Celestia looked over her kingdom in awe; it had been three years since Tirek's attack on Equestria. Though it had taken some time to recover, it felt as though everything was right in Equestria.
"Sister?" a voice called out from behind her. Celestia turned and saw her sister Luna walking towards her. Although she would not admit it, it was clear to everyone that having her magic drained by Tirek had taken a physical toll on her. What had once been beautifully smooth skin was now showing signs of crow's feet. Most notably, her magic was slightly weaker then before. Nobody knew this more than Celestia herself; she had to help Luna with the raising of the moon for the past six months because Luna would always end up being so exhausted.
"What is it, Luna?" Celestia asked in concern.
Nervously, Luna looked toward her sister. "Something concerns me, Celestia." She paused and looked to her sister for her approval to continue. Celestia nodded, giving Luna permission to continue. "My concern," Luna resumed, "is that some of the people are unhappy about how they are ruled by just us. I have entered their dreams and some of them feel that they should lead themselves and decide what rules they should abide by."
When she had finished speaking, Luna looked up at her sister for a response. "So, what you are saying," Celestia began, "is that some of the citizens believe that they should have governmental power, correct?" Luna nodded her head. "I would not worry about it, dear Luna." she said reassuringly. "Plenty of ponies feel that way about how Equestria is run, but they do not mean any harm." However, as she said this, a sudden thought popped into her head. She then turned to Luna and said "But then...why tell me this in person?"
"Because," Luna said in a serious tone, "I believe that they are right. Look at this world; it is run by a monarchy. Very few ponies have a say in how things are run in society, and those who do are either mayors, governors, or those of rich families in Canterlot. Sister, what if I were to create a republic for such people? More ponies would be able to be more independent and they would not be fearful of living....under....a...." Luna's speech trailed off as she gazed up at her sister, who was glaring down at her.
"Luna," Celestia said sternly, "we have ruled Equestria for many years under this 'monarchy'. Do you know what will happen if we give the people all of the governmental powers? Chaos would ensue and nopony would get what they want. I'm sorry Luna; I know you are concerned about the people of our world. But we cannot have two forms of government in our world. Civil War would be inevitable. This conversation is over."
"But Celestia, you don't understa...."
"Enough, Luna!!!"
Shocked by her sister's yelling, Luna shuddered. However, she remembered her role as a princess of Equestria and suddenly composed herself. "Forgive me, sister; I shall retire to my chambers." As she walked away, Celestia sighed sadly. Even though what Luna had said was pure ridiculousness, Celestia knew that her sister meant well. Luna was a pony who cared about the citizens of Equestria deeply. If somepony was having trouble with something, Luna would almost always be there to help them.
Just then, the door to the throne room burst open and an alicorn with a whitish-grey ran toward her. "I heard shouting," he said, "is something wrong?" As he stopped to catch his breath, Celestia couldn't help but smile at her only son Starlight. Starlight was the result of a forbidden love between Celestia and King Sombra from another dimension. Since he was from two worlds, his magic was extremely powerful. He was also the bearer of the unknown Element of Harmony: Hope. Ever since he had returned from the Royal Equestrian Academy in Saddle Arabia two years ago, he had shown great wisdom and courage in the face of danger.
"It's nothing to worry about, Starlight," Celestia said reassuringly, "I was having a discussion with Luna. She wanted to establish a republic somewhere in Equestria. However, I was able to make her see reason."
Starlight relaxed and bowed toward his mother. "Forgive me then," he said, "I was just concerned for the both of you. I shall go back to my studies." But as he turned to leave, he felt one of Celestia's hooves rest on his shoulder.
"Before you go," she said, "there's something I have to ask you." Starlight turned around to face his mother, while Celestia looked at the colored glass that portrayed herself defeating Nightmare Moon. "As prince of Equestria," she began, "you will soon be tasked in ruling this world when I leave this world. Can I count on you to lead the people and rule the land in my absence?"
"Yes, mother." the prince replied. "I would protect the people and the land with my life."
Smiling down at her son, Celestia said, "That's reassuring; you can leave now."
As Starlight left the throne room, a troubling thought entered his head. It was about what he had heard from the conversation between his mother and aunt. Fearfully, he had remembered that the last time Celestia had said no to one of Luna's suggestions, Luna had turned into Nightmare Moon and had engulfed the world in darkness. Hopefully, he thought, nothing that intense will happen.
Meanwhile, inside her room, Luna glared angrily at her reflection in her mirror. "She has no idea what she is thinking." she said, "It seems that even after 1,000 years, she is still as stubborn as ever." For Luna, she had had it with Celestia telling her what to do, and how to act. As she walked outside onto her balcony, a small smile formed on Luna's face. "Very well, sister," she said quietly, "you leave me no choice."
To be continued...