Celestia stood upon the castle balcony and gazed at the streets below her. Canterlot’s previous bustle had slowly begun to fade into a more dull and lazy haze. Boutiques and cafe lights were shutting off while late night club lights began to flash. The day was beginning to fade, and all but the sun and moon were starting to prepare for the night. The sun waited in the sky precariously, held only by magic that had been cast in the morning to raise it. It dropped unnaturally, and Celestia gave it a small burst of magic to keep it from falling without the moon to take its place.

The ivory princess looked over her shoulder expectantly. Her sister hadn’t yet arrived, and it was especially late even by Luna’s standards.

Perhaps she slept in with the baby.

Celestia made her way to Luna’s room and knocked gently. “Luna? Are you awake?” She was met with silence.

Celestia frowned and gave the door a gentle nudge. She peered into the bedroom, empty in all but once small corner. Luna was staring down at the crib where her son slept. Celestia crept into the room and held her breath for a moment.

The atmosphere in the room was dark and heavy. Celestia could feel her feathers prickle and stand on end, and she compulsively shuddered. There was certainly a new mood in the bedroom, and internally, Celestia prayed Luna hadn’t cast any spells that went awry. “Luna?”

Her sister’s ears flicked in acknowledgment. Celestia approached her sister cautiously and eyed her carefully. There was a disturbed and tired look on Luna’s face. She gazed at her son who was sleeping peacefully. Her stare was unwavering, driven. “There is darkness inside of him.”

The words broke the silence and hung in the air like storm clouds. Celestia’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Pardon? He’s an infant.”

Luna turned to Celestia, her eyes wide and afraid. She spoke in a rushed whisper. “I’ve been walking his dreams. I didn’t think a foal could dream of such horrible things. There was nothing I could do. Celestia, there is something wrong with him. I look into his eyes and I see nothingness. Not like your daughters. Not even like the Tantabus spawn. At least the spawn has emotion.”

Celestia was silent. Her eyes traveled down to the little prince. He looked angelic, peaceful. “Luna, I trust your judgement, but are you sure you’re looking right? He-~~”

“Yes.” Luna responded. “There is darkness in him.”

Celestia sighed. “What do you suppose we do?” She almost sounded exhausted with her sister. “He is an infant. Even if what you are thinking is true, he holds no power. You’re afraid of a fuzzy infant.”

She and Luna looked back at the child. Luna’s eyes softened and she nuzzled Nova gently. “I love him.”

“I know. Why do you see darkness in him?”

“I don’t know.” Luna looked at the child sadly. “I know it’s there, and I’m afraid.”

Celestia nudged her sister. “Let him sleep tonight. Don’t walk his dreams. For now, raise the moon and tend to your night.”

—~~

Prince Nova is not a good pony. More later lmao