Ebony looked at the little drawing that he kept inside the drawer of his nightstand. It was a crude drawing he did when he was about eight. He was standing on the castle with the black crown of the hive on his head. Ivory was next to him in what appeared to be guard armor while his aunts and cousins were just below them. On the ground level of the castle there were a bunch of Changelings, Equestrians, and various other races holding each other’s stick hands. Everyone had a big smile that took up most of their misshapen heads. After chuckling at his awful child drawing skills he tossed into the garbage can. He was not going to be king so it was time to throw out the childish dreams and focus.
As he left the room he was stopped by Ivory.
“Hey you doing anything?” He asked.
“Not really, why?” Ebony responded.
“I was going to meet Belus and the others at the sanctuary, want to come?”
Ebony ran his fingers through his long shaggy hair. When they were younger the two decided to let their hair grow out. While Ebony chose to keep his hair wild and free like a mane, Ivory opted to contain his long locks in a short pony tail. Chrysalis hated the idea at first but the two parties came to an agreement: they could keep their hair as long as they wanted so long as Chrysalis could brush, maintain and style their hair at her leisure.
“Let me guess you were going to go find something else about what are cutie things might be?” Ivory asked. Ebony nodded. Ivory sighed and put his arm around his brother's shoulder. “Look I know you’re worried but relax that book Dr. Hale gave us said they’ll appear on their own, just give it time.”
“Unfortunately time is the one thing we don’t have. At our age Arthemis was already a respected statesling taking part in council meeting’s daily. Alex was a lieutenant in the army and distinguished in fighting remaining scattered Lazarus Hive groups. Priamus was…” But before he could continue Ivory placed a finger on his lips.
“Relax, we have time if anything we have more time because of those cutie marks. There’s something we have a natural talent at; we just need to find it and let life take it’s course.” Ivory smiled, but Ebony wasn’t convinced he bit on his fingernail and went back to his thoughts.
“Life take it’s course, right,” he muttered.
“I know you don’t believe in destiny but I do and whatever our destinies are, they’ll come to us, we just got to be patient and keep moving forward.” Ivory stated. “It’s like Papillia always says: everything happens for a reason.” Ebony grunted in response, as he usually did.
Ivory brayed in annoyance. “Look you’ve been working yourself ragged for the past couple months. During what is supposed to be our vacation. We only have a few weeks left before we go back to our learning. Let’s do something before we’re too swamped to do anything together.” Ivory said. Ebony sighed and looked to Ivory.
“Fine,” Ebony sighed. You’re just going to guilt me if I don’t,” He muttered.
Ivory flashed him a big smile and lead the way to the Royal Greenhouse Sanctuary.
The royal sanctuary was a large greenhouse in the castle with a practical jungle inside. It was about two miles in circumference but the canopy was thick and stretched all the way to the roof. It was constructed by their great great grandfather. To this day no one knows how he was able to create such a beautiful environment in a small enclosed space. The miniature environment was filled with a variety of creatures both captured and from small burrows.
As the two princes entered the area they spotted their three cousins laying out an area for a picnic. As soon as they walked up Ebony was jumped by Belus who smothered him in kisses.
“Oh Ebony I’m so glad you came. I haven’t seen you in so long!” She squealed nuzzling into his neck.
“Belus you see me every day.” He stated
“Yeah but it feels like I haven’t been with you in forever. Either you’re too busy or I’m too busy or someone’s too busy.” She responded hugging him even tighter.
“Yeah you’re kind of right, it’s good to see you too Belus.” Ebony responded returning the hug with a big kiss on her cheek.
Belus grew into a tiny rose without any thorns. She was sweet and sensitive with a tender heart. She would cry over almost anything whether it was anger, happiness, or sadness. She was also as small as Papillia even after her second cocooning. Leaving the two adolescent boys still taller than her. Her hair was red like the aforementioned flower and was cut into short curls.
As Belus’s hug tightened and her barrage of kisses and nuzzles continued a deep voice boomed.
“Easy Belus and let us have a turn at him.” The deep voice rumbled with laughter.
“Alrighty Exy,” She sighed; reluctantly she let go of Ebony. With Belus aside, Exadeus stepped over to Ebony.
While Belus grew to be a rose Exadeus became an oak. He was the tallest and largest boy in the entire royal academy. Despite building up a strong bulky body he hated violence and has no interest in joining the military, in spite of Alex’s urging. He had wavy hair the color of fire; Arthemis said he was the spitting image of his father, Sandstorm.
Exadeus then picked Ebony up in a massive bear hug, crushing him.
“Good to see you again Ebony.” He laughed planting a big wet kiss on Ebony’s lips before throwing him around like a stuffed animal.
“For the love of- you guys are acting like I haven’t seen you in months. Why aren’t you giving Ivory the same treatment?” Ebony squeaked as the massive hug tightened around him.
“Probably because I actually take the time to spend time with them beyond the dining room,” Ivory responded.
“Alright, I get the picture I’ll start spending more time with you just put me down you’re crushing me.” He grunted. With a nod from Ivory Exadeus released Ebony from his titan grip.
“Glad to see you were able to take a break to see us Ebby.” Proteus called from her comfy position on the ground.
“Yeah well not everyone can just lounge about all day like you Protey.” He responded.
“Hey, I get my stuff done! Straight A’s all year, what do you guys even get learning at home with Aunt Chrysalis?” She huffed. She proceeded to sit up to get a better look at Ebony.
Proteus looked more like Chrysalis than Arthemis only she had blue hair. She was also tall and lanky with toned muscles from climbing the mountains outside the hive. Despite being incredibly lazy she was brilliant. Unfortunately, her mental fortitude was not lost on her leading to an ego twice the size of her intellect.
“Kisses on the head and we’re told that we are her smart precious boys.” Ivory smiled.
“Wow Ebony all she has to do is add in some treats and maybe you can become king of the dogs instead.” Proteus giggled. Belus and Exadeus shot their sister a sharp glare. Understanding Proteus threw her hands up in acceptance of the poor taste of her joke.
“So how you holding up there, Ebby?” She asked in a genuine tone.
“Fine, I’m not going to let this stop me. I’ll just need to find something else to do for the hive.” He responded.
“Yeah well it still sucks. I thought we were going to get married, with me as your Queen. So much for that,” she pouted.
“Proteus didn’t we come up with that plan when we were hatchlings?” Ebony chuckled.
“I remember every deal I’ve made, regardless of when,” Proteus responded.
“Well looks like you’re going to have to figure out a different career path,” Ivory stated with a cheshire smile.
“Speaking of career paths you still intent on joining the military?” Proteus asked.
“Of course, captain of the royal guards.” He replied sticking his chest out and saluting proudly.
“Well good luck with that,” She responded with a roll of her eyes. “Now how about we stop just talking and get to eating this picnic,” Proteus exclaimed. She then pulled out a blanket and spread it out on the grass.
“So how is the academy going?” Ivory asked. Taking a bite of a blueberry crepe.
“It’s fine, a little boring for me, but pretty uneventful overall. Go to class, you learn, you go home, and repeat.” Proteus replied. “I honestly wish I could learn like you two. I mean you guys have had some real experience.” She exclaimed. “You went to the capital of Equestria. You got to meet the Princess Celestia. I’ve only read books about them and seen some pictures.” She mumbled.
“Yeah but the academy is a fantastic school. I’ve been enjoying my classes and everyling is really friendly.” Belus smiled.
“Belus everything to you is fantastic,” Proteus deadpanned. “Look I’m not taking the academy for granted we’re lucky all three of us got in. Even with our family name but it feels like I’m not going to be prepared when I leave.” She said. Absentmindedly she started to pick at a few strands of grass. “I mean we’ll be graduating in a few years and it feels like all I’m gonna learn is how to ace a quiz but not much else. Am I the only one who’s kind of scared?” She asked, looking over to her siblings.
“No, kinda, I mean I honestly have no idea what I’m doing when I’m done with classes. I mean other than the applying for an internship but yeah… I’m kind of worried too.” Exadeus nervously chuckled. Proceeding to rub the back of his neck and looked at the ground bashfully. Belus didn’t say anything but her dour face showed solidarity with her cousin’s concerns.
Ebony too remained silent as his cousins aired their fears and grievances. He quietly finished another cup of tea as his heart sank in shame. Despite all their advantages: birth, family connections etc. Despite all of their privileges and advantages in life they had the same fears about the future as him. Fears he had completely refused to consider or ask about for months since he began to fear for his own future. In all honesty, he had barely acknowledged them before then too.
As soon as he set down his cup of tea Ebony sprung forward wrapping his arms around Proteus shoulders. He still found the height difference between them awkward despite their similar age.
“Ebony, what are you doing?” She exclaimed as she was almost knocked over by his sudden lunge.
“I’m sorry I’ve been ignoring everyone.” He muttered. As he pressed his face into her shoulder. “I’ve been incredibly selfish these past couple months and even before then. You’ve been there for my problems and I haven’t been there for yours, so I’m sorry.” He stated.
“Oh Ebony you have nothing to apologize for. You guys have been having way worse problems to bothered worry about ours. We’re just venting, we’ll be fine once school is out but you guys...well...you know...” Belus trailed off not wanting to mention the unsavory topic.
“That’s no excuse Belus.” Ebony shot back his voice cracking into a deeper octave. “It’s like mom always says: ‘above all else family is most important.’ I haven’t been treating you like family. More like a commodity to listen to me and be there when I need you. Again I’m sorry for that,” he continued. Ebony finally let Proteus go and looked over to them with a warm smile.
“Well it’s about time you said something you selfish brat.” Proteus laughed in what sounded more like a grow. She grabbed the prince and pulled him into her lap. Wrapping her legs around him to keep him pinned. “You better keep this promise to us Ebony,” She giggled too sweetly. She proceeded to run her fingers through his hair, pinch his cheeks, grope his face and anything else to annoy him.
“So when we decide to go rock climbing in a few weeks or some other excursion, you’ll go? No more dodging or ignoring us?” She asked.
“If I actually have time and I’m in the mood, absolutely,” Ebony responded.
“Alright, that’s acceptable. What if we decide to take time every weekend for a get together like this?” She asked.
“I’ll make time to come unless I really can’t,” Ebony responded.
“Alright does that sound like a good start to everyling?” Proteus asked, to which everyone nodded in agreement. With his promises made Proteus released Ebony from his captivity. However, he didn’t move from his spot; content to remain in her presence as he grabbed another cup of tea.
“So back to more important things: who do you think Alexandrae has been seeing?” Ivory asked with a conspiring grin. Belus’s face lit up with delight as she quickly leads the conversation on theories about their aunt’s unusual behavior. Behavior that had become stranger this past year.
So the family sat in the grass and gossiped over theories of their aunt’s possible dealings. Then the subject swiftly changed to Priamus’s more concrete flirtations with the captain of the guard, Typhoon. Apparently, things were getting serious between the two as they had been seeing the captain around out of uniform. As the last of the food was eaten they turned their attention to each other’s relationships both romantic and acquaintance. Exadeus, in particular, turned red like Belus’s hair at the mention of one of his classmates, they couldn’t get a name, though. Finally, as their large picnic had turned to crumbs and as the sun began to set from behind the glass walls the conversation returned to their lessons.
“So do you honestly have no idea what you’re going to do for a career no idea at all?” Ivory asked Belus.
Belus pressed her finger to lip in thought but couldn’t think of anything. She shook her head in response. Ivory then looked over to Proteus for her answer.
“Well, I think I’m going to look into becoming a governling.” She responded.
“So if you know what you’re going to do why are you so worried?” Ebony asked.
“Because it takes a long time to even be qualified to be a governling. You need at least five years in a public service position, at least one year in the military and at least three years as harvester,” She explained. “And that’s the bare minimum so you need a lot more to be realistically considered.”
Ebony let out a whistle of admiration at the long list of demands for governling while Ivory turned to Exadeus.
“Well, mom is pushing me to be a counciling like her. Alex is, of course, trying to get me to join the military. So maybe I’m leaning toward counciling?” He responded with a shrug.
“Okay well it sounds like that’s what they want you to do but what about you? What does Exadeus want to do?” Ivory elaborated.
“Well… I don’t really know, I mean… I kind of do, I think what I want is a job away from the hive. Not that there’s anything wrong with it or I hate being here. It’s just there’s a whole world out there that I am dying to see.” He said eyes full of wonder.
‘A whole world that would hate you if you couldn’t disguise yourself.’ Ebony thought bitterly but chose not to say it.
“Hey, Proteus were you able to grab what asked you about?” Ivory asked turning to his cousin.
“Got it right here.” She replied. She dug into a bag next to her and pulled out a half-empty bottle of red wine. Taking everyone's glasses she poured a bit of wine in each one to a little below halfway.
Suddenly Ivory stood up and held his glass aloft for a toast. “Everyone I propose a toast and a pact.” He stated.
“Our mother’s and aunts have done great things for this Hive. Love flows freely through our kingdom, our Changelings are living better than they have before, we are living in a golden age of prosperity. Things seem to be improving for our people abroad. Papillia has been traveling more often to meet more leaders. I understand there are even talks to open an embassy in Canterlot.” Only Belus began clapping while everyone else stared at him in confusion. “My point is that our family was able to do these things because they worked together. Most queens end up killing their family for control of the crown but they stayed together and the hive has greatly benefited from this. So that’s what we need to do.” He continued. “So from this day forward we need to work together, all of us.” He iterated looking at Ebony who rolled his eyes. “Proteus I’m sure a letter of recommendation from a prince will be helpful and get you far in the selection process.”
“That is if that Sub-Hive will even care about a letter from two Equestrians.” Ebony muttered.
“Well if they don’t take value in our prince’s words then I don’t want to govern such a backward sub-hive.” Proteus smiled with a kiss on the top of Ebony’s head.
“Exadeus we’ll help you find something to take you out of this Hive.” Ivory said to which Exadeus nodded in gratitude. “And Belus, well, we’ll figure out something together.” He smiled with a pat on her head.
“And we’ll help you find these cutie marks and be the princes you were born to be.” Belus giggled.
“Alright then a toast!” Ivory shouted raising his glass in the air. Everyone shot up and held out their own glasses.
“To the future!” Ivory shouted, this time, his voice cracking.
“To family!” Proteus smiled proudly
“To the hive!” Ebony tried to roar but his cracking voice had betrayed him.
“To being leaders!” Belus chirped.
“To our Changelings!” Exadeus boomed.
The group tapped their glasses together and proceeded to down the wine.
As soon as the bitter drink touched their lips Proteus and Exadeus spat it out. Hacking at the taste of the strong drink.
“Oh gods how does my mother drink this stuff?” Proteus shrieked spitting at the ground to get the taste out.
“It tastes like rotten cranberry juice.” Exadeus moaned.
Ebony and Belus hated the taste about as much but were able to contain their disgust and finish the glass. Though as soon as it was done they were keeled over spitting the taste out.
“How is this enjoyable? Why would anyone drink this?” Ebony cried furiously wiping his tongue.
“My tongue feels burned and sour.” Belus groaned spitting into the grass.
“I don’t know what you guys are complaining about, not that bad,” Ivory replied. Finding very little wrong with the alcoholic concoction.
“You’re going to be an alcoholic.” Ebony spat walking down the grassy knoll and back to the castle. With the rest of his family right on his heels craving for some water to cleanse their palates.
“It wasn’t that bad…” Ivory muttered.