Princess Celestia: The Fall of Canterlot (MLP AU)

Chapter 69: Shadows of Regret

                          Galaxia awoke in the early morning light, the soft rays filtering through her window, casting gentle patterns across her bed. But the warmth of the sun did little to soothe her; a chill coursed through her body, leaving her feeling heavy and unwell. She pushed herself up, wincing at the dull ache that settled in her stomach. It was a sensation that had lingered since her secret rendezvous with Elysian, but she had brushed it aside, attributing it to stress and the whirlwind of recent events.

Yet, today was different. A sense of dread began to gnaw at her, an unshakeable feeling that something was terribly wrong.

Galaxia swung her legs over the side of the bed, her hooves touching the cool floor. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but as she stood, a wave of nausea washed over her. She stumbled slightly, gripping the edge of the bed for support. The memories of her intimacy with Elysian flooded her mind—moments filled with passion and secrecy that now felt tainted by an underlying darkness.

"Maybe it's just a passing illness," she murmured to herself, attempting to dispel the growing anxiety within her. She made her way to the mirror, the reflection staring back at her revealing sunken eyes and a pallid complexion that sent a chill through her. Galaxia's heart raced as she reached for her face, brushing her hoof over her cheek. There was a sinking feeling in her gut that she couldn't ignore anymore.

After a few moments of gathering her strength, she finally stepped into the adjoining chamber where Celestia and Luna were having breakfast. The clatter of dishes and the light chatter between the sisters created an atmosphere of normalcy, but Galaxia felt disconnected, as if a thick fog surrounded her.

"Mother!" Celestia exclaimed, her voice filled with concern as she noticed Galaxia's pale appearance. "Are you feeling alright? You look unwell."

"I'm fine, just a bit tired," Galaxia replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I didn't sleep well last night."

Luna studied her mother with a discerning gaze. "You should rest, Mother. We can manage without you for a day or two."

Galaxia waved her hoof dismissively, but deep down, she knew something was amiss. She took a seat, her stomach churning as she nibbled at a piece of toast, the taste bland and unappetizing. The weight of her secret with Elysian pressed heavily on her conscience. She couldn't shake the feeling that their encounters had consequences far beyond their initial thrill.

As the day wore on, Galaxia tried to keep herself occupied, but each passing hour only heightened her discomfort. The dull ache in her abdomen had intensified, accompanied by a growing sense of fatigue that drained her energy. By afternoon, she found herself retreating to her chambers, seeking solace in solitude.

As she lay on her bed, her mind raced back to her time with Elysian. The thrill of their hidden romance now felt like a fleeting mirage, overshadowed by the reality of what they had shared. Her heart sank as she realized the potential ramifications of their union, the specter of a sexually transmitted disease looming ominously in her thoughts.

With a trembling hoof, she summoned the courage to examine herself, the reality of her situation hitting her with a ferocity that left her breathless. The signs were there—discomfort, irritation, and an overwhelming sense of dread. Panic coursed through her veins as she realized that she might have contracted something serious from Elysian.

"No, this can't be happening," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "I can't let this be the end of everything."

The implications of her situation were dire. If her condition were to be discovered, it would not only tarnish her reputation but also jeopardize the fragile stability of the royal family. She could already hear the whispers echoing through the palace halls, the judgment of others ringing in her ears. Galaxia's mind raced as she weighed her options, torn between seeking help and the fear of the repercussions that would follow.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Luna stepped inside, her brow furrowed in concern. "Mother, I thought you might be resting. Are you sure you're alright?"

Galaxia attempted to gather herself, putting on a brave face. "I just need some time to myself, Luna. I'll be fine, really."

But Luna wasn't convinced. She moved closer, her expression softening as she placed a hoof on Galaxia's shoulder. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right? If something is bothering you—"

"It's nothing," Galaxia interjected, the fear in her heart spilling over. "I'm just going through some personal matters. It's not something I can share."

Luna's eyes narrowed slightly, her intuition kicking in. "Mother, please. You don't have to carry this burden alone."

Galaxia's heart raced, caught in the turmoil of wanting to confide in her daughter but fearing the fallout that would follow. She couldn't bring this chaos into their lives, not after everything they had faced together.

"I appreciate your concern, but I need to handle this on my own," she said, her voice firm but tinged with sadness.

As Luna hesitated, Galaxia could see the worry etched on her daughter's face. She watched as Luna's eyes flicked to the door, sensing the distance growing between them. In that moment, Galaxia realized that the weight of her choices was threatening to pull her away from the very family she loved.

After a moment of silence, Luna finally nodded, though her expression remained troubled. "Just know that I'm here for you, Mother. Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."

Once Luna left, Galaxia lay back against her pillows, tears streaming down her face. The physical symptoms of her illness were one thing, but the emotional toll of her secrecy and guilt felt unbearable. She closed her eyes, wishing for a way to undo the past, to reclaim the innocence of her family without the taint of her decisions.

With each passing moment, Galaxia understood that the battle ahead would be far more daunting than she had anticipated. The shadows of regret loomed large, and she knew she could no longer hide from the truth. The walls of the palace felt like they were closing in around her, trapping her in a web of her own making.

Galaxia took a deep breath, steeling herself for the days ahead. She knew she had to confront her reality, for her own sake and for the sake of her family. But as she lay in her bed, the future seemed uncertain, and the weight of her choices pressed heavily on her heart.