The Different Prince

Oh boy. To say mother didn't like that idea was an understatement. She ranted and raved till my ears were blue. There was no reasoning with her, despite the fact my entry into school may be delayed a year if that teachers union kept this up.

"But mom, listen I...," I began.

"No!" She growled for the umpteenth time. "Your job is to produce heirs and unite kingdoms. I will not have that jeopardized just because your too impatient for school."

"You already promised me to mares I hardly know long before I could speak my consent to these unions," I fired back. "I should get a few of my own choices here and there."

"That is different," she shouted without offering any reason why. "If the foreign leaders heard you were castrated they might cancel their daughters contracts. Even if you do regenerate."

"Then don't tell them," I said.

"And when a queen visits and wishes to examine you? Think of the outrage."

"Just say 'no'."

"You are technically their property as well. They have every right to ensure the stud they have chosen is up to par."

I glared daggers at her. "Its clear that's my only interest to you. I deserve to go to school and hone my abilities. Even if i have to make a temporary sacrifice. It's nothing different than what mothers do to their own colts on a daily basis."

"You speak as if you know anything about the problems I deal with on a daily basis," she snapped. "This only adds to it."

She and I huffed and puffed as we stared across the table at each other.

"If I may interject," said Twilight, nervousely raising her hand.

Huh, had forgotten she was there. After three days of arguing this back and forth, she had been called by mother to reason with me. But so far she hadn't been able to get a word in.

We looked at her, waiting in silence for her to continue.

"You both make very valid points," she said, clearing her throat.

"Him?!" Mother gawked as she gestured to me with an open hand.

"Me," I smirked.

Don't let my attitude fool you. The idea of being gelded was terrifying. Almost made me feel sick, even. But, bear with me, I have reasons.

"First of all," she started, "yes, you have to keep the favor of our foreign allies so he can produce plenty of heirs for when those daughters ascend the throne as queens themselves."

Of course she'd start with her mentor.

"But we are on the cusp of greatness," she turned to me. "The data and information we can garner from a male attending, not just a school, but the most prestigious school in Equestria is beyond any of us. I have tracked his healing abilities, and the regeneration from the assassination attempt, and routine circumcisions. This is just the next step in learning the extent of his abilities."

And treat me like a lab rat. Well... it was something.

"I can't believe I'm hearing this," Celestia groaned.

"He'd be a stallion again in just a couple months," Twilight continued.

"And how do we keep it hidden?" I asked for mothers sake.

"An illusion spell of course," Twlight stated. "An alicorn level spell, undetectable by any queen who may wish to inspect her purchase."

"Wait? That's it?" I asked.

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. Other than ensuring the secrecy of the schoolmistresses and those who really know you, it as simple as lighting up my horn."

Her horn gave a few sparks in emphasis.

I glared at mother. Was she just trying to keep me from learning something?

She was silent a long moment. Her face making all kinds of expressions. Until at last she threw up hands with a groan.

"Fine!" She cried. "At least he'll be more obedient and easy to handle for a while."

Ooh... was not looking forward to that.

"So, that's a yes?" I asked, just to push it a little.

"Yes," she said through her teeth. "I will fetch a doctor I know and trust very well and..."

"No," I said firmly.

She seemed taken aback. "No? I thought this is what you wanted."

"I want to go to school," I nodded. "I am willing to be a gelding for that. But I want to choose the method."

She was silent, so I continued.

"Just like what was done to my best friend, Pound Cake. I want Applejack to have the... honors."

She blinked. "Very well. She has experience in this kinds of thing.... but why?'

"I am still a prince and an example of what a stallion and leader should be, correct?"

"To a certain extent," she nodded, probably humoring me. As was her way.

"Then I should experience what so many other males have had to go through," I stated. "I will be of the ponies, for the ponies."

Both mares stared at me, mother perplexed, Twilight shocked.

"I think...," began the purple one, "that, if allowed, you would a reasonable leader, Prince Gold Coast."

"Whatever," Celestia sighed, getting up from her chair and making her way to the door. "I'll make the arrangements."

The door slammed behind her.

I sighed a laid my head upon the table.

"That took forever."

Twilight rose from her seat and came around to pet my head. "I think it's fascinating, myself."

I managed a weak smile. "Thank you for helping."

She shrugged. "I know you Gold. Celestia is often distracted by domestic and foreign affairs, she has only so much time to spare. I can tell you have your reasons."

I nodded. "Twilight... are organ transplants a thing in Equestria? Or just in science fiction novels?"

Yes science fiction was a popular thing in Equestria. woo hoo.

"What?" She was confused. "Well yeah. The first heart transplant was done in 347 ANMM by the unicorn Valve Check. Since then organ transplants are just standard in every hospital across Equestria."

"Then can my testicles be transferred to Pound?" I asked, looking her in the eye.

"Umm, yeah," she said, head tilted in confusion. "But... why would you want to do that for a gelding? He's meant to be your servant. I was kind of hoping to study them."

"Pound gets them," I told her with a Scowl. "He deserves to know what it's like to be whole."

She looked disappointed. "Fine. I can arrange this. But so long as I get the next pair for my lab. Seeing as this may be a thing."

"Deal," I said.

Told you I had my reasons. Probably terrible and not well thought out but... I'm trying.

I hope it makes a difference in this world.