The neighboring Kingdom of Aurora in the North has always been reclusive, much like their reigning monarch, Queen Eventide, whom the Princesses of Equestria have been trying to set up relations with for years to no avail.
Queen Eventide has always refused Celestia’s many invitations and appeals, sending representatives for mandatory meetings, and dispatching insincere notices of apologies with refusals to galas and celebrations. So they have no idea why she has finally accepted to attend the Grand Galloping Gala, of all celebrations?
Eventide is a unicorn, as was her husband, King Astrid, and just like him, she will, too, pass on one day. The Royal Pony Sisters have always questioned why she did not choose an heir to ascend as Princess and to one day take the throne.
Turns out she was there on the request of her daughter, Princess Twilight of the Aurorian Kingdom, alicorn heir to her mother, Queen Eventide.
(This is in an AU where Luna does not become evil.)
{Artwork is mine save for the bg, if you are the owner of that and you oppose to me using it, please feel free to pm me!]