Chapter 8: A Princess Rises
When you've been around as long as I have, it takes alot to suprise you.
This suprises me.
-John Winter, Prince of Solstice
Two days later, The Winter Palace in Solstice...
"...by the right bestowed upon you by Aetherius and Aetheria, rise and claim that which is rightfuly yours."
Crystalia rose to her hooves as a massive cheer went through the Winter Hall from hundresds of ponies, changelings and humans.
"We now have two Princesses of the Sun! Today is truely a day of days," said Winter above the din of the cheering, "May they bring many a sunrise and sunset together for an eternity to come!"
The cround cheered even louder, but Crystalia was focused on three mares in the crowd.
Celestia, Chrysalis and Platinum looked happier than Crystalia had ever seen either of them, and their emotions held the same happiness that their faces held.
She had done it.
She had made her mother, her sister and her best friend proud, but most of all...
...she'd made Aetheria and Aetherius proud.
~~~~~~~~~~
The evening was spent dancing and celebration the coronation of Crystalia. Never in five thousand years had a new Prince or Princess been crowned in the hallowed halls of The Winter Palace. This pleased Winter greatly.
"Here, I have a gift for you," said Winter as he produced a strange white flower. Upon closer examination, Crystalia recognized the flower from a botany book she'd once read.
"That's a blossom from the White Tree of Solstice," she exclaimed. Thankfully, Winter had put up a privacy spell. "Where is it? The tree, I mean."
"In the palace, but nobody but I can see it," said Winter, "I would show you, but there are too many ponies and people."
"I understand," Crystalia said with a nod.
"Oh, and another thing," Winter said as he revealed a vintage Caramel Brandy circa. Third Age 1103. "I hope you like it."
Crystalia quickly used her magic to put the bottle in a fold under her wing. "Not. One. Word."
"Would I have gotten it for you if I was going to tell somepony about it," Winter questioned. Crystalia shook her head. Winter then produced another White Tree Blossom and gave it to Celestia. "I hope you and your sisters have the brightest of days."
Celestia realized what it was, and alos had a freak-out. Winter once again used a privacy spell, and told her not to tell anypony. He also gave her a slice of cake from the buffet table, which she promptly ate before anypony saw.
"Not. One. Word," I heard Celestia say through the cake in her mouth, and wondered if there was any left at the buffet table.
To Crystalia's immense relief, there was.
~~~~~~~~~~
Crystalia was on a balcony overlooking the entry courtyard. She was just finishing off the last of her cake when a voice from behind startled her, causing her to jump, lose her balance, and land on her rump.
"Princess Crystalia! Are you alright," Midnight Blue asked. Crystalia nodded, much to Midnight's relief. "Thank the stars."
Crystalia turned, expecting to see the face of the little alicorn from Canterlot, but instead came face to face with a changeling that looked almost identical.
"Is this the real you, Midnight," asked Crystalia.
"Yes," said Midnight, "Do you like it?"
Crystalia looked over Midnight. Her eyes were blue draconic slits, but not blue completely, having white in them as well. She had fur, which was a lighter Midnight Blue, as usual, and her mane and tail were straight Midnight Blue. She had the normal holes in her legs, and fangs in her mouth. She also had feathered wings.
"I must say, you do look quite stunning," commented Crystalia.
"Really," asked Midnight eagerly.
"Why, I doubt even the most level-headed of stallions could resist the urge to flip head-over-hooves for you," replied Crystalia with a smile.
"Thank you Princess," Midnight exclaimed as she gave Crystalia a hug.
"Your welcome, my little changeling," Crystalia replied with a joyous, loving smile.