In Search Of...

by rattled404

Chapter 3: Castle Tours

The castle was something to many ponies to be this holy site. Anypony who worked here long enough can tell who’s the newest servant. That and when they shriek when they see you is also a big sign. The touring goes pretty smoothly as Cadance takes in the architect of the room. The buttresses, pillars, even some of the old doors made long ago. While not many ponies knew when the old areas were made you made sure to never ask your mom again. Being reminded how old she is was something you didn’t want to do. The bakers begged you not to do it. Once was enough. Sweet world, you could still remember the smell of icing and pastries that day.

Cadance took in every history you know about each room. Spearhead followed you and Cadance behind. At times like these you forget how quiet he can be. The first place was the garden. Even the non-pony folks enjoyed the garden. Except the Yaks, or the Griffons, Dragons, ok it wasn’t like as much as you wanted to admit.

“I’m guessing you’ve already been to the royal garden?”

“Only for a short while.” Cadance said as she took in the atmosphere. “It’s really beautiful here.”

“There’s a gazebo here, follow me.”

The maze of the garden was a peculiar spot for a newcomer. For one they needed a map to navigate if they weren’t a pegasus. All you needed to was just slightly tip toe to see the exit. At moments like these you realize your differences weren’t that bad. It's practical too.

Cadance sat across and she took in the surroundings like a little colt in a candy shop. Milkshakes or cider sounded a hundred times better than some hot leaf juice. Unfortunately within the castle ground where eyes are on you there wasn’t much of a choice. That was one good thing about the garden, it was an unspoken rule that only the royals got to use the gazebo.

“So did you get your royal duties yet?” Anon asked.

“Not yet, I admit it’s a bit daunting to think about it.” Cadance said. “How is your royal duty, I’m sure it’s- are you alright Anon?”

You quickly ease your face back into the usual calm expression. It’s not that you hated your duty, but it was a pain in the flank.

“I apologize. It’s just, it’s been stressful lately.”

“Is it that bad?”

You sigh, louder than you thought it would be. The last thing you want to do is to scare off the newest royal family.

“It’s not that, I’m just dealing with some a problem the moment.”

“What kind of problem?” Cadance questioned further curiously.

“Internal squabbling between a noble and a general. One wants to lower military spending and the other wants to increase it. The next budget isn’t going to be settled if we don’t get this done.” You smile, albeit a hastily made one. “Royal duty isn’t like that all the time. Trust me. You’ll be fine.”

The second floor that ruled the royal court was mostly empty since all business was conducted on the first floor. Though it is filled when it gets extremely busy. There she was, your mother solving issues effortlessly. One day, you will be like her, even if it’s a tiny fragment you would be satisfied. Cadance looked down with just as much reverence.

“She sure is amazing.” Cadance said.

You nod. “She is. No pony can be regal and wise as her. No matter how hard I try I can never be like her. I’ll always be in her shadow.”

“Didn’t you recently negotiate with the dragons?”

“That’s different Cadance.” You say with a sigh. “That’s just part of my royal duty, to ensure peace between all creatures.”

“That’s still brave Anon. I think you have your own way to shine like everyone else does.”

Shine huh?

“Thank you Cadance.”

The talk eventually flowed to different topics and after the tea was finished you continued on. The staff greeted you as they passed by, exchanging pleasantries along the way.

“Do you know every staff’s name?” Cadance asked.

“Of course, they work here so it’s my royal duty to know.”

That was a lie of course, you only know their names because you used still escape to the staff room when you see a group of nobles are searching for you. As the tour went on you see a familiar group, for what it seems to be arguing. Crabapples they saw you.

“Let’s go see the kitchen.” You quickly say.

“What’s going on?”

“I’ll answer you later follow me!” You sharply whispered.

Among the routes in the castle you knew the best way to escape and as always found your way to the staff room, more specifically the staff room for the ponies that worked in the mess hall.

“Whew.”

You let out a sigh of relief once you made it down. The ponies down here was used to your appearance here. Tartarus, they reserve a spot for you because it’s so frequent.

“Running from your duties again your highness?”

“I prefer the term, resting before engaging with royal duties.” You correct them quickly.

A pleasant giggle caught your attention, it was Cadance. It was good to see her smile, not the porcelain kind that you see everyday.

“If I didn’t know better I would’ve thought you were a different pony from the academy.”

You scoff lightly. “That’s because I only go there a few times a year.”

The servants hoofs you and Cadance tea.

“So, how did you like the castle?”

Cadance beams enthusiastically. “It was wonderful! I can’t believe you get to live here! Though I admit it’s going to take a while to get used to navigating.”

“Just start making a mental map from your room.”

Wait what’s that face? Cadance looked away then back to you, then looked down to her cup then back up to you, slightly flustered looking.

“Maybe I can have my room set near to yours to make navigating easier?”

Wait what. Act cool.

“Um uh… sure.”

NAilED iT.

The next morning you woke up tired. Cadance, a new royalty that didn’t know much of her way around the royal etiquette. You couldn’t help but think about her. How much of a fresh air of change she was. It’s been a while since you met a pony that didn’t have a filter.

With a triple espresso in hand you gather the parchments for the day. As you walk out of your room after a quick shower you noticed Cadance coming out at the same time.

“Cadance what are you doing up so early?”

“Morning Anon…” She yawned, a big one at that. “Since you and Princess Celestia also wake up early I thought the least I could do is do the same. Maybe I can help, if you need it.”

This pony. You couldn’t help but smile. Maybe with her around the daily grind wouldn't be that bad, until she leaves that is. The thought of it kills your mood if not for her presence.

“The castle could always use an extra hoof.”

Author's Note:

So sorry about how long it took for a new chapter. I was on a block for a while, hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. I'll try to make it longer next time.

Comments

[Timeless Lord Slayer]

Congratz, you got featured again.

[DanishDash]

What a nice story, makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Great work on your first story, keep up the good work! :)

[Hein des Nisseroi]

I just want to say that this chapter could use some proofreading.

[The Curators Compindium]

I like it I probably will add it to my compendium if it gets completed of if it cant be finished in an hour

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P.S. Yay a story with Second best pony.

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