“Bring her in.”

Celestia nodded towards her guards, watching them leap into action. They approached the ornate door at the end of the Princesses’ grand hall, using their magic to pull it open with a heavy groan. They stepped aside as another pair of guards walked in, pulling something behind them.

They pulled the object into the light of Celestia’s own early morning sun, letting it wash over what appeared to be an enchanted prison. Pristine, ethereal blue walls formed a cube above a cart, with a gilded cover on top to seal it off. Its confines were just large enough to have room for the prisoner within. Celestia chuckled, smiling. “Your work is highly appreciated, gentlecolts. Now if you would be so kind, would you leave me alone with our guest?”

The guards followed their orders, leaving their posts behind to trot out of the hall. The prisoner rose to her hind legs and desperately pounded against her prison’s walls, only causing the guards to put distance between her and them as they left. “No, wait!” she called out, intensifying her knocking. “You’re making a grave mistake! Please, won’t you help?” She slunk down, moaning. “Why won’t anypony help us?”

Celestia watched the last of her soldiers go, waiting until the exit was sealed. “Now, then... how was your trip, Luna?”

The mare in the cage held out a hoof towards Celestia, her mouth trembling. “Why would you do this, Celestia? Does our sisterly bond mean nothing to you?” Luna ‘s eyes went wide, barely holding back tears. “Please... just let me go.”

Celestia let out another short laugh. “Alright, enough with the theatrics. Luna’s out and about on her morning rounds, and she won’t be back ‘til nightfall. Your efforts are appreciated, though a bit futile.” She smirked. “Don’t you believe so, Chrysalis?”

Luna’s downcast expression turned into a glare. With a sigh, she stopped pawing at her cell, instead opting to stand perfectly still. Suddenly, a green spark burst to life on her tail, quickly spreading across the rest of her body. Luna burst into flames, her form disappearing into a green inferno as her body began to morph. Pegasus wings became insect wings, her blue coat turned black, her horn twisted out of shape, and holes began dotting her legs and newly-colored mane. Within seconds, Luna was gone, replaced with the irritated Queen of the Changelings herself.

“It’s not like you gave me much choice, Celestia,” Chrysalis spat out. She shifted herself, already noting that her original, larger form was having a harder time getting comfy in her small prison. “And where do you get off, kidnapping me after expelling me from your city not even a month ago? Rubbing in your victories is truly poor form, your highness.”

“Kidnapped?” Celestia asked, curious. “As far as I remember, my orders were to have you retrieved as peacefully as possible. Do tell, why are you in that cage?”

Chrysalis huffed, looking away. “Alright, fine... I may have bitten a guard or two when they started to get on my nerves.” She looked back towards her captor, snarling. “That’s still no excuse to treat royalty like this!”

“Settle down,” Celestia said soothingly. “I didn’t bring you here to quarrel. In fact, I requested your presence because I have a favor to ask of you.”

The Changeling Queen scoffed, letting out a sharp laugh. “Me? Help you? Are you so quick to forget how quickly I defeated you back at that frivolous little wedding? I’d be quite happy to remind you.”

“Now, now, you and I both know that you only achieved that power through leeching off my nephew-in-law’s love for the better part of a week. I doubt there’s much love out in that wasteland home of yours for you to feed on; surely, your energy must be about tapped out, correct?”

Chrysalis opened her mouth to retort, but was unable to find anything. Celestia was right. Changelings could survive just fine off normal food and water, but emotions were what fueled them. Without a steady source of love, hatred, or any other emotion, Changelings were reduced to little more than a minor threat. The same proved true for Chrysalis herself, as she noted her own power reserves having been tapped out not too long ago. With a grunt of defeat, the changeling sat down. “Fine then, I’ll parley with you. You best make it worth my while, though.”

“Excellent,” Celestia said. The Princess rose up, leaving her throne behind as she approached her guest. “As I said, I have a favor to ask of you. Do not get me wrong, I love my subjects more than almost anything, but after a thousand years of ruling, one tends to get tired out. Unfortunately, somepony such as myself can’t just take a day off, lest the populace get worried.”

Chrysalis yawned, idly admiring her hoof. “Go on,” she muttered absentmindedly.

“In brief, what I request of you is this: Use your powers to assume my powers until the sun sets while I take a day for myself. I would not have bothered you if I hadn’t already exhausted every other option; our finest apothecaries’ potions are far too risky to use without lasting too long or not long enough, not to mention they don’t disguise the fact I’m missing. And let’s not get into my escapades with disguise and other options. Instead, I ask you to use your powers. Take my form, and take my place for just one day.”

Chrysalis arched an eyebrow. “And what is in it for me?”

“For starters, what you want most: Emotion. As long as you’re here, you’re free to absorb as much as your heart contents. And before you get full of yourself,” Celestia warned, “you’d never be able to take in enough to be considered a threat.”

“And leave my precious kin with nothing?” Chrysalis asked. “Why would I ever consider such a thing?”

Celestia nodded curtly, thinking. “I’ll admit, it’d be impossible to accommodate all your changelings. But consider the following: You help out the ruler of a nation you’d previously invaded, working towards repairing any hostilities and possibly opening up diplomatic relations. It’s a start towards something that may benefit us both, correct?”

Queen Chrysalis had to admit, her captor had a point. She had nothing to lose, save for a little dignity. Still, she couldn’t give in so willingly. “And what are the conditions?” she enquired.

Celestia trotted over to one of the windows, using her magic to gently push it open. More light flooded the room as she looked outside, thinking. “The sun’s path has already been put into motion, so there’s no need to worry about that. There’s no meetings planned for today, either. I do have a few chores lying around, but I’ll handle them upon my return if they’re unfinished. To be honest, all you’d have to do is assume my form and sit around ‘til just before dusk.”

“...Really?” Chrysalis asked, disbelieving. Celestia was really handing her free sustenance, an act of goodwill, and an easy job all at the same time? “What if I refuse? And what’s the catch?”

“None. If you leave, I won‘t stop you. You‘ll be transported safely back to your home. But I implore you to at least consider the offer first.”

Chrysalis cackled. Could this deal be any sweeter? she pondered, letting her laughter die down. Yes, obviously, but I’ll take it.

“So is it a deal?” Celestia asked, turning back towards her guest.

“It’s a deal,” Chrysalis agreed. As she said it, she saw Celestia’s horn light up. Suddenly, her prison shattered with a satisfying crash, falling to the ground in shards before disappearing. The Queen stepped off the little wagon that’d transported her for who-knows how long, stretching out her legs.

“Just don’t try anything funny,” Celestia warned as she approached. “This kingdom is under my domain, and I will know if something goes awry.”

“Yes, yes,” Chrysalis moaned, giving her wings a couple test flaps. “I’m sure you have things to be doing now. Shall we get this over with?”

“Whenever you’re ready.”

Chrysalis nodded. Straightening herself up once more, she stood stock-still as another wave of green fire passed over her. Dark colors changed to dazzling white as she morphed once more, donning Celestia’s appearance. “How does it look?” she asked as the transformation completed.

She watched as the Princess trotted around her slowly, admiring her work. “...Is my flank really that big?” Celestia pondered aloud, prompting a chuckle from her doppelganger. “Nonetheless, certainly a respectable job.” She paused in front of Chrysalis, opting to levitate a scroll over from nearby her throne. “Here’s the chores if you desire a distraction. Remember, keep your cover, and prepare for me to return before nightfall.”

“I heard you the first time,” Chrysalis teased, taking the list in her own magic. “Go on now, go have your fun. You have the word of the Changeling Queen that things shall be as they were when you left.”

Celestia shook her head, cantering away towards the open window. “Considering recent events, that isn’t worth much.” She reached the window, looking back one last time. “Remember, keep your cover.”

“Yep.”

“Don’t try anything.”

“Gotcha.”

“I’ll be back by nightfall.”

“For the love of... will you get out of here already?!”

“Yes, yes,” Celestia promised. With a flap of her wings, she rose, leaving her imposter behind as she took to the air. With another flap of her wings, she was out the window. One last flap, and she was gone.

“Finally,” Chrysalis muttered. She drew the window shut, leaving it behind to approach Celestia’s throne. She flicked the list away, letting it roll somewhere near the seat as she flopped down into the gilded chair, sighing. “Well, it begins.”

She let out a yawn. “That harpy did say I could do whatever I wished,” she mused. “And I am rather famished.” Chrysalis closed her eyes, drawing up her magic. She focused on her surroundings, seeking out energy. There was a reason she and her kin had tried to take over Canterlot: Emotion could be found everywhere.

Soon, she was drawing it in, feeling her magic reserves already beginning to replenish. “Just heavenly,” she cooed, shutting her mind off and just enjoying the love.

---

“Is everything alright, Your Highness?”

Chrysalis’ eyes shot open, startling the two guards in front of her. They quickly regained their composure, pretending nothing had happened. “What do you buffoons want?” she hissed.

“Pardon my boldness, Princess,” one of the unicorn guards began, “but your magic seems off... not to mention you sound a little irritated.”

Chrysalis mentally scolded herself. You’re playing a role now, get in character. “My apologies, my... er... royal subject. What was that about my magic?”

“Well,” the other guard continued, “it seems yer glow’s a bit green in the gills, Princess.”

Oh, shoot. Chrysalis quickly shut down her magic, instantly yearning for the emotions she’d just given up for the sake of subtlety. “Don’t be ridiculous, my subjects. It must have been a trick of the light.”

The two guards glanced at each other, shrugging. Accepting her answer, they turned, standing in place.

Chrysalis waited for them to go. She was still waiting ten minutes later when the guards hadn’t budged an inch. “What are you two doing?” Chrysalis asked, leaning forward on her temporary throne.

“Uh... our jobs, Your Majesty,” they replied.

The Queen cursed under her breath. Of course she wouldn’t be left alone; she was impersonating the Princess of Equestria, and somepony of such a stature would surely require guards. And of course, that meant she couldn’t feed without blowing her cover. The thought of all that love floating in the air unabsorbed made her sick to her stomach.

“Well then, you’re dismissed,” Chrysalis ordered. “Run along and, I don’t know... guard the kitchen pantry, or maybe the library.”

“No can do,” came the reply. “Guards are to remain at their posts unless the Princess is attending to private matters,” the leftmost guard recited.

Chrysalis groaned. Sabotaging, obtrusive, downtrodden little... She paused her interior rant, remembering something. She made sure the guards weren’t looking before lighting up her horn, grasping around for the scroll she’d dropped earlier. She found it rolled up to the throne’s side, and she quickly levitated it up to eye level. She dropped it onto the armrest, smirking. “On the subject of private matters, I have some to attend to.” She stood up, clenching the list in her teeth as she passed by the two pests. “No need to follow,” she assured, “I’ll be fine by myself.”

The guards obeyed. Stifling a laugh, Chrysalis headed for the exit door. I suppose doing a chore or two will get me into Celestia’s good graces faster... and of course, that means a quicker route to sustenance. And being alone to find a place to feed isn’t that bad, either.

After making certain she wasn’t being watched, the Queen hovered the scroll in front of her face, scanning it. “Now, let’s see what’s first...”

---

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

Chrysalis lowered the list, sighing. She’d relocated herself to the castle’s gardens, surrounding herself with freshly-trimmed hedges and fauna. She stood at the entrance of a small meadow in the center, looking out over the large herd of animals scampering around within it. Various birds flew from tree to tree, chirping their songs over the heads of bunnies, badgers, and even...

...Is that a kangaroo? Chrysalis rubbed at her eyes, double-checking. Yep. Looks like Celestia’s menagerie knows no bounds. Ignoring the animals, Chrysalis checked around her, making sure the various bags of feed were in place. She doesn’t have ponies to do this for her?!

 She grumbled, lifting up each sack as she trotted out into the field. Let’s get this over with. Let’s see... the instructions were to measure out the correct amount, so as to... augh, to hay with it; the sooner I’m done with this, the sooner I can feed.

With a quick twist of her magic, the tops of the feedbags tore off. One more twist, and their contents were spilling all over the center of the meadow. Chryalis hummed to herself as the bags emptied out, depositing their contents at the feet of hungry critters. The animals dug in, ignoring the Queen as she lazily tossed the bags aside. “That should do, now to find a place to...”

Snf, snf.

Chrysalis flinched, turning around. Her expression deadpanned as she spotted the kangaroo pawing at her side, sniffing the air around her. “Begone, pest,” Chrysalis hissed, “I have places to be, emotions to drain.”

The kangaroo looked up, staring straight into her eyes. Its blank stare turned into a glare as it bent low, growling. “Did you not hear me?” Chrysalis asked. “Begon-”

The kangaroo pounced. Chrysalis let out a shriek as it lashed out, delivering a kick that missed by just a few inches. What the hay?! Chrysalis thought. Oh, buck. Should have known animals would have an easier job seeing through disguises. 

Turning away from her aggressor, Chrysalis turned to retreat back into the castle. The kangaroo pounced again, barely grazing her leg and causing her to cry out.
She wobbled, stopping her run. “Want to play, do you?” Chrysalis asked, already letting the green fire of transformation wash over her. Seconds later, a similar kangaroo stood where she had been. “Let’s go!”

The creature obliged. The two leapt at each other, attacking whenever they weren’t trying to step out of the path of a stray critter. They kicked at each other, punched, and dodged whenever possible.

“What in Celestia’s name is goin’ on here?”

Chrysalis looked up, ignoring the other kangaroo that she had in a headlock. Her eyes fell on an elderly pony, who was scratching at his scraggly gray beard. “When did the Princess get a second kangaroo?” he pondered aloud. With a shrug, he walked over. “No matter... cut it out, you two! C’mon, quit it!”

Embarrassed, Chrysalis let her opponent go, watching it hop off after giving her a death glare. The groundskeeper walked up to the changeling, eyeing her closely. “Looks like the poor feller is already gettin’ off to a bad start here,” he muttered. “Go on, it looks like the Princess stopped by and delivered some fo-” The stallion paused, peering past Chrysalis. “Woo-boy, looks like she overdid it a bit.”

The groundskeeper trotted away, cautioning Chrysalis to be on her best behavior while he went to fetch something to clean up the excess. She watched him go, quickly hopping away as soon as he was out of sight. She transformed mid-hop, changing back into Celestia’s form as she headed for the nearest exit. “Looks like there won’t be any peace here with that old-timer around,” Chrysalis griped. “And crazed kangaroos, for that matter.”

Chrysalis retrieved the list where she’d left it, unraveling it to read it as she walked. “Well, I got a favor out of the way. Maybe the next task will go over better... let’s see...”

---

“How about zis, Princess?”

Chrysalis gulped as the chefpony that’d intercepted her as soon as she entered the kitchens dropped another dish on the table in front of her. The list had told her to come to the dining wing to help select dishes for an upcoming event; she’d been expecting the task to be as simple as selecting things from a list, not having to taste them herself.

Therein lied the problem. Changelings could eat normal food, sure, but there was a reason they sought out emotions: Food not only didn’t invigorate them, but it had no taste for them, either. Chrysalis gulped as she levitated a spoonful of the murky orange soup in front of her, quickly swallowing it. It went down without so much as a zing of flavor, leaving nothing but the chef expecting a thorough review of the meal.

“Um...” Chrysalis began, quickly thinking up something to say. “Yes, this will certainly work for the event. It’s... wonderfully tangy? I detected a hint of carrot, did I not?”

The chef looked puzzled. “But there’s no carrots in the dish, your High-”

“It will do!” Chrysalis interrupted. “Go on, fetch the next dish. By all means, take your time.”

“...As you wish, Princess,” the chef replied as he trotted away. Chrysalis waited until he was out of earshot, slowly rising from her seat and quietly sneaking away.

Got to get out of here, she ordered herself. She crept towards the exit on the far side of the room, opposite where the chef had walked off to. As she approached, she noted a closed door to the side. What’s this?

After another check to make sure the chef was preoccupied, Chrysalis opened the door and entered. She gently shut it behind her, turning to inspect her new surroundings.

Chrysalis gagged. All around on, lining shelves and filling crates, was sweets. Cakes dotted the walls, candies were piled in boxes, and sugar was resting within sacks. It had to be sweets, Chrysalis moaned. The one food that actually has taste to us... and it’s revolting.

She grimaced, walking further into the room. Tasting that orange pony’s treats back at the wedding took all my willpower to keep it down. Still, this is as good a place as any to feed...

She laid down, making herself comfortable. Ignoring the sickly sweet smell of the sugary confections around her, Chrysalis closed her eyes, beginning to absorb energy. “Now this is a treat,” she muttered, laughing to herself.

“...Must have stepped out for a moment. I vill fetch some desert options for ze Princess to taste.”

Come on! Chrysalis quickly rose, dousing the green glow on her horn as the chefpony entered the sugary storage. He turned and froze, blinking curiously.

“Princess? Vhat are you doing here?” he asked, walking closer.

“Oh, uh... I overheard you mentioning sweet testing, so I came here to get a head start on viewing the selection.”

A smile swept over the chef’s face as he clapped giddily. “Most excellent, Princess! Shall we begin?”

Chrysalis shook her head. “Wouldn’t it be better to try something else first?”

“Nein! We are already here, so let’s get it out of the way, shall ve?” Chrysalis eyed the chef closely. He wasn’t backing down.

With a huff, Chrysalis turned, picking out a high-stacked pink cake from a nearby shelf. Quickly, she took a small bite, straining to keep down the vile taste. With a gulp, it was gone, leaving a bitter aftertaste in her mouth. “Just... guh... lovely. Use it,” Chrysalis ordered. “Now then, shall we head back to the kitchen?”

“Not yet, Your Highness.” The chef walked past her, pointing towards various confections. “While we’re here, ve must try zis, and zat, and maybe a little of those. I’ll make a mental list, you get started, no?”

“No!” Chrysalis retorted. The chef eyed her curiously. She cleared her throat nervously. “Excuse me. Yes, let’s get this over with.” The chef flashed her another grin as he focused back on marking treats. Chrysalis groaned, heading over to one of the marked treats. Hesitantly, she leaned forward, ready to take a bite...

---

Groooooooan...

Chrysalis clutched at her stomach, willing the stinging rumbling to go away. It passed after a minute, leaving the princess to suck in a breath of air and continue walking. She levitated the list up and scanned it again, making sure she was on the right route.

“Straighten up the royal bedchambers,” she read aloud. She cackled, rolling up the scroll. “Finally, things go my way! What better place to have privacy than the Royal Sister’s bedchamber itself?”

She turned a corner, finding herself in the hallway that the list had pointed out. Straight ahead of her stood an ornate pair of arched doors, guarded by a couple more watchstallions. Chrysalis stepped towards them, ignoring them as she went to enter the room.

“Halt!”

“Wha?” Chrysalis stepped back as the guard’s spears clashed together, blocking her path. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Our apologies, Princess,” the leftmost guard said. “But word comes from the gardens that somepony spilled excess food everywhere.”

“...And this is my problem because?”

“We assumed that you’d wish to straighten things out. If the animals eat too long, it could lead to issues in both health and food supply. And we know you love to make sure the royal creatures are well cared for.”

“None of my concern,” Chrysalis stated. “Now if you would just...”

The guards didn’t budge, instead eyeing her more sternly. “Something the matter, Your Highness? Making sure the animals are well has always been one of your top concerns. You don’t seem quite yourself...”

“Oh! W-well...” Chrysalis stammered. “It was just a bad joke. My apologies. I’ll go see to it. Thanks for keeping me informed.”

“Our pleasure,” the guards chanted in unison. Cursing under her breath, Chrysalis turned away, heading back down the hall. She sought a window to her side, looking out. Off in the distance, the sun had just started to droop towards the horizon. She muttered another curse.

“I don’t have time for this,” she spat. Leaving the window behind continuing her trek down the hall, she rounded the corner, already preparing another transformation. Celestia’s form melted away under the fire, leaving behind a dark blue coat and a glistening mane. Quickly doing a turnabout, she went back around the corner, smirking.

The guards saw her coming, saluting. “Good afternoon, Princess Luna,” they greeted, watching her as she stepped towards the door once more. “Back early?”

“Yes,” Chrysalis agreed. “There is something we needed to fetch. Do not worry about us, we shall be departing by the balcony once we’ve retrieved it.”

The guards acknowledged the info, letting Chrysalis pass through. She nudged open the double doors, snickering under her breath as she entered the royal bedchamber.

Chrysalis let out a low whistle. She had to admit, the Princess’ room was fancy. Tapestries adorned silvery walls, separated occasionally by pillars and paintings. Across from the entrance sat the resting area, complete with matching light and dark silken beds. An opaque dresser and wardrobe sat to the right, littered with various trinkets and accessories. Chrysalis walked over to the dresser, levitating all the various trinkets off it and flinging them into the wardrobe. She closed the doors and dusted off her hooves, smirking. “Done.”

With a running start, Chrysalis leapt into the dark blue sheets of what she assumed was Luna’s bed. Cackling, she charged up the absorption spell. Finally, no interruptions!

Making herself comfortable, she sighed in contentment, already feeling the empowering flow of emotions rush into her. “Lovely...”

Minutes passed as she charged up. Her beliefs about Canterlot had been right; love, sadness, and every emotion in between practically oozed from the walls. Having all this sustenance at once was wonderful, almost enough for Chrysalis to ignore the blast of energy that struck her, flinging her off the bed.

“Gwah!” Chrysalis flipped through the air, crashing against the wall. She shook her head, fighting off the ache that was creeping over her body. Peering up, she gulped nervously as the figure of the true Princess Luna stepped into view.

“Who are you?”  she asked, venom practically dripping from her voice. “And how dare you impersonate us?”

Chrysalis avoided eye contact, instead opting to eye the door she’d been knocked towards. Ever so slowly, she began inching towards it, but not fast enough to draw Luna’s attention. “I... I can explain...” she rasped, trying to buy time.

Realization danced across Luna’s face. “Wait a minute,” she began, “it is you! Chrysalis! Celestia informed us of your antics from just a month ago.” Her expression darkened as her horn lit up. “How dare you! Attacking our kingdom, my friends, and even my sister while I was absent! And then we come home early to find you sneaking back in here so soon while impersonating us?!”

Luna’s horn glowed even brighter. Chrysalis let out a yelp, dodging to the side as Luna fired again. Dodging by mere inches, Chrysalis barreled out the door, startling the guards outside. Her cover blown, she charged down the hall, desperate to get away as she heard the angry yells of the Night Princess right behind her.

Another beam whizzed right by her head. She cursed repeatedly, rounding the corner in an attempt to escape.

---

Celestia hummed to herself, floating merrily on the breeze as her sun began creeping over the horizon behind her. Such a lovely day, she mused, smiling as she caught the familiar sight of home in front of her. She banked, setting course for the same window she’d exited from earlier. It’s good to be home, though.

Reaching her destination, Celestia peered inside. Looks clear, she noted, quietly pulling the window open with her magic. She entered, landing silently and peering around. Huh... where is everypony? Celestia wondered, glancing around. Her throne sat suspiciously empty, and no guards could be seen. She turned around, looking towards the entrance. Wait... what’s that?

Celestia headed towards the corner by the entrance, approaching two guards who seemed to be standing over something. As she approached, she groaned as she recognized Chrysalis on the ground in her original form, shivering. “What’s going on?” Celestia asked, attracting the guards’ attention.

“Oh, Princess!” one of them, a pegasus, spoke up. “We caught this creature whimpering in the corner about twenty minutes ago. We were gonna arrest her, but she doesn’t really seem to be much of a threat...”

“Hopefully a correct observation. I’ll take it from here, you’re free to leave,” Celestia ordered. The guards obeyed, trotting away  and out the door. Celestia watched them go, turning back to her doppelganger after they’d left. “So, how was your day?”

“Attacked...” Chrysalis mumbled, shivering. “Luna... cakes... food... lasers... kangaroos...”

Celestia arched an eyebrow. “Not well, huh?” She sighed. “Well, it doesn’t seem like anypony is any the wiser to my disappearance. Have a good feast?” Celestia asked, reaching down to help the Queen up.

Chrysalis accepted the aid, shaking her head. “N-no... never got the chance.”

Celestia eyed her, curious. “Don’t suppose you even glanced at the optional tasks I gave you?” To her surprise, Chrysalis nodded. “Well now, there’s a pleasant surprise. Perhaps I misjudged you.”

The Queen’s frown twisted upward into a smirk. Noting the smirk, Celestia forged ahead with another question. “Since you didn’t get enough to feast on, perhaps you’d like to impersonate me again? Say, next month? Or perhaps the month after that?”

The screech that came from Chrysalis’ mouth made Celestia cover her ears. “No! Never! Absolutely not! Everypony in this blasted castle is insane!”

Celestia wrapped a hoof around her, attempting to soothe the frantic changeling. “Okay, okay, don’t worry, it’s safe. Let’s just head outside, we’ll fetch the cage, and we’ll have you safely transported home, alright?”

After a pause, Chrysalis nodded, calming down. “Alright.”

Celestia flashed her a smile, letting her go and leading the way out the door. Poor dear, she thought, peeking backwards to make sure she was being followed. I couldn’t even imagine what could’ve gotten her like this. Well, I’ll give her a few months to calm down. Celestia chuckled under her breath. And then maybe she’ll reconsider trying again. I certainly wouldn’t mind another day off.