A Queen's Pawn

Prince Aster's obsession grew only greater as each day passed. He took no food or rest, and would not see anyone. The kingdom trembled on the verge of falling. And then a rumor whispered from the shadows crept into the castle and into the royal court, where it found the prince. All at once his demeanor changed, he spoke with his subjects in the streets and even threw open feasts, as if all his love for Jonquil had turned to his subjects. None could complain, for he personally made certain each and every pony in his kingdom was housed and fed well. He even created a list of every subject in the kingdom, each earth pony, pegasus, and unicorn. At the time she was only a filly, yet her magic was widely regarded as more powerful even than some artifacts. While Hebe herself wouldn't have bragged to anyone, she put on performances sometimes, or helped others with magical tasks, so of course word got out. When Aster came knocking, her parents tried to keep her out of sight to protect her, for by now his list had become quite famous. Many suggested there were plans for the list, dark plans. This was absolutely true. He made his way inside, and pressed her parents until at last, reluctantly, they let him meet Hebe. What could commoners do against a prince? Only hope. Please protect her, they hoped, keep her safe. Months later a royal carriage came to their door. A herald called to them that they should bring their daughter and her finest possessions to the carriage, for she was to have an audience with His Royal Highness, King Aster. All hope left their hearts that day, as Hebe was taken away, never to speak to her beloved parents again. She was brought to the castle, through the court, and up, up... to her prison. The tallest tower became Hebe's home. Never could she leave, and never was she able to speak with anyone, for even the ponies who brought her food were ordered that they must not interact with her. Aster claimed she was dangerous. He even clasped her hooves and horn in shining iron, plated in gold as though they were a gift - really they were what made it impossible for her to escape through magical means. Hebe wilted in that tower. She became despondent, spending her time playing musical instruments, reading books, and most of all, gazing out the window at what had been her home. Every friend she had was told that Hebe had never existed. Her own parents' minds were washed of all memories of her, until she was truly, utterly forgotten. And time got on. She fell ill after only a year, unable to bring herself to eat the food that did not taste of anything. Her life was only brief glimpses out the window until once again she slept, like an item locked in storage. Then came the last Kolkwitzia Festival she would ever see. Hebe was told she would be brought down from her tower, that she would be able to attend the festival. She became full of life once again. Surely this meant she would see her parents and her friends again, and this hope gave her the energy to return to her hobbies with vigor. King Aster spent this year quite differently. He called for all his best craftsponies and hired a team of specialists, those who were gifted with the ability to craft magical artifacts. They began a secret project, given every material they required. Over the course of the year, they created a beautifully ornate silver mirror, studded with pearls. Aster's plan was now in place for the Kolkwitzia Festival. He sent out invitations to foreign leaders, including Queen Jonquil. An answer swiftly came: Queen Jonquil would attend the festival as a political gesture of peace between the nations, and would exchange gifts with him at dusk when the commonfolk were gathered in the castle's court.