The Imperial Carriage awaited their arrival. It was made of soft pink crystal, with a deep blue edging elegantly gilded around the roof and steps. A pair of guards stood hitched to the carriage, one wearing the traditional gilded armor of the Royal Guard, the other wearing the translucent, crystal armor of the Imperial Guard, tinged lavender by his coat.
“Your Highnesses.” The pair saluted their rulers. Almost predictably, the Royal Guard met their eyes, while the Imperial Guard trainee lowered his gaze to the ground; almost as though he were averting his eyes from staring into the sun.
More reverence for the Crown: don’t look them in the eye, show that you aren’t worthy. Cadence noticed Shining Armor tense up at her side, readying to launch into a rebuttal. She quickly elbowed him in the shoulder, taking care to avoid his ribs, and caught his eyes. A silent command of her own:
Not the time. Tonight was a night to themselves; no thoughts about running the Empire, no planning for Guard training, none of that.
Just Shining and her, like it had been in Canterlot.
The couple nodded in return, Shining straining to maintain a smile. “Hello, Stone Hoof. And…” He tilted his head, squinting at the crystal pony before him. “It’s Borealis, right? Cadet Borealis?”
Borealis bowed lower, his hoof drumming excitedly against the ground. “Y-Yes, My Prince! It’s an honor that you remember my name, even greater that I was chosen to escort Your Highnesses to dinner.”
“Dial it down, Cadet.” Stone Hoof hissed out of the side of his mouth, giving the recruit a light nudge with his shoulder. He turned his attention back to the waiting couple. “Sorry,” he mouthed, jerking his head to Borealis, “work in progress.”
Cadence took the hint and quickly bringing her gaze away from the young recruit. “Well, let’s get going, shall we?” she said, pulling Shining along toward the carriage door.
Stone Hoof scrambled over to the door, quickly pulling it open and bowing to them as they stepped inside. “At once, My Princess! We should arrive shortly. Please, relax and enjoy the ride.”
Nodding as she passed, Cadence sat beside Shining on the plush, purple cushion. She held him close and laid on his shoulder. He leaned over and nuzzled the top of her head, teasing her ears and mane as the carriage lurched forward.
She closed her eyes, sighing as her beloved hummed, whispering sweet nothing in her ear just like he would when they first started dating. The only thing missing was the grassy knoll at the base of Canterlot’s high mountain, a picnic blanket, a basket, and a warm sunny afternoon.
Maybe next time, she mused idly. A plan to bring their marriage back to its more basic stages, back to those days of simply puppy love coming to bear. Just Shiny, me, and a nice, private spot to ourselves. Cadence bit her lip to stop a laugh from slipping out. And, this time, we won’t get caught by a Guard patrol—they’re under our command now!
Sometimes, the weight of the Crown was worth the benefits. Quickly, stealing a kiss, Cadence settled into her seat and sighed, gazing up lovingly at the stallion who’d claimed her heart all those years ago.
If only things could be just a bit simpler.
In the wake of Sombra’s final fall, the crystal ponies were at a loss of how to go about their lives. Decades of living as slaves and a millennia frozen in time had left them utterly terrified, both of whomever sat upon the Crystal Throne and the strange world around them.
It took quite a bit of coaxing from Cadence to convince them to take up their old trades again, several edicts and speeches offering her personal assurances that they were free to return to their lives as they’d been before Sombra.
The Iridescent was one of the first businesses to return. Jacaré, the owner and head of his family, had been first in line to apply for the necessary tax forms, eager to return to his one true calling: cooking.
Shining had promised that they would visit some time ago, but they’d been so wrapped up in governing that they ended up finding excuses to keep putting it off. Though she did have to tease him a bit to make this happen, she knew he wouldn’t have offered if he didn’t want to come as much as she did.
I really do need to find a way to spend more time with him. I miss nights like this.
Cadence was practically bouncing in her seat as the sign, illuminated by soft pink glowstones, came into view. True to Shining’s words, matching glowstones wound up the columns, casting them in a similar color as her own coat.
Grinning broadly, Shining nuzzled the top of her head as the carriage ground to a halt just in front of the main entrance. Through the window, the forms of several crystal ponies, patron and attendant alike, stopped and gaped at the carriage.
The couple within fixed smiles on their faces as the door opened from the outside, Stone Hoof was first to greet them, bowing low as protocol demanded. They stood, ducking their heads as they stepped out, each playing as if the excited whispers and staring went unnoticed.
As they approached, the door attendant, a colt so young he must’ve only just got his cutie mark, yelped, jolting out of his momentary lapse and scrambling to open the door. “Y-Your Highnesses!” He bowed, the black cap nearly falling off his head in his haste. “W-Welcome to the Iridescent! I’m sure my uncle will be delighted to see you in our humble restaurant!”
Humble? Cadence resisted the urge to give one of her teasing replies, instead settling for a shared grin with Shining. She turned back to the young colt, now identified of Jacaré’s family, and greeted him. “My, my! I’d call you young for a door attendant, but you seem to have it all under control.” A little bit of praise, both for his sake and for the curious crowd.
The young colt puffed out his chest, his translucent ears standing up straight as he bowed again. “You’re far too kind, My Princess.” He replied. Cadence had to smile at the hint of pride in his voice. So cute! “R-Really, Uncle Jacaré will be so thrilled. You’ve no idea how much it meant to him when you endorsed our reopening.”
“Well, he’s certainly done a wonderful job reestablishing himself.” Shining mused, letting his eyes wander over the outside of the restaurant. “I’ve been hearing a lot of great reviews since his grand opening—we were sad to miss it, but we were called away to help deal with a bit of a crisis in Canterlot.”
“Oh, no, Uncle Jacaré understood completely, My Prince!” The colt squeaked. “Of course, he was saddened that you couldn’t join us, but any evening you choose to dine with us would put a great, big smile on his face!”
“We’ll be sure to say hello then! Thank you!” Cadence nodded to him and made a mental note to say something nice to the maitre’d or, if possible, Jacaré himself. The little colt certainly had a pleasant demeanor and genuinely enjoyed what he was doing.
So cute! She crooned, resisting the temptation to sweep him up in a big hug and ruffle his mane. Just like Twily was at that age!
The pair entered, their mouths dropped almost instantly. For a restaurant that only recently resumed operation, the Iridescent was utterly magnificent. Whoever Jacaré had commissioned to design the interior knew how to work crystal like no pony Cadence had ever seen. There were gem cutters who could claim proficiency, but the pony who’d done this was in another league entirely.
Glowstones of soft pinks and yellows were embedded in the crystalline walls, lighting up and casting their glow and giving the walls a look as if they’d been painted from within. The pillars seemed to cascade from the ceiling like a waterfall frozen in time.
The cutter even managed to make it look real. Cadence couldn’t tear herself away, her mouth dropping to form a small “o”. “Shiny,” she began, “I’m seeing this, right?”
“Yes, sweetie, and, no, I can’t believe it either.” She could hear the awe in his voice, the same way he used to talk about his instructors at the Royal Guard Academy. “Who in Equestria did this?”
“Ah! I see you’ve taken notice of Surefire’s work!” Cadence pricked up her ears at the new voice, turning to find a crystal pony stallion, his coat tinged a light green and mane deep blue, dressed in a neatly pressed tuxedo. He smiled, just enough to show a hint of pearly white teeth. “I’ll be sure to pass along your compliments, he’s always delighted to hear that our guests appreciate his effort!”
“Please do!” Shining said, grinning broadly. “And let him know that, once my wife regains her power of speech, she’ll likely want to commission him.” His grin only broadened at the glare Cadence sent his way.
Cheeky stallion! You’ll get yours, Shiny! After all, he still owed her slow dancing—oh, by her Aunties’ wings, there would be dancing!
If the goofball at her side thought he was getting off with just one, he’d be in for quite a surprise!
“I do believe you might just know the quickest way to that stallion’s heart! Forgive an old stallion his rambling, I haven’t even introduced myself! I am Jacaré, the owner of this establishment, who might you two—“ Just as he was about to ask, the stallion started, as though his brain finally caught up with who he saw before him. Jacaré’s stumbled back a step, his eyes as wide as dinner plates. “—Y-Your Highnesses, my deepest apologies!”
“It’s fine, Sir Jacaré.” Cadence held up a hoof, smiling brightly in spite of the attention his outburst drew. Ponies staring, rearing up on their hind hooves to get a better view of her at those formal ceremonies with Auntie Celestia made for a typical day. A few patrons and their foals taking note of them at a nice restaurant was expected. Though, it was expected at a ceremony. On a date with Shining Armor, the stares weren’t very welcome at all. “Just think of us as any other couple on a night out together.”
The older stallion stared, his mouth working wordlessly a moment. “I—But—You—“ Jacaré stammered, fumbling over the words before he finally reigned himself in, setting his jaw and giving a strained smile. “If you insist, My Princess.”
As Jacaré made to hurry away to have a hushed conversation with a pair of waiters. “Oh, sir?” he froze, turning slowly to face her again. “Before I forget, that colt at the door, he’s your nephew, right?”
“Y-Yes, My Princess. He didn’t do anything wrong, I hope? If so, I can have him straightened out—“
“No, as a matter of fact, I was hoping you’d pass along my compliments! He’s a very pleasant colt, well-mannered, too.”
Jacaré let out a deep sigh of relief. “Thank you, My Princess. I’ll be sure to tell Radiant, and his parents as well. Hearing that from you will mean so much to them!” He bowed again before scuttling off to talk to a couple of waitresses, holding a hushed conversation and gesturing wildly.
There was a light brush of air against her thigh, followed by the wispy sensation of pony tail; Shining had likely caught the stares himself, and wasn’t amused. He never did like it when ponies looked in on our dates back home.
She lifted her wing, brushing her feathers lightly against his side, just as she used to whenever he was nervous before a match. “Relax.” She cooed, nuzzling his cheek. “Just ignore them, sweetie. We’re just two ponies on a date, not royalty tonight.”
“We haven’t been ‘just two ponies’ since we started dating!” He scoffed, letting a snort out through his nose. Cadence watched, her wing dropping back to her side as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry,” he said, “I just wanted a night out with you where we could kinda forget this stuff.”
“So, forget it! If they want to stare and bow and do whatever it is they do, let them, Shiny. It’s never going away entirely, trust me.” she placed a hoof on his shoulder and rubbed a slow circle. “We can still have a good time, and if it helps,” Cadence pressed up against him, leaning up to whisper into his ear, “there’s only one pony I’m thinking of tonight!”
That brought a smirk to his face, along with a rather cute blush. “You know, one of these days I’m not going to fall for your flirting so easily.”
A coy smile crossed her face. “I doubt that very much, but if you can make it a little more fun, I’m all for it!”
“Ah, excuse me, um, Your Highnesses!” A young mare’s voice cut in, bringing their banter to a halt. They turned in unison to find a waitress, shifting in place and averting her eyes. “Y-Your table is ready! If you’d f-follow me?”
Cadence beamed and wrapped a wing around Shining. “Of course! After you, dear!”
The waitress mumbled excitedly and bowed again, turning stiffly and walking in the direction of an open area toward the back; the entrance to the Iridescent’s famed balcony and dance floor.
Jacaré had us put in a table looking out on the balcony? She barely withheld a squeal, tightening her wing’s grip around Shining. Close seats to the balcony meant their meal would include musical accompaniment and, of course, a nice view of the outside dance floor itself.
She could already hear the soothing melody of the string quartet, drifting through the air to whisper into her ears. Cadence let her gaze linger on the entrance itself, but gave a mental wing to her head to bring herself back to present. Dancing could wait until after they ate, that way there would be more time.
Not to mention that it wouldn’t be much of a hassle to step onto the floor itself since they wouldn’t have to worry about stepping around any of the other patrons.
They were led to a small table, just inside the dining room itself. A vase at the center of the table held a pair of roses within, and both places set with crystal utensils and wine glasses.
“I-Is there anything I could get you, Your Highnesses?” The little mare stammered. “I could bring a wine menu if you’d like to try some…”
“We’ll have whatever Mr. Jacaré recommends,” Cadenced replied smoothly. “I’m sure he knows quite a bit more about the wines in the Crystal Empire than either of us.” She paused a moment. “Actually, tell him that I’ll have whatever he recommends for a meal as well. Always trust a chef to pick his best dish, eh, Shiny?”
Shining nodded. “Never failed us before, I’ve not met a chef who didn’t pick his personal favorite.” He turned to the waitress and gave an easy smile. “I’ll have the same as my wife. Surprise us.”
“Of course! I’ll be right back!”
Watching as the little mare scuttled off, Cadence glanced at Shining through half-lidded eyes, the wheels in her head turning.
“Probably could’ve worded that better…” He mumbled before catching her gaze, years of seeing that look aimed his way when she was ready to tease him coming into play.
Oh, goodie, you noticed! She crooned, leaning forward and setting her hooves on her cheeks. “Something the matter?”
Raising an eyebrow, he sat back and steepled his hooves. “What wickedness are you plotting, oh wife of mine?”
“Oh, the usual!” She giggled and stole a quick kiss to his nose, delighting in the way he wrinkled it. “Thinking of all the ways I can drag my lug of a husband out for a nice, romantic dance or three. And, maybe a little mischief.”
“Mischief? Well, we can’t have that!” He teased, assuming his stern guard voice. “I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to explain yourself, Miss. The security of the Empire might be at risk!”
Cadence wagged a hoof at him and tutted. “Ah, ah, ah! You don’t get to find out until later, Captain Armor! You wouldn’t want to force my hoof without knowing what I have in store, would you?”
Shining brought his hooves together and scrunched his nose. “Hmm, good point. I suppose I’ll just have to bide my time.” His facade broke, a bout of snickers slipped out. “Celestia forbid if you ever go dark on me, you’ve got far too much talent for driving me spare!”
“But that would be so fun! Just think: I could be the Catmare to your Batstallion!” She purred, fluttering her eyelashes. “I’d have plenty of sparkly things to steal, easily luring you out to chase me night after night!”
Groaning, he shook his head. “I rue the day I ever let you read those comics with Spike! And for the record,” he jabbed a hoof in her direction, “if that were the case, I’d just put you in a bubble shield. Can’t tease from in there.”
“Oho, you underestimate me, dear!” Cadence snickered at the way he raised an eyebrow in reply. Sighing and shaking his head, Shining brought his hooves up to massage his temples, muttering something under his breath.
Point to me! She crowed.
Before he could reply, the waitress returned, balancing a tray with a clear bottle on her back. “Y-Your Highnesses,” she nodded slightly, unable to bow with her burden. Deftly shifting, she took hold of the bottle and presented it, flashing the label to the pair. “M-Mr. Jacaré recommends the Legacy of Harmony; it’s grown in a vineyard at the base of Canterlot Mountain.”
Cadence’s ears perked up and gave her wings an excited flap. “We had that the night you proposed to me, Shiny! Remember?”
“How could I forget?” He replied, grinning toothily back at her. “You read me like a book and knew I’d ask. But,” he broke off to snicker at her, “you didn’t know how I’d do it! I still remember you checking the breadsticks!”
“Oh, hush!” She rolled her eyes and turned back to the waitress with a smile. “That will be lovely, Miss—er, pardon me, but I don’t believe you ever gave your name.”
The waitress squeaked, nearly dropping her tray. “I—Oh, dear! It’s Flicker, My Princess, I’m so sorry!”
“It’s fine, Flicker, don’t be so nervous. Relax! Here,” she began, lighting up her horn to take the bottle, “let me handle this. We’ll be fine for now.”
Flicker hesitated before bowing and mumbling in assent. She hurried off, tray still balanced on her back, to go take care of another group of patrons.
With a flick of her magic, Cadence deftly removed the cork, holding it tight so it didn’t fly off and hit somepony. “I didn’t know they got Legacy up here,” she mused, floating the bottle over to pour Shining’s glass. “We’ve been missing out quite a bit.”
“It could be special ordered for the restaurant, but that’s something we can check.” He nodded in thanks. “Though, we can’t really spend a bunch of bits right now. Not when there’s so much else on the agenda.”
“I know, Shiny, I’m just thinking.” She poured her own glass and brought it to her muzzle, sniffing at the light floral scent. “It just reminds me of how perfect that night was! I could’ve tackled you and smothered you in kisses in front of everypony!”
“You did!” Cadence snorted at the way he cried out, gaping at her like she’d grown a second horn. “The only reason the Royal Guard wasn’t called to have us fined for public indecency was because I’m their bloody captain!”
All she could do was raise her glass. “To a night not spent in a jail cell for too much affection?” She offered slyly.
Grumbling and rolling his eyes, Shining mirrored her action and touched them together. “To one of the happiest nights of my life and the memory of my beautiful wife assaulting me.”
“Just one of the happiest nights of your life?”
“Of course! Second only to our wedding night.”
Cadence let out a happy squeal, ruffling her feathers and arching her back, as if she were a bird showing off a recent preening. “How do you always know the right thing to say?” She cooed before sipping at the wine. Her eyes lit up and tail swished behind her. “Just as sweet as I remember!”
The way he smirked before drinking the wine, his eyes dancing with amusement sent a shudder down her spine. Oh, the times I’ve seen that look! Those moments when it was Shining who played flirting spouse weren’t quite as frequent, but when he did…
Well, Cadence wasn’t the only one who knew which buttons to press in their relationship. It took him a while to realize which ones made her blush and which made her tackle him and subject him to an amorous assault, but once he did?
Her feathers ruffled as the memory of one particular night came to mind—the first night he came home wearing the gilded breastplate of the Royal Guard. Ah! Stay focused on the now, girl! She looked over the rim of her glass, focusing on the stallion across from her. Hmm, still, that armor. Maybe he wouldn’t mind putting it on when his ribs heal up.
“You’ve got that look in your eye again…” Shining drawled as he swirled his wine glass around. “Really, should I have a shield spell at the ready? I’m starting to wonder if that love magic is starting to mess with you, sweetie.” With the last bit, he shot her a sideways smirk, the very same he so loved given whenever he teased her.
“Oooh! You cheeky little—“ She broke off, narrowing her eyes and returning his smirk. All righty then, let’s play. “Yes, Shiny. You’ve finally caught me. My love magic has certain… consequences.” The way she purred, how she leaned forward and licked her lips made him inhale a bit of wine through his nose. She struggled to keep up the act, fighting the grin that tugged at her lips. “I don’t know if I can—pffft! Oh, honey, you should see your face!”
He pursed his lips, looking as though he’d just swallowed a lemon. “One of these days,” he grumbled, wiping a hoof across his muzzle. “One of these days…”
The sudden reappearance of Flicker cut off whatever half-hearted threat he had planned. With her tray balanced on her back, two plates resting on top, she approached the table. “Your Highnesses,” she greeted again, nodding slightly, “y-your food is ready. Mister Jacaré recommended the sautéed vegetables, purchased fresh in the farmers’ market today, and seasoned rice. It’s an old standby, a recipe his mother passed down…”
“Oh, thank you, Flicker!” Cadence smiled as the mare placed her plate in front of her. She closed her eyes, sniffing lightly. “My, if this tastes as good as it smells, I might just have to have a word with Mr. Jacaré about moving into the palace. What do you think, honey?”
Shining didn’t reply at first, taking a moment to savor the aroma. He started, blinking as though coming out of some trance. “I’m sorry, I was busy trying to see if I could disable all but two of my five senses, what were you saying?”
“Never mind.” She tittered, turning back to Flicker and nodding. “Thank you, dear, I think we’ll be okay for now.”
“Of course! I’ll be, uh, around if you need anything, Your Highnesses! Please, don’t hesitate to call!” Again, Flicker bowed and hurried off to leave them to have their meal in peace.
The couple shared a look, shaking their heads and simultaneously lighting up their horns to take hold of their napkins, unwrapping them to bring out the silverware. Cadence placed the napkin in her lap, eagerly eying the plate full of steaming vegetables.
Carrots, broccoli, and turnips, and even diced tulip petals! Only proper decorum, drilled into her since the day she’d ascended, stopped her from licking her lips and attacking her plate with fork and knife. No, that was left to her goofball of a husband, who was all but wolfing down his food as though he’d not eaten in weeks.
She rolled her eyes and smiled fondly as she speared a carrot with a fork. Bringing it to her mouth, she took a bite, chewing slowly so she didn’t smack her lips.
Her eyes snapped open, Cadence froze in place with her fork hovering just inches from her muzzle. It tasted magnificent!
Decorum get bucked in the face! She attacked her food as though she were Auntie Celestia devouring one of the palace chef’s cakes. The spices, the blend of flavors—
“Uh, honey?” Shining called, drawing her eyes up. His muzzle was creased into a sheepish smile, his plate already cleaned. “You’re not gonna eat all that, are—“
“Shiny, dearest, oh love of my life,” she began, her tone filled with false cheer, “you don’t have a snowball’s chance on a hot summer day of getting any of my food!”
His ears drooped low. “But—“
“No, Shiny. And if your magic comes anywhere near my plate, I can assure you, you’ll regret it. Immediately.”
“Fine!” He huffed, raising his glass to his lips. “And you say Princess Celestia gets snippy when there’s—OW!” Shining yelped and covered his ear with a hoof, the remnants of Cadence’s blue aura fading away. His eyes narrowed as he rubbed out the pain. “It was just a joke!”
“Oh, hush, you goof! I only tweaked your ear! And you know that Auntie said to—Eep!” She squeaked as her backside was pinched, jumping and dropping her fork. Fuming, she fixed him with a cold smile. “You’ll pay for that one, Captain!”
His eyes twinkled mischievously. “Now, how fair is it if I let you get away with all that teasing and don’t return the favor now and then?” Leaning forward, he grinned—that darn coltish grin of his! “Seems like you can dish it, but you can’t take it, sweetie.”
Cadence bit down on her lip, trying in vain not to let that infectious grin of his take hold. “I’ll remember that one the next time you think you’re getting out of bed early.”
“You mean I’ll have to stay longer in my warm, comfortable bed with my sweet, loving, gorgeous wife?” Shining darted forward and planted a kiss on her nose, making her giggle as he lingered. He pulled back and heaved a mock sigh before placing a hoof on his chest. “Alas, cruel fate! What sin have I committed to deserve such punishment?”
“Oh, hush, you!” She laughed as she took her fork in her aura again and scooped up a bit of rice. “Have a drink and relax, I’m enjoying my meal.”
With another grin, he took up his glass and sipped again. “Yeah, I would’ve savored it, but, frankly, that was way too good. In fact, I have an idea that I think you’ll love!” Shining gave a conspiratorial look over his shoulder before turning back to her, cupping a hoof over the side of his mouth. “So, here’s the plan: you distract the crowd with a speech, I’ll steal the cook.”
Cadence snorted and quickly clapped a hoof over her mouth as she coughed, trying not to spray rice. “Shiny!” She scolded, though it wasn’t nearly as effective thanks to the broad smile creasing her muzzle. “Behave!”
He raised an eyebrow, almost challenging her with a silent retort of “When have I ever done that when we went on dates?”
That particular question was one she didn’t need to answer. She wisely bit back any comment and busied herself with finishing her meal; silently awarding the round to Shining.
Naturally, their little game was ongoing. It had been so since their first date, back when Shiny was so nervous he couldn’t stop making jokes, so why change tradition?
Given that he’d negotiated his terms of surrender so well earlier that morning, Cadence could afford to make a couple of concessions in his favor. After all, he still owed her dancing—and, since he hadn’t specified one dance, he’d just have to grin and hold her close through as many as she wanted.
To adapt his own words: dancing with his loving wife? Oh, such a cruel fate!
Shining arched his eyebrow higher, almost so it disappeared under his messy bangs. He’d caught something, a little tick on her face. “I feel like I should either call for backup or run for the hills right about now.”
There was a flash of blue as her aura wrapped around his forehooves and forcing them down to the table, effectively trapping him in place. “Too late for that!” Cadence purred. She paused to wipe her mouth before giving a wicked smile. “You’re in enemy territory without a backup plan, Captain! I’m afraid your only option is complete surrender now.”
Slowly, he looked down, trying to wiggle his hooves, but to no avail. “Huh. Was that a sticking spell or do you just have me in your magic?”
“Nope! Just me holding you, no silly spells that you can just remove as easy as one-two-three!” She shot him a wink, her grin widening. “Though, I daresay this is one trap you don’t want to escape.”
“True enough, in fact,” he said, standing on his hind legs so that he towered over the table, casting a shadow over her, “I seem to recall owing you something else tonight, oh cunning Princess of Love. But,” Shining cut off to glance down at his hooves and gave a meaningful tug, “I’m going to need these back.”
Cadence returned his grin and let her magic dissipate. She set her fork and napkin down on the table and stood. “Shall we?” She asked with a nod toward the balcony.
“Of course!” He stepped around the table and turned so that his side was bared to her, a gentlestallion’s offer to escort her to the floor.
Only barely withholding an excited squeal, she fell into stride with him, standing close enough that their flanks brushed against each other with every step they took.
As they walked out onto the balcony, the pair nodded politely to the quartet before making their way to the dance floor. Other couples took note of their approach and parted, giving them a wide berth to the center of the floor.
Cadence bit her lip and glanced to Shining, searching his face for any sign of irritation toward the stares, the scrambling out of the way, those little things that always made him want to throw his hooves into the air and shout that they could forget the old ways.
Rather than a scowl or mouth being set into a thin line, when faced him, she was met with a bright smile and those deep, blue eyes she’d fallen in love with. He wasn’t grumbling, because he didn’t care about any of that.
As goofy as he was and as much as he loved to playact with her, Shining Armor could be quite the romantic when he wanted. Tonight, her Shining Armor had eyes for only one pony.
Her heart filled with warmth, Cadence pressed her cheek against his and hummed along with the music. They reached the center of the floor and separated for a moment.
A twinkle gleaming in his eye, Shining bowed to her. “May I have this dance, My Princess?” He asked with his head still low.
“You may, My Prince!” She replied, giving a curtsey in kind and stepping close, pressing her cheek against his again. Cadence dotted his cheek with a kiss and shifted forward, letting their necks brush together as they began a slow waltz, stepping in time with the music. For one night, the world around them ceased to exist.
So what if the crystal ponies still showed apprehension at the very notion of displeasing them? So what if they scraped and bowed a little bit?
Tonight, all the stress of running a nation, rebuilding an economy, training an army and wrestling with the courts faded away. They were just Cadence and Shining Armor—two ponies hopelessly and shamelessly in love.
Two ponies without a care in the world.
“Stop it, you big goof!” Cadence admonished through a fit of giggles, buffeting Shining over the head with a wing to remove his teeth from her ear. She snuck a glance to the guards just down the hallway and gave him a pointed glare. “Wait until we’re back to the room!”
Shining grinned wickedly and nuzzled her ear. “What if I refuse?” he whispered, blowing lightly on the tip of her ear. “Will I be in trouble if all the little guards see their big, scary Captain teasing his wife for a change?”
“No, you—Eep!” She jumped as his tail whipped against her flank, a deep blush crossing her muzzle. “Shining Armor!”
“Aww, poor Cady!” He cooed, giving a mock pout. “She likes to dish it out, but she can’t take it!”
Her eyes narrowed, Cadence snorted and swished her tail. “Just you wait until we’re back in the room, honey. I still haven’t forgotten what you promised me!”
“Psh! What do you think I’m setting up for? I’m not that oblivious, sweetie.”
“A few years ago, I would’ve said otherwise. Or have you forgotten those days I needed a ‘personal escort’?” Wait for the blush—aaaaaaand there it is! She crowed, her tail wagging behind her. Cadence pressed up against his side and threw a wing over his withers. No getting away, either!
Shining ducked his head to hide the blush from his guards. “You epitomize the word ‘tease’.” He grumbled, his lips quirking upward into a small smile.
“I’m the Princess of Love and all it entails, you goof. It’s my job to be lovey, mushy, and teasing, especially to my husband.” A light bump of her blank against his and a lick of her lips brought his blush back in full. “Oh, honey, you’re just too easy!” She brushed her lips against his cheek, delighting in the warmth, and sighed.
They rounded the corner, nodding to the pair of guards stationed at the end of the hallway. The ornate door to their suite was just ahead, Valiance and Stout Heart stood at attention on either side, spears held tall and proud.
“Private, Corporal.” Shining nodded to each in kind.
“Your Highnesses!” Valiance saluted and reached for the door handle. “Allow me.” He pushed down on the handle and pulled it open, the door gave a light groan. “Is there anything you’ll need of us tonight?”
Cadence shook her head. “No, Corporal, we’re fine. My husband and I were just going to,” she paused, turning to grin mischievously at Shining, “turn in for the night.”
Valiance simply nodded in reply and starred straight ahead, while poor Stout Heart blanched, a deep blush coloring his cheeks. The younger guard quickly averted his eyes, mumbling a barely audible “Yes, My Princess” under his breath.
Sparing the easily-flustered guard any further embarrassment, Cadence just trotted passed and smiled. Note to self: find Stouty a nice pony. He needs a good mare or stallion to give get him out a little more, give him a little excitement. He’s just far too adorable, like a little colt, really.
From the way he shifted when nervous to how he stammered under pressure—that being said, she owed him an apology for the scare the day before—Stout Heart was very much the young blood in the guard, even now that he’d made it out of boot camp and gained a rather prestigious posting.
Come to think of it, he was a lot like the little colt back at the Iridescent. Each eager to do their job, but so easily flustered by praise that it made her want to just coo and hold them like a great, big teddy bear. “So cute,” she muttered with a laugh as the door closed behind them.
“Hmmm?” Shining wrapped his hooves around her neck, resting his head atop hers. “What’s that? There’s a pony who’s caught my beloved’s attention that isn’t me?” He exclaimed with false incredulity. “So, who will I be having brought in for interrogation—I mean, afternoon tea?”
“Haha, very funny.” She gave him a light smack with a wing. “Just Stout and the little one back at the restaurant, they both act the same, don’t you think?”
There was a moment’s pause as he hummed, Cadence could feel a slight shift in weight when he bobbed his head side to side considering. “Eh, I guess so. I mean, Stout is Stout and the colt was just shy because of who we are—not much different from the rest of the Empire, frankly.”
“I know,” she whined, drawing out the vowel sound, “but he’s so tiny and cute! And you know how much I love foals!”
He chuckled, lightly nuzzling into her mane. “Yeah, I do. It’s kinda how we met.” Shining dotted the top of her head with a kiss, and sighed. “You’re gonna tell me you want one, right?”
Cadence squealed, spinning around and throwing her hooves around him. “Yesyesyesyes!” She cried, bouncing in place with her husband. “Oh, very much yes!”
“All right, so, mail order it is. Colt or filly? And what—Owowowow!” Shining flailed his hooves, trying to escape as a shimmering blue aura tweaked his ear. “I’m joking! I’m joking! I surrender!”
“Hmph! I ought to make you rub my hooves for that one, buster!” She glared at him sternly. “That’s not funny at all!”
“Oh, come on! I’m just teasing, sweetie.” He said, bringing their muzzles together.
Cadence’s glare faded away as she melted into the embrace, her smile taking place again as Shining held her close, neither saying a word in favor of reveling in the warmth.
He shifted forward to bring his muzzle to her ear. “You know, I still have to deliver on my last term of surrender. Step one, if you will—Whoa!”
Cadence’s horn flashed, lighting the walls with her magic and putting up a privacy barrier, at the same time wrapping Shining himself in her magic and carrying him off to their bedroom. After all, he had a promise to fulfill.
Step one, indeed.