by Knight of Lycaeus
~~~
Cadance stood on the high balcony of the Crystal Palace watching the sun set, today marked the beginning of something new. This something new was that the Crystal Empire was now her’s, by right of birth and her connection to the previously long-lost Crystal Royal Family this was her place to take the reins and rule as Empress. Although she had been here in the Empire for nearly a week now, today was when the weight and responsibilities of her new role fully hit her; the past few days she had been more concerned with defending the Empire from Sombra with her best friend and Captain of her Guard, Shining Armour.
Cadance sighed, her close company with Shining was welcoming but also prone to rumours, he was a welcomed distraction from her work but she had to also deal with endlessly questions about her “coltfriend” and “marriage”. ‘He’s not unattractive but still we agreed things were best when we were friends and not lovers.’, she thought as memories of their brief relationship had shown to them that while it could work out if they had wanted it to but Shining was more or less married to the job and she usually preferred mares more than stallions.
Her thoughts were broken by a gentle knock on the chamber’s doors. She turned away from the sky to see her new visitor. The lavender unicorn that walked in had a slightly tense air, likely her mind was still on the earlier events of the day.
“Hello, Twilight” as went over to embrace the smaller mare, forgoing their usual song and dance routine.
“Hello, Cadance.” returning the embrace.
“Feeling any better?” hoping to coax some answers out about her friend’s state of mind.
Twilight sighed, “Not really, the test is still hanging over me. Since Spike gave you the Crystal Heart it means that I've failed.”
Cadance walked over to some cushions in front of the fireplace, she lifted a few with her magic and brought them over to the balcony then she motioned for Twilight to join her. Twilight getting the hint, took a spot next to Cadance. Cadance lifted her wing over Twilight, she embraced her like she used to do when she foalsat Twilight’ this method was usually fairly effective at keeping her friend calm and relaxed.
“You know you don’t have anything to worry about.”
“Bu-” Twilight began before Cadance placed a calm hoof over her mouth.
Cadance gave a reassuring smile, “I know how you feel about tests but relax. You did well today and you helped to save an empire and that’s more important than a test.”
“But still, I’m not usually one to fail tests and I’m still worried about the outcome.”
“Auntie Celestia helped to raise me as well, she’ll be proud you helped save an empire more than the fact that you passed her test.”
“Still, she said I had to be the one to assist you two.”
“And you did” hugging Twilight a bit more, “You found the Crystal Heart when we were all stumped or otherwise busy. Spike might have brought it down but you found something that all had forgotten existed. Don’t worry, I’m certain you’ve passed your test.”
“I guess-” Twilight was again cut off although this time was because Cadance began tickling her. Tickling Twilight was Cadance’s other tactic to dealing with a moping Twilight and like wing hugs rarely failed.
"C-Cadance, s-stop, please.” laughed the smaller mare.
“Not until you’re feeling better.” was the slightly menacing sounding reply.
“A-alright, alright.”, Twilight righted herself, “Thanks, Cadance.”
“So better now?”, Cadance asked.
“Yeah.” Twilight paused, “With all this reminders of the past I almost could hear you reading those fairytales to me when I was much younger.”
“Oh? Which do you remember?”
“The brave knight saving his princess although I guess it’s because we just saved the Crystal Empire.”
“Well I’m the Crystal Empress so that makes me the Princess which makes you the gallant knight.”
“Wouldn’t it be Spike?” was the confused reply.
“What did we just talk about? You helped saved an Empire and it’s Empress so you’re the Knight like when we were young, you’re again Dame Twilight only this time minus Fort Librarium.”
“Hey, leave Fort Librarium alone. Smarty Pants and I were great at defeating the Pink Tickle Monster.”
“Of course” Cadance replied as she leaned over again to tickle Twilight.
“Okay fine no tickling, I've already surrendered.”
“You’re loss then.”
“Only difference between fairytales and this is the lack of the Knight falling for his Princess or in this case her Empress.” joked Twilight.
“Yeah, that’s the only thing missing.” Cadance smiled as she embraced Twilight again, both content to watch the skies.