“Y-your Majesty,” the nurse exclaimed as she bowed and scraped. “It’s an-an honour to see you here.” Nurse Tenderheart reeled at her own words. “N-not that I mean you should be here! I mean, like someone who needs to be here. I mean—”
“It’s quite alright Nurse Tenderheart,” the alicorn chuckled. “I know what you mean.”
Nurse Tenderheart remained prostrate before her.
“Please, you can get up. You don’t have to do that, you know. I might be a Princess now, but I am still Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight hoped against hope that for just this once, somepony would believe that.
“Y-yes,” Tenderheart stammered. “Of course your Majesty. I mean Twilight—” She recoiled at her own words. “I mean Princess Twilight.”
So much for that hope.
Another nurse came through the door, Twilight immediately recognised this pony. “Nurse Redheart! It’s good to see you again.”
“Hmm?” Redheart turned to the voice. A look of shock crossed her face. “Y-Your Majesty—”
Twilight groaned; she knew so many of these ponies from when she was just a simple librarian. Now everypony in Ponyville bowed and scraped as she passed. Well, almost every pony; Twilight was glad her friends hadn’t changed. Rainbow Dash calling her ‘Princess Egghead’ was actually a warm change. Twilight rolled her eyes, she would just have to cut to the chase. “I know it is late, but I was hoping I could see Pinkie Pie. I’ve only just gotten back.”
The two nurses turned to each other. They argued quietly between themselves while glancing looks back at the princess.
“I’ll just go get the doctor.” Nurse Tenderheart rushed down the hall.
Ж
Minutes later, a very nervous looking stallion trotted up the hall beside Tenderheart. “My goodness, my goodness. I didn’t believe—” He cut himself off and dropped into a bow. “Oh, I am so very sorry for my informality, Your Highness. I am Doctor Wits, Resident Psychiatrist here for Ponyville Hospital. Nurse Tenderheart has informed me you are here to see Pinkamena.”
Twilight chuckled. So few people called Pinkie by her real name. “Yes, that’s true. I’ve just returned from Canterlot, and was hoping to visit.”
“I am not sure she is able to take visitors, there were a few… complications today.”
“I will have to see, uhh, if she is awake and wants visitors,” the nurse said as she moved down the hall. She turned back, “Doctor, do I remove—”
“No,” he sighed. He looked up at the princess, then back to the nurse; a look of sadness on his face. “No, not yet. Not until she's safe. And for that, I am very sorry Princess.”
Ж
“Heya Twilight!” The normally exuberant voice was soft, groggy. “I’d get up and hug you, but… well.”
Twilight looked down at the pink mare strapped to the bed, the Princess trying to mask her horror. Cuffs around Pinkie's pasterns kept her arms and legs secured. Her arms were freshly bandaged, but Twilight could still see the deep crimson stains along the bandage; they were fresh. Twilight moved to the head of the bed, and gently rested her cheek on Pinkie’s.
“It’s good to see you Twilight.” Pinkie gave her a weak smile. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too Pinkie,” Twilight replied, returning the smile. “It’s been too long since I’ve been to a Pinkie Party.”
“I keep wanting to throw one in here,” Pinkie pouted, looking to Nurse Redheart still standing at the door, “but somepony won’t let me.”
“I’ll… just be outside this door if you need me.” With that, Nurse Redheart closed the door behind her.
Ж
Twilight sat with Pinkie Pie, telling her all about her recent trip to Canterlot. Pinkie was particularly interested in the party Prince Blueblood threw that Twilight attended. Twilight had enjoyed spending time with Celestia and Luna; but the rest of the court had been utterly painful.
“Did you know Blueblood asked my father for permission to court me?” Twilight shuddered. “He said it would be an advantageous relationship for both families.”
This lead to snorting laughter from Pinkie.
“I’m glad you find it funny!” Twilight couldn’t help but laugh a little herself. “He wouldn’t leave me alone all trip. Not until I… uhh, kind of teleported him. Head first into the fountain in Celestia’s sun garden.”
Pinkie burst out with raucous laughter.
“Princess Celestia admonished me. She told me such proposals are not uncommon, and I would have to learn to deal with such attentions in a more appropriate manner for royalty. And Luna just sat there holding her sides! I think she might have hurt something trying not to laugh.
“The princesses do send their well wishes,” Twilight added feebly, “Luna said she hopes to see you again on Nightmare Night; probably wants to gobble you up.” She playfully nipped at Pinkies cheek, which elicited an excited squeal and a giggle from Pinkie. Twilight was gladdened; small displays like this still told her the pink mare on the bed was still Pinkie Pie.
“Twilight?” Pinkie looked up at the Princess. “Do you think Fluttershy might come see me soon? I know she’s mad at me—”
“Fluttershy isn’t mad at you.” Twilight cut her off; the letter she’d received from Rarity had prepared her for this question. “She knows what happened was an accident. Fluttershy can’t come see you, but I promise, when you get better, we can go and visit her.”
“Okay,” Pinkie responded, dejected. She stifled a yawn. “Sorry Twilight. I’m still a little sleepy from the meds they gave me.”
“That’s okay Pinkie,” Twilight answered, rubbing her cheek against Pinkie’s again. “I’ll come back tomorrow with Spike.”
“Thanks Twilight.”
Pinkie Pie was dozing before Twilight made it to the door.