//------------------------------// // Nothing Can Stay Secret From Everypony // Story: The Royal Crystal Family // by Night--Mist //------------------------------// It had been only a few of days since Cadence found out the fate of Applejack and Luna had been in total shock to learn her niece had sent Twilight into her tummy. Thankfully Luna had been level headed about it. She knew Celestia would have her own opinion, but that would be for later. Shining Armor was able to create a cover story for both the pregnancy and Twilight and he asked the Castle staff and guards to even keep the cover story of the pregnancy under rap, not even knowing of the truth about what happened. Flash had gotten a little suspicious though. The one thing that was leading his suspicion was the absence of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Shining did his best to try and keep him from catching on, but didn't know how much longer he could keep Flash away from the truth. That is, until something occurred that gave Shining something to laugh about. Cadence was Just waking up from a nap and smiled as she watched Spike suck on his hoof as he snuggled up under her wing in his sleep. Spike had been a mischievous little foal over the time he had been with them. She could never forget what happened two days before as she was leaving court for the day. Flashback to end of court "Thank you for your time Miss Tanzanite. I shall be sure to have some of our best carpenters be sent to repair the damage done to the Museum of Crystal Myths after that storm that blew threw here," Cadence said. "It is I who should thank you for being so thoughtful of all the subjects of our kingdom your majesty. And might I say that little Prince Spike looks absolutely adorable with that little crown on his head. Why, if my niece little was here, she'd probably be head over hooves at how cute he is your highness," Tanzanite said. "I thank you for the compliment. And it's gonna be nap time for this little prince soon," Cadence said. Spike crossed his legs and pouted in disapproval. "Hmhmhm, stubborn little prince isn't he your highness?" Tanzanite commented. "Very stubborn," Cadence answered as she glared at her son. "Well, I'll take my leave your highness. I am sure you don't need more stress put on you with another little royal on the way," Tazanite said. "Thank you for your concern Tanzanite. I hope you have a good day," Cadence said. "And you as well your highness," Tanzanite said. Tanzanite soon made her way out of the throne room and Cadence breathed a sigh of relief. that relief was short lived as she heard an argument near by with raised voices. Soon the doors opened to reveal two certain stallions trotting aggressively in to the throne room. "Flash Centry, you cannot just walk into the throne room like you are in charge," Shining exclaimed trying to keep Flash at bay. "Your highness, something peculiar is going on and it is my job to find out what it is, even if The Crystal Prince and Captain of the Royal Guard, and the Crystal Princess say it is nothing," Flash snapped at his Prince he served. "Flash, you are at risk of losing your job," Shining said. "And I am sure that all the other guards will want to serve under you when the find out you discharged me from service for risk of me exposing that you are hiding something from them your highness," Flash scolded his superior once more. "Flash I am warning you," Shining said before Cadence interrupted. "Stop Shining, let him speak his mind. He has a right to ask questions at the very least," Cadence said, trying to keep Spike from seeing the argument, or hearing it. Shining did not argue with his wife and let Flash speak. "Your highness, I have no doubt that you are a fine ruler and will serve the Empire well. It has been alerting me though that Princess Twilight Sparkle has not been seen for a few days. I am not trying to cause a panic, but I have not seen anypony attending to Princess Twilight Sparkle for the illness that has befallen her and caused to remain in bed. I didn't want to disturb her chambers, but I did and came to see she was not in her guest room. I am not saying she is kidnapped or anything, but I am worried about her highness's well being your majesty," Flash stated hoping he would tell her it was something as simple as a scheduled train ride back to Ponyville that he didn't hear about. Cadence saw Shining say in lip movements "don't tell him" but she sighed and without holding back said, "There is no need to worry about Princess Twilight Sparkle. She is safe inside my tummy, resting til she is ready to be born Flash." Flash sighed and looked at Shining Armor and said, "There, you see your highness? Mystery solved, was it so difficult to... ! ... Wait! What?!" Flash's expression went from relieved to one of total shock and disbelief as he just processed what Princess Cadence had told him. "Yep, now you know why I was trying to keep you from talking to my wife," Shining said as he as he made a facehoof. Flash's left eye twitched as his mouth gaped open. "Well, somepony was gonna catch on sooner or later," Cadence said. "You could have been a little more subtle about it honey," Shining said. "I... but that... she can't... it... you..." Flash was unable to finish his stuttered sentence, still stationary as a statue from the initial shock. "Maybe I should go fetch the other guards to help you to the medical room to see Nurse Ruby," Shining said. Just as he was about to walk out to tell the guards, Cadence noticed Spike was about to sneeze. "Oh no, Shining, Shield yourself, he's gonna blow!" Spike let out a cute little sneeze, but it was enough to send a burst of magic bouncing all over the throne room. Soon it hit something making a bright display of light. luckily, all three royal family members had their eye shielded when the magic hit a target. Soon they uncover their eyes and Cadence says, "Bless you my little Spike. Shining you okay?" "I'm fine honey, that was a powerful burst, I would have hated if that was flames," Shining said. Cadence looked over at Flash and upon looking at him she tried to hold back her laughter. Spike however showed no restraint. "And what does our little Prince find so amusing?" Shining asked. "*Snicker* Look at *snicker* Flash honey," Cadence giggled trying not to show her own amusement. Shining nearly jumped in surprise at the sight before him, but then he was on the ground grabbing his sides as tears of laughter formed in his eyes. Flash, now recovered from his initial shock, requested, "Your majesties, may I ask what is it you find so amusing? "Flash, look at your mane," Cadence said. He soon when over to one of the mirrors near the entryway. Upon seeing himself, at first he was in shock and screamed in surprise, then he looked again and did something neither of the royal couple expected... he, himself broke out in laughter, all because his mane... was pink. "I take it your not mad at little Prince Spike," Cadence pondered. "Of course not your majesty. Oh, you should have seen what happened to my cousin when her unicorn friend caught a cold your highness," Flash said. "I wager she looked more ridiculous then you do now," Shining said. "Extremely, I even have a picture of it if you ever want to see it your majesties. She finds it hilarious herself, heck she got awarded for Equestria's goofiest look and it made headline news your highnesses," Flash said. "Well, I am sure it is very amusing, but there is the matter of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Flash, can I trust that you keep this knowledge tight lipped?" Shining asked. "Oh, yes Princess Twilight Sparkle. Now that I know the truth, I can safely say your secret is safe with me your majesty. I doubt anypony would believe me anyways even if I did tell them your highness," Flash said. "Yeah, you do have a point," Shining said. "Oh, um, Princess Cadence, My mane if you don't mind your highness," Flash requested. "Of course," Cadence said as she cast a spell to give Flash his true mane color back. End of flashback A lot more had happened that day and with Flash now in the loop, there was a lot more that needed to be done Just as she woke up her little Spike, the doors swung open. Cadence saw Shining in the doorway and he seemed, well, one, out of breath, and two, petrified. "Cadence, a letter came in. You better read it," Shining said as he hoofed her the letter and read: Dear Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor, This is members of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire and Soarin, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, Kind Heart, Fancy Pants, Emerald, and the Apple Family sending you an urgent message. We have been informed of the recent event that has occurred with Princess Twilight Sparkle and have some new information you may not have known. As you well know, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust were all turned into foals. We regret to say that a few more of ponies she knows have also suffered the same cute consequence. We are on our way to get tickets to Canterlot and hope to see you there by tomorrow by request of Princess Celestia. The Princess of Day was already informed of what happened, and is awaiting every one of us in Canterlot as soon as we can spare time to arrive, which is tomorrow. We hope to see you soon your majesties. Sincerely, Loving parents of the regressed ponies. Cadence and Shining wasted no time in preparing for the trip ahead the next day and were quick to get Tickets on the Crystal Express. Much was going to change when they would arrive in Canterlot.