“Today is your big day Hazel! Isn’t it exciting!?” Twilight beamed with maternal pride, today was the day Hazel would finally become a true princess. Hazel sat at a large vanity across the room, nodding slowly.

“Yeah, it’s really something…” Hazel said softly, sighing afterwards.

Twilight didn’t notice her daughter’s remorseful tone, instead continuing to fawn over Hazel overenthusiastically. Twilight was helping Hazel style her mane for the coronation, which was to be held in merely a few hours from then.

“These curls are coming out so well! And you’re going to look so gorgeous with the dress your Auntie Rarity made for you! She is a world famous designer you know!” Twilight chimed happily between the bobby pins she held in her mouth for Hazel’s hair.

“The dress is beautiful but I don’t really know if it’s, well…” Hazel paused, “me..”.

Twilight patted Hazel’s shoulder obliviously, “Nonsense! You’ll look amazing honey.”

Hazel sighed, choosing to sit silently until it was time to put the dress on and be presented as Equestria’s newest princess. Hazel didn’t want to do this, there was still so much she wanted to do before she was forced to settle down into responsibilities and rules, this isn’t what she wanted to do with her life, not yet at least.

I’m doing this to make mom happy…but I don’t want to do this. Hazel thought to herself, fighting back the urge to break down into tears.

After what seemed like forever, Hazel’s mane was finished and styled, and it was time to put the dress on.

Twilight helped so that Hazel wouldn’t mess up the hair and makeup that they had spent hours on, luckily the dress wasn’t one that slid over the head but instead buckled around the stomach and the neckline. Rarity had kept the dress simple, and easy to put on, knowing that Hazel hated intricate clothing that was tedious to put on.

Soon the dress was on and Hazel was finally ready, although she was only ready physically. Mentally, Hazel was ready to break down and cry, and she was angry, and frustrated, and scared. Despite her mixed feelings, Hazel knew good princesses keep their emotions hidden.

Slowly Twilight stepped back, looking over Hazel with teary eyes. “You look so beautiful Hazel, you’re going to make a fine princess.” Twilight said proudly, placing a gentle hoof on Hazel’s cheek.

“I am so proud of you Hazel.” Twilight said with a smile, a few tears sliding down her cheeks.Hazel forced a smile, “thanks mom, that means a lot.” she said, nervous that her mom would sense the still slightly tense tone of her voice.

Twilight didn’t notice, instead she wiped away her tears and cleared her throat, “It’s almost time.” she said. Twilight turned to head for the door, “I assigned a guard to come retrieve you in just a view minutes, he’ll escort you to where you need to be and guard you until it’s time for you to be presented into your coronation.” Twilight said with a wide smile, before exiting the room and trotting down the hall to the room where Hazel’s coronation was going to be held.

Hazel sighed once her mother left, I don’t think I can do this, I’m not ready. she thought to herself. Hazel puffed a short hard breath from her nostrils, barely snorting.

“For mom.”

Hazel was interrupted by a knock on her bedroom door, “come in.” she responded a moment later.

Blue magic enveloped Hazel’s door as the guard let himself in, he was older than she’d expected him to be. Most of the royals guards were younger, 19 to 25 or so usually, this guard looked as if he could be late 30’s to early 40’s and Hazel questioned his abilities as a good guard.

Despite the guard’s unknown ability, Hazel ignored the thought, she knew she could defend herself if the time came. Hazel had become a talented swordsmare, thanks to Princess Luna’s secret training.

“Miss, it’s time.” the guard said, his voice raspy and aged, making him seem older in addition to his outward appearance.

“Yes, thank you, we should go now.” Hazel said, trying to sound stern and commanding like her mother and the other princesses were.

Hazel followed the guard out of the room and down the hallway, their hoofsteps echoing through the empty halls as they walked. Hazel slowly grew more and more nervous as they got closer to the coronation room, she couldn’t convince herself that she wanted to do this.

Soon they reached the large doors and Hazel was positioned outside, where she was perfectly centered with the door.

After about 5 minutes of speeches by the princesses, Hazel heard her mother’s voice.“And now I proudly present, for the very first time! Hazel Brew!”

The doors opened slowly, Hazel took a step forward. She was shaking, her heart pounded. Hazel was scared, she didn’t want to do this. one hoof in front of the other, you want this, _Mom__ wants this. Do it for Mom._

After what seemed like a mile long walk, Hazel reached the stairs to the stage and gracefully went up to stand beside her mother. Hazel took a deep breath and held it for a moment, blowing it out slowly.

Hazel turned to face her mother, watching as a crown was levitated off of a pillow by her mother and held up in the air. Slowly the crown was placed on her head, settling down amongst the thick curls that Twilight had styled into her hair earlier.

Hazel felt something inside of her just . . . break.

The crowds didn’t notice her false smile as Hazel turned to face them, tears welling up in her eyes. Most would have assumed Hazel’s tears were out of happiness, but deep inside, Hazel was slowly losing everything. All of the sword training, all of the adventures she and Day Dreamer and Solaris hadn’t had, all of the things she wanted to see before this moment, everything was escaping.