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// Prologue: The Promise (Majorly Rewritten) 
// Story: Princess Celestia: The Changeling Queen 
// by vren55 
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Prologue
I am not who everypony thinks I am. My dear subjects, my closest confidants, they think I am the most beautiful creature in Equestria, their savior, protector and guardian.  Each one of them, the smallest filly to the oldest stallion, worships the ground I walk upon.  The might of their love, allows me to move mountains. 

But I’m not who they think I am.  I have saved them.  I have watched over their ancestors and safeguarded their descendants.  I have guided them and led them through trials and tribulations, but I am not the most beautiful creature in Equestria.

What they see is an impersonation.  It is a mask that I am bound to wear out of duty and out of fear, for what they would do if they found out.

For so long I played my part.  I have acted flawlessly and I have been rewarded.  My load has become more bearable in more recent years.  Some days, I barely feel my burden.  Occasionally, I don’t even recall that I am even wearing a mask.  I look back on my reign with pride and if there was an audience, they would have given me a standing ovation.  I have guided my ponies through many catastrophes, paving the way with the help of their affection.

But all things must change.

Recently the utopia I have built is under siege, although the threats appear to be manageable.  All of Equestria stands behind me.  Even the dreams of my ponies are safe.  Still, there have been instances where chaos and darkness envelop the land, threatening to smash all that I have accomplished.  Yet, they falter before the combined efforts of my greatest knights.  They are honest, loyal, kind, funny, generous, and faithful; so very faithful.

But none of them know I am merely an alternate, a stand-in, a fake.  My friends have come very close to discovering the truth.  The time draws near for me to reveal myself to them, to drop my mask.

I only hope I will have the courage to do so.  I pray that they will understand.  I hope that they can forgive me for my deception.