The Canterlot Gardens were beautiful, but never more so than this time of year. And in the evenings, after the majority of work for the day had been done, there was nothing Celestia enjoyed more than slipping off to read in the gardens. Nothing matched the silence and tranquility that they offered her. It was such a nice change of pace.

Today she had brought out her first-edition copy of Little Mares, a beautiful coming-of-age tale set during an old, old war. There had been many revisions, but none got it just right like the original text. Normally it wouldn't be safe to expose such an old book to the elements, even on a calm day such as this, but some pony has once remarked that the Princess' protection spells would last forever. Maybe they would; she just didn't want to be around long enough to find out.

A sudden chill ran down Celestia's spine and she immediately turned all her attention to the nearby Discord statue. The statue was still, it was smooth, it was undamaged, but she'd be damned if she hadn't just heard a familiar low chuckle. She had to almost force her attention back on the book. It was in her best interests to ensure that the sealing was undamaged, but that didn't mean she had to enjoy the fiend's presence. As long as he lived, paralyzed or not, there would be a sense of unease in her heart.

With a sigh she realized that, her thoughts so consumed by Discord, she had just reread the same paragraph three times without taking in a word that it said. Statue or not, he was a hazard to her fragile peace. No matter – the sun indicated it was getting late, so she had to put the book up and head inside anyway.

Resiting the temptation to spit on the statue as she passed by, Celestia made it just in time to see the changing of the guard at the front gate. It was a strong indication that it must be dinner time, unless the guards had made a mistake. There was a first time for everything, after all.

Celestia nodded to the fresh guards as she passed through the double doors, only to be greeted herself by a familiar smiling face.

“You look better, sister,” Luna remarked kindly.

“Only the best for my younger sister,” Celestia replied in kind, “When did you arrive? I would have loved to talk to you.”

“Well, when their vixen leader bade me to leave, I can assure you that I returned as swiftly as I was able. But by the time I had made it home you were already in your laboratory, and I used the chance to catch up on my strategic – why are you grinning like a wolf?”

“Vixen?” Celestia mused, “The word has more meanings now, you know.”

Luna gave her a quizzical look, but wisely did not pry further. She knew better than to try to wrestle the answer from her older sister when she was speaking in riddles.

“Anyway,” Luna continued, “I simply didn't want to be a bother.”

Celestia nuzzled her sister's neck fondly before telling her, “You're never a bother, Luna, remember that. Now come, we're not being very good hosts to leave our guests waiting like this.”

Dinner was always a spectacle at the castle. The Archbishop of Canterberry had thankfully declined the offer to return to dinner, but every spot was filled regardless. Celestia took her seat at the head of the table near the exit while Luna made the long trek to the other end near the door to the kitchen. If she squinted from where she sat, she could barely make out her elder sister across the table. Well, at least her food was still warm when it reached her.

Celestia herself was seated between the visiting mayor of Fillydelphia and Cloud Nine. Legislators didn't normally attend dinner; he was one of the few exceptions. He was a joy to be around too, and Celestia counted herself lucky to get a seat next to him. It was truly a shame that there was a visiting mayor nearby she needed to talk to as well.

“The rat catchers are always so busy this time of year,” the mayor said, “Everypony's pushing me to put a price limit on what they can charge for their services.”

Celestia just politely nodded to everything she said. It was easy enough to ignore. Especially when her assistants would insist on bringing her work in the middle of dinner. She would glance over at the scrolls they brought, occasionally grunting out a reply, and then once or twice writing a quick response if it was urgent. Nopony thought anything of it; they knew how busy she was.

She had just gotten a chance to ask Cloud Nine about his wife's pregnancy when another letter arrived. Her heart leaped at the sight of her sister's familiar scribble. What took you so long? she wondered. Reading it almost brought a smile to the princess' face.

Casting a glance across the table where her sister was squinting at her from, Celestia gave a devilish little grin and began writing her reply. The assistant didn't hesitate when she gave him the note, but headed straight around the table towards Luna. Sometimes the new assistants needed to be clued in to the rules of their little game, but he was clearly well-informed. Somewhere in the background, the mayor was complaining about how it's always sunny in Fillydelphia, but Celestia wasn't listening.

Luna opened the letter with haste, not slowed by having to stop and talk to those around her. She raised an eyebrow at Celestia when she had read the note, but smiled and began composing her next message.

This continued for a while. Some of these visiting ponies were probably smart enough to figure out what really went on between the two of them during dinner, but, if so, they said nothing and let the two have their fun. It was a small thrill, to be passing notes like schoolfillies under a teacher's gaze, but it was one they enjoyed.

The mayor continued rambling, “…and I just don't know how you can take it without going grey!”

Celestia gave her a soft pat on the back with her wing. “It's going to be alright,” Celestia told her kindly, “You're a strong pony. The residents of Fillydelphia know this and they wouldn't have elected you if you couldn't handle it.”

“You're too kind,” the mayor replied, clearly touched. Celestia only responded with a warm smile. She could do without the day-to-day workings of her own kingdom, but providing comfort was something she'd spend a thousand lifetimes to enjoy.

The next scroll was actual business, and as usual she gave it only the briefest glances, but the note after that was from her sister. Trying not to look to eager, she delicately opened the scroll and read the first line.

Doesn't the senator's mane look like a toupee?

Celestia snorted and burst out laughing. Everypony turned to look at her, surprised and worried. Calming down, she blushed and gave them a small, “sorry.” They returned to their meals and conversations, while Celestia took the chance to look back at her sister. Luna was struggling not to laugh herself. There was a twinkle of elation in her eye.

Author's Note

Not much to say. This is the shortest chapter yet, and I still almost didn't get it finished in time.

Anyway, tomorrow is Good Friday, whatever that means*, and in celebration of the "holiday", I'm going to go ahead and upload the final chapter tomorrow. Think of it as an early Easter present. Or not. I don't know what you celebrate.

*Yes, I'm being facetious