Return of Amore

04 The Shadow (2/4)

Amore stirred her eyes open upon the light. Its beam was warm and potent upon her face, prompting Amore to defend her distressed eyes.

A groan escaped her as her body continued to stir in the bed. The crackling within her bones resounded loudly in her ears. An unknown part of her despised the lethargy in her body. Something within her commanded her to get up.

What are you doing lazing about on a bright day!? It questioned Amore. Get up right this moment! You have ponies who are in need of loving!

Amore could only groan in response. She questioned where this mysterious voice came from with its optimistic authority. Amore wondered if it was a remnant of her old self spurring into her conscience. If possible, she hoped it would give her at least five more minutes before she had to combat the greatest foe all creatures had to face, getting out of bed.

"Thou have finally awakened," Amore heard a voice. She adjusted her eyes a noted a blue mare standing at her bedside. The mare's mane swam in the air, an endless wave dazzling with sparkles like flickering stars.

"Oh my!" Amore shrieked, jumping out of her bed. Her movement was sudden despite her bones lacking enthusiasm. She failed to coordinate her hoof on the bed and inevitably fell unceremoniously to the ground. Amore could not fathom anything more embarrassing than to have her flank hung in the air before the Princess of the Night.

Amore pulled the rest of her body to the floor and tried to catch her wits. She coughed into her hoof and tried to greet Luna. "M-my apologies," Amore stuttered. "I didn't know you were here." Amore bowed before Luna, trying her best to exude of prestigious aura. "Welcome to my humble abode, Princess Luna. It is an honor to stand in your presence."

If her memory served her correctly, Luna happened to be a strict Princess, devoted to law and customs while her contrary was open to adjustments. Amore prepared herself for a lecture from Luna, who she figured to be offended by Amore's scandalous presentation.

However, Princess Luna pressed her hoof under Amore's chin and lift the embarrassed princess to her gaze. Amore was immediately spellbound by the cyan eyes of the Night Princess. Her sparkling bang dressed Luna's face in a magical light that gave Amore the impression she was looking upon a goddess. Even when her eyes were strangely melancholic.

"Amore," Luna spoke in a softer tone, something Amore rarely recalls about her. "Please do not address us in such a way. Our connection extends beyond our politics."

"It does?" Amore excitedly questioned before correcting herself in a regular tone. "It does? My memories are spotted with a lot of blanks. The others have shared that I am suffering under—"

"Amnesia," Luna finished and took a step back from a rising Amore. "Yes, We have been informed about your condition. And we would be much obliged to fill in those gaps for you. In fact, my sister and we hoped to start your recovery over a cup of tea."

"Teatime with the Royal Sister!" Amore gasped; her eyes widened. "I would be blasphemous to deny myself such a gift."

Luna blinked at Amore and then smiled. "We must say, we have not seen this expressive from you in years. We wonder if your amnesia has led, thou to be more honest with your feelings."

"Am I now?" Amore asked, confused. "I can't imagine a Princess representing love would hide her feelings."

"The effect of the years of ruling perhaps," Luna guessed. "Your time of rule was riddled with enormous difficulties your predecessors had never experienced. But you held strong and carved a fruitful future for your ponies as the Princess, we know you would be."

"Oh," Amore said, rubbing the back of her head. "Thank you. I wish I could remember these moments you were talking about. It would do me wonders to instill my daughter with wisdom as the former Princess...I am a former Princess, correct?"

"Ponies will always remember you as their Princess," Luna chuckled and surprised Amore with a hug. The wispy mane brushed softly upon Amore, prompting a strange urge for her to nibble on the mane. "And we are all joyous to have you back."

"This is like a dream come true," Amore confessed, reciprocating Luna's hug. "I think I've always yearned for both of your acknowledgment."

"That dream has long been fulfilled. Now, it is time you fulfill our dream with you."