The news of the people's growing demand for Princess Celestia to take the throne finally reached the ears of Nyx, Silas, Liy, and the twins, Axe and Aver. At first, it was merely whispers in the marketplace, but as the days passed, the sentiment swelled into a tidal wave. Pro-Celestia posters plastered the city walls, and some citizens openly declared that Wonderveil would crumble if Elowen were to ascend the throne. More alarmingly, threats of public protest began to surface if Celestia continued to refuse the crown.
Nyx, sensing the gravity of the situation, led the others toward the palace with a grim expression.
"The situation is deteriorating," Liy noted, moving slowly beside Nyx.
"Clearly," Nyx replied. "We cannot allow Princess Celestia to remain under this kind of pressure."
Silas followed silently, a faint, cryptic smile playing on the white rabbit's face. Meanwhile, Axe scratched his head in confusion. "Humans are strange," he remarked.
"Why is that?" Aver asked.
"They used to praise Princess Elowen for her strength. Now, they're terrified of it."
Aver shrugged casually. "That's how humans work. When someone is too powerful... they begin to feel small and afraid."
They soon reached the palace library. Nyx nudged the heavy wooden doors open with his paw, revealing a serene scene bathed in the golden afternoon light streaming through the high windows.
Near the window sat Princess Celestia with Charles. The jester sat close to her, gently stroking her back to comfort her. Celestia looked exhausted; the weight of the people's demands and the rumors regarding her sister had clearly taken a toll.
"I hope you are alright," Charles said softly.
Celestia sighed and leaned back into the sofa. "I'm fine... it's just that the people have started to pressure me. I didn't expect the news about my sister injuring the maid to spread so far."
Charles looked at her with deep sympathy. Having met her years ago when he was invited to perform at the palace, their bond had grown significantly. He knew her heart was kind, and it pained him to see her so burdened.
"You shouldn't overthink it," Charles advised. "If you feel you are meant to be Queen... I will always support you."
Celestia shook her head slowly. "I want to..." she paused. "But my sister is more suited."
Charles smiled gently. "I know that. But the people and the nobility are turning against her."
Celestia's expression darkened. She knew he was right. Every day, the whispers against Elowen grew louder. "I just hope my sister doesn't do anything beyond my expectations... If she actually killed an innocent person, that would be going too far."
"I'm sure your sister wouldn't do that," Charles reassured her. "I believe she loves you."
Celestia offered a small, grateful smile. "Thank you for being by my side, Charles."
The moment of peace was interrupted as the rest of the group entered. "Your Highness, we didn't realize you were with a gentleman," Silas remarked with a mischievous, excited tone. The white rabbit seemed genuinely delighted at the idea of Celestia having a companion.
Celestia blushed and quickly shifted the topic. "Why have you all come here?"
Liy approached her with concern. "Princess Celestia, are you alright?"
"I'm okay... just a bit of a headache from my sister's behavior. I truly can't believe she would hurt someone like that."
Nyx, who had been silent, glared sharply at Charles before focusing on Celestia. The massive blue cat sat down before her with an air of authority. "Celestia," he said seriously, "I believe you should become Queen. And I can also handle the matter of who your partner will be."
The tension in the room spiked instantly. Charles remained quiet, but his face paled. He knew Nyx despised him, seeing him as a lowly jester unworthy of a princess.
"Nyx," Celestia said, her voice rising in anger. "I am already stressed. Can you please not say things that aren't helpful?"
Nyx dipped his head slightly. "Forgive me."
Liy whispered to Nyx, "Why would you say that?"
Nyx replied in a low voice that Charles could still hear, "Because I want the best for Princess Celestia. She needs someone of her standing... not a jester."
Charles clenched his fists. The words cut deep. He knew the gap in their status was vast—she was royalty, and he was a mere entertainer. But his love for her was real, and he was willing to do anything for her.
Celestia closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep, steadying breath. "I think I will take a few days to think everything over."
All eyes were on her. She looked out the window, toward the horizon of her kingdom. "...If all of you truly agree, then I will be the Queen."
Axe and Aver grinned broadly. "Yes! Absolutely!" they cheered together. Liy looked relieved, and Nyx closed his eyes as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Two days later, Princess Celestia finally decided to meet directly with the noble families of Wonderveil. The meeting was held in strict privacy within a royal garden located in the eastern section of the palace.
The garden was renowned for its beauty. White and blue flowers bloomed abundantly along marble paths, while a large fountain at the center flowed calmly, creating a soothing melody. The sky above was draped in thin grey clouds, casting a soft, comfortable glow over the entire area. Guards stood at a distance, ensuring the privacy of the gathering.
Those in attendance were no ordinary figures; they represented the most influential noble houses in the kingdom. Some controlled trade and commerce, others held command over the military, and a few had served as key advisors to the royal family since the days when Elowen and Celestia's parents were still alive. They sat in the prepared chairs, their gazes fixed upon Celestia, who stood before them.
Celestia wore a light blue gown—simple yet elegant. Her white hair flowed loosely down her back, adorned only with a small crystal flower. Though her expression remained calm, deep inside, she was still filled with hesitation and doubt. She took a slow breath before speaking.
"Good day to you all," she said, her voice soft but clear enough for everyone to hear. "Thank you for coming here today. I did not expect that you truly desired for me to take the throne."
A nobleman in his forties smiled warmly and placed a hand over his chest in respect. "It is only natural, Your Highness. We have always believed you are the right choice." Several others nodded in agreement.
Celestia closed her eyes briefly and exhaled. "I am deeply moved by your sincerity." She opened her eyes again, and this time, her tone was firmer and more resolute. "I have made my decision. I will become Queen."
Silence swept across the garden for a few moments as the nobles exchanged glances, almost unable to believe she had finally agreed.
"Is this true, Your Highness?" asked one noblewoman, her face filled with shock and relief.
"Yes," Celestia replied quietly. "It is true." She lowered her gaze slightly. "What my sister has done... cannot be forgiven."
A collective sigh of relief passed through the group. They had finally received the answer they had been hoping for.
"When would you like to set the coronation day?" asked an elderly noble.
Celestia thought for a moment. "In two weeks' time," she answered with a small smile. "I apologize for the delay, but I have been quite occupied lately."
"Do not worry, Princess Celestia," a nobleman replied happily. "We understand completely. We only care that you will lead us."
Whispers of relief and excitement filled the air. They had waited a long time for this moment. To them, Celestia represented peace and stability—everything that Elowen, with her growing reputation for cruelty, was not.
"Your Highness," another noble spoke up. "What about your sister?"
The atmosphere quieted once more. This was the question everyone feared and wanted answered.
Celestia gently smoothed the fabric of her dress and smiled faintly. "Regarding my sister... you need not worry. I will handle that matter myself." She looked at them all steadily. "Besides... she herself gave me permission to take the throne."
The nobles visibly relaxed. "Very well, Your Highness," one said, standing up. "We shall immediately begin preparations to ensure the coronation is perfect. At long last, Wonderveil will have its true Queen."
Celestia smiled in return, but deep down, her heart felt heavy. She knew this decision would change everything between her and Elowen forever.
Unseen by everyone else, perched high on a branch of a large tree overlooking the garden, sat a small brown squirrel. Its tiny black eyes observed every movement and listened to every word spoken. It remained perfectly still, appearing to be nothing more than a normal woodland creature.
Far away, in the shadows of the abandoned mansion, Alice sat in her chair, watching a dark magical screen. The image displayed the royal garden with perfect clarity. A slow, triumphant smile formed on her lips.
"This... is excellent news," she whispered, her eyes shining with deep satisfaction. She hadn't expected everything to fall into place so easily. Celestia had finally agreed to become Queen. And that meant the rift between the two sisters was now wider than ever.
"The first victory..." Alice leaned back comfortably in her chair. "...is mine."
The furry creature standing guard near her remained silent, watching its mistress. Alice turned her gaze back to the screen, where Celestia's face was clearly visible as she spoke to her supporters.
"I only need to break Princess Celestia down slowly..." Alice's smile widened into something cold and predatory. "...until she hands everything over to me willingly."
............
Inside Elowen's private office, the atmosphere was heavy and stifling. The evening light spilled across the dark wooden desk, illuminating stacks of government documents. The soft scratch of Elowen's pen was the only sound as she signed a series of important letters. Her face remained as composed as ever, but her eyes betrayed a deep, lingering exhaustion.
Ashveil, standing near a bookshelf, watched her for a long moment before approaching slowly. In his hand was the latest newspaper from Wonderveil's capital.
"Elowen..." he called softly.
She looked up slightly. Ashveil placed the newspaper on the desk. "Please, read this."
Elowen picked it up and scanned the front page. Her eyes locked onto the bold headlines: Princess Celestia to become Queen. The people's total support for Celestia. And... the reports of Elowen herself, accused of nearly beating a maid to death.
She read it all in silence. There was no anger, no shock. Only a small, bitter smile touched her lips.
"I didn't expect such stories to spread so easily," she said quietly.
Ashveil watched her with growing concern. He knew Elowen wasn't one to show emotion, which made her current calm even more unnerving. "Elowen," he said softly, "what should we do? Your sister... she wants to be Queen."
Elowen closed the newspaper and leaned back in her chair. "Ashveil... I don't mind if she wants the throne. I support her."
Ashveil sighed. "I know. But Wonderveil can only have one Queen." He clenched his fists. "I fear the nobles will try to drive you out of the palace."
Silence returned to the room. Elowen merely offered a small smile. "Don't worry, Ashveil." She stood up slowly and walked to the large window. "When the time comes, I will leave on my own."
Ashveil was stunned, but before he could speak, Elowen continued. "But that time hasn't come yet. I still have things to settle."
She gazed at the overcast sky. Ashveil stared at her back, realizing that no matter how close they were, there were parts of her mind he would never truly reach. She always carried the weight of the world alone.
"If you leave..." Ashveil started, his voice barely a whisper. "Can I follow you?"
Elowen glanced back at him and smiled softly. "Of course."
The answer brought a flicker of relief to Ashveil's heart. "I want to see my sister's coronation first," Elowen added, her voice dropping. "But our relationship... it's falling apart. We haven't spoken since the incident with the maid."
Ashveil shook his head quickly. "It's alright. You can make amends with her. I'll always be here to support you."
Elowen smiled again, but this time it looked weaker, more fragile than usual. She was tired—not just from the work, but from the relentless pressure closing in on her from every side.
Nearly a month had passed since that day. In that time, the two sisters had become like ghosts to one another. They ate separately. They walked through different corridors. They actively avoided crossing paths. The entire palace noticed the change, yet no one dared to speak of it openly.
Meanwhile, in her own chambers, Celestia stood by the window, watching the silent palace gardens. The night wind ruffled the white curtains. Her mind drifted back to Elowen's words from that day: If I were truly cruel... I would have the knights take their heads.
Celestia gripped her dress tightly. She knew her sister better than anyone else in the world. And that was exactly why she was afraid.
Because she knew the true nature of Elowen had not yet fully emerged.