Zirconia found herself in line for an Audience with Princess Cadance yet again. It had been a little over a year since her last time at the palace and now, instead of looking nervously and unsure of herself, she stood tall and proud. Unlike last time, she didn’t bring with her a chest to offer a gift, but rather carried a small bundle close to her heart.

The bundle of clothes stirred and she looked down to see her sleeping daughter. Her eyes sparkled as they did every time she looked at her little bean of joy. Her daughter had a lighter shade of her coat, she had her eyes, and her mane was a beautiful mix between chocolate brown and two-shaded blue. She also had a small nub at the top of her forehead, the telltale sign of a unicorn.

She waited patiently in line until her turn arrived and once it did, she was guided inside the familiar chamber. She soon arrived at the end of a small staircase leading up to a throne occupied by Cadance. Next to her was Shining Armor occupied with some documents. She was about to bow when Cadance stood up.

“Zirny?” She asked and Shining Armor stopped what he was doing to look down at the mare.

“In the flesh,” she replied with a smile.

“What brings you here today?” Cadance asked as she walked down to greet her friend, Shining Armor following closely. “Nothing too serious, I hope.”

“No, nothing like that, Cadance,” Zirconia replied, unable to contain her beaming smile. “I came to thank you for the blessing you’ve given me,” she moved her bundle slightly to the side to allow the royal couple to see the face of her daughter, her tiny eyes looking at them curiously. “This is my daughter, Diamantes.”

“Oh my gosh, she’s adorable!” Cadance rushed, nearly yanking the foal out of Zirconia’s hooves. “Uuhhm, ohh, ehehe, may I?”

“Please,” Zirconia giggled before handling her daughter to Cadance. She stood and watched her two friends cooing and sweet-talking to her until the foal began to laugh and try to touch them with one of her tiny hooves.

After a few minutes, however, Shining took hold of Diamantes and gave her a kiss on her horn. “Where have you been, Zirny? We couldn’t find you during these last four months.”

“I had to leave in a hurry for Neighpan. Crystal shaped constructs have become really popular over there and needed an expert. Don’t worry, I delivered my baby safely and everything was paid for by my medical leave. I came back yesterday and decided to visit you after such a long time,” she explained. “I’m sorry for not telling you, but you know we can’t interact much.”

“I know,” Shining cooed at Diamantes, making the filly laugh some more. “She’s as beautiful as her mother, Zirny. Congratulations!”

“As happy as this reunion is, I don’t suppose you only came by to say hello and present us that little ray of sunshine over there, now did you?” Cadance asked with a raised eyebrow and a knowing smirk.

“Nope,” Zirconia replied. “You see, I read that for a foal to develop properly and healthily it needs siblings,” she blushed but her resolve didn’t falter. “I know it’s a bit too early but, I would like to petition a sibling for my Diamantes to play and grow together in the future.”

Cadance nodded. “I’ve read the same article and I’m inclined to agree,” she sighed. “My Flurry Heart is the joy of my life, but she can be quite...,” she rolled her hoof for a few seconds trying to find the correct word.

“Difficult? Tiresome?” Shining offered with a playful smile.

“Rambunctious, dear,” she clarified, then cleared her throat. “Can you believe she totaled her crib during her latest escape last night?”

“I’m telling you she’s outgrown it, honey,” Shining countered.

“I think you’re right, Shiny. Although,” she eyed Zirconia. “Maybe some talented Crystal Shaper could build us a new one. Stronger, bigger, and present it to us as a gift, perhaps? I’m sure the Royal Couple would be quite thankful since there are rumors of them planning to conceive a sibling for their daughter to play with?”

Zirconia smiled. “It would be my honor, Cadance.”

The End

Author's Note

Special thanks to anyone that read this!