King Sombra x Pegasus Reader

Chapter 48

I stood in front of the doors to my guest room. Was I- allowed to leave? Princess Luna had told me I could come and go as I pleased and that I was no prisoner but- I can't stop thinking Celestia will stop me if she sees me...

I knew I was being paranoid. This was stupid. Celestia wouldn't hurt me- again. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door and walked down the corridor, the hairs on the back of my neck fully raised. I passed a guard who nodded to me sternly, and I meekly nodded back before scampering past. As I dragged myself through different corridors, I ran into Princess Luna. She noticed me and gave a reassuring smile before cautiously approaching.

"Y/N, I'm so glad to see you're out and moving. I hope you've had a pleasant experience here so far." Her calm voice did sooth me slightly and I relaxed into a more comfortable composure.
"Yes, it's been lovely," I sighed, "thank you so much for letting me stay here Princess."
She waved me off. "Oh it's no problem! With what you've experienced it seems only right to let you gather your bearings here."
"Thank you, Princess Luna, seriously."
She smiled. "You're welcome, Y/N. Now, I understand that you aren't keen on seeing my sister, and as she has just returned from a small trip," she paused, coughing slightly, "you may wish to steer clear of the throne room and the courtyard. May I suggest the gardens? She doesn't usually frequent there."
I nodded and waved as we passed each other.

After asking a nearby guard for directions to the palace gardens, I soon arrived in a sea of green, lush plant-life. It felt a world away from where I had been... It felt good...

Wandering through the gardens, I found a small bench and sat down, staring contentedly at the birds as they flitted around the air above my head. So many colours, so many sounds, it was something I never thought I would experience again. My heart lifted and hope swelled in me. Perhaps, finally, I would be happy. I was going to leave this experience behind me and rebuild my life, maybe in a small village away from Canterlot. I remember hearing that Ponyville is a good place to settle down.

As I watched Celestia and Luna's figures retreat from a high balcony, having sunken and raised the sun and moon respectively, I headed back inside. Princess Luna had invited me to join them for dinner, letting me know they were hosting other guests as well so there would be no need for me to interact with her sister. I had uncertainly agreed, which now filled me with slight regret as I made my way to the dining room. Luna was waiting for me by the entrance.

"You're allowed to leave at any point Y/N, but I hope that you will stay, even if only to converse with me." We entered the dining room together and I laid my eyes on six familiar ponies and a small dragon child all sitting at the long ornate table. I quickly averted my gaze when it went to Celestia, and I sat on the opposite end from where she was. Luna took the seat beside me, shielding my view from her sister. I relaxed slightly.

As we ate, I exchanged pleasantries with the six famed ponies but mostly stuck to talking with Luna. Eventually, Twilight Sparkle spoke up.

"You'll be happy to know, Princess Luna, that every pony possible has safely made it to Canterlot. Princess Cadence has just left for the empire to check on damages but it seems our troubles are over." She smiled but Luna was shaking her head vigorously, almost like the topic wasn't supposed to have been brought up.

"Wait- hold on, what are you talking about?" I asked, leaning forward.
"The crystal empire, of course," Twilight responded, giving me a similar smile. I slowly turned my head to face Princess Luna, who gulped.
"What is she talking about?" I whispered, throat going dry.
"We were going to tell you eventually Y/N," she started, shuffling on her seat to face me. "It's just that you've been through so much and the last thing you need on your mind is knowing that King Sombra is here..."
"King Sombra is here?" I raised my voice.