Over three days the news had spread all over the country, Princess Flurry Heart was dead. Close friends and relatives of Flurry Heart were invited to her wake and funeral to mourn their loss and share stories about the princess. The Elements of Harmony were invited of course, and all showed up except one, Twilight Sparkle. Rarity walked to the royal couple, followed by Rainbowdash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack.
 
“Queen Cadence, first and foremost I wish to share my greatest sympathy to you and your husband. I know this is a hard time for you and I want you to know that if you ever need anything, anything at all, please notify us and we will be here in an instant.” Rarity bowed, as did her friends.
 
“Thank you Ms. Rarity. We appreciate your generosity.” Cadence said softly, her voice sounding strained. It was obvious she had been crying quite a lot.
 
“Yes we’re happy that you’re here.” King Shining Armor spoke. “And to be honest, we actually do need you for something.” Shining opened his mouth to say more before halting and looking at the group before him. “Where’s Twily?” He asked, suddenly concerned. The mares looked to each other, frowning and trying to avert their gaze from the king.
 
“We…we couldn’t find her. Or spike.” Rainbow Dash revealed, her chest fluff bristling as she got goosebumps. She was worried about Twilight, as were the others.
 
“What do you mean you couldn’t find her, where did she go?” Shining furrowed his brows and frowned. Cadence had a confused look on her face, but it quickly turned to panic once a particular thought entered her mind.
 
“Oh no, do you think…do you think she was murdered too?” She spoke in a harsh whisper, trying to avoid drawing the attention of the other ponies in the great hall. Her lower lip trembled as another wave of tears began to fall from her eyes.
 
“Oh no, no, no! I wouldn’t assume that!” Rarity held her hoof to her mouth in shock. “I’m sure Twilight is fine, she’s an alicorn after all.” Rarity said, attempting to calm the Queen. Fluttershy made a ‘meep’ noise beside her.
 
“Flurry was an alicorn too.” Shining spoke, dead pan. Rarity suddenly bit her tongue, and she felt her chest tighten with dread. “R-right, of course she was. My apologies.” She looked down, away from the king and queen.
 
“Maybe we should be worried about Twilight.” Applejack spoke up. “It isn’t like her to just up and go Celestia knows where without at least leaving a note. ‘Course, we just assumed she was called by the map to solve some friendship problem on her own.” Applejack explained, adjusting her black hat.
 
“I’m sure she’ll be back soon. Maybe she met Queen Celestia and Queen Luna on the way.” Fluttershy said softly, pointing out that the two alicorn sisters were also missing from the wake.
 
“I hope so.” Cadence sighed and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Pinkie Pie, could you lighten the mood plea-”
 
“I’m here everypony!” The royal couple and elements of harmony turned to see non other than Twilight Sparkle trotting towards them. A frown on her face. She stopped just behind Rarity and walked to Queen Cadence, embracing her in a hug. “I’m so sorry I’m late, I got called off to Trottingham by the map!”
 
“Twilight, I’m so glad you’re here. Sorry about the spell at the doorway, we need to be sure one of those monsters don’t weasel their way in.” She practically spat the word monster.
 
“It’s okay, and I missed you and Shining, I wish we could have gotten together over more pleasant circumstances.” Twilight looked to her brother, frowning. Shining Armor walked to his little sister and embraced her in a warm hug. He frowned when he noticed that Twilight was a bit cold, but chalked it up to the weather outside the castle.
 
“We missed you too Twily.” He smiled softlly. “We’re about to begin the eulogy, would you like to speak?”
 
Twilight sighed softly and smiled. “Of course BBBFF.”