//------------------------------// // Chapter 18 // Story: A Little Visit // by Annabelle RTH //------------------------------// Flash’s POV It was a few days after Twilight’s visit. I was making my usual rounds at the castle just about to break for lunch, when a fellow guard came up to me and told me that Princess Cadence would like to speak with me. That was quick. I thought she and Shining Armor wouldn’t be back for another day. She must be excited to know about how well her planned turned out. I went ahead and walked to the throne room where she was waiting with the Captain. Before I had the chance to bow, she said, “Oh good, I’m glad you could meet with us for some lunch.” “Huh?” Lunch was never mentioned. “Well of course, you’re on break now. Time to be social.” This is getting weird. If she starts making a habit out of this, I’m never going to know when it’s something serious or when she’s feeling gossipy about me and Twilight. Being Cadence’s guard and being Twilight’s love interest may be more complicated than I already thought it would be. I followed her and Captain Shining Armor out of the throne room and into the dining room. We were seated and Cadence tried to ask how was everything while she and Shining Armor were gone knowing about her little trick. I kind of wanted to tell her I figured out the whole thing but I figured I let her know how Twilight’s unknown visit went first. “About as well as it could have been. Everything was pretty peaceful no worries of an eternal winter or anything like that. My family enjoyed themselves as guests in the castle and of course Ruby’s appetite challenged the chefs.” We laughed a little. “Uh one thing though that was a little amiss was that apparently Twilight came by hoping to see you.” “Did she now?” Cadence asked badly acting she had no clue why this happened. Something was telling me she knew I had figured out what happened, but I could be wrong. She could also just be a bad actress. Na, it’s more likely she knows, so I gave in. “Yeah, I figured you did that on purpose.” She smiled and raised her hoof. “Guilty as charged.” “You just can’t help yourself sometimes can you?” Shining asked his wife half expecting an actual answer. “Well I had to find some way of getting her here before she would start obsessing over that chest.” “You mean that chest that appeared after Twilight and her friends gave up their elements?” I asked. “Yes when Princess Celestia wrote to me about it, I knew I had a small window of opportunity to get her to the Crystal Empire. I knew once she saw Flash she’d forget about the chest.” Princess Cadence smiled. “Fair enough.” Shining told her. “But maybe you don’t have to be so sneaky about it.” “Maybe, I am rather doubtful she would’ve come if I just suggested to her to come and surprise Flash with that chest on her mind.” “She does have a duty of her own.” I finally spoke up. “And for sure I don’t want to keep her from it just like she doesn’t want to keep me from my own responsibilities here.” “And I admire you for that Flash.” Shining told me. “Really?” I asked. He’s never mentioned or said anything like before. “To be honest, I was a little worried that maybe you or Twilight would be…” he took a moment before he continued, “distracted in some way shape or form. But since her last visit, I saw that there was no difference in you two.” He smiled at me. At first, I didn’t want to believe it but looking at him now, it was obvious. He was being honest. “Thanks Shining Armor. That means a lot to me.” “Aw, I’m sure Twilight would love to see this.” Cadence said. We had a laugh. “Yeah well, if you wouldn’t mind Princess Cadence, let me and Twilight schedule our visits?” It was time. “What?” “It’s nothing personal and you know I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and Twilight. I would still like to come to you for advice and such. It’s just that, I’d rather she’d not get tricked into spending some time with me. We’re grown ponies and having these set ups seems so… middle school.” Princess Cadence kept a confused face. “Now I know that it might be hard for you to let go and this has been entertaining for you but you gotta admit, you can’t keep this up forever.” “Besides, with a baby on the way, you won’t have time for meddling in your sister in-law’s love life.” Shining Armor said. “And it’s not like you won’t be active on our lives anymore. You’ll still get hear about everything and of course Twilight and I will still come to you for help when we need it.” Princess Cadence’s face slowly turned to one of defeat. She sighed. “You two are right. You and Twilight can handle it from here and I’ve got my own motherly duties to attend to.” Shining Armor leaned over, wrapped his foreleg around her and kissed her cheek. “There’s my Cadence.” “Thanks Princess.” I told her. I didn’t want to ruin her fun but for her to keep this up would be a bit much. Twilight and I don’t need somepony hovering over us. We’ve only had one date and Princess Cadence is acting as if we’re about to get hitched. We haven’t made our relationship official yet and you know, we still have a bit to go. “Well, so far the long distance predicament doesn’t seem to be an issue or communication, so I suppose my work here is done.” I was glad and relieved Princess Cadence was taking this well. A part of me was dreading this conversation because I knew it wouldn’t be what the Princess would want to hear. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings either, but I knew I had to say something. This whole sneaking around plotting bit was making me rather uncomfortable. Shining and Cadence talked about their trip to Canterlot and we had some fun coming up with names for their foal. This is starting to feel more like a meal amongst family than just friends. Now this, I could get used to. Princess Cadence invited me for tea next week as well. Afterwards, I went back to my duties. Nothing else happened until I received a letter from Twilight after dinner. I decided to wait to read it until after I was ready for bed. I did have to get up fairly early tomorrow. I’ll write to her tomorrow during lunch. I was excited to see what news Twilight had. By the time I was finished reading it, I was amazed again by Twilight and her friends. She wrote to me about the chest Cadence had mentioned earlier. Looks like Princess Cadence was right about Twilight obsessing over that chest too. According to Twilight, the chest needs six keys in order to open. Sounds overkill for a chest but I suppose it adds to its importance if it needs that much security. She went through so many books and Princess Celestia even referred her to the Castle of the two Sisters. I chuckled a little when she started to go on about the library in the castle. Classic Twilight. Her adventure in the castle did sound a spooky, I’ll admit. Either the experience was scary or Twilight is just that good of a writer. Either way, it’s nice to hear from Twilight. I yawned after I finished the letter. All right Flash, time to get some sleep.