Back To The Drawing Board

Nightshade was running down the corridor in the Castle of the Two Sisters when a Royal Guard blocked her way. "The princesses want to see you," he said gruffly.She drew out her answer in one long breath.

"I'm cooommmiinngg!" she said.

  She galloped down the corridor once more, her wings beating the air behind her to propel her forward. She looked over her shoulder. The unicorn guard hadn't even bothered to keep up. She was content for moment. Then a thought jumped her mind. Maybe he'd stayed away on purpose? "Ah well." she muttered to herself. "There's nothing YOU can't handle." She smiled. Then her conceitedness shocked her. She didn't want to argue with herself first thing in the morning so she opened the door into the throne room.

  The three princesses stood there and smiled at her. She grinned back and trotted over to her mother. Princess Celestia stroked her head and said, "Nightshade. We know that you haven't been very happy in the previous schools because of the rumors." Nightshade nodded.

"Well Equestria High seems the perfect school for you. My sister Cadance runs it so I promise you'll be happy." It was now Luna's turn.

"I've always loved you like a mother should love her foal. You're a big filly now. It's time to spread your wings and fly. Literally." Nightshade returned her smile. Now Cadance put in a word. "I'm sure you'll have the time of your life." Nightshade rolled her eyes. When had she ever been happy at any one school?

  As the Royal Guard escorted her down the corridor once more, she thought that she was becoming more of a prisoner than a princess, that the Royal Guards were more like prison guards. As usual, she shook off her thoughts and focused on putting one hoof in front of the other.

With no friends and no family at the school, it was back to the drawing board for her.