The Midnight Dance 1/10

Family

King Button Mash was looking over the reports he had received from the harbor master and was troubled, according to the harbor master, the ships came in, but the cargo they carried always seemed to come up short and that there wasn't enough for trade, he made a decision that he would have to personally inspect the holdings of the ships that brought in the cargo, but there was a problem, Button knew he couldn't leave his castle without getting behind on other royal business that needed to be taken care of, then, when Snow Gem walked in with a budget report she finished, he got an idea 

Snow Gem: Here you go, Dad, and I double-checked my calculations to make sure it was right  

She smiled, but upon seeing the excited look on her father's face, she became concerned  

Snow Gem: Daddy, are you okay 

Button Mash: I'm fine, sweetheart, but I fear that Marendelle won't be if I don't look into this right away 

He held up the reports for her to see 

Snow Gem: Oh, no, what happened 

Button Mash: For the past few weeks now, trade has been becoming less and less, if our subjects lose the commerce we receive, Marendelle's businesses would go bankrupt, our ponies would have to leave, and the entire kingdom goes into ruin 

Snow Gem: But don't we have the gem mines to use for emergency funds 

Button Mash: Yes, but that won't help get our ponies the things they need, that's why ships bring in all sorts of goods that we can't get here on the island, but since there's a shortage happening, I must find out what is going on so Marendelle can receive the right amount of trade again 

Snow Gem: But, Dad, you can't just leave the castle unattended 

Button Mash: And I won't be, that's why you'll be acting as regent until I get back 

Snow Gem gaped: But, Dad, I can't, I mean, I knew I was going to be queen someday, but for it to happen this soon 

Button Mash: You won't be queen yet, Snowy, this is only temporary until I get back, besides, this is good practice for all of us, we need to see how much of your training has impacted you, and if there is something we have missed, we can make sure to correct it so you will be the best queen you can be when the time does come 

Snow Gem: Are you sure 

He gave a firm look 

Button Mash: Snow Bright Belle Pea, you have defeated the Windigos and in doing so, you fulfilled the prophecy that was given to you, you are a brave and intelligent princess, and while it is a heavy burden to bear, you would make an excellent queen someday 

She felt overwhelmed by her father's kind words 

Snow Gem: Oh, Daddy, really 

Snow Gem smiled: Every word, I know you still have doubts about taking this job, but I did, too, and if I'm being honest, I still do, every day, I wonder if I made the right choice, hoping I didn't make a terrible mistake that could hurt my kingdom, that is why I am taking matters into my own hooves by facing this trade problem head-on, but I need you here to take over matters while I'm gone, can I count on you 

She gave a determined look and bowed her head 

Snow Gem: I would be honored to accept this great responsibility 

He beamed with pride 

                                                        One Hour Later 

Sunshine: Let me get this straight, we have to take orders from Snow Gem 

She, her brother, cousins, her parents, and her aunts and uncles met in the throne room, Button had told them what was happening and that Snow would be left in charge while he and the other parents would be gone, Scootaloo rolled her eyes