The Fourth Alicorn

by Cobalt the Kitsune

Chapter 11: Blueblood's Affection

        In the mid-morning of a chilly February Cobalt was walking down Main street in Ponyville when suddenly He felt a sharp pain in his wing. He turned around to see a young colt making off with one of his larger feathers.
        “Feather thief.” Cobalt mumbled under his breath. Suddenly there funny feeling from his horn. A purple cloud of smoke then formed into a letter. Cobalt opened it.

Dearest Uncle,
        I’d like to inform you...
        Cobalt stopped mid read because the same cocky colt that had stole his feather had begun to read over his shoulder. He made a shooing motion with his wing. The colt obeyed his wishes.
I’d like to inform you that I’ve been sent to Ponyville for a few weeks. Aunt Celestia said that I need to “widen my horizons.” I will be arriving at the train station at 3:30 today. Also I require accommodations during my stay in Ponyville.
Your nephew,
Prince Blueblood,
        “Well I know just the pony to ask.”

“No, absolutely not!” Reese said.
“Come on It’s only for a few weeks.” Cobalt begged.
“I’m not having, prince boy in the cave!” Reese said crossing his forelegs. ‘
“He’s your cousin-in-law for Sirius sake!” Cobalt started to shout.
“Are you ever going to get tried of using your old name as a curse word?” Reese asked.
“I’ll bunk with your sister if that helps.” Trixie interrupted.
“Thank you trixie.” Cobalt said.
“Fine, then. But if he goes all ‘my royal this, my royal that’ you're going to be sorry!” Reese said giving into the will of Trixie and Cobalt.

Cobalt, Reese, Trixie, Twilight and her friends (except for Rarity) were all at the train station to meet Blueblood.
“When is your nephuwe, going to get here.” Applejack said.
“Maybe, the train’s running late.” Flutershy said.
“Are you excited? Because I’m excited. I’ve never meet a prince before. Well except for Cobalt. But he didn’t know he was a prince when we met so I guess it doesn’t count.” Pinkie spealed. A train whistle then blared in distance.
“Here he comes.” Reese said.
        The regale blond stallion was one of first ponies off the train. He was had with him two heavy looking suitcases. One of the workers on the train had unloaded the bags.
“Uncle!” Blueblood said when he saw Cobalt.
“Blueblood!” Cobalt returned the joyous call. “Let me get your bags,” Cobalt’s white glow enveloped the cases. Then they started walking into town.
“You know Reese,” Cobalt said indicating to the grey alicorn. “You’ll be staying with him while you’re in Ponyville. These are my friends, Pinke, Twilight, Trixie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy. If you need anything you can come to either one of them or myself.”
“You are too kind, Uncle.” Blueblood said.
“Your aunts and mother did name me the unofficial best gift giver in equestria.” Cobalt said. “Anyways, May I expect you for dinner? We have one of the best restaurants in equestria. It may not be what you are used to but they have the best salad I’ve ever remembered having.”  They all stopped in front of Reese place.
“Of course, Uncle.” Blueblood said.
“Oh, and you can call me Cobalt.” He said. “It sorta feels awkward, you being older then me and all.”
“Of course, Cobalt.” Blueblood said.
“I’ll leave you to get settled, And see you at dinner I guess.” Cobalt said. He then went off with the others leaving Reese to help Blueblood. Reese did not pick up Blueblood’s suitcases as he went inside.
“Will you not carry my bags inside.” Blueblood called after Reese.
“Carry your own bags prince boy!” Reese shouted back at him. Blueblood was shocked at this. But he was even more shocked when he got inside. There was nothing out of the smithery’s ordinary disarray. But Blueblood was always used to sparkling clean halls and every thing having a place.
“Ok, prince boy,” Reese started. “I know you're used to have everything handed to you on a silver platter. But here I have strict rules.”
“I do not like your disrespectful tone.” Blueblood complained. “I am not only royalty but your family as well.”
“I had no respect for the royals before they were family and I still don’t today.” Reese said bluntly. Blueblood was even more taken aback at this. “If you want my respect you’ll have to earn it. The rules are these. One, No touching  my stuff. Two, you aren’t in Canterlot and I am not your servant. So don’t treat me like one. Three, While your are under my roof you are to be self-reliant. This is means cleaning up after yourself and taking responsibility for your actions. Four, No disturbing me while I am working. And most importantly, I do not want to hear any complaining from you. You sleep there.” Reese indicated to the hammock in the corner. Reese then went upstairs. Blueblood was speechless at the roughness Reese had used. When he came out of the shock he set his bags in the corner. He tried to sit in his hammock, but he was flipped out of it.

Reese, Cobalt, and Blueblood were all sitting on one of the outside tables at the cafe. When the waitress brought the salads Blueblood look at his like it was the most disgusting thing he ever saw. But when Reese shot him a glare from across the table.
“So how are you doing, Blueblood.” Cobalt started. “Such a handsome stallion, such as yourself, must have a million mares hang around him.”
“Well yes, but...” Blueblood stammered.
“Yes?” Cobalt said while leaning towards him.
“There was this mare at the grand galloping gala a few years ago. I was very unchivalrous to her. It’s funny, I don’t even know her name, but ever since then I find myself thinking of her almost every day.” Blueblood admitted
“What did she look like?” Cobalt asked as he begun to sip his water.
“She was snow white, with a gorgeous royal purple mane.” Cobalt choked on his water. “Something wrong, Cobalt?” Blueblood asked.
“It’s nothing..., just thinking about something.” Cobalt said recovering.
“What?” Blueblood asked.
“Uh...” Cobalt looked around desperately. Then his eyes fell on the passing Derpy. “Muffins.”
“Muffins.” Blueblood looked at him skeptically.
“Yep, muffins.” Cobalt said trying to sell his excuse. “Have you ever realized how many types of muffins there are? Blueberry muffins, poppy seed muffins, chocolate chip muffins, pumpkin muffins, banana nut muffins...” Cobalt would have continued his list if Blueblood hadn't risen his hoof to quiet him.
“You know, even if I did know where that mare was. I don’t think she’d ever love me. Because ‘I was the most charming prince she had ever met’ .” Obviously Cobalt’s attempt to change the subject had failed.
Blue blood’s countenance now changed from one of sorrow to one of excitement “I have an idea. You seem to be good with the fillies. Teach me how to win the heart of the one that has stolen mine.” He had backed Cobalt to the wall.
“Ok, ok, when do you want to start?” Cobalt said as he pushed his nephew back so he could get out.
“As soon as possible of course!” Blueblood said.
“We’ll start first thing in the morning then.” Cobalt said.
“Oh, thank you Uncle.” Blueblood said squeezing the air out of Cobalt.
“Your welcome.” Cobalt said wth the little air he had. He then saw Sweetie Belle walking by.
“Now if you excuse me, I need to go contemplate the difference between muffins and cupcakes.” Cobalt said making an excuse to leave.
“Of course Uncle.” Blueblood said letting him go.
“And I told you stop calling me Uncle.” Cobalt said.
“Sorry Unc..., I mean Cobalt” Blueblood said as Cobalt flew next to Sweetie Belle.
“Sweetie Belle, Blueblood’s asked me to help him woo your sister.” Cobalt said.
“Woo? You're starting to sound like your sister.” Sweetie Belle said.
“That’s besides the point. I need you to keep your sister out of the way while I teach him. Hopefully Between Reese’s ‘hard love’ and my chivalry training Blueblood will be ready by the end of next week. But I still need to keep them separate till then.”
“I’ll try. But I make no promises.” Sweetie Belle said

“Ok, Blueblood, To win your lady’s heart you need to become more courteous.” Cobalt said flying back and forth in front of his nephew. “This  means you need to disregard rank, pedigree, and apparel. When it comes to mares, we are below all. So, I’ll start with something easy. If I was a mare and was walking to a door you’d...?” The white stallion gave him a blank look. Cobalt face hoofed himself.
“Sirius, give me strength.” he mumbled under his breath. “You’d open it for me!”
“Oh, I knew that.” Blueblood lied.
“Let’s try another one,” Cobalt said. “We are walking along and there's a puddle in our path. What do you do?”
“I know this one you,... um...you...” Blueblood stammered.
Reese then cantered over and said. “How’s it going?”
“Where not getting much progress.” Cobalt said. “But I still think we’ll met our deadline.”
“What deadline?” Blueblood asked.
“Don’t worry your pretty little head about our business.” Reese patted Blueblood’s cheek demeaningly.
“Cobalt!” Sweetie Belle shouted while galloping towards the group.
“Excuse me.” Cobalt said. He then flew over to Sweetie Belle.
He first made sure that Blueblood was out of earshot then said. “What is it?”
“Rarity’s gone gem hunting and is coming this way!” Sweetie Belle said frantically.
“What! I thought that you keep her away!?!” Cobalt almost shouted.
“I said that I wouldn’t make any promises.” Sweetie Belle said.
“I’ll see what I can do here. Try to you stall your sister.” Cobalt then trotted over to where he had left Reese and Blueblood.
“Brrr, sure is cold out.” Cobalt said.
“I don’t think it’s...” Cobalt gave Reese a push. “I mean you're right Cobalt it sure is cold. Brrr”
“We should head to the library.” Cobalt said.
“It is a bit nippy out...” Blueblood said. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go inside.” Cobalt gave a sigh of relief.

Sweetie Belle ran up to met her sister.”Hey, Rarity. You don’t really need those gems today ,do you?”
“Yes I do, I’m already behind schedule on the order I need them for.” Rarity said.
“Then how bout, you go back to your shop to work on it while I look for the gems.” Sweetie Bell said.
“Are you sure you can do it?” Rarity asked.
“Of course I’m sure,” Sweetie Belle assured her. “how hard can it be?”
“All right then if you're so sure.” Rarity pulled out a list and handed it to Sweetie Belle. “I need twelve rubys, fifteen emeralds, six sapphires, and a few diamonds as well.”
“Twelve rubys, fifteen emeralds, six sapphires, and a couple of diamonds, got it.”Sweetie Belle repeated back.
“Alright then, I’ll see you at the shop as soon as I stop by Twilight’s.” Rarity said. Thinking the disaster was averted Sweetie Belle went to look for the gems her sister asked her to get.

“Your plant’s dying Sparks.” Trixie said looking at a wilting house plant in the window sill.
“I know I just keep forgetting to water it.” Twilight said as she came in from the other room. Trixie then picked up the potted plant and sung a peaceful melody. No sooner had she done this then the plant strained up and became green again.
“How’d you do that!” Twilight said in awe.
“It’s something I’ve been able to do since I was a little filly.” Trixie said putting the plant back down. Suddenly Cobalt, Reese and, Blueblood barged in.
“Let’s head upstairs.” Twilight said
“Yes, let’s” Trixie replied.
“While we are here I want you to read Quiliam Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Day.” Cobalt said. “I want you to take notes on how courteously Viola treats Olivia. AND YOU!” Cobalt said pointing his hoof towards Reese. “ARE GOING TO READ MUCH RUCKUS ABOUT NOTHING!”
 “Why?” Reese asked.
“You did say to me once you hate love, correct?” Cobalt said.
“Yeah, what’s it to you?” Reese said.
“Just read the story.” Cobalt said.
Then some pony  knocked on the door. “Twilight, are you home?”
“YOU! IN THE CLOSET!” Cobalt said shoving Blueblood into the broom cupboard.
Cobalt then opened the top part of the door. “How are you doing ,Rarity?” Cobalt said trying to act casual.
“I’m good. Is everything alright I heard a commotion.” Rarity said trying to look around Cobalt.
“Nope everything is hunky dory in here.” Cobalt said.
“Ok, well I came to return this book I borrowed.” Rarity said setting down Pride & Prejudice  
“I’ll just take that for now.” Cobalt said taking the book.
“Ok.... Um...See you later I guess.” Rarity said awkwardly.
When Cobalt saw that she was gone. He walked over to the closet, opened the door to find Blueblood in an rather uncomfortable position.
“Here’s another book for you to read.” He then threw the book at Blueblood and slammed the door.

Cobalt and Reese spent the next week by training Blueblood, having narrow misses with Rarity and planning their date night. Cobalt and Sweetie Belle decided that they should go on a romantic moonlight boat ride on Ponyville Lake (with Blueblood paddling of course.) But now they had a new challenge. Getting them together at the right time and also making sure they were free that night.
“Where are we going Sweetie Belle?” Rarity said being pushed by her younger sister.
“I told you it’s a surprise!” Sweetie Belle said.

Blueblood was in the fetal position hovering in a white glow. “What if I blow it? Maybe I should just head back to Canterlot.”
“You’re not going back to Canterlot, and you’re not going to blow it.” Cobalt said. “Why do you think we did all those drills”

“If you tell me where we’re going I’ll make you a dress. A really pretty dress.”Rarity said
“You’ve made me a million dress so no.” Sweetie Belle said continuing to push her sister onward.

“Well here we are.” Cobalt said when they arrived at the lake. He set Blueblood down. “Me and Reese are going to duck out now. Just remember what we taught you and you’ll be fine.”
“Probably.” Reese said.
“Shh.” Cobalt said sharply. “Here they come.” Reese and Cobalt dove in the bushes.
“Sweetie Belle, you’re getting me all dirty!” Rarity said. Then she caught the sight of Blueblood.
“Later, sis.” Sweetie Belle then also dove into a bush.
“Sweetie Belle.” Rarity hissed.
“Hello... um” Blueblood said nervously.
“Hello.” Rarity said gracefully.
“Flowers, give her the flowers.” Cobalt whispered from his bush.
“Oh, right” Blueblood pulled out a bouquet of white flowers from behind his back. “These are for you.”
“How nice of you.” She said uncomfortable taking the flowers.
The sun began to sink down across the horizon.
“Nice, sunset.” Blueblood said looking desperately for something to break the ice.
“Yes, yes it is.” Rarity said.
“I think we should leave.” Cobalt whispered to Reese and Sweetie Belle.
“Why? I thought we were going to spy on them.” Sweetie Belle asked
“We are. I have a more sophisticated way of spying.” Cobalt said getting out of his bush.The confused filly and stallion then followed him.

The basin chamber was a light with an eerie white glow that made the reliefs on the wall seem to move. The three ponies all gathered round the basin and were staring deeply into it. Cobalt dipped the tip of his sword into the basin and the cloudy liquid changed into an image of Blueblood helping Rarity into the rowboat.
“You're right, your way of spying is more sophisticated.” Sweetie Belle said.
Blueblood began to row the boat out. The two ponies stayed silent. Obviously old wounds hadn't healed.
“This isn’t going at all to plan.” Cobalt said. “Say something.”
“Nice night.” Blueblood said.
“Yes, very nice.” Rarity replied. The silence returned.
“Ask her what her name is.” Cobalt urged.
It seemed that Blueblood could hear what cobalt was saying.
“I feel bad about not knowing your name.” Blueblood said.
“It’s Rarity.” Rarity said.
“Rarity... I like that. Good name.” Blueblood said.
“Hmmm.” Cobalt said. “IIII-DDD-EEE-AAA!”
“Oh, no what is?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“I need some.” Cobalt popped out and popped in again with some drums.
“Percussion.” Cobalt popped out again and this time returned with a few viloins
“Strings.” Cobalt popped in with a few flutes and clarinets.
“Winds.” Cobalt then pulled out a sheet of parchment
“Words.”

Rarity then suddenly looked into his eyes for no reson at all.

As Blueblood leaned in for a kiss Rarity said. “What are you doing?” This sent Blueblood in a panic and the boat tipped over.
“That’s your fault.” Sweetie Belle said to Cobalt.
When the two ponies got back on dry land Blueblood started to cry.
“What’s wrong?” Rarity asked.
“The one night I have the chance to impress the girl of my dreams and I ruin it.” He said.
Rarity was surprised and flattered when he said this. Maybe I did judge him too soon. She thought to herself.
He then looked into her eyes and said. “I’m really sorry about how I acted and what I said at the gala.”
Rarity smiled at him and said. “Well then that makes two of us.”
        “You really mean that?” Blueblood said sniffling
        “Of course I mean that, you tried your best to make me feel like a lady tonight. And In my book that makes me the most charming prince I have ever meet.”

‘