Magpie’s Reign

Luna wrapped the thin black ribbon around Magpie’s neck before making a small bow and letting the ends hang down. She giggled. “You look adorable!”

“Do I have to go? I thought you said I’d be homeschooled!”

“That was before I realized Solaris would need me more often.” It was something that surprised her. Usually her brother wouldn’t need her for a majority of his duties. But as Vaquita Magpie grew older, Solaris wished for his sister’s company more often.

“But it’s not even the beginning of the school-year! I’ll be behind!”

“I’m sure Miss Cheerilee will make an exception.”

“Ponyville’s so far away, Luna, don’t make me go!” Magpie whined, stepping closer to Luna, hoping his begging would change her mind.

“You’ll be staying with the best ponies there, little cow. Twilight’s a very nice alicorn.”

“From what you told me, she lives in a library.” Magpie huffed.

“So?”

“So she’ll force me to do stupid stuff there! Like—”

“Like what? Read? Organize books?" Luna took a sharp intake of air before releasing it, "Magpie please, just… I can’t keep you by my side all the time. These duties, they’re not for a young colt to listen to.”

“I can handle it!”

“You’re not ready!” she snapped, but seeing Magpie’s shocked expression she sighed, “Trust me, I know. You do not want that life, and I do not want it for you. Please, make it work, for me.”

“Okay…”

“Good, now let’s go.”

As the two walked through Ponyville, the ponies’ eyes fell onto them instantly. Getting worried, Vaquita Magpie walked closer to Luna. Noticing his fear, she lowered her wing to wrap around him. In front of them was the Ponyville Library, which happened to be a massive crystalized castle. Luna sighed and looked down at Magpie.

“You ready?” Magpie only shook his head. Luna smiled before leading him inside. She looked around, “Princess Twilight?”

A loud crash came from one of the rooms. As they quickly scrambled to her attention, Twilight was on the ground with multiple books fallen around her. Luna tried to hold in a laugh as she walked over to assist her upright.

“Haha, thank you, Princess Luna.” Twilight giggled.

“How did you get into that situation, if I may ask?”

“Well, I'm still getting used to these wings.”

“I suppose you need to stretch your wings more often then, Princess.” Luna teased.

Twilight noticed Magpie standing in the doorway, “Oh..! Is this Magpie? He’s a little handsome boy isn’t he?”

“Hah.. he’s–he’s a little nervous, so I’d be careful.”

“He really is a pure Alicorn?”

“I–I’m not sure. No one is.”

Magpie’s eyes darted across the two, “My mother’s an alicorn… why wouldn’t I be?”

Luna and Twilight gave a look to each other, and Luna cleared her throat, “Yes, of course.”

“You never—” Luna gave a stern look to Twilight, causing her to lower her head and remain silent.

“Alright, Solaris requested my appearance at sun-high, so I suppose I better get going. Magpie, be a good boy to Princess Twilight, I’ll see you Saturday.” Luna began making her way out of the room, but the sound of Magpie’s cries kept her still.

“W-what? Saturday? It’s Monday!”

“I’m aware of the day of the week, Magpie. I have already told you that you’d be staying with Twilight, what is there not to understand?”

“You never said I’d only see you for the weekends! Luna please, why do I have to do this?”

“Enough already!” Luna turned around, inhaling sharply before sighing. “I need you to make this work. My duties are far too great to care for you at the same time, that is why royal nannies exist.”

Magpie looked away, not bothering to answer.

“We’ll be fine, Princess Luna. You can count on me to keep him busy and safe!” Twilight smiled, causing Luna to give her a small smile as well before leaving the castle.

But Magpie was less than happy, even though Twilight was doing her best, the young colt wasn’t persuaded by her performance.