The Different Prince

A lot had happened in the nine years since the incident. I feel it best to describe some of the details and thoughts lest you be left with a void of needful information. Getting the mares in my life use to me talking was awkward with all the looks and questions. Twilight and a group of doctors sworn the secrecy had look at my throat about two months after I returned home. The scarring, which was originally dismissed, was the result of my throat and vocal cords rearranging themselves to allow me to form actual words.

Then came tutoring, mostly from Twilight and Lyra. Reading, writing and math. Magic was interesting. Most males knew only levitation spells. But they could be taught more through example. Though their copies were often imperfect and more wild in design. They might watch a lightning spell and instead create jagged ice, or instead of a dust cloud they summon a swarm of insects. Crude but effective in its own right.

Spellcaster stallions were valuable in military roles for this reason, as their magic could be unpredictable.

And it involved a lot of praise and treats. Needless to say, I was a fan of learning magic.

I thought back on these things that had shaped me as I sat on a balcony overlooking the court where the guests were filing in. This party was also sort of a way for the public to see how well their prince has been 'trained'. Everyone was down there, save Bonbon.

She was an alright substitute for Lyra. Nothing against her, she's wonderful, Lyra's just special to me. As a second mother figure, nothing else. I haven't even reached puberty yet.

Anyway, Bonbon kept me company while we watched. I thought I was nervous earlier. Nope, this was nervous 2.0, includes all the DLC: dry throat, pacing, and overthinking what might go wrong. The wetnurse soothed me by combing my mane with a soft brush. Gee, that felt good.

As I watch I saw a certain couple enter. It was really more the mare I recognized, not so much the thin yellow stallion she walked in with. After all, it's hard to forget the mare wo gave you her castrated son as a present. My blood chilled a bit.

Pound seemed to have recognized her too. He trotted across the room towards her, neatly and well practiced mind you, and greeted her happily. She patted his head as one might a neighbors dog and then shooed him away before heading toward the refreshment table.

I had never seen my friend so depressed. Had she even recognized him?

"Is something wrong, Gold?" Bonbon asked.

I shook my head. "Not for much longer."

I was quiet after that. Thinking.

The court had been filling up steady for a while. Now it had slowed to a trickle. Mother must have thought this crowd large enough as she began moving towards the stage that had been constructed yesterday for this show of ours. Bonbon saw too and began straightening my suit, tailored special.

"Greetings, everypony," mother said, getting the guests' attention. "Thank you all for coming out to this, my son's eleventh year party."

Couldn't she just say birthday?

"The Crown Prince has truly been a blessing to both myself and our kingdom."

Again, kingdom? The questions I have but keep forgetting to ask.

"When he was born, I declared this day a national holiday, and, every year I've celebrated it as such. His birth was the beginning of a new era of peace for the brides with whom he is to mate."

There was much cheering here. King of nice to have folks congratulating me already.

"Today you have all been invited to see just how far he has progressed since then. So, please welcome my son, your prince, Gold Coast of Equestria."

With those last words I launched myself over the balcony and swooped down low over everyone's heads. There were many cries of surprise and gasps of shock at the very sight of me. My flight ended with me landing light as a feather on the stage beside my mother. Just as we had rehearsed, I struck a noble pose and she put her arm about my neck.

The cheering was loud and full of praises. It actually helped me not be so nervous. I lifted my chin and breathed in deep though my nose.

Mother kissed my cheek and stepped back. "As you can see, he has grown so much in just eleven years. Already larger than most stallion, and his flying skills are on par with most adult pegasi."

Yes, it was a show to give the ponies of Equestria confidence in their prince's abilities. Next was a demonstration of magic. The lights that had been illuminating the room suddenly moved from their perches and danced around me before vanishing and reappearing a moment later back where they belonged. Perhaps not too epic, but definitely precise. It got the crowd starry eyed anyway.

"He has come a long way," mother said stepping back up to my side. I shifted My pose to lean against her. "He will, in time, be capable of so much more throughout the eons he lives. Perhaps powerful enough to rival both me and Luna."

There were nods and murmurs in the crowd. But, also a lot of laughs and shaking heads. It was apparent what many were thinking. After all, to them, I was nothing more than a fancy stud.

Mother did not seem to enjoy the laughter. Though her face didn't show it, I recognized the signs, the twitch in her hand, the ruffling of her wings. She was probably looking forward to the end of this evening.

"Now, before I let him down from this stage to mingle with you all there is one final demonstration we believe will leave you speechless. Gold, is you please, please greet your guests."

They were definitely expected me to bark or something like a dog for treats and attention. Prepared to laugh and clap, maybe watch me dance like an obedient male. I grinned as I stepped forward to the end of the stage and looked out over them all.

"Hello, everypony."