As Twilight Sparkle walked throught halls of Canterlot Castle, Everypony greeted her as usual. It caught her attention that she noticed how they were greeting her, like she was a pony of importance. Then she remembered, she's Celestia's personal protege', so of course they would greet her like that. As she was nearing the dining hall, she heard Celestia speaking with her nephew in a room next to her. "Look, all I am asking is that you spare some time to actually talk with a family member Aunt Celestia. You are always so busy with your royal duties and I am wanting your opinion on something, but I am never able to find a moment to ask if you can spare a moment," Blueblood said.
"If it so important to talk with me, then you can make an appointment ahead of time with my cheif advisers. I am sure they can give you a spot to see me while I deal with the day to day requests of our subjects," Celestia said to her nephew.
Twilight kept her breathing quiet as Blueblood continued, "Aunt Celestia, I am your nephew. I think I am entitled to have the company of my own relation for a short while. I have nothing against the task you perform on a daily basis, nor do I question the time you spend with your students, especially Twilight Sparkle. I just feel a little unnerved when it seems you spend more time with her then you do with your own nephew. Don't get me wrong, Twilight is a fine student that you took as your protege. I doubt that even the other nobles can say anything against her abilities, especially after that raw power she showed at her entrance exam a year, or was it two years ago?... beside the point, I just ask that you at least think about sparing some time to share the company of a relative, alright Aunt Celestia," Blueblood pleaded.
Celestia sighed, "I shall give it some careful thought my nephew. In the mean time I ask that you be patient."
Blueblood was about to say something, but Celestia's grand adviser, and good friend, Lord Silver Sword said, "Pardon me your majesties, it may interest you to know that this conversation is no longer private."
"Before Twilight could politely knock on the door, Silver Sword opened it with his magic. Celestia saw Twilight and said, "Ah, Twilight, good to see you dear."
"Have I come at a bad time? I mean, we can push back lunch for another hour if you need your highness," Twilight suggested.
"Oh, parish the thought dear, my nephew and I were finished with our conversation for the time being," Celestia looked at Blueblood and continued, "We'll finish the discussion after lunch, is that appropriate for you nephew?"
Blueblood cleared his throat, "Perfectly fine Aunt Celestia, I shall be looking forward to continuing the discussion after lunch."
"Alright, now follow me Twilight, I would like to hear what you have learned in you magic studies," Celetia said as she led them to the dining hall to enjoy their lunch for the day.
As Twilight let her teacher know of her day of studying, Celestia was intrigued as always. Once their meal, which was Tomato soup with a hint of basil and some sweet apple cider, non-alcoholic, for a drink, Twilight thought back to the story she and Spike had read. Spike was too busy enjoying his soup, after adding a bit of smokey quarts to it. Celestia noticed after a few brief moments that Twilight was merely stirring her soup with her magic as she sat there. She knew that look anywhere, and it was when Twilight was deep in thought and had an important question that needed answering. "Twilight, I sense there is something that has you searching for an answer, do you wish to tell me what is on your mind?" Celestia asked.
"Well... it probably is of no importance, but there was a book I read, a very short written book that has me wondering about a few things," Twilight said.
"Oh, and what was it in the book that troubled your mind?" Celestia asked as she began to take a sip of her cider.
"Well, now I know this may sound crazy, but the book said that you had three daughters not too long ago," Twilight said.
Celestia coughed as she choked on a bit of her cider upon hearing this. She had not expected Twilight to bring forth this subject. She cleared her throat and said, "Well, that is an interesting discovery Twilight."
Twilight was a bit surprised at her teachers reaction, but continued, "Well, I guess it just had me curious. I mean the way it explained how you had covered up their existence, and sent them to live among the rest of your subjects without anypony knowing who they were, aside from the ponies who took them in, well, it was intriguing to say the least. Now I would have thought it to be no more than a fairy tale written by somepony to entertain children, but the location I found it in, and the fact that the author did not make themselves be known, it raises some questions for me. I don't mean to worry you or anything princess."
"I admire your enthusiasm on this subject my fateful student. I do ask that you try not to put too much thought into the story. The last time that happened, it put you in a coma for five days, and had me worried," Celestia said.
"I understand your highness. I only brought the subject up out of curiosity," Twilight said.
"And I have nothing against that Twilight. Asking questions will always sharpen the mind of everypony. It is how we learn. But for now, let us enjoy our lunch. I'll tell you a few things about my last exploit in the Griffons' Kingdom," Celestia said.
Twilight agreed and listened as her teacher told her about how she was able to keep the peace with the Griffon Kingdom to the east and enjoyed her still warm soup. After lunch, Twilight returned to her studies in the library with her number one assistant, still having the subject of the Lost Princesses on her mind. Celestia proceeded to her private meeting room where Prince Blueblood was waiting for her with Lord Silver Sword. "So, since I took your suggestion into strong consideration, I shall make it a prime goal to spare some time to speak with you nephew, starting now Blueblood. What is it that you wish to discuss?" Celestia asked.
"I was wanting to speak with you about the idea of courtship for me. Now I know I am very young, and it would be out of the ordinary for me to marry a mare now, but, the idea of betrothal until the marriage is something that I am wanting to talk about," Blueblood said.
"Betrothal you say Blueblood? I don't see a reason for one," Celestia said.
Blueblood stated, "Well, I know it's true that my mother and father were not exactly betrothed to each other before they were married, but that was due to the fact of my father's family being from the more eastern part of the world and ventured here to save their subjects from a uncontrollable desert that claimed their kingdom. I am sure they are all grateful you greeted them with a warm welcome and a permanent stay in this land, but we're getting off subject. Since my mother and I were both born here, Equestrian law does state that when a mare or stallion does come of age, they are to be betrothed once there is a suitable other of the proper age. Now, I know what you are thinking. The only other noble that is of age at this point is my cousin Cadence, and trust me when I say, I do not wish to court a relation that is through blood or marriage of other relatives. I have read in the law, that if a suitable other born of noble status is not available, there is the case of military officers able to court nobility. Now I am not going to betroth myself off to another stallion either, for that would be unethical and that would probably be something for Cadence to look into. So..."
Celestia interrupted, "Pardon me for stopping you in in mid-sentence, and I apologize if this may sound rude, but, what is the point you are trying to make?"
"Yes, you do seem to be dragging the core of your debate out your majesty, no offense," Silver Sword stated.
"No, my apologies, what I am trying to explain is, there is also the case of students taught under those who are noble, such as yourself Aunt Celestia," Blueblood said.
"Prince Blueblood, are you suggesting what I think you are?" Silver Sword asked.
"Yes, I am suggesting a betrothal to Twilight Sparkle. She is not of age yet, but she is a headstong mare, know's her way about the castle, and shows many signs of nobility, even though her family may not come from such origins. I feel she would make a fine princess when she comes of age," Blueblood said.
Celestia looked at Silver Sword, then back at Blueblood. She regained her composure and said, "As logical as that may sound Blueblood, I simply can't allow it. It is nothing against you, nor against my student. I wish I could tell you why I cannot allow it, but it is not the time or the place to do so. Now, the Grand Galloping Gala that we hold in about 3 years, since there is a four year gap in between them, I do suggest to look for a fine mare of the same age and of nobility there, and have a talk with the parents. In the meantime, I am sure if you were to take a royal stroll of Canterlot in the noble square you might find somepony," Celestia said.
"I suppose that is acceptable. I do hope that you will be able to let me know in the future of why it is a betrothal to your student isn't allowed. Until then, I look forward to another family talk Aunt Celestia," Blueblood said.
"I will be sure to inform you when I have time my nephew," Celestia said.
Blueblood nodded and soon bowed to show his respect to his aunt, and soon took his leave for the day to perform the royal task that needed his attention. After Celestia had her own private talk with Silver Sword, she made her way to the throne room to take care of the daily matters in day court and her teachings with Twilight.