To Work With Royals

Blue Bell lied in bed, curled up with her mane and tail. The blanket was careful draped over her lower body, her eyes shut in a blissful sleep. Hercules cooked in the downstairs kitchen, making wheat toast with maple syrup covered apple slices. The kids were having a cereal war. Aiming their imaginary catapults, the fruit-loops flying in the air. Storm Dash got Sweet Heart in the eye and in return she got some in his mane. The kids giggled as Herc climbed up the stairs.

His wings balanced the tray of food, making sure it didn’t spill. He turned to the left, the master bedroom at the end of the hall. On the walls hung the family photos. A collage hung on the wall, a mix of photos of Storm and Sweets when they were foals. One of them was of them both all covered in paint, the other with Storm smothered in mud. Herc chuckled to himself and peeped through the door, smiling at his sleeping wife. Sneaking in quietly, he placed the tray on the bedside table. Smiling. He curled beside her.

“Morning Blue.” he said softly. He began kissing her ear to gently wake her up. She stirred in her sleep and groaned. “Long day ahead love.”

“But I wanna sleep.” She whined. “Pregnant mothers should get the entire 9 months off.”

“Bell, it’s only a month away. It’s not the end of Equestria.” He chuckled. Usually in the morning he would be whining while Blue Bell would be kicking him out of bed.

“This foal is really tiring me Hercules. You felt it last night did you?”

“Feel what?”

“The foal. It was restless, and I felt this...odd aura.” She said as she rose out of bed, rubbing her eyes and putting her glasses on.

“Odd aura? Honey, I can’t feel or notice these things. 1, I’m a Pegasus. 2, I’m a stallion and don’t conceive a foal. And 3, you know me. I completely oblivious! Remember when we were dating? Back then I didn’t know but you were hitting on me!” Hercules laughed remembering back to when they met.

“I thought it was obvious. Your mates noticed it. Captain Thunder Blade and Private Sun Blaze were giggling at the two of us.”

“That’s because I didn’t know you were flirting with me and it was so obvious to everyone else.” Herc said with a bit of shame.

“And they said you were a charmer with the mares.” Blue Bell teased.

“I am so!” he whined. She giggled and kissed him softly. She noticed her breakfast and started eating. Herc just sat and watched her. She looked up and offered an apple. He shook his head and kissed her forehead, getting up and heading back downstairs. The kids ran up the stairs and started pushing and shoving.

“I was here first!” Storm yelled at his little sister.

“You had the bathroom for a whole hour earlier this morning! Ladies first!”

“Age before youth!” the argument led to another brawl in the hall. He sighed and stood up straight, mustering all of the power from his gut. Building up his commanding voice.

“Right! Both of you! Separate! Attention!” He bellowed, the voice of a commander. The tone of voice that made young, strong and stubborn stallions turn pale and shrink. The kid’s ears fell down and their face in the state of whimper. They stood there stiff as they were ordered.

“Sorry Daddy... I didn’t mean to get you upset.” Sweet Heart whimpered.

“Yeah...sorry Dad.” Storm spoke quietly and quickly. Herc’s face softened and held his hoof out for them. Sweet Heart ran straight to him for a big cuddle. Storm just stood there stubbornly.

“Look, your mother is tired. It’s bad enough that the foal is taking a toll on her. You two fighting isn’t helping her. Can you please behave? For your mother.” He said warmly, holding his daughter close. The kids both nodded and went to their rooms getting ready for school.

Blue Bell began getting ready after devouring her breakfast, heading for the bathroom. Staring at her reflection she fixed her glasses and looked to her bump. She sighed and looked to the heavy bags under her eyes. She applied a little bit of cream to refresh her face, then began brushing her lushes mane and tail. After curling her mane and tail, she began applying a ribbon in her mane to keep it out of her eyes. Pearl and diamond jewelry was then applied. Finally, she brushed her teeth and left the bathroom. She headed downstairs where Hercules was cleaning up Storm and Sweet’s mess. With a sigh she opened the fridge and began making her lunch for the day. A sandwich, a bottle of apple cider, her medication and bitz. She snuck a little of a guilty treat, carrot cake with extra cream cheese frosting. She packed it away in a little bag and added it to her workbag. With difficulty she tried to put her bag on, struggling and her pregnancy wasn’t helping. Herc put it on for and strapped it on tight but not too tight. She smiled and headed out the door. The kids came racing down and kissed their mother goodbye before getting their stuff ready for school. Blue smiled and existed the house.

The weather was pleasant today, the first day of spring usually was. The flowers out front of their house were in full bloom. White and purple Orchids, Jasmine, blue and white Bellflowers were out on full display. She worked her magic and gave them a bit of sparkle. She looked up and admired their home. A beautiful 2-story house with white and blue marble columns holding it up. Little Greek statues were in the garden, little fairy lights hung from the windows and form under the balcony. The house was an image of elegance. The house from the inside was like this too. Except the children’s room, they were a complete mess.

Blue Bell trotted down the street, entering the town square. Canterlot was busy like a hive of bees, ladies coming in and out of fashion parlors. Café’s packed, lords discussing business and troops wondering around on patrol. Some of the guards noticed her and gave a bow of respect. She smiled and curtsied back. Making her way up to work, she spotted a friend or two and said hello. She wondered up to the castle gates and the guards recognised her and let her in. She entered the magnificent castle and smiled at the beauty of the artwork. She made her way to the throne room, hearing a familiar voice and knocking on the door. They opened and she walked in. The colour of the stain-glass windows were beautiful, the sun shining through them made it even grander. Even though Blue Bell worked here it still amazed her. Her favourite was the one of the Princess Celestia, holding the Sun and Moon. It showed how much power she had, the power that Blue admired and respected.

“Good morning Blue Bell, my gracious mage. You have pleasant dreams?” Blue Bell turned her head and looked up. Celestia smiled warmly at her. Her pastel, rainbow mane glowed and flowed beautifully. Her gold crown and breastplate sparkled in the coloured light and the purple gem gleamed. Her cutie mark was of the warm and loving sun. A symbol of life.

“I did milady.” She said with a tired smile. Celestia gave her a look.

“I know you Blue Bell...I know you sometimes try to hide how you’re really feeling from me. Come, tell me my dear.” She smiled, a mother’s smile. Her eyes a soft shade of violet.

“The foal...” Blue sighed.

“It tires you?”

“Yes. Storm and Sweet were never like this when I had them. They were so easy. No pain, no tiredness. I admit that Storm Dash when he was born was a pain in my hide when it came to caring for him. Sweet Heart was an easy newborn. But this one... I feel so strange.” Blue Bell sighed and looked down. She huffed and stood to attention. “But I must press on. What work is there to be done my Princess?”

“Not much, just paperwork and meetings.” Celestia said as she led Blue Bell to the thrones. 3 thrones sat in the middle of the room. The middle one with the sun on top, covered in gold with pastel coloured pillows and silk covering. Celestia’s throne of course. The one to the left had a crescent moon, silver decoration with the stars, to top it of with purple and dark blue coverings. This one belonged to Princess Luna. The one to the right had a Star. It was not fully furnished yet; this one was soon to become Princess Twilight Sparkle’s. Blue Bell smiled at Celestia and Twilight’s thrones. But her face twisted at Luna’s.

“My Princess, do you really believe that Luna has reformed?” She said, trying to hide her bitterness.

“My dearest, my sister was only blinded by jealousy and pain. She admits she has done hurt; she beats herself because of this. I tell her that everypony makes mistakes. The kingdom forgives her. Why can’t you?”

“I don’t trust her your grace. She-“ Blue Bell was cut off with the sound of the doors opening. They turned to the pony that entered. “Speak of the beast.” Blue said with venom. A tall mare stood there. Her mane was a lovely image of the starry night. Dark blue with a purple tinge while constellations glowed in her mane. Her coat was near the same, dark purple and her cutie mark was black with the white, crescent moon. Her crown and breastplate resembled her cutie mark, a massive dark sapphire shone on her crown. Her aqua eyes looked to her sister lovingly but then turned icy at Blue Bell.

“Morning High Mage.” Luna said, trying to keep her calm.

“Morning...Nightmare Moon...” Blue Bell said with contempt.

“Please, no fighting. Not today. Blue, think of your child. Stay calm.” Celestia said calmly. Blue Bell death stared Luna but sighed and looked to Celestia.
“Yes your grace.”

“Good. Now, if you go into the library there is a book on dragons. I need one under Eastern Dragons. Could you please do this for me?” She asked kindly. Blue nodded and made her way out, passing Luna and giving her a scowl look. Luna and Celestia were now alone.

“I surprise you keep her around sister.” Luna said as she made her way to her elder sibling.

“She is a good mage, and a good friend. She cares for the Kingdom, her family and me. Just as much as you do.”

“She cares for herself. She hates me sister.”

“She is one in a million, does her opinion of you matter more than your opinion of yourself? Does her word matter to you more than the love I have for you and for the ones who care for you?” Celestia asked. Luna sighed and shook her head.

“No. However I wish she would get off my case and let me rule with you in peace for Equesrtia’s sake.” She said with annoyance. Celestia smiled and hugged her little sister, smiling warmly.

“She’ll come around. Blue Bell can’t hate you forever little sister.” Celestia said with assurance. Luna smiled and they both made their way to the drawing room.

Blue Bell searched for the book that Celestia requested, looking under D in the library. The shelves were so darn tall that she had to use a ladder and some of her magic to keep her balanced. She muttered to herself and looked for Dragons. ‘How to Avoid Dragons’, ‘How to Collect Dragon Gems’, ‘How Not To Get Eaten By Dragons’, ‘Famous Dragons of Equestria’, ‘Encyclopedia of Dragons’.

“This one might help.” She picked up the Encyclopedia and kept searching. Nothing under Dragons mentions or had Eastern Dragons. She sighed and gave up, making her way down and borrowing the book. She walked passed a student who was reading some Dragon books.

“Um, excuse me. Do you have any books in your pile that mentions Eastern Dragons?” She asked. The little stallion peeped his head up and nodded.

“Just one, but its only 3 pages long. They’re very hard to find, not to mention study. Ponies are too scared to go looking for them.” He said with a quiet voice.

“May I borrow it? Celestia asked me to find it.”

“Go ahead. Anything for her majesty.” He smiled and picked the book up and handed it to her. ‘Dragons From the East and South’. She thanked him and spend off to Celestia’s drawing room. She passed through the garden, the statues standing tall over the plants. Making her way up the stairs and bursting through the door she found Celestia.

“You find anything?” she spoke sweetly.

“Yes milady. Only an encyclopedia and this book here. The student I picked it up from said it only has 3 pages on them. He also said that there is barely any study on them since they are difficult to approach.” Blue Bell answered, not looking at Luna or addressing her. Luna face grew into anger but Luna softened up to keep collected for her sister.

“Hm, that’s a shame. Hopefully in time we’ll find somepony who has contacted these interesting creatures.” Celestia said as she wrote down some notes from the books.

“That would be a rare occasion or maybe even impossible.” Luna said with doubt.

“Nothing is impossible my dear, we only suppress those thoughts to keep ourselves safe. When it turns out to be true, we both deny it and fear it. Or we face it with courage.”

“Very wise milady.” Blue Bell said with respect. Luna agreed with her and stood close to her older sister. “Your grace. What is my next task?”

“Nothing at the moment. You may return to your studies if you wish it my dear.” Celestia said. She was occupied by her work and not really looking up. Blue nodded and left to go to her workroom. Blue Bell trotted to her office, which was down the hall to the left in a massive tower. She climbed the staircase, looking out to the windows occasionally to look at the view. Reaching the top, she entered her office and put her bag down. Making her way to her couch and slumping into it. Tired she laid on her back, looking up to the ceiling. She rested there for a while.

After her nap, she began her work. She studied the herbs that she had collected a few days ago on her evening walk with her children. Plucking them, observing them with the naked eye then looking deeper with a microscope. Mixing and experimenting them with a pastel and board, seeing what combinations would work. Nightshade was a deadly plant. Used in poisons by assassins. However with the mix of ginger and Angels Rose, it becomes a helpful sleeping aid. She mixed them together and sewed it into a bag. She tied it up and hung if over a burning candle to activate the mixture. The aroma filled the room. The scent was so sweet and calming, her eyes becoming droopy. She moved the bag away and took a sniff of Cotton Eye to snap out of the trance of the sleeping aid. She moved to the next experiment. Hounds Tongue and Fire Lilly are good for medicines for sore throats and powerful headaches. However, Blue Bell found another use for them. If mixed with Devils Flower and Lilac it became a perfect mixture for hypnosis drafts. A very useful tool for therapists and life coaches. Putting the mixture together, humming away Blue Bell worked. A knock on the door stole her attention.
“Come in,” she said, still humming. She turned her attention to the door and her smile turned sour. “Luna...why are you here disturbing my work?”

“I come here for a request.”

“A plan to take over I suspect.” She said bitterly has she worked.

“No I- what in Equestria is that sweet and hypnotic smell?” Luna said with tiredness.

“A sleeping aid. Smell this to get out of it.” She chucked her a bag of Cotton Eye and Luna did as instructed. Her head was now restored.

“I see... what else are you making?”

“None of your business.” Blue said quickly.

“Excuse me but it is. Everything that goes on here is my business, just as much as it is Celestia’s business. You will tell me.” Luna snapped.

“It’s a hypnosis draft, for therapists. Happy?” she snapped in return.

“Oh I see. Now with my request. I need a Star Flower and Moon Bell essence.” Luna asked.

“Why?”

“I’m making a perfume for Celestia for her birthday coming up. She said she loves Star Flower and I know that if it’s mixed with Moon Bell essence it makes a beautiful aroma.”

“You’re going to make a perfume that will send her to sleep? Suspicious much?”
“Look, I know you don’t like me. However I only bring good intentions Blue Bell. Please, can you keep your thoughts to yourself.” Luna huffed and looked to the vial cabinet.

“Fine. Take it and leave me.” Blue Bell spat and kept working. Luna sighed and collected what she was after and headed for the door.

“I only ask for trust and friendship Blue Bell.” Luna left and sighed sadly as she trotted down the stairs. Blue just huffed and scoffed in disbelief, working in bitterness. The mixture was now down and put into a vial, heated up and it melted into a liquid drink. It had become a mix colour of pink and yellow, you could almost mistake it for punch. After it was done it was placed in the cabinet. She made to the balcony and took her lunch with her, eating her sandwich and drinking her cider. The sky was clear, the garden a vision of colour and the 3 kinds of pony playing together in harmony. It changed the sour feeling that Blue had. The rest of the day was sweet and pleasant, coming home to no fighting and a tired and sleeping husband. Just what she needed.