A LIGHT THAT NEVER COMES

Chapter V - KINDNESS

       Watching Destiny suddenly escape after causing injury to himself was shocking.  Moonstar hadn't expected such an act from a prince, of all things.  Star had followed so quickly, almost like this had happened a dozen times before. 
Sparkling Swirl was worried, of course.  Destiny was originally incredibly friendly.  Upon what happened, he grew cold and ran.

"Is he going to be okay?"  Ruby called to Twister, who didn't answer.  Moonstar thought that Twister was smaller, but the buck was huge.  There had to be a little bit of pony blood in him, though.

"The Queen's here!"  Star shouted, Twister's eyes widening.  He rushed out of the kitchen.

"Stay in here," Twister hissed back after a second.  The three ponies snuck by the kitchen door, eavesdropping like there was no tomorrow.

"Milady," Star said with a bow.  "How are you?  May I sit you down and fancy you with a spot of tea?"

"No, Doctor," she said, her voice like ice.  "Where's my son?"

"Recovering, milady, he injured himself," Star answered, the Queen scrunching her muzzle. 

"Can he walk?"

"Well, of course, but-"

"Then bring him down, Doctor."

Star hesitated, then obeyed.  He teleported up the stairs, entering Destiny's room.

"And Twister," she said, getting the large buck's attention.  "Why did you resign?"

"I intend to be His Excellency's personal guard, Your Ladyship," he said, bowing.  "Having only Star with him during a time of war is detrimental to his safety."

"That's acceptable," she said, turning her attention back towards the stairs.  The three ponies saw Destiny moving slowly.  His color seemed like it was coming back.  "What's with you?  You look like Tartarus."

"Just a magic mishap," Destiny answered.  His mane was slightly dishevelled, and Star was fixing it.  "I'll be back to normal soon.  How are you, Mother?"

Destiny almost looked back to his normal self, just somewhat tired looking.

"You look horrible and disgraceful," she said, her horn lighting with a dark azure.  She adjusted his tie and other parts of his princely uniform, and then smiled in satisfaction.  Destiny honestly looked no different.  "Perfect, my little colt."

She smiled to herself, not really at Destiny.  Her coat was closer to a silver than to a yellow.  Her mane was a deep royal blue, similar to the streaks in Destiny's mane.  Her eyes were the same color as his.  Destiny dipped his head slightly, sticking his horn out a little. 
The Queen didn't acknowledge his gesture, adjusting some of the curtains, opening windows, and turning off the lights.  The subtle breeze felt wonderful, hugging against their legs and caressing their feathers.

"Destiny Afterlight," she said, his name easily rolling off of his tongue.  "Your sister is better suited for the heir at the point."

"I understand," Destiny said softly.  "But they won't allow two Queens in a row, will they?"

"She has to be a stallion, yes," she answered, smiling now at Destiny.  "That's where you come in."

"I don't understand," Destiny whispered after a few moments of silence.  "We can't both rule."

"There's a spell, high-class and difficult, that I'm putting up to you to perform," she explained, walking towards Star.  Destiny turned his body to follow her.  Star stepped out of her way.  She adjusted a few things here and there as she continued.  "You'll be swapping your gender with you sister."