The war hero's shadow

When Flurry entered the kitchen she wasnt to impressed with the kitchen. It resembled the one the cooks used with stainless steel work benches and knives that hung off magnets. It was a restaurant style kitchen but Alex and Carmilla were hard at work getting things prepped. They both stopped for a second to see Flurry before going back to work.

“What are you doing in here?” Alex asked in a low tone of voice

“I came to learn how to cook meat.”

Flurry stated confidently and it was like the whole world stopped. Inside that kitchen you could hear a pin drop and it made Flurry slightly regret saying something as she took a tentative step back.

“Your sure?” Alex asked and Flurry nodded with a small gulp. “Then stop standing there and get over here.”

She quickly made her way over to Alex as he had the uncooked steak out on the table. “Im seasoning the meat and then throwing it on the grill until just the outside is cooked leaving the middle pink.”

“Why don't you eat it like a real Griffion? Blue is the best!” Carmilla shouted from her station.

“W-whats the difference?” Alex sighed as he tossed the steak on the grill “Carmillia likes to eat her steak with the option to revive it.”

Flurry visibly paled causing Carmillia to laugh as the old griffen continued with her meal prep.

“Sweetheart its just an expression. The…animal is long since dead. Blue is just a term for how long you leave the steak on the grill. It goes blue, rare, medium rare, Medium, medium well, well done. The last one is like trying to eat shoe leather.”

Flurry calmed down a little knowing that there was no chance of the animal coming back to life while it was on the grill. Common sense would have normally told her that considering it was just a slab of meat but this was all new and a taboo act in the eyes of any pony or vegetarian. The meat sizzled on the grill and the aroma hit her nose causing her to take in a small wiff and smile. It did smell delicious. Alex walked away from the grill while Flurry continued to watch it. After about ten minutes Alex flipped the steak and repeated the process except he cut into one side spreading it open for Flurry to see. He was right the outside was brown and the middle was pink. Alex took it off the grill setting it under a heating lamp so it wouldnt get cold and then put Carmilias on and that took almost no time at all before he was cutting the steak open and setting it under the lamp.

“I thought three people ate meat.” Flurry asked only noticing two steaks. Alex threw a burger on and Flurry watched closely as he cooked the burger.

“Meat like this is rare. Carmilla had to fly to the Griffen kingdom to get these two steaks. They cost nearly sixty bits a steak. Im having a burger which is still expensive but not nearly as much as the steak.”

Flurry nodded as she watched him flip the burger “Were steaks like this expensive in your home world?”

Alex had a small ghost of a smile on his lips as he thought about it. “Yes and no. in my world yes, compared to this one no.”

Flurry nodded as she understood. “I…I don't want to offend but what was your world like and how did you get here.”

The small smile on his lips vanished as he laid a piece of cheese on the burger. Carmilla kept a watchful eye on the two ready to step in if things got out of hand. Rockwell and Carmilla were one of the few that Alex had told his past life to.

“As I told the princesses, that's none of your damn business.”

“I-I see….Sorry for the intrusion. You don't know till you ask right?”

Alex knew exactly where she heard that from and after putting the burger on the heating lamp turned to her “You’ve been hanging out with Cecil to much.”

Flurry giggled as she walked over to Carmillia to help with the rest of the food “He has a way of rubbing off on people in a good way.”

Carmilla was enjoying this little conversation between Alex and Flurry. How long had it been since Alex actually had a conversation with someone other then Carmilla, Rockwell and Cecil? For her part Flurry had actually come to the kitchen to learn how to cook meat but she also wanted to give Alex a break so he could go back to spending time with Cecil. Instead he leaned against the wall pulling out his dreadful cigarette but Carmillia held her knife up at him glaring at him.

“I swear to Celestia if you light up in here I will cut your bitch ass.”

Alex glared back as he moved the match closer to the tip of his cigarette and Carmilla looked even more pissed as she flipped the knife around so her talons were holding the blade. “Alex Steel I am warning you. Do. not. Test. me.”

“Its my goddamn place. I do what I want.”

Carmillia threw the knife at him but Alex caught it mid air and threw it back where Carmillia caught it just inches before it went into her eye. Neither one flinched when the knife was headed to them they only glared at each other before Carmilla growled and used the knife to cut up the salade in frustration as Alex smoked in the kitchen. Flurry was in shock at their bearing and skill. Even with her magic it would have been tough for her to grab the knife mid air and that was assuming she could stay calm enough to watch it come at her. These two just stood there like a ball had been tossed at them grabbed it and threw it back.

“D-does this happen normally?” Flurry whispered cautiously to Carmillia who was still focused on the lettuce with an angry look.

“Only when he wants to be a brat.” She growled loud enough for Alex to hear but he did nothing other then look out the door and narrow his eyes for a second.

Alex slowly walked out of the doorframe like a cat stalking its prey. Curious Flurry set her knife down but a talon rested on her shoulder stopping her in place. She looked back to Carmillia who looked at the kitchen door with intensity in her eyes.

“Do not go out that door unless you are ready to see the real Alex.”

Flurry bit her lip and softly pushed Carmillias hand away “I plan to Marry Cecil. If Alex is going to be my father-in-law I need to know what im getting into.”

Carmilla gave her a look of sympathy before she went back to cutting the lettuce. Flurry walked out the door to see Alex standing in the bars main doors arms crossed and head slightly tilted down as two burly Stallions glared up at him. Just across the window, She could see Cecil and Rockwell with the same look of intensity in their eyes. She was oblivious as to what was going on. These two stallions just randomly showed up and it was like they were being invaded. The stallions started to approach and before they could make it up to the same level Alex sent a kick into one's chin. Flurry watched as the eyes of the stallion rolled to the back of his head crashing on the floor while Alex grabbed the other by the main pulling him the rest of the way up the stairs and delivering several punches to the side of his head until the Stallion went limp. Alex tossed the Stallion back to the ground and looked at Cecil “Get this trash out back.” Cecil nodded as Rockwell stood up to help.

Flurry spun around holding a hoof to her chest as she looked to Carmillia who was still all to calm about the situation.

“What in the great names of Luna and Celestia was that!?”

Carmilla dumped the lettuce in the bowl as she worked on cutting up carrots.

“Ponies dumb enough to test their strength against Alex or some wanting revenge when he was a mercenary. They come and they fall. Lets just be thankful they never come with more then twelve.”

Flurry gulped as she tried to get her racing heart to slow down “What happens if more then twelve show up?”

Carmilla narrowed her eyes at Flurry “Instead of calling for the police we call for the morgue.”

Flurry felt her blood run cold as her hooves started shaking. Alex Steel was willing to kill and fight anyone who just simply threatened him. She could understand self defense but going so far as to kill them was unheard of. She pressed her back against the wall on the verge of hyperventilating. He could have talked to them but instead, he stood there menacingly and when they tried to walk up before they even made it to the last step one was out cold before he hit the ground and the other was being dragged and punched mercilessly in the head until he collapsed. The show of violence truly shock Flurry to the core and finally after just a days time of being here she understood why her father was weary of Cecil or why Alex's reputation carried such a heavyweight. He was a cold killer with no empathy toward others well being or their life. If they threatened his family then they were a threat to be terminated by any means necessary.

She felt her chest tighten as slow heavy boot steps made their way across the floor and with each step her heart raced faster and she feared he could practically hear it beating against her rib cage. Just before Alex made it through the door Carmillia stopped infront of him acting like nothing was out of the ordinary. “Foods all done you old bastard. Go get my deadbeat husband and our little Cecil.”

Alex huffed but he turned heading away while Flurry slid down the wall letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Carmilla looked down at her and closed her eyes as she let out a sigh.

“I told you if you're going to be in this family you need thick skin.”

She offered a hand to Flurry but Flurry tucked her knees against her chest shaking a little.

“I-I need a moment to process this.”

Carmilla narrowed her one eye at the Princess. She knew how hard it was for an outsider to see the real look into the Steel family, hell she was part of the Savage Knights and she could barely hang with Alex in her prime. Flurry Heart needed to toughen up or shut up in the eye of the Griffen.

“Princess you ain't got a moment you need to buck up and get over it. Those stallions will be fine the worse they will have is throbbing headaches in jail when they wake up. Cecil is on his way here and if he sees you like this there will be a fight between him and Alex and who do you fucking think Alex is going to blame?”

Flurry tensed as Carmillias's words hit her harder than Alex hit those two Stallions. She was right, Cecil would see Flurry in a distraught manner and eventually, he would get an answer out of her and then go straight to his father about the excessive fighting. She gulped and looked at Carmillia as tears flowed down her eyes

“By me time, im heading to the bathroom to freshen up.”

Carmilla nodded “I can by you maybe ten minutes?”

“Fine, i can work with that.”

She got up and Carmilla pointed to the cook's bathroom. Flurry quickly made her way to it locking the door as she looked around. More tears were flowing out of her eyes but she managed to pull the toilet paper off the roll and scream into it. After about five minutes she incinerated the toilet paper and put a fresh roll on before splashing her face with water and thinking of a reason why her eyes would be red.

“Come on Flurry think, what ingredients did she use that could make you cry…Think think….” She slapped her face trying to come up with an answer when she remembered the bell peppers. Stepping out of the bathroom she shook her head and put on a brave face. Walking like the princess she was Flurry entered the bar where everyone was sitting. She took her place by Cecil and he smiled giving her a kiss.

“You okay your eyes are bloodshot?”

She waved him off “Its nothing I got a little something in my eyes. It could have been from the peppers or onions.”

Cecil nodded completely buying the story as he pulled her close to kiss the top of her head “You can be so clumsy sometimes I swear.”

She nodded and used her levitation magic to grasp the fork and eat her food. The lunch went well and afterward, everyone went back outside to sit on the porch. Flurry kept mostly quiet as they four spoke about the old times or what college life has been like for Cecil. It was fun to hear Cecil talking about his experience at the factory or the stuff he and Barron did together, but when it came to talking about Flurry she loved that the most not only because it was about her but how he told it. He talked about her like she was a savior while being a good friend. He also added in her flaws but that was to be expected. For Flurry it was a wonderful way to enter the evening. Carmilla and Rockwell told some stories of their time in prance leaving out the good bits for obvious reasons and slowly night descended upon Ponyville as the five of them stayed on the porch just talking and sharing stories. No parties or fancy clothes at a ball, just five souls sharing and bonding over experiences and stories. Soon the time came for the chatter to calm down and them to turn in. Flurry went shortly after Rockwell and Carmilla leaving Cecil and Alex to chat. Flurry wanted to stay awake and wait for him but desperately underestimated Cecil and Alex’s inner night owl and at some point, she had fallen asleep but like it were a blink she felt a familiar weight next to her and then those strong arms wrapping her up. She smiled snuggling closer to Cecil as her body relaxed again. In seconds she was back to sleep with dreams filled of the two of them.

When she woke up in the morning she was happy to see Cecil by her side this time and decided to leave. She made her way downstairs where Alex was already sitting at the bar smoking a cigarette. He saw her and nodded for her to come over. After Yesterday's violent outburst and then sitting for hours just talking and enjoying each other's company she was still trepidious to go near Alex not knowing what to expect.

Flurry took her seat next to him with the best morning smile she could give him “Whats up?”

Alex slid her a sealed envelope. The envelope in question was decorated with gold trimming and stamped with the Canterlot wax seal. On the back was a note in Twilight's writing addressed to Flurry. She glanced at Alex and then to the envelope. Using her magic she opened it and pulled out the note. Smiling warmly she tucked it back in and smiled to Alex.

“It's from aunt Twilight. She wants to meet with me and Cecil today and she included you can..”

“Not happening. You two can go I….”

“She's offering the royal whiskey and tobacco storage.”

“Any drink?”

“Any, but only one.”

“She knows the one.”

“Harmonys song?”

“Eeyup.”

Flurry rolled her eyes. That drink was outlawed five years ago because some genius decided to mix magic with booze and the effects for the drink were good in thought. The first sip was bitter nearly enough to make even the seasoned alcoholics turn their noses up but the second sip was whatever flavor you craved at the moment. A side effect of the drink and what made it outlawed was the magic used to make the flavor affected unicorn horns. Getting drunk for them was compared to drinking two pots of coffee worth of magic and nowhere to let it out at. Horns started cracking and in the worst cases exploding. Thus by decree of Princess Twilight, she banned the drink because if one couldn't have it neither could anyone else until the problem could be fixed or so she says. Flurry only knew about this information because as a royal she needed to know all the rules.

“Well that's good that you're coming, She said we can come at any time I just need to hand the second letter to the guard.”

“They would let us in either way. Most if not all the guards remember me.”

That was a little concerning that Alex could simply walk into the castle where the most important ruler was just because the guards knew him but after yesterday she could imagine that they more likely feared him.

“Alright when Cecil wakes up we can leave.” She said with a smile but Alex had other plans as he set his cigarette in the ashtray

“Has he told you about how I woke him up?”

Flurry nodded now getting a little concerned about what she was going to witness. Alex stood leaving the bar and heading to the staircase. She followed him as he waited at the bottom and then he started stomping up the stairs. Alex stomped down the hallway and threw the door open with such force it slammed against the wall. Cecil was sitting straight up forcing his eyes to be open as he looked at Alex and his scowling face.

“Get your ass out of bed. We're leaving for Canterlot.”

Before Cecil could answer Alex slammed the door turning to Flurry who was about to say something but Alex held a hand up and seconds later Cecil could be heard grumbling to himself about how he was a grown man still being treated like a kid or how one day he’d punch Alex square in the face. Flurry had to suck her lips in to keep from laughing at Cecil's dramatic moment. Alex left her and she had to stand there for a couple of seconds listening to Cecil rant before knocking on the door.

“Come on in Flurry.” She heard from the door.

Opening the Door Cecil was putting the sheets back in place since he slept with his clothes on again. Flurry scrunched her nose and used her magic to tear the sheets off the bed.

“Go take a bath, you stink. I’ll wash these and take mine shortly after.”

“Yes dear.” He said sarcastically which earned him a pinch on his butt from her magic

“I’ll have none of the sass this morning.” She giggled “Mister im going to punch my dad in the face.”

Cecil blushed brightly as he realized she had probably heard all of his ranting and quickly left the room to get his fresh clothes and hop in the shower. Flurry just giggled at his goofiness before making her way downstairs where once again Alex was sitting at the bar. Without asking he pointed to a door to the right of the stairs. She nodded and opened it to see a compact washer and dryer. The floor was clean of all clothes which surprised her. She would have thought that since Alex and Cecil both wore clothes they would be under a mountain of them or they just wore the weeks worth and cleaned them all at once. Either way she was impressed and set the sheets in the floor shutting the door.

“I will wash them when we return. I don't want to go there and let them soak all day.”

Alex huffed “Go head and start it. I’ll let Carmillia know she needs to swap a load.”

Flurry felt a little bad knowing Carmilla was going to be swapping the load but Alex did say it was alright. She started the load of laundry and as per normal Cecil was out of the shower dried off, teeth brushed, and deodorant on in under ten minutes. Cecil had started growing a beard since they had been off and his stubble was turning into a mess. This also caught the eyes of Alex who snapped his fingers before Cecil could make it to the bar.

“Shave.”

“Dad I don't want to.”

“I said shave.”

“No, look its really not that..”

“One….two….”

“D-dad come on.”

Alex shot him a look that promised he was shaving whether he wanted to or not and that look alone was enough to get Cecil to walk back up the stairs to shave. Flurry met him in the tight bathroom barely able to squeeze past him.

“Personally I think you look better without a beard.” She told him as she turned the water on testing the temperature.

“I just wanted to see if I could grow one.”

Flurry giggled as she stepped away from the shower to stand on her hind legs and rest her forelegs on his shoulders pulling him closer.

“I love you but darling, we are already on our third day, if we were staying for a month or more I would support you but a week? The school would just make you shave it anyway.”

Cecil sighed as he leaned his head back. He rested a hand on one of her hooves “I know, I just wanted to try.” He turned kissing her cheek and smearing the shaving cream all over her face.

Flurry jerked back as she felt the shaving cream smear on her face. Dropping back down to all four hooves “Cecil.” She whined as she rubbed the cream off her face.

For his part he just laughed but before he could reapply more she got a devilish smile on her face and smeared what was in her hoof on his face. Cecil grabbed the can of shaving cream pouring some in his hand and rubbed it on her face thus the war started with Flurry winning after she pinned her human to the wall with magic and covered his face like she would a cream pie. After that was taken care of she jumped in the shower leaving Cecil to clean his face and finish shaving. He planned to make it fast but Flurry began to sing in the shower and her voice rang like wind chimes in a soft breeze. He barely heard a word as her melody hypnotized him but all that stopped when she poked her head out of the curtain giving him a sly smile.

“It's not polite to eavesdrop Cecil.”

He chuckled finally cleaning the last of the cream off his face and washing it down the drain “Your voice is like a choir of angels singing. Can you really blame me for wanting to listen?”

She gave him a sweet warm smile. “I suppose I can forgive you this time with such a sweet compliment but I would like to shower in private.”

“Alright I’ll leave, just don't take to long….dad is…”

She arched an eyebrow with a knowing smile “Impatiant, impulsive, and narrow minded?”

Cecil stood with his mouth agape trying to think of any comeback. He didn't really expect Flurry to understand how his father worked this quickly but here she was.

“Y-yeah I guess you do know how he is.”

Flurry let a chorus of soft giggles escape her lips as she slowly pulled the curtain back “He's not a hard stallion to figure out, he is just a difficult stallion to deal with. Now off with you I should be done soon but not if you keep distracting me.”

Cecil rolled his eyes as he headed for the door “You are something else you know that?”

“And you love me for all of it.”

He shook his head before stepping out the door and heading downstairs. It wasn't a long wait since Flurry didn't take her usual soaking time and instead washed as quickly as her magic would allow her. After her shower the three headed to the train much to Flurry’s annoyance. She had the power to teleport all three of them but Alex refused to travel any other way but by train. When asked why he only responded with “Bad experience.” That wasn't enough of a reason for Flurry to be happy with, but she respected his wishes and soon they were off. Arriving in Canterlot Flurry finally got her chance to stare at the white marble and granite city with its golden spiral roofs. It was a city of beauty and power just as it was 1000 years ago. Ponies walked or flew through the streets on their daily routine for work or some like mothers with their children bouncing in happiness to explore and hopefully buy a treat or a toy to take home. The city was magical with life and diversity.

Flurry was the first to step off followed by Cecil and finally by Alex. The pink Alicorn stood out like a sore thumb next to the two humans with black flat brim stetsons and brown heavy duty coats. The only difference between their apparel Cecil wore his cowpony boots while Alex wore what he called combat boots. Cecil wore blue jeans while Alex wore black heavy duty cargo pants. Cecil wore a blue and white checkered button down t-shirt tucked into his pants, with a belt, while Alex wore a simple olive green t-shirt. Flurry understood why they wore the coats considering they had no fur. This mountain temperature was even a little cold for Flurry but she had to wonder if their coats were special or if they just liked the style. In any case, it was Ironic to see how much they looked alike, and if Alex’s looks were anything to go off of Flurry hit the jackpot with Cecil when he got older.

The three made their way to the castle letting Flurry lead as the two humans followed behind walking in step with each other. If one didn't know the circumstance they could have easily been mistaken for bodyguards. Reaching the castle gate the guards recognized Alex’s signature coat and stood straight. Since the years REM was formed the guard underwent a cosmetic change. Those that were in the REM program wore different Armor then normal royal guards. Their golden helmets wrapped completely around their muzzle and the decorative plumes were dyed red and only given to officers. That was the part Alex changed. Celestia and Luna changed the body armor design. The chest insignia was left with Celestia's blue star but inside of said star was Luna's eye and that was the only design change made. It was the same for the night guard. The sisters couldn't agree on the back armor so they kept it simple and changed the insignia.

When the guards saw the Princess with Alex they saluted her and opened the gates. She was let through but their spears crossed when Cecil and Alex tried to walk through. Alex glared at one and watched as he visibly started to shake in his knees.

“Let me through.” He ordered in a low dangerous tone of voice.

The guard gulped trying to keep his barring as long as he could “E-even the hero needs an invitation to visit the Princess of Equestria.”

Alex stepped so close to the guard a piece of paper would fill the space between Alex's Chest and the pony's nose.
“I. Said. move.”

Alex demanded as his tone became aggravated. His fists balled while his strong gaze bored holes in the guard's head. Flurry was about to move in but Cecil shot her a look that told her to stay put. The other guard rushed Alex shoving him back with his spear and giving him an equal warning glare back

“This is royal grounds and If you are not permitted to step foot or hoof then you shall be revoked and removed, any resistance will be seen as a threat and dealt with accordingly up to capital punishment!”

The guard lowered his spear ready to fight if necessary. There was a long pause as the guard and Alex stared each other down like two wolves ready to strike. Alex nodded to the guard after a breath holding moment. “Flurry the letter.”

Flurry quickly handed the guard her letter and after reading he nodded to his partner clearing the way. Before Alex stepped through he stopped next to the guard who shoved him.

“I’ll see your promoted.” Turning to the other guard who cowarded at Alex “And you are lucky I don't have you recycled back to boot camp with that pussy exercise. You are a goddamn Marine, Show some fucking grit.”

Flurry furrowed her brow at this display now understanding it was a test. It would have been nice to know that he was testing the guards. Her aggravation didn't stop there. She saw no reason to test them like this other then to waste time, they dealt with the public daily and already had enough to deal with let alone the biggest scare factory to touch Equestria since Nightmare Moon. She walked on with Cecil next to her wearing a concerned look on his face.

“Everything okay?” He whispered to her.

“I hate bullies.” Is all she replied before picking up her hooves and walking a little faster to make distance between Alex.

Cecil knew she was upset and from her perspective, it did look like Alex was bullying the guards but she didn't realize how much the Marines actually looked up to Alex. They were trained to be ruthless and show no fear. Flurry was a princess with a crystal heart on her flank, the complete opposite of Alex. This was supposed to be a nice evening but it was quickly turning into a disaster. The three made it to the main chambers where the regal Twilight sat upon her throne main and tail flowing with an invisible wind as Spike stood guard next to her.

“Welcome, Princess flurry heart and how could I forget you Cecil.”

She talked with a soft motherly warm tone like Celestia she could relax even the tightest wound ponies with her voice. Twilight stepped down from her throne to meet with them face to face. It was strange for Cecil to ever look up to a pony but Twilight stood a whole two heads taller then him. Flurry rushed hugging her aunt tightly as if she hadn't seen her in years.

“It's so good to see you, auntie. How long has it been?”

Twilight softly giggled as she lowered her head to embrace Flurry even more “To long dear niece. I still remember you when you were in diapers crawling around and causing all kinds of mischief and now look at you…”

Twilight pulled back to gaze at Flurry with a proud smile “On your way to becoming a fine schooler.”

Flurry smiled up at Twilight with big proud eyes at twilights words. “Thank you thank you! It's all because of you. Without you showing me how much fun School could be I never would have attempted college.”

Twilight let out a small chuckle as she used a wing to lightly brush Flurry's hair. “I can't take all the credit for that. Even as a young filly you surrounded yourself with books. I simply nudged you to balance books and a social life.” She winked at Flurry “After all books are great but having friends to make your own experiences with is much better. Speaking of Friends I see you brought Cecil.”

Twilight covered the two with a wing and slyly smirked at Flurry “Sooo how is your new coltfriend?”

Flurry blushed a little but smiled proudly as she thought about all the things Cecil meant to her.

“Oh auntie, hes a dream come true. He's hard working, dedicated to his school, and has this big dream that's going to change Equestria for the better. He’s goofy, sweet as apple pie, and not to hard on the eyes.”

Twilight covered her mouth to hold in a laugh. She was glowing with happiness that Flurry found someone who made her melt like this. It was adorable. “I'm glad now then shall we talk with him?”

Flurry nodded with a big smile as the two Alicorns walked over to Cecil had had distracted himself by studying the stained glass windows.

“Cecil, It's been quite some time?” Twilight asked as he slowly turned to face her with a smile of his own.

“You know it, Princess. Hope you ain't well upset that me and Flurry are dating?”

Flurry reeled back a little at the question but Twilight understood his worry completely

“Cecil I have known you since the time of your birth and like my mentor Princess Celestia, I could see the good in your heart and while I did have worry about your father and his methods of raising you, I knew you would turn out to be a fine young man. As for my feelings on your two courtship, I proudly say I am glad you and Flurry are together so long as you make each other happy and stay devoted.”

Cecil smiled ear to ear with his big goofy smile “Thank ya so much Princess, you have no idea how much that means to me. I only want the best for Flurry.”

Twilight smiled seeing an opportunity to teach a lesson

“While that is a noble goal and certainly one to keep in mind especially when you are faced with adversity never forget your thoughts and well being matter as well. Do not suffer just to appease Flurry’s happiness. That will only form a gap in your bond that if not addressed will only grow into resentment and distaste.”

“So what your saying is I don't have to like everything and should speak my mind if it truly bothers me?”

Twilight nodded while Flurry’s gears began to go into overdrive as she went through memories trying to find any moment in time that she might have made him do something that he didn't like and then she remembered the party she dragged him to but that ended in him having a fun time. It was a conflicting moment for the lesson and while she wanted to bring it up she didn't want her aunt to know about her night life just yet.

Twilight looked down at Flurry and it was clear as day to her that Flurry was in her deep thoughts digging up memories. She lightly nudged Flurry with a wing to bring her out of whatever thoughts she was in and looked down at her with a knowing smile. Flurry studied her aunt and realized she had been caught but nothing was said. Twilight knew she had done something like this. She winked at Flurry and focused back to Cecil.

“Come to my bed chambers where we can lounge a little easier and catch up in comfort. I will have my maids bring snacks and drinks.”

Cecil rubbed the back of his head nervously grinning “Sorry to decline but if Barron is here id like to go see him. Gotta give that pompous prick some shit.”

The crude language wasn't thrilling to hear but Twilight was just happy he made it this far without swearing. “Spike, would you mind showing Cecil to the Blueblood wing?”

The purple dragon wearing his red cape carrying his ceremony broadsword gave a small bow with a smile. “Of course twi.”