//------------------------------// // One Small Step // Story: The Devil in Me // by Sleep Sonata //------------------------------// You’d have thought that tending to every function of your kingdom would make one ravenously hungry, to the point where even our humbling dining hall would be empty within the hour. At one time, that may have been the case. Tia is better than she once was, but her eating still seems mechanical, her fork pacing between mouth and plate with the regularity of a metronome. Previously I would try in vain to snap her out of the trance. Dinner just seemed like another item to tick off the itinerary. But I was never one to give up easily. “Have you been into our free access library recently, sister?” She maintained her rhythm, but when her utensil was busy, she found time to speak. “Not recently.” “Curious. I wandered in there this morning out of boredom, and noticed one of Starswirl’s volumes among them. I’d have thought you kept those in our study.” This seemed important enough to get her attention. She gazed to a corner of the room, as if pondering to herself. “I don’t recall moving one. Which volume was it?” “Oh, I didn’t examine it too closely. The page I opened to was an antique map of Equestria. I didn’t really look at much else.” She glanced back down at her food, remembering why she was here. “I’ll need to investigate that. Starswirl’s books are much too old and delicate to be left out for the public.” She had a point. I would hate for such a compendium of knowledge to be damaged as well. It’s a shame layponies wouldn’t be able to access it directly though. “I found the map quite humorous. I caught myself enamoured with it all day.” This fact did not break her eating cycle. “How so?” Remembering in more detail made me resume my chuckling. “Well, the regions seemed to be represented by caricatures of the ponies that lived there. Farmers, fisherponies, among others. Some of the newer cities simply weren’t there!” She continued her meal, unabetted. “The Frozen North simply made my week. It was completely blank except for the text, ‘There be Monsters’!” She glanced up, but I feel is was only to see my juvenile reaction. Her expression was more of concern than joy. “Monsters? Are you sure it wasn’t a childrens book you were reading?” Perhaps I was mistaken at first. She might have been amused. Her tone was flat, but at least I knew she saw humor in what I’d found. That was my goal. “It set the mood for the entirety of my day. I only hope it carries over into sleep.” “I as well. Speaking of, I’ll be retiring for the day. Let me know if the dreams you see are as amusing as that book.” With a nod, I bid her farewell for the night. Today had been a good day. I’d finally found something both Tia and I found joyous, however small it was. That it was a small step towards normalcy, but at least wasn’t slumping into despair anymore. That meant the world to me. I would say I had earned an evening in the bath. I had been so busy worrying about the kingdom, I hadn’t been worrying about my own health. Is it not important to ease tension regularly? “Good idea, Princess! Although I prefer it scalding hot.” Well, I suppose I wouldn’t get the chance now. “Well this bath isn’t for you, is it? We may share a body, but that is not an invitation to indulge yourself in my pleasures.” “I’m sorry, mother dearest,” she pouted. “I was just wondering how you were going to thank me.” “Thank you for what? I think I’d know if you did anything worthy of praise.” I let out a satisfied sigh, as I let the water envelope me up to my neck. “When was the last time you ran a nation?” “Well, having my own body would make it easier, if I didn’t have to borrow yours constantly.” I was about to remain silent and pretend to be asleep, but then I realized…”What do you mean, constantly? You only possessed me once.” She remained uncharacteristically silent, which did nothing to ease my concerns. “Correct?” “Oh, what an unfortunate slip of the tongue. I may have taken liberty with you while you slept once or twice.” I bolted upright, and instinctively looked for her in my reflection. She was there, innocently looking away, attempting to prevent eye contact with me. “Or maybe several times.” There was no use becoming livid. I attempted to regulate my breathing, so as not to concern anyone by raising my voice. With a temper such as mine, this was difficult. I could only speak through gritted teeth. “What did you do?” “Nothing at all.” The insolent wench! I would’ve lashed at her in my reflection had I not know it would be meaningless. I could only continue my disapproving stare, like the mother she mocked me for being. “I was only helping you dearest. Why would I do anything else?” I could only slump back into my bath. Why indeed? Nothing seemed to be wrong in the castle. Whatever she did, I wasn’t suffering for it, yet. “Let it leave your mind, Luna.” Her tone changed drastically, from a malevolent adolescent to soft lady. “You’re right. You deserve this time to relax. I won’t burden you with any more troubles. Just remember how you made Tia feel today. That should help.” I would have dismissed her had that not been an attractive proposition. I reclined back into the water, recalling the smile that had graced both Tia and I that evening. It was bliss. I would have fallen into slumber had I not been jolted by a knock on the door. Before I could respond, one of my ladies-in-waiting entered, bowing before giving her news. “Apologies your Royal Highness, but you are due to begin the night soon.” She was right! I had almost forgotten my central duty! How could I! I thrashed about attempting to become fully awake, but my mind soon got the better of my body, and regained control. “How soon?” I inquired. “Within the hour, your Royal Highness.” A glance at the closest clock informed me that the hour had just begun. I had time to enjoy my bath a little longer. “Thank you. I will begin as soon as possible.” With another bow, she turned to leave, and I was left to finish my relaxation, in silence this time. The only thing I heard was Tia’s chuckling from dinner. Thank you Nightmare, for reminding me of that event. You deserve that much at least.