Only by Title

by Flammenwerfer

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe, Human, Romance
Length: 2767

After returning from banishment, Luna is to be re-coronated and reassigned her duties that she had lost. A resentful Parliament denies her her most basic abilities and Luna wages a war to use the new laws against her adversaries. Merely politics.

Inspired by House of Cards.

Princess Luna has recently returned from her millennia-long banishment and as such, it is time to formally re-coronate her as Princess of the Night as well as assign her duties back. Merely formality, right?

However, legislation has changed drastically since her banishment, and Luna soon finds out that the system known as "checks and balances" carries considerable weight, especially in the hands of resentful and nefarious members of parliament and government. With nearly the entirety of the Equestrian government seemingly her adversary, Luna takes it upon herself to wage a pure, unadulterated crusade through both upper and lower houses of Parliament. Her ally: the very Law of the Land that was used to defame and shame her. She shall play a daring game of chess where she must build and assemble the pieces of her side of the board.

Pure Equestrian Politics at its finest.

Rated Teen: Language, Sexual Content, Crude Humor, some Violence.

Features frequent fourth-wall breaking by the Princess of the Night herself, moreso in chapter 1 than anywhere else… yeah I know, a dangerous line to tread but I wanna try something new. Also as a note, my first true attempt of really capitalizing on Luna's Archaic Tongue. Those who are well versed in the archaic and Shakespearean English please feel free to give me advice.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-07-14 06:20:05 UTC

Part I: Introduction

Part I: Introduction

Morning in Equestria had come and gone, paving the way for midday and quite truly one of the better times to be in the capital city of Canterlot. Businesses were already well open and the meticulously cleaned streets were bustling with activity between the uniform yet elegantly and purposefully designed buildings reminiscent of the overall style of the city that had not changed in centuries. The temperature was relatively moderate for the summers in Equestria, as evident by slightly less modest clothing that the people were wearing, but it bothered no one, as the ample shade provided by the idly passing cloud coverage was more than a welcome and sufficient change from the sweltering heats of the season.

Regardless of temperature or overall weather conditions, it would not impede Canterlot's overall activity... although really, the capitol is not particularly exclusive in that regard. Due to the implementation of a hybrid government between the elements of a pure Monarchy and a Constitutional Monarchy (now Diarchy), Equestria as a whole had flourished economically and surged to become one of the few world powers. As an economic powerhouse with the backing of a strong military and civilian infrastructure built up during the sole rule of Princess Celestia, Equestria was truly in a coveted position in the world stage at the present time.

Still, economic and national prosperity aside, the task of ruling over such a nation in said position was nevertheless a daunting task, and Celestia was all too pleased, in more ways than one, to have her sister, Luna, return. Not only did she regain the kinship of her sister that she had been forcefully denied for over a thousand years, but now the government could theoretically be run more efficiently with not one but two heads of state back in power and overseeing their own specializations, rather than Celestia solely managing (and micromanaging) everything with enormous opportunity costs.

Canterlot Castle was bustling with activity on this gorgeous day as preparations were being made for a hearing with Parliament. Today was the big day! Princess Luna was officially going to be re-coronated and integrated back into the diarchy. There was still some time left, but ever being herself, Luna prided herself on punctuality and insisted on being early rather than potentially late. As such, she ordered her administrative assistant to notify her when she had exactly forty-five minutes before her meeting with her sister and Parliament. No matter where she was at that point, she would ensure she was ready to take on the day and the rest of the world.

A quarter-after-twelve: forty-five minutes until the most important appointment for her in the near future. Not a second later, a gentle hand dealt five firm knocks to the Night Princess’s bedchamber doors, as requested.

“Princess Luna? Your Highness, it is forty-five minutes to one o’clock!” the teal-haired, fair-skinned woman spoke out in a youthful yet professional voice. She was dressed in full professional attire of a woman’s suit, including a solid black tie with a white dress shirt and black coat with matching slacks. The getup fit her body type well, which was somewhat petit. Her subtly-silver eyes and soft facial features bore the expression of one who had matured well beyond their current age… perhaps one who grew up too fast for their own good.

After waiting patiently for merely seven seconds, the chamber doors unlocked and opened inward, allowing the guest of the hour to step out. Princess Luna smoothed the tufts and wrinkles out of her outfit before closing the door and taking a deep breath, eyes closed, and exhaling comfortably. Her eyes then re-opened to the world, revealing the teal-blue orbs that could make anyone become smitten or cower in fear. Her equally soft features fell on deaf ears as Luna carried a heavily commanding and authoritative posture, one that accentuated her figure: above-average height and a subtle v-shaped torso with extremities including posterior and bust perfectly proportional… an addition to her own beauty that had an effect on her intimidation factor. She donned a professional outfit consisting of a navy-blue skirt that fell about three inches below her knees and an identical coat with a teal dress shirt. Instead of a tie, she decided to have her shirt opened just a tad on the top to expose her necklace containing a pendant of her cutie mark. The proverbial cherry on top was simply her ethereal hair, which blew as if guided by several hands or by an unseen wind, sparkling and twinkling as if staring straight into deep space.

“Thank thee, Crystal. Shall we?” Luna beckoned with her voice as she led the way, Crystal falling into step with her immediately. She carried a few portfolios and began to sift through them as they traversed through the corridors of the castle. Interestingly enough, any Guard or castle employee they passed tended to shy away or nearly cower in Luna’s presence. While she would not admit it out loud in front of anyone, the actions were starting to get old and she rolled her eyes.

It was at that moment that the Princess turned her attention towards you:

“Typical cowardice which impedes the progress of our reintegration,” she confided in you, as if no one else could hear her. “But then again, We suppose We should not hold that trait against them, considering our less than stellar method of return. Perhaps it is for the best… at least for now. Within any system of government one must establish who is clearly in charge, as arrogant as it may be perceived. If order is not maintained, the entirety of the idea of ‘government’ collapses on itself.”

The two rounded a corner, with Luna greeting one of the ambassadors to a foreign nation as they crossed paths. They continued walking to their destination as Luna turned back to you:

“We shall spare thee the frivolous details of the usual drab introductions as We are certain thou knowest us well. We pray that you forgive us, as We are well aware of the dialect barrier, and shall be working on it constantly. As well, thou shalt—ahem—shall have to overlook us being noticeably spryer… for today is indeed a glorious day!”

“Alright Princess, we’ve got thirty-five minutes until the hearing starts. You were busy at the time, but her Royal Highness Princess Celestia wished to speak with you half-an-hour beforehand and asked me to convey the message to you,” Crystal spoke up, never taking her eyes off of the papers and notes she was shuffling around.

“Very well then,” Luna curtly replied and the two shifted their course to the Solar Quadrant of the castle. After about five minutes of walking, the duo arrived outside of Princess Celestia’s office.

“Remain out here, Crystal. We shall return soon,” Luna softly ordered.

“Of course, Princess,” she replied and immediately began writing things down as she moved to a more comfortable waiting location. Luna could not help but drop her cold facial expression and shoot Crystal a somewhat endearing expression as she walked away. Luna turned to you as she knocked on the door to Celestia’s office:

“Crystal Lumina…” Luna gestured to her assistant. “…our administrative assistant that was assigned to us when We returned. She apparently was an intern at the castle straight from the University of Canterlot pursuing a concentration in the Political Sciences and a Double Minor in Business Administration and Communications.  Normally We are not keen on the qualifications laid out on paper as few actually live up to them. But for once, the simple piece of paper was insightful. She is only nineteen years of age!”

“I’ll be with you in a moment!” A regal voice called from beyond the doors. Luna nodded and returned her acknowledgement to you:

“She is the most competent assistant We have ever had, and yes, We are speaking with inclusion from before my banishment. It is also a plus that she never once cowered in front of us. She viewed us with nothing but respect and as an equal, yet a superior. Is she perfect? Not by any means, yet she learns from her mistakes. We may be detached, but We know talent when We witness it, and she shall continue enjoy the fruits of a fulfilling position under our direct supervision.  We believe We heard her mention in passing of her desire to return to school in the future after she graduates to pursue a supplementary education in Actuarial Science. If she continues her stellar work, she may just find her schooling fees paid in full."

The door to the office opened inward and there stood Princess Celestia, clad in her usual regalia of a while form-fitting dress. It was simple, yet elegant, and she had her crown in her hand, as if about to adorn her head with it. A smile crept its way onto her face as she came face-to-face with her younger sister.

“Luna!” the two embraced each other like close sisters, smiles on both of their faces. “Wonderful to see you today; and I see you got my message.”

“At the thanks of Crystal. Thou wished to see us, Sister?” Luna asked.

“Yes I did, come on in, let’s talk,” her older sister spoke while beckoning Luna inside. The two quickly filtered back in as the door shut behind them. As such, they were alone in Celestia’s study, where the latter took a seat behind her desk and Luna in front.

“Excited?” Celestia broke the ice.

“Indeed We are! After a month of preparation, it shall be grand to return to work.”

“It seems that Parliament is excited as well. With two heads of state back in command, things will flow more smoothly than before.”

“Indeed, yet We are still aware that many key members of government do not hold a high opinion of us…” Luna pointed out with slight trepidation.

“Merely shellshock from your return. None today were around when you were banished, so they have nothing to fear. They’ll get over themselves once you’re re-coronated,” Celestia acknowledged but dismissed the concerns. Luna grinned a bit at her sister before turning her gaze to you:

“Celestia, our dear sister, means more to us than our own moon and stars. As talented as she may be in administrating a government on her lonesome, it is readily apparent she has not mastered the ability to fully understand the methods of those who are on government payroll. Events should move uninhibited today, yet We are sure a few stalwart officials will attempt to be a nuisance and continue to be a nuisance well into the future. It is of no concern though. Any shortcomings can easily be made up in a short amount of time and their dissent can easily be subjugated. In the end, they know full well who are in charge.”

She turned back to Celestia:

“Thy judgment has never steered us wrong in the past, and We suspect it shan’t in the present. Nevertheless there will always be dissenters and naysayers. What truly makes a leader is how they deal with them. From the state Equestria is in currently, it appears thou hast taken the right approach,” Luna complimented genuinely, acknowledging her sisters reassurances yet keeping ever vigilant. Celestia responded with a grateful nod and a small grin on her face.

“It’s still good to have you back, Lulu,” she finished sweetly. Luna shot her another one of her rare, endearing looks.

“It is good to be back, Celly.”

“I only feel obligated to say this not as a head of state, but as a sister,” Celestia again began talking. “If, on the off chance things go wrong… please don’t overreact.”

“Sister, art thou implying We cannot control our temper?” Luna retorted with an eyebrow raised.

“N-Not at all, Lulu. But even though I don’t agree with it, you’re still under a lot of scrutiny since your return. We don’t need another reason for you to become so detached.”

“We had no intention of reacting out of turn, regardless of the situation. Thou should know us well by now: the beacon of professional stoicism,” the Night Princess reassured. She then returned her gaze to you:

“Celestia does possess the ability to read others unbelievably well. We had no intention of perpetrating ungainly outbursts, so she fully knows that We will keep our word in that regard. If there is one thing We have learned from eons of dealing with governments, both domestic and foreign, is that screaming at each other only gives each party another reason to not work in unison.”

“That is all I ask, Luna. And with that, that’s all I really wanted to say that was important.”

“Very well, sister. Then We shall see thee in Parliament?” Luna asked, ready to get up from her seat.

“Indeed, but I was thinking that we could kill the spare time together and just chat… like sisters. We really haven’t had as much time together recently as I’d have liked, and I’d like to milk every moment for what it’s worth. We can walk to Parliament together when it’s time,” Celestia poured out to Luna with a hopeful smile. Luna grinned in return before turning her face to you with a knowing look.

The two Princesses emerged not fifteen minutes later, giggling jovially like sister do, and Crystal immediately stood up at their entry into the hall.

“Your Highnesses,” she spoke and gave a respectful curtsy. The two nodded to her with thanks and closed the distance between them.

“Wonderful to see you again, Crystal. How’s serving the insufferable Princess of the Night?” Celestia joked. Luna rolled her eyes.

“Yourself as well, Princess. And quite well actually. I’m already learning so much and in general, it’s just a pleasure to serve under Princess Luna,” she spoke honestly yet succinctly.

“I’m glad to hear it!”

“As are We, for when the official coronation is complete, thou shall find thyself inundated with more work assisting me in my duties,” Luna pointed out with a slight hint of jest.

“I look forward to it!” Crystal eagerly responded with bright eyes. She was so ready to take on the world. The trio continued toward Parliament and as they comfortably walked and talked, Luna turned to you:

“Unlike the fairytales, the duty of a Princess as a head of state is not limited to merely presiding over court and ruling with a scepter, at least not anymore. In a modern diarchy such as Equestria’s, the executive responsibilities are divided equally between Celestia and We based upon our… ‘specialties.’ For example, Celestia oversees Public Affairs or International Relations while We would oversee the Armed Forces or Central Intelligence. As well, in terms of sponsoring or attempting to pass legislation, both Celestia and ourself have veto power over each other’s legislation, amongst other checks, to ensure power is not too centralized. The same goes towards Parliament from both of us. At least, this is how We are understanding it… as law has changed drastically over a millennia. In all honesty, the concept of ‘checks-and-balances’ is quite foreign to us… after all, our will used to be law. Oh what a time to be alive!”

“We’ve got five minutes, Princesses,” Crystal notified as the three of them were just outside of the large double doors that entered into the congregation room of Parliament.

“We can always sit early if we so choose,” Celestia pointed out before turning to Luna. “Shall we?”

“But of course!” Luna turned to you once more and spoke in a somewhat hurried tone:

“This is it. With our formal return to the throne and our duties returned, We may implement new plans for Equestria… plans which will ensure prosperity for ages to come. All shall benefit from the framework We have so meticulously laid out and once the sowed benefits are reaped, the chasm of which is our detachment from Equestria will cease to exist, and the respect of our subjects which We have so long desired shall be securely in our grasp and free for us to relish within. Bear thee, first witness to our re-coronation and the ushering in of a new age for Equestria: an age of peace, prosperity, transparency, and power.”

She gave you one more determined smile. Then she, Celestia, and Crystal both entered into Parliament’s chambers, the doors closing behind them and sealing them off from the castle and the rest of Equestria, which would be duly waiting for the announcement of Princess Luna’s formal return.