It began as a fairly typical day for Twilight. It had taken months, but she was getting used to her new home. She still missed Golden Oaks, but times had changed, destructive energies had been cast, and she knew from experience that nothing could change that.

If her thoughts were rather less than regal when contemplating Tirek, well, it wasn't as if anypony else needed to know.

Twilight was still repopulating the library, now found in the lower levels of her palace, which had apparently grown rows of shelves for that very purpose. Today had seen the arrival of some especially elusive works, so she was in the midst of shelving when she heard a familiar belch. She paused, pointed her ears at the sound, and waited. It could've just been gas, after all.

Close by, Spike muttered, "Huh. That's weird."

Twilight trotted to the entrance of the library, where Spike was holding a scroll and smacking his lips. (Did dragons have lips? Not now, Sparkle. Focus.) "Weird" could mean any number of things, few of them good. "What is it?"

"I've never gotten a letter with an aftertaste before." Spike ran his tongue around his mouth. "Hmm. Rose quartz."

"Let me check this." Twilight took the scroll in her magic and began analyzing it, seeing if her telekinetic grip brushed against any other spells. "I'm not picking up anything that might cause something like that. Just the usual traces of the transmission spell. Are you feeling alright?"

Spike smiled. "I'm feeling fine, and I've figured out what happened. Look at the seal."

Twilight flipped the scroll around and saw a familiar faceted heart. "Oh. Well." She gave a brief chuckle. "Yeah, I guess Cadance using the spell for the first time might do that. Now, let's see what she sent." She unrolled the scroll, snorted, and passed it back to Spike. "It's for you."

He quirked an eyeridge and took the paper. "To the Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious…" Spike looked up and scowled. "And what's so funny about that?"

"Sorry. You've earned the title. It's just…" Twilight couldn't quite quash the last bit of her smile. "Well, the crystal ponies really don't do anything halfway, do they?"

Spike shrugged. "Well, I'm not complaining. Anyway:

"To the Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious,

"You are cordially invited to the inaugural Crystal Ball in this new era of the Crystal Empire, held on the seventeenth day of yadda yadda yadda…" Spike grunted as he skimmed over the scroll. "Okay, it's kind of annoying when they're piling on formal boilerplate. Here we go:

"P.S. Tell Twilight and the girls they're all invited. The Ball's organizers insisted that you and only you receive a physical invitation. I'm sure Twilight has a load of questions; details are on the second sheet. Hope I managed the spell well enough.

"With love,
"Cadance"

---

Twilight gathered her friends to discuss the matter that afternoon. Well, that and have a picnic in the park. She finished her review of the situation just after her last sip of tea. "And there you have it. Spike insisted on composing an equally flowery RSVP. Probably still composing it if he still isn't here."

"So," said Rarity, teacup in her magic, "why haven't we heard of this Crystal Ball before?"

"Sombra left a lasting impression on the crystal ponies," said Twilight.

Rainbow Dash snorted. "Please. He went down like a chump."

Twilight scowled at her. "He was literally inches from victory."

Dash shrugged. "Meh. Still lost."

"Regardless," said Twilight, "between years of oppression and centuries of stasis, most of the crystal ponies' memories have been slow to return. The most important ones, the ones pertaining to the Crystal Heart and their special talents, those all came back fairly quickly. Everything else is still trickling in."

"So now we're invited to some fancy shindig." Applejack snorted. "Ain't we done this song and dance before?"

Pinkie nodded. "Yeah, at first I thought this would be the perfect chance to bring out the Mystical Orb of Fate's Destiny again, but this sounds like it's just going to be the Gala all over again."

Twilight shook her head. "Cadance said she'd do everything she could to prevent that. The Grand Galloping Gala is about the only thing in the world she actually hates. The first time she went was as a filly."

That got winces from everypony. "For somepony as ebullient as Princess Cadance, at such a young age…" Rarity grimaced. "Yes, I could see how that would be a rather dreadful introduction to high society."

"But that means this is going to be an actual party!" cried Pinkie.

"Well… not necessarily." Twilight gulped and clopped her forehooves together a few times. "You see, when the crystal ponies do remember something, they don't like seeing it changed. They're probably going to listen to Cadance up to a point, but they'll dig their hooves in if they think she's gone too far. The problem is, she's not sure how far 'too far' is." Twilight gave a sad little smile. "It's actually kind of funny. She's been trying to get them to stop bowing and scraping since she took the throne. Be careful what you wish for, huh?

"In any case, since I can't give any guarantees about the nature of the event, none of you have to go if you don't want to."

Everypony considered this for a moment. "But you do?" asked Fluttershy.

Twilight sighed and nodded. "One of the things I've picked up about being a princess is that I need to be seen every now and again. It's been a while since the Maretonia summit and…" She shrugged her wings. "Well, Celestia always said that a good ruler is a servant of her people. I have to serve, but that doesn't mean you all do."

"Seriously, Twilight?" Dash rolled her eyes. "You do remember what happened last time you tried to protect us by leaving us out, right?"

That got her four glares. "Too soon, Dashie," said Pinkie.

Twilight shook her head. "No, no, she's right. If I'm going to be Princess of Friendship, then I'm going to need to keep you all in the loop. I just don't want a repeat of the Gala either."

Rarity smiled. "You assume we haven't learned our lesson from that awful night. Should the Crystal Ball take a turn for the worse, then we can come together and enjoy the company of one another."

"Yeah!" said Pinkie. "We could be surrounded by the stuffiest bunch of high horses since the Trotian Pony, but it wouldn't matter if we had fun together!"

Twilight sniffled. She could feel the tears welling in her eyes. "Thanks, girls."

"Of course," said Fluttershy.

"Any time," said Applejack.

"Every time," said Rainbow Dash.

Pinkie pounced on Twilight and squeezed. "Because friendship."

Rarity gave a horrified gasp. All eyes turned to her as she bolted to her hooves. "Oh, but we're going to need ball gowns! You said it was the seventeenth?"

Twilight gave a slow nod. Sudden movements seemed like a bad idea. "Yes, but—"

"But nothing! A week. I have a week. What can I do in a week?" A worrisome grin spread across Rarity's muzzle. "Oh, I can do miracles in a week."

Twilight tried again. "Rarity, that really isn't—"

Rarity wandered off in the general direction of her boutique, heedless. "Yes, sing to me, o muse..."

"Well, we ain't gonna be seeing her for a while." Applejack sighed. "Somepony should probably make sure she remembers to eat."

Dash nodded and stood. "I'll go find Sweetie Belle." She took flight.

Twilight smiled. "Well, this is certainly going to be interesting."

---

Six days later, Rarity emerged from the throes of inspiration, frazzled but bearing half a dozen ball gowns and a hatchling-sized tuxedo. The gowns seemed almost understated for Rarity, but when the light caught them, it revealed the layer of powdered gemstones and magic that made them look as though they'd been transformed by the Crystal Heart.

The tuxedo was simply very well tailored. As Rarity told Spike, "I don't want the guest of honor sucking at his sleeve."

He'd protested, but the puddle of drool at his feet from when she'd unveiled the gowns had been a persuasive counterargument.

The next day, after Rarity had slept for a good twenty hours, the group arrived in the Crystal Empire. Spike dispensed plenty of autographs and clawshakes along the way to the palace. Once they were in and approaching the main ballroom, he looked up at Twilight with wide eyes. "Can I go first, Twilight?"

She gave a hint of a grin. "Why?"

A voice came from just inside the ballroom. "Her Ladyship Sienna Tower, Countess of Toroanto!"

"That's why," said Spike.

Twilight stifled a giggle. "Go right ahead."

Spike all but skipped to the entrance before composing himself a step away from it. That step was made as a purposeful stride that bordered on a strut.

"The Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious, Savior of the Crystal Empire!"

Twilight didn't hold back this time. The others joined in. "Well," said Rarity, "we can't deny he's earned it."

Applejack nodded towards the ballroom. "Go on, Twi. Dragons and princesses first."

"I don't know, that's a tough act to follow." Twilight gave one last laugh, then took a steadying breath. Some level of royal dignity was called for. "Okay." She strode inside.

At Twilight's left was Flash Sentry, who gave her a quick little smile before taking a deep breath. "Her Royal Highness the Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, Crux of Harmony, Cleanser of the Nightmare, Bane of Chaos, Wise in the Ways of Changelings, Queller of the Everfree, and Banisher of Lord Tirek!"

Twilight stopped dead. In hindsight, that smile had seemed somewhat apologetic.

Flash leaned in and hissed, "You, uh, may want to move, Your Highness. Your friends are right behind you."

"Right! Right." Twilight looked at Flash. Her face felt oddly tight. She had no idea what her expression looked like, but judging by his reaction, it wasn't pretty. She opened her mouth, but Rarity clearing her throat spurred her away from the doorway.

"Yeah, I want some of that!" Dash pranced in, head held high.

"Her Ladyship the Baroness Rainbow Dash the Loyal, likewise vanquisher of evils!"

Dash gaped at Flash. Her incredulity quickly shifted to an angry glare. "What, that's it?"

He just watched for the next pony to announce. "Her Ladyship the Baroness Applejack the Honest, likewise vanquisher of evils!"

Rainbow shot into the air, the better to loom over Flash. "Seriously? Twilight gets the full list and we just get cookie-cutter—Hey!"

Applejack had Dash's tail in her mouth and was dragging her away like a balloon. "C'mon, now," she said, teeth clenched, "let'sh not make a schene."

Twilight thought it was a bit late for that.

Three Her Ladyships later, Spike was mingling with the adoring public, while the six mares had stuck together.

Dash glowered. "This is majorly uncool."

"Agreed," said Rarity, kneeling in front of Dash's hindquarters, horn aglow. "I knew I should've had you perform a test flight. Your petticoats are completely off kilter now."

Applejack tuned them out. "Twilight, what's all this 'Baroness' business?"

"How long have we had these titles?" Fluttershy scrunched into herself a little. "Do we have any responsibilities? Are there ponies depending on us?"

"We got them after defeating Nightmare Moon," said Twilight. "Well, technically we were knighted after beating her and have been elevated in stature each time we saved the world. But don't worry, Fluttershy, they're purely honorary titles. It's not like any of us rule over any part of Equestria. Though there is my castle, Sweet Apple Acres, Carousel Boutique..." Twilight thought for a moment. "It's not like Pinkie rules over any part of Equestria."

Pinkie gave a low chuckle. "Not that you know of."

"And you never told us?" Rarity pouted as she straightened up. "Twilight, how could you?"

"I only found out after I earned my wings. Luna insisted on bestowing the titles, but Celestia wanted us to live normal lives." Twilight smirked. "Kind of hit and miss there. In any case, the only time I thought to mention it was during the Equestria Games, and I'd rather be in the bleachers with you guys than force you in the nobles' box."

Applejack frowned in thought. "So, why the introduction long as your tail?"

Twilight frowned as well. "I don't know, but I'm going to find out."

Flash Sentry wasn't one of Twilight's closest friends. This was partially because of simple distance, partially because "I had a crush on your simian analogue" wasn't the strongest foundation for a relationship. Still, after that initial awkwardness, their correspondence had slowly grown warmer and less formal.

As such, Twilight hoped that Flash understood that when she glared at him for the remainder of the introductions, she did it as a troubled friend. When she all but literally swooped down on him as soon as the last guest moved clear, well, that was just concerned eagerness.

Flash boggled at her sudden approach. "Can I help you, Your—"

"No," Twilight said in a very eager tone.

"E-excuse me?" Credit where credit was due, he didn't move from his post. Shining would be proud.

Still, Twilight had other concerns to address. "For some reason, I don't feel like being referred to by anything other than my name right now. Can't quite put my hoof on why."

Flash's gaze darted about the room for a moment before he whispered, "You're here in an official capacity."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "And I don't care. I just here to meet my social event quota. If you're worried about the court gossips, this will go a lot faster if you don't stand on ceremony. If you're worried about your commanding officer-slash-emperor, just mention the time he forgot to empty his flugelhorn's spit valve."

"What happened?"

"Doesn't matter; he'll shut up immediately. The point is, this is not 'Corporal Sentry and Her Sesquipedalian Majesty' time. This is 'Flash and Twilight' time, and Flash is going to tell Twilight what the hay that was."

Flash sighed. "I'm not the one who decides how to announce ponies, Twilight. I just say what I'm given."

Twilight leaned in close. "Then who gave it to you? I know Cadance wouldn't pull this kind of thing."

"She didn't," said Flash. "It was Princess Luna."

Twilight's eyes narrowed. "I thought as much." She stalked away, scanning the crowd, her wings flared in agitation.

Finding Luna was easy enough. Between her size, her personality, and her still imperfect volume control, she stood out in any room. Twilight approached her, so calm and controlled that her hoofsteps weren't splintering the floor.

Luna noted her and smiled. "Ah, Princess Twilight. Always a pleasure. Have you met Heavenly Sphere?" She indicated the crystal pony she'd been speaking with, a ruby-coated stallion with a cutie mark matching his name. "We've been discussing the advances made in the astronomical sciences over the past millennium."

Twilight gave him a nod. "A pleasure," she said through very polite clenched teeth.

Sphere took a few steps back for some reason. "L-likewise." His gaze darted from side to side. "I, uh, do believe I am in need of a fresh glass of wine." He bolted in a completely different direction than the bar.

Luna sighed. "Well, there's a delightful conversation gone." She turned to Twilight, her eyes half-lidded. "To what do I owe this displeasure?"

"Why do you think?" Twilight growled. Courteously.

Luna just stared at her for a few seconds. "The gifts of an alicorn are many, Twilight Sparkle, and you have yet to receive all of them, but if you're expecting omniscience, you're going to be sorely disappointed. Tell me, what have I done to arouse your ire so?"

Twilight thrust a hoof towards the ballroom's entrance. "What was that about?"

"Your introduction?" Luna frowned. "What about it?"

"What do you mean, 'What about it?'"

Luna sighed. "Twilight, I do not share my sister's love of guile. I meant precisely what I asked. I noticed no errors in the herald's recitation of your titles. Did I forget any?"

Twilight gaped at her for a moment. "No! That is the exact opposite of the problem!"

"I fail to see how finally giving you the recognition you deserve is a problem."

"Because I didn't ask for it? Because I'm still not comfortable with ponies debasing themselves in front of me and I doubt I ever will be? Because I'm in half of the stained-glass windows in the Hall of Honors?" Twilight reared up and spread her forelegs. "Take your pick!"

Luna rolled her eyes and waited for Twilight to settle herself before speaking again. "Celestia hands out stained-glass windows like a schoolmarm does gold star stickers. The bowing is not going to stop; ponies see wings and horn both and their knees buckle as a reflex. And you should not have to ask for the respect you are due. Like it or not, Twilight, you are a princess of Equestria."

Twilight delivered a devastating rebuttal: "So?"

Luna seemed rather less impressed, her expression not shifting at all. "Tell me, Twilight, why did you come to the Crystal Ball?"

"I wanted to make sure the Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious had adult supervision."

Luna shook her head. "Ah, but if that were the case, why did you not simply dispatch Lady Rarity? She would be enamored with the festivities, and he with her."

Twilight tilted her head. "Wait, you know—"

"Anything with eyes and five minutes spent with the two of them knows, Twilight. That is not the point. The point is that you came here for the same reason I did, because there are certain expectations that a princess of Equestria must meet. Exhaustive titles and formal fripperies are as much a part of your royalty as your crown or castle." Luna sighed. "Speaking from experience, the alternative is worse."

"There's an alternative?" Twilight perked up, eyes wide and ears alert. "How could it possibly be worse than that?"

"Do you know my full title?"

Twilight shook her head. "Sorry, no."

Luna took a breath that stretched for several seconds. "Her Royal Highness the Princess Luna Diana Hecate Regina Nox Alicor, Princess of the Night, Avatar of the Moon, Doyenne of the Stars, Warden of the Great Void, Mistress of the Tides, Overseer of Dreams," another breath, "and only then begins the list of all the great and terrible enemies of ponykind who I smote with gravity, darkness, and starfire. Trust me when I say that they are great in number. And yet, do you know what the ponies called me just before I succumbed to my long nightmare?"

Twilight thought this over for a moment. "Well, since you're asking, I'm guessing it wasn't all of that."

"'The other one,'" said Luna. "'Celestia's sister,' if I was lucky. All we do, Twilight, we do for our ponies. It is a terrible thing for them to take us for granted. I would not wish such a fate on anypony. Certainly not you. And yet, when you were spurned by the Duke and Duchess of Maretonia, when you were reduced to a mere flag bearer, I could see you begin to walk that terrible path."

"Luna..." Twilight took a moment to compose herself. "I understand your thought process, but I'm the Princess of Friendship. If I'm going to connect with ponies, I want it to be through friendship, and that requires a degree of equality, or at least approachability. Being saddled with all those honors and epithets isn't going to help."

Luna scoffed. "Anypony intimidated by a list of your great deeds isn't worthy of your friendship."

Twilight glared at her. "You don't get to decide that! If I met Fluttershy for the first time tonight, do you think she'd dare to say a word to me? Would that make her unworthy?" She drew herself up with as much authority as she could muster. "As I said, I am Princess of Friendship. I don't tell you how to raise the moon or patrol for nightmares. Don't tell me how to make friends!"

Luna nodded and smiled. "As you wish, Your Highness."

Twilight blinked. "Wait, what?"

"Looking back with the clarity of hindsight, I have seen that the only reason I was so marginalized was because I allowed myself to be. Nopony believed me to be nothing more than Celestia's sister more than I did. If I had been snubbed as you had, I would've seen it as only appropriate." Luna's grin grew a bit forced. "I... overcompensated. Considerably. Thus, I wanted to ensure your response to a slight was neither quiet acceptance nor nightmarish overreaction."

Twilight processed this, her body left slack-jawed for a moment as her mind raced. "Then this was all a test?"

Luna waved her head from side to side as she considered this. "I suppose, if you wish to think of it as such."

"But I thought you said you had no love of guile!"

"I only said I didn't share Celestia's love of guile," said Luna. "My love of it is entirely different from hers. I do not devote myself to a plan with a spouse's ardor. I wasn't expecting you to react so strongly to proper address, but I worked with the opportunity." She tilted her head and grinned again. "Good evening, Your Highness." With that, she turned away and waded back into the mingling crowd.

Twilight wasn't sure how long she stood there trying to puzzle out Luna's thought process. She wasn't sure if she ever blinked while doing so.

Eventually, Cadance's voice broke her out of her revery. "You just had the princess talk with Luna, didn't you?"

"Uh huh." Twilight tried to shake the incredulity out of her head. It wasn't working.

Cadance moved to her side and lay a wing over her withers. "She did it to me just before the wedding. You certainly took it better than I did. No Royal Canterlot Voice, for one."

Twilight smiled and leaned into Cadance's side. "So, how long is your full title?"

Cadance laughed. "Oh, Twilight, we'd be here all night. And it's all in Istallion."