A Royal Conquest

"Is that really so personal?" she replied. There was something in the way she spoke that made you want confess all your sins and schemes. Millennia of rule had honed this skill of hers to perfection. But it did require ponies to want to bend before her. You were planning quite the opposite. So you suppressed that desire to confess and continued just as boldly as before.

"It is. I want to advise you on my line of work, chemistry. It is a growing industry. You will have to face issues like the one you faced today more often. I wish to help Equestria by helping you."

To be fair, you were only telling half truths. The chemical industry might be growing but it was still tiny. You were feigning most of your usefulness to her.

"How noble of you." she answered with the same accusatory voice. You still weren't planning on letting it get to you.

"Thank you, Princess." you answered pretending you didn't get her inquisitory hints.

"So, did you really have to climb up my stairs and sit next to my throne to give me that offer?"

"From what I've heard about you, you like personal interactions with your subjects. I wasn't going to talk about something so close to my heart as my work from way over there." you pointed to the place you stood before.

"Is chemistry the only thing you'd advise me on?"

With each sentence her tone was less that of an interrogator and more of one of curiosity.

"If you so wish, Princess, yes. But I'm no one trick pony."

For some reason your species delighted in making and hearing cheesy puns about itself and you were no exception. She chuckled. She wasn't an exception either.

"Well, what should I do now, then, adviser?"

Her tone had now a tiny hint of playfulness.

"From what I've seen, you don't have any petitioners in your castle today. Any appointments?"

"Not for a few hours, for once."

Lucky you. That window of opportunity was just what you needed.

"You look bored, Princess. I suggest getting some distraction. I would hate for you turn your subjects into your playthings out of boredom."

"I would never do that!" she protested.

"I would hope so. I've only heard good things of your rule, but when was the last time you took a break from it?"

"Well, erm..."

You turned to the guard who had previously pointed his spear at you.

"Could you guarantee the Princess safety if we were to take a stroll through the city?"

"That's none of your business, worm." he growled at you.

You understood well why him and his comrades hatred of you. For them, Celestia was no mere mare. She was a symbol for which they had sworn to give their lives. Their combat effectiveness was never tested, luckily for Equestria, but their devotion was beyond doubt. You strutting in like a peacock while all others cowered before her could never sit right with them.

"That's no way to talk to my adviser, Chainmail Lancer." Celestia scolded him.

"I... I'm sorry Princess." he looked at you with regretful eyes "Yes, we can guarantee her safety no matter where she goes."

Well, not if another Discord, Nightmare Moon or whatever enemy she had beaten 1000 years ago decided to rear his/her or its ugly head again. But you kept that musing to yourself.

"Thank you." you looked at Celestia "Shall we see what your capital has to offer, Princess?"

"Where will we be going?"

"We'll see when we get there."

Celestia couldn't suppress a smile.

She stood up from her throne. Only then did it really dawn on you how much taller she is than you even though you weren't the shortest stallion around. You were filled with a new found sympathy for stallionlets and their attempts to get laid. You stood up as well. Both of you started descending the stairs. Once you were down them, two guards flanked you both.

"Do you know Canterlot?"

"First time I'm here."

"Don't think you should get a guide then?"

"Where's the fun in that?"

Celestia laughed.

"Alright. I'll take your word for it, adviser."