Much of that night went uneventful, except when Crimson stirred in his sleep having a bit of nightmare. Luna was awakened by this and pulled him close to her, placing a wing over his sleeping body, which helped him feel safer in his unconscious state. Soon Luna's Moon made way for Celestia's Sun as it came over the horizon. Celestia was now on her way to her sisters room to ask how her night had gone, expecting to hear the same story of no pony showing up to night court, with a slight hope something exciting happened. She saw many of the castle staff whispering quietly among each other, only stopping to bow in respect to her before talking to each other again. She soon saw Dusty head towards her chambers and stopped her as she passed. "Excuse me Dusty, I know you've probably had a long night, but may I ask what's got all the ponies in the castle chattering away? I couldn't make out what they were saying since they are talking so quietly," Celestia asks their best caretaker as she suddenly senses a magical presence she was unfamiliar with.
"Oh, well Princess Luna sort of brought home a... surprise last night. I think it's something you might want to see for yourself rather then me explain it to you, your highness," Dusty replies.
Celestia raises an eyebrow at Dusty's response but soon lets the mare make her way to bed. Luna is just waking up and sees little Crimson cuddling up and under her wing. His face buried in her fur, keeping the sunlight from waking him up. Luna found this scene to be too cute, as if he were her own colt. A soft knock on the door is heard, causing the young colt to stir in his sleep. Luna gently runs her wing through his mane, making him relax instantly. Using her magic, Luna quietly opens the door to reveal her sister. Luna quickly covers Crimson's whole body with her wing.
"Good morning little sister; I hope that last night went well for you," Celestia says.
"Very well, in fact, I did... Get a little excitement last night," Luna replies.
"Oh, well, that's interesting to hear," Celestia states.
"There's something I must show you big sister," Luna informs her.
"Yes, what is it Luna?" a hint of curiosity entering her tone.
Luna removes her wing to reveal a sleeping little colt nestling up beside her. Celestia gasps,suddenly realizing where the magical presence came from and asks, "Luna, where in Equestria did this little one come from?"
"Calm down sister, and I shall explain," Luna pleads so Crimson would not wake.
Celestia takes a deep breath and lets her sister continue quietly. "Alright, now, last night started as most of my nights do. No ponies showed up to night court once again, but that much is expected since I have only been here for a short time. I decided to retire to my chambers and was about to take my rest for the night when I sensed this little one in danger. His magic was sending a signal saying he was in trouble. I soon walked outside to my balcony and saw a crimson light off in the distance in the Everfree Forest. I flew towards the light, and that's where I saw him, surrounded by timber wolves," Luna says before Celestia is able to interrupt.
"My goodness, what in Equestria drove him into that place?" Celestia asks in a quiet voice, shocked that a little colt like would ever be there.
"I have no idea sister, but this much I do know. He was producing a shield that ponies twice his age have a hard time producing. He has almost as much potential as your student, Twilight Sparkle... And there is something else,," Luna states before her horn began to glow.
Another gasp comes from Celestia as Crimson's amulet is levitated in front of her. "You know what this used for, right?" Luna questions after seeing her sister's reaction.
"Yes, our parents had us each wear one when we were young, so if we ever got lost, ponies would know we were royalty. Well, before Discord took over of course," Celestia says, shaking at the thought of his reign.
"Yes, so that means little Crimson Shield here is royalty," Luna smiles, but it soon fades away, "Sadly, I feel his parents are no longer with us."
"Well, if either of his parents were alicorn and they are no longer with us, they must have been struck down in battle. That is one of the only few ways our kind can pass into the next realm." Celestia says.
"I know, and I couldn't bear the thought of sending him to an orphanage. I know I just met him, but I could never forgive myself if I did such a thing, plus, I feel he would think of me as no better then any other pony who poorly mistreated him. It seems we have a few subjects that have been a bit disrespectful of other ponies because they are different," Luna replies.
"What do plan on doing Luna?" the Alicorn of Day asks.
"I plan on helping him with his magical potential and also in some flying lessons. I don't think he has used much of either, so some practice would be wise," Luna replies.
"Are you saying you want to make him your student, like I have with Twilight?" Celestia questions her sister with hopeful eyes.
"Yes, if it's not too much to say, I want to enroll him into your school and become his personal mentor. I also wish for him to stay close to me, at least until he's grown more accustomed to being around all of the ponies at this castle and in Canterlot. I do believe he has some trust problems with the way he told me he was treated. I also feel there is something conflicting deep inside him as well. Now I have forbidden myself to look into his memories until he has become far more open with all of us. Perhaps in time I shall let him visit the town of Ponyville to see how other ponies live far from those streets of Manehatten. But for now, he needs rest and somepony to look after him. When he is comfortable enough I will start to teach him," Luna answers.
'This could be a pleasant new start for my little sister. If other ponies see she is caring for another pony, they may come to trust her more and more and visit her in night court in the future.' Celestia ponders to herself.
She informs Luna, "Luna, I support you in this decision you are making, but there is the matter of the other nobles. I'm sure by now, word has reached their ears that he is here and I don't know if all of them will be pleased with this news. We will have to set up a meeting with them and little Crimson will unfortunately have to attend it. Now, we have more then enough reasons of why he should stay, so it's highly unlikely that he will be sent away from the palace. Also be aware taking care of him will be a huge responsibility. If you are to gain his trust, you will have to spend as much time as you can with him and show him that you do care about him. Show him you aren't just somepony who pities him, but truly cares for him. Ponies like the ones that mistreated him sicken me, and in my opinion, should be put on trial for such neglectful acts."
"I understand completely big sister. In all honesty, it pained me to see him in the state he was when I found him. My heart, though it may have held darkness within it in the past, could not bear the idea of just looking the other way and not showing any emotion for him. He deserves far better then how those ponies treated him. I will be doing my best to protect him and, who knows, I may decide to make him more then just a student one day," Luna tells her sister.
"Are you saying?....." Celestia was cut short of her sentence as Luna nods.
"Well, I will support that decision too. However, I can think of a certain white unicorn who might not be so supportive... though it would be funny to see his reaction," Celestia chuckles as she speaks.
"Well, time to wake up the little guy," Luna says.
"Oh, let him sleep a little longer, he seems like he had a tough day yesterday. Besides, I still need to set up the meeting, so I'll come get you when it's ready," Celestia says.
"Alright big sister," Luna comments.
Celestia soon takes off and gathers the nobles for a meeting in the Royal Conference Room. A couple hours pass and Crimson starts to stir as he awakens. When he opens his eyes he see's Luna looking down at him in a caring way.
"Good morning little one. I hope you slept well," Luna says.
"I had a b-bit of a b-bad dream l-last night," Crimson says.
"Well, the bad dreams will go away with time. I have some breakfast on the way for us this morning," Luna informs him.
"But, I thought you would want me to take off once I rested?" Crimson asks.
"I never said I wanted you to leave. In fact, I was going to ask if you would like to stay at the castle with my sister, my niece, and myself. You are very gifted, little one, and I want to help you learn to use your magic for the good of pony kind, it might lead you to do great things," Luna smiled, "Now for some bad news. We need to go to a meeting with the other nobles and talk about your stay here. You'll find something out that will be a bit of a surprise to you. I know you are very shy around other ponies right now, but we must attend this meeting," Luna says.
All that information was a lot for Crimson to take in. He became nervous at the thought of sitting in a room full of high class ponies. He only truly trusted Luna because she had been so nice.
"Wouldn't it be better to just leave and save you the trouble? I'm so different; I'm nothing special," Crimson said dejects.
Luna stroked Crimson's mane, "You are special, and it wouldn't be better if you leave. I cannot let you go back and live the life you once did. Here, I can help you make friends, teach you magic, and so much more. The ponies you met back in Manehattan are not the only types of ponies there are. Those ponies are... what's the word... snobby! Those ponies are snobby, and barely know what happens outside of their own city. It took them ages to find out that I had even returned. So as soon as we settle it with the nobles, you shall stay here with me at the palace, that is, until we can build you your own room close by. I sense that you do feel safe around me, am I right?" Luna politely asks.
Crimson simply nods.
"Then I will see to it that a room be built for you once you've settled in a bit more," Luna continues.
"Oh, you don't have to do that Princess Luna, really," Crimson says.
"I told you that you can just call me Luna when we are alone, and soon possibly in public," Luna says.
"But, what if the nobles say I have to go? What if they say I'm not allowed in the Castle ever again?" Crimson asks in a nervous tone.
"You won't have to worry about that. My sister Celestia and I have that under control, should they seek to follow that route," Luna assures him.
Soon there was a knock at the door, and a surprised gasp came from Crimson when he saw who stood behind it. A maid with breakfast pastries walked in and soon after, a white alicorn did the same. Crimson was shocked to see another alicorn and figured she was Luna's sister based on her height. "The meeting is ready, dear sister, we will start as soon as you and Crimson are done with breakfast," Celestia informs her.
"Huh? H-How d-do you kn-know my name y-your highness?" Crimson asks, confused as the maid walks out.
Celestia only smiles as she answers, "My sister Luna let me know your name while you were asleep little one. And you have no need for formalities, we're not at the conference with the nobles yet, though, I doubt you'll need to use formalities at all after today."
"Huh, why?" Crimson questions.
"You'll find out at the meeting young one, now go ahead and enjoy your food. I'll be waiting outside for the two of you," Celestia says as she too walks out the door.
Crimson and Luna enjoy their morning entrees and soon make their way out of the room after Luna grabs her royal attire and Crimson grabs his amulet. Celestia joins them and they start to make their way to the conference room. Crimson is once again taken away by the decor of the castle and is surprised he wasn't in a dream, he had even pinched his leg earlier to check. Sure enough, he was awake. Some of the guards comment about Crimson as they look at him. He begins to walk closer to Luna, feeling scared one of the guards may throw him out if he strays to far. Luna senses his fear and assures him, "You needn't worry about the guards. They would not do anything unwise to upset my sister or me."
This made Crimson relax easier, but it didn't last long as they made their way into the conference room. Once in there, many of what he thinks the two royal sisters called nobles were eyeing him down. However, some do seen more caring, especially another alicorn who he presumes is Princess Cadence from what Luna told him last night. Celestia and Luna make their way to their seats in the room, and Luna teleports a chair that was the right size for Crimson into the room. It is not long after that when the question Crimson fears the most is asked.
"Princess Luna, you come before us today with this colt and allow him to sleep in the palace. Would you care to explain your reasons for this outrageous action?" asks the unicorn noble, Lord Black Hoof.
"There is nothing outrageous about our actions. This young colt has been through more then we would want any foal to bare. From what we understand, he was living in an orphanage in Manehatten. Now we know not why he was placed there at this time and do not wish to ask him at this time..." Luna was soon cut off by Prince Blueblood.
"Well I wish to hear the explination of why he was placed there. Maybe it will provide clues as to why he ran away," Blue Blood spits out.
"We feel that it is unjustified to ask him at this present time," Luna fires back, trying to avoid the topic for Crimson's sake.
"I'm sorry little sister, but under article 184 of Equestrian law, if the nobles make such a request, the pony or party in question must give the answer," Celestia informs her.
'I shall try my best to amend that rule little sister,' Celestia tells her through telepathy.
Luna sighed, "Very well. I am sorry young Crimson, but this council wishes to hear the reason you were put in the orphanage."
Crimson gulps, "M-my parents were k-k-killed th-three m-months ago," he manages to say before breaking into tears, causing the other three alicorn to gasp.
"And soon after you were placed in an orphanage?" asked a noble, wanting to stray off the current topic.
Crimson nods, wanting to thank the noble later on.
"Hold on," Blue Blood cuts in again, "How were they killed Crimson."
Luna was wanting to teach Blueblood a lesson for being so ruthless to the little colt. "They were k-killed by........ Y-you wouldn't b-believe me y-your grace."
"Young colt, we are hear to know the truth, no matter how silly it may sound," replies Duke Red Mane.
"Tell us what killed your parents little one," Blue Blood demands.
"They were k-killed by g-gr-griffons y-your majesty," Crimson finally says, no longer able to hold back any of his tears.
Luna wraps a comforting wing around him, while the nobles were in an uproar.
"That is absurd! We've had peace with the Griffon Kingdom for nearly three generations!" shouted one noble.
"If they are truly behind this crime, it could lead to further actions toward war!" spat another.
Arguments sprang through the nobles like wildfire. Crimson hid himself under Luna's wing, in an attempt to block out as much of the yelling as possible.
Celestia sees the way Crimson looked and decides it was time to end this, saying in her royal Canterlot voice, "SILENCE! ALL OF YOU TAKE YOUR SEATS!"
This caused the nobles to go completely silent. Celestia clears her throat and says, "Thank you, now, do understand there is a child present with us so I ask you keep your voices to a reasonable tone. On another note, this is an unexpected development. How this managed to remain undetected is a mystery in itself, but we will approach this rationally. Now, it very well may be that this was one, or a group of rouge Griffons that don't follow the law like all griffons and ponies should. This could also be as we feared, and the whole Griffon Kingdom has now decided to no longer follow our agreement we previously put forth. I do not believe Crimsons story to be in any way false. Ponies his age could not and would not make up a story like that. Now there is the matter of why he will stay here."
"Quite right, Princess Luna, please give us your explanation of why he is staying here, even if some of the council may disapprove of such and act," Prince Blue Blood states, now feeling sympathy for the young colt.
Luna is uncertain of where Blue Blood stood on the matter, so she takes a deep breath and says, "The reason we have let him stay here is because a few hours prior to his arrival at the castle, young Crimson Shield had found himself cornered by a pack of timber wolves."
This made many nobles gasp at such a situation as Luna continues, leaving out the part about his magical abilities, "We soon landed on the scene and were able scare of the wolves deep into the Everfree forest. Once Crimson realized the danger had passed, he told us why he had arrived so far from Manehatten. Evidence seems clear to me that some ponies from the city of Manehatten mistreated Crimson greatly, including the orphanage. We do not wish to send him back for some reasons we will point out. For one, he shows great magic potential and we wish to enroll him into our sisters school. Our sister has already agreed to it and will allow me to be his personal mentor. Another reason we believe he should stay in our palace is he has shown to be a bit shy around unicorns, pegasai and earth ponies. We feel it may help him regain the trust he has lost among them if he's around my sister, myself and even our niece more. Thirdly is due to this," Luna removes this amulet that was around Crimson neck and the council gasps including Cadence, "We're sure thou are all aware that this amulet that was found around his neck is only able to be worn by those of royal blood, or the necklace will refuse to be placed upon the ponies neck because of the enchantment. So, this proves that he is of royal blood, and as such provides him every right to remain here at the Castle. We know not where his lineage goes back to, it may be a distant relation of our own, but he is of royalty none the less."
"I do not wish to question your assumption, but we must be sure that this is in fact the so called amulet you speak of. Much evidence proves he is of royalty, but I have seen where ponies will make exact replicas to try and pass off as the real thing," states Lord Gold Wing.
"Very well, I shall call in Misty, our records keeper," Celestia replies, already sensing the enchantment, but wishing to humor the other ponies. Celestia gives subtle winks to her younger sister and niece while no pony was looking.
Soon, Misty is brought in and she bows in respect, "You called for me your majesty?" Misty asks, hoping she hadn't done something wrong.
"Yes, Misty, we need you to attempt to put this amulet around your neck," Celestia answers.
"Is that all your highness?" Misty asks in curiosity.
"Yes, that will be all," Celestia replies.
"As you wish your highness," Misty says as she attempts to put the amulet over her neck.
After trying and failing to put the amulet around her neck for five minutes, Misty gives up, "I don't understand why your highness, but I cannot place the Amulet over my head, it's as if it has a mind of it's own."
"It is alright, this just proves that the blood in your family has no signs of royal lineage, do not take this to be a way to hurt your pride, I am glad to have you as our records keeper here, for I can think of no pony better suited for such a task, Misty," Celestia says.
"Well thank you your majesty, now, I shall be off if my services here are no longer needed," Misty replies as she hoofs the amulet back to Celestia.
"Yes, you may go Misty," Celestia informs her.
Misty bows and soon trots out the door and gives Crimson a friendly smile while no pony else was looking. "So, as you can see, this amulet is meant for royalty to wear only, usually children, and it proves Crimson himself is of royal blood. Judging from the markings on this amulet, it is the status of prince. Any pony in this room would be able to wear the amulet as well if they are of such status, such as yourself Blueblood," Celestia says.
"I see, and I do agree with your claim Princess Celestia, this is indeed for members of royalty who are prince or princess, making it clear that he is of royal blood. I do suppose the only reasonable choice is to let him stay here. I don't know if anypony noticed, but young little Crimson seemed to tremble at the mention of an orphanage. To send him there after finding out about his lineage... Well, it would make every noble here look and sound like complete tyrants," Blueblood states.
"I am surprised that you agree so fast to this Blue Blood," Cadence says, speaking her peace.
"I am doing my best to turn over a new leaf. It's been brought to my attention that many ponies disapprove of my behavior, and I wish better myself to earn the respect of our subjects dear cousin. Also, I am trying to better my political skills and see the situation from all points of view.I have to admit, my teenage behavior and personality have not been up to royal standards. I do not wish to repeat some of my mistakes from the last Grand Galloping Gala," Prince Blue Blood replies.
"I see, and yes, it would look very bad on our part. Now I'm sure that some of you are more then willing to let him stay, and I am sure my Aunts will help teach him how to behave like a 'proper' prince. I too shall teach him as well, so I don't see any argument for him to stay here," Cadence says, thinking about how cute she thought little Crimson was.
"Thank you for your opinions in this matter. Now, does anypony here object to what we have discussed? Any disagreements or arguments they wish to state? If so speak now," Celestia looks around for any pony who was in disagreement and no pony had anything to say against it. She continues, "Then as of this moment, Crimson Shield is given the right to live at the palace and shall be addressed properly as Prince Crimson Shield, his highness or his majesty when greeted or spoken to in public aside from my sister, my niece and my nephew and myself, who will be given permission to call him Crimson. This meeting is adjourned and the meeting upon the matter of the griffon attack on Crimson's family shall be held in one week to decide the best course of action on what should be done to atone for the death of Crimson's family, are we all clear?" Celestia asks.
"Yes your majesty," the council answers in unison.
"Then all nobles here are free to go about their business here and I shall be in the throne room to attend to matters of day court, thank you all for coming," Celestia replies.
The council bows and soon make their way out of the conference room and out of the Palace to go about their days, many making positive comments about Crimson and how brave he was to come forth about his hardships he faced. As Celestia spoke to her niece about how Blueblood's behavior improved, she made her way to Day Court. Luna lead Crimson to the dining hall to get a bite to eat, knowing that he had to be hungry after the long meeting that went on til about lunch time.