The Key

Sunlight streamed through the crystal glass windows. Fiara Spark, a young, beautiful alicorn mare yawned and crawled out of bed, half-asleep. She weakly walked towards a mirror, and grabbed a brush with her magic, brushing her mane that was frizzy and all over the place. Another day, another long set of duties and responsibilities. Moments after she finished brushing her hair, there was a loud knock on the door.

knock, knock

"Come in." She spoke, tired. It was one of the crystal guards specially used for important occasions by order of Princess Cadence.

"Princess Fiara, time for breakfast." The guard softly said.

"Please don't call me Princess. I'm not even an official princess yet. I... I'll be right down." Fiara replied.

"...Of course. Your Highness..." The guard answered, and swiftly left. The young mare sitting near the middle of the room sighed, closing the doors behind her with her magic. She made her bed, brushed her teeth, took a quick shower, and made her way to a special dining room for the rulers and nobles of the Crystal Empire. Only used for special celebrations, and for the visits from important ponies on occasion. The golden doors flung open as she pushed the guards standing at attention out of her way.

"Oh, there you are!" A tall, white colt chuckled. It was Shining Armor, Cadence's husband and Prince of the Crystal Empire.

"Come here, sleepyhead. We have a surprise for your Birthday!" Cadence said, having a slight songbird tone to her sweet voice. She sat down at her seat, and waiters brought by on a silver platter, her favorite breakfast. There was chocolate chip waffles, a small side of her favorite fruits inside a fancy dish with ice to keep it cold, a tall glass of apple juice, and a neatly fresh-baked chocolate chip muffin. She silently ate her breakfast and Cadence had left the room for about a minute, coming back with a large box wrapped in paper, tied with a crystal bedazzled bow.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Open it!" Shining laughed. She tore the paper off and opened the packaging. It was a music box, custom made with love. It was blue-green, her favorite color. It had a carved and colored image of her cutie mark on the top, several gems on the sides, and when she opened it, there was a photo of her family on the inside of the back. It played an upbeat and calming tune, and Fiara smiled.

"I love it. Thank you both!" She chuckled and grinned widely.

"Happy Birthday Fiara, we're glad you enjoy it." Cadence blushed.

After about an hour of celebrating, she went back towards her quarters to get ready to do her daily royal duties. Fiara walked in silence up the stairs to the few floors from the top tower where many private quarters were arranged. There was her room at the end of the hallway, and she entered inside, closing the doors behind her. She longed to learn why her forced destiny was so important. She wanted to know what value a music box would have to a mare like her. She opened the box and peeked inside. There was a small flap from behind the picture, it was glued on. She tore the paper image off and she was surprised with what was behind it. It was a small, purple, key.