“Well, well! If it isn’t Starswirl, the prince of failure!” an all-too-recognizable voice called.

Starswirl let out a soft groan and lowered his book. He lifted his gaze towards the strutting white stallion. As if Starswirl’s day could get any worse. “What do you want, Lance?” he demanded. “I am busy.”

Lance flipped his long, luxurious mane over his shoulder and gave Starswirl a smirk. “Oh, I just wanted to speak with my dear old friend! Is that such a crime?” Lance pouted his lip, feigning innocence.

“I am no fool. We are not friends, nor have we ever been,” Starswirl growled, returning his eyes to his novel. Lance strode up to the yellow unicorn and wrapped a hoof around his neck.

“Come now, Starswirl,” purred Lance. “There’s no need for hostility. We are both princes, you and I. Can we not have a civil conversation?”

Starswirl batted away Lance’s hoof. “Even if I were to entertain a conversation with you, it would be entirely one-sided. You would prattle on about your bountiful wealth, your beautiful lands, and your many suitors without allowing me a word in.”

Lance laughed heartily. “Well, who wouldn’t want hear about my many accomplishments?” he stated, raising up his snout. “I am better than you, after all.”

Starswirl’s nostrils flared. “In material wealth, perhaps. But having such things doesn’t make you better or happier than I.”

“Oh, naive, little Swirly!” Lance snorted. “In time, you’ll come to understand! While you whittle away on your pointless pursuit of becoming an alicorn, I shall indulge in the finest of what Canterlot has to offer.”

“It isn’t pointless,” Starswirl growled dangerously.

“Sure it isn’t,” Lance drawled out, sarcastically. “I’m sure you’ve gotten so far in your studies! I imagine Celestia is already preparing a castle for you to govern. Oh, wait.” Lance stopped suddenly, perking his ears and smiling devilishly. “She hasn’t even considered it, has she?”

Starswirl’s eyes grew wide in anger.

“Yes, I heard about your fight with our dear princess during the Grand Galloping Gala. It’s such a shame that she hasn’t realized your potential, and you’ve worked so hard,” Lance mocked.

Suddenly, Starswirl stood and began to stomp off in the opposite direction. “I will become an alicorn. Just watch me,” he hissed, not turning back to look at Lance.