Not Everything Is As It Seems

Princess Celestia has summoned me to Canterlot for an important meeting. Apparently, an alicorn by the name of Silver Blade was proposing a new idea for the Equestrian Rule. Princess Luna and Cadance would be there too, so it appears that this is a very important meeting. I wonder what he has to say...

I walked up the stone steps to the throne room.

"Welcome Princess Twilight! The others are waiting for you inside!" the guards greeted, opening the doors. Celestia, Luna, and Cadance were huddled in the center of the room, discussing something. Luna noticed me and halted the conversation.

"Hello Twilight! Our guest should be arriving shortly!" she explained. The doors opened behind me and in stepped in another alicorn. He was being escorted by two guards and another pony beside him.

"Welcome Silver Blade! This is Princess Luna, Cadance, and Twilight" introduced Celestia. He smiled and took s seat.

"Of course I know who you are! However, we shouldn't be pondering on friendships right now..." said Silver Blade. Luna raised an eyebrow.

"Why not?" she asked. Silver chuckled and grinned. Beckoning for the pony who entered with him, the pony trotted over and set down a briefcase. Silver opened it and took out a strange item. A scepter of some sort.

"Do you know what this is?" he questioned. Everypony nodded. "Good!" He got up a snapped it in two. Celestia gasped.

"Why would you do that to a royal scepter?!" she shouted. He's only been here for five minutes and he's already made enemies.

"To show that the time of monarchy is done!" He walked over to Luna and set the pieces down in front of her. "You have the chance to repair this and restore your leadership in this land. Think about this though;  what if the ponies don't want this?" he whispered.

"What are you trying to say?" she mumbled worriedly. He smirked.

"Tell me, do you know what democracy is?" he asked. We all shook our heads. What was he talking about? "Democracy is giving the ponies a chance to choose leaders, laws, and public concerns. As of now, YOU have controlled the decisions! It is time for a change in leadership! A change in government!" Cadance got up from her seat.

"I will have no part of this! The Crystal Empire is deemed separate from Equestria so I refuse to change over to democracy even if the rest of Equestria does!" she wailed, storming out of the room. I got up from my seat.

"The ponies are happy with Celestia and Luna's rule. We appreciate the idea, but we decline," I informed him. He laughed.

"Let the ponies decide Princess Twilight, considering you're so confident that the outcome will benefit you... hold a vote! Democracy or monarchy! Elected leaders or born-in leaders! Rules unfair or rules voted for their justice! Can't you see that this is the better way?" he asked. Surely everypony loved being under Celestia's and Luna's rule.

"We accept the vote. We'll show you!" I challenged. He held out his hoof but drew back.

"To avoid conflict, if the election passes for democracy, I will hold another vote to see if I am to become the new leader, or if Celestia and Luna are to. If I win, they leave. I lose? I'll leave. Deal?" he betted, holding out his hoof again.

"Twilight, perhaps we sho-"

"Deal!" I shouted, shaking his hoof.

"I'll see you tomorrow then with the results. Send it out now. I assure you the outcome will be the better choice," he spoke with confidence. He gestured for his assistant to follow him and they left the throne room.

"Something's odd about that pony. Twilight, could you perhaps follow him? See what he's really up to?" asked Celestia. I nodded and went after them. They went into a dark alley and leaned against the wall.

"Went better than expected. Were the soldiers able to get through?" asked Silver.

"Yes sir. This way, the protection for Canterlot should be doubled. Don't need any conflict here," the assistant replied.

"Good. We should be off then. As should you Miss. Sparkle!" he shouted, appearing from the alley way. I froze in place. "Nice try, but we aren't up to anything devious! We just sent in extra troops to the castle so that Canterlot could have double security. If we WERE up to something, that would make our job harder wouldn't it?"

"Right... I'll see you tomorrow!" I said, rushing back to the castle. There was something going on. I could feel it..