Chapter 1: The Royal Life
Most of the ponies in Canterlot were just waking up to another glorious day, some already roaming the streets going to their various occupations. Inside Canterlot castle, a certain filly was just waking up.
Celestia turned in her bed. A knock woke her up.
"Princess, it's time to get up," The voice of Matilda, Celestia’s nanny, announced from behind the door.
Matilda was an old earth pony with a very light blue coat. Her mane and tail, once a buttery yellow, had aged into a dull grey.
"I'll be up in a minute," Celestia replied in a weary tone.
"Don't be too long, my dear. The king and queen are expecting you for breakfast," Matilda said. Although she didn't wait up for Celestia, Matilda had to take care of Luna, Celestia’s foal sister. When the little alicorn filly was sure her nanny was gone, Celestia slowly crawled out of bed and trotted to her balcony.
The sun's rays welcomed her like an old friend warming the little filly's white fur coat. She almost thought she could snuggle into the sun's warmth like a blanket. She took a deep breath in, smelling the summer flowers that were in bloom in the garden just below her window.
"Maybe it could be a bit longer than a minute," Celestia giggled to herself as she looked out to Canterlot. Ponies in the streets, ponies in the market, ponies in the shops. It was hard for her to believe that one day she would rule all of this. Canterlot being the tip of the iceberg... she would one day rule all of Equestria! Celestia turned her attention towards the Canterlot public school. In front of the build were fillies and colts her age, some older, but all of them were playing on the playground... together.
Suddenly, Celestia's attention was broken by another knock at her door.
"Princess, you said a minute; it's been five. The king and queen are expecting you!" Matilda announced from the other side of Celestia's bedchambers. Celestia quickly rushed to the door and opened it. "Good to see you had enough time to brush your mane." Celestia ran a hoof over her mane somewhat flattening it. Matilda laughed. "I don't know if that is suitable for a princess, but... who am I to judge the work of royalty?" Matilda asked with a smile. "Now, breakfast is waiting downstairs, best not to keep it waiting." Celestia nodded and replied with a smile of her own.
Matilda trotted towards the stairs. Celestia began to follow, but stopped, turning to her balcony one last time. She wished she didn't have to leave, but she had already kept her mother and father waiting long enough.
Matilda opened the door to the dining hall. It was decorated with paintings on the walls as well as flowers on the large table which seated Celestia's parents.
"Sorry for the delay, your highness," Matilda apologized. The king and queen looked at Matilda confused. Finally, the queen, Aurora, spoke up with a laugh.
"It's quite alright, Matilda."
"Yes," King Winter added. "As a matter of fact, we just got our food, so it worked out perfectly!" A familiar aroma slowly caught Celestia's nose. Matilda moved out of the way so the young filly could get through. Celestia slowly trotted up to the table and sat across from her parents. King Winter turned to Matilda, who was waiting patiently for her new orders.
"Matilda, if it isn't too much trouble, would you mind feeding Luna?"
"Why yes, of course!" Matilda said as she rushed out of the dining hall and back up the stairs.
"So, Celestia..." King Winter said looking at his daughter from across the table. She was certain he would bring it up eventually, but she still didn't like it. "How are your studies?" He asked with a smile.
"G-Good... I suppose," Celestia replied, shocked that he didn't mention what she told him the other night.
‘You suppose?’ Queen Aurora stated, looking surprised...
"My studies are going very well," Celestia replied more confidently. She wasn't lying either. She knew every law from Canterlot to the Gryphon Kingdoms.
"So you're ready for a pop quiz should one be today?" Aurora asked.
"Of course!" Celestia countered confidently.
"Is this pop quiz going to be before or after you visit the Canterlot public school?" Winter added.
Aurora and Celestia froze. Celestia was waiting for him to tell her mother about it... but it didn't help.
"Our daughter is visiting a public school? For what purpose?" Aurora demanded at Winter. Winter merely laughed.
"Because she wants to."
"You want to visit a public school? Why? What could you possible have to gain from it? What you are learning here is far better than anything you could learn at that... Public school," Aurora said in a disgusted manner.
Celestia opened her mouth but closed it before replying. She had to convince her mother that she needed to go, but if she said the reason was to make friends, then her mother would just dismiss her. As much as she hated lying, she had to do it.
"Because... while education here may be far superior to education in a public school, the way of learning is different. I want to learn more about how public schools work," Celestia lied.
"You're studying politics. What does public schooling have to do with politics?" Aurora asked. A bead of sweat ran down Celestia's forehead as both her parents stared at her. She had to keep the lie going.
"They must teach some kind of politics at that public school. While it isn't as good as my private schooling, I'm sure it offers something I don't know. And even though it might not be much, why pass up an opportunity to learn?"
Winter smiled and looked to his wife for a counter, but Aurora was silent.
"So, it is decided then," Winter announced. "Celestia, you will be able to attend public schooling for one month."
"A month?!" Celestia and Aurora said together.
"Is that not okay with the both of you?" Winter asked. Celestia looked at her mother who was thinking of raising an objection but didn't.
"Well? A month. Not too long, is it?" Aurora asked Celestia.
"Of course not!" Celestia cheered with glee. King Winter smiled and levitated the toast to his mouth, biting a chunk out of the perfectly toasted bread.
One month of public schooling. One month of being a normal filly. Celestia could barely contain herself. Her wings started to flutter with excitement. Her father smiled and laughed a little. Even Aurora, who was opposed to the idea, cracked a smile.
Then, the doors to the dining hall opened. A pony that looked very similar to Aurora entered the room. Her mane was unkempt, and she was levitating some kind of drink with her magic. The mare took a seat one chair away from Aurora.
"How lovely of you to join us on this fine morning dear sist-" Aurora began but was cut off by the mare's loud yawn.
"Yeah, yeah, it isn't like I wanted to. That hag nanny of yours always begs me to eat breakfast with my beloved sister. She practically dragged me out of bed this morning. I barely had enough time to mix me one before I was rushed out of my room."
"Don't you think it's a bit early to be hitting the hard stuff?" King Winter asked. Aria glared but before her younger sister could speak up, Aurora cut in.
"I'm just happy you came down to breakfast. We rarely get to see you, Aria, and time spent with you is time well spent," Aurora stated with a smile. Aria laughed, nearly spilling her drink on the table.
"Ohhh, that was good. As if you're not looking for some way to cast me out of the family as I speak," Aria said, downing the entire shot of her drink. Aurora was silent. Aria sat her drink on the table and got up out of her seat.
"Do I..." Aurora began," Even need to ask?"
"No, the Prancing Pony. It's the best bar in all of Canterlot... not that you're royal, prissy flank would know." Aria spat then left the dining hall and made sure to slam the doors on the way out.
Aurora gave a sad sigh and looked to her husband.
"What am I going to do with her?" The queen asked.King Winter brought a hoof to his chin then smiled.
"She may not be the biggest pony, but we could make her into a nice throw rug." The thought made Celestia laugh. "See, Celestia thinks it's a good idea." Aurora cracked a smile again and lightly shook her head, taking a small bite of her toast. “Aria will come around,” king winter ensured his wife. Aurora frowned and turned to the door her little sister slammed on her way out.
“Maybe,” Aurora said worriedly.