//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: First evening at the Castle EDITED // Story: The Singing Heart // by Toonsgirl //------------------------------// Applejack guided Fluttershy to her new bedroom which was located on the second floor. The bedroom was next to the nursery room thus that Fluttershy can be near the children should they need her. Fluttershy took a first glance in her room. There were pink walls pink with light green butterflies and baby blue swirls. There was a bathroom on the left, a bed in the middle, and a big closet on the right. The bed, by the way, had green sheets and blankets with pink pillows. Between her bed, were two windows, each with Pranch Tudor style. "I hope you like it, Miss Fluttershy," Applejack said, warmly. Fluttershy was in awe of the room's cleanliness and neatness. When the orange earth pony left the room, Fluttershy cantered to her bed. Tired from her journey and today's events, she collapsed on it. Fluttershy closed her eyes and slipped into dreamland. Later in the evening, the dinner bell rang thought the castle. Fluttershy's eyes fluttered opened. She felt very relaxed from her nice nap! When she heard the dinner bell ring again, Fluttershy jumped. "Oh no!" She squeaked. "I am going to be late for dinner!" She darted her eyes at her suitcase, still unpacked. She groaned, because she did not get a chance to unpack her belongings. She flung open her suitcase. She did not have much wardrobe to wear. What she had was a toothbrush, her comb, her shampoo and conditioner, her nightgown, and two lime green casual dresses. Fluttershy quickly tossed one of ther dresses over her head. She brushed her hair, and galloped out of her bedroom door. But then, the buttercream pegasus stopped and put her hoof to her chin. "Now, where was the Dining hall, again?" Fluttershy recalled Applejack informing her how to get there. Go left, next right, go straight, descend the staircase, pass the throne room, and walk straight to the dining hallway. "Okay, this should not be too hard!" Fluttershy smiled to herself, taking another step. But finding the dining hallway was harder than Fluttershy thought! She went left and right but the yellow pegasus could not find the staircase! The hallways were so confusing because no matter which turn she took, Fluttershy was not reaching the staircase or the dining hall at all. It felt like she was walking around in circles! Or a maze! Fluttershy had turned into another direction in the hallway. She did not find the staircase but on the right, was a big painting. Curious, Fluttershy cantered to it. On the paining, stood King Discord with a smile that held a hidden mischief. Below him, were the four princesses, looking miffed. Probably because they do not like to sit for long hours, having their painting taken. Next to Discord was his late wife, the Queen. She had long red hair with purple highlights, violet eyes, and yellow fur. The Queen wore a golden tiara on her head, which held three sapphires. Fluttershy reached out to touch the painting, when suddenly, her hoof was slapped away by a orange hoof. "Where were you, Miss Fluttershy!?" Sunset Shimmer yelled. "You were supposed to be at dinner, 15 minutes ago!" Standing next Sunset was Rarity, who also narrowed her eyes at the newcomer. Fluttershy winced at Sunset's tone and hid her face behind her mane. "S-S-sorry, I was lost and could not find the dining hall," Fluttershy stuttered. "Didn't AJ give you instructions?" Sunset asked with a soft tone. "And don't touch the paintings, Darling," Rarity added, sternly. "An oil painting such as this is of high value, a historical document, a-" "We have no time, let's get Fluttershy to dinner before the King throws a fit!" Sunset said, hastily. Discord sat at one end of the long table. Screwball and Babs Seed were seated on the right side of the table. Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom relaxed on the left side. Pinkie Pie hopped in, juggling seven plates of food. "Dinner is served!" She sang in a high sing-song voice. She placed each plate in front of each Royal. She came to an abrupt stop when a certain seventh person was not present. "Hey, where is the new nanny? Is she coming? I have her dinner, ready!" "Good question, Pinkie," Discord growled, annoyed. "I had told her that dinner is at seven! Now it is past thirty-five minutes!" His ears perked up, when he heard galloping in the hallway. In the doorway, Fluttershy dashed and panted a little from galloping, followed by Sunset Shimmer and Rarity. "Good evening, Your highness, and princesses!" Fluttershy bowed. Sunset and Rarity also bowed. "Good evening, Miss Fluttershy," the children replied, in perfect harmony. "Yes, Good evening Miss Fluttershy," Discord uttered, still annoyed. "Care to explain why you were late?" Fluttershy cringed at his harsh tone. Pinkie took the opportunity to shook Fluttershy's hoof. "Hi-Miss-Fluttershy!" She greeted. "I'm-Pinkie-Pie-the-assistant-cook-of-the-castle! I-am-sure-you-have-met-Lieutenant-Rainbow-Dash-Captain-Flash-Sentry-and-Head-Cook-Applejack-right?" "Yes," Fluttershy said, surprised at the pink pony's rapid speech pattern. Pinkie Pie took in a deep breath. "Let-me-introduce-you-to-more-members-of-the-castle! This-is-Sunset-Shimmer-the-wise-mare-Rarity- the-Royal-seamstress-King Discord-Princess-Screwball-Princess-Babs-Seed-King-Discord-Princess-Apple-Bloom-Sunset-Shimmer-Princess-Apple-Bloom-Princess-Screwball-Sunset-Shimmer-King-Discord-Rarity-Princess-Scootaloo-King-Discord-Gummy- (who is on top of my head)-King Discord-Princess Sweetie Belle-Princess-Screwball-Gummy-Princess-Sweetie-Belle-Rarity-Sunset-Shimmer-Princess-Screwball-King-Discord-Gummy-King-Discord-Gummy-Princess-Screwball-Gummy-" "PINKIE!" Discord bellowed. The pink pony shut her mouth immediately. Everybody else just shivered in fear. Discord massaged his temples. "Would you kindly please hop into the kitchen and prepare dessert?" He grumbled. He wondered why he hired that pink earth pony. "With pleasure, your majesty!" Pinkie shouted, joyfully. She was not infected by her majesty's annoyance. After placing Fluttershy's dish down, Pinkie bounced into the kitchen. The children smiled gleefully, that they were getting dessert. Discord glared at Sunset and Rarity. "What are you standing here for?" He hollered. "Back to work!" Sunset and Rarity scattered off. Fluttershy took a seat but when she sat down, she yelped. Fluttershy stood up, abruptly and looked at her seat. It was only a pinecone. Fluttershy caught a glimpse of Screwball snickering. She had a feeling who placed the pinecone there. "Oh how charming!" Discord teased. "Is this some kind of ritual you do back in Canterlot?" "No, um, just-just a sore-sore tailbone," Fluttershy fibbed. She did not feel the need to make a fuss over a silly pinecone. She sat down after removing it. Dinner was a salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, and onions. While, eating her salad, Fluttershy gasped when she saw something moving in her salad! She saw a spider, a centipede, and a grasshopper, crawling around in her lettuce! The princesses held their breathes waiting to see her face. Discord held his breath, waiting for her to yell at him and leave. But instead of shrieking, Fluttershy tenderly took the bugs out of her plate and placed them next to her plate. She even fed them some of her spinach! The princesses' jaws dropped! They have never seen anybody so calm and tender before! Why did she not scream like the former nannies? While Discord was relieved not to have any more commotion, he stared at Fluttershy. Why didn't she squeal on the children? "I like to thank you children for the gift you gave me earlier" Fluttershy smiled, in a joking manner. The King snapped out of his trance. "Uh, what gift?" Discord asked, suspiciously. What animal did the children slipped into a mare's dress this time? "Oh I cannot tell you, your majesty," Fluttershy said in a sing-song voice. "It is meant to be a secret!" "Then I suggest you keep it quiet, Miss Fluttershy, so I can eat in peace!" Discord barked. King Discord knew that Fluttershy was lying to protect his kids from his wrath. Why would she do that, he did not know. Guilt was written on each princess' face. Nopony else talked for the rest of the evening.