“Alright, that’s it,” Misty declared, stopping dead in her tracks.
 
Starswirl groaned and turned to face his personal guard. “What now?” he asked, rolling his eyes. How he wished that he could putt her back to Canterlot where she belonged.
 
“This has gone on long enough, don’t you think?” Misty inquired, her voice hard.
 
“What’s gone on long enough? Your oh-so-pleasant presence? I would agree,” Starswirl hissed, swishing his tail. “I don’t need a babysitter, and I can’t fathom why on earth Celestia sent you!”
 
Misty’s blue eyes narrowed darkly. “Listen closely, my prince,” she growled, spitting his title with such venom. She took a step closer to Starswirl, who stood his ground firmly. “I care not for what you want. I was given a job, and that is to make sure that you stay out of trouble. And I will not leave until Celestia orders me to.”
 
Now, Misty was practically nose to nose with the yellow unicorn. Starswirl could feel a slight heat jump up into his cheeks from the proximity. “So, you are going to listen to me from now on,” Misty continued. “You will stop questioning my competency. You will stop trying to hide from me. And you will treat me with respect. Understood?”
 
“You can’t talk to me like-”
 
“Understood?” Misty interrupted, her eyes blazing.
 
Starswirl stood silent for a moment. The nerve of this mare! Speaking to him in such a tone? He ought to report her to Celestia. Though, it seemed like it would be more trouble than it was worth. Perhaps, he’d play along for the moment. At least, until he found a permanent way to ditch her.
 
“Fine,” Starswirl said, holding her gaze.
 
 
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
 
For those new to the party, Celestia assigned Misty to be Prince Starswirl’s personal guard. Starswirl had been venturing out into the Everfree Forest to study magic and visit the Castle of the Two Sisters. He would always get attacked by some wild creature or open a dangerous spell book and get horribly singed. So, Celestia decided that he would benefit from a guardian.
 
Needless to say, Starswirl isn’t a happy camper.