Dawn's new day.

“So how bad is it out there around the world Blue?” Celestia had just lowered the sun and now she and Blueblood were catching up over tea and cake.

“It’s not really clear. Most of our more distant allies such as Queen Nova are fine right now but other nations are preparing for some kind of attack. I could have learned more if you hadn’t recalled me early auntie.” Blueblood huffed but wasn’t actually upset with Celestia.

Celestia set a wing over his back and pulled him close. “A potential enemy over a decade away is less my concern than the upcoming events of Equestria. You know it’s only a few years before ‘she’ returns nephew.”

Blueblood hung his head. “I know you’re worried about that, but isn’t that what you’ve got students for?”

Celestia roughly set her teacup down causing Blueblood to pin his ears back. “My students shouldn’t have to take on the weight of my mistakes!”

“And yet if they don’t. Night eternal will be everyponies fate.” Celestia sighed and hung her own head before giving him a nuzzle.

Feeling a hoof on her own she looked back up. “You’re not alone anymore auntie. I’m sure Twilight and Dawn will be more than up to the challenge. Just like how I take care of other tasks.”

“You’re right. Speaking of which when are you going to drop the acting and settle down with a nice mare. Wasn’t there a cute pegasus that caught your eye last year?” Celestia couldn’t help but tease him.

Blueblood huffed. He had had a few wonderful nights with a mare a while back and was still looking for her in Canterlot, when his schedule allowed. “I will drop my act as soon as you find a suitable replacement to take care of the unruly nobles.”

“My poor colt, I doubt that will happen anytime soon.” Celestia looked up at her sister’s moon.

“I know, but you also know why I can’t stop yet.” Blueblood thought about his parents and the nobles that had crushed them financially years ago leading to their deaths. If Celestia hadn’t been kind enough to adopt him he to wouldn’t have made it very far. His birthright as the last of the Platinum line meant he was sought after as a potential stud.

“I know.” They sat in silence for a while. “So what do you think of Imago, Dawn, and Twilight?”

Blue thought about his answer for a few moments. “Imago is good for you. It helps that she has already worked in the castle for so long and her changelings may help with future issues. Twilight seems like a nice filly even if a bit socially awkward. She’s Dawn’s partner yes?”

“Yes the two have already formed a small trial herd even with a few other fillies.” Celestia smiled.

Blue nodded. “As for Dawn it’s impressive enough that he became an alicorn but he also felt mature for a colt his age.”

“Like somepony else I know?” Celestia squeezed him with her wing.

“Exactly. It’s a bit strange.”

“Dawn went through quite a bit already.” Celestia explained the foal-napping incidents as well as a few other things.

“Well, considering all that happened he has held up quite well and should serve as a boon for Equestria.” Celestia was surprised, her Nephew rarely praised other stallions or colts. The last one had been Shining Armor.

“We can only hope. It’s a shame I will have to eventually separate him from Twilight and the others for a time.” Celestia sighed out.

“Same training as Cadence and I?” Blueblood asked.

“Yes. The other leaders will need to meet him so he will have to leave the country for a year or so, after his regular schooling of course.” She rolled her hoof.

“Which conveniently lines up with the thousandth Summer Sun Celebration?” Blueblood raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, very convenient that Equestria will have another alicorn on standby outside of the country during that time.” Celestia looked away from him.

“You know, he might not want to leave without Twilight. Cadence took her ‘Shiny’ along.” Blueblood took the last bite of his cake.

“He will have to. It’s part of why I haven’t told him about my sister’s return or the role Twilight is likely to play despite his status as an alicorn. Very few ponies know what will be happening let alone that I believe Twilight will be involved.” Celestia took a long sip from her lukewarm tea and finished it off.

After a few moments of heavy silence Blueblood knew the conversation was over so bid his aunt goodnight and left her to her thoughts.