Broken Hearts

The day was bright and shining but no birds chirped nor did any wind seem to blow as the upper equines of high pony society and reporters pushed each other out of views way to gain even a small glimpse of the crystal carriage that was to come through these streets and board upon the castle train. Among them, whispers and rumors circulated as to why the Empress wanted to hold a private meeting with only the royal sisters.

Such meeting was announced to the public but no specifications were given but it was the countenance the empress adorned that raised eyebrows and questions on exactly what this meeting was. Had the empress addressed her subjects with calm and gentleness, even if fake, they would have expected nothing but the typical smile of the empress was faded and her face bore one of the utmost seriousness. She spoke loud, sternly and refused to do any of the courteous customs for when royalty addressed their subjects.

The empress spoke not a word afterwards with her staff nor her very own daughters, only sending a confidential letter to Queen Celestia and Luna. Even then, the one sent to give the letter had been forced to be accompanied by two royal guards whom was given orders to burn the letter and send the deliverer right back to her for trial shall she dare try to even peek at it.

Nonetheless it worked.

The whispers slowly died down as the hooves of strong stallions were heard through the ground. The gates to Canterlot city opened as the guards moved out of the way quickly to allow the speedy carriage through. The nobles did the same. Watching as the vehicle came sprawling through. Carrying the precious cargo that was the empress.

The crystal empress peeked outside her carriage curtain and saw the nobles stare on as the press seemed intent on following her ride wherever it went, complete with pens and paper.

The empress sighed and closed the curtain hoping, that she can remain out of the spotlight enough to retain her sanity. Eventually, the carriage came to a halt and the carriage door opened showing a guard stallion that was clothed in gold armor with an orange coat and blue mane.

He bowed before her. "Empress..."

She couldn't help but recognize him instantly. "Flash Sentry..." she smiled. "Its been awhile."

He smiled in response. "Yes, hasn't it Empress Cadance? I did not expect such time to pass between us."

"I shouldbe calling you PrinceFlash Sentry. Do pardon me. That was my honest mistake."

Flash shook his head. "I would love to put the formality away but it would seem that today will not be appropriate to do such I'm afraid. For now I am the guard that will be escorting you from your carriage to the train that will lead you up to Canterlot Castle. I am no more than that..." he smirked. "Atleast for now."

"If you say so."

Flash lent a hoof to help Cadance off of the carriage as she was met with a large crowd on both sides made up of rabid ponies. A combination of nosy nobles and desperate press.

"Empress Cadance! Empress Cadance! Why are you holding this meeting!?."

"What danger is Equestrian expecting?"

"Is there a threat looming among the horizon?"

"Why is this meeting extremely confidential?!"

"What will you and their majesties discuss!?"

"Cadance!"

"Empress Cadance!

Guards pushed the frantic ponies back, keeping them from crossing the red rope or ducking under. Some, such as the unicorn guards, erected small shields of magic to stop and push them back.

"Back! Back! Those who come within even twenty feet of the empress will be charged with trespassing!"

"Trespassing seems to be a little extreme don't you think?"

Flash shook his head. "Hardly. If anything it's light considering what these crazy press would do. The last thing we need of course is one who happens to be an assassin, hitpony or more likely, a xenophobic zealot. We don't need another high pony being injured right on the spot like with the Saddle Arabian sultan. That was an embarrassment to us guards and to the whole of Equestria. Especially for a first visit."

"Please, you all could only do so much. That pony was determined to undermine relations with Saddle Arabia at all costs. You all didn't even know about the pony til then."

"Still..."

Cadance spoke no more on the subject knowing how touchy the situation is to the royal guard or most in general. At least the sultan didn't die but she remembered the yelling he did and the angry faces of the sisters when such incident reached their ears. Thankfully the Sultan did return albeit still upset over the fact that his first visit was nearly a death trap.

She decided to change the subject.

"Anyway, has everything in the castle at all been prepared for the meeting?"

"Yes, most certainly. The entire castle is under strict surveillance and guards are scattered about. Visits to the castle has been shut down for the entire day and the meeting...conferencehall has been prepared and cleared for your convenience empress. Food has also been prepared just in case you may have the munchies." he smiled.

"Goodness, I simply said I wanted privacy, not to be treated like a foreign ruler."

Flash chuckled. "You know how the sisters are. You ask them to take something serious, their going to take it serious."

Cadance raised an eyebrow. "I see."

"And so, this is where we depart empress."

"You are not coming?"

"No, I am not. Its my duty for today to help lead the guards. However, if you want me to go I be more than happy to."

"I...would like that...actually."

Flash couldn't help but grin. "No princess. Everything has been planned and their only expecting you. You can't just add me so abruptly and last minute now."

Cadance looked up. "Well, you certainly do have a point. Do tell, is Twilight there?"

"Yes. She is also anticipating your arrival."

"Good, of all ponies it is important that she hears this."

"Empress, we are operating on a time scheduled. The sisters expect you in front of them at exactly one o'clock. It is precisely twelve twenty now." a guard reported.

Cadance nodded. "Yes. I will not hold up any more time. Flash...thank you."

"Your welcome your majesty-"

"No, not just...not just for escorting me but also taking care of Twilight. Ever since she lost Shining, she's been..."

Flash kissed her hoof and looked up at her. "Do not worry. I do not plan on abandoning her in any point. If she needs to cry, I'll play her brothers part and be the one to wipe away her tears. Do not worry empress. Your sister is safe or atleast comforted."

Cadance felt her heart skip a beat and couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealously. Why is it that she could not have her husband by her side?

She gave a sincere smile. "Thank you...Prince Flash."

"Empress..."

"Yes, yes, I am coming."

Cadance bordered the train and headed off.  Giving a final wave to Flash who returned it.

She holds her breath and prepares herself for the meeting.

She hopes that today will not mark the day she makes enemies of the sisters and most of all...

her own.