Nightmare Moon's Stars

It was the ultimate act of unity. Politicians from all political factions, from all nations, from all species had come together for one purpose only.

To give Celestia enough of a headache to close court early and clear her schedule, Equestria be damned.

On a daily basis.

"Umm... Princess Celestia?"

Twilight Sparkle was being snuggled by Celestia on her bed.

"Shh... let me have this right now Twilight." Murmured Celestia.

Celestia knew her work at the ESR was going to make her own duties much more difficult, but she never imagined it would be this bad. The Canterlot nobility had always been annoying, but when the nobility of all the other nations joined in, it was too much for her to bear. They had succeeded in filling up her entire schedule for the next 2 months, directly and indirectly. Her lunches, her snack times, her day court, even her public appearances were used as opportunities to speak to her regarding her work with the ESR.

Thankfully, her team of castle staff, personal aides and the Royal Guards proved more than capable of handling Celestia's duties. Unofficially, of course. It would not serve anyone to know that the budget for next year had been reviewed and approved by the castle plumber.

Pulling Twilight closer to herself, Celestia sighed.

"I know I should not call you away for something like this, but things have gotten so hectic lately." Confessed Celestia. "With nobles visiting from all over, this is a great opportunity for Equestria to build new bridges and break down old walls, but its just so much so fast. I fear that I would lose sight of our ponies."

"That would never happen princess!" Leaped Twilight, before nervously settling back down into Celestia's embrace. "I mean, no matter how busy you may get, I am sure you would always remember the citizens of Equestria. You do not have to take on all this burden either."

"But I do. As occupied as this makes me, it is ultimately to the benefit of Equestria." Celestia sighed. "I am just not used to things moving this quickly. It seemed like mere years ago you were the second mare on the moon and now we are fortifying space to defend ourselves."

"No! I mean, no." Nervously chuckled Twilight.

She had managed to not leap up again, but lost control of her voice. Foal steps, smiled Celestia.

"I mean," Twilight sighed, "I have been doing some thinking as well. I know Nightmare Moon assigned me to head the ESR's science division, but I think I should help you and Cadance with managing Equestria as well."

Celestia's eyes widened. "Twilight, thank you for the consideration, but that is not necessary. Cadance and I are capable of handling things."

"I am capable of handling your duties as well. Some of them." Twilight quickly corrected.

To think Twilight came to this conclusion herself.

Celestia pulled Twilight closer and nuzzled her. "My faithful student, you never cease to amaze me."

"Does this mean you wil-ahahahahahah!" Twilight exploded in laughter when Celestia suddenly started blowing on her tummy.

Oh Twilight, it would be my honor to one day serve you.

Cadance had abandoned all pretense and started wearing a feed bag filled with mint chocolate chip ice cream whenever she could.

It was not because her Crystal Ponies wanted to hated her. No, her Crystal Ponies actually thanked her. Ambassadors from all nations were establishing or expanding their embassies in the Crystal Empire in order to influence Cadance's now proven power over the ESR. As a result, the Crystal Empire was booming with new construction, new trade, newcomers and new opportunities and the Crystal Ponies were reaping the benefits.

Rather, it was the stress of managing those ambassadors that was straining her.

As the head negotiator of the ESR, Cadance was the source of a major loss of pride and prestige for Equestria. And as the ruling monarch of the Crystal Empire, Cadance could only avoid the requests for an audience so much without damaging the Crystal Empire.

They did not come only to bluster about Equestrian pride and prestige though, no. That would be manageable.

They also came to make a deal, many deals, with many alien empires and Cadance held the keys to doing so. The advantages were infinite, the disadvantages insignificant and that meant everyone wanted Cadance's ears.

And so they came with honeyed words; not sharp, angry or threatening words, no. If they used those, Cadance would have grounds to ignore, or better yet dismiss, them.

Thus, with the grace of a princess, Cadance requested an ice cream refill.

"So we cannot get into their good graces that way?" Asked Nightmare Moon.

Cadance shook her head. "They see us as rivals to be defeated and refuse to even acknowledge our promise to guarantee their independence. Their people are steadily adopting that belief. If their leader proposes a declaration of war, it would be guaranteed."

Nightmare Moon raised her head and closed her eyes. With a slow inhale and an even slower exhale, she opened her eyes and lowered her head to look straight into Cadance's.

"Very well." Nightmare Moon softly spoke. "I will have defenses constructed along the border and have plans drawn for a possible conflict."

"Should I inform Auntie Celestia?" Cadance asked.

"No, I will speak to her myself. I will also need to speak to Twilight Sparkle. She had posited that our current space outpost designs were antiquated and needed updating. A more efficient space outpost would be of use should war break out."

"Not 'if' war breaks out?" Cadance noted.

Nightmare Moon silently stared at Cadance, opened her mouth to speak. Then closed it.