The Different Prince

Do you think your life is good? Try being ten years old and still welcome at the teat. Yes I was on lots of solid foods now, but, like I said, milk was an important social staple amongst family. And close friends. I'm not even sure if there was a word for being weaned.

Anyway, the patient earth pony saw me coming and opened the front of her dress, recognizing the signs. The wet-nurses of house Heartsrtings had developed an entire dress style for their practice. Developed by Rarity, it was both fashionable and utilitarian, the front easily opened and closed without need of buttons or lace, and it was stain resistant so there wouldn't be any dark spots where milk spilled.

"Easy now Prince," she cooed softly as she stroked my mane. "I know your nervous, but that's no excuse to suck so hard."

This was Bonbon, by the way. She was actually one of the mares hired nine years ago when Lyra went away to spend time with her stud. The other was somewhere else in the palace, her name was Velvet. Apparently Twilight's mother. One was apparently a secret agent and the other some sort of upper level sorceress.

No, Velvet wasn't part of house Heartstrings, she had her own stallion. Apparently it was considered taboo to have multiple male partners.

Bonbon and Lyra were apparently childhood friends, and it wasn't long before Lyra studded Sunburst out to her friend, uniting them as a herd.

I stopped after a moment and nuzzled her cheek. "Thank you, Bonbon."

"My pleasure, Gold," she said as she hugged my neck and kissed my cheek. I then gently patted her belly. She was on her third foal a the moment. Lyra was on her fourth. She wiped my lips, though I think it was unnecessary, she just didn't like watching me grow up. "Your mother's waiting for you in the throne room."

Yes, I was talking easier these days. Mother had made sure to surround me with the most trusted mares in the kingdom. Was anyone else curious why they called it a kingdom? That should imply that it's a king who rules them. From the guards to the maids, all were sworn to secrecy. And some training, I suspected.

The maids these days seemed to have multiple metal objects in their uniforms that sometimes clicked ominously.

The guards opened the door to the throne room when they saw me approaching. Inside I saw mother and my father sitting upon a pile of cushions that served as the throne. Lyra was there with them too, as an honorary member of the family she got certain privileges. Which she totally took advantage of.

Luna had been absent for a few years now. She'd spent the last six years on diplomatic missions from country to country with Cobbler.

My father got up and greeted me at the foot of the throne, nuzzling my forehead. I was now just a head and a half shorter than him. "Hey, daddy. I was only gone a few hours since breakfast."

"That's an eternity in his time," mother chuckled, stretching out her hands for me to come closer. Alright, things have actually healed between us. I walked up and embraced her, Lyra hugged my side. "Oh, I hope your ready for today, Gold."

"As I'll ever be," I chuckled humorlessly, "so... when will they be here?"

"Soon enough," she sighed. "Pound will be part of their escort."

Pound was full grown now. I towered over him, but we were still the best of friends, it was as he still saw me as the small colt in my mother's arms when we first met at the party years ago.

When he stepped into the room, he was kind of an impressive sight. A bright red uniform saddle and cape marked with the royal crest. His steps were well trained and dignified as he strode before our guests. Six mares of varying colors.

Twilight's herd had arrived.

* * *

It was my eleventh birthday, just so you know. Pinkie danced around the court putting up decorations, followed closely by Rarity who straightened and adjusted them properly. Applejack and Rainbow Dash moved in some carts of supplies. Fluttershy was watching the foals, their herd had a mess of them. Twilight was going over plans for the celebration ceremony with Celestia.

There were of course other palace staff members helping. Moving tables and some such. I helped where I could, but mostly felt like I was in the way. Wasn't really a surprise party. For me at least. I wandered over to my Mother and Twilight, may be I could help with a few things.

They shook there heads.

"We've already worked on the speech a week ago," Twilight said as she scratched up a few things in frustration. "You've memorized it right?"

I nodded.

"But, we're just making last minute corrections for the venue and placements for best traffic flow." Twilight being Twilight, of course, and mother encouraging her all the way. Yes, in ten years I've learned their cute motherish daugherish relationship. She was practically raise by the white alicorn.

"Perhaps you should go off and play with Pound, or your father," mother shooed me off with a smile.

"But...," I began.

Mother laid her hands on my cheeks and turned my face up to her eyes. "Gold. I know. You incredibly smart. You're bigger than most stallions alive. But, you're still just ten, almost eleven. Let us handle your party. We want to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. This is a special day for all of Equestria. Probably the world."

I didn't feel like arguing. They were right. I only had so much experience in this world. Out in the hall, I searched around for Pound. Where had he gone? Wasn't like he was off chasing mares or anything.

"Oh, Gold, I saw your mother kick you out of there."

I turned and saw Lyra. Had she been following me? She sat down on a chair and patted her lap. I laid down beside the chair and laid my head on her lap. She stroked my head comfortingly. "Nervous?"

"Is it that obvious?" I asked, rolling my eyes.

"I've help raise since year one, Gold, I know all the signs," she laughed. "Pound out training at the moment. The sergeant wanted to make sure he did break step during the party. Your father's probably taking a nap in a nice sunbeam somewhere, and Sunburst is at home getting groomed for tonight. I suppose, right now, I'm all the company you got."

"I mean, they made it sound so important that I get to the throne room," I groused. "But, it was just for a few rehearsals on etiquette. I was expecting it to be more important."

She patted me sympathetically. "I know. You want to be a part of everything, and they wish you could be. But they need everything to be perfect."

I nodded and sighed.

"After all," she continued, rocking my head a bit. "Tonight, everyone will know all about Crowned Prince Gold Coast."