//------------------------------//
// For Your Ears Only (Princess Celestia- Noncuddling) 
// Story: The Snuggle Conspiracy 
// by CategoricalGrant 
//------------------------------//

THAT EVENING
“Princess Celestia!” A guard cries, busting out onto the pristine white balcony with a grand view of the late evening vista. “I’m so sorry to interrupt you, your highness, but the civil disturbances in Cloudsdale and Baltimare have turned violent, and it is now confirmed that they are consequences of the trade war between farmers and the baker’s guild. How should we proceed?”
Celestia keeps her back turned toward the stallion and drank in the view of the valley below, under the light of the stars and moon. She slowly sips from the teacup in her telekinetic grip.
The guard shuffles uncomfortably. “Ma’am? What are your highness’ orders?”
Celestia displays no sense of urgency in placing her teacup back on the marble table next to her seat. “Nothing as of yet. Please, keep me informed on developments.”
The guard is taken aback. “Your Highness, I-I must object… Ponies might get hurt.”
Celestia retains her orientation, her eyes observing the nighttime lights of downtown Ponyville in the distance. Her flowing mane garners another dimension of motion from a slight evening breeze. “My Little Pony, don’t worry. I will always do what is best for my subjects.” The princess again sips from her teacup slowly, before placing it back on the table and pouring herself more, all without moving her body in the slightest. “Rest assured, I myself have a…vested interest in making sure any conflicts of this nature are resolved. When the time comes for action, we will take it.”
“Yes, Princess.” The guard turned and walked back toward the castle interior.
“Oh, guard, one more thing.” The stallion turns to find Celestia now standing and walking away from her seat toward him. “These events are of a disturbing nature. I expect the utmost confidentiality and discretion.”
“Absolutely, your highness.” The guard bows.
Princess Celestia eyes him carefully. “…This means that, if during the night something were to occur, you would report this to me, even if you have to wake me up.”
The guard adopts a questioning look. “Would it not simply be easier to inform Princess Luna?”
Celestia’s face grows more serious, although it could still not be called stern. “I understand your hesitation, my loyal servant. But these things require…tact. I do not wish to involve Luna more than necessary, and ideally…not at all. Are we clear?”
“Y…Yes Ma’am!”
Princess Celestia lets a light, yet slightly cold smile grace her face. “Wonderful. I shall retire to my quarters soon. Have a good night, my friend.”
“It is an honor to be called such, Princess.” The guard departs.
Celestia returns to her seat with a darkened expression. She sips her tea once more, then places her hooves together and covers her muzzle with them, lost in thought. Her pair of calculating eyes sweep over the landscape as the sky blackens and the moon rises.