//------------------------------//
// Interlude 2 
// Story: The Castle Canterlot 
// by Honey Mead 
//------------------------------//


The Castle Canterlot:
Interlude 2

        

“Under the Princess’ gaze, do I swear to faithfully execute the Office of Speaker, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Equestrian Nation.”


—The Oath of Office for the Speaker of the House of Ladies



The peace that the Revered Speaker had managed to instigate did not last long. Shortly, the battle lines were drawn once more, right down the same lines they always were. The ever-present factions were once more taking hold as topics were discussed and solutions proposed, it was downright normal, all things considered. 

Except, of course, for the dragon in the room. There was no princess. There had never not been a princess before. There were no contingencies for there not being a princess. Rule-by-committee was ‘working’ as far as it went, but it would not last. An empty throne called to be filled. Many could not but see themselves upon that seat, but others… a few particular ponies, went further, imagined how they would do things different… better… at least than those across the battle lines.

The day wore on, time marked only by the ticking clock. Fatigue and the lack of light wore on all and before long the crowd inside the throne room began to thin. There was, after all, only so much that could be done.

It was perhaps an hour before dinner when the tide changed. 

Her Serene Highness, Goddess of Love, Sovereign of the Crystal City, Heir to the Lunar throne, Heir-Apparent to the Solar Throne, and Foalsitter to Twilight Sparkle, Princess Cadence Invictus appeared upon the Solar throne in a sharp crack and flash of magic. She did not stay long, saying only that in the morning, no matter the state of Sol, she would take her aunt’s place until such time as she returned. In the meantime, court was formally adjourned. With that, those who had remained, left, the princess leading the privy council to a private room while the rest simply went home for some much needed rest.

As final as her arrival might have seemed, it came hours too late . The seeds of doubt, already sown, sprouted deep roots, filling heads and dreams with the possibility that maybe, just maybe…