Cosmos and Galaxia: The Birth of a Kingdom (MLP AU)

Chapter 98: The Isle of Sorrow

                        The boat drifted slowly across the calm, crystalline waters. Princess Celestia stood at the bow, her head bowed low, her mane hanging limply in the breeze. She could feel the eyes of the guards on her, their gazes filled with a mix of sympathy and duty. No one spoke, the silence pressing in on them as they neared the isolated island. The sound of the waves gently lapping against the sides of the boat was the only thing that filled the void, and yet, it felt deafening to Celestia. She was no longer the radiant ruler of Canterlot, beloved by her subjects and respected by her peers. She was now just a prisoner, bound by the consequences of her choices.

As the boat touched the sandy shore, the guards disembarked first, their armor clinking softly as they moved. Celestia followed behind, her once regal wings drooping low, barely brushing against the ground. Her heart ached with each step as she felt the distance between herself and the life she once knew growing wider. The island loomed before her, desolate and quiet, a fitting reflection of the desolation she felt inside.

The guards escorted her across the beach toward the small stone fortress nestled against the cliffs. It was modest, designed for utility rather than comfort, and would serve as her home for the foreseeable future. Celestia's hooves sank into the sand as she walked, the weight of her situation pressing down on her. Every step was heavy, filled with the burden of her past decisions. She had thought she could navigate the complex politics of the parliament, thought she could outmaneuver her father's supervision. But now, all of that seemed so distant, so foolish.

They reached the fortress, and the guards opened the heavy wooden door, revealing a small, sparse room inside. There was a single bed, a table with a chair, and a narrow window that overlooked the sea. The walls were bare stone, cold and unwelcoming. The air inside was damp, and the only light came from the window, casting long shadows across the floor. Celestia stepped inside, her heart sinking even further. This was her new reality.

Once the guards had secured the perimeter and set their posts, they left her alone in the room. As soon as the door clicked shut, Celestia felt her knees give way. She collapsed to the floor, her wings splayed out around her as sobs wracked her body. The silence in the room was suffocating, broken only by her quiet cries. She had never felt so alone.

Her mind raced as memories of the past months played over and over in her mind like a cruel loop. She had wanted to prove herself, to show her father, King Cosmos, that she was capable of leading, of making decisions for the good of their kingdom. She had believed that aligning with certain factions in parliament, bypassing her father's authority, and expanding her influence were necessary steps to secure her future as a leader. But in doing so, she had lost sight of everything that truly mattered.

And now, here she was. Banished to this lonely island, stripped of her titles, her family, and the kingdom she had once called home. But the worst part of it all—the part that twisted the knife in her heart—was the thought of Luna.

Her beloved sister.

Celestia's breath caught in her throat as she thought of Luna. She had always been there, supporting her, standing by her side even when their paths seemed to diverge. When Celestia had been at the height of her ambition, Luna had still looked up to her, trusted her. And when their father had condemned her for treason, it had been Luna who had pleaded for mercy on her behalf. Celestia could still see the tears in her sister's eyes as she begged their father to spare her, to find another way. But King Cosmos had been resolute, and Luna's pleas had fallen on deaf ears.

Celestia clenched her eyes shut, trying to block out the memory of Luna's devastated face as the verdict had been delivered. She had hurt her sister so deeply, and that was the greatest punishment of all. She could bear the isolation, the loss of power, and even the exile. But the knowledge that she had betrayed Luna's love and trust—it was unbearable.

Tears began to fall freely as she wept, her sobs echoing off the cold stone walls of her cell. She buried her face in her hooves, her body shaking with the force of her grief. The more she thought of Luna, the more the guilt consumed her. Luna had always been the light in her life, the one constant source of love and support. They had shared everything—laughs, secrets, dreams. And now, Celestia had shattered that bond.

She could remember the nights they would sneak out of the castle as fillies, exploring the gardens under the moonlight. Luna had always loved the night, and Celestia had loved watching her younger sister marvel at the stars, her eyes wide with wonder. They would race through the meadows, their laughter filling the air as they made up stories about the constellations above. Those moments felt like a lifetime ago, lost in the haze of politics and ambition.

Now, Celestia longed for nothing more than to be back in those simpler times, to be with Luna again, to feel her sister's warmth and love. But that was impossible. She had broken their bond, and she didn't know if it could ever be mended.

The days ahead stretched out before her, bleak and uncertain. She would wake up every morning to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, but instead of it being peaceful, it would be a constant reminder of her isolation. She would look out that narrow window every day, knowing that Luna was far away, surrounded by the love of their parents and the kingdom. And Celestia would be here, alone.

Her tears slowed as exhaustion began to overtake her. She pulled herself up onto the small bed, curling into a ball as the last light of the day filtered through the window. She stared out at the darkening sky, her thoughts still filled with Luna.

"Luna..." she whispered into the empty room, her voice hoarse from crying. "I'm so sorry..."

Her words hung in the air, unanswered, as night fell over the island. Celestia closed her eyes, her heart heavy with sorrow and regret. She knew she had made her bed, and now, she would lie in it—alone, with nothing but her guilt to keep her company.