Decorum

“Hello and good afternoon fillies and gentalcolts of the Crystal Empire!” Cadence declared in her normal joyous tone. An Elated applause erupted from the crowd below. “Every day our empire grows more stable, healthy and prosperous. From the farmers of the west, to the industrious City ponies of the East and every pony in-between our Empire has made great strides in becoming the great nation that is once was!” Another bust of cheers and happy stamping rolled from the crowed bellow.

Shining Armor watched his wife give her speech, he had already heard it about fifty times from her practicing in their bedroom. So instead of listening to it again he admired her charisma, and beauty as she spoke. Her eyes sparkled with joy, the curls at the end of her mane bounced with the motion of her head. She was absolutely stunning, at times he could not believe he had been able to get such a gorgeous creature to fall in love with him.

A sharp “TSSTT” came from the right of Shining Armor he looked over to see a very annoyed Cordial Broach. “You can make goo goo eyes later, at least look like your listening.” She snipped, Cordial quickly fixed her gaze back to the crowed in front of her. Shining followed suit.

“It is on beautiful days like today, that I know so long as we maintain our love, compassion and joy for life The Crystal Empire will never fall again.” A tremendous roar erupted from the crowed as the speech ended. Cadence bowed her head slightly with respect, then she turn with Shining Armor and Cordial and walked back into the castle.

“Truly uplifting speech My Princess” Cordial Broach said. She sounded much more relaxed now that the difficult part of the day was done. Cordial allowed her neck to relax slightly no longer feeling the need to have a super tense posture that she held anytime she was in the public eye.

“Thank you Cordial, of course I couldn't have done it without you.” Cadence said with a warm smile.

“ You are extremely welcome My Princess.” Cordial said with a bow “Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to make sure everything is on track for the crystal heart fair tomorrow. I will see you in the morning Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” With that fairwell Cordial Broach trotted down the staircase to the left of the couple leading to the outside of the castle.
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Cadence gazed into the wonder of Luna’s night sky deep in thought. Her eyes followed the slowly flowing rainbow auras that stretched far off into the horizon. Cadence worried, like she did most nights, about her kingdom. Even though King Sombra had been defeated by the power of the crystal heart, there was no guarantee that he would not return. Even with the Celestia’s immense power over a thousand years ago, he could not be fully destroyed, only sealed away in ice. Cadence knew that if he did return, he would not make the same mistakes he made in the past. If he did try and overtake the Crystal Empire again he would be much less obvious, and more resourceful. Cadence knew that she had to be prepared for that day. She would not allow him to enslave her citizens again.

There was a distinct thud as the door to the bedroom closed. Cadence turned to see Shining Armor removing his Captain of the Gard uniform, hanging it on a rack near the door. Even though he was prince of the Crystal Empire, his acting position was still captain of the royal guard. After all who would be better to guard the empire than a pony whose specialty was protection spells. His eyes were tired and distant. Cadence smiled weakly at him.

Shining Armor smiled back. He walked over and nuzzled Cadence on the cheek. “ What’s on your mind My Princess.” Shining said imitating Cordial Broach’s distinct regal accent.

Cadence leaned into him and wrapping one of her wings over his back the heat from his body comforted her fraying nerves. “ Just enjoying the night sky is all” Cadence lied. She didn't want to worry him further than he already seemed.

Shining Armor looked into her eyes, trying to see what she was hiding, but he decided not to push it. Whatever it was she was worried about, it could wait until the morning. Then he leaned forward and kissed her sweetly. Now wasn't the time to worry, it was time for them to help each other forget every worry they had in the world.

Author's Note

Just a short chapter.