Author's Note

It appears I owe an explanation for my lack of updates to this story.

That being I underwent surgery about 2 weeks ago, vomitted quite a lot, was sent back to the hospital, and promptly ended up being drugged beyond belief by doctors and nurses.

As such, I apologize and I promise I will try and make as many updates as I possibly can to this story in the following days and weeks.

I tip my hat to you, my readers, and hope you enjoy this next chapter!

Chapter 16

20th of June, 1007 ALB (1962 AD)
11:45 Hours
Imperial Britain, London
Buckingham Palace, Queen’s Study

The study was tastefully adorned, a subdued elegance befitting the Queen’s private hours. The air carried the faint scent of polished wood and old parchment, mingled with the lingering aroma of Earl Grey tea. Seated at her desk was Queen Elizabeth, head tilted slightly as she scanned the substantial list of diplomatic invitations sprawled before her. Beside her, standing with a clipboard clutched like a shield against the madness of bureaucracy, was Michael Edward Adeane, her private secretary.

"Well, Michael," Elizabeth began, her voice as measured as her posture, "what’s the tally now?"

Michael gave her a glance that bordered on exasperated disbelief. "Tally, Your Majesty? The tally suggests the entire planet has suddenly become obsessed with tea and biscuits." He picked up a letter from the pile and waved it dramatically. "The River Republic, for instance. Again. Another letter. They've sent five this week! Five!" He tossed the paper back down, its crispness cracking like a whip.

Elizabeth allowed herself a small chuckle. "Surely, it's a sign of goodwill. They’re excited about our—well, my—tour."

"Goodwill, Your Majesty?" Michael raised a brow so sharp it could cut steel. "It’s less goodwill and more naked desperation. Half of these nations want into the League of Nations, the other half want nothing more than to avoid being on Mr. Churchill's ever-growing list of targets for the Imperial steamroller." He muttered, "I suspect they’ve all read the Maregypt reports. Who hasn’t? Even the pigeons at Trafalgar Square are whispering about gas shells and ‘livewire.’"

Elizabeth gave him a pointed look, but it was softened by a faint smile. "Michael, please. Not so grim. It’s diplomacy, not war."

Michael sighed, placing his palms on the desk. "Forgive me, Ma’am, but after twenty-two years of correspondence, I’ve learned that diplomacy is merely the polite prelude to someone asking for either money or troops. Sometimes both." He straightened up, retrieving another letter. "The Griffonian Empire, for example. That one’s an easy choice, I’d wager. Kaiser Grover V owes his life to the House of Habsburg, and his Empire is the only one on this blasted planet that isn’t pestering us about 'anti-colonial atrocities' or holding riots outside embassies."

Elizabeth nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "Yes, I’ve heard Grover—the young one—has taken quite a liking to playing with Otto’s children."

"Indeed," Michael replied. "If we establish closer ties with the Griffonians, I suspect we’ll also solidify alliances with the Wingbardians and the Herzland states. Besides," he added with a smirk, "they have manners. Old-fashioned, perhaps, but manners nonetheless. The same cannot be said of the River Republic, whose letters reek of carrot stains and revolutionary ideals."

Elizabeth stifled a laugh. "Michael."

"No offense to revolutionary carrots, Your Majesty." Michael picked up another letter. "Ah, Wingbardy. Another straightforward invitation. Their King is desperate for Britain to endorse the nation’s entrance into the Leauge. He emphasies the friendship and treaty of non-belligerence we signed with them via the late Queen. Naturally, he wishes to maintain this friendship."

Elizabeth tilted her head slightly. "Do you think Wingbardy is worth our time?"

Michael tapped the letter against the desk. "Worth our time? No. But worth our presence? Yes. Better to keep an eye on them than let them embarrass themselves and drag us into some hideous griffon-on-pony disaster."

Elizabeth nodded slowly, her hand resting on the next letter. She hesitated, her expression softening as she spoke. "And what of Equestria? Princess Twilight’s letter seemed genuine. She even thanked us for supporting the Crystal Empire’s relief efforts we permitted in Maregypt."

Michael groaned quietly, leaning back in his chair. "Ah, yes. The idealistic unicorn with wings. I’m sure her letter was positively dripping with gratitude and moral superiority." He glanced at Elizabeth’s raised brow and quickly added, "But of course, Your Majesty, it’s only natural that we acknowledge her. Especially since her Crystal Empire has been rather generous. Free aid and not a single sanctimonious lecture? A rarity these days."

Elizabeth folded her hands in her lap. "Michael, I don’t think we should dismiss her sincerity. Relations with Equestria are important, especially as the Federated States of Europe is bored with them on Equus. I daresay, we’re cultural neighbours, in a sense."

"Neighbors, Ma’am?" Michael muttered under his breath. "The sort of neighbors who’d invite you over to tea just to make sure you’re not stealing their carrots." He sighed, his voice sharpening again. "Equestria’s invitation does make sense, though. If we turn them down, we risk souring relations with a nation that, frankly, has far too many eyes on us already. Let’s not forget, their Princess has been reading every IBC report about Maregypt, I’m sure."

Elizabeth frowned slightly. "And do you think she’ll bring it up?"

Michael gave her a withering look. "Oh, undoubtedly. I can already hear the passive-aggressive moralizing. ‘Oh, Your Majesty, how lovely your hat is today. By the way, is it true your soldiers invented a disease that eats through fur?’" He clucked his tongue. "It’ll be a delightful afternoon, I’m sure."

Elizabeth sighed, but her smile lingered. "Michael, we’ve dealt with worse."

"Indeed, Ma’am," Michael replied dryly. "But worse usually involved champagne and fewer lectures on ethics."

Elizabeth leaned forward, her voice taking on a firmer tone. "Michael, I want this tour to be about building bridges. Yes, the world is watching us, and yes, there’s plenty of criticism. But that’s all the more reason to extend a hand—even to those who may scold us."

Michael pursed his lips, reluctantly nodding. "Very well, Your Majesty. The Griffonian Empire first, then Wingbardy, after that we go Europe, and then finally Equestria. Do I have that correct?”

The Queen nodded.

“A balanced itinerary, then. I’ll inform the Foreign Office and prepare the necessary correspondence." He stood, gathering the letters with a sigh as he bowed his head.

Elizabeth chuckled softly. "Thank you, Michael."

As her secretary left, muttering something about 'winged unicorns and self-righteous speeches,' Elizabeth leaned back in her chair, her eyes drifting to the window overlooking the palace gardens. The weight of the Crown was heavier now than it had ever been, but she resolved to carry it with grace—even if it meant sipping tea with a moralizing alicorn.

21st of June, 1007 ALB (1962 AD)
13:20 Hours
Princessdom of Equestria, Canterlot
Canterlot Castle, Lounging Room

The lounge room was an elegant yet comfortable space, adorned with tapestries of Equestria's greatest achievements and a roaring fire in the hearth. Celestia sat on a chaise longue, her golden regalia glinting softly in the firelight, her expression a careful mask of calm. Beside her, Luna sat upright, her darker features illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight streaming through the window. Across from them, Prince Blueblood reclined on a velvet chair, his posture a picture of disdainful boredom.

The door burst open with a jarring thud, and in came Twilight Sparkle, her face lit with the sort of glee typically reserved for discovering a new spell or being praised by Celestia herself. A thick envelope from the Foreign Office floated beside her in her magical grasp.

"I have fantastic news!" Twilight beamed, trotting to the center of the room.

Celestia raised a brow but said nothing, waiting for Twilight to spill her excitement. Luna tilted her head, curious. Blueblood merely sighed and waved a hoof in exaggerated disinterest.

"Britain has accepted our invitation!" Twilight announced, almost hopping in place. "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth herself will be visiting Equestria as part of her diplomatic tour!"

For a moment, the room was silent. Celestia’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Luna blinked, her features betraying a mixture of intrigue and concern. Blueblood’s reaction was less subtle.

"Why in Equestria would we want to host those warmongering apes in the first place?" Blueblood scoffed, his tone dripping with contempt. "Let them enjoy their massacres and their colonies. What possible benefit could their visit bring us?"

Twilight’s enthusiasm faltered as she glared at Blueblood. "Benefit? How about not antagonizing the most advanced and militarized nation we’ve ever encountered, Blueblood? Or maybe the chance to build a relationship that could secure our place in the League of Nations and help defend us against, oh, I don’t know, the Changeling Kingdom right on our border?"

Blueblood rolled his eyes. "Please, Twilight. You’re overreacting. No self-respecting nation would ally with those barbarians. They poison their enemies, destroy entire cities, and crush their colonies under iron hooves—or boots, as they call them. They’re little better than the Russians, if you ask me."

"Well, no one asked you," Twilight snapped, her tone uncharacteristically sharp.

Celestia raised a hoof, silencing the budding argument. Her voice was calm but carried a distinct edge. "Enough. Twilight, while I admire your enthusiasm, I must admit I share some of Blueblood’s... reservations."

Twilight looked at Celestia, startled. "You do?"

Celestia sighed, her composure slipping just enough to reveal a hint of bitterness. "Twilight, I was present at the signing of the Canterlot Accords. I saw the way their diplomats treated the ponies of Stalliongrad. Pragmatic, yes, but their complete disregard for compassion, for harmony, was appalling. And now their actions in Maregypt only reinforce my concerns. Entire villages eradicated, an entire people subjugated for resources. It’s hard to welcome a nation whose values are so... alien to ours."

"But, Princess," Twilight interjected, her voice earnest, "we can’t afford to alienate them either. Yes, their actions are terrible, but they’re also powerful—too powerful to ignore. If we shun them, we risk being isolated, maybe even targeted. Besides, this could be our chance to influence them, to show them there’s another way."

Luna nodded slowly. "Twilight speaks wisely, sister. While I, too, find their methods abhorrent, I see the value in diplomacy. The humans respect strength and strategy. By forging a relationship, we position ourselves as equals, not adversaries." She paused, her gaze thoughtful. "And we do have the Changelings to consider. A single alliance with Britain could dissuade Queen Chrysalis from testing our borders."

Celestia frowned but gave a slight nod, acknowledging Luna’s point.

Twilight seized the opportunity, looking at all three of them. "Exactly! We don’t have to like what they’ve done, but we need to show them that Equestria is strong and worthy of respect. And for that to happen, we need to be on our best behavior. All of us." Her gaze lingered pointedly on Blueblood.

Blueblood let out an exaggerated groan. "Oh, spare me the lecture, Twilight. I wasn’t the one who invited them in the first place."

Twilight’s ears folded back, a sheepish smile replacing her earlier frustration. "Well, actually... that was me."

Celestia blinked, her brow furrowing in surprise. "You sent the invitation? Without consulting me?"

Twilight’s cheeks turned pink, and she scuffed a hoof against the floor. "I... may have used my authority as a princess. But only because I thought it was the right thing to do! And... it worked?"

Celestia sighed deeply, closing her eyes for a moment before responding. "Twilight, you acted without informing me, but you are a princess, and your judgment is sound." She opened her eyes and looked at Twilight with a mixture of sternness and understanding. "I just hope you’re prepared for what this visit will entail. The humans are not like us. Their world is built on conquest and pragmatism, not harmony and friendship."

Twilight straightened her posture, determination shining in her eyes. "I’ve done my research, Princess. I know what we’re dealing with. But I also know that we can’t let our differences stop us from trying to build a better future."

Luna smiled faintly. "You have grown wise, Twilight Sparkle. Let us hope your optimism is not misplaced."

Blueblood snorted, crossing his forelegs. "Fine. I’ll hold my tongue about Maregypt. But if they start lecturing us about governance or technology, don’t expect me to sit there and nod like a trained monkey."

"Thank you, Blueblood," Twilight said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Your restraint is truly an inspiration."

Celestia stood, her regality returning in full force. "Then it’s settled. We will host Queen Elizabeth with all the grace and dignity Equestria is known for. But Twilight, I trust you to take the lead on this. After all, it was your idea."

Twilight nodded eagerly, her confidence restored. "I won’t let you down, Princess."

As the meeting adjourned, Twilight felt a mix of relief and anticipation. The visit from the British Queen was not just a diplomatic gesture—it was a chance to secure Equestria’s future in a world that was rapidly changing. Whether the humans could be allies or simply a force to appease remained to be seen. But one thing was certain: the stakes had never been higher.