All is Fair in Love and War

They arrived in front of the castle and Stardust noticed that there was some kind of barrier around the entrance. “What is this barrier for? He asked Shining Armor.

“This barrier detects any deadly weapons that somepony might be sneaking in, it’s a precautionary measure that is supposed to keep the Princesses safe from assassins.”

They walked slowly through the barrier and Stardust felt the same twinge in his shoulder as before but this time was a little worse than last time. Shining Armor noticed him wince as they walked toward the throne room where they were going to meet with the Princesses. When the got to the entrance to the throne room there was another barrier in the doorway. “I thought we already went through one of these. Why is there a barrier here?” Asked Stardust.

“This one isn’t the same as the one by the entrance; it deactivates any enchantments on held objects and even entering ponies. This is placed to ensure that our enemy hasn’t disguised themselves to attack the princess and also to make sure that nopony has enchanted a concealed weapon to be undetected by the first barrier.” Said Shining Armor.

Shining Armor walked through the barrier first and then Star dust walked through. As he walked through the barrier the pain in his shoulder got extremely worse and he felt the same pain in the other shoulder too. After he made it through the barrier, the pain kept intensifying and got so bad that he couldn’t take it any longer. He stopped walking wincing in pain, it felt like someone was stabbing a dull sword into his back and slowly cutting down his back. Shining Armor went over to him prepared to either fight or give medical attention. The two guards outside the door were now standing over Stardust with their lances drawn.

The pain was finally starting to go away and at this Stardust said. “Don’t worry I'm not going to harm the Princesses I just got into a fight a couple days ago and injured my shoulder and I think the magic in that barrier must have affected it somehow.”

“Do you remember when I said that the barrier detects all enchantments, well it also deactivates them. There is an alarm that that sounds when an enchantment is detected and it was going nuts after you walked through but I can see why now that I get a good look at you.”

“What do you mean a good look at me? I look the same as I’ve always looked.” Said Stardust.

“Are you sure about that, to me it looks like you’ve been hiding wings.” Said Shining Armor with almost shouting.

Stardust said. “What wings?” as he turned to look at his back. When he looked he saw two large wings open on his back he also noticed that the guards where holding down his hooves with their unicorn magic.

“Are you a rebel spy?” shouted Shining Armor.

“NO! I swear.” Said Stardust defensively.

“Well just to make sure….he cast truth spell on Stardust….I repeat; are you a rebel spy? Asked Shining Armor again.

Stardust without hesitation replied “No I’m not a spy; I have never had wings in my life.”

“That barrier will de-spell any enchantment and wouldn’t do anything else but that.” Said Celestia.

“Then what is going on here?” Asked Stardust.

“From what I can tell you where born an Alicorn and someone put an enchantment on your wings to hide that you’re an Alicorn from someone. Is there anypony else in your family that’s a unicorn? Said Celestia.

Stardust couldn’t help but answer the question “My mother is a unicorn, her name is Fairy Dust.”

“Your mother is a unicorn? So she must have been the one to put the enchantment on your wings if not then somepony else could have but this must be investigated further to be sure.” Said Celestia.

“You’re not going to do anything to her are you?” Asked Stardust.

“Since it is a crime to hide things like this from the empire she may be taken into custody for questioning.” Replied Celestia.

“No you can’t! I’ll do anything! She isn’t a criminal! She was probably just protecting me!” Shouted Stardust.

“From What?” Asked Celestia.

“I don’t know but she probably had her reasons.” Answered Stardust.

“Alright fine, she will be left alone but I do plan to further this investigation in the future, but do to the recent happenings we now know why your magic power level is so high.” Said Celestia.

“Thank you princess you have no idea how much it means to me.” Said Stardust with sudden joy.

“You’re welcome, but like I said I plan to investigate this further in the future.” Said Celestia.

“I understand.” Said Stardust.

“So what shall we do with this discovery Princess?” Asked Shining Armor.

“Since he is an Alicorn he will be made a prince and given certain duties that are yet to be decided. Also if he still wants to be part of the royal guard he may do so and receive the best training our royal guard has to offer.” Said Celestia.

“This is very unexpected Princess. Do you really think I have to be a prince, it seems like a little too much for me to handle.” Said Stardust taken by surprise by her statement.

“I think you will learn to handle everything in time, the responsibilities won’t be immediate either because we still need to figure out what your duties will be. Luna said while getting up to stand next to Celestia.

Still in shock of what just happened Stardust replied “I still don’t know about that but maybe you’re right, after a while I probably will get used to it. What I want to know is what if I don’t want to be a prince or whatever you think I should be? Said Stardust.

“Unfortunately for you, you won’t have a choice about if you are to be royalty or not, that is decided by my sister and I along with what you shall do in your position.” Said Luna.

“She’s right you don’t have a say in the part in becoming royalty but you must understand that it’s just the way things work in the empire, all Alicorns are considered royalty by default unless they have evil intentions that could put the people at risk.” Said Celestia.

“Since the matter was put aside due to the recent events, Stardust Night do you still want to enlist in the royal guard and get the special training offered?” Asked Luna.

“Yes I do still want to enlist in the royal guard.” Replied Stardust.

“I see. I will have to consult with the Commander, if all goes well expect to start training in about one week no later.” Said Luna getting a little firm as she spoke.

“Please don’t be so nervous about becoming a prince it’s really not as hard as it sounds but it can be stressful at times. Just remember you have Luna and me to consult with before you make any tough decisions if you need help making a choice.” Said Celestia.

“Thank you for that Princess, I do feel a bit better now that I know I have someone to go to for help instead of being on my own with the whole thing.” Said Stardust with a bit of relief.

“Shining Armor, could you have someone set up a room for Stardust to stay in and before I forget make sure all of his belongings are transferred from where he is currently staying in the city.” Said Celestia.

“Yes Princess.” Replied Shining Armor escorting Stardust out.

“So after all this time he didn’t know.” Said Celestia.

“Apparently not. Are you sure he should be let into the royal guard, he still seems suspicious to me?” Said Luna.

“I’m sure he isn’t a spy or anything, plus you and I of anypony should know that everypony has their secrets.” Said Celestia.

“That reminds me sister, I thought we agreed not to use that truth spell anymore because it’s like torture.” Said Luna becoming slightly angry.

“It had to be done.” Said Celestia firmly.

“Why? It isn’t right. How do you think the people would react if they found out we were doing something like this?” Said Luna.

“Like I said, it had to be done.” Said Celestia.

“Fine don’t explain yourself. I will see you in a couple of days when I return with Commander Knightwalker.” Said Luna storming out of the room.