A Lost Connection

It was morning and Cadence was up since before dawn. The Crystal Empire was buzzing with excitement. There were rumors among the city that the princess had tampered, and succeeded in working the crystal heart. Few remember the heart having the special ability of being able to connect with the princess, but everypony has been doing their research lately in the empire. Usually, Cadence woke up on her own due to the murmurs of chatter in her throne room. Today, she needed to clarify everything to everypony about what happened last night. Her crown was on and her hair was tied up in a sophisticated up-do. She was prepared to share this marvelous achievement with everypony.

Cadence sat atop her throne as many ponies flooded in through the grand doors to talk with the princess. Usually, it was one at a time but today, the crystal ponies were rowdier than usual. Talk and shouts burst out all at once. Cadence knew what they all wanted to hear. The guards posted out news yesterday pertaining to what happened last night with her and the crystal heart.

"What happened last night princess?"

"Did you break the heart? If so, how are we going to live? Can you still protect us?"

"Is Sombra coming back?"

"Oh no! Is the empire in danger?"

"Attention everypony!" Cadence made her voice boom loudly to silence the entire room. They were all still as Cadence continued to speak. "Now I know its a bit hard to wait, but you all have to until later today to hear about what happened last night. Rest assured, nopony is in danger and no threat will return to the empire. If you have more questions, please wait until later in the day."

The guards began to usher out anyone who wanted to talk about the incident last night further. All that was left of the large mob of ponies were a few mares and stallions, asking about business, jobs, or resources. The problems were solved eventually, but Cadence still had more spare time on her hooves. Before she could even get up off her throne, Shining Armor and Princess Luna came in.

"Shining Armor!" Cadence was elated to see her love again earlier than expected. She ran up to him and threw her hooves around him. She noticed Luna's presence and immediately straightened herself out. "Ahem...he he...so why are you guys here? I thought Canterlot was in need of you two," Cadence asked.

"We saw what happened last night and we are here to investigate your.....glow? It came from the crystal heart, I presume," Luna explained.

"We were both looking out and saw something happen at the palace. We came as quickly as we could," Shining Armor added. "Cadence, is there something we should know?"

"Guys its okay. I just discovered my purpose for this empire," Cadence reassured them. "I discovered an ancient spell that connects me to the heart. It allows me to sense ponies in need, so if they ever need help with a broken heart, I'll be there! Now I won't be so bored during my free hours, and I can help spread my....well meaning."

"What?" Shining Armor looked puzzled at Cadence. "Cadence I don't get what you mean. Your meaning is to lead these ponies! And you're already doing that."

"Princess Cadence you do have a meaning. You protect the empire," Luna told the pink mare. "You do not believe that is enough?"

"No, not at all Luna. It is true I protect this empire, but we have so much peace right now! Sombra is gone for good. No threat has appeared. Who know when ponies will need me on such a large magnitude again? This is my chance to help them every single day, and I'm not going to waste this chance! Everyday is the same petty problems. I used to take a long time, but now that I've settled in, I have so much free time! This is an ancient and lost tradition that I am determined to revive." Cadence argued back. She was a bit annoyed at how suspicious Luna and even Shining Armor was acting. They still seemed puzzled at her response. Cadence tried harder to clarify. "Look, in ancient times, two pony princesses created the crystal heart and made it so that royal alicorns can help civilians with love problems. Don't you see? This is my calling! I have the ability to fix the broken hearts of my kingdom. This can help me connect with the ponies out there! What am I, the Princess of Love, if I don't spread it? Share it? Help other ponies believe in it?" She waved a hoof at the window, gesturing to the entire empire.

"I suppose I understand. If I had an opportunity to have more meaning before I was banished, the whole situation could have been avoided," Luna nodded her head in understanding. She spoke quietly since she was still embarrassed about Nightmare Moon, and honestly ashamed of herself for becoming out of control.

"Either way. I'm explaining it all to my citizens later in the day, so I can help them whenever they need it," Cadence informed the two. She was happy to hear that Luna was on board, but Shining Armor looked unsure. "What's wrong Shining?" She asked.

"I'm just worried you won't be able to handle it all. The citizens might be overtaking the power once they find out. What if someone else gets to the magic? What if it hurts you?" Shining Armor kept on rambling quietly with concerns. Cadence put a hoof around him.

"I'll be fine Shining Armor. You need to trust me on this. I'm sure both of you should be helping Celestia right now. You said it was urgent, wasn't it?" Cadence was annoyed that her husband wasn't sure of her. She thought he would be proud.

"Er....Right," Shining Armor stuttered. "I suppose......."

"Alright Shining Armor. My sister is in need of us. It appears Princess Cadence is very busy with her new duties," Luna smiled and nodded to Cadence. She motioned for Shining Armor to follow as she left. Shining Armor kept on looking back to his wife. He was awfully worried. Nevertheless, he continued walking until the grand doors closed with a big thud.

Cadence sighed. The guards were still motionless, but she could sense they felt awkward. She ignored that and nodded to one of them. It was about high time she told everyone her discovery and new ability. She could handle it, its just a little thing. Sure, the empire is way bigger now, but its probably the same as before. The ponies would be thrilled to be able to meet Cadence personally! The guards began to disperse, running around making last minute adjustments. Cadence glided easily through the mess and went back into her room. She called for her royal stylist to prepare her look. She wanted to be at her very best when telling the ponies her new role. Friendly ponies everywhere......FRIENDS! Cadence had yet to tell Twilight the news! Cadence conjured up a letter and sent it to her favorite sister-in-law immediately. She got a reply within a few minutes. The stylist pony was just putting finishing touches on her mane.

Dear Cadence,

This is great news! I wish I could be there, but I'm afraid its a bit too last minute for me. However, I will indeed stop by for a visit. I'm so excited! Tell me how your new magic works! Oh wait, save it for when we meet up. I can't believe you uncovered this! I knew you'd find something great at the library. See you very soon!

Love,

Twilight

Cadence smiled at the letter. At least somepony close to her approved of what she was doing. The look on Shining Armor's face almost killed her. She didn't see him that depressed, that sad since Queen Chrysalis took control. The stylist finished her dress and her mane just in time. A guard knocked on her door. She could hear the citizens outside. She walked down the long corridor where the enormous balcony was at the end. She opened the doors and went into the sunshine.