The Butterfly kingdom buzzed with excitement as everyone rushed around to make preparation. It wasn't every day that the royal court met together in its entirety. Not only would all the heads of the royals families be in attendance, but so would those of the noble houses. And with the matter that would be being discussed today, everything needed to go flawlessly.

The news of this so-called Septarian kingdom trying to make its way into the court was hardly new. It had been muttered about many in the past few months. Some thought it was just a rumor, while others thought it was a lost cost that would never make it far enough to actually come to fruition.

But now, the day was here. Ambrosine, the daughter of Hekapoo and Rasticore, was going to make an appeal before the most influential figures in mewni. And if she succeeded, then she would be seen as a proper ruler. And her people might finally get the fair treatment they'd been fighting for.

"You okay?"

Amber looked over towards her trusted friend and lady in waiting, Minerva. She sat beside her in the carriage as it rode towards the Butterfly kingdom. The redhead nodded. She had changed into the dress her mother had given her. She'd gotten a few others since then that she'd bought with Vera and Maria, but this one seemed more appropriate. "I'm fine… well, no. I'm actually pretty nervous," she admitted.

Minerva leaned over and nudged her with her shoulder. "Hey, you got nothing to be worried about. You're totally going to crush this. Especially with me here helping you out," she said confidently. Amber grew a small smile. "We've already made it this far, and it's paid off. We must be doing something right. All we gotta do is keep it going."

Amber let out a breath. "Yeah, you're right." She couldn't say that she wasn't still nervous, but having Minvera and Wyot here was certainly a confidence booster. If they were managing to be confident right now, then she had no business not being so either.

She peeked outside the window and saw a number of people staring at them. The citizens of the Butterfly kingdom were no doubt curious about their visitor. Some of them had heard about the septarian princess, but hardly any of them had ever seen them in person. She put on her best smile and offered a wave, which got mixed responses.

Some just stared back at her oddly, while others sneered or looked away. A few people did respond positively, including a small girl who waved back enthusiastically before her mother scooped her up and quickly walked away. She tried not to let it bother her. Hopefully by the end of all of this she could change all of their reactions to her.

They reached the castle, and the carriage finally came to a stop. Amber took a deep breath, and then looked over as the door was opened for her. Wyot smiled. "Ladies, we have reached our destination," he said, giving them a dramatic bow.

Amber and Minvera both smiled and stood up, making their way outside to see a squad of knights from the Queensguard standing outside. Breeze was standing at the head of the group. "Hey there. Were you waiting all this time just to greet little old me?" Wyot asked, winking towards her.

Breeze narrowed her eyes, a small blush creeping across her face. A few of the guards behind her snickered until she sent a glare their way. She turned back towards them and cleared her throat. "I'm here to welcome the guests of the royal family, and escort you to where the royal court's hearing will be held," she explained.

Amber nodded towards her. "It's good to see you again Princess Breeze." She and Breze didn't exactly get along. They'd moved from thinly veiled dislike to at least being civil towards one another. Though that was probably mostly because of Wyot.

"Ambrosine," she said nodding back towards the girl. She wasn't required to call her princess. Not yet anyway. She then nodded towards Minvera. "Minnie."

"It's Minvera..."

"Right. You can just follow me."

Uran stood in the meeting room as he looked around at all the other royals and nobles mingling. When he had come back to mewni… well, he had sort of forgotten that as Star's husband he would be holding the title of king. And it was honestly something he just wasn't used to yet. Back on Avalon whenever they had a gathering, his only job was to stand there while his dad barked out orders.

But here, he was actually expected to get in there and mingle. "You okay?" He jumped, and then looked down to see Star looking rather amused. "You look like you're about to jump out of your own body. You're not going to pass out on me, are you?" she asked.

Uran clicked his tongue. "I won't make any promises. I mean… I really have missed so much since I've been gone. I don't recognize anybody, and now I'm a king. And it's just sort of nuts," he said rubbing a hand through his hair. He had only just started getting used to being back in the castle again, and the only familiar faces around were River and Moon.

Star wrapped her arm around his. "You're worrying too much. People are going to be too polite to ask about all the details. Just be your usual charming self and you'll be fine," she said before giving him a kiss on the cheek. The announcement had already been made about Uran being Nia's father, and him being named King. And while she was sure the court was muttering about it, she knew they'd never say anything to her face… well, most of them wouldn't anyway.

"So I'm basically just being arm candy for you? Honestly that doesn't sound bad at all," he said chuckling. He would help Star in any way he could of course, but… well, he didn't seem himself as King material. If it was in name only he was fine by that.

A horn suddenly went off, and everyone turned their heads towards the door as a servant stepped forward. "Everyone please welcome the guests of the royal family, the next chief of the Earth Nymph tribe, Bloom Highgarden. Along with the… princess, of the Septerian kingdom, Ambrosine."

The doors opened, and Amber and Bloom both walked in side by side. Behind them were Minvera and Bloom's attendant, Petal. Bloom looked as naturally casual as ever, and Amber hoped that she somehow did as well. Her heart was absolutely racing. She bowed gracefully towards everyone and Bloom offered a curtsey.

Star walked over to the two young women, a warm smile on her face. "Queen Star," they both greeted, nodding towards her respectfully.

Star bowed back in response. "Hello you two. You have no idea how excited I am to see you both here. This is such a big step we're taking towards trying to change mewni," she said before looking at Amber specifically. "And I know you in particular have worked very hard to make this happen. I know there's more work to do, but you should be so proud."

Amber smiled back at the blonde. "Thank you Queen Star. That means so much coming from you," she said. And it really did. Star turned around towards everyone else, and held her hands out. "Everyone, we'll begin getting things started in a bit. Until then everyone continues to enjoy yourselves. And feel free to welcome our guests of honor."

She began making her way back towards where the Commission was gathered, no doubt getting ready to do some last minute chatting on just how they were going to proceed with all of this. Amber turned towards Bloom and offered a smile, and the girl returned the gesture.

She had been sad to hear that Fum wouldn't be here as well, but just having another familiar face working alongside her was all the more comforting. "I'm going to go catch up with the Spiderbite family," Bloom said, gesturing towards Slime and Penelope who were waving towards her. "If you need me though, I'll be right back over."

Amber nodded. "Thanks. Good luck with everything," she said.

"You as well."

As Bloom and Petal walked off, Margo and Tom made their way over to greet Amber. The queen opened her arms and gave the girl a hug. "Oh Amber, Minerva. I know you must be so excited. And nervous," she said. "Wait, where's Wyot?" He had told her during their last session he would be here.

"He's outside. Probably with Breeze," Minerva said, smirking.

Margo hummed, a knowing smirk on her own face. Tom stepped forward and held his hands out. "Well, today is finally going to be the big day. The first one anyway. I'm sorry we couldn't convince them to let your father come along too. But the Commission just wouldn't have it."

Amber nodded. "It's alright. I understand." Rasticore had never expected them to be able to pull it off. Seeing as his last involvement with the Butterfly family had been… well, pretty bloody, there was no way they'd let him near the castle. Let alone near the Queen of mewni herself.

"Now, just some last minute advice. These things can be a little… hectic, sometimes. And you know not everyone is in favor of this," Margo warned. "But try not to get confrontational. Be stern, but civil. Don't let them goad a violent reaction out of you. It's what they want. If too much starts going off as once, Tom and I will be sure to step in."

Amber nodded. "Got it… is there anyone in particular I should be weary of?"

Margo looked around for a few moments, and then spoke low. "Obviously the Johansen's aren't going to be very cooperative. They've haven't exactly been hiding how against this they are. The Jagur and Pigeons are a toss up, but I think we can win them over. But the noble houses… their pretty split on the whole thing. Especially the Baros. They've been trying to really put some of the other naysayers behind them."

Amber frowned. The Baros were a famous, or rather infamous, noble family in mewni. They were known for their cruel treatment of monsters, and the royal family had to step in more than once to deal with their antics. Amber glanced over towards where Margo subtly gestured, and saw a rather tall man talking to a elderly beastkin.

The man looked like he was speaking rather harshly towards him, but the elderly beastkin just kept his head lowered and took it. Tom sighed. "Man, Rags is still working for those guys. Something really needs to do something…" the king said shaking his head. He'd been watching them abuse the poor old guy for years now, and it never got any easier to see.

"Star said she's stepped in and told him he could go. Even offered him a place here. But he won't leave," Margo said sadly. She didn't know what was keeping him there.

They watched as he was sent away, and Amber had to calm herself. She had been so angry at the scene she didn't even realize she'd bawled her fist up. "I'll be sure to keep an eye out for them…" she muttered.

"Alright everyone! The proceedings are about to begin! If everyone could please find their seats we'll get started!"

Amber and Bloom stood in the center of the room. The former feeling rather… small. The royals and nobles all sat around them, some sitting higher than others. Fight in front of them sat Star and Uran, and sitting one row down was the magical high commission. Hekapoo smiled and nodded towards her daughter, silently confirming her support.

Star stood up and then cleared her throat. "I'm so glad everyone was able to make it today. We all know just how important this meeting is, and what's on the line. This will be the beginning of a decision that could be the first step in cementing peace in mewni, and I don't think anyone needs to be reminded just how heavy all of our decisions should weigh," Star started looking around at everyone.

She then gestured down towards Amber and Bloom. "These two young ladies have worked tirelessly for their people, and they've come today at my invitation to give their say on why they should be accepted into the court. And I hope everyone listens very carefully to them, and takes what they say into account."

With that, the Queen gestured towards the two. Amber and Bloom shared a glance with one another, and after a moment, Bloom stepped forward. "Thank you Queen Star. And thank everyone else for taking the time to be here today. I'm grateful for this chance to say my piece. I know many of you may be wondering why my father isn't here, but unfortunately he felt he needed to stay at his post at the Great Tree. And the trip frankly would have been rather hard on him."

"As you all know, the Earth Nymph tribe has always chosen to be neutral when it comes to all conflict in mewni. And honestly, even if we're granted the honor of joining the court, I don't see our position changing much," she said honestly. "But I do know that our status as one of the Great Tribes has a lot of weight. And even if it's in name only, I think that joining the court will help pacify much of the conflict between monsters and mewmans."

There were a few small mutters among everyone, but no one sounded shocked. This had more or less been what they'd expected to hear from the girl. Someone from a noble house spoke out. "That's a very nice sentiment, young lady. But I'm not entirely convinced you joining the court would be in any of our best interests. After all, your tribe has been known to treat injuries of enemies of the royals family. How could we bring you into the court knowing you would support those who stand against it?"

Bloom didn't look at all thrown off. "To treat those in need is just our way. We help any and everyone we can. And this won't change whether we join the court or not," she said bluntly. "I know that doesn't exactly make everyone happy, and if that means that you don't think us aligning with you is in your best interest, so be it."

Amber looked rather impressed. She stated her stance firmly, but didn't come off as very aggressive. The rest of the court all shared glances with one another, some rolling their eyes while others looked on in thought. But nobody seemed to want to dispute her argument. At least no openly.

"People, let's all be honest here. I don't think anybody really questions the nymphs intentions in joining the court. Her being here is nothing but a formality," another noblewoman said, waving her hand. "Whether they join or not doesn't really change much in the grand scheme of things. We're here for her." She gestured towards Amber.

Star spoke up. "Lady Bright, I don't believe it's polite to cut Bloom off while she's still making her case. We can discuss Princess Ambrosine when it's her turn," she said sternly.

"Forgive me your highness, but I just thought I would save everyone time and get to the real reason we're all here. And I don't think Bloom has anymore to say on the matter. She made her case and terms quite clear."

They looked down at Bloom who remained silent. Her plan had always been to simply state their intentions and leave the decision up to them. Star looked towards Amber. She had wanted to give the girl a bit more to ease into it by watching Bloom, but clearly everyone else had different plans.

Amber gave a small not, confirming she was ready to speak, before stepping forward. "Well, since it seems like everyone is waiting for me to speak, let me start by also thanking everyone for being here. It means far more than any of you know, to both me and my people," she said, giving a bow.

She looked back up and around at everyone. "I don't think it's a secret that the septarians and the mewmans have had a very tense relationship. Particularly with the Butterfly family," she said, unable to keep from glancing towards Moon. While the former queen hid it well, she knew she had to be thinking about her fathers involvement in Comet's assassination.

"But I came here today hoping that we could take the first steps to get past that. That we could show both mewmans and monsters across mewni something special by burying out past grudges and coming together and peace," she said, placing a hand over her chest. "I truly think that my kingdom joining the court, joining forces with you all, will make a statement that others will have to take notice of."

Before she could keep going, she heard a chuckle. The man from earlier, Lord Baros, spoke up. "What a nice sounding sentiment. It could truly bring a tear to one's eye. But given your family's history can we really take it at face value?" he asked. "Anyone can utter pretty words, but you're asking us to allow those who have attacked and betrayed us. It's not a very convincing argument when stated plainly."

Amber frowned towards him. "I don't deny the mistakes that my people have made in the past. But, I would ask that you remember how we've been wronged by mewman kind as well. Even up until recent times, my tribe has been forced to relocate from constant mewman attacks."

"Well, can you blame them? With your people's behavior being taken for attackers isn't exactly an unfair assumption," Lord Baros argued. "Even the lands you inherit now aren't really your own. You invaded Butterfly Kingdom territory without permission, and proceeded to make a base of operations there."

Hekapoo frowned and was about to speak, but Star did first. "I granted them permission to use those lands," Star said, narrowing her eyes. "They came to be before moving there, and I gave them the deed to use it as they pleased." It was a lie, and they probably knew it. But nobody would dare call ehr on it. Honestly she had been a little miffed about Hekapoo stealing it. She could have asked. But she understood why.

Lord Baros huffed and sat back in his chair, and King Larry spoke up next. "I don't agree with us bringing up her family's past misdeeds against her case. I would think given the history in this court, we would learn by now that our children should not pay for the sins of their parents," he said.

"I agree," Queen Camie added. "This girl has worked hard to make a better life for her people. She's shown the work ethic and judgement of a true ruler. I think it would honestly be an insult to ignore all that just because her father has made, admittedly grievous, mistakes. Mistakes he himself has put great effort in making up for."

"Can you really make up for taking a life though?" Amber turned towards another nobleman. This one was Corona's mother, the head of the Butterfly's noble house. "I'm sorry. I know that he's tried to make things right, but… he had a hand in killing the Queen. I don't think we should prosecute her for that, but I do think consideration needs to be taken here."

Higgs scowled. "Doesn't that really matter though? We're not talking about her father, we're talking about her. His actions don't have anything to do with her."

"He's an influence on her, acting as a leader in her stead. Whether you like it or not, that needs to be addressed," Lord Baros said crossing his arms. "Let's not forget her traitor of a mother. Who knows what schemes she'd put in her daughter's head. For all we know this is some long ploy to swap out another member of the royal family."

Hekapoo grit her teeth. "You do know I'm sitting right here, don't you?" she asked.

"Stump knows why. The commission should have been barred from decisions like this years ago. You in particular have an obvious bias in this situation. Not a word you say here can be taken at face value."

Star glared at him. "That's enough Baros! You're out of line!"

"All of this is a moot point," Margo said, equally irritated by the accusations being thrown. "Ambrosine isn't her mother or father, and these are HER efforts. To try and ignore them because of this is just petty. We're a court of kings and queens, not children. For all of our talk about bringing peace to mewni, we always hesitate when it comes to making decisions that would actually help us get there."

Tom nodded along with his wife. "We've been working close with Rasticore and Amber, and we haven't gotten any sign that he's trying to do anything but help his people. For once can we do the right thing without having to be dragged kicking and screaming?"

"Don't try to make it sound like we're being the bad guys by objecting," King Rock said, looking annoyed. "All the points being brought up are things we should be rightfully concerned about. You keep saying how the septarians are trying to change and do better, and yet there are still reports of septarians attacking and raiding mewman settlements. Care to explain that?"

Amber looked up towards him. "Those attacks weren't done by members of my tribe. I've tried calling out to them but-"

"But you've failed," Queen Flutter said simply, cutting her off.

Margo glared towards her. "So you're going to judge her for actions of people that aren't your own? We don't try you for every crime those from the Johansen kingdom commits, much less those committed from other kingdoms."

"You wouldn't have to, because I'll kill them myself," Flutter said bluntly. "If he's going to claim to be the princess of the septarians, I would think she could at least rally the bulk of them together. You have what, only half the tribes under your banner? The other tribes have either claimed they weren't a part of your kingdom, or openly challenged your title and claim to the throne."

Amber knew that the Johansen would be a problem. After learning about what happened to Queen Flutter's brother, she knew swaying her would be near impossible. "I think that's because a lot of them don't think we have a chance at succeeding. But if we were the join the court, show them that both sides do really want peace, then-"

"Then it could end up fanning the flames and making things worse," Rock argued. "The other tribes could take it as a slap in the face for all we know."

"This is a moot point," King Larry said sternly. "Those aren't her citizens or people. We can't hold her to their actions."

"And we can't hold her actions to the septarians as a whole either," Flutter said matter-of-factly. "I believe her efforts are genuine. I believe her people do want change. But I also believe as a whole the separations are still a huge problem. And approving this is essentially giving them a pass."

"Oh come on!" Margo argued. "That's not fair and you know it!"

"What's not fair is you expecting us to just accept this without a second thought. You might be willing to throw caution to the wind and gamble with your kingdom and family's safety, but I am not. Trust isn't something so easily earned, especially when blood has been split."

"Whose blood are we talking about exactly Flutter...?"

Everyone's eyes went wide at the comment. Tom looked towards Margo, who was glaring at the other Queen. Tom looked at his wife in shock, but Margo didn't even try to look sorry. The moment the word family left Flutter's mouth, she didn't care.

Rock looked towards Flutter with a nervous expression. The former assassin looked calm, but then let out a breath. She stood up from her seat and then flicked her wrist, pulling out a knife. "Would you like to move this conversation outside, Margo?" The other members of the court all seemed to tense up, though some of them smirked.

Margo stood up as well. "I'd be delighted to…"

"Margo, honey! Let's cool our heads here!"

"Flutter, we talked about this!"

Amber looked shocked as both the kings tried to calm their wives. Were… were they really going to fight right now? Right in the middle of everything? Was this normally how things proceeded in the court? She looked up towards Star, who was standing up to cut in between the two. She did catch Uran's expression, and the King looked just as lost and confused as she was.

"Alright, enough! We're getting off topic!" she said. "We're here to discuss adding future members of the court, not to insult and threaten one another!" Flutter and Margo continued to stare off against one another, but then both slowly sat down. Both Rock and Tom were sure to try and rush them back home when this was done.

Uran meekly raised his hand. "Uh… may I say something." Everyone turned towards him, and he flinched. For a moment there was just silence, and then he realized they were waiting for him to say something. "Look, I know that I don't exactly have a grasp of everything going on here in mewni. I haven't been here in god knows how long, and I'm still adjusting to my role."

"But, before I came back, this girl Ambrosine helped me. She helped my daughter. She, along with her friends, fought against impossible odds without a second of hesitation to save her from a threat we never could have overcome on our own. If nothing else, she's proven her loyalty to Nia. And from that alone the crown owes her a debt that as far as I'm concerned can't be repaid. So, say what you will about her parents or her people, but I won't have her name slandered."

Everyone looked at him surprised. He had started off rather nervous, but by the end his expression had turned serious. Amber had helped him save his daughter, and even if he didn't know the whole situation, he would at least try and return the favor in some way.

Amber bowed towards him. "You're too kind, your highness." His reputation may not have held as much weight, but his words had been so sincere and honest. A few of the other lords looked like they were really taking them into consideration. Amber had always thought that Nia's way of swaying people with her personality came from her mother, but it seemed she got a lot of it from her father as well.

"I most certainly am not, young lady. After everything I've seen you and your friends do for my family, if it was in my power I would… I…" He stopped, an odd looking coming over his face as he looked around. "I… I feel something is wrong. Does anyone else feel that?" he asked looking around curiously.

The members of the court all looked at him confused. What exactly was he talking about right now. Star was about to ask him, but then she felt something as well. A magical power… no, multiple magical powers. Massive ones, somewhere very close. Some of the others seemed to start sensing it as well.

"What the-?!"

Bloom and Amber both looked down, noticing cracks forming in the floor. There was a bright light shining from them, and they both jumped back. "Get down!" Star shouted as she went into her mewberty form.

The floor split open, and a blinding light erupted and spread into the room...

A/N: A very dialogue heavy chapter! I thought it would be interesting to have this chapter from Amber's point of view, especially since I really wanted to show off some of the political side of the royal court. I think a lot of the chapters will be a lot longer in this arc. I wanted to try and be more detailed with... well, pretty much everything lol. Hope it doesn't feel to bulky. Let me know what you guys think! Things are really going to start kicking off next chapter!