Solemnity

The last rays of the sun were just dipping below the edge of the hills when the coronation parade returned to Canterlot. Twilight Sparkle plodded up the stairs, her new wings hanging limp by her sides and her dress rather dirtier than it had been a few hours before. Pinkie Pie had really gone all out with that party; half of Equestria must have been there! Rarity had been overjoyed to see all of this season’s Canterlot fashion, and had talked Twilight’s ear off about her dress and those of the princesses. Twilight still couldn’t see how the width and color of Princess Celestia’s sash had disturbed Rarity enough that it warranted fifteen minutes’ discussion, but she had humored the fashion-conscious unicorn.

She stepped inside as the double doors of the palace entrance closed silently behind her, cushioned by her magic. It was quiet inside, though she could still hear the faint echoes of celebration in the street outside.

“Princess?” There was no response. “Are you there? Is anyone home?” A murmur came from a room upstairs. “Princess?” Twilight trotted up the curving staircase and entered a small parlor, from which she could see light coming from the crack under the door. She looked around and spotted a something white curled up on a cushion.

“Princess Celestia?” At the sound of her name the princess raised her head.

“Twilight?” The mare looked startled. “I didn’t think you would be back so early! Is something wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong. I was just a little tired, that’s all.”

“Well, it certainly has been a long day. You should probably go to bed.”

“Princess, is something wrong?” This didn’t sound like Celestia at all.

“No. Nothing’s wrong. Why would anything be wrong? You’re probably just tired and starting to imagine things. Did you drink anything at the party? Maybe there was something in the punch. You should go sleep it off. I’m about to go to bed myself.” Celestia pushed herself to her feet, but fell back against the pillows with a gasp as she tried to take a step.

“Princess!” Twilight surged forward to help the older mare, but Celestia waved her away.

“I’m… fine. Just need to… catch my… breath. There.”

“You’re not fine! What’s wrong?” Twilight stared at Celestia, who shifted away from her, curled protectively around herself. Even that small movement made the alicorn wince, and now that Twilight was closer she could see why. Although Celestia had shed the formal gown she had worn for the coronation, the wide white sash that had Rarity so worked up was still wrapped around her waist. It seemed less a sash than a bandage, and at a spot on the princess’s side Twilight saw something deeply disturbing.

“Princess, is that… blood?”

A nod was Celestia’s only response.

“What happened? Wait, never mind that now, we need a doctor. I’ll go find someone. Oh, I don’t know what to do! This has never happened to me before!” Twilight quickly descended into panic before making up her mind. “I’ll find Princess Luna. She’ll know what to do.”

“No.” Celestia’s voice was quiet but firm. “Luna cannot know.”

“B-but -”

“No.” The princess sighed. “Now, if you would be so kind as to help me up I am quite tired.”

“You’re just going to bed? But you need to see a doctor!” As Twilight watched, Celestia struggled to stand. She rushed in to help.

“Ah!”

“Oops. Sorry, Princess.” Between the two of them, they managed to get Celestia on her feet and out the door.

“Oh. Stairs.”

“Perhaps I should call for the doctor now?”

“No!” The princess wriggled her way out from under Twilight’s supporting wing and started off. She made it five steps before her legs crumpled beneath her.

“Princess? Princess Celestia?” Twilight raced to her mentor’s side, frantically calling her name. There was no response.

“Help! Somepony, anypony, help!”