The Best Night Ever (Private with The_Pariah)

"Sometimes, you just have to have a little faith." Paladin said quietly, closing his eyes. "Then again, I am talking to a pony who slept with a dozen hookers behind his wife's back."

"I never did any such thing!" He snapped sharply. "But of course, it would be the Guard that resorts to personal attacks to win a proper debate. A little 'faith' will not save anypony."

"A proper debate? There is no debate. Do you know why? Because you are a self-absorbed, money grabbing sack of despair. As for faith, well, Celestia has had faith in me all these years, and she seems fine."

"This is not about her faith in you. This is about our faith in the public!" He thundered. "And I'm not sure what cloud you have your head in, but this is reality!"

"No, actually, this is about the public's faith in us. And I'm grounded in reality my friend. You however, are trapped in your own little fantasy world..." He smiled, eyes still closed, oblivious to another glint of silver.

"This is ridiculous!" He roared. "I refuse to support this. This Court will not accept the terms as presented to it in this treaty!"

Several other nobles began to stand up as well.

"I would not want the support of a pony stupid enough to hire assassins regardless. Sit down, the lot of you. This treay is not up for debate."

"If this court does not move to approval, the motion will not be passed." The noble said firmly. "And what assassins are you talking about?"

"The ones who attempted to kill the princess the other day, and the on in the corner, pointing their bow at me. As for the treaty, it is already signed." Paladin shrugged. "Gonna be honest with you, you're a pretty stupidd stallion. Count how many ponies are actually standing. Five. Five out of a court of thirty minimum."

"Just because they are not standing does not mean thet approve." He snorted. "All in favour of passing the treaty?"

Only seven raised their hooves.

"There. There, you have it. And I never summoned any assassins."

"Then who is pointing a bow at me?" He raised an eyebrow. He glanced at Celestia, before returning his gaze to the noble. "What a sad day it is. Too bad the treaty has already passed."

"I'm afraid whatever treaty you may have signed is not valid without the approval of the two Courts." The noble replied. "Indeed, too sad."

An arrow lanced out, catching Paladin in the shoulder. He didn't even blink as the assassin was tackled and escorted away. He walked up to the noble, the arrow twitching in his shoulder. "I see now. You are the worst kind of coward." He turned and walked back to the throne, his blood dripping on the floor."Princess, perhaps you can do a better job?"

Ugh... Insight's tired drawl echoed in Paladin's mind. Call from Ician, Paladin.

"Do a better job?" The Princess raised an eyebrow. "At what, assassinating you?"

"At convincing them."

What is it Ician?

Are you having trouble with the Court? I don't expect they'll roll over without any opposition. I can help... in a dire circumstance.

"You've said everything I could have, Paladin." Celestia sighed.

I'll show you. But be prepared.

A few tense moments passed in silence. Then, the doors flew open with a slam, and Paladin's entire squad marched in, weapons at the ready.

"The Royal Air Force and Navy have been defeated by the Pirate Coalition at sea!" Star declared. "The military situation is now perilous! In accordance with events, emergency powers for the Princess and martial law may be declared... with the approval of the representative for the Royal Guard."

All eyes were suddenly trained on Paladin.

Your choice. Ician said.

You... are playing a fine line Ician.

Paladin stood slowly. "I see. First things first. Regroup all remaining troops," Paladin yanked the barbed arrow out of his shoulder. "Send Ician and his squads to reinforce them once they delt with their current mission. Martial law is now in place. Few things will change from their current state, with the following exceptions. First, that treaty will be passed." Paladin smiled. "Further changes will be decided upon later."

[Going to sleep

I am. I like to consider myself a master of it.

"Yes, sir!" Star saluted, a moment before tossing a vial of health potion to Paladin.

"But- but- but-" The noble spluttered.

((Goodnight!))

How do you intend to reverse this if need be?

He caught the potion and sculled it. "Right. Guard's escort the nobles out. Their opinions are no longer required."