The Problem at the Cavaliere Mansionby keithsterlingChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 1Its 0900 hrs Equestria Standard Time, Solar wind estate, Small colonial Georgian style mansion home, Golden Horseshoe Neighborhood, City of Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, Solar wind garden patio. Sitting at the solar wind garden patio table eating his breakfast was a light blue gorgeous half alicorn/unicorn stallion with crimson red mane and tail. His muscular 6ft 2in equine figure was attired Neptune green camo short-sleeve polo shirt, and medium stonewash relaxed fit jeans. On his eleven and one-sixth inch, long light blue socked bare feet were taupe-colored slip-on shoes. This half Alicorn/ unicorn stallion was Prince Somnus Justice Silverlight, the only son of Princess Celestia Silverlight, the co-ruler of Equestria. He soon joins at the table by striking navy blue hybrid bat pony mare with lime green mane and tail. Her very fit 5ft 9in equine figure was attired in a white short-sleeve poplin blouse and black mid-rise straight-leg jeans. On her ten and two-third inch, navy blue barefeet was black ballet flats. Folded on her back were her medium-sized navy blue feathered bat wings. This hybrid bat pony mare was Captain Adrian Nightwing, the personal guard of Prince Silverlight and his closest friend. "Good morning Adrian," Somnus said politely as Adrian take a drink of strong coffee and softly chirp. "Good morning, your highness," Adrian answers as Somnus snorts toward her. "I mean, good morning Somnus," Adrian said, correcting as Somnus shook his head. "I don't have much of a plan for today, Adrian. Would you like to join me for a walk down Rodeo Drive? I hear their quite good shopping in the area." Somnus sprightly as Adrian squeals gleefully with the suggestion. "Do you mean it, Somnus?" Adrian asked as Somnus shook his head, getting her more excited. Meanwhile, click-clacking across the foyer's engineered hardwood floor was a drop-dead gorgeous shiny blue bodied crystal unicorn mare with a gradient orange, pink, light blue, and green mane and tail; she was walking over to a holo phone to answer it. Her 5ft 11in sleekly shaped equine figure was attired in pale purple (pale purplish pink) colored slightly below the knee-length fit and flare dress with gold lace trim. On her sleek legs were black thigh-high stockings with lace trim. On her twelve-inch long shiny blue bare feet with moss green toenail polish were black round-toed stiletto heels. This crystal unicorn mare was Senior Royal Maid Bonnie Starsong. She is in charge of a group of ten Royal Maids that serves Prince Somnus Silverlight as his traveling retinue of royal maids. She presses a button on the machine and the holographic head of a breathtakingly beautiful white with a hint of pink Alicorn mare with golden blond mane spring to life in front of her. "Good morning, your highness. How may I help you?" Bonnie said politely as the Alicorn mare smiled at her. "Good morning Senior Royal Maid Starsong. Is my son there? He is not answering his holo phone?" The Alicorn mare asked Bonnie; this Alicorn mare is Somnus's mother, Princess Celestia Silverlight. "Yes, your highness, he is eating breakfast on the garden patio this morning," Bonnie answers as she's press a second button on the holo phone and a small disk float out of the machine, the portable holo camera unit. She carries the portable holo camera unit through the foyer to the rear garden patio area where the prince eats his breakfast this morning. She carefully places the portable holo camera unit into a small frame to keep it from floating off and carry it out onto the patio. She puts the device on the table in front of the prince and informs him it his mother, the Princess. "Good morning, mother," Somnus said his face pales as the holographic head of his mother spring to life in front of him. "Good morning baby, why did you not answer your holo phone went I called you?" Celestia said sourly as Somnus swallow a lump in his throat. "I am sorry, mother; I left my MCV charging in my room and didn't put it on this morning," Somnus explains as Bonnie arrives carrying his MCV for him. "All right, baby, I'll forgive you this time for forgetting to take your MCV with you," Celestia said, forgiving as Bonnie snap his MCV on his forearm for him. "But anyway, mother, why did you call me?" Somnus asked as Celestia sighed slowly and snorted, aggravated. "I was just sent a request for the Royal Investigator from Coltifornia by Lord Faxhir Cavalier, the Cavaliere estate owner in Grazing hills for investigation. You know how I feel about Lord Cavalier. But still, it was a request from a noble stallion if you can call him that. But anyway, I sent you all the news clipping about the case to your MCV, baby. I'll probably be heading to Coltifornia in the next few weeks with your sisters for few minor appearances." Celestia explains as Somnus shook his head. "All right, mother, I'll have my royal maids get three guest rooms ready for you and my sisters here at Solar Wind estate," Somnus said as he and Adrian finish eating their breakfast and reconvene in the lounge. Its 1130 hrs Equestria Standard Time, Solar wind estate, Small colonial Georgian style mansion home, Golden Horseshoe Neighborhood, City of Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, lounge of the Solar Wind. "It seems that the case against Governess Faith Marigold for killing Lady Cantara Cavalier is pretty solid, Somnus. The victim was holding a note from Miss Marigold, but the most damaging evidence was found the murder weapon in her room at Cavaliere estate hidden in a drawer with a spent round." Adrian says, looking at the news clipping on her MCV as her shoe dangling off the end of her toes of her crossed leg. "But yet Lord Faxhir Cavalier sent a request for the Royal Investigator to look into the case against her. From the request sent to my mother, he believes she couldn't do the deed. But yet they're a substantial amount of evidence against her. Any jury would convict her for the murder of Lady Cantara Cavalier." Somnus explains as Adrian sighs, it followed a moment later by a soft thud as her shoe falls off the end of her toes. "Not necessarily, my prince? From Lord Cavalier's own account, one of the guns used was a matching set. Only one gun was found in the wardrobe of Miss Marigold. By Miss Marigold's omission, Lady Cavalier sent her a message to meet her at the bridge where the body was found. She also admits that the note Lady Cavalier was grasping was her reply to her message."Adrian explains as she places her barefoot on the ground and crosses her leg over the other one, and her shoe dangles off her toes once again. "Now for the medical examiner report, my dear bat pony. The shot was through the head from side to side by the gun found in Miss Marigold's wardrobe at the house. The body was found at 2100 hrs Equestria standard time at 9:00 by a groundskeeper. In the center of the bridge that Miss Marigold was told to meet Lady Cavalier. A gunshot residue test was performed, but it was inconclusive as it took two hours to find the body, and there was a light shower during the time of the crime." Somnus explains as Adrian begins to swing her shoe back and forth on the ends of her toes. "From few other sources hence the tabloids. The marriage between Lord Cavalier and Lady Cavalier was on the rocks for some time. The colt and filly from a previous marriage really didn't like their step-mother all that much. There was an unsubstantiated report that Lord Cavalier and Miss Marigold have some kind of relationship. But it can't be prove." Somnus explains as their second soft thud as her other shoe fall off the end of her toes, leaving her barefooted sitting on the sofa in the lounge. "Can't be proved, Somnus! Don't make me laugh? Why else would Lord Cavalier send a request to your mother for the Royal Investigator if they didn't have some kind of relationship?" Adrian comments with a proven tone of voice as she checks the metallic gold polish on her hands and feet. "I know that Adrian, but Lord Cavalier staunchly deny any kind of relationship with Miss Marigold. He does acknowledge that the marriage to Lady Cavalier was not a happy one from the start." Somnus explains, floating her shoes up to Adrian as she slips the shoes back on her feet. "Thank you, my prince. And I'll give you that Somnus Lord Cavalier denies any kind of relationship with Miss Marigold. The tabloids do like making something out of nothing. But their possibility of a relationship." Adrian explains as Somnus agrees with his personal guard mare assumption. ~A hour later~ The doorbell is rung, and Senior Royal Maid Bonnie Starsong answers the front door; standing on the landing was a handsome white body earth pony stallion with purple mane and tail. His fit 5ft 10in equine figure was attired in Merlot (dark purple-red) colored classic fit suit. On his eleven inches, long socked white barefoot were black oxford shoes. This earth pony stallion was Lord Faxhir Cavalier. He is surprised to see a rare Crystal pony unicorn mare servant in Equestria. "Lord Cavalier?" Bonnie asks as she curtsies to him. "I am Lord Faxhir Cavalier; I was not sure if this was the home of the Royal investigator of Equestria." Lord Cavalier comment as Bonnie shook her head. "It is the home belongs to Lord Silverlight family. The Silverlight unicorn family of Canterlot. I am senior maid Bonnie Starsong; the lord informs me that you would be arriving." Bonnie explains as the two ponies' shoes click-clack across porcelain tiles of the hallway leading to the lounge. "The Silverlight unicorn family of Canterlot. The most prominent family in all of Canterlot." Faxhir comments following behind Bonnie as she nodded her head. "Went I request the Royal Investigator, I didn't think the Princess would ask a member of the most prominent family in Canterlot to look into it." Faxhir comments as Bonnie softly chuckles under her breath. "The Princess relies on Lord Silverlight quite a bit as the Royal Investigator for Equestria. Right, this way Lord Cavalier." Bonnie comments as she opening the door and walk into the lounge. "My lord Silverlight, Here is Lord Faxhir Cavalier," Bonnie announces as Somnus shook his head. "Excellent Bonnie, Please return to your duty. Have the maids begin to prepare three rooms for our special guests that are coming later this week. Fix up the larger room for the exceptional guest." Somnus explains as Bonnie bowed to Lord Silverlight. "Yes, my lord," Bonnie said as she leaves the lounge. "Welcome Lord Faxhir Cavalier to the Solar wind estate, I am Royal Investigator Somnus Silverlight, and this lovely bat pony mare with me is my colleague Captain Adrian Nightwing (nodding her head). She had been at my side for most of my life." Somnus explain as it causes her to blush a bit. "Greetings, Lord Silverlight and Lady Nightwing. I came at the request of the Princess. But I do know what more I can offer than what has been said in the press." Faxhir comments as he about to take a seat on a chair. "What is your exact relationship with Miss Marigold, Lord Cavalier?" Somnus asked as Faxhir's eyes take on a hunted look, and his mouth slowly crimps in annoyance. "I employ her to teach my foals and nothing more," Faxhir said bluntly. "But yet you want the Royal Investigator to look into this solid case against Miss Marigold." Somnus comments as Lord Cavalier leap to his feet and cock his hand to strike Somnus, causing Adrian wings to open up, ready to defend her prince. "You better think twice, Lord Cavalier, about what you are going to do next. Not only because of my bat pony colleague but that special guest I mentioned to my maid. That special guest is the Princess herself and her royal daughters. The Princess is not too fond of some pony hurting someone that works for her court." Somnus said indifferently as Lord Cavalier back down as Adrian relax. "Lord Silverlight, your family has a solid connection to the Royal Family. But how I don't know, but still the request to the Princess to look into the case." Lord Cavalier asked as Somnus look toward Adrian. "I'll think about it, my lord," Somnus said coldly as Lord Cavalier left the room and the home. "That stunt Somnus was dangerous; I am glad I was here. But what you told Lord Cavalier goes for you as well. Your mother is very protective of her foals, and put yourself into that position would set her off." Adrian said sharply and scolding as she crossed her legs to let her shoe dangle off the end of her toes. "That stunt was calculated risk, Adrian. But it confirms that there is some kind of relationship between Lord Cavalier and Miss Marigold. How deep is it? Is a big question." Somnus said as Adrian swing her shoe back and forth on the end of her toes. "So, you are going to continue looking into the case, my prince?" Adrian asked. "Of course, my dear bat pony, I am. You know, mother, wants a complete and thorough investigation into this case." Somnus explains as Adrian puts her shoe back on her foot. "Well, it looks like we will not get any answer from Lord Cavalier about the relationship with Miss Marigold. Should we use your royal rank to talk with Miss Marigold, who is sitting in jail for the murder of Lady Cavalier?" Adrian suggests as she uncrosses her legs and notices the smile on Somnus' snout. "Now Adrian that would be unethical; you know I don't like using my title of Prince of Equestria for personal gain. But it is necessary for this case, my dear bat pony. Auntie would be proud." Somnus said with a huge smile on his snout as the two got up and left the room. Chapter 2Its 1400 hrs Equestria Standard Time, that same day, Twin Stables Correctional Facility, Downtown Los Ungulas, Coltifornia, City of Los Ungulas, and prisoner visiting center. "I am telling you, my prince! It is batism that little snot of a clerk! Questioned all my Royal credentials! I have never been so mad about anything!" Adrian said, fuming as she stomped her foot on the ground. "Well, Adrian, did you get the meeting with Miss Faith Marigold?" Somnus asked "I did, if not for the timely arrival of Mr. Franco Flair, the lawyer from Miss Marigold," Adrian explains as the two ponies go meet up with Mr. Flair. "Ah, Mr. Franco Flair, an up and come Lawyer from my aunt Serena's Golden Dawn Law Firm that is based in City of Grazing Hills." Somnus comments as the two ponies walk into the correctional facility. In the prisoner's visiting center of the twin stables correctional facility, Adrian and Somnus meet up with a handsome yellow earth pony stallion with red mane and tail. He's very fit 5ft 8in equine figure was attired in a charcoal colored super slim suit. On his ten and one-half inch long yellow feet were black slip-on dress shoes. This Earth pony stallion was Lawyer Franco Flair, a lawyer from Somnus aunt's Golden Dawn Law Firm. "Thanks, Celestia's light that I met up with Lady Nightwing there in this place, your highness. I know Miss Marigold is an innocent mare in this, but their so much evidence against her. That is hard to form a defense, to keep her from being charged with the murder of Lady Cantara Cavalier." Franco explains as the three ponies enter the prisoner's visiting center. Sitting behind a table in the visiting center was a very beautiful pink earth pony mare with a green mane and tail. Her nicely trimmed 5ft 10in equine figure was attired in turquoise short-sleeve below the knee length fit, and flares dress. On her, ten-inch long pink bare feet with sapphire blue toenail polish were nougat colored heeled sandals with a four-inch heel. This earth pony mare was Governess Faith Marigold. "Hello, Franco, who are these two, ponies with you?" Faith inquiry in a charming tone of voice looks at Somnus and Adrian walking in behind Franco. "Greeting faith, this Prince Somnus Justice Silverlight and his personal Guard Captain Adrian Nightwing. They have come to help you and me with this business." Franco explains as faith blush a bit embarrassed with not knowing the Prince of Equestria. "Please forgive me, your highness. For not recognizing the Prince of Equestria and the son of Princess Celestia Silverlight." Faith said apologetically as Somnus smiles at her. "It quite all right, Miss Marigold, if you ask Lady Nightwing. I prefer not to use my royal title of Prince of Equestria. Went I am the Royal investigator for my mother, the Princess." Somnus explains as Faith nod her head. "To start off, Miss Marigold, please tell me about your relationship with Lady Cantara Cavalier?" Somnus asked as faith snorted. "I didn't have any relationship with that witch of Lady Cavalier. She was an unreasonable earth pony mare with quite a fiery temper. Even Lord Cavalier's own foals didn't like her to the point of fearing her. She was quite a fouled mouth mare. She had a fiery passion that was unquenchable toward the Lord. But I would say the Lord didn't share that same passion. I would say the Lord loath her." Faith said sarcastically as she snorted once again. "Guard! I would like this Lord Silverlight and Lady Nightwing removed!" Lord Cavalier stammer with rage as the guards stop went they saw who Lord Cavalier wanted to be removed. They quickly go get their supervisor. "Is there a problem, my lord?" the supervisor inquiry. "Yes, your men didn't remove Lord Silverlight and Lady Nightwing like I ordered !" Lord Cavalier explains hotly as the supervisor looked toward Somnus. "Well, first off, my lord, my men are not going to get in trouble with the overall ruler of Equestria by laying one hand on that unicorn stallion and bat pony mare." The supervisor said as Lord Cavalier gives the supervisor a frigid stare. "Guard Captain! Say no more to Lord Cavalier. We will leave; this other mare will not answer any more of my questions. As for this unfortunate incident, I will not mention it to the Princess. But I will mention Lord Cavalier's disrespect toward my bat pony and me." Somnus said as he followed by Adrian. "I apologize your highness and to your personal Guard. But thank you for not report this incident to your mother. We are loyal to the crowns of Equestria." The Guard Captain said apologetically as Lord Cavalier gape in stunned silence with Lord Silverlight being called your highness a royal title. "So all this work is for nothing, Somnus! We learned nothing new from Miss Marigold." Adrian said in a huff as Somnus had a crafty smile on his snout. "On the contrary, my dear bat pony, the Guard Captain call me your highness had a benefit." Somnus comment as Adrian had a puzzled look on her face. "How so, Somnus?" Adrian inquiry as the two ponies climbs into the car to head back to the estate. "We will get a call from Lord Cavalier sometime next week. Besides that, I was just notified on my way over here. That business that would have taking a week to finish in Canterlot has been concluded. My mother and my sisters will be arriving next week as well." Somnus explains as he drives off to the estate. Its 1600 hrs Equestria Standard Time, a week later, Solar wind estate, Small colonial Georgian style mansion home, Golden Horseshoe Neighborhood, City of Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, the foyer of the Solar Wind. Standing in a single line in the Solar Wind estate foyer were Prince Somnus' royal maids waiting for the arrival of his mother and two sisters. First, entering the mansion home was a gorgeous light blue half Alicorn/unicorn mare with crimson red mane and tail. Her athletic 5ft 8in equine figure was attired in periwinkle colored short-sleeve lace fit and flares below the knee-length dress. On her, ten inch light blue bare feet with dusty rose-colored toenail polish were a pair of gold gladiator sandals with a one-inch heel. This half alicorn/unicorn mare was Princess Blueberry Swirl Silverlight, Prince Somnus younger sister. He hugs his little sister as he takes her place next to Somnus on his left side. Second, to enter the mansion home was second light blue gorgeous half Alicorn/unicorn mare with crimson mane and tail. Her shapely 6ft 6in equine figure was attired in a navy blue short-sleeve popover floral lace fit and flares below the knee-length dress. Her ten-inch long light blue bare feet with cream-colored toenail polish were in a pair of gold wedge sandals with a one-inch platform, and folded on her back were her light blue feathered bird wings. This older half alicorn/unicorn mare was Princess Aurora Silverlight, Prince Somnus older sister. He hugs his older sister, and she takes her place next to Somnus on his right side. In the next instance, every pony in the foyer kneels on the ground as a breathtaking gorgeous white with a hint of pink Alicorn mare with golden blond mane and tail enter the mansion home. Her perfect 6ft 5in equine figure was attired in navy blue short-sleeve fit and flares below the knee-length dress. Her twelve-inch long white with a hint of perfect pink bare feet with red toenail polish was in a pair of golden heeled sandals with two and one fourth inch heel and folded on her back were her large white with a hint of pink feathered bird wings. Sitting on her head behind her horn was a gold tiara and gold collar around her neck. This pure alicorn mare was Princess Celestia Silverlight, the mother to Somnus, Blueberry, Aurora, and Equestria's co-ruler. "Please raise, my little ponies, and you too, my beloved foals," Celestia said kindly as they all stood back up. "Somnus, may we speak?" Celestia asked as Somnus gestured toward his senior royal maid to get his sisters settled in their rooms. "Of course, mother would you join me for a walk in the garden," Somnus said as Celestia nod her head and follow her son into the garden. ~ A Few hours later~ "So you have discovered a relationship between Lord Cavalier and Miss Marigold. But you still don't know how deep it is?" Celestia explains as she sits down on the edge of a fountain and crosses her leg over the other. "That is right, mother." Somnus answers as Celestia taps her sandal-clad foot soundless in the air. "It sounds like Miss Marigold and Lord Cavalier's foals didn't like Lady Cantara Cavalier all that much. The foals are scared of her." Celestia recaps as Bonnie comes running out of the house with the portable holo camera unit in her hand. "My lord, it Lord Cavalier's assistant, Mr. Cheval wanting to talk to the Royal investigator," Bonnie explains as Celestia asked her son if she may answer it. "Be my guest, mother," Somnus comments as Celestia press the button on the portable holo camera unit. Slowly the holographic head of white earth pony stallion with red wine colored mane come to life in front of Celestia. The white earth pony stallion blink with surprise went Princess Celestia's holographic head appear before him. "Your highness?" Mr. Cheval said, surprised "How may I help you, Mr. Cheval?" Celestia inquiry "May I speak to the Royal Investigator, or should I say your son." Mr. Cheval said his voice was edged with tension as Celestia smiled at him. "Unfortunately my son is not here right now, Mr. Cheval. But I can speak for him." Celestia said friendly with a confident tone of voice as Somnus blow a kiss to his mother's cheek as she chuckled under her breath. "Of course, your highness, Lord Faxhir Cavalier, is willing to talk to your son the Royal Investigator in a month." Mr. Cheval offers as Celestia had bothered look on her face. "Surely Lord Cavalier can do better; we are talking about my son. The Prince of Equestria, or is that rank not that important to your Lord?" Celestia inquiry semi-annoyed as Mr. Cheval swallow a lump in his throat as Celestia remains straight-faced. "Besides, if I remember right, Lord Faxhir Cavalier has sent a request to the crown to be granted Baron Status. That means more prestige within Equestria and more pull in equestrian politics. Your Lord knows how long the process takes, but I pull a few strings on my end. It bit shorter process." Celestia comments, knowing as Mr. Cheval's face grows haggard with worry as Celestia's taps her red painted fingernail against her chin in a contemplating manner. "All right, Lord Cavalier will meet the prince and his guard next week at 11:00 sharp at his estate." Mr. Cheval said as Celestia nodded her head. "That will be fine, Mr. Cheval. I'll pass the information onto my son went he get back, Goodbye Mr. Cheval." Celestia said politely as they hung up the holo phone. "Thank you, mother," Somnus said, pleased as he hugged her. "Your welcome baby, now could you show your mother to her room. I have been on my feet all day with finishing my royal duties, so I could make it out to Coltifornia. I would like to remove my shoes to give my sore feet a rest." Celestia moans as Somnus lifts the foot of his mother's crossed leg and rests her heel in the palm of his hand. "Poor mother's plushy feet," Somnus said, looking at the deep arch of his mother's foot; slowly, Celestia blink with surprise watching her son's finger heading right for her ticklish deep arch. Before Celestia could pull away her foot, the finger dives into her arch and tickles it. Somnus tickle his mother's arch till she unleashes a relaxed sigh. "Oh, baby, you are just as mean as your father was. But I needed that." Celestia comments as she hugs and kisses her son on his cheek. "Now show me to my room, baby. So I can really take my shoes off and rest my sore feet." Celestia asked as she stood up. "Yes, mother. If you like, I'll have one of my royal maids bring you up a warm tub of water. So you may soak your feet until dinner is served at 5:00 pm." Somnus explains as his mother smiles. "That sounds wonderful, Somnus. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't know how to take care of a Princess. Even those this Princess (pointing at herself) happen to be your very own mother." Celestia comments follow Somnus to her room on the second floor of the mansion. Chapter 3It's 0900 hrs Equestria Standard Time, the following week, Lunar Canyon Park, between San Caballo valley and Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, Bridge crime scene. Lunar Canyon Park rests on 605 acres near the center of Los Ungulas between the San Caballo Valley and Grazing hills with two semi-deep lakes (smaller upper lake and large lower lake) with a concrete bridge going over smaller upper Lunar Lake near the heavenly pond in the upper part of the park. Walking down the chaparral trail toward the smaller upper Lunar Lake was Lord Somnus Silverlight and Lady Adrian Nightwing. As they near the bridge, they can make out a figure standing in the center of the bridge, the closer they get more detail they can see. Standing in the center of the bridge was inviting looking dark purple unicorn mare with a pastel yellow mane and tail. Her very fit 6 feet even equine figure was attired in dark brown V-neck short sleeve blouse and light gray curvy fit perfect trousers. On her eleven inches, long dark purple bare feet with turquoise toenail polish were black open toe wedge pumps with three and one-fourth heel. This unicorn mare was Police Detective Suzanna Lightly, a Police detective from the city of Grazing hills and honorably discharged Military Police officer from the Solar Guard unit. "Greeting your highness and you to Lady Nightwing, before we get started, I just want to say my heart remains loyal to your father, Colonel Justice Silverlight. He gave us mares a chance to prove ourselves." Suzanna said, impassioned saluting Somnus and Adrian. "Thank you, 1st Lieutenant, Lightly; my father always knew that a mare was just as good or better than a stallion. If you allowed them to prove themselves." Somnus comments as a single tear runs down Suzanna's cheek. "Now police Detective Lightly the reason we came," Somnus comments as Suzanna shook her head and ask them to follow her. "Believe it or not, your highness; I have some serious doubt about this crime. All the evidence against Miss Faith Marigold is too perfect. We found the gun in her dresser drawer at the estate, and a bullet has been fired from that weapon. The murder victim was holding a message from Miss Marigold stating that she will meet her at this bridge at that time." Suzanna explains as she looks at her MCV on her forearm. "Detective lightly, do you have the statement from Miss Faith Marigold for the night of the crime?" Somnus inquiry as Suzanna shook her head and brought it up on her MCV. "Could you read it for me? All information I have is from news reports send to me by the Princess." Somnus said as she calls up the statement. "Yes, your highness, Miss Marigold said: 'The night before the crime, she found a message addressed to her in the room she used as a classroom to teach the Lord's foals. She opens the message; she knew the message was from Lady Cantara Cavalier. She wants her to meet her at 6:30 on this bridge. Lady Cavalier asked her to leave her reply under the sundial on the estate ground, and she did. That message Lady Cavalier was holding in her hand was the note that Miss Marigold put under the sundial. She met Lady Cavalier at the time she was told on this bridge. Upon arriving at the bridge, Lady Cavalier was in the bridge's center, spouting profanity toward Miss Marigold, waving the gun in her hand. Fearing that Lady Cavalier was going to kill her, she ran off. She heads back to the estate.' “Suzanna explains as Somnus asks his bat pony to lie in the exact same position as the body of Lady Cantara Cavalier and look around for anything unusual about the bridge. "Huh! On the left-hand side of the bridge their chip of concrete lineup with the body." Adrian said, pointing toward the chip in the bridge with her finger. "Huh? Did your CSI team note this chip on the bridge?" Somnus inquiry "No, your highness, I guess the team thought it was chipped by a park staff small vehicle," Suzanna explains as Somnus helps his bat pony to her feet. "Did Miss Marigold hear a shot?" Somnus asked, looking over the side of the bridge into the small semi-deep lake. "No, your highness. Miss Marigold was already back at the house by that time." Suzanna said as she to look over the side of the bridge into the small semi-deep lake. "Detective Lightly come back to the bridge in few more days, and I'll tell you what really happens here at this bridge to Lady Cantara Cavalier. We have some loose end to tie up for this case." Somnus explains as he and his bat pony must walk back up the trail back to the parking lot to head to the estate of Lord Cavalier. Its 1000 hrs Equestria Standard Time, Cavaliere estate, Small Mediterranean style mansion home, Golden Horseshoe Neighborhood, City of Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, Living area. Walking down the thick, white stucco walls hallway of this small Mediterranean style mansion home was smooth looking white earth pony stallion with red wine-colored mane and tail. His 5ft 9in able-bodied equine figure was attired in a medium gray classic fit suit. On his eleven inches long socked bare white feet were black dress shoes. This earth pony stallion was Assistant Curtis Cheval, the assistant to Lord Faxhir Cavalier. He reels with astonishment waiting at the end of the hall was Prince Somnus Silverlight and Lady Adrian Nightwing a few hours early for the scheduled meeting with Lord Faxhir Cavalier. "Your Highness and Lady Nightwing, you are an hour early," Curtis exclaims as he stands in front of them with a force smile. "My mother says never let any appointment wait for longer than needed." Somnus comment as Adrian nodded her head. "Yes, your highness, but the Lord is not ready to see you, he on a conference call right now," Curtis explains as Somnus slowly sighed. "That fine, Mr. Cheval; I am wondering may we see the guns that Miss Marigold was said to have used," Somnus asked as Mr. Cheval shook his head. Prince Silverlight and Lady Nightwing follow Mr. Cheval into a different room. The large room is filled with a display case full of different kinds of guns. In a small display case, Mr. Cheval reaches into the case and brings out a small wooden box. He opens the small wooden box; inside the box were two indentions that once held two identical service-six Ruger revolvers. From what Somnus's remember, service-six Ruger revolvers weigh less than two lbs and chamber for six bullets in the side loading cylinder. A few moments later, Lord Faxhir Cavalier walks into the display room after being told by one of his maids that Mr. Cheval walked into the room. "Greeting your highness and Lady Nightwing, sorry for the delay. I had some business to complete with my business associates." Lord Faxhir cavalier said in a warm tone of voice as he bows to Prince Somnus Silverlight. "It quite all right, Lord Cavalier, it gave me a chance to see the said weapon that Miss Marigold was supposedly used to kill Miss Cantara Cavalier and ties up a small loose end in this case. But still, their one huge loose end to tie up, and I hope you can tie up that loose end, Lord Cavalier." Somnus explains as Faxhir slowly sighed. "As you wish, your highness, First, let start with how I met Lady Cantara Cavalier. I met her in Saddle Arabia went I was trying to expand my business into that market. She was an exotic beauty full of unending passion. The only reason I married her after the death of my first wife and the mother to my foals. The first few years of being married to her were full of passion, but the following years that excitement faded." Lord Cavalier explains, pausing momentarily to catch his breath. "I quickly learn we had nothing in common that what my foals were trying to tell me for a long time. I didn't understand. Once I realized it, I tried everything to make Lady Cavalier leave, but that passion never abated. Figuring that I was stuck forever in a loveless marriage, I absorbed myself in my business. In doing so, I started to neglect my own foals. That went; I hired Miss Faith Marigold as a Governess for my foals. The more time I spent with Miss Marigold, the more I saw what I lacked." Lord Cavalier said clarifies as Sommus and Adrian follow him outside to the archery range. "So many ponies saw me as an uncaring and ruthless business stallion; even your own mother thought that. It was mostly my own fault for that image; I never tried to change it. But went Miss Marigold started to teach my foals, I saw the tenderness and compassion from that mare. Plus, my foals loved her. Because of that, I was trying to find a way to divorce Lady Cavalier. But then this happened. Well, your highness, that my story. So yes, Miss Marigold and I do have a relationship but not in the way the tabloids have it." Lord Faxhir Cavalier explains as Somnus taps his finger against the lower half of his jaw. "I see Lord Cavalier. Now can you tell me a little bit about Lady Cantara Cavalier?" Somnus asked as Lord Cavalier's face flushes with indignation about that Mare. "That wicked mare! Could give Nightmare moon a run for her bits, no offense toward your aunt (Somnus with a pouting grimace). If she perceived another mare as an obstruction, she would do anything it takes to remove that obstruction. She was a downright vindictive mare; nothing could change her mind. If she wanted that mare out of the way, she would do it." Lord Cavalier said spitefully as Somnus had a clear picture of the events. Its 1300 hrs Equestria Standard Time, a few hours later, Lunar canyon park, between San Caballo valley and Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, Bridge crime scene. "Did you bring that identical service-six Ruger Revolver like I ask, Adrian?" Somnus asked as Adrian handed him the unloaded revolver from her pocket. "Here, Somnus, why did you want that?" Adrian asked as she watches Somnus push a heavy stone over the side of the bridge with a piece of rope tied to the butt of the gun and held the gun to his head. "Here what happen that night Lady Cavalier was in a rage over Lord Cavalier apparent growing attraction toward Miss Marigold, being a vindictive mare, like she is. The thought that a beautiful younger earth pony mare was getting the attention she rightly deserves. She sends the message asking Miss Marigold to meet her here; Miss Marigold was hoping to put this detest toward her to rest. But Lady Cavalier was going to hurt Lord Faxhir Cavalier by killing herself and frame her rival for the crime." Somnus explains letting the gun go. The three ponies watch as the butt of the gun knocks a chip off the bridge before falling into the water from the heavy stone that Somnus tied to the gun with a piece of rope. It sinks to the deeps of the lake, with that Somnus using his unicorn levitation spell to float the demonstration gun out of the lake back onto the bridge. A moment later, Police Detective Suzanna Lightly, using her own unicorn levitation spell, floats the missing gun out of the lake's deeps. A few hours later, Governess Faith Marigold has released from Twin stables correctional facility and is whisked away by Lord Faxhir Cavalier. Meanwhile, back in Canterlot at the Grand Royal Palace, Prince Somnus Silverlight walks down the hallway on his way to the family's private living area where the royal bedrooms are located. He walks up to the wooden door with a carved moon motif and knocks on the door. A moment later, the door is open by a dark blue alicorn mare with black mane and tail. She smiles at Somnus. "Greetings Auntie, if you are not busy, I come to visit you and talk to you," Somnus said friendly. "I am not busy, my little Somnus; I would enjoy talking to you. Please come in." Luna said, opening her bedroom door to allow Somnus in.
Chapter 1Its 0900 hrs Equestria Standard Time, Solar wind estate, Small colonial Georgian style mansion home, Golden Horseshoe Neighborhood, City of Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, Solar wind garden patio. Sitting at the solar wind garden patio table eating his breakfast was a light blue gorgeous half alicorn/unicorn stallion with crimson red mane and tail. His muscular 6ft 2in equine figure was attired Neptune green camo short-sleeve polo shirt, and medium stonewash relaxed fit jeans. On his eleven and one-sixth inch, long light blue socked bare feet were taupe-colored slip-on shoes. This half Alicorn/ unicorn stallion was Prince Somnus Justice Silverlight, the only son of Princess Celestia Silverlight, the co-ruler of Equestria. He soon joins at the table by striking navy blue hybrid bat pony mare with lime green mane and tail. Her very fit 5ft 9in equine figure was attired in a white short-sleeve poplin blouse and black mid-rise straight-leg jeans. On her ten and two-third inch, navy blue barefeet was black ballet flats. Folded on her back were her medium-sized navy blue feathered bat wings. This hybrid bat pony mare was Captain Adrian Nightwing, the personal guard of Prince Silverlight and his closest friend. "Good morning Adrian," Somnus said politely as Adrian take a drink of strong coffee and softly chirp. "Good morning, your highness," Adrian answers as Somnus snorts toward her. "I mean, good morning Somnus," Adrian said, correcting as Somnus shook his head. "I don't have much of a plan for today, Adrian. Would you like to join me for a walk down Rodeo Drive? I hear their quite good shopping in the area." Somnus sprightly as Adrian squeals gleefully with the suggestion. "Do you mean it, Somnus?" Adrian asked as Somnus shook his head, getting her more excited. Meanwhile, click-clacking across the foyer's engineered hardwood floor was a drop-dead gorgeous shiny blue bodied crystal unicorn mare with a gradient orange, pink, light blue, and green mane and tail; she was walking over to a holo phone to answer it. Her 5ft 11in sleekly shaped equine figure was attired in pale purple (pale purplish pink) colored slightly below the knee-length fit and flare dress with gold lace trim. On her sleek legs were black thigh-high stockings with lace trim. On her twelve-inch long shiny blue bare feet with moss green toenail polish were black round-toed stiletto heels. This crystal unicorn mare was Senior Royal Maid Bonnie Starsong. She is in charge of a group of ten Royal Maids that serves Prince Somnus Silverlight as his traveling retinue of royal maids. She presses a button on the machine and the holographic head of a breathtakingly beautiful white with a hint of pink Alicorn mare with golden blond mane spring to life in front of her. "Good morning, your highness. How may I help you?" Bonnie said politely as the Alicorn mare smiled at her. "Good morning Senior Royal Maid Starsong. Is my son there? He is not answering his holo phone?" The Alicorn mare asked Bonnie; this Alicorn mare is Somnus's mother, Princess Celestia Silverlight. "Yes, your highness, he is eating breakfast on the garden patio this morning," Bonnie answers as she's press a second button on the holo phone and a small disk float out of the machine, the portable holo camera unit. She carries the portable holo camera unit through the foyer to the rear garden patio area where the prince eats his breakfast this morning. She carefully places the portable holo camera unit into a small frame to keep it from floating off and carry it out onto the patio. She puts the device on the table in front of the prince and informs him it his mother, the Princess. "Good morning, mother," Somnus said his face pales as the holographic head of his mother spring to life in front of him. "Good morning baby, why did you not answer your holo phone went I called you?" Celestia said sourly as Somnus swallow a lump in his throat. "I am sorry, mother; I left my MCV charging in my room and didn't put it on this morning," Somnus explains as Bonnie arrives carrying his MCV for him. "All right, baby, I'll forgive you this time for forgetting to take your MCV with you," Celestia said, forgiving as Bonnie snap his MCV on his forearm for him. "But anyway, mother, why did you call me?" Somnus asked as Celestia sighed slowly and snorted, aggravated. "I was just sent a request for the Royal Investigator from Coltifornia by Lord Faxhir Cavalier, the Cavaliere estate owner in Grazing hills for investigation. You know how I feel about Lord Cavalier. But still, it was a request from a noble stallion if you can call him that. But anyway, I sent you all the news clipping about the case to your MCV, baby. I'll probably be heading to Coltifornia in the next few weeks with your sisters for few minor appearances." Celestia explains as Somnus shook his head. "All right, mother, I'll have my royal maids get three guest rooms ready for you and my sisters here at Solar Wind estate," Somnus said as he and Adrian finish eating their breakfast and reconvene in the lounge. Its 1130 hrs Equestria Standard Time, Solar wind estate, Small colonial Georgian style mansion home, Golden Horseshoe Neighborhood, City of Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, lounge of the Solar Wind. "It seems that the case against Governess Faith Marigold for killing Lady Cantara Cavalier is pretty solid, Somnus. The victim was holding a note from Miss Marigold, but the most damaging evidence was found the murder weapon in her room at Cavaliere estate hidden in a drawer with a spent round." Adrian says, looking at the news clipping on her MCV as her shoe dangling off the end of her toes of her crossed leg. "But yet Lord Faxhir Cavalier sent a request for the Royal Investigator to look into the case against her. From the request sent to my mother, he believes she couldn't do the deed. But yet they're a substantial amount of evidence against her. Any jury would convict her for the murder of Lady Cantara Cavalier." Somnus explains as Adrian sighs, it followed a moment later by a soft thud as her shoe falls off the end of her toes. "Not necessarily, my prince? From Lord Cavalier's own account, one of the guns used was a matching set. Only one gun was found in the wardrobe of Miss Marigold. By Miss Marigold's omission, Lady Cavalier sent her a message to meet her at the bridge where the body was found. She also admits that the note Lady Cavalier was grasping was her reply to her message."Adrian explains as she places her barefoot on the ground and crosses her leg over the other one, and her shoe dangles off her toes once again. "Now for the medical examiner report, my dear bat pony. The shot was through the head from side to side by the gun found in Miss Marigold's wardrobe at the house. The body was found at 2100 hrs Equestria standard time at 9:00 by a groundskeeper. In the center of the bridge that Miss Marigold was told to meet Lady Cavalier. A gunshot residue test was performed, but it was inconclusive as it took two hours to find the body, and there was a light shower during the time of the crime." Somnus explains as Adrian begins to swing her shoe back and forth on the ends of her toes. "From few other sources hence the tabloids. The marriage between Lord Cavalier and Lady Cavalier was on the rocks for some time. The colt and filly from a previous marriage really didn't like their step-mother all that much. There was an unsubstantiated report that Lord Cavalier and Miss Marigold have some kind of relationship. But it can't be prove." Somnus explains as their second soft thud as her other shoe fall off the end of her toes, leaving her barefooted sitting on the sofa in the lounge. "Can't be proved, Somnus! Don't make me laugh? Why else would Lord Cavalier send a request to your mother for the Royal Investigator if they didn't have some kind of relationship?" Adrian comments with a proven tone of voice as she checks the metallic gold polish on her hands and feet. "I know that Adrian, but Lord Cavalier staunchly deny any kind of relationship with Miss Marigold. He does acknowledge that the marriage to Lady Cavalier was not a happy one from the start." Somnus explains, floating her shoes up to Adrian as she slips the shoes back on her feet. "Thank you, my prince. And I'll give you that Somnus Lord Cavalier denies any kind of relationship with Miss Marigold. The tabloids do like making something out of nothing. But their possibility of a relationship." Adrian explains as Somnus agrees with his personal guard mare assumption. ~A hour later~ The doorbell is rung, and Senior Royal Maid Bonnie Starsong answers the front door; standing on the landing was a handsome white body earth pony stallion with purple mane and tail. His fit 5ft 10in equine figure was attired in Merlot (dark purple-red) colored classic fit suit. On his eleven inches, long socked white barefoot were black oxford shoes. This earth pony stallion was Lord Faxhir Cavalier. He is surprised to see a rare Crystal pony unicorn mare servant in Equestria. "Lord Cavalier?" Bonnie asks as she curtsies to him. "I am Lord Faxhir Cavalier; I was not sure if this was the home of the Royal investigator of Equestria." Lord Cavalier comment as Bonnie shook her head. "It is the home belongs to Lord Silverlight family. The Silverlight unicorn family of Canterlot. I am senior maid Bonnie Starsong; the lord informs me that you would be arriving." Bonnie explains as the two ponies' shoes click-clack across porcelain tiles of the hallway leading to the lounge. "The Silverlight unicorn family of Canterlot. The most prominent family in all of Canterlot." Faxhir comments following behind Bonnie as she nodded her head. "Went I request the Royal Investigator, I didn't think the Princess would ask a member of the most prominent family in Canterlot to look into it." Faxhir comments as Bonnie softly chuckles under her breath. "The Princess relies on Lord Silverlight quite a bit as the Royal Investigator for Equestria. Right, this way Lord Cavalier." Bonnie comments as she opening the door and walk into the lounge. "My lord Silverlight, Here is Lord Faxhir Cavalier," Bonnie announces as Somnus shook his head. "Excellent Bonnie, Please return to your duty. Have the maids begin to prepare three rooms for our special guests that are coming later this week. Fix up the larger room for the exceptional guest." Somnus explains as Bonnie bowed to Lord Silverlight. "Yes, my lord," Bonnie said as she leaves the lounge. "Welcome Lord Faxhir Cavalier to the Solar wind estate, I am Royal Investigator Somnus Silverlight, and this lovely bat pony mare with me is my colleague Captain Adrian Nightwing (nodding her head). She had been at my side for most of my life." Somnus explain as it causes her to blush a bit. "Greetings, Lord Silverlight and Lady Nightwing. I came at the request of the Princess. But I do know what more I can offer than what has been said in the press." Faxhir comments as he about to take a seat on a chair. "What is your exact relationship with Miss Marigold, Lord Cavalier?" Somnus asked as Faxhir's eyes take on a hunted look, and his mouth slowly crimps in annoyance. "I employ her to teach my foals and nothing more," Faxhir said bluntly. "But yet you want the Royal Investigator to look into this solid case against Miss Marigold." Somnus comments as Lord Cavalier leap to his feet and cock his hand to strike Somnus, causing Adrian wings to open up, ready to defend her prince. "You better think twice, Lord Cavalier, about what you are going to do next. Not only because of my bat pony colleague but that special guest I mentioned to my maid. That special guest is the Princess herself and her royal daughters. The Princess is not too fond of some pony hurting someone that works for her court." Somnus said indifferently as Lord Cavalier back down as Adrian relax. "Lord Silverlight, your family has a solid connection to the Royal Family. But how I don't know, but still the request to the Princess to look into the case." Lord Cavalier asked as Somnus look toward Adrian. "I'll think about it, my lord," Somnus said coldly as Lord Cavalier left the room and the home. "That stunt Somnus was dangerous; I am glad I was here. But what you told Lord Cavalier goes for you as well. Your mother is very protective of her foals, and put yourself into that position would set her off." Adrian said sharply and scolding as she crossed her legs to let her shoe dangle off the end of her toes. "That stunt was calculated risk, Adrian. But it confirms that there is some kind of relationship between Lord Cavalier and Miss Marigold. How deep is it? Is a big question." Somnus said as Adrian swing her shoe back and forth on the end of her toes. "So, you are going to continue looking into the case, my prince?" Adrian asked. "Of course, my dear bat pony, I am. You know, mother, wants a complete and thorough investigation into this case." Somnus explains as Adrian puts her shoe back on her foot. "Well, it looks like we will not get any answer from Lord Cavalier about the relationship with Miss Marigold. Should we use your royal rank to talk with Miss Marigold, who is sitting in jail for the murder of Lady Cavalier?" Adrian suggests as she uncrosses her legs and notices the smile on Somnus' snout. "Now Adrian that would be unethical; you know I don't like using my title of Prince of Equestria for personal gain. But it is necessary for this case, my dear bat pony. Auntie would be proud." Somnus said with a huge smile on his snout as the two got up and left the room.
Chapter 2Its 1400 hrs Equestria Standard Time, that same day, Twin Stables Correctional Facility, Downtown Los Ungulas, Coltifornia, City of Los Ungulas, and prisoner visiting center. "I am telling you, my prince! It is batism that little snot of a clerk! Questioned all my Royal credentials! I have never been so mad about anything!" Adrian said, fuming as she stomped her foot on the ground. "Well, Adrian, did you get the meeting with Miss Faith Marigold?" Somnus asked "I did, if not for the timely arrival of Mr. Franco Flair, the lawyer from Miss Marigold," Adrian explains as the two ponies go meet up with Mr. Flair. "Ah, Mr. Franco Flair, an up and come Lawyer from my aunt Serena's Golden Dawn Law Firm that is based in City of Grazing Hills." Somnus comments as the two ponies walk into the correctional facility. In the prisoner's visiting center of the twin stables correctional facility, Adrian and Somnus meet up with a handsome yellow earth pony stallion with red mane and tail. He's very fit 5ft 8in equine figure was attired in a charcoal colored super slim suit. On his ten and one-half inch long yellow feet were black slip-on dress shoes. This Earth pony stallion was Lawyer Franco Flair, a lawyer from Somnus aunt's Golden Dawn Law Firm. "Thanks, Celestia's light that I met up with Lady Nightwing there in this place, your highness. I know Miss Marigold is an innocent mare in this, but their so much evidence against her. That is hard to form a defense, to keep her from being charged with the murder of Lady Cantara Cavalier." Franco explains as the three ponies enter the prisoner's visiting center. Sitting behind a table in the visiting center was a very beautiful pink earth pony mare with a green mane and tail. Her nicely trimmed 5ft 10in equine figure was attired in turquoise short-sleeve below the knee length fit, and flares dress. On her, ten-inch long pink bare feet with sapphire blue toenail polish were nougat colored heeled sandals with a four-inch heel. This earth pony mare was Governess Faith Marigold. "Hello, Franco, who are these two, ponies with you?" Faith inquiry in a charming tone of voice looks at Somnus and Adrian walking in behind Franco. "Greeting faith, this Prince Somnus Justice Silverlight and his personal Guard Captain Adrian Nightwing. They have come to help you and me with this business." Franco explains as faith blush a bit embarrassed with not knowing the Prince of Equestria. "Please forgive me, your highness. For not recognizing the Prince of Equestria and the son of Princess Celestia Silverlight." Faith said apologetically as Somnus smiles at her. "It quite all right, Miss Marigold, if you ask Lady Nightwing. I prefer not to use my royal title of Prince of Equestria. Went I am the Royal investigator for my mother, the Princess." Somnus explains as Faith nod her head. "To start off, Miss Marigold, please tell me about your relationship with Lady Cantara Cavalier?" Somnus asked as faith snorted. "I didn't have any relationship with that witch of Lady Cavalier. She was an unreasonable earth pony mare with quite a fiery temper. Even Lord Cavalier's own foals didn't like her to the point of fearing her. She was quite a fouled mouth mare. She had a fiery passion that was unquenchable toward the Lord. But I would say the Lord didn't share that same passion. I would say the Lord loath her." Faith said sarcastically as she snorted once again. "Guard! I would like this Lord Silverlight and Lady Nightwing removed!" Lord Cavalier stammer with rage as the guards stop went they saw who Lord Cavalier wanted to be removed. They quickly go get their supervisor. "Is there a problem, my lord?" the supervisor inquiry. "Yes, your men didn't remove Lord Silverlight and Lady Nightwing like I ordered !" Lord Cavalier explains hotly as the supervisor looked toward Somnus. "Well, first off, my lord, my men are not going to get in trouble with the overall ruler of Equestria by laying one hand on that unicorn stallion and bat pony mare." The supervisor said as Lord Cavalier gives the supervisor a frigid stare. "Guard Captain! Say no more to Lord Cavalier. We will leave; this other mare will not answer any more of my questions. As for this unfortunate incident, I will not mention it to the Princess. But I will mention Lord Cavalier's disrespect toward my bat pony and me." Somnus said as he followed by Adrian. "I apologize your highness and to your personal Guard. But thank you for not report this incident to your mother. We are loyal to the crowns of Equestria." The Guard Captain said apologetically as Lord Cavalier gape in stunned silence with Lord Silverlight being called your highness a royal title. "So all this work is for nothing, Somnus! We learned nothing new from Miss Marigold." Adrian said in a huff as Somnus had a crafty smile on his snout. "On the contrary, my dear bat pony, the Guard Captain call me your highness had a benefit." Somnus comment as Adrian had a puzzled look on her face. "How so, Somnus?" Adrian inquiry as the two ponies climbs into the car to head back to the estate. "We will get a call from Lord Cavalier sometime next week. Besides that, I was just notified on my way over here. That business that would have taking a week to finish in Canterlot has been concluded. My mother and my sisters will be arriving next week as well." Somnus explains as he drives off to the estate. Its 1600 hrs Equestria Standard Time, a week later, Solar wind estate, Small colonial Georgian style mansion home, Golden Horseshoe Neighborhood, City of Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, the foyer of the Solar Wind. Standing in a single line in the Solar Wind estate foyer were Prince Somnus' royal maids waiting for the arrival of his mother and two sisters. First, entering the mansion home was a gorgeous light blue half Alicorn/unicorn mare with crimson red mane and tail. Her athletic 5ft 8in equine figure was attired in periwinkle colored short-sleeve lace fit and flares below the knee-length dress. On her, ten inch light blue bare feet with dusty rose-colored toenail polish were a pair of gold gladiator sandals with a one-inch heel. This half alicorn/unicorn mare was Princess Blueberry Swirl Silverlight, Prince Somnus younger sister. He hugs his little sister as he takes her place next to Somnus on his left side. Second, to enter the mansion home was second light blue gorgeous half Alicorn/unicorn mare with crimson mane and tail. Her shapely 6ft 6in equine figure was attired in a navy blue short-sleeve popover floral lace fit and flares below the knee-length dress. Her ten-inch long light blue bare feet with cream-colored toenail polish were in a pair of gold wedge sandals with a one-inch platform, and folded on her back were her light blue feathered bird wings. This older half alicorn/unicorn mare was Princess Aurora Silverlight, Prince Somnus older sister. He hugs his older sister, and she takes her place next to Somnus on his right side. In the next instance, every pony in the foyer kneels on the ground as a breathtaking gorgeous white with a hint of pink Alicorn mare with golden blond mane and tail enter the mansion home. Her perfect 6ft 5in equine figure was attired in navy blue short-sleeve fit and flares below the knee-length dress. Her twelve-inch long white with a hint of perfect pink bare feet with red toenail polish was in a pair of golden heeled sandals with two and one fourth inch heel and folded on her back were her large white with a hint of pink feathered bird wings. Sitting on her head behind her horn was a gold tiara and gold collar around her neck. This pure alicorn mare was Princess Celestia Silverlight, the mother to Somnus, Blueberry, Aurora, and Equestria's co-ruler. "Please raise, my little ponies, and you too, my beloved foals," Celestia said kindly as they all stood back up. "Somnus, may we speak?" Celestia asked as Somnus gestured toward his senior royal maid to get his sisters settled in their rooms. "Of course, mother would you join me for a walk in the garden," Somnus said as Celestia nod her head and follow her son into the garden. ~ A Few hours later~ "So you have discovered a relationship between Lord Cavalier and Miss Marigold. But you still don't know how deep it is?" Celestia explains as she sits down on the edge of a fountain and crosses her leg over the other. "That is right, mother." Somnus answers as Celestia taps her sandal-clad foot soundless in the air. "It sounds like Miss Marigold and Lord Cavalier's foals didn't like Lady Cantara Cavalier all that much. The foals are scared of her." Celestia recaps as Bonnie comes running out of the house with the portable holo camera unit in her hand. "My lord, it Lord Cavalier's assistant, Mr. Cheval wanting to talk to the Royal investigator," Bonnie explains as Celestia asked her son if she may answer it. "Be my guest, mother," Somnus comments as Celestia press the button on the portable holo camera unit. Slowly the holographic head of white earth pony stallion with red wine colored mane come to life in front of Celestia. The white earth pony stallion blink with surprise went Princess Celestia's holographic head appear before him. "Your highness?" Mr. Cheval said, surprised "How may I help you, Mr. Cheval?" Celestia inquiry "May I speak to the Royal Investigator, or should I say your son." Mr. Cheval said his voice was edged with tension as Celestia smiled at him. "Unfortunately my son is not here right now, Mr. Cheval. But I can speak for him." Celestia said friendly with a confident tone of voice as Somnus blow a kiss to his mother's cheek as she chuckled under her breath. "Of course, your highness, Lord Faxhir Cavalier, is willing to talk to your son the Royal Investigator in a month." Mr. Cheval offers as Celestia had bothered look on her face. "Surely Lord Cavalier can do better; we are talking about my son. The Prince of Equestria, or is that rank not that important to your Lord?" Celestia inquiry semi-annoyed as Mr. Cheval swallow a lump in his throat as Celestia remains straight-faced. "Besides, if I remember right, Lord Faxhir Cavalier has sent a request to the crown to be granted Baron Status. That means more prestige within Equestria and more pull in equestrian politics. Your Lord knows how long the process takes, but I pull a few strings on my end. It bit shorter process." Celestia comments, knowing as Mr. Cheval's face grows haggard with worry as Celestia's taps her red painted fingernail against her chin in a contemplating manner. "All right, Lord Cavalier will meet the prince and his guard next week at 11:00 sharp at his estate." Mr. Cheval said as Celestia nodded her head. "That will be fine, Mr. Cheval. I'll pass the information onto my son went he get back, Goodbye Mr. Cheval." Celestia said politely as they hung up the holo phone. "Thank you, mother," Somnus said, pleased as he hugged her. "Your welcome baby, now could you show your mother to her room. I have been on my feet all day with finishing my royal duties, so I could make it out to Coltifornia. I would like to remove my shoes to give my sore feet a rest." Celestia moans as Somnus lifts the foot of his mother's crossed leg and rests her heel in the palm of his hand. "Poor mother's plushy feet," Somnus said, looking at the deep arch of his mother's foot; slowly, Celestia blink with surprise watching her son's finger heading right for her ticklish deep arch. Before Celestia could pull away her foot, the finger dives into her arch and tickles it. Somnus tickle his mother's arch till she unleashes a relaxed sigh. "Oh, baby, you are just as mean as your father was. But I needed that." Celestia comments as she hugs and kisses her son on his cheek. "Now show me to my room, baby. So I can really take my shoes off and rest my sore feet." Celestia asked as she stood up. "Yes, mother. If you like, I'll have one of my royal maids bring you up a warm tub of water. So you may soak your feet until dinner is served at 5:00 pm." Somnus explains as his mother smiles. "That sounds wonderful, Somnus. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't know how to take care of a Princess. Even those this Princess (pointing at herself) happen to be your very own mother." Celestia comments follow Somnus to her room on the second floor of the mansion.
Chapter 3It's 0900 hrs Equestria Standard Time, the following week, Lunar Canyon Park, between San Caballo valley and Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, Bridge crime scene. Lunar Canyon Park rests on 605 acres near the center of Los Ungulas between the San Caballo Valley and Grazing hills with two semi-deep lakes (smaller upper lake and large lower lake) with a concrete bridge going over smaller upper Lunar Lake near the heavenly pond in the upper part of the park. Walking down the chaparral trail toward the smaller upper Lunar Lake was Lord Somnus Silverlight and Lady Adrian Nightwing. As they near the bridge, they can make out a figure standing in the center of the bridge, the closer they get more detail they can see. Standing in the center of the bridge was inviting looking dark purple unicorn mare with a pastel yellow mane and tail. Her very fit 6 feet even equine figure was attired in dark brown V-neck short sleeve blouse and light gray curvy fit perfect trousers. On her eleven inches, long dark purple bare feet with turquoise toenail polish were black open toe wedge pumps with three and one-fourth heel. This unicorn mare was Police Detective Suzanna Lightly, a Police detective from the city of Grazing hills and honorably discharged Military Police officer from the Solar Guard unit. "Greeting your highness and you to Lady Nightwing, before we get started, I just want to say my heart remains loyal to your father, Colonel Justice Silverlight. He gave us mares a chance to prove ourselves." Suzanna said, impassioned saluting Somnus and Adrian. "Thank you, 1st Lieutenant, Lightly; my father always knew that a mare was just as good or better than a stallion. If you allowed them to prove themselves." Somnus comments as a single tear runs down Suzanna's cheek. "Now police Detective Lightly the reason we came," Somnus comments as Suzanna shook her head and ask them to follow her. "Believe it or not, your highness; I have some serious doubt about this crime. All the evidence against Miss Faith Marigold is too perfect. We found the gun in her dresser drawer at the estate, and a bullet has been fired from that weapon. The murder victim was holding a message from Miss Marigold stating that she will meet her at this bridge at that time." Suzanna explains as she looks at her MCV on her forearm. "Detective lightly, do you have the statement from Miss Faith Marigold for the night of the crime?" Somnus inquiry as Suzanna shook her head and brought it up on her MCV. "Could you read it for me? All information I have is from news reports send to me by the Princess." Somnus said as she calls up the statement. "Yes, your highness, Miss Marigold said: 'The night before the crime, she found a message addressed to her in the room she used as a classroom to teach the Lord's foals. She opens the message; she knew the message was from Lady Cantara Cavalier. She wants her to meet her at 6:30 on this bridge. Lady Cavalier asked her to leave her reply under the sundial on the estate ground, and she did. That message Lady Cavalier was holding in her hand was the note that Miss Marigold put under the sundial. She met Lady Cavalier at the time she was told on this bridge. Upon arriving at the bridge, Lady Cavalier was in the bridge's center, spouting profanity toward Miss Marigold, waving the gun in her hand. Fearing that Lady Cavalier was going to kill her, she ran off. She heads back to the estate.' “Suzanna explains as Somnus asks his bat pony to lie in the exact same position as the body of Lady Cantara Cavalier and look around for anything unusual about the bridge. "Huh! On the left-hand side of the bridge their chip of concrete lineup with the body." Adrian said, pointing toward the chip in the bridge with her finger. "Huh? Did your CSI team note this chip on the bridge?" Somnus inquiry "No, your highness, I guess the team thought it was chipped by a park staff small vehicle," Suzanna explains as Somnus helps his bat pony to her feet. "Did Miss Marigold hear a shot?" Somnus asked, looking over the side of the bridge into the small semi-deep lake. "No, your highness. Miss Marigold was already back at the house by that time." Suzanna said as she to look over the side of the bridge into the small semi-deep lake. "Detective Lightly come back to the bridge in few more days, and I'll tell you what really happens here at this bridge to Lady Cantara Cavalier. We have some loose end to tie up for this case." Somnus explains as he and his bat pony must walk back up the trail back to the parking lot to head to the estate of Lord Cavalier. Its 1000 hrs Equestria Standard Time, Cavaliere estate, Small Mediterranean style mansion home, Golden Horseshoe Neighborhood, City of Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, Living area. Walking down the thick, white stucco walls hallway of this small Mediterranean style mansion home was smooth looking white earth pony stallion with red wine-colored mane and tail. His 5ft 9in able-bodied equine figure was attired in a medium gray classic fit suit. On his eleven inches long socked bare white feet were black dress shoes. This earth pony stallion was Assistant Curtis Cheval, the assistant to Lord Faxhir Cavalier. He reels with astonishment waiting at the end of the hall was Prince Somnus Silverlight and Lady Adrian Nightwing a few hours early for the scheduled meeting with Lord Faxhir Cavalier. "Your Highness and Lady Nightwing, you are an hour early," Curtis exclaims as he stands in front of them with a force smile. "My mother says never let any appointment wait for longer than needed." Somnus comment as Adrian nodded her head. "Yes, your highness, but the Lord is not ready to see you, he on a conference call right now," Curtis explains as Somnus slowly sighed. "That fine, Mr. Cheval; I am wondering may we see the guns that Miss Marigold was said to have used," Somnus asked as Mr. Cheval shook his head. Prince Silverlight and Lady Nightwing follow Mr. Cheval into a different room. The large room is filled with a display case full of different kinds of guns. In a small display case, Mr. Cheval reaches into the case and brings out a small wooden box. He opens the small wooden box; inside the box were two indentions that once held two identical service-six Ruger revolvers. From what Somnus's remember, service-six Ruger revolvers weigh less than two lbs and chamber for six bullets in the side loading cylinder. A few moments later, Lord Faxhir Cavalier walks into the display room after being told by one of his maids that Mr. Cheval walked into the room. "Greeting your highness and Lady Nightwing, sorry for the delay. I had some business to complete with my business associates." Lord Faxhir cavalier said in a warm tone of voice as he bows to Prince Somnus Silverlight. "It quite all right, Lord Cavalier, it gave me a chance to see the said weapon that Miss Marigold was supposedly used to kill Miss Cantara Cavalier and ties up a small loose end in this case. But still, their one huge loose end to tie up, and I hope you can tie up that loose end, Lord Cavalier." Somnus explains as Faxhir slowly sighed. "As you wish, your highness, First, let start with how I met Lady Cantara Cavalier. I met her in Saddle Arabia went I was trying to expand my business into that market. She was an exotic beauty full of unending passion. The only reason I married her after the death of my first wife and the mother to my foals. The first few years of being married to her were full of passion, but the following years that excitement faded." Lord Cavalier explains, pausing momentarily to catch his breath. "I quickly learn we had nothing in common that what my foals were trying to tell me for a long time. I didn't understand. Once I realized it, I tried everything to make Lady Cavalier leave, but that passion never abated. Figuring that I was stuck forever in a loveless marriage, I absorbed myself in my business. In doing so, I started to neglect my own foals. That went; I hired Miss Faith Marigold as a Governess for my foals. The more time I spent with Miss Marigold, the more I saw what I lacked." Lord Cavalier said clarifies as Sommus and Adrian follow him outside to the archery range. "So many ponies saw me as an uncaring and ruthless business stallion; even your own mother thought that. It was mostly my own fault for that image; I never tried to change it. But went Miss Marigold started to teach my foals, I saw the tenderness and compassion from that mare. Plus, my foals loved her. Because of that, I was trying to find a way to divorce Lady Cavalier. But then this happened. Well, your highness, that my story. So yes, Miss Marigold and I do have a relationship but not in the way the tabloids have it." Lord Faxhir Cavalier explains as Somnus taps his finger against the lower half of his jaw. "I see Lord Cavalier. Now can you tell me a little bit about Lady Cantara Cavalier?" Somnus asked as Lord Cavalier's face flushes with indignation about that Mare. "That wicked mare! Could give Nightmare moon a run for her bits, no offense toward your aunt (Somnus with a pouting grimace). If she perceived another mare as an obstruction, she would do anything it takes to remove that obstruction. She was a downright vindictive mare; nothing could change her mind. If she wanted that mare out of the way, she would do it." Lord Cavalier said spitefully as Somnus had a clear picture of the events. Its 1300 hrs Equestria Standard Time, a few hours later, Lunar canyon park, between San Caballo valley and Grazing Hills, Coltifornia, city of Los Ungulas, Bridge crime scene. "Did you bring that identical service-six Ruger Revolver like I ask, Adrian?" Somnus asked as Adrian handed him the unloaded revolver from her pocket. "Here, Somnus, why did you want that?" Adrian asked as she watches Somnus push a heavy stone over the side of the bridge with a piece of rope tied to the butt of the gun and held the gun to his head. "Here what happen that night Lady Cavalier was in a rage over Lord Cavalier apparent growing attraction toward Miss Marigold, being a vindictive mare, like she is. The thought that a beautiful younger earth pony mare was getting the attention she rightly deserves. She sends the message asking Miss Marigold to meet her here; Miss Marigold was hoping to put this detest toward her to rest. But Lady Cavalier was going to hurt Lord Faxhir Cavalier by killing herself and frame her rival for the crime." Somnus explains letting the gun go. The three ponies watch as the butt of the gun knocks a chip off the bridge before falling into the water from the heavy stone that Somnus tied to the gun with a piece of rope. It sinks to the deeps of the lake, with that Somnus using his unicorn levitation spell to float the demonstration gun out of the lake back onto the bridge. A moment later, Police Detective Suzanna Lightly, using her own unicorn levitation spell, floats the missing gun out of the lake's deeps. A few hours later, Governess Faith Marigold has released from Twin stables correctional facility and is whisked away by Lord Faxhir Cavalier. Meanwhile, back in Canterlot at the Grand Royal Palace, Prince Somnus Silverlight walks down the hallway on his way to the family's private living area where the royal bedrooms are located. He walks up to the wooden door with a carved moon motif and knocks on the door. A moment later, the door is open by a dark blue alicorn mare with black mane and tail. She smiles at Somnus. "Greetings Auntie, if you are not busy, I come to visit you and talk to you," Somnus said friendly. "I am not busy, my little Somnus; I would enjoy talking to you. Please come in." Luna said, opening her bedroom door to allow Somnus in.
