Unlike the palace in Canterlot which operated as the main seat of the diarchy and a diplomatic hub around the clock

It's also the main seat of government and so would do a lot of government things like maintaining infrastructure, security, trade routes, civil law, government owned enterprises and so on.

Really liking this so far. The conflicting feelings and emotions are very natural for first time AB/DLs, and I have to wonder how many have ever confided in close friends or companions about it.

Looking forward to more! I'm guessing we'll get a bit of a back story if Cadance was indulging in diapers as a teen.
I'm loving how easily she's slipping into a filly when she's talking with Shining. I don't see there any problem with him putting her back in diapers.

She started giggling uncontrollably, squirming. Despite herself she could feel her arousal, her pyjama bottoms looking worse for wear as they wicked away her excitement.

And this is why Cadance needs to be in diapers right now!