Princess Celestia approached me once again for another opportunity to have me cover her duties for her -- it seemed as though once she got a taste of actual freedom from her duties, she could not bear to continue carrying out her obligations and responsibilities as Solar Regent for Equestria. I had politely told her, at first, that I was quite reticent about resuming that role, however her persistence, along with promises of financial wealth beyond imagining were what finally convinced me to allow her another extended leave of absence. Her response to my acquiescence was to embrace me tightly and give me a kiss on my lips, a completely unexpected reaction. I responded by telling her to control herself, as such behavior was unbecoming one of her stature. She simply laughed it off and wished me good luck in reprising my earlier role.
Trixie had balked at my seeming willingness to act as Solar Regent once again, going so far as to throw a tantrum of outrage. When I showed her how much money we were to receive, she calmed down immediately, a big smile making its way onto her face as she realized what financial freedom really meant. She occupied her time by performing her magic act in various locations around Canterlot, but after several months of this, she noticed her belly becoming larger once again -- not because she was eating quite well, but because she had become pregnant with our second foal! It was during this time that Trixie noticed Twilight's bulging belly as well. The two of them had a discussion about their pregnancies, though Trixie was still pretty upset about it, and let the lavender Alicorn know in no uncertain terms of her displeasure.
Twilight responded by telling Trixie that the foals would enjoy having each other as playmates and that she would take an active role in parenting all of them, should the show-mare desire some freedom from that responsibility. Trixie was somewhat aghast that such a possibility would be raised, promising that she would be a better mother to her second foal, regardless of the gender. Twilight asked Trixie if she wanted to know the gender of her second foal, admitting that she already knew she was carrying a filly Alicorn foal and had picked out the name as well. This fact astonished Trixie, who then expressed a curiosity to know. Twilight scanned Trixie with her magic and determined the gender of Trixie's foal to be a male, but not an Alicorn.
"Marina is going to be so happy to have a brother!" Twilight exclaimed happily. "Let me know when you choose a name for him!"
"Trixie wants to know how Sparkle can do that," the azure mare mused. "I was never taught that kind of magic."
"Technically, I'm not supposed to use it either, as it is one of those forbidden spells, kind of like the "want it - need it" spell," she explained.
"Oh, breaking the rules, eh? I like it!" the show-mare grinned. "Yours is further along than mine, though I hope I can make amends this time around."
"Don't worry too much, Trixie, I'm sure you'll do quite well. Your little colt might prove to be a real hoof-full though!"
"I hope you're prepared for foal-birth, Sparkle -- mine was kind of painful."
"I've read all the books available on that subject, Trixie -- I am fully prepared for it -- actually, I'm looking forward to it! The name I've picked out is Garnet," the lavender Alicorn said warmly, a broad smile on her face.
"I haven't figured a name for our colt yet -- and until you told Trixie she was having a colt, I hadn't thought about it all that much."
"What has Amethyst said about it? Has he chosen a name yet?"
"No -- at least, he hasn't said anything to me about it -- perhaps I should ask him for some ideas," the show-mare mused.
"That sounds like a good idea. Tell me, Trixie, has Celestia said anything about how long she was going to be gone? I suppose Ammy's getting tired of doing her job."
"No, Sparkle, she hasn't said anything to Trixie about this. I shall ask Amethyst about that matter as well. Trixie will see you later, Sparkle," she grinned as she trotted off to the throne room to meet up with me.
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I was sitting on the throne and listening to a businesspony from Las Pegasus request a permit for another casino on the strip. Apparently, this pony was a very wealthy one who owned Coltligula's Palace and the Canterlot Casino. He was trying to acquire new land, but the city clerk and mayor had rebuffed his request, so he had come to me for my help. I suspected he was hoping to catch Celestia, as he had heard about what had happened to me the last time I was in Las Pegasus. His apprehension was readily apparent.
"But ... but ... your Majesty! I have been an upstanding pony and have contributed to the Royal Coffers! I don't see why I can't have a permit to build another casino!" he protested.
"I am quite certain that you, as well as nearly every other casino owner in Las Pegasus can attest to, that I hold a very dim opinion of casino owners and operators. Gambling licenses are at a premium and my goal is to see to it that everypony who is wealthy enough to buy land, build and operate a casino gets a fair chance to do so. You come before me seeking a permit to build a third casino, a request I have denied. Return to your city and trouble me not with further such requests," I stated flatly. "You are dismissed. Please leave."
The stallion hung his head and shook it a few times in disbelief. I heard him mutter something about how Celestia would have approved his request had she been the Regent on duty at the time. I frowned in disapproval at him.
"You would do well to refrain from further statements of contempt. I realize that I am not Celestia, but she has given me full authority to act as her equal during her absence. If you have a problem with that, I'm sure certain arrangements can be made to address your concerns upon her return. We have special waiting areas for ponies with your impatience in our dungeon and we would be more than happy to detain you there until she arrives," I said, almost cheerfully.
"You really have it in for us in Las Pegasus, don't you?" he asked bitterly.
"Indeed I do, sir, which is why I denied not only your request, but the requests of every other casino owner and operator in your city. Truth be told, I have a great deal of contempt for you and your fellow owner/operators."
"Why?"
"I should not have to explain myself. The trouble that my wife and I experienced during our stay in your city still raises my ire from time to time. You should be thankful I even allowed you an opportunity to present your case. You waste my time, so please get going. NOW."
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Trixie entered the throne room to discuss certain matters with me as the disappointed casino owner left. She cantered up to me almost excitedly, beaming a big smile.
"Trixie is going to be having a colt," she said warmly, maintaining her smile.
"That's wonderful news, Trixie -- have you picked a name for him?"
"Trixie was hoping you might have a suggestion."
"I will have to give it some more consideration," I mused. "By the way, who gave you this information? Was it Twilight?"
"Yes, Amethyst, it was! Sparkle says she carries a filly and has chosen the name of Garnet for her."
"That sounds nice. She told you she carries an Alicorn foal? Yours is a winged unicorn, a brother to Marina? I thought I told Twilight not to divulge that information, wanting the foal's gender to be a surprise. That having been said, I am pleased to hear we'll be having a colt. I think we should wait until he's born before deciding on a name -- I am curious to see what color his coat will be."
"Trixie is sorry, but she needed to know -- well, I was curious to know -- I didn't know Sparkle could do that," the show-mare mused.
"I think Twilight's pretty close to the end of her term, though -- I've noticed how low her belly hangs," I observed.
"Trixie thinks you stare at Sparkle too much," she chided.
"That's not to say I don't love you, Trixie," I smiled, patting her bulging belly, rubbing it lightly. She giggled at my touch.
"Oh, Amethyst -- be careful, please! I'm not ready to give birth right now!" she said through her laughter.
"I'm curious to know what Marina might think, though she has told me --"
"She says I'm getting fat!" Trixie nearly wailed. "I'm not fat, am I?"
"No, Trixie, you're not fat -- the pregnancy gives that illusion, but that extra weight will fall right off you after you've given birth to our little colt," I stated, giving her a reassuring smile. "Besides, you know I like my mares with a little meat on their bones."
"Don't remind me," she said rather coldly. "You still think about Chocolate Sweetness sometimes, don't you?"
That's a dangerous question, Trixie. "My thoughts of that pegasus are fleeting -- any curiosity I might have about her would be as to her health condition. I haven't seen or heard from her in about two years -- I wonder if she's still alive."
"Trixie suggests you stop thinking about that pegasus and think about Trixie instead! You married me, in case you need me to remind you!" she said sternly.
"Duh, Trixie. I have the right to express a curiosity -- I have no desire to engage her in physical contact again."
"Good, keep it that way! Think only of Trixie, Amethyst! Dream only of her!"
"What are you, the Dream Police? I suppose you'd invade my mind while I'm sleeping to check on my dreams? Not even Luna is allowed to do that to me!" I retorted. This drew a gasp from her. "It's because I'm an Alicorn now -- I have earned certain rights and privileges which come with being the Solar Regent, along with certain responsibilities and obligations."
The show-mare lowered her head and kicked at one of the stone tiles in the floor. "Oh," she said, just barely above a mumble.
"Don't be sad, Trixie, and please don't be mad at me. I apologize for not having more time to spend with you."
"Sparkle told me she might be willing to --"
"Are you thinking about traveling around Equestria again, leaving the raising of your colt to others? I thought you were going to turn over a new leaf and be responsible this time around."
"It's just that ... Trixie gets so bored!"
"Trixie, it's time for you to face your responsibilities instead of running away from them. I would be tempted to tell you to "Man Up," but you're a mare -- I guess I should tell you to 'Mare Up' instead!" I chuckled. "Come on, Trixie, I know you can do the right thing this time. I'm here to help you, and so is Twilight, Summer Song, and quite a few others you can call to your assistance should you need it."
Trixie smiled, feeling considerably more confident about taking on the responsibilities of motherhood and left the throne room as another businesspony was allowed entry. This time, a light brown unicorn mare, smartly dressed I might add, approached me and bowed deeply before me.
"State your name and your request, please," I said, attempting to maintain a serene smile.
"Your Majesty, I am Fleet Orchid, from Fillydelphia. I have an issue with the mayor's office there, as I am attempting to expand my business. I own a couple of flower shops and am wanting to build a third one, though the mayor has informed me that the maximum number I can own is two. I would appreciate it if you would persuade the mayor to change his mind for me."
"I shall give it my consideration, Ms. Orchid. I will contact the mayor's office to see if I can persuade him. There will be a slight increase in your property taxes to accommodate your request should it be approved, though I am sure the increase in revenue from your expansion will more than cover the necessary operating costs as well as the increase in property and payroll taxes."
The mare smiled at me. "Thank you very much, your Majesty!" She then turned and left after bowing to me.
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The rest of the day continued along these lines, with more ponies and dignitaries from various locations making requests ranging from mundane to outrageous. Dealing with them on a daily basis was quite tedious as I found myself counting the hours during the morning anxiously awaiting my lunch break, then counting them some more until it was time for me to lower the Sun. I would routinely chat with Luna to see how she was coping during her sister's vacation, though she informed me she was ready to take another leave of absence herself and that she would be contacting Twilight in order to have the lavender Alicorn cover her duties.
I told Luna that Twilight was very near foal-birth, which caused the Lunar Princess to express a little dismay over that fact, but she changed her expression when she saw me glare at her. She apologized for her selfish thoughts, considering I had been willing to cover for her sister. She then asked if I could cover for both of them as I had for a three week period roughly a year ago. I told her she should wait until after Twilight had given birth to her filly and asked her why she was so impatient to leave. She confessed that she had become a little envious of her sister getting quite a bit of time to herself and that she felt that she needed a vacation as well. My response was to reiterate my previous request that she wait until Twilight was ready to cover for her, as I felt cancelling Lunar Court during her absence might be a little disconcerting to those ponies who could not make arrangements for Solar Court. Luna relented, but only reluctantly.