Love And Dramas In The Government

While enjoying a small tea party both Cadence and Celestia reminisce about all the past adventures they both had with Twilight as they share stories and laugh at all the troubles little Twilight got herself into in her never-ending search for knowledge.

Eventually finding a moment of silence Celestia stares at her reflection in the tea cup and stirs it a little before sighing. "Cadence, why are you so determined in finding everyone a partner?"

That caught her attention and raise an eyebrow "Where did that come from? I thought we were talking about Twilight"

"We are, and I enjoy it surely. But ever since you told me the lengths you are willing to go, not only for me but now I'm finding out you are doing the same for Mark. It starting to concern me. Just like you were concerned with how I was trying to fill a hole in my chest, I'm concerned about how much and why you are getting so involved in others' personal lives, I'm starting to fear you are doing so, whenever they wish for that or not." She looks at her with a mix of pity and concern "Please tell me I'm wrong"

After a brief pause, Cadence put her cup down and sigh "Tell me aunt, have you ever seen a love one stab themselves in front of you with a painful smile?"

"What?" Celestia only blinks at the sudden and gory example.

"I ask again. Have you ever seen that? Or an ordinary citizen, let's make an example of what is the right procedure when dealing with a pony minding their own business. Except say business is self-mutilation? Be in private or public areas?"

"An immediate intervention of course. No pony can be subjected to pain, not even oneself if find out or suspected. The pony must be apprehended, and placed in a house of healing where professionals can treat his condition if he suffers a mental illness or seeks comfort if the root of his actions are emotional or resulting from trauma"

"And that is why I must intervene auntie" She looks at her in complete determination "I know is hard to explain, but I just know. All those times ponies...no, all creatures that keep chanting "I'm fine" with that same pain expression. Is not a gut feeling I feel their emotion, I feel how their heartache. I'm not making pretense either auntie. I know when others are fine on their own. And that is ok, we are all entitled to our lives"

She points and shines her horn "But ever since I receive this gift, every time I feel that stab, I must get involved, not because I'm noisy, not because I'm indulging in some twisted hobby, and certainly not because I believe that I know better than others in the likes of love, but because, I simply can't stand idly by and see others keep mutilating themselves. THAT is why I'm the alicorn of love, that is my eternal oath as the crystal princess"

"Oh, Cadence" She shake her head and couldn't help but smile a little in pride at her determination, understanding her niece a little bit "And do you think...?"

"Yes," She cut her off almost immediately "I'm sorry to tell you auntie, but that is exactly what I felt. When you and Mark were saying 'I'm ok, been alone'. I knew both of you were lying, and how saying those words hurt you."

Her eyes wide in realization

So that is why she was so close. Unconsciously she bring her hand to her chest You were right niece, it pains me, lying saying I didn't find anyone. Same with Mark, but you miss understood our pain. And confused loneliness with longing for each other. I think I now understand why you are a fierce fighter against secret relationships.

The princess was nodding internally, thinking she was done figuring out Cadence until she continue "...With Mark been the strongest pain I have ever seen"

"Come again?" Celestia could only blink as she saw Cadence tightening her hold on her cup

"Been ripped away from his species, been confused and facing the possibility of never meeting a woman as he told me once"

Shaking her head she shivers at the memory "You have no idea the pain I felt that night auntie. Normally the phantom pain I perceive is like a dagger or maybe a short sword. But when he said to me 'I'm ok', for the very first time. Auntie, I almost faint. The pain, the agony, the cold" Her eyes were starting to get misty and some tears were beginning to fall.

"The closest way I could describe it would be, been impaled over and over again by frozen iron pikes with venomous thorns, In every single corner of your body, in a never-ending agony"

They both remain silent letting that image wash over them in sorrow and pity, or at least that is what Cadence assumed the two were sharing while in reality, Celestia was debating something else in her mind.

My sweet, caring Marky. Is that what led to the awaking of indulging in those sadistic activities? Your warnings of losing yourself, your fears of not realizing how far you could go. All of that...is in reality venting unfinished frustration. Do you unconsciously yearn for the touch of your species? As your mare, I need to know, but should I tell him? His awakening in turn awoke my own. If I confront him would that be the end of it? Is our indulgence in reality toxic? By the old gods, what should I do?

Her train of thought was suddenly interrupted when Cadence wings spam. Confused Celestia look up and saw how her niece was now perfectly stiff with a surprised look and wide eyes.

"Cadence? Is everything alright?"

"I just felt something" She finally replies as she relaxes and her surprise slowly morphs into a smile "A rush of love, a strong one, it blooming! Someone just came in. Aunt Luna!" She exclaims in excitement before standing up and running away.

Understanding the implication Celestia got surprised as well and rush after her niece fearing that Luna could potentially just ruin their secret.
Taking out her scroll Celestia desperately texts her sister to warn her, receiving emojis as a response.

Seriously!? NOW you decided to speak in codes!? Celestia scowls her throw the phone as they continue running all over the castle until they find the princess of the night humming a happy tune, with a smile on her face and prancing toward her room.

"Sister!"
"Auntie!"

Both royals look at Luna in surprise at her behavior, albeit for opposite reasons. Yet the princess of the night remains unfazed and simply smiles at them.

"Why hello dear niece, dear sister. It's a wonderful day we are having don't you agree?"

"Luna, are you alright?" Celestia ask getting worried and slightly concerned taking some glances at Cadence who was virtually turning into the element of laughter, from her excitement along with a giant grin from ear to ear to match. "You are acting kind of weird"

"Oh my, am I? I'm so sorry if I'm causing you discomfort"

"Neverminded her!" Cadence yells getting in front of Luna eager for the new gossip "Soooo...I gather that you had fun?"

Laughing cutely Luna nods a couple of times "Indeed, I had the celebration turned into a huge success dear niece, it distracts my mind and allows me to have plenty of fun. But don't worry" She brings a finger to her mouth and winks at them "I will not spoil things for you. This is something you would have to experience firsthand to see what I mean. Now if you excuse me"

She starts heading to the door when Cadence stops her "Is that all that happen?"

Luna raises an eyebrow and smirks at her "Don't try to sneak your way for information missy, my lips are sealed" She proclaims while patting her head.

"Aww come on auntie, can you tell me something? Like if perhaps you made some friends?"

"Cadence dear, don't be pushy, if Luna doesn't want to answer, that is her decision" Celestia intervene "Now let the poor mare rest."

"Oh that is ok Tia, I can humor her a bit" Luna pat her shoulder calmly before looking at Cadence much to the cringe and horror of Celestia.

"Indeed I meet some old and new friends along the way"

"Luna?" Celestia tries to stop her yet Cadence continues.

"And where there stallions among those friends?"

"Stallions and mares alike" She nods calmly

"Where there any stallion in particular that grabs your eye auntie?"

Smirking Luna got closer to her "What if there were more than just stallions?"

That makes them gasp and Cadence gets more excited.

"And do I know him? Her? Both?"

Luna smile and poke her nose "For me to know and you, to not ask"

"WHAT?!" Cadence looked at her in disbelief making Luna laugh and hold both doors of her room. "As Tia says, I'm entitled to my privacy am I not?"

"But...but...don't you at least want some dating advice at least?"

"Nooooo!" She replies cheerfully before closing the door "Good day Cadence, Good day sister"

"Rest well Luna, I would see you later" Letting go of a breath she didn't know she was holding. Celestia grabs the wrist of the still-stunned Cadence and guides her away from the door.

"Let go Cadence"

"But...but...I thought we could discuss this. I have been dreaming of this day for years!"

"Come on Cadence, you better than any pony should know how love is not an exact science, is chaotic, is unpredictable and it can happen at any moment without warning. Luna seems to have found someone that gives her joy. Isn't that all that matters?"

"I suppose" Cadence end up agreeing looking away with a pout on her face and her arms crossed, like a filly that was denied her favorite ice cream flavor "I don't feel her lying or feeling the dagger so that means she is happy and has the right not to tell me who is them" She agrees albeit still mad from not knowing who the mysterious pony is, which help Celestia understand Luna end goal by admitting her feelings the way she did.

Luna you clever girl. Why didn't I thought of that?! You found a way to get Cadence off your back for good.

"Well, I suppose that leaves us just you and me then auntie" Cadence tells after a sigh and looks at the princess of the sun with a smile while the mare in question had to briefly pause mentally and be reminded how she was still needed to figure out a way to remove Cadence of her own back.

Looking at the princess in question Celestia cringe a little when she notices her excitement returning and dreading what crazy plan she had in store for her.

"Cadence dear, are you sure you would like to accompany me? I have been kind of hugging all of your attention as of late. Don't you wish to spend time with your aunt Luna too?"

"Well of course I do. But after seeing how well she is doing, is clear to me which one of you needs my help the most. Besides, I still have tomorrow to hang out with her. Right now I want to put all of my focus on you, and see how much we can have tonight. Just a quick question, where are your stands on sleeveless tube tops?"

Celestia has to pause before looking at her massive breast before looking at Cadence with a deadpan. "Tell me you are joking"

"Come on auntie! I think it would look pretty on you"

"Oh it would make me look like something alright but I wouldn't use the word pretty."

"Please"

"Cadence half of Canterlot would look at me with lecherous eyes if I wear that! No, scratch that, they would be praying that I had to spring or run or jump and see if it slide off"

"That is an urban legend, those shirts elastic are very resilient, things like that only happen in porn videos."

"Dear niece, read my lips" Celestia gets closer, starting to get frustrated. "There.Is.No.Way.That I would be wearing one of those things"

Later that night

HOW SHE MADE ME DO IT?!" Celestia keep questioning herself as the two made their way through the town under the night sky, ditching their usual royal outfits and instead opting for a more informal look. Cadence chose a pair of blue jeans, a pink shirt with short sleeves, and a red jacket, while Celestia was a little less modest with a tub top with a ribbon pattern for the breast section, and a frilly long end that expose a little bit of her belly as well as semi tight blue jeans some ring bracelets, a blue jacket for extra modesty and some eyeshadow and lipsticks to complete the assembly.

The two look fairly modest and normal, blending in with the rest of the crowd without much issue, yet Celestia couldn't help but feel eyes staring at her back, making her increasingly self-conscious and trying to cover her chest with her jacket.

Seeing that Cadence immediately stop her and grab her arm "Would you stop that auntie! There is nothing wrong with your top I swear!"

"But Cadence, I can feel it. Everypony is looking at me" She whispers shyly while taking glances everywhere.

Sighing in disappointment Cadence can only shake her head "Oh auntie, I see we need to go to even the basics. Lesson to happiness number one. Be proud of your body"

"I'm proud of my body! I just don't see the reason, to show so much skin. Yeah good for mares that showcase it proudly but I'm NOT like them. I'm more reserved"

"Are you auntie?" Cadence questions with a raised eyebrow "Because I don't think this is you been reserve, you are only showing your shoulders, and yet you are acting as you were completely topples"

"Not helping niece! I'm starting to consider heading to the castle right now, change and ground you"

"You can't ground me, I'm an adult, a mother, and a ruler of my own nation for pony sake!" Celestia only glares at her and stands tall marking how serious she was talking right now

"A-All am I saying, is that I only ask one try, test the water a little, loose up a bit"

Celestia keeps glaring at her making her back away "And I have a spare shirt, and you can cover it with a jacket if you still feel uncomfortable!"

"Show me"

Cadence grabs her bag and shows the shirt in question a plain simple white short sleeve shirt that Celestia took and examine it, after a bit sigh in defeat before handing it back. "One try that's all I would give you"

"That's all I ask" Cadence nods agreeing to the deal as the two headed to the closest nightclub they could find so they could dance a bit. "Honestly Cadence, the whole point of coming here, was to have fun, what exactly are you expecting to happen...?"

Crashing into someone Celestia took a step back and almost tripped "I'm so sorry miss, it was my fault and I...I..." the voice of Mark caught her attention and when looking back Celestia was equally surprised to find the mayor in question holding a drink in one hand.

"M-Mr Mayor, g-good evening" Remembering how she was dressed the princess couldn't help but blush and look away yet her embarrassment quickly die when she notices how Mark remain immobile.

"Oh no! No, no, no. You are not escaping into work this time auntie"
Cadence quickly gets in between the two with a stern look helping Mark snap out of his stupor as he shakes his head.

"Oh hey...Cadence" Remember what he promises he tries to be more casual with her. "Celestia, did you two just arrive?"

His chill demeanor caught their attention and help Cadence relax yet her guard up.

"Yeah, aunt Celly thought it could do us some good to unwind and explore the city while it celebrates.

"Oh yeah, Luna told me something similar earlier"

That pick her interest "Really? You talk with aunt Luna. By any chance did you see if she was with a group or with any pony you recognized?"

The mayor is confused by the sudden question but gets the idea when Celestia shakes her head in alarm.

"Not really, she was alone when we meet her, chat a little, and then went our separate ways, don't worry. I'm aware of your plan Cadence, today is pure fun, no work-related here" He reassures her with a roll of his eyes.

"Good, and you better remember, no work is allowed until the party is over"

"I get it Cadence, I get it. So, want me to show you around? I saw a couple of games just assemble not too far from here"

"That would be delightful Mr. Mayor thanks" Celestia nods in happiness but Cadence intervenes once more.

"But no thanks?"

"What?" They both look at her confused.

"Thanks for the offer, but right now. I try to help my aunty unwind and loosen up, have some fun, and dance a little, you know"

That earned a chuckle from the mayor

"Cadence I can tell you, Celestia is perfectly capable of all of those things. In the meeting of the mayors, for example, she shows us how much of a great dancer she is"

Celestia couldn't help but blush from the compliment.

"The same meeting that someone spike their drinks to make everyone loosen up, and became horny?"

That stops him in his tracks "...Yes"

"Doesn't count, and by the stars, it only reinforces my point! Not even an aphrodisiac was enough for my aunt to try to find a partner, what does that tell you?"

"That you should be proud, that your aunt can beat a drug that could ruin her image?

"Well...yeah that too, but the whole point of this exercise is helping her get out of her comfort zone and you may tempt her to fall back on her work. And vice versa, so please don't take it personally. I swear we can hang out some other time"

With a sigh he simply nods "Fair enough, I do not want to force myself into your plans either, if you wish to explore the party blindly then go ahead.

"Thanks, and hey we can talk later. I see a couple of mares checking you out at the bar, why not hang out with them?" Cadence smirks and points at say bar. Where Mark was surprised to see Golden Sash, Saffron Masala and Dime Polisher, all smiling at him with lecherous eyes and raising their drinks.

Mark could only blush and look away as he sees Celestia and Cadence leave for the dance floor.

"Come on auntie! Let's mingle and meet new friends, it's time Equestria knows you are not as inaccessible as they believe"

The last comment digs deeper into their heart as Mark looks at her with a hurt expression while she tries to say something and can only shake her head in no.

Breathing deeply Mark tries to remember what Luna says and not to let Cadence get on his mind.

Need to be strong, is just an act until Cadence leaves. Celly is not cheating, she is not cheating.

Losing the battle against his anger he takes out his scroll and makes a call.

"Drusy? Remember that idea I told you about involving Madame Menage? Let me explain it"