- VIII -
Celestia stepped off her chariot, smiling at the two Royal Guard pegasi as they snorted and stoically faced forward. Even after a long journey to the North, they kept their professional demeanor. “Thank you, gentlecolts.”
“Princess,” they replied in unison, bowing their heads.
Celestia nodded once. “I’ll return in a few hours. The Crystal Guard has a barracks in the city, and I’m certain that they’ll welcome you. I will call for you when I am ready to leave.”
“Yes, Princess,” replied one guard.
Celestia turned away, trotting around the corner. She paused briefly once she was out of sight of her guards, waiting a moment, before turning around and walking back around the corner. Both guards were lying on the ground, panting heavily and shaking the sweat out of their manes, all decorum lost as they gasped for breath. They froze, eyes widening in surprise, as they saw Celestia. She winked. “And please, feel free to let me know if you need a rest during travel. It can’t be easy pulling my royal tush around for hours.”
They both glanced at each other, looking panicked and uncertain, as Celestia spun on her back hooves and returned back around the corner.
The Crystal Palace’s interior glittered and shone with a newfound brilliance. Celestia marvled at the beauty of the grand hallway, her hooves clicking delicately and sending echoes through the room. She walked to the center of the hallway, turning in a slow circle to take the architecture in fully, as she heard the sound of approaching hooves.
“Princess Celestia! We weren’t expecting you for at least another hour!” called a comfortingly familiar voice from behind her.
Celestia smiled and turned around, taking in the sight of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Her ever-faithful student, turned royal alicorn princess. Celestia couldn’t help the pride that swelled in her voice as she responded to Twilight. “Hello, Twilight. My loyal guards pulling my chariot decided to forgo a break, choosing to press on for a longer time than I anticipated. My apologies.”
Twilight smiled anxiously. “I suppose that’s all right. I mean, not that I’m not happy you’re here! We were going to hold a more formal welcome ceremony for you. Cadance is organizing it now, actually.”
“Please, let her know that won’t be necessary, though I appreciate the effort. I’m not really here on official business, after all,” Celestia replied evenly, her smile growing more gentle in the face of the newest princess’s anxiety. “I came here at your request, after all.”
“Of course! Sorry, I just... I wanted things to be perfect, that’s all.” Twilight closed her eyes, bringing a hoof up to her chest as she inhaled deeply, and then exhaled, pushing away her stress symbolically. Celestia noted that Twilght’s wings, which had been tense, now relaxed. That must have been something Cadance taught her.
She approved.
“So, Twilight, you said that it was urgent I come North and meet with you and Cadance. May I ask why?” Celestia asked.
“Of course, but I’d rather discuss it in private.” Twilight glanced around the grand hall, and Celestia followed her gaze, noting the guards and servants present, going about their business.
“By all means. Let’s retire to somewhere... more comfortable?” Celestia suggested.
“Right! I’ve got some mint tea waiting for us in my room. I’ll just let Cadance know you’re here, and then I’ll join you.” Twilight gestured to a nearby Crystal Guard, who approached the Princesses.
Celestia took a moment to examine the Crystal Guard’s livery. They wore silver armor, studded with crystals that ran in a line down their back, and layered with black padding underneath. Their helms were of a more classic make, ornate, and styled similarly to her own guard’s helmets.
“Princess?” asked the guard.
“Please escort Celestia to my room. Princess Cadance and I will be joining her shortly,” stated Twilight, smiling at the Guard politely.
“Yes, Princess,” replied the guard, before turning to Princess Celestia and giving her a respectful bow. “Princess, if you’d follow me, please.”