Chapter 3
Luna and her young unicorn friend crept through the castle doors. There was no need to sneak but the gesture of it entertained them both. As they headed to Luna’s quarters they were greeted by a stark quiet. The castle was as motionless as the guards that guarded it. Luna looked to Twilight and gave a silent “Shh” as she opened the door to her bedroom. After entering, she gently closed it behind her only to burst out in laughter. “Today was simply amazing!” she exclaimed as she sat on her bed. “I had no idea how close everypony in Ponyville were. They all rely on each other and perform in perfect harmony!”
“I’m glad I could help you Princess.” Twilight said as she sat beside Luna. “You did so well! No Royal Canterlot Voice outbreaks, no accidently scaring anypony; you did fantastic!” She said as she fell back onto the bed, closing her eyes. “It was a lot of work, and it took all day, but I think you've definitely learned more about caring for your subjects.”
Luna looked down at Twilight and gave a soft smile. “It’s all because of you and your brilliant planning. Thank you Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight opened her eyes, seeing the princess’ crystal blue eyes looking into her own. “You’re welcome.” she said, sitting up and nuzzling the princess slightly. “I enjoyed spending some actual time with you, not to mention my friends joining in on the fun!”
The Moon Goddess gained a surprised face at the unexpected contact. She gave a soft smile and nuzzled Twilight back. “You’re friends, along with the rest of the ponies of Ponyville, are so kind as to welcome me back, even if I wasn’t scaring the horseshoes off of them.” she said, giving a quiet giggle.
Twilight looked up at The Princess and lost her smile. “I guess I should be heading back home, Spike has probably been working himself rabid keeping the library in top shape.” She stood up from the bed, turning to Luna.
Luna lost her smile as well before gaining a pouty expression. “Aww, must you really go so soon?” she asked, standing up beside Twilight. “Could you not stay for just awhile longer?”
Twilight could not help but smile. There was something about a Princess asking for her to stay that filled her with delight. “I really shouldn’t. Besides, you really should get some sleep. You’ve been up all day and I’m sure it’s really taken a toll on your energy.” she said as she tucked her head under the Princess’, nuzzling her gently.
The regal alicorn shook her head slowly, regaining her smile. “I’m full of energy, really.” she returned the gentle gesture as she spoke. She couldn’t remember the last time she enjoyed spending so much time with one pony. Her face sank as she gave a gentle sigh. “If you must leave, I will not keep you.” she said with a frown, returning to her bed.
Twilight noticed the Princess’ sudden change of expression. ‘Does she really want me to stay this badly?’ she thought, watching the princess slowly trot back to her bed. “I suppose, if you like, I could stay the night.” She said, bringing her hoof to her chin and looking to the ceiling.
Luna swung her head around in excitement and galloped over, embracing Twilight tightly. “That is a stupendous idea! You could teach me more about caring for everypony, and I could teach you more about great magic!” She continued to squeeze tightly, rocking Twilight back and forth in her grasp.
Twilight was struggling for breath as she weakly gave a smile. “Princess, you’re hugging.. a little.. too.. tight!” She pushed away from the princess regaining some of her breath.
“Sorry, I couldn’t control myself.” Luna said as she released Twilight, blushing and giving a quiet giggle. She looked down at her sister’s faithful student, her expression changing from her excited, giddy smile, to a gentle grin.
The night passed on slowly as the two friends talked and laughed. Twilight was telling her about all of the celebrations and all of her and her friends’ adventures. Luna listened with content and after a while, started showing Twilight some new techniques to control her magic. After many hours of talking and casting, they retired to the Princess’ grand bed. It was easily big enough for the alicorn and her guest. As Celestia rose the sun, the two lay dormant in Luna’s bedroom. Suddenly, a knocking is heard at the door.
“Sister? Are you awake?” said a voice from outside the door. She entered her sister’s room to find the two laying in Luna’s bed, fast asleep. Although she enjoyed seeing her younger sister so happy, she gained a worried look. She walked over to the bed and looked down at the two. In the night they had moved closer together, each muzzle just inches away from each others. The Sun Goddess raised her hoof and shook her sister gently.
Luna’s eyes opened slowly, only to be greeted by a purple unicorns gentle, tired smile. She blushed slightly and slowly turned her head to meet her elder sister’s gaze. Her eyes were tired and squinted. “G- Good morning sister...” she said gaining a sheepish smile.
Celestia’s worried look was easily visible as she looked down at her sister. “Luna, why is Twilight still here? And why have you slept in so late?” Her tone was an annoyed one and made Luna slightly frightened.
“Well... Twilight and I returned a little later than we had first anticipated. We started talking and the time just got away from us I suppose. I offered to allow her to sleep in my quarters.” Her eyes looked around rapidly, attempting to avoid her sister’s angry gaze.
“How do you expect to rule this kingdom if you cannot take your duties seriously?” Celestia said as her expression changed for the worse.
Luna stood up from her bed, her face now tilted in confusion. “What do you mean sister? Twilight and I were talking about the issues and characters of the ponies of ponyville. Is that not what you wanted?” She leaned closer as she talked, gaining her own worried tone.
The elder alicorn looked down, trying to calm her voice. She had noticed that Luna had started to get defensive. “Do you not remember our arrangements? We were supposed to meet this morning so I could show you the system of paperwork that needs to be done daily.”
Luna’s eyes widened in realization. She had completely forgotten her plans with her sister. As she stared at her sister with the wide eyed expression, she began to think. As she thought her expression changed, and she lowered her gaze to the floor. She knew she had disappointed her sister, and even more, herself. ‘Perhaps I’m really not ready to rule the kingdom.’
Celestia put her hoof on her sister’s shoulder. She knew exactly what Luna was thinking and raised her sister’s head so she could look directly at her. “You’ll get better.” She said giving a faint smile. “Let’s start.” she continued as she gestured for Luna to follow her as she walked out the door.
Luna raised from her bed and started to follow her sister. She stopped and turned her head back towards Twilight, smiling softly. ‘She’ll be fine by herself for a little while.’ She thought to herself as she gave a soft giggle. She dressed herself, placing her royal garbs over her shoulders and levitating her tiara onto her head, before heading out of her room.