Aura of Burning Protection

“Wakey, Wakey Burn” A melodic voice echoed through his room.

Burning yawned as he was awakened “Huh? Who is it?” He groggily opened his to see the caramel colored unicorn mare Glitter Shine standing by the doorway.

She smiled “It’s almost dawn and we’re both wanted by Steel in the Great Hall, something about your new job and the princess” Glitter studied him “Bad dreams?”

“Just ahhh...I guess you could say that, ghosts from my past but never mind that, I’ll be ready in five minutes shine” He informed her

There was a solemn look of Glitter’s face “ I’m free tonight and I know you are too, so we are going to have a talk okay? Whether you like it or not, anyway I’ll meet you in the hall” She smiled after she closed the door, tonight is the night she would make him spill his secrets about his family and former life. She giggled as she headed to the Great Hall.

“No I’ll be…” He started before the door shutting interrupted him “Ahhh great. This again what is with her and my past? Well I best get ready and get to the Great Hall”

Princess Aurora sat silently as her son joyfully ate his breakfast, he was up before dawn like usual. The rumors about the changelings had come to her attention. She did not mind that they could be out in the tundra, however the danger they presented to her young son had sent chills down her spine and put her on edge.  So much so, that she had requested a personal guard for his protection and today was the day that both he and she would meet the candidate.  Aurora couldn’t tell if her son was nervous or not, the only ponies that he had met were herself, her husband, his personal cook and Captain Glacial Steel.

“Mum?” Squeaked a voice which burst her bubble of thought “Mum, are you okay?” Only now did she realise that her son was looking at her with a worried look on his face.

“I’m fine” she replied as she adjusted her gaze from the door way to the powder blue colt “Are you finished eating yet?”

“Yup I finished a while ago but you didn’t say anything and were thinking so I didn’t interrupt you” The small colt stated

This sentiment brought a smile to the face of the princess’ worried expression “are you ready to meet your guardian?” she asked

“Do I have to?” he said as he pouted “What if they’re mean and don’t let me play and have fun?”

Aurora giggled at his antics “I’m sure they will be nice, now let’s go get you all cleaned up and ready they will be here soon”

“Aww okay then” he said as he followed his mother out of the room

Moments later several hungry guard ponies burst into the hall to enjoy their breakfasts themselves.

Burning entered the Great Hall and was immediately waved over by Glitter Shine who was enjoying her breakfast however stopped and started giggling as soon as he entered “Hiya Burn”

“Morning Shine” He replied slightly confused “Mind telling me what’s so funny?”

“Well you see” She proceeded to reach out and ruffle his mane “Somepony forgot to brush his mane this morning and they’re going to meet the princess” She giggled again “ And Captain Steel made somepony your partner on prince duty”

Burning attempted to straighten his name “Is it really that bad? A partner? It’s you isn’t it? You knew from the beginning didn’t you?”

“Yes” She managed to get out before breaking into hysterics.

“Hey, calm down it can’t be that bad” Shakes his mane in an attempt to straighten it “Can it? Stop laughing, come Glitter knock it off”

“Okay, okay, breathe Glitter breathe, it really is Burn” She replied calming down slowly still snickering now and then

“Well I best be back to my room to fix it all up then” He said starting to trot off

“I don’t think so” Glitter giggled using her magic to drag him back “stay still pretty boy” she teased

“Hey, I’m not a pretty boy” Burn grumbled

“Ohh you will be soon” she said as she levitated a comb and started combing his mane “Gotta make you all pretty for the princess” she teased

“That would be much appreciated Glitter Shine” came a voice as warming as a fire as a fire on snowy winters night and as sweet as cider. Both Burning and Glitter looked to where the voice had come from, only to be awed by the sight of Princess Aurora.

“Princess Aurora?” Stuttered Burning, before he and Glitter bowed in unison “Please excuse our uncouth behaviour your majesty and my uncombed mane”

“Please rise both of you and Burning it doesn’t look that bad” She said holding back laughter from his partially combed mane.

As both he and Glitter rose Aurora said “It is an honor to meet the ponies that will guard my son and keep him from harm”

“Both I and Burning are honored by the opportunity your majesty, aren’t we Burning?” Glitter asked. Burning at this point did not hear a single word from Glitter as he was lost in the Princess’ mane. It was like the night sky and when the wind caught it there seemed to be an aurora rippling across her mane.

“BURN” Glitter Asked louder

“Ahh? What? I’m sorry I zoned out for a moment there” Burn replied blushing. Aurora giggled at the sight of the flustered pegasus as she knew exactly what happened.

“I said we are honored to serve her son, aren’t we?” Glitter asked clearly annoyed

“Yes we are greatly honored your majesty” Burn replied, he could tell that Glitter was annoyed at him

“Well” Aurora chuckled “At least I can see your both not mindless military drones and that makes me feel that he is safer with you two” She smiled causing Burn to blush even deeper “however I must now take my leave and check on my son”

“Of course your majesty” Glitter said while owing to her

“We will see you later to meet your son” Burning added

After Princess Aurora left the room Glitter glared at Burn “What was that about?”

“Ahhh” Burn blushed “Her mane is hypnotizing and beautiful”

“Of course you compliment the princess” She icily replied

“Are you jealous?” Burn asked curiously

“Of her no way” She replied hiding her face from Burn

“Awwww Glitz is jealous” He teased

“AM NOT OKAY?” She replied angrily “Now sit down and let me comb your mane”

“No I think I would be safer doing it myself” Burn said slowly edging away

“Come back here” She demanded before tackling him

“Hey get off me” Burn said while struggling to get up

“Nope” she said while using magic to place him in a chair “I have to make you pretty” She teased smiling

“Oh great” Burn teased “I’ll be… Owww watch it”

“Sorry” she giggled and continued to comb his mane.