Bugs and Birds

"Mooooother!"

Princess Luna's ear flicked to catch a familiar whine. With a sigh, she closed her book, and turned to greet the newcomer to her study. "Hello to you too, Artemis."

"Mother, I beseech thee to do something at once about Iridescence! The pest simply won't leave me alone! She makes a mess of my things, she drools, she burps, she chews on my books!" Artemis stomped a tiny hoof down, utterly indignant.

"Your cousin is but an infant, dear. She is simply doing what babies do." Luna smiled fondly. "As I recall, you were the same way, my little love. You used to chew on your pudgy little hooves and babble and giggle most adorably-"

"I would never!" Artemis protested, feathers fluffing up. "Iridescence must learn her place, if she is ever to be a proper heir to the kingdom! As it stands, she is only a...a bothersome little bug!" Artemis glared, and grumbled their next words. "...She's not even a pony."

"No, not entirely, but then again, neither are you, child. Possessing mixed lineage does not make either of you less fit to rule." Luna said seriously, before her voice dropped into a playful coo. "Remember that well, my little growly-owly."

"Mother!" Artemis turned crimson, mortified. "I told thou to cease with that baby name! Somepony might hear!" Arte shoved a tiny hoof to Luna's muzzle, desperately attempting to silence her.

"I am the Queen of the Night. I do as I will." Luna scooped her foal up to her chest, and peppered Artemis' pudgy cheeks with warm kisses, even as Arte squeaked and struggled in protest.

"Do you know what I think?" Luna paused momentarily in her assault of affection, glancing down at her child's pout. "I don't think this is about your cousin pestering you at all. I think somepony is jealous that they aren't the baby anymore, so to speak. Perhaps a certain little Artemis is jealous that Auntie Tia doesn't seem to have as much time for snuggles and stories anymore."

Luna was surprised when Artemis wilted against her, burying their face against her chest.

"Am I correct in this guess, child?"

Artemis didn't answer at all, and Luna's sharp ears caught the teeniest of sniffles against her chest.

"My poor, proud little Artemis." Luna rocked her foal gently, and Artemis didn't resist, sniffling. "A new baby is nothing to be jealous of. Little Iridescence's presence doesn't mean your Aunt Celestia and I love you any less. Thou may not be the baby anymore, but thou will always be my baby, and my sister and I will love you forever, my little growly-owly."

Artemis peered up at her with watery eyes, resting their cheek against her chest. "Promise, mama?" Their voice was small.

"I promise. I also promise to do something about Irie chewing up your books, as long as you promise to be nicer to your cousin. You're such a smart child, I'm sure you have much you can teach her."

Artemis scrubbed their face and lifted their head haughtily, trying to pretend they hadn't just been blubbering over their mother like the little foal they were. "Y-yes. Yes, that is a good idea, Mother. There's much I can teach Iridescence-perhaps she can shape up to be a proper royal after all. I'll do my best, but I shan't promise a miracle."

"I won't ask one of you, little moon. Just that you aren't so quick to snap at her when she tries to cuddle with you. Iridescence loves you too, after all." Luna pressed a sweet kiss to Arte's forehead.

"If you say so, Mother. This discussion between royals has left me quite refreshed. I shall adjourn to bed shortly." Artemis frowned, preparing to go. Before they reached the door, they paused, remembering something.

"...Will you come tuck me in, mama?"


"Of course, Artemis."

~~~~

from my notes:

Art will never admit it, but they were definitely jealous when Eerie was born. Who was THIS tiny grub hogging up all of THEIR Auntie Celestia's attention, and getting snuggles that should rightfully be Art's? Artemis is supposed to be the baby! Artemis is supposed to be cooed over and adored! I can see Art trying more and more desperate schemes to catch the attention of Celestia, failing more and more spectacularly, and eventually finally dissolving into sad little whimpers until Celestia scoops them and Eerie up for double snuggles
 
also yeah little artemis is a precocious dork birdie bab that loves their mommy

recap
that lil grub baby thing is young Princess Iridescence, the daughter of Princess Celestia and Queen Chrysalis
Artemis is the child of Princess Luna and an unknown deceased hippogriff