Hostage no more

The throne room was packed to its limit with everypony important enough to be there plus spectators. Intermixed into the crowd were supporters of Conqueror curious to know the fate of their still absent leader. The last they heard was he had tracked down a Zebra in protective custody and got the alicorn amulet. The still vacant lunar throne had them frothing with questions they -like others in the crowd- wanted answers to. Celestia finally rose from her throne and all talk died instantly as all eyes and ears were focused on the solar princess.

"There are events in my life that i wish never came to pass. This event is one of those things as it represents a loss of something we all have struggled to get back from recent attacks. I have made every effort to those who denounce my rule, to come and be heard without fear of my backlash, so that I may learn why they feel that way, and take steps to correct myself or a law that has brought upon their discontent. I have stressed that in my teachings to Princess Twilight, and to Princess Cadance as they learned under me what it takes to lead a nation. Yet we still have those few who still believe so strongly in their ideals that no amount of discussion will sway them."

(During Celestia's announcement)

Luna stood facing a mirror that was spider cracked from a forehoof violently colliding with it a moment ago. The reflection a mockery of the pony she was not anymore. The thoughts of her subconscious coming to the surface and giving voice rather voices now to the hundreds of reflections of her in the mirror.

"You may have won the fight Luna, but you have let Conqueror win the war." Another shard spoke to the bowed head alicorn. "You may not like me, you may have settled our dispute with your sister, but I am the face of your anger." Another ten shards spoke at once causing Luna's breath to hitch and raise her head. "We will not see you shamefully driven from what is rightfully ours."

Luna spoke to the mirror in a dangerous tone. "You will not take me a second time. I would rather fling my moon into the cosmos with me on it then suffer the shame of becoming the demon I was."

The shards all laughed at the statement for a moment further pushing Luna's desire to strike the mirror again. The moment passed and the nightmare in the largest piece spoke something that derailed Luna's anger. "Our chance has passed, harmony's decree was spoken in the ruins of our old home, and you are once again being held hostage by your own justified actions. Old Luna would have stood her ground rather than stand here questioning herself in a mirror. Raise your head Luna and prove to your subjects you are worthy of their support."

Celestia went to speak on the topic of redistribution of the power with the lunar throne now vacant. Only to watch her audience react with gasps and increased camera flashes. Celestia, Cadance, and Twilight turned to see Luna approaching with a large basket floating at her side. Luna continued down the steps and set the basket at the bottom before speaking her voice firm but not overpowering. "I can tell you hundreds of dreams about ponies that would love to sit up there and rule Equestria. Everyone of them brings a smile, because they are the dreams of the innocent who have no idea what it really means to be a princess of Equestria. I see those dreams and I let them go on believing the lie because it makes them happy until reality shatters the dream."

Luna removed the cover on the basket revealing the severed head of Conqueror. The reactions humored Luna and the sounds of Equestria's youngest princesses turning green. "This is the reality that shatters the dream, ponies try to kill us, villains want to steal our power, nations want to take our kingdom from us since they ruined their own. I have lived longer than some of you can dream to, and I have no reservations in sharing the means to better another."

Luna extended her one wing. "Conqueror managed to take my wing, but it will grow back in time. The lunar throne is mine, and like the days of old it will seek threats in the darkness. I can promise the following of Conqueror two things. Help if they come forward, or a grave if they continue his work."

Luna's sword dropped out of the ceiling to impale the floor beside the basket. "Choose"