"My tea is wrecked again?!"

The very next day Ophiuchus and I went to the races. I had, by that time, devised a plan to break the curse, and so I needed to ask a favor of one of my friends.

"Fancypants," I called. The stallion looked up. Then he whispered something to his wife and cantered over to me.

"Oh hello, Tea," he said cordially. "I didn't know you went to races."

"I don't," I answered flatly. For a few milliseconds after that he had the most priceless face, but to the naked eye he hadn't even wavered.

"Well, then what are you doing here?" he asked a bit guardedly. I allowed myself a small smile.

"I'd like to ask you a favor. I'm going on a trip, and I wanted to know if you'd be available to take care of my estate while I'm gone, as I'm taking Ophiuchus with me." The stallion brightened considerably at this, and agreed. Then, he trotted back to his seat and resumed watching. Once outside I stepped into my motorcar and told Ophiuchus to take me to Canterlot Castle, as I needed to talk to the Captain of the Guard.