//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: The Princess's Plans // Story: Allegiance // by Just a tree //------------------------------// Shining Armor was on a mission. His little sister wanted the Princess to believe that Nightmare Moon was real, so he was off to talk to the Princess. This was probably one of the bravest and dumbest things he had ever done. Nevertheless, he was determined to do his best. He considered whether or not to go put on his armor first: in the end, he decided his position as Twilight’s brother was probably more important to Princess Celestia than his employment as a Royal Guard. After all, Twilight had convinced him to help her rather than return to Guard duty right away. The armor could wait. He trotted through the halls of Canterlot Castle, nodding to other Guards he passed. At this time of day, Princess Celestia was probably in the throne room, dealing with a mountain of paperwork – the Guards had collectively decided that if there was a perfect time to speak to the Princess, it was now. The rumor was that she was all too happy to speak with her little ponies if it meant hoofing off her paperwork to somepony else for a while. Soon enough, he reached the double doors to Celestia’s throne. The Guards on either side recognized him. “Sir, the Princess has requested your presence.” Shining Armor did a double take. What? She wanted to talk to him specifically? “Ah – me?” “She asked for your whole squad, but you weren’t available. Corporal Fizzy was told to report in when you returned.” So, his subordinates were involved, but Celestia hadn’t just issued the orders to his second-in-command. “Alright. I’ll go in and see what she wants.” The Guards nodded and let him pass. Now that he was here, he needed to make the best impression possible. He took a deep breath and carefully pushed the door open. Inside the throne room, sunlight shone through the stained glass windows along the walls, creating the brilliant patterns in the air that were the trademark of Canterlot Castle. Looking past the effects of the artwork, he saw the unmistakable, aurora-maned figure of Princess Celestia atop the dais at the far end of the room. Before her stood a couple pegasus guards and a certain pink alicorn. Shining Armor eyes widened and he stopped at a respectful distance. It was probably just best to wait for them to finish first. Why hadn’t the Guards told him Cadance was here? He didn’t need to start his already crazy mission by rudely interrupting, not one, but two princesses. His chances were slim enough as it was. His plan to be ignored until Cadance left didn’t get far, however. Celestia noticed him and called him forward. “Good morning, Shining Armor! Please, join us.” The younger alicorn turned to see the newcomer. Her face brightened considerably when she saw him and she gave him a warm smile. Technically, Royal Guards were supposed to avoid emotional displays, but Shining Armor smiled a little anyway. With a deep bow, he said, “Good morning, your Highnesses. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” “Not at all. You arrived at just the right time.” Celestia glanced at her niece. “Cadance and I were discussing royal duties.” Royal duties – Shining Armor knew Celestia took care of the administration of all of Equestria and the raising of the sun and moon, besides. Cadance, on the other hoof … Shining Armor rejected that thought. Cadance had royal duties, didn’t she? Celestia continued speaking. “Princess Cadance has been a blessing to the ponies of Canterlot. With her special magic and her hard work, she has made personal connections with ponies throughout our city. However, to be a true leader, she needs to be seen as one by the ponies of Equestria.” Ah. Cadance had not been idle, but Celestia wanted to give her responsibilities. Shining Armor glanced at Cadance. She looked apprehensive about Celestia’s suggestions. “That is why I have asked Cadance to lead the Summer Sun Celebration in Canterlot this year.” Shining Armor stared. Celestia smiled gently at him and explained, “There is no powerful magic involved. I will raise the sun from Ponyville, but I would like Cadance to lead the festivities here in my absence.” Oh, that made much more sense. That wasn’t too much to ask for. Judging by Cadance’s silence, she couldn’t find a reasonable objection, either. If Cadance wanted to avoid it, Shining Armor would have liked to help her, but Celestia did have her best interests at heart. Really, he didn’t have much of a say here. “I think there are good reasons for doing that, but, if I might ask, why are you telling me this?” “I am not asking Cadance to take care of everything by herself,” Celestia said. “Shining Armor, can I count on you to help her when she needs it?” Shining Armor had automatically begun to say yes to the request, but he froze when he heard what he was agreeing to. Cadance’s look of unease disappeared, replaced by one of schock. She spoke her first words since he’d arrived. “You’re assigning Shining Armor to me?” Celestia took her outburst in stride. “Only if he agrees and you don’t have any objections.” Afraid she might offend him, Cadance quickly said, “No, I don’t have any objections.” Then she realized she had agreed to Celestia’s plan for the Summer Sun Celebration. She attempted to clarify, “To – Shining Armor …” She trailed off before she could dig herself any deeper. Celestia watched her blush for a second, then turned to Shining Armor. He forced himself to breathe and respond. “Of course, your Highness. I’d be glad to help Princess Cadance.” However, a nagging feeling that this was too good to be true made him ask, “Why did you choose me, though?” Celestia replied thoughtfully, “I know you two have known each other for a long time. If memory serves, I even heard you went to a fall formal together?” She was met with silence and an incredible amount of blushing. After a moment of awkwardness, Celestia kept talking. “In any case, I thought Cadance would appreciate working with somepony she knew.” Both ponies remained mute. Celestia smiled and said, “It’s settled then! I will inform Captain Steady March that you and your squad have been reassigned. Princess Cadance, you may direct your new Guards as you see fit.” She paused again, but they were still too embarrassed to do more than nod. “I think this will work out just fine. Enjoy yourselves!” It was finally over. Both of them turned away and walked towards the door, but after a step Shining Armor remembered why he had come to the throne room in the first place. Reluctantly, he stopped and turned back towards Princess Celestia. She looked at him in concern. “Is something the matter, Shining Armor?” Well, it was now or never. Trying to put on his Royal Guard’s straight face, he plowed into what he was sure was going to be a painful conversation. “Yes, your Highness. I was saying goodbye to my sister this morning and she told me about a letter she wrote to you.” “I’m listening.” Princess Celestia watched him, waiting for Shining Armor to continue. He resisted the urge to swallow nervously. He knew that Celestia knew exactly what he was talking about. “She told me that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the Mare in the Moon would break free and bring nighttime eternal to Equestria.” Behind him, Cadance tilted her head, confused. Shining Armor stood still and waited for Celestia’s response. The Princess examined him for a moment. His Guard training let him stand at attention without crumbling under her gaze, but he couldn’t help wondering what she was going to say. It was bad enough she didn’t believe Twilight. What would she do to a Royal Guard she had just reassigned? He felt sweat in his mane. Those magenta eyes were really intimidating when she was serious, but no matter what, he had to stand his ground for Twilight. Finally, she seemed to reach a decision. “That is information from the book, Predictions and Prophesies.” Shining Armor hesitated. He knew Celestia was Twilight’s teacher, but he hadn’t expected this. “You know what Twilight was talking about?” She nodded. “I am aware of the source of Twilight’s concerns.” “But you don’t believe her?” Celestia carefully explained, “I read those books long before Twilight ever did. She’s right that there is some truth in them, but I don’t believe my little ponies need to worry about Nightmare Moon.” Shining Armor could already see that the Princess was going to be even harder to convince than Twilight. With failure imminent, he tried one last question. “If you knew that prophecy wasn’t true, why would you still allow Twilight to read it?” Celestia nearly frowned. She never frowned: this must be a sign of severe disapproval. It was even worse to endure than her silent scrutiny. Shining Armor felt like he should be groveling on his knees in apology, but he found the willpower to resist. “I don’t presume to control every aspect of Twilight’s life, Shining Armor. What she reads is her own choice.” Had he accused her of that? Oh, he had made mistakes … As though she couldn’t sustain the harshness, however, Celestia relented and softened her expression. “I did send her to Ponyville, away from her studies. I know that is not a choice she would have made on her own, but I am certain Twilight will learn many things during her time there.” Shining Armor let himself sink to his knees, relieved that Celestia was so forgiving. “Of course, your Highness.” She nodded at him, signaling for him to rise. She looked past her remorseful Guard to the concerned Princess standing behind him. She asked, “Princess Cadance, do you think there is something you could learn from Twilight’s situation?” “Oh,” Cadance responded, not expecting Celestia to bring her back into the conversation. “I suppose both Twilight and I are students of yours and … you’d like us to try something new.” “Exactly,” Celestia nodded. “I know you dislike it, but I hope you understand and keep an open mind.” Cadance was starting to look uncertain again, but she said, “I don’t dislike it, really. If this is what I need to do to become a true leader, I’m happy to try. I’m just not sure I can do as good a job as you can.” Celestia smiled in sympathy. “The ponies of Canterlot adore you, Princess Cadance. You may not do things the same way I do, but you will have your own style.” Cadance nodded her understanding as Shining Armor backed away to stand next to her. Now that Twilight’s worries had been proven wrong, he couldn’t wait to get out of here. Luckily, Celestia sounded as though she were almost done. “Most of the preparations in Canterlot have been finished. For today, you two can just get used to working together.” Their embarrassment returned. The Princess of Equestria couldn’t leave well enough alone, could she? As though she didn’t notice, however, she continued. “I will leave for Ponyville before sunrise tomorrow. That is when you begin to conduct the Celebration.” Celestia paused, watching Cadance’s reaction, but she was agreeable now. Celestia resumed explaining. “I don’t expect that you’ll have too much trouble. If there does happen to be a slight delay at the start, don’t worry.” A slight delay in the Celebration? How was that supposed to happen? Was the sunrise going to be late? Alarmed, Shining Armor asked, “Do you expect there to be a problem, your Highness?” Celestia dismissed the issue. “Oh, nothing that can’t be overcome. I trust Twilight to do as I asked.” Shining Armor thought of how Twilight had been obsessed over Nightmare Moon instead of the Summer Sun Celebration. He hoped Celestia was right. The Princess said, “That should be all. I’m sure you’ll do just fine.” Now they could leave. They thanked her and turned to go. As they walked back along the room to the door, Cadance whispered to him in a singsong tone, “Aunt Celestia is never wrong.” Shining Armor felt better, hearing Cadance’s seemingly carefree voice. Playing along, he said, “Are you kidding? Everypony but Twilight knows that.” Chucking quietly together, they stepped out of Celestia’s throne room.