Yona kept her eyes on the snow-dusted ground as Prince Rutherford's voice boomed out across the valley. Her stomach felt as though it was being stamped on by her entire clan, and for a moment she considered crushing the rocks between her hooves in kind. Yona fought against it, though; smashing the rocks might be interpreted as a sign of strength. But it could also be read as weakness.

Yulia was standing smartly beside her. They had been friends for years, but only one of them would be selected to lead the clan. The other...

Yona swallowed, her heart throwing itself against her ribs as Yulia broke a rock beneath her hoof. Murmurs of appreciation filled the air.

"—Next clan leader will be Yulia. Strong yak, right choice."

Yona gasped, her head spinning. Yulia had been chosen.

Then she grinned. Yes! She would be going to the pony friendship school!

Author's Note

Entered for the Flashfic Group contest for January 2020. The prompt for this was "A Near Miss".

Sometimes, a near miss can open doors that you didn't even know you wanted opening.

Was always of the opinion Yona needed more love.