In his immaculately decorated room, Blueblood was busy getting ready for his date with Dusty, humming happily all the way. He doused himself in a cloud of his favorite cologne, brushed his already-tidy mane a dozen times, and polished his hooves to a gleaming shine. Normally, he would have had his servants attend to such matters, but he didn't want to risk anypony finding out about Dusty. His work done, Blueblood admired himself in his full-length mirror.
"Perfection." He smirked. "Dusty, my dear, prepare for the night of your life."
Blueblood departed from his room with pride in each step, and headed toward the castle gates, where he and Dusty had arranged to meet. On his way there, he was seen by Celestia and Luna, who looked on in confusion.
"Hmm, I wonder why Blueblood is so happy." Celestia mused.
"He must be going on another date." Luna suggested. "Although he seems to be rather more chipper than he usually is."
"Well… I hope this date goes better than the last few." Celestia hoped.
Soon, Blueblood arrived at the gate, where Dusty was already waiting for him.
"Ah, there you are." He smiled.
"Hello." Dusty said timidly.
"Ready to go?" He asked.
"As I'll ever be." Dusty shrugged.
Blueblood took Dusty to his favorite restaurant, 'The Golden Horseshoe.'
"Bonjour, your majesty." The Maitre'd bowed. "Your usual table?"
"Of course." Blueblood nodded.
"Come here often?" Dusty asked.
"Oh, yes." Blueblood smiled. "This place has the best food in Canterlot."
Blueblood and Dusty were led to a table, and sat down. Blueblood took the liberty of ordering for both of them.
"Two elderflower stews, please." He requested.
Dusty felt a bit of trepidation, glancing how fanciful the place they were dining in was, whereas Blueblood was feeling pretty confident.
"Wow..." Dusty gasped. "Do you usually treat mares to a fancy restaurant on the first date?
"Oh yes." Blueblood nodded. "I am all about making good impressions."
"I see..." Dusty murmured. "You know, you really caught me by surprise when you asked me out tonight."
"Oh? And why is that?" Blueblood asked.
"Well, normally, most stallions I had seen never really taken an interest in me." Dusty admitted.
"Such a pity." Blueblood tutted. "It should be a crime that they not take an interest in such a pretty mare like you."
"T-thank you." Dusty blushed feverishly.
"So, how are you liking things at the castle?" Blueblood asked.
"Oh, it's fine." Dusty answered. "The royal family have shown nothing but the utmost kindness to me. Nothing I would have expected from most nobles, who are usually lazy, cruel, vain..."
Blueblood gulped. Not too long ago, those words could have been used to describe him to a T.
"...Extremely prejudiced against less fortunate ponies, and always talking in that condescending voice." Dusty continued. "You and the others are nothing like that."
"How... nice of you to say that." Blueblood smiled nervously. "So, tell me about yourself. Where are you from?"
"I had just only moved here to Canterlot about a month ago." Dust admitted, "But my family lives back in Bitaly."
"Ah, Bitaly." Blueblood smiled. "I've been there once or twice. Lovely country."
"Yes, it is." Dusty agreed.
"And what of your family?" Blueblood asked. "What are they like?"
"Well, my mother passed away a few years back." Dusty sighed. "But my uncles live with me and my dad. They're always looking out for me, and protecting me..."
"How lovely." Blueblood declared.
Their food was brought to them moments later. As they started eating, Blueblood continued making conversation with the mare. However, as the date progressed, Dusty's nervousness seem to had grown more apparent, not that Blueblood noticed. Suddenly, Dusty stood up.
"Excuse me, I have to use the mare's room for a moment." She declared.
"Take your sweet time." Blueblood purred. "I'm not going anywhere."
Dusty left the table, as Blueblood gave a satisfied smirk. A waiter passed by and smiled at the prince.
"Ah, a pretty mademoiselle you have there, your highness." The waiter noted.
"Why thank you, garcon." Blueblood said smugly. "I really think that she and I made a connection."
"Oh yes." Garcon agreed. "And, if you don't mind me saying so, she is much better than the rest of those frou-frou mares you been bringing here."
"Not at all, my good stallion." Blueblood sipped some wine. "Since you're here, how about you fetch us some of your tasty chocolate eclairs to finish off the night?"
"Right away, sir." Garcon glanced at the window as he turned, before frowning. "Say, isn't that your mare out there?"
"What? Can't be, she's in the..." Blueblood glanced out of the window, seeing Dusty sneaking off. "Hey! Come back!"
Blueblood rushed off after her... briefly returning to place some bits on the table. He caught up with her down the street.
"What's going on?" Blueblood asked. "Why are you leaving? Without so much as an explanation?"
"I... well..." Dusty stuttered. "I'm sorry. I thought I could handle this, but I can't. I just can't!"
"Handle what, dear?" Blueblood asked.
"You." Dusty sighed.
"Me?!" Blueblood gulped.
"Yes, you." Dusty nodded. "You're a prince. The idea of me dating a prince is just so... overwhelming. I tried to keep it together, but I couldn't."
"Well, I..." Blueblood struggled to find something to say.
"I mean, you're this high society royal, with connections, and country estates, a handsome, perfect face and physique..." Dusty continued.
"Perfect?" Blueblood beamed.
"I, I mean..." Dusty blushed. "Truth be told, it's been downright terrifying. I just can't help feeling like I don't measure up."
"I'm sorry." Blueblood sighed. "I didn't think about how you must've felt. I just focused on myself, and how I wanted you with me. Maybe I came on a little too strong..."
"Maybe a little..." Dusty agreed.
"Look, why don't we start over?" Blueblood suggested. "Let's do something nice and simple, like a walk in the park?"
"Really?" Dusty smiled. "You'd do that for me?"
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes for this to work." Blueblood declared. "I've never met a mare like you before, Dusty. I don't want to ruin my chances with you."
"Thank you." Dusty blushed.
"Shall we?" Blueblood offered his hoof.
Still blushing, Dusty took Blueblood's hoof, and together, they walked to the park, where things would go much more smoothly.