Dawn's new day.

Cadence was nervous. Her aunt had finally given her a solo assignment, her first, and it just happened to be a big one. She was currently in Ponyville this morning along with her guards and Shining to speak with Lyra, Dawn, and his family in more detail about the recent incident.

"Deep breath Candy." Shining momentarily broke rank to whisper in her ear.

She did just that as he got back into formation as they approached their first stop. When she knocked on the door a young Earth Pony mare opened the door and quickly saluted after recognizing the guests. "Mam, something I can do for you?"

"At ease Sweetie Drops. I'm here to speak to Lyra." Luckily for both of them Lyra was still asleep so cover had been maintaned. Cadence stepped inside and left every guard except Shining outside. Shining, Drops and herself were more than enough for most situations.

It took some time but Lyra eventually came downstairs after Bon Bon had gone up to wake her. Lyra's eyes went wide and she bowed after she noticed Cadence upon reaching the first floor. Bon Bon was right next to her playing her part. "Pri-princess what can we do for you this morning."

"Rise my little ponies." She had to keep herself from giggling when using her aunt's line. "I'm here to talk about recent events. so please sit." Lyra and Bon Bon both took up spots on the floor setting on the guest cushions.

Once everyone was comfortable Cadence continued. "Lyra. You have been through much and the crown would like you to tell us exactly what happened with your parents and Dawn's grandparents."

"I don't blame Dawn your majesty!" Lyra practically yelled. She had worried his family would get in trouble even though they were not all bad.

"I know, however, you were bought by his grandparents and forced into his herd when your parents… sold you. While it was technically legal due to it containing signatures of both your parents and his house's matriarch, the paperwork in question has recently been annulled after your parents were found unfit as guardians." Cadence was a bit intrigued when Lyra looked downcast at the news. Shifting her vision, she could see a string leading from the filly towards Sweet Apple Acers, almost matching the one connecting her and Bon Bon yet shrouded to its owner.

"So I'm no longer in his herd? What do I do about school then? I don't want to end up in foster care." Lyra began to get upset before Bon Bon hugged her. Cadence shifted her vision back to normal.

"Not to worry. You will still have your full scholarship as well as a new stipend, due to what happened, for your living expenses. During holidays you will live with ~~Swe~~-Bon Bon while the dorms are closed." Cadence placated. "Now then. How about we get started as the sooner we do the sooner I can get out of your mane. Shining Armor please start taking notes."

He nodded and began writing everything that was said from that point on using a quill in his pink magic.

Cadence finally let her tears fall freely once their group was outside of town. "That was awful Shining. How could any parent treat their filly like that." They had stopped at a small park while one of the guards went to buy them all lunch. The interview hadn't actually taken that long but to her heart it felt like it dragged on forever.

"Honestly, I don't know Cadence. As a guard we are trained to expect stuff like this but hearing it first hoof is much different." He hugged his mare while the other guards looked away respectfully. Their relationship was a public secret at this point with the palace staff. "At least her ordeal is over now."

"Shiny, we need to make sure Twilight raises Spike correctly." Cadence said with a determined look then rested her head back on his withers. She was glad she had taken Dawn’s advice and finally told Shining about her wings and being a princess. It was nice to have somepony she could be honest with. Not only that but in that moment they had shared a soulmate song, undeniably binding them together though unable, to officially marry just yet.

“She’s already doing a great job Candy.” Shining nuzzled her.

The two sat in silence after that until the food arrived. Once finished they went over their notes again for a bit before they decided it was time to move on to Dawn's family.

I was bored. Mac and Granny are busy with chores. Dam is at town hall doing some accounting work for the town and the farm. Forest mom is preforming her Weather Captain duties. Applejack and Unfettered are at school since it starts a few days before CSGU does. Pear mom is in town with Bloom running the farm stall and all that’s left is me alone with out much to do.

"Bored." I called out again while laying on the porch swing.

"Then perhaps I can change that." My ears perked up at the familiar voice. "Good to see you again Dawn." I sat up and smiled.

"Cadence what are you doing here?" I ran over to her and hugged her, “Also did you know your wings are out?” both my actions and statement surprised her guards. “Does that mean you told them?”

She moved a bit so I could see Shining. "Yes, everypony knows now. There was a small puplic announcement while you were captured though I told Shining sooner. Sadly I am here on official business so we have to catch up later, is your family around?" I explained where they all were as she idly stroked my mane. Sometimes it's nice to be small.

Cadence Relayed orders to her guards to go collect who was needed. "Well since we need to wait looks like we’d have time to catch up. How have you been Dawn?" She smiled down at me. And sometimes it’s not.

“I’m doing fine all things considered.” Cadence’s ears flicked and she gave me a questioning look. “Really. They treated me fine considering I played along. I didn’t like it though.”

“Oh?” Cadence just let me talk.

“Well who would? They were bad ponies who thought unicorns are the best. I mean sure we have cool magic but Pegasus can fly and change the weather like mom and earth ponies are strong and have their own magic like my new family.” I threw my forelegs up to emphasize my point. “My grandparents are just bad ponies.”

“Got that right sport.” Mom just landed and I ran over to her for a hug. “Nice to meet you princess.” Mom gave her a respectful nod.

“Please just Cadence is fine. Now that you’re here we can officially begin.” Cadence said and we lead them all inside.

My dam and Unfettered showed up a bit later and Cadence interviewed us one by one. The whole process lasted about until dinner and left everypony a bit exhausted.

“Well I think I have everything we need for now.” Cadence stood up and stretched.

“When will the trial be.” Morning Dew asked as she hugged me between her forelegs.

“My aunt hasn’t decided yet. She wants to have enough evidence to make sure everything goes smoothly.” Cadence lowered her head. “Soon though.”

With that she and her guard left. Forest gave Dew a hug. “See it will be over soon love.”

“That colt is something else.” Shining spoke up with a flippant tone after they and the guards boarded the royal train car. The couple was left alone in a private compartment.

“Shiny!” Cadence cuffed him with a wing as they sat down.

“What,” he rubbed his neck where she hit. “He is, first he sees through your disguise and how he responds to all this. He isn’t normal.”

Cadence raised an eyebrow and gave a smug response. “The same could be said about Twilight. She did hatch a dormant dragon’s egg and turn your parents into houseplants. Her personality isn’t exactly stable either.” She hummed.

He opened and closed his mouth a few times. “Huh, I guess that’s not wrong. Just strange to see it from the other side.”

Cadence relaxed and snuggled up with him on the bench. “See, not easy dealing with a unique foal that’s not family, is it?”

They both laughed as the train got moving and then switched topics.

“What did you think about Unfettered?” Cadence’s voice dropped a bit. “What she went through hasn’t been heard of in Equestria for hundreds of years.”

Shining’s eyes hardened. “Aside from her captors I plan to send a squad to hunt down whoever made her collar. It’s unfortunate it was already destroyed so we can’t use it to track down whoever it was.” He hit his hooves together.

Cadence squeezed him with a wing. “At least she now has ponies who care for her. We do need to get her official paperwork sent to her as well for citizenship.” It had been another thing she took care of during the interview.

“I’ll make sure of it.” Shining nodded. The two began to nod off after that as the train rolled onto Canterlot. They both had an emotional day.