Secrets in Equestria

“Glisten, is there something wrong?” Princess Celestia asked. The only times Sunset’s parents came to her was with a problem.

“I have a few questions for you about my daughter. How has she been for you in the attitude department?” Glisten asked.

Celestia was shocked by the question, after all, she sent Glisten and Shining letters about Sunset as they requested about her attitude and studies. As far as she was concerned, Sunset had a good attitude and the two ponies in front of her should have known that. “I’m afraid I don’t understand. Sunset has had nothing but the best of attitudes towards her studies. Surely you know that from the letters I’ve been sending you?”

“Oh no Princess, what I mean is, how has her attitude been when it hasn’t been on her studies? We know very well how she is in the study department. Has she been mean to you or the staff here?” Glisten corrected the misunderstanding.

“Oh, of course. She doesn’t mingle well with others. Sunset does have a bit of a bossy attitude or perhaps stubborn is a better description. I suppose both are apparent at times. She is very cocky and she thinks she deserves more than she does. She could use some good friends to help her out. It was for these reasons I sent her to Ponyville. She has been a good pony overall and she is working on it. She just needed a little push.”

Glisten looked to her husband and the two nodded. She turned back to the Celestia. “We mean no disrespect your highness, it’s just, we don’t think Ponyville is the best place for her to learn manners. The ponies there aren’t exactly role models for our daughter.”

Celestia frowned a bit, she happened to love Ponyville, despite its little flaws and despite Glistens feelings, Sunset needed to be there. Celestia knew Glisten wouldn’t be happy about it. “Glisten, I realize Ponyville has some more of the unusual ponies but Sunset needs to be there. She is an element of harmony and to separate her from Ponyville would be hard for not only her when the time arises but for the other elements as well. I’m sure once she gets used to Ponyville and the others get use to her, things will turn around.”

Glisten wanted to argue but how could she? The princess did have a point. Sunset needed to be around the other elements and perhaps things are just a little rough around the edges at the moment. Some time in Ponyville will surely smooth those rough edges. If this is really what needed to be, then she would allow it. If things didn’t start getting better in time though, she would take Sunset away regardless of what Celestia wanted. “Alright your highness. We will give her and Ponyville some time to get things worked out.”

“I’m glad to hear it, now how about you join me for lunch? I’m sure that your trip here was tiring.” Celestia stood up and led the two parents out of her room and toward the dining hall. She knew there would be more to talk about, Glisten wouldn’t come for such a short conversation. There had to be more to talk about and Celestia was sure she knew what else there would be. There were times when she had wished she hadn’t signed those dreadful papers or even had the law to begin with. She loved Sunset like her own, Celestia didn’t want Sunset put into the position Glisten and Shining were going to put her in.

Once they reached the dining hall, Celestia sat down with Glisten and Shining on both sides of her. Luna then walked in. “Sorry Sister, I did not know you had company. I will take my meal to my room.” Luna picked up her food and started leaving for her living quarters.

“Do not be sorry Luna.” Celestia waved goodbye to her sister before she turned to her company. “Now go ahead and eat up.” In front of them were salads, soups, sandwiches and water, lemonade and other beverages.

“Thank you, your highness.” Glisten grabbed some soup, a salad, and poured herself some water while Shining grabbed a little of everything. Shining may be high class but even he would eat as much as he could, in a respectful manner of course. He would take small bites and only sip his drink instead of eating quickly and stuffing his face. For this reason, he was always last to leave the table. “As you know, Sunset will be of age soon. Do you know of a respectable stallion in Canterlot that would be willing to have our daughter?”

Celestia knew this was coming and the topic still made her uncomfortable. She shifted a bit but kept her head high and her voice calm. “Glisten, are you sure you wish to do this to Sunset? I know you legally have the right to arrange a marriage for her. I did sign the papers but you know Sunset, she-”

“Will disapprove but she needs a firm hoof to show her how to be a respected member of society. Marriage will help greatly with that. We don’t want to hurt Sunset but this must be done for her good. Right now she is disrespectful and completely thoughtless to others needs. What we do, we do for her. Now please your highness, is there anypony you can think of? Perhaps your nephew Prince Blueblood but then again, we don’t want to be royalty.”

“Between you and me Glisten, Blueblood is a bit of a pig headed creep. It would be a miracle if he ever found somepony at all. I wouldn’t tell anypony to be with him.” Celestia pointed out, she really didn’t want Sunset with Blueblood.

“I suppose he wouldn’t be suitable. Perhaps a guard, they are honorable stallions.”

Celestia was about to respond when a guard came over to them. “Your highness, royal guests.” The guard bowed his head in respect. “My name is Honor Shield. Forgive me for the interruption but I have been watching over Sunset for some time as her bodyguard. It has been difficult for me due to recently becoming a royal guard and due to the growing feelings for her. I know I’m being blunt but if your guests wish to find somepony to marry Sunset Shimmer, I would be honored to be that pony.”

Celestia was speechless, this wasn’t at all expected. Luckily, Glisten and Shining were all too thrilled. “Wonderful and such a proper stallion. A little rough perhaps but still, respectable. I’m sure you will make a fine husband for my daughter but first, let my husband take you out for a talk. We just want to be sure that you are right for our daughter, you understand.”

Honor Shield bowed once again. “It would be a pleasure to speak with your husband.”

“Go, go now.” Glisten said a little too excitedly. Honor Shield and Shining left immediately. “I sure hope it works out, he seems like such a wonderful stallion.”

“He is wonderful, respected and respectful. There are many mares that would like to be with him. For the longest time, I always thought he ignored the mares because he took his duty to guard Sunset was so high. Now I see that there was more to it.”

“He never even glanced at other mares?” Celestia shook her head with a smile. “I think he will definitely be my son in law.”

An hour and a half came and went and Celestia and Glisten had started getting worried when Honor Shield and Shining came in. Honor was wounded and limping as Shining helped carry him in. Celestia stood up as Glisten ran over to them. “What happened?”

“Assassin, she attacked us. I was able to hold her off but just barely. She was after Shining here.”

“Yes she was and Honor here took every blow she threw at me.” Shining said proudly. “He is going to be a fine husband for Sunset.”

“Glisten, Shining, I think it would be a good idea if you left. I’m afraid this assassin is going to go after anypony with a guard around them and anypony who is friends with Luna and I.” Glisten and Shining nodded and left in a hurry with four guards leading them. Celestia turned to Honor. “Take care of Sunset, she is like a daughter to me.” With that said, Celestia left. Her mind was wrapped around the current attacks on any pony close. She not only worried for herself and her sister but Sunset as well. From the looks of it, it’s the same pony that has aligned herself with Nightmare Moon. The problem was the pony was always disguised and rarely said anything. “Something must be done even if it means leaving to roam Equestria to find the hideout of the assassin. It will have to be a last resort. There is no need to cause a panic.” Celestia entered her room and looked out toward Ponyville. “Be carefull my student.”