If there was something Twilight loved to do, it was to throw parties. Not because of the sake of partying, but she wanted to find an opportunity to have her friends over. So, fancy receptions involving the heads of states and influential members of her kingdom was the natural way to go. Not only that, the heads of state used those parties to excuse themselves to a private room to talk business or to settle disputes. When the party ended, the families would have a room to sleep in and would wake up to a breakfast that was fit for royalty. More wine would be distributed, and the families usually either headed home, went their way to another city if they were planning on touring Equestria, or stay in the castle one more day. Entire royal schedules were worked around for the parties, which were always announced months in advance.
The Griffon Royal family arrived by carriage an hour late, but made it for the food and wine. Then again: those are never in short supply at the parties. The entire family and entourage came in the finest clothing and were properly dressed, save one of the young princes.
"Leon, I told you already: please look presentable and try to be more... Royal." his mother complained as she tried to fix him up in the carriage. Leon’s brothers and sisters were apathetic about Leon making them look like fools: he had been doing it his whole life.
His father had a hearty laugh. "Just like me when I was a boy!"
The royal family greeted Twilight and Flash sentry in the foyer, as the tradition of all who hosted an event like this. As the introductions were made, Leon looked down the hallway to his left, and a cracked door with light. he saw a small figure peek out, a girl maybe? the dress was frilly pink as well as the hair bow.
"Leon!" His mother snapped.
He straightened to attention under the glare of his scolding mother, which drew a laugh from Twilight and Flash.
"Just like our daughter," Twilight and Flash sighed.
***
There were two classes to the party: the adults, who indulged themselves with alcohol, food, and each others company and were having the time of their lives socializing and networking. The other class was the children, who were exiled to a separate room.
Leon left that room, to look for the restroom. The real story was he couldn't stand the pompousness, and decided to go look around. He walked down the lavish walls of the castle and admired the art and armored mannequins throughout. As he went up the second floor, he noticed one room with the door open and the light on. He decided against his better judgment to check it out.
When he entered, he was met with a girl his age, short hair, and pink dress. He had to admire the girl: she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen, even if she looking at him with a disapproving scowl.
"The party is that way," She said, pointing to her right.
"Excuse me?"
"you're here for the party, right?" she asked.
"That's not a party, that's an "I'm a bigger jackass than you," contest."
The girl giggled, and Leo laughed. It lasted for a few seconds and they ended up staring at each other, awkwardly.
"Prince Leon, by the way," He introduced himself.
"Startburst," she said.
"Princess Starburst?" he asked.
She scowled again.
"I can take a hint," he smiled. He went further in the room and sat on Starbursts bed. There was another hint about her: she wasn't an ordinary princess. Instead of pink, it was more bold colors. The doll sets and makeup sets were replaced with stuff he would find in his room. books on how to be a good wife, mother, and queen were replaced by his favorite books: history, strategy, and battle theory. He realized how different Starburst was compared to most girls.
"I... like your room," he said.
"Thank you... I guess you have one too?" she asked.
"Maybe, are you talking about what I'm thinking about?" he asked.
She nodded. Starburst pulled her dress back to her ankle, while Leon did the same with his maroon trouser . Strapped to their shins were a ceremonial dagger that every royal and affluent person carried for personal protection. Each one was custom made, so it was a good way to tell what kind of person the other was.
They unsheathed their daggers and quietly traded their blades. They realized theirs was nearly identical, save the style: both told the story of a mythical royal warrior, a hero to his people and the example of what it was to perfectly balance one's bloodlust for warfare and the wisdom and humility of ruling a people. It was when they realize the person sitting next to each other was not so different.
"So, you wanna see something cool?" Sunburst asked.
"S-sure."
They both got off the bed and left the room. they quietly made their way to the kitchen, dodging the night guard, and eventually ended up going across the guarded courtyard and down a cellar door. It was dark and had a burning smell. Starburst flipped the levered switch and it lit up the room: the armory . At the end of the room was the doorway to the blacksmith, so the room they were in stored all the weapons that the castle had on stock.
"Wow," Leon finally said.
"It's one of my favorite places here. My father says I'm not ready, but I feel like I am.
"I know how you feel, I can't wait until I learn how to train with real weapons," Leon admitted.
"What do you do until then?" Starburst asked.
"Fake sparring sessions with wooden swords." He said
"I guess wooden sparring is more common than I thought," Starburst replied
The two teens looked at each other, to a rack in the corner that had all kinds of wooden swords used for practice, and then to each other.
"Princess."
"Leon."
"You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Yes, and I guess I can teach you griffons how to fight like a proper warrior," Starburst teased