Queen Celestia listened with rapt attention as Prince Blueblood discussed the philosophy of dueling.

"And can you tell me why magic is one of the four points?" Celestia asked.

"The princess forgot to tell me about that one in our first lesson," he laughed.

"I did no such thing," Blueblood the Elder grumbled over her wine.

"Yeah, you did," he insisted.

"I clearly remember starting our lesson off with the six points."

"Yeah, and you explained generosity and joy, and I could already tell why honor, loyalty, and compassion are points in dueling, but you didn't talk about magic at all! It's like you forgot about it."

Celestia chuckled. "Ponies often forget about the point of magic. But what can you tell me magic represents in dueling?"

"Magic is knowledge. Magic is openness. Magic is a willingness to seek out the unknown and embrace its mystery. Magic is what happens when you bring together the other five aspects," he recited. In all frankness, he didn't understand how the other five worked together to make magic, but he didn't really fuss about it too much. He'd get it eventually.

"Excellent," the queen nodded. "Well spoken!"

"And look!" he grinned as he pushed out of his seat and walked to the center of the alicorn's apartment.

"Nephew, sit down; we're going to eat," the princess chastised him.

"Not yet, we aren't," Blueblood the Younger countered as he got into position.

"Indeed," Celestia agreed. "Let's see what he's got to show us."

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to collect his nerves. Both mares waited patiently for the demonstration to begin.

Finally, he began to prance about the room. He was nowhere near as graceful as the princess had been in his dreams. Hay, even in his dreams he wasn't anywhere near her level, but that didn't bother him too much. He was getting better day by day (and dream by dream).

At last he finished and bowed to both of the ladies.

"Wonderful!" Queen Celestia clapped her hooves together. "How long did you say you've been at this?"

"A few weeks," he beamed with pride as he took his seat. "My dueling instructor thinks I'm picking this up quickly."

"Well you're (thank you, Sweet Greens) quite skilled," the monarch complimented him.

"That's what he said too! Mr. Rapier wants to have me incorporate spells to my movements soon."

"Excellent," she nodded. "What did you think about his performance, princess?"

"Sloppy," she stated with bluntness.

Blueblood the Younger began to laugh. "That's what she's always telling me after I finish with Mr. Rapier."

Celestia rolled her eyes, utterly unsurprised by her niece's response.

"When does Steel Rapier want you to incorporate spells with your movements?"

The colt shrugged. "Soon," he repeated. "That's all he said."

"Very well. Steel Rapier knows best—"

"No, he does not," the princess muttered.

"— in that regard," Celestia finished, shooting her niece a look. "Speaking of things that'll happen soon, you're birthday is coming up, Prince Blueblood. Do you have any plans yet?"

"My birthday's coming up?" he repeated in surprise. He thought for a moment. "Oh, that's right! I'm going to be twelve soon. But how did you kn—"

"Your birthday was on the adoption papers we signed during your coronation."

"It was?"

Celestia chuckled. "So what plans do you have, nephew?"

"None," he shrugged. "I hate parties. Besides, my birthday's just another day. I don't think I'll be doing anything to celebrate it."

Celestia was slightly taken aback by his response. "Oh really?" she asked, somewhat disappointed in his answer. "Well if that's how you feel about it, then very well. Now let's eat. It's been a long day and I don't know about you two, but I'm certainly ready to taste this Neighapolitian pasta."

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

After dinner with the queen, both Bluebloods walked down the dark halls of Castle Canterlot.

"You should do something for your birthday," the princess commented.

Her nephew looked at her in surprise. "Why do you care? I thought you hated parties too."

"My boy, when you get to be my age, you learn to hate a lot of things. Regardless, the queen was rather disappointed in your answer. It's fairly evident that she wanted you to be like a normal foal and say yes to a party."

He sighed. "Do I have to?"

"No," she assured him. "But it would make her happy."

"I guess I'll have a party then, maybe something like your 138th birthday."

She walked to the corridor that lead to her apartment.

"Try not to be as sour-faced as I was during my brunch. Good night, nephew. Sleep well."

"Thank you, princess. Good night."

Author's Note

Please point out typos.

Almost done with this part!