//------------------------------// // Chapter Eight // Story: Heart of Diamonds // by APoeticHeart //------------------------------// A blanket of warmth washes over as Princess Celestia’s sun shines in through the library’s window, and I start to stir in my sleep. I let out a delicate yawn, blinking my eyes open, and stretching out my forelegs. I turn to see that Sweetie Belle is gone, and I look around to see that the other two fillies are gone too. Hmm… they must have already gone to school. I let out another light yawn, and I watch as the girls start to wake up. I turn my head to look at Connor, who is sleeping peacefully, curled up close to my side, and I can’t help but to melt on the inside, with a warm smile etched upon my face. “Good morning Rarity, did Connor sleep good last night?” Twilight asks me in a whisper, so not to wake the sleeping child. I turn to her, letting out a heavy sigh, and reply in a whisper of my own. “Well… yes and no.” I look to see each of the girls give me a look of confusion. “Last night, while I was sleeping, I heard the sound of some pony weeping. After I listened to it for a little bit longer, I could tell that it was Connor’s.” I turn to him, giving a frown, and I carefully lift a hoof to stroke gently at his side. “Oh…oh my, what was wrong with him Rarity…um… if it’s okay for me to ask?” Fluttershy asked with her eyes filling up with tears. I continue to stroke along Connor’s small form as he lay sleeping. “I followed the sound of his crying, and it came from outside. So I carefully opened the door, and I watched him as he looked up at Princess Luna’s moon.” I let out a heavy sigh “My heart broke at the sight of him, because he was hugging his legs up to his chest, and shaking with sobs.” I look to see the others with concerned looks on their face as they watch him sleeping. “Sugarcube, did the little feller tell ya what was bothering him?” Applejack gave me a serious look, mixed with worry. I nod sadly at her “Yes Applejack darling.” I feel tears threaten to escape as I recall that dreadful question he asked of me. “Girls, he asked me if I thought he was ugly.” “WHAT?!” They gasp, but thankfully Connor remains sleeping. “Why would the cute little cupcake think he is ugly for?” Pinkie asks as her usually puffy mane and tail slowly deflates. I look over at her with a sad smile. “He told me that this ‘Sir’ called him ugly. He also told Connor that is why his mother and father gave him away.” I allow a tear to roll down my cheek, striking the wooden floor, and I turn to look at the small child. “What kind of jerk would say that to a little colt?” Rainbow Dash hovers in the air, pounding her fore hooves together. I look up at her “I don’t know Rainbow darling, but I comforted him by pulling him to me, and giving him a long, warm, and comforting hug.” I turn to look at Connor, and smile warmly as I give him a light kiss on the top of his head. “Twilight,” we hear Spike say as he comes waddling down the steps. He pants heavily as he walks over to her, carrying a scroll. “Oh, thank you Spike. Let’s see if Princess Celestia can tell us what to do about Connor.” Twilight uses her magic to levitate the scroll from Spike’s claw, removes the seal, and unrolls it. We look at her and carefully listen as she begins to read the letter. Dear Twilight Sparkle, After reading about the discovery of a young human child by your friend and fellow element, the Element of Generosity, Rarity, Luna and myself would be more than delighted to meet the little one. In case you have forgotten my faithful student, tonight is the Annual Grand Galloping Gala, and I believe it will be a good occasion to meet this child. We are truly sorry for the little one for being an orphan, and we hope we can make him feel welcomed here in Equestria. I am sending you eight tickets. We will be waiting for your arrival tonight. Your mentor and friend, Princess Celestia “Oh, the Grand Galloping Gala is tonight?! I got to get home so I can start making the little darling a nice suit to wear.” I look over to see Connor still sleeping, and not having the heart to wake him up, I carefully levitate him onto my back as I slowly stand up. “Do you want to have breakfast with us Rarity before you leave?” Twilight asks with a soft smile. I look at her and the others “Thank you Twilight, but I will fix us something for breakfast when we get back home.” I give them a warm smile. “I will meet you girls here tonight, and we shall leave for Canterlot Castle.” I wave a hoof at them, as they wave in turn, and I turn to trot out of the library on the way home. How could I have forgotten such a marvelous occasion such as the Grand Galloping Gala? Well, that is simple, you allowed yourself to be drawn in by the small child, and totally forgot about the biggest night of your life. The night where you can meet the richest of ponies who will be willing to buy your designs. Well, yea that is true, but how can you say such a thing about Connor like that?! I was not drawn into caring for him, he needs some pony to take care of him, even if it has to be me, then so be it! That is a good attitude to have for watching after the child Rarity, but think about all the stares, whispers, and gossip you will hear tonight. Those high in society are going to think of you as nothing but a charity case, allowing the simplest of creatures into your home. Oh be quiet! I will handle all of that when or if it ever happens. For now though, I got a suit to make for the sweet little darling, and you are not going to prevent me from doing so. So just leave me alone! As I approach the boutique, I turn around to look at Connor curled up on my back, hidden under my mane, and I smile warmly. Oh dear, what am I going to do?