. Then, in an instant, her bemusement changed to pleased serenity, her wings flaring out at her sides as her giddiness grew.
"Im so glad you girls decided to come," she whirled around, moving to lead us again. "I hope that offer of friendship still stands."
"Course it does," Starlight confirmed without hesitation. "You saved my butt back in Canterlot. If that's not an act of friendship, I don't know what is."
As we approached the doors the same magenta aura as before overtook them.
"That's great! I'm sure you'll love Shiny, Starlight," I winced at her choice of nickname.
"I'm sure I will," Starlight replied bitterly, though Cadenza didn't seem to notice her tone or her disgust. The princess beamed as the doors opened to reveal my brother waiting patiently, a smile on his face.
"Hello ladies," he bowed his head. "Shall we get going?"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From one wealthy place to another.
"Sorry it's so small, but we weren't sure you were coming and-"
"THIS is small!?" Sunset interrupted the princess, though it was evident it wasn't intentional. She was running her hooves over one of the three beds in the quarters. The five of us were inside the lavish guest room -- my brother next to his fiancé by the door and me and the girls exploring -- that had been prepared for us. "This is almost as big as Princess Celestia's room!" Sunset's attention was now on the ceiling, a large window made of crystal letting any inhabitants view the sky.
"I gotta agree with Sunny," Starlight commented as she tossed her saddlebags onto another bed. "This is anything but small."
I had to agree as well. The room was massive in comparison to the one I had back home in Canterlot. I'd never need this much room, and it was confounding to think that anypony could.
It was much like the rest of the castle, -- heavily reliant on crystal -- but it was still nice nonetheless. Three beds, a few nightstands, a desk, and even a restroom off to the side. We'd even get enough sun judging by the ceiling.
It's probably enchanted too.
All in all... It was perfect.
"So then... it's okay?" Shining asked the three of us, but he was looking directly at me.
"It's great," I answered honestly, sitting on what would be my bed for the duration of our stay.
"Wonderful!" Cadenza clapped her hooves together as she gave Shining a loving glance. "We'll let you get settled in then."
"I'll be along in about an hour to pick you all up for dinner," my brother said as the couple moved to leave.
"If you need anything before then, my guards will be at their post down the hall," Cadenza said as she left the room.
"See you in a bit... unless you have any questions?" My brother turned back one last time. Me, Starlight, and Sunset exchanged a silent look before I replied.
"Not right now," I shook my head.
"Alright!" he stepped out of the room, his mana coating the door. "Don't get too comfy, Starlight!" he cackled, slamming the door shut before the lilac unicorn had a chance to reply.
"That LITTLE!" Starlight was on the warpath, the color of her eyes suddenly matching the turquoise hue of the mana crackling around her horn.
"He's already gone, Star," Sunset was unpacking her saddlebags, but she took the time to try and calm Starlight down. "Just let it go."
With an exasperated growl Starlight turned back to her own things. "Your brother is a real piece of work, Twilight." I might've tried to debate with her, but I didn't care enough to. As I carefully lifted the Blessing of the Moon from my bag somepony gently knocked at the door.
Being the closest to said door I checked to see if either of my companions were moving.
Of course they're not...
Both were diligently taking supplies out of their bags and making their areas more homely. I scratched my mane -- a little annoyed -- before walking over to the door. I opened it to find my brother with a hoof held up to his lips.
"Who is it, Sparkles?" Starlight asked, though I noted she hadn't even lifted her head when I looked at her.
"It's..." turning back to my brother I found him with his hooves clasped in front of himself, begging me. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Nopony. I'll be right back."
"Okay!" they both called back as I stepped out of the room and quietly shut the door behind myself.
"Thanks! I didn't want to have to deal with-"
"What do you want?" I tried not to sound cold, but it must've come out that way because his smile faltered a bit.
"I deserve that," he lifted his forelegs in surrender. "I just wanted to let you know, if you need anything let me know."
"I know," I stated plainly. "You just told us that."
"That's not what I meant," he sighed. "Twily..." he placed a hoof on my shoulder. I couldn't do anything but stare at it. "I'm here. You just gotta... let me in."
As I stared into his sparkling eyes, my heart skipped a beat.