The Best Night Ever (Private with The_Pariah)

"Um... well, if you insist, sir." The soldier slunk out of the room.

All of a sudden, an argument exploded in Paladin's head.

-ine! Fine! This once! But let me sleep after this! Insight shouted. Paladin, it's for you!

Yes, thank you, Insight. Ician replied. Paladin, we will be nearing the gates soon. I'll be at the throne room as soon as I am able.

Don't worry. It's not your power to wield anyways. It's the Captain's. There was a brief pause. Alright, I think you can start coming down to the gate now. Where are you?

Fine. Just give me a few minutes. Ician fell silent.

Don't. Call. Again. Insight growled, at with a final mental click the link dissolved.

Paladin sighed and rested on the throne.

A good twenty minutes passed, until finally the throne room doors burst open, and the Captain, escorted by Ician and the First and Second Infantry Divisions, strode in. "Paladin! What happened while I was gone?"

"Not a whole lot. Martial law has been established, I'm waiting for some guards. You?"

"Oh." The Captain glanced at Ician, who shrugged. "We defeated the bandits we found, but we had to cut the battle short to get back here. Did you approve the treaty?"

"I did. Now..." He stood up, walking down from the throne. "Let's see what our mastermind has planned."

"What?" The Captain asked, confused. "What mastermind?"

Ician flashed Paladin a warning look.

"Pardon Captain, twas a slip of the tongue. You and your squads are to be redeployed. effective immediately. The marshaling officer will give you your destination."

"I am the commanding officer here now, Paladin." Shining Armour said. "Where do you even plan to redeploy the squads to, at any rate?"

"I'm sending you back into the field." He replied.

"I am the Captain. It's my responsibility to handle the situation until it's resolved." Shining Armour said firmly.

"Sorry Captain, but I believe I hold rank here."

"Actually... you don't really." Ician said. "The law dictates that the highest-ranking senior officer can take command only when the overall commanding officer is not present. Which means that command has actually been transferred to the Captain, by means of him being here."

"True enough. What would you have me do, Captain?"

"Guard the Princess, as usual, and monitor the nobles." Shining Armour looked around. "With two assassination attempts in two days, any dissidents in the government would use this opportunity of weakness to strike at her. Be prepared."

Paladin salutes, waving Harmony over. "Sir, a squad should be here in a moment. Send them to guard the embassador." He took Harmony's hoof and marched to Celestia's room.

Ician nodded. "I shall see to the communications tower, for further correspondence from the fleets."

"Paladin?" Harmony asked as she accompanied Paladin. "What's going on?"

"A lot sweetie... I... Listen, I love you. So much. I'm not going to tell you anything till it's over."

"'Till it's over'? Till what's over?" Harmony asked worriedly. "What should I do?"

"Don't ask any questions. Please?" He opened the door to her chambers.

Celestia looked up. She had been pacing the room before Paladin's entry. "Yes, Paladin?"