"How is she?"

"She's fine. She woke up last night. She's in a stable condition and sleeps soundly," That was Dapper. That other voice, though. It wasn't Harmony. I flipped over, glaring at the pair in the doorway. It turned out, the voice belonged to Princess Celestia. What was she doing here?

"Not as soundly as you think," I grumbled. The two looked at me, shocked I was awake.

"Different! How are you? You're okay right? Of course you're okay! Are you okay?" She asked worriedly. I blinked, trying to process all that she had said.

"Yeah, I'm fine. There's no need for worry. The only thing wrong with me is that I'm missing a wing. Other than that, I'm fine," I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes. Dapper frowned, "Where's my sister?"

"In the other room. Why do you want to see her? To get a free meal, I suppose," Dapper muttered.

"Pardon!?" I snapped, getting out of bed and ignoring the pain in my side, "Don't you EVER say anything like that again! I love my sister. More than a pony like you ever could!"

"That's funny, I didn't think changelings could love," He sneered in my face.

"Dapper! That's enough!" Celestia barked, standing tall. Dapper stepped back, clearing his throat.

"...Sorry about that. That was uncalled for. I'll go get Harmony," He said, leaving the room. I was breathing heavily through clenched fangs. Celestia put a hoof on my shoulder.

"Please excuse Dapper for his rude behavior. He's not usually like this," Celestia said apologetically. I took a deep breath and slowly released it.

"It's... fine. I'm sure he didn't mean what he said," I muttered, taking slow breaths. I knew he meant what he said. You don't just say something like that and expect nothing to come of it.

"Still, it was a terrible thing to say. Please, accept my apology on his behalf," Celestia replied, bowing her head. I hesitated for a second.

"Of course, Princess. I accept your apology," I bowed. Of course, just because I accepted her apology, didn't mean I accepted his.

"Different!" I looked at the doorway, seeing Harmony standing there next to Dapper. She looked happy and less haggard than she did last night.

"Little sister. You look better," I smiled.

"As do you, if only by a bit," She chuckled, "Have a nice nap?"

"Definitely. I feel better already," I grinned.

"That's good to hear," Dapper chirped, and I gave him a confused look. Did he just forget all about our argument a few moments ago?

"...I think I want to go for a walk in the forest," I said, an idea popping into my head.

"Oh. I would go with you, but-" Harmony started.

"You don't leave the Tree, Harmony. I already know and understand this," I chuckled lightheartedly, "How about you, Dapper? According to my sister, you're great company."

Dapper held a confused look on his face, so I had to say something to reassure him.

"Plus, I could use somepony who has medical knowledge near me if I run into trouble with my wound," I smiled reassuringly.

"That... makes sense... Okay, but only because you're my patient," He replied.

"I should be on my way, anyhow. Back to the throne," Celestia sighed jokingly. The three of us walked to the entrance, past the Tree of Harmony. I didn't even glance at it.

Celestia split off from us as we exited the cave, flying back to her subjects. It must be great, having all that love just thrown at your hooves. Ponies adore the Princess...

Author's Note

A/N: Sorry, needed to leave you hanging ^w^
Dapper belongs to Scar on EQA.
Sorry for the short chapter, but I hope you enjoyed and I hope you're looking forward to the next chapter, ehehehe...
Till next time!~