Author's Note

Please point out any typos.

I was totes listening to this while I typed out this chapter.

Chapter 4

“Only two days ago, you were Noble Heart Platinum, son of the Duke and Duchess of the Unicorn Range. You were one day expected to take your parents’ title once they passed away or retired. From what I’ve seen from our family, actual politicians and bureaucrats would have managed the duchy while you lazed away at parties and seasonal retreats.

“Now you are Prince Blueblood CIX, heir to Equestria’s throne, and unlike all the other one hundred eight Bluebloods before you, you will one day be king. When that time comes, you must shoulder Queen Celestia’s current responsibilities, as well as fight a goddess of nightmare and darkness. Your destiny is not an easy one, and I truly pity you for having to deal with such hardships.

“Nevertheless, you have shown both the queen and I that you are up to the task. Today, you will begin your twenty year journey to the throne.”

“What must I do to be a good king?”

“You must sacrifice and suffer. Even in times of peace and prosperity, the crown is an arduous burden to bear, but in times of conflict and hardship, you will know the true meaning of anguish. You will have to make difficult choices, where no matter what you choose, you will still lose, but you lose less with one option than the other. Being selfish, even for a moment, is not an option, lest you inflict pain on dozens, hundreds, thousands, or even millions of others. You will grow to hate yourself for what you must do as king.

“I… I am sorry that I must say these things to you, nephew, and I am sorry for what I will put you through in the future, but as king, your own personal feelings are entirely irrelevant. What matters is protecting the nation from the looming nightmare.”

“I understand, princess. I hope I can live up to your expectations.”

“I am sorry that you must. From this day forward, you need to dedicate every fiber of your being to not only Equestria, but to Equus. You will be broken, both physically and emotionally, and pushed to extremes that I would normally never ask somepony to do, but it must be done, for no ordinary pony can wear the crown and challenge gods. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“No. Not yet you don’t. Now follow me. We will begin our first lessons.”

“What are we doing?”

“We, my dear boy, are going to study for the entrance exam for Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.”

“But I’m already—”

“Yes, you are technically enrolled, but your parents got you accepted via name and bits. We are going to have you get in through your merits and your merits alone.”