Canterlot's Hydra

My heads were leaning outside the window of my room in the castle. The cool wind eased my nerves ever so slightly, and I found it easier to think.

I had never heard of a pony growing multiple heads; maybe it was in the show and I don't remember it? I couldn't be sure. Should've tried to bring a phone or something with me... but then, I'd risk it being found. I wouldn't want anyone else to know that this is all just a TV show.

While contemplating, a knock came to my door. Metal on wood again, but... floatier?

"C-" I inhaled sharply, "Come in."

The door glowed yellow and in walked Princess Celestia. Wearing her regal smile, just as bright as always.

"Aurum, I hate to intrude on you so early, but there was something I needed to discuss with you." The Princess said, watching me tightly as I got out of the window sill and closed it with my magic.

"Yes, Princess?" I tried not to panic, but could feel my heart beating faster. Did she know? I've been keeping my extra head hidden, it's still singing, there's no way she could know!

"The other day, you and your guard went to one of the bars near the lower ring," She didn't seem upset, or like she knew about my second head, "I heard that you had quite a lot to drink."

The Princess moved closer to me, her eyes locked onto mine,"I... Yes.. I had a lot to drink... I'm sorry, I'll not do it again." I lowed my head repentantly.

Her wing moved to surround me, bumping into my extra head before it got out of the way. She didn't notice. "Don't be, you're young, you should be allowed to drink when you wish," Her smile faded as she asked, "How were you able to drink so much, though? A stallion of your size shouldn't have been able to drink even half of what you drank."

Both of my heads hung lower, shame welled up from inside of me. "I had... practice?" I couldn't move my eyes from the cream colored carpet.

"Practice?" Celestia repeated. Her wings lowered from around me, "What do you mean, practice?"

She didn`t sound angry, but she did sound... somewhat concerned. Celestia's eyes were narrowed in thought, and from her reaction I could tell she suspected something from me.

I struggled to find the right words, "I'm not sure if Equestria..." I looked around the carpet sheepishly, "...has the words for it. But I'm an... a-alcoholic."

Celestia didn't seem upset, she almost seemed relaxed.

Her voice sounded relieved. She clearly expected something far worse. "Oh, thank the stars," She said. She placed a hoof on my shoulder, "I thought you were hiding something far more terrible, like a drug addiction."

I was immediately floored, "What?" I responded, looking up at her, concerned at her reaction.

"It's alright if you want to drink, Aurum." She said, earning a repeated response.

"What?" I shrunk back from her.

Celestia looked at me, and I could see warmth in her eyes.

"It's normal..." Celestia began. Her tone sounded more and more comforting the more she spoke, "...for ponies to have vices. Everypony has something they use to relieve stress. Whether it's an interest... or a drink," She smiled reassuringly, "There's nothing wrong with you enjoying yourself."

I was speechless, how could I react to this?

"In fact, I've arranged to have a fridge placed here in your room. You'll be supplied regular deliveries of your favorite alcohol." Celestia spoke, a more eager tone replacing the warmth she once had.

I must be dreaming, "This... this must be a mistake, this can't be real." I sat down and held my head in my hooves.

Celestia placed a hoof on my back, "Aurum, it's alright. I know how much you enjoy drinking, and you have every right to. I'll have my best ponies make arrangements for you to be supplied. There's nothing wrong with having vices, even princesses do," She chuckled, "In fact, Luna has a taste for dark chocolate, and I'm not sure what I'd do if I didn't get my daily cake quota."

"Those aren't the same thing. That's just sugar and sweets, this though, this is alcohol. Alcohol isn't harmless, it impairs the mind of the drinker and can lead to harmful health issues later down the line!"

She chuckled at my warning as a tall white fridge was wheeled into my room. Standing up, she trotted over to the fridge as the movers placed the appliance to the side of my room and departed.

"You worry too much." She said, her voice sounded almost like she was teasing me as she opened the fridge. The inside was lined with rows upon rows of many different forms of alcohol. I could feel the temptation creeping in again.

This can't be real... but I could use a drink.

"You can't be serious, that's... that's way more than I drank yesterday." I said loudly, alarmed at the quantity of alcohol now at my disposal.

Celestia closed the fridge before turning to me. Her expression was more serious this time.

"Aurum, you don't have to drink all of this in one day. You can take it at your own pace, whatever feels comfortable to you. You have my permission to drink as much as you want."

I was given the green light, and my mind struggled to think of reasons not to. The prospect of alcohol proving too much for me to deny.

"I... Y-yes, Princess. I promise to drink responsibly." I was lying to myself.

Celestia smiled again, her face returned to its relaxed and cheerful appearance.

"Good, I'm glad." She stated. Before moving back towards the door, she added, "And please, just call me Celestia. There's no need for the formality between us."

The worst possible circumstances have brought me to where I secretly wanted to be, on a first name basis with Princess Celestia, "Yes, Celestia... and... thanks."

Celestia beamed at me, clearly proud at my response, "You're very welcome, dear."

After that, she made her way to the door, "I'll leave you now. I know you're probably excited to start drinking. If you ever need anything, my door is always open."

Before I could respond, she was already back outside, and the door was closed behind her. I opened the fridge back up and took in the sights that would occupy my next few nights.

What a beautiful world.