Ruler of Harmony Kingdom

by Just A Random Pegasus

Rating: teen
Tags: Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Profanity, Sunburst, Slice of Life, Twilight Sparkle, Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe
Length: 5211

Starlight is promoted to be the fifth princess of Equestria. Her kingdom, you may ask? Her old town where she attempted to create her perfect society, which is now a vast land for any creature to reside in. Naturally, she is unsure about how to feel.

In a jarring change of events, Princess Celestia decided to crown Starlight Glimmer as a new princess of Equestria. Her dominion? The old village she used to rule with an iron fist, but now, expanded to be a large kingdom designed for any creature to live in it, no matter their species or origin.

Naturally, Starlight is apprehensive about her new rule, as well as unsure about what to do. Will she fall back into her old ways and try to harm her subjects, especially with her new power? Will she start a multi-nation war? Will she meet the all-powerful being who is responsible for her destiny? Only time will tell as Starlight braves the challenges of being a leader once again.

Tagged AU because I haven't completely kept up with the series so there will probably be multiple things I write that go against the actual show.

Base in coverart made by BronyBase on DA, rest was poorly drawn by me

Published 2018-11-25 03:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2018-11-25 03:20:02 UTC

Prologue: Crowning

This past Sunday morning for Starlight started how Sunday mornings normally do for her: a nice, big breakfast accompanied by lots of coffee and donuts which are made by Pinkie Pie. And, like all Sundays, Starlight planned to take a nice, long day to relax.

After finishing her breakfast, she levitated her dirty plates and mug around her before walking over to Spike, who was currently washing a large number of dishes from the night before. He smiled when he saw Starlight enter.

"Hey Starlight! What's up?" He greeted as Starlight handed the dishes over to him.

"Uh, not too much," she said, smiling. "I'm just happy I can relax today. That dinner party with Discord last night was a bit too... what's the word..."

"Crazy?"

"Yeah. That's it," Starlight affirmed, slightly rolling her eyes. "So, what are you planning on doing today?"

Spike shrugged his shoulders. "I dunno. I'm probably just gonna do chores and - Oh! Rainbow wanted me to go flying with her today. Hopefully I don't keep her waiting."

"Well, I can help you finish your chores if you need. I know how impatient Rainbow can get," Starlight offered.

"Thanks Starlight! I appreciate it," Spike answered, placing a plate in the dishwasher. "But yeah, other than all that, I'm just gonna relax today. We all need a chill day every once in a while."

Starlight nodded. "Ugh, tell me about it. I feel like I've had wayyy too much going on recently. Taking a day to relax and recover is really what I need."

As soon as she said that, a bright flash of magic illuminated the room, quickly revealing Twilight.

"Starlight!!" Twilight exclaimed, getting in Starlight's face. "We need to go! Pronto!"

Starlight blinked. "What? Why?"

"Because!" Twilight said, hovering above the ground. "Princess Celestia needs us immediately!" She said as she flew around Starlight, beaming at the unicorn.

"Um... okay? Did something happen?"

"Nope! But we need to go!" Twilight said, landing back on the ground.

"Should I go too?" Spike asked as he finished scrubbing the last plate.

"Nope, but I do have a big list of things that need to get done around the castle today," Twilight said, levitating a rather large scroll over to the dragon. "I may be able to help you out later, but I have no idea when we're gonna get back today!"

Spike groaned as he perused the list. "And you say that enthusiastically?"

Twilight turned back to Starlight. "There's no time to waste! We have to go!" Twilight exclaimed before lighting her horn and teleporting the both of them. Spike looked at the spot where the two were before looking at his list again. He rolled his eyes.

"I've not seen Twilight this excited in a while. She probably went to the Canterlot library or something," he mused to himself before grabbing a broom.

When Starlight opened her eyes, she found herself in the Canterlot castle, light pouring in from all around. She looked up and found Princess Celestia on her throne, smiling down at her and Twilight.

Starlight blinked before quickly bowing. "Your majesty."

"There is no time for such formalities, Starlight. I have... something very important for you," Celestia said. Twilight ran up to Celestia's side, practically beaming.

"Well... alright. Is it bad?" Starlight asked.

Celestia shook her head. "No. Please do not worry yourself, I called you here for a very positive reason. And this will be a lot at one time, so I hope you are okay with that."

Starlight nodded her head. "Of course. I'm ready for whatever you throw at me, Princess."

Celestia smiled. "Starlight, since you met Princess Twilight, you've grown so much and have become a positive influence and amazing friend to be around. You are a leader, and are always wanting to help others. We - by we, I mean all the princesses in Equestria - think you are an inspiration, Starlight."

Starlight flushed, looking to Twilight before trying to cover her embarrassment. "Oh... I don't know what to say, Princess," Starlight said, looking to the ground.

"You don't need to say anything, Starlight. However, I do need you to be ready for your next step."

Starlight raised a brow. "...Next step?"

Celestia nodded. "Yes, Starlight."

Twilight smiled as well. "Starlight, you're ready. Believe me."

Starlight shook her head. "I... don't understand. Ready for what?"

Celestia's horn started glowing a light but powerful gold. "You will see in a second, Starlight," she said, spreading her wings as she charged more magic up in her horn. Starlight's ears folded back as she saw Celestia fire a beam of magic at her. The magic quickly enveloped her, continuously pulsing into her. Next thing Starlight knew, she, Celestia, and Twilight were all teleported to a very familiar place, or at least, that's what it felt like. As she opened her eyes, she couldn't tell exactly where in Equestria she was, besides the fact that she could feel the cold ground below her as well as her muscles tensing.

"...Starlight?" A raspy voice called. Starlight rubbed her eyes, looking up. She saw Night Glider looking down at her from above, her eyes wide. Starlight also took a quick look around, recognizing the old village she once wanted to control so dearly.

Starlight's heart stopped. She was teleported here, certainly for a reason. But... why? She stood up, her legs wobbly.

Double Diamond was in front of her next. "Wow... what happened, Star?"

Starlight rubbed her head. "I... don't know," she said, looking back at Celestia and Twilight. "What exactly did happen? Is there really something different about me?"

Celestia giggled as Twilight answered. "Starlight, you're a dork. Can't you feel your new... additions?" She asked, smirking.

Starlight started looking at herself. "My new..." She turned around, seeing a pair of large wings at her back. "...Wings?" She said, giving them a short flap as she stared at them.

"Starlight, we need to go flying!" Night Glider said, flying up to her and giving her a hug. "This is so cool, dude! You're an alicorn!"

Starlight gave her friend a short smile. "Well... I guess I am an alicorn..."

Double Diamond nodded. "Yeah. It's like you're a princess or something," he said.

Starlight shook her head, giggling. "Oh, nah. I'm not a princess."

"Are you sure about that, Starlight?" Celestia asked. Starlight whipped her head around, her jaw dropping.

"I'm... wait... what?" She said, her voice squeaking.

Twilight squealed. "Isn't it great?!" She exclaimed, hugging Starlight as tight as she could. "We're princess buddies now! We can write to each other about our experiences and boring meetings and-"

Starlight pushed Twilight off. "I'm sorry, but... why am I a princess?" She asked, her eyes still wide.

"Starlight, are you aware of how much leadership you have shown to not only your friends, but to all of Equestria?" Celestia proposed. "You've helped save all of Equestria a number of times, and even attempted to reform Queen Chrysalis, a foe who no one would give a chance... except for you." She stepped closer to Starlight. "Starlight, you exhibit exceptional qualities that all princesses should: you're a leader, you're brave, you're kind, you're accepting, and you are always willing to put yourself in danger for others. Us Princesses aren't just public figures, as you know. We have to be the strongest defenders of Equestria, and that power is only given to those who can responsibly handle it."

Starlight shook her head. "But... what if I can't handle it? I've casted a spell on my friends before, and I-"

Celestia put a hoof over Starlight's mouth. "Starlight, I would never have suggested making you a princess if I didn't feel exceptionally confident that you could handle it. Twilight has been updating me, and it has all been good news. Sure, you've made mistakes, but you learned from them, and, in the end, learning from mistakes is one of the strongest things you can do."

"I guess... you're right," Starlight said, giving Celestia a smile. "Thank you... Princess."

Celestia smiled back. "No need to thank me, Starlight. This was meant to happen, I was just the one who cast the spell."

Twilight raised a brow. "Wait... what do you mean by that?"

"I cannot say, Twilight," Celestia said, causing Twilight to furrow her brow.

Starlight looked around as Twilight and Celestia were talking, seeing that now almost everyone who lives in the village was nearby, looking at her and the other princesses.

"So... as a princess... do I have a kingdom?" Starlight asked.

Celestia nodded. "Indeed, Starlight. It is this village."

Starlight blinked. "Wait, what?!"

Celestia nodded. Starlight looked from Celestia to the village, her ears pinning back onto her skull.

"No... I can't do this. Last time I had a leadership position over this town, I wanted full control. I can't trust myself, what if I-"

This time, Twilight put a hoof over Starlight's mouth. "Starlight, you'll be fine. Think about it, just being remorseful about your past is a sign that you've changed."

Starlight smiled. "Well... when you put it that way..."

Night Glider walked up to Starlight. "Starlight, I know you've changed. We all do. We would love to have you as our leader again, Princess," she said, bowing. Everyone in the village followed suit, giving Starlight a bow.

Starlight's cheeks grew red as she smiled. "You all really think so?"

They all nodded, Starlight's smile growing bigger as a result. She turned to Celestia. "But... isn't this village a little... small to be a kingdom? I mean, there isn't too much to rule."

"I figured you would ask that," Celestia said. "Follow me a few paces back. This little village has more to it than it seems."

Starlight nodded, following Celestia to a spot near a few large rocks. Celestia looked down at Starlight. "Now... intertwine your magic with mine, and we will touch our horns to the ground. It should produce a spectacular result."

Starlight nodded. "Alright," she said before charging up her horn. She felt much more magic flowing to her horn than she ever had before. She put her horn to Celestia's, and the two bowed their heads to the soft earth beneath them. The magic quickly seeped into the ground, the earth rumbling and shaking under them. The two jumped out of the way, watching as a large castle started to peak out of the ground. To the left of the castle and village houses, many new houses and amenities started sprouting as well. Soon, the castle was completely out of the ground, standing tall and capturing the glances of all the villagers. Starlight took a look around, her jaw wide open.

"Wait... where did all this come from?" Twilight asked, hovering into the air.

Celestia raised a brow at Twilight. "It was meant to be, Twilight. Like I said before, I just was the one who cast the spell." She then turned to Starlight.

"Welcome to your kingdom, Princess Starlight," Celestia said, gesturing to the left. "All of these new buildings are for the other villagers that will live here. This kingdom will not only inhabit ponies, but any other creature that wants to live here. That's why multiple accommodations have sprouted, such as a lava pool and caves for dragons and a hive-like section for changelings."

Starlight looked back to Celestia. "You... really want me to rule over multiple species?"

Celestia nodded. "If anyone could do it, it would be you, Starlight," she said. Starlight smiled.

"Well... th-"

"STARLIGHT!!" A piercing voice boomed from the far side of the village. Starlight turned her head to find Trixie running as fast as she could, panting for breath by the time she reached Starlight. "I came here as fast as I can when I heard the news!"

Starlight blinked. "Wait... there's news already?!"

Trixie nodded. "Yep! Princess Luna sure has her way of getting important information out!" She said, breathing heavily. "Starlight, I'm... I... Ieugh..." She stammered, tears brimming her eyes. "I'm... gonna miss... you were such an important showmate and... I..."

"Trixie, you act as though you'll never see me again-"

"That's because I won't!" Trixie exclaimed, tears freely falling down her cheeks. "You're a princess now, so you won't have time for friendships! You-"

"Trixie!" Starlight interjected. "I would never, ever stop being your friend. Royal duties will never break up my friendships."

Trixie blinked. "Are you sure?"

Starlight nodded. "Of course. And... if you want... so we aren't so far apart... you could maybe stay in my castle with me? Maybe even be my... assistant?" She turned to Celestia. "Can she?"

Celestia smiled. "This isn't my castle; it is yours now, Princess. You may do what you like."

Trixie beamed. "So... I can really stay with you?!"

Starlight nodded. "Of course you can! This is much more comfortable than your caravan-"

Trixie hugged her, smiling. "Oh my gosh, thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!" She squealed before letting go of Starlight. "Oh, and speaking of caravan. I can still keep it here, right? I can't completely get rid of it."

Starlight nodded. "Of course, Trix."

Trixie beamed. "You really are a great friend, Starlight. And just so ya know, I'll end up being the most great and powerful castle assistant there is." She giggled. "Also, you look like a total dork with those wings."

Starlight rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah."

"Sorry to interrupt, but there is something you have to do, Starlight," Celestia said. Starlight turned to her.

"Oh, sorry! What is it?"

"Well, your kingdom needs a name, doesn't it?"

Starlight blinked. "You're right. Hm..." She thought. After a few seconds, her ears perked. "How about... Harmony Kingdom? I mean, it fits, since many creatures will soon live here in harmony... maybe?"

Celestia smiled. "I think that's a wonderful name, Starlight. Also, speaking of... I'll be setting you up with a royal meeting with the leaders of the other lands. You are the one who must relay to them the information about this village and ask if they want to send their subjects to live here."

Starlight blinked. "Uh... yes, Princess. I will do that."

"I would hope so, Starlight." She spread her wings. "Now... you have a coronation to attend."

Starlight smiled, looking around at all her friends nearby. "I... guess I do."

I: Lifestyle Changes

It had been a day since Starlight's coronation, which, even though it was one of the best days of Starlight's life, it was long and utterly draining for the new alicorn. Especially the autographs - seriously, Starlight has no idea how the other princesses can put up with this stuff.

The sun slowly rose above the horizon, beaming into the castle and shining on the crystals on the walls. Like Twilight's castle, Starlight's had a lot of crystal walls that are blue and purple. And, like all castles, hers is cold and cavernous, way too much so. However, that didn't bother Starlight now as she slept on her bed, the lavish covers keeping her warm and safe. After the day yesterday, Starlight's body was ready to rest for a whole year.

Almost in a flash, the door to Starlight's room slammed open, Trixie waltzing in.

"Starlight!! Yoo-hoo!" She called, standing next to Starlight's bed. Starlight looked up at her friend before rolling her eyes and laying back down. Trixie rolled her eyes back in response. "Oh, come on, princess! You have a lot to do today!"

"Luike whuet?" Starlight muttered into her pillow.

"Lots of things!" Trixie answered. "You don't get to lay around and be lazy! That's my job! You have to go make impressions on the public!"

Starlight raised her head again. "I do?"

Trixie nodded. "Yeah! Think about it, Star. You need to change these villagers' views on you. Last time you were here, you sorta stripped them of their talents and were awful to them."

Starlight's ears fell back. "Yeah, thanks for that."

"Nonono, I'm not trying to bring up bad stuff!" She stopped. "Well, I mean, I did, but that's beside the point. What I'm trying to say is that, since you're a princess, you should make sure everyone likes you."

Starlight sighed, levitating the covers off. "Fair enough. You win," she said as she tried to stand up from the bed, but instead, immediately fell on the ground.

"Hahaha!" Trixie laughed. "Oh Starlight, you're priceless!"

Starlight stood back up, flexing her wings. "Yeah, thanks again. These wings are just... heavy. And a lot to get used to."

Trixie nodded. "And, speaking of those wings, don't you need to learn how to fly?"

Starlight blinked. "Oh. I kinda do. Maybe? I mean, I can levitate myself in the air, so isn't that-"

"Nope!" Trixie replied. "Starlight, what if you couldn't use magic-"

"Why wouldn't I be able to use magic?"

"I dunno, just a hypothetical situation!" Trixie replied. "...Anyways. And then, without magic, you had to chase after some super speedy villain. How would you catch them if you couldn't fly?"

Starlight blinked. "Alright, you win again." She paused. "Wait a second... it's like, the ass-crack of dawn. Why are you up so early anyway?"

"Why, I was just working on my latest magic act!" Trixie replied, smirking. "I mean, now that I live here, I kinda assumed I would be putting on magic shows for everyone in your kingdom!"

Starlight nodded. "Well, duh. It would be kinda rude for me to not let you."

"Eeeeeex-actly," Trixie said, walking out. "Now, you should probably find a pegasus around that can teach you how to fly. It's a great bonding experience!"

Starlight nodded, following her friend. "You're right."

Trixie looked back at Starlight as they exited the room, narrowing her eyes. "Um, aren't you forgetting something?"

Starlight tilted her head. "Huh?"

Trixie levitated a sparkly crown over to Starlight's head, gently setting it down. "Ta-da! You look like an actual princess now."

Starlight took it off, looking at the shimmery object for a few seconds. "Trixie, I don't need to wear my crown. It feels... weird. I guess I know now why Twilight never wears hers." She levitated it back to her room, placing it on her dresser. "I just... don't wanna appear fancy today. I mean, I'm not doing much besides learning how to fly."

Trixie shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense." She looked around. "This castle is really..."

"Empty," Starlight finished, sighing. "It's just weird, only the two of us in this big thing. It's even bigger than Twilight's castle!"

Trixie nodded. "Yeah. I much prefer my tight caravan, but at the same time, my bed in here is very nice and soft. And there's a lot of places to walk if you have insomnia."

Starlight chuckled. "I guess I never thought of it that way."

They were at the front of the castle now, opening the door to the outside. There weren't many ponies out, mostly because of how early it was. However, she did see a cloud not far above the village, which most certainly had a pegasus on it.

Trixie pointed up. "Starlight, there's someone on that cloud that can teach you how to fly! I mean, I can't see who it is, I just see someone up there."

Starlight nodded. "Yeah. Whoever they are, I think they're some of the only ones awake," she said. "Wait, so what are you gonna do, Trix?"

Trixie gestured to her caravan parked beside the castle. "Why, I'm just gonna practice some more of my magic. I want to make sure my new act will completely blow everyone away!"

Starlight smirked. "Well, okay then. I'm excited to see what you have in store."

Trixie nodded. "Yeah you are! So... you do your princess stuff, and I'll see ya later!" She said before running back to the caravan. Starlight watched her run before sighing. She looked at her wings, and then back up at the cloud above the village. Still unable to decipher who it was, she walked forward until she was closer to the cloud.

"Hello?" She called. There was no answer. Her ears perked as she ignited her horn, enveloping herself with a levitation spell and moving herself up. As she reached the cloud, she noticed Night Glider resting, reading a book.

"Hey, Night Glider!"

"Uh-what?" Night Glider jumped, looking behind to see Starlight. "Oh, Starlight! I mean... your highness!"

Starlight blinked. "Uhh-"

"Did you need anything? I was just finishing a super good book! I spent all night reading it! I can let you borrow it if you wanna check it out!"

Starlight smiled. "Maybe! But anyways, I came to ask if, you're not too tired from reading all night... maybe... you can teach me how to fly?"

Night Glider beamed, putting her book in her bag and hovering into the air. "Well, of course, Princess Starlight! Here, let's land on the ground first, then I can show you."

Night Glider zipped down, Starlight following after. "Um... you-"

"Alright, so first, you need to flex your wings! They are muscles after all, and like any others, need stretching."

Starlight blinked before spreading her wings and giving them a quick flex. "Alright... that's easy."

"Next, you have to find your perfect stance before flying. To get off the ground, you have to start with a jump, and then your wings will catch you and bring you into the air!"

Starlight raised a brow. "That sounds a little scary."

Night Glider waved a hoof. "It's not, trust me.

Starlight took a breath. "Alright. So first, I leap off the ground, and then I flap my wings to push me up?"

Night Glider nodded. "Yep! It's a lot easier than it sounds."

"Alright... here we go," she said, jumping off the ground, flapping her wings as hard as she can... and falling right on her face.

Night Glider covered up a laugh. "Nice try, Princess-"

"Don't call me that," Starlight snapped, getting up and dusting herself off. Her ears folded back as she turned to Night Glider. "I mean... please. Don't call me that. We're friends, right? I don't want my friends having to use my title."

Night Glider blinked. "Well, alright! I'm more than fine with that! It was kinda weird talking to my friend that way," she said, smiling.

Starlight smiled back. "Thank you. I appreciate it." She aired out her wings. "So... back to flying." Starlight lowered herself closer to the ground before pushing off, instantly flapping her wings, but, this time, with less force than before. She looked down, noticing she was hovering a bit above the ground. She looked to Night Glider and smiled.

"Night Glider, I'm flying! Wow!" She said. Night rolled her eyes.

"Uh, more like hovering." She flew up to Starlight. "Try flapping with more force and pointing your body in a certain direction. Also, rotate your wings so they push the air behind where you want to go. That's what flying actually is."

Starlight nodded. "Alright, I'll try," she said, looking back to her wings. "These things are already sore though."

Night chuckled. "Oh, Star. They're new, that's why. Now... fly forward."

Starlight took a breath. "Alright. I can do this," she said, flapping her wings harder which pushed her higher into the air. She then moved her wings before pointing forward, pushing the air behind her. She went a bit forward before her wings lost rhythm, causing her to fall to the ground.

"Star, that was good! This time, when you take off, jump with more force. You'll get it!" Night exclaimed.

Starlight nodded. "Alright!" She said, standing up and spreading her wings again. She pushed off from the ground as hard as she could, letting her wings take her. She was now flying forward, feeling the breeze hitting her face. She turned back to Night Glider.

"Hey, this is fun!"

Night Glider's ears fell back. "Starlight! Turn!"

"What?" Starlight said before turning back around, seeing a house getting closer and closer to her. She shrieked before quickly turning to the left, barely avoiding the building.

"Night, I keep speeding up!" Starlight yelled as she flew through the town. "How do I slow down once I get going?"

"Flap less!" Night suggested, appearing beside Starlight. "I mean, you aren't going too fast."

"Oka-AH!" She shrieked as she saw herself about to run into another building, pulling up and going higher up in the air. Starlight turned back around, now attempting to fly to the entrance of her castle. However, one of her wings lost sync with another, causing her to fall to the earth below. Quickly, she lit her horn and teleported safely to the ground, panting. Night Glider caught up with her.

"Well... you avoided the houses!" She said, smiling. "You're making really good progress, Star!"

Starlight looked to her wings. "I don't know. I mean, I reacted most with nerves."

"Well, that's what you have to work past. You have to... not think about it to fly well. Flying is just like walking. It's kinda hard to walk if you're intensely thinking of your leg motions," Night Glider advised.

Starlight nodded. "That... makes enough sense."

Night smiled. "Cool! Because I want you to keep trying!"

Starlight's ears fell back. "Oh. Yay."

Starlight slammed the door open to her castle, her wings drooping at her sides. Every now and again, they would twitch. She groaned as she closed the door walked back and into the kitchen. As she stepped in, she noticed Trixie, who was eating a large pie.

"Oh, Starlight!" Trixie exclaimed, blushing before hiding the pie behind her. "How... are you?"

Starlight sighed. "Well, I can't fly well. And now my wings are in pain," she said as she filled a cup up with water. "I always thought flying was easy. Or, at least, compared to magic, it looked easy." She smirked at Trixie. "Also, you don't need to hide that pie from me if you give me a little piece."

Trixie's ears flopped. "Ugh, fine," she teased, levitating Starlight a piece. "Oh, also, I got some groceries."

Starlight swallowed her pie, raising a brow. "You did?"

Trixie nodded. "Yeah! What? Did you not expect me to do that or something?"

Starlight blinked. "Oh, no! It's just... I didn't think you had money?"

Trixie laughed. "Oh Starlight, I didn't pay anything."

"Wait, you stole?! Trixie!"

Trixie shook her head. "Nah. Well, not exactly. I just... told everyone I was buying things for the new princess. Which is true. So they offered to give everything to me for free and I didn't protest."

Starlight narrowed her eyes. "Well, obviously, you didn't just get things for me."

Trixie blushed as she swallowed the bit of pie she was eating. "Well - I mean, I shared it?"

Starlight rolled her eyes. "Ugh. Trixie, you're gonna give me a bad name!"

Trixie shook her head. "Nah. From what I gathered in that shopping trip, everyone wants to make a good impression on you like you do on them."

Starlight raised a brow. "Why would they want to do that?"

"Well, it's simple. You are Equestrian royalty, and one of the most powerful beings in this world. If they want their ass saved in a tough situation, they'll act nice to ya."

"But I'll save anyone, not just those I like," Starlight sternly replied.

Trixie laughed. "And that, Star, is why you're the princess and not me." As she said that, the castle doorbell rung, echoing throughout the cavernous palace. "I got it!" Trixie offered, walking to the door. Starlight followed, preparing herself to put on her best visitor smile.

Trixie opened the door, smirking. "Hello, this is the castle of - wait. Sunburst?"

As Starlight got to the door, she saw Sunburst standing at the doorway with a small bag. As he saw Starlight, he immediately lowered to the ground. "Your highness."

Trixie laughed, but Starlight's ears fell back. "Sunburst, get off the ground! I won't let you address me that way!" Starlight ordered.

Sunburst stood up. "Uh, yes, Princess-"

Starlight smacked herself in the face. "Ughhhh. Sunburst, I meant that you shouldn't address me like I'm a princess!" She shook her head. "Sorry I'm being so stern about this, it's just... we've been best friends since forever. I don't want you having to address me as royalty. Even though that's kinda what I am. I just... want you to treat me like you always have? I'm no different... besides my new title and wings."

Sunburst smiled. "Well, I understand that, Starlight! He stepped in the castle. "Okay, so, I brought you a few little things."

Starlight smiled. "Oh, you didn't have to, Sunburst! I mean, you were just at my coronation yesterday."

Sunburst nodded. "Well, I didn't have time to bring you something yesterday, so here you go!" He said, levitating the bag over to her. Starlight opened it, her eyes widening. She levitated out a bouquet of crystal flowers.

"Oh, you didn't have to," she said, hugging him. "Thank you. I'll put these upstairs."

"Starlight, there's more in the bag!" Sunburst said, a wide grin on his face. "This is the best part!"

Starlight levitated two books out of the bag. "Wow, these look old. What are they?"

"Old spellbooks I found while antiquing!" Sunburst said, pointing at the covers. "And, they are all spells that require strong magic abilities, so I immediately thought of you! Not only with your talent, but with your new alicorn magic!"

Starlight quickly scanned through the book, her wings spreading with excitement. "Sunburst... thank you! I've been wanting to learn some new spells."

Sunburst smiled. "No problem, Starlight!" He paused for a moment. "But also... another question."

"Sure! What's up?"

"Well... I was wondering if I may... stay here for a few days," he quietly said, looking around. "I mean, I don't really feel like taking a train right back to the crystal empire since I was just on a five hour train ride. And-"

"Of course, Sunburst," Starlight interjected. "You could always stay here. This castle has one too many rooms."

"Well, thank you!" He said. "Do you have anything important things going on in the next few days that I can't in the castle for? Just wondering."

Starlight thought. "Hmm... I-" Her pupils dilated as her wings flared. "I have the royal meeting with all the other nations tomorrow!" Starlight exclaimed as she started pacing. "Oh no, that's tomorrow! How could I have forgotten already?!"

Sunburst's eyes darted. "Well.. I could maybe leave if-"

"No, you can stay," Starlight hurriedly replied, hovering into the air. "But I have to get working on what I'm gonna say! I have no time!" She said, flying off to her room.

Trixie yelled to Starlight as she disappeared. "I thought you said you couldn't fly!"

Sunburst laughed. "Oh, Starlight." He looked to Trixie. "So, Trixie, what are you doing tomorrow?"

Trixie shrugged her shoulders. "Eh, not much. Maybe you and I could hang out tomorrow while Starlight's doing her boring royal meeting thing." Her ears perked. "Wait... did you wanna see the magic I was working on this morning?"

Sunburst nodded. "Of course!" He replied, following Trixie out of the castle and to her caravan.