AN: So I think you guys will like this chapter. I think there is one maybe two more to tie things up. Then I start my next adventure. Thanks so much for reading and enjoy.

The Seventh Element: The Element of Hope

Chapter 24

Princess Ball

While waiting for the processional to start Lavender was getting more and more nervous. Twilight was the first to react though she was not the first to see it. That goes to Princess Dusk. Princess Dusk decided it would be better for the youngest to princessdom to comfort the newest princess.

"Lavender are you okay," Twilight asked her friend.

"Hmm? Oh No. I'm not. It's just this is all too real and I think AJ was going to confess to me but I don't know. Rarity interrupted and I could be totally wrong on that aspect and I don't think I'm meant for this I mean this could be all a huge mistake, right? Like what if I'm not the Princess of Hope," Lavender said in a rush.

"What now? When was Applejack about to confess? Oh, the night we got back right that's what we all assumed when she followed you out of my quarters."

"Wait what? She was going to confess then too? Am I that blind?!" Twilight looked abashed and looked away realizing she had made the wrong assumption.

"When did Applejack almost possibly confess?"

"Right before I came down here. She had something she had been meaning to tell me for a while now. But before she could Rarity interrupted saying I was needed down here."

"Well maybe try to catch AJ at the ball. And Lavender."

"Yeah?"

"You are the Princess of Hope the Elements of Harmony make no mistakes so if you weren't meant to wear that crown you wouldn't be." As Twilight finished speaking the processional began with the other princesses baring Star Dust and Lavender walking out to the dais.

"Are you ready Princess Lavender," Princess Star Dust asked?

"I don't know. I don't know if I can do this. But Twilight is right the Element of Hope chose me. I am meant to do this."

"You know when I first did this I looked and saw all those who cared for me and were here for me not my title. It made me feel better." At Princess Star Dust's words Lavender looked around the door and happily saw her friends in the very front of the room. Each stealing glances back to where she was. Rarity and Rainbow Dash looked wonderful in their outfits Rainbow looked especially happy to be in pants. AJ was smiling brightly once she caught Lavender's eye her outfit making the country mare sparkle brighter than a star Lavender had seen. Fluttershy was holding onto a bouncing Pinkie trying to calm their energetic friend down. Both ponies' dresses fit them perfectly making them shine and dazzle. Rarity had outdone herself with the outfits.

The music changed and the last two Princess stepped out side by side and made their way to the center of the dais in front of not only all the ponies in the seats but their fellow princesses of which the stopped before. Princess Luna and Princess Dusk stood before Star Dust and Lavender respectively. As the ceremony went on AJ got a better look at Lavender and realized how beautiful she was and how much her being a princess had to offer somepony. Maybe she would be better off with a Canterlot or Ponavian noble pony. She can do better than some apple farmer. Applejack thought dejectedly. As AJ watched the mare she loved going through her coronation she noticed her dress. Applejack then looked down to her own jacket and pants combo and saw the hearts that Rarity had added. Applejack then stole glances at her friends' outfits and saw that all the couples were sporting the other's cutie mark. Does this mean Rarity put my cutie mark on Lavender's dress? I need to talk to her asap! Applejack thought. It felt like the coronation ceremony dragged on not just for Applejack but for Lavender as well. Breathe. Breathe. It will be okay just think once this over you can finally see what AJ wanted to tell you. What if she wasn't going to confess? What if you have it wrong I mean AJ is an element of Harmony she probably already has a whole slew of suitors. Lavender thought worriedly as the ceremony began to close.

Once it was over the ponies all headed to the ballroom where the party was to commence. As Lavender made her way she was stopped repeatedly by well-wishers who thought she was beautiful and how wonderful it was to have another princess and element. After what felt like eons Lavender could get away from the well-meaning ponies that made up Ponavia and Canterlot nobility.

"Lavender! Lavender over here," Pinkie's voice rang out on a balcony. Lavender smiled and hurried over.

"Oh thank goodness I found you all," Lavender said once she got there to find all her friends there.

"Of course Darling we knew it was going to take a while to see you. What with the lines that formed for Twilight," Rarity said.

"Are those apples on your dress," Rainbow Dash asked as she got a good look at her friend's outfit.

"What," Applejack shouted looking shocked before she looked closer at Lavender's dress and saw that her suspicions were true.

"Oh do you hear that I love this song. Come along Dashie the dance floor awaits," Rarity said as she dragged her marefriend away.

"I love this song to. Twilight," Fluttershy asked her marefriend.

"Of course. Oh, Pinkie I believe I saw Cheese Sandwich over by the buffet table," Twilight said as they left.

"Cheese," Pinkie cried as she raced off. Applejack and Lavender stared at each other for a moment before Lavender looked away.

"Uhm… want to take a walk in the gardens? I've heard from Twilight and Fluttershy that during events like this they light them beautifully…." Applejack offered as she lifted her hoof to the princess before her.

"O-of course." With that the two headed down the stair at the side of the balcony that lead into the Canterlot royal gardens. "AJ… Err Applejack…"

"Yes?"

"Earlier before my coronation you were going to say something…"

"Oh. Yes…. Uhm… Ya see Lavender there is something I should have told you back when we were in Ponavia… I that is. I believe…" Sensing that AJ was struggling with something Lavender decided to switch topics.

"AJ may I ask you something?"

"Course ya can sugar cube."

"How do you know if you like somepony… as more than a friend?" Applejack blushed at Lavender's question and saw that she was blushing just as much.

"Uh… well ya see…. Oh horse feathers. Ya know cuz ya wanna do this." With that Applejack kissed Lavender. Lavender's eyes widened in shock for a moment before sliding closed and kissing the earth mare back.

AN: So i hope you enjoyed the latest installment and I look forward to your reviews if you would be so kind to leave one. Thank you.