> Too Close to the Sun
>  by Echo 27
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Sunrise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Everyone get in position, we’ve got five minutes! Squad leaders, do one last quick inspection of your soldiers before taking your places, let’s go!”

The room was crawling with the sounds of iron and steel colliding, the cacophony of sound ringing in my ears as I struggled to find my position along the overcrowded hallway. It was our regiment’s Inspection Week- the period where the entire chain of command ensures that we’re fighting fit, often by ensuring our equipment and weaponry was kept in good order. We’d been working our way up the chain for a while now, leaving none but the Captain of the Guard awaiting.

“I hate this crap,” said a voice beside me, looking over to see Sergeant Coal, my squad leader, ushering me over to our designated position beside a stainglass window depicting the Royal Sisters’ ancient battle against Sombra. “It’s not like we haven’t got better things to do than sit around and look pretty. We could be doing actual training, sparring and tower defense.”

“Sergeant, I think the chainplate on my back is stuck, can you unfasten it please?” I asked him, trying to disturb his negative reverie.

“Yeah, gimme a second,” he muttered, getting behind me and working on the chain. “Alright, you’re good. Let me look you over. Hmm…” His eyes flickered up and down my wiry frame, now turned bulky by the mass of my armor. “Not bad. How’s your sword?”

I unsheathed my weapon and presented it for examination, a pure and polished item with a finely sharpened edge. “You’ve been taking care of it,” Sergeant Coal remarked.

“I’ve- been bored lately, Sergeant,” I replied. “Had a lot of free time.” A lie, but the truth would be stranger.

“Well, find something to do. You’re in a big city, don’t be a barracks rat,” he replied, handing me back my blade. “You’re good, just make sure you respond to the cues, OK?”

“Everyone get into positions, Captain’s almost here!” came the bull-like roar of our Commander. “I just received word that Princess Celestia is with him, so don’t screw this up! Everyone better be on their best behavior!”

I felt something in my chest fall to my feet before somehow leaping up to my throat, filling the void with butterflies. “Wait, the Princess?!” I blurted aloud.

“Shuttup, Rookie, don’t get stage fright now!” Sergeant Coal hissed.

Suddenly the very routine inspection had become momentous and in no way was I going to be ready for it, for suddenly I was to be before the one person in the whole wide world who I absolutely, positively-

“All hail, the Princess of the Sun, Princess Celestia!” The call of Iron Bolt, the Captain of the Guard, cut through my panicked thoughts, instinct taking over as the entire room came to attention in one swift, ironclad motion. Beside him walked a beautiful woman garbed in royal white and gold, with hair that flowed like the winter sky, and a face that shone more brightly than the sun that heeded her call- Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria and sister of Princess Luna… and, most unfortunately for me, my-

“Good soldiers, please let yourselves relax,” Princess Celestia replied, her voice strong and warm as the summer sun. “I know all of you have been working diligently, and for that I thank you.” Every eye turned to her, whether summoned by her voice or the radiating power of her presence I didn’t know. There was a softness present as she spoke, almost as if a smile was just hidden from view. “I thank you, as well as your countrymen. Our home sleeps peacefully at night because of brave souls such as you. For the sacrifices you have made, for the dangers you face, to you this kingdom owes an unpayable debt. The skill and dedication you show today is surely proof of that- thank you for what you have given me, and what you have done for so many countless others. I could not be more proud.”

We were ordered to reform as Iron Bolt and Princess Celestia came to survey the line, occasionally pausing to inspect a soldier or speak to them. Iron Bolt was his typical no-nonsense self, possessing a constant, even tone as he walked. In stark contrast was the Princess, who seemed to be genuinely glad to speak to each and every one of us, always warm and inviting with every word. Impressive as well was her genuine knowledge of our lives- some men she knew by name, inquiring to their families and congratulating others on their successes. It was surprising that she could even find the time.

All the while she was moving down the line, I –for some reason- didn’t realize that she was walking towards me. My mind had begun to drift somewhat when suddenly my gaze was filled with a myriad of colors and I found myself suddenly enraptured by a pair of sparkling eyes.

“I do not believe we’ve met,” she said, for some reason standing in front of me- and then I realized she was talking to me. “Are you one of our newer members?”

A split-second of panic. “Y-yes, Your Majesty,” I somehow managed to reply, my heart beating fast enough that she could surely hear. “I arrived six months ago, I’ve been assigned to the Outer Wall as part of the Solar Guard."

“You fall under Sergeant Coal, correct?” Iron Bolt explained, eyeing me with a gaze that suggested the rumblings of displeasure. “Still Unmarked?”

Unmarked was a reference that I hadn’t yet earned my Sun Flares, an ornament added to the spaulders when a soldier is considered to have mastered his craft. “Yessir,” I answered. “Sergeant Coal’s been making sure I’m ready before I take the mantle.”

“Well, I’m certain you’ll do fine when the time comes around,” Princess Celestia said kindly, a friendly smile now blossoming upon her face. “Please tell me, have you been enjoying your service so far?”

“I’ve been doing alright, Your Majesty,” I said, my voice starting to shake yet again. “It’s hard, but I’ll manage.”

“Of course you will, I have no doubts,” she said. “I hope to see you succeed- and soon.”

I must’ve given a look of shock because her face crinkled with a stronger smile, suggesting laughter hidden within. I watched as she continued down the line, that same ethereal glow surrounding her wherever she went, as if a small part of the sun shone within her-

“You dimwit, fall back to attention!” came the displeased rebuke of Sergeant Coal from behind me- I was shaken from my gazing and realized I had been, quite obviously, been watching the Princess wherever she walked while the rest of the room stood smartly at attention. I felt the hot wave of embarrassment overtake me as I knew I had messed up. I gave a quick glance over to Captain Iron Bolt in the hopes that he hadn’t seen- he was too focused on the Princess to have noticed, at least giving me the relief that I had escaped a far worse fate.

About ten long minutes later, the Princess and Captain Iron Bolt departed and we were ordered to return to our posts, a universal sigh of relief echoing through the hall. Sergeant Coal came forward and stood before me, looking at me with a mixture of exasperation and anger, then bringing a hand to his face and giving a sigh.

“You’re an idiot,” he remarked flatly.

“Yes, Sergeant,” I said.

“Just- just start- yup, there we go, just keep going until the Earth starts moving,” he said, watching as I went to the ground and began doing push-ups. “Yeah, just keeeeeep going. Trust me, we’re gonna be here a while.”









The evening came eventually, leaving me and many others to retire to the barracks where we lived, several of us beginning a game of spades as we prepared to wind down for the night. I had been assigned to roaming guard that night in the castle, a rare occurrence for someone who was still considered a raw recruit by some. To some of my saltier fellows, the fact that I was allowed to speak was an abhorrent insult to life.

“I thought today would never end, man,” Rock Jaw said, a soldier who had been part of the regiment for a good five years. “I know why they do this crap, but DAMN I wish they didn’t have to. Everyone gets so friggin’ uptight about it all.”

“I hate the stupid politics bullshit,” added Still Waters, Rock Jaw’s current opponent and a soldier known for his negative attitude. “Shit gets so old.”

“I appreciate the sentiments of it and all –you know, patriotism, ra-ra-ra and all that, but it just gets awkward after a while, you know? What do you think, Rookie?” Rock Jaw said, turning to me.

I had been pretty involved in trying to guess the outcome of the game, watching as Rock Jaw had unintentionally been putting himself into a corner with poor card choices. It took me a moment to realize I was getting invited into the conversation. “Huh? Oh, I… I don’t know, I guess. It was my first one and all, so… I don’t know.”

Still Waters gave a derisive snort and shook his head. “See? Typical Rookie answer, as if we had anything better to expect. Man alive…”

“Come on, we all started somewhere,” Rock Jaw replied. “Every Rookie starts out like that.”

The two went back to their game, I watching as a question began to form in my mind. I tried my best to ignore it until I could hold it in no longer. “Is it normal for Princess Celestia to come to these things?” I asked, catching several pairs of eyes, some of them displeased, as my words entered into the world. I felt myself start to shrink but I held my ground. “I mean, it just… it just seemed like people didn’t really expect it.”

“Nah, not really,” Rock Jaw replied, laying down a strong pair of cards at his feet. “First time in a while I’ve seen her. She tries to make an effort to know her guards pretty well but –ruler of a country and all that, not a lot of time on her hands for random get-togethers.”

Still Waters gave an unpleasant sniff. “She can stay out our way for all I care,” he said snidely. “Not like she had anything useful to say. Sweet hell, did you hear that dumbass speech she gave? It was like she was trying to hit every cliché possible.”

The atmosphere in the room changed instantly as every eye went on him, the room suddenly becoming deathly quiet. “Oh come on, I know some of you agree- dumb bitch kept harping on,” he continued.

“Shut up,” I snapped, my words cutting through the silence like a knife, a buzzing sensation suddenly erupting somewhere in my brain.

Still Waters looked like he had just been personally attacked. “Shut the hell up, Rookie, no one’s talking to you!” He said angrily. “You know I’m right, she kept doing the whole ‘thank you for your service, it means so much to me’ spiel and we know it’s a pile of horseshit, she don’t really give a damn about us-”

“Jeez, dude, shut the hell up,” Rock Jaw replied, waving his friend away. “What the hell did she do, kill your family or something?”

“Piss off, man, I live here in this shithole while she’s living the highlife just laughing at us-”

“I said SHUT UP, Waters,” I nearly roared, now on my feet and hearing a pulsing sound in my brain. “Or else-”

“Or else what?” he challenged. “Dumbass Rookie, the hell you think you’re gonna do? What, suddenly you love her because she learned your name or some dumb shit-”

My punch landed across his face and sent him reeling and the brawl sent the playing cards flying as the two of us began to fight while the rest of the room tried to separate us. Eventually Rock Jaw had me from behind and was dragging me away while a pair of soldiers did the same to Still Waters, the two of us shouting at one another as I was dragged outside.

“Stupid… Rookie,” Rock Jaw grunted as I fought his grip. “Relax, calm down for a second, dude… I said calm down!”

I was thrown from his grip and I stumbled, my breath coming in ragged gasps that tore at my throat. I felt bruises already starting to form, Still Waters' greater strength having easily gotten the better of me- though he would be sporting one peach of a black eye in the morning thanks to me.

“You have got to ignore that moron, alright?” Rock Jaw barked at me. “You were lucky other guys were here, he could easily thrash you right now- you’re not on his level yet-”

“He shouldn’t have said any of it!” I roared all too loudly, my voice echoing across the courtyard.

“Look, I agree, alright? She’s a good leader, treats us well- Still Waters is just a prick, stuff like that is all he does,” Rock Jaw said, trying to get me to calm down. “You were right to call him out, but throwing punches isn’t going to solve anything, OK? Now come over here, calm down, and let me make sure you’re not too banged up. You and I still have guard in, like, an hour or so, OK?”

He brought me over to the washbin and me starting splashing the blood off my face, I having taken several good hits from a superior opponent- Still Waters was easily twice my size. “Well, you don’t look like total hell,” he said unpleasantly, “you’ll live. But remember, what just happened in there? It’s over. I’ll make sure Sergeant Coal gets a word about him, you just ignore the guy, alright?”

I wanted to disregard him but I knew it would be to no good, so I simply accepted defeat and gave a nod.

“Good. Now come on, we’ll need to start getting ready,” Rock Jaw said. “What about what he was saying made you so damn mad anyway?”

I didn’t say anything, simply walking away to get my equipment prepared, trying to ignore the fact that underneath the growing bruises and sweat stains was a fierce blush, born by memories of a soft, beautiful face and eyes that shone like sunlight- Sweet, beautiful, wonderful, magnificent Princess Celestia.









The dreary hours of the night had crept upon us long ago as the two of us roamed the darkened hallways of the castle, the occasional flickering light of fires in the grate the only comfort in the dark hours. Rock Jaw had been doing his best to keep us awake and active throughout the shift, but his face was starting to sag as the night continued on. Both of us were tired and eagerly anticipated the soft beds that awaited us.

“Have you noticed something?” Rock Jaw said as we roamed. “I haven’t seen any of Princess Luna’s guards since we’ve been out here. You ever wonder why?”

“Aren’t they supposed to be border patrol? You know, the guys who keep the wildlands safe and such?”

Rock Jaw nodded. “Keep the population of more dangerous predators in check, clear travel routes across the kingdom, that sort of thing. You haven’t met any of them, right? They’re a rough bunch, most of them are pretty gnarly-looking.”

“So they get more action than we do?”

Rock Jaw shrugged. “In a sense. No one’s really gone to war here in ages upon ages, but some of the bigger animals they deal with can be nasty. The few I’ve ever really talked with were rough.”

“What do they say about Princess Luna?”

“Loyal to a fault,” Rock Jaw remarked. “I saw one guy once start talking BS and a whole group of her soldiers started getting on his case, yelling right in his face and all that. They took it pretty personally that they insulted her. Kinda like how you reacted with Still Waters, actually. You gonna tell me why you got so fired up?”

I remained silent yet again, trying to ignore that my face was slowly starting to go red. My body was unconsciously trying to betray me, becoming inflamed by the mere memory of her-

“Come on, what’s your deal? Did either of your parents join the Royal Guard or something? A family of mega-patriots? Weird political fanaticism?”

“Umm… Well, I…” I said meekly, trying to avoid giving an answer as the thought of those brilliant eyes made their way through my brain.

“I’m just curious, not meaning anything by it. What is it? You’re clamming up more than a kid who’s got a schoolyard crush-”

I don’t know what tipped him off. Maybe it was that my face went flush, or that my eyes went wide as can be. Maybe my breath became caught or he simply got lucky. Either way, Rock Jaw gave me an intense stare as the wheels in his brain started to turn, finally bringing him to an excruciatingly embarrassing conclusion.

“No. Friggin’. Way.”

“Please don’t say it,” I said quickly.

He had a wicked smile on his face and pressed on. “You- you seriously- do you have a crush on Princess Celestia?”

My response couldn’t have been more obvious, my face now brighter than an overripe tomato. I couldn’t say a word as he started laughing, the boisterous sound echoing through the halls so loudly it was surprising that someone didn’t come running. Rock Jaw covered his mouth to keep himself quiet, his body still shaking with silent mirth. He was so highly amused that I couldn’t hold back a rather sheepish smile myself.

“No- no way, that is- what the hell,” Rock Jaw wheezed, “Did it not occur to you to pick someone a little more –I don’t know- attainable? A woman with less of an age gap?”

“Shut up,” I said lowly. “Look, I know, it’s- it’s weird, I get it.”

“Weird doesn’t even begin to describe it,” he replied. “You are so cringey, did you sign up just to get near her? That is just bizzare.”

“I know,” I said, feeling more humiliated than ever. “Screw you, I wasn’t asking for your opinion.”

“Oh come on, don’t get all sensitive. You had to expect you’d get some flak for it eventually.”

His words did little to cheer me up, and I now wished to do nothing but disappear into the floor and never be seen again. Partly because it was as embarrassing as could be, but more because everything he said was absolutely right. It was strange, weird, and as bizarre a thing that could be found anywhere, but I couldn’t help it: I was hopelessly in love with Princess Celestia, a woman who was so out of my league that the fact she knew my name should be satisfaction enough.

“Look, I wasn’t meaning to ruffle your feathers, cool it,” Rock Jaw said sympathetically, or as much as he could manage through stifled laughter. “I mean… she is pretty hot.”

“Gorgeous,” I said without thinking, and immediately regretting it as my friend began to laugh once more.

“Wow, you’re not actually messing around. You are seriously infatuated with this woman, aren’t you?”

“I mean… yeah.”

Rock Jaw looked somewhat taken aback, his laughter becoming a bit more subdued. “Damn, alright. What makes you so hot and heavy for her, then?”

“I dunno, I just… just am, I guess,” I said lamely. “It’s stupid.”

“Oh no, you’re not getting out that easy. Like, do you think she’s hot?”

“She’s perfect. More beautiful than any single person on the planet,” I said. “So unbelievably beautiful that I can’t compare her to anyone.”

“What do you think you’d do if you were alone with her?” Rock Jaw inquired, an amused grin carved into his features.

“I- I don’t know. I’d probably lose my mind. She fries my mind every time I see her, like I can barely get control of myself!”

“Damn, you really do have the hots for her. Have you ever tried to see her naked?”

“... What?”

“Just asking. This is all news to me, I’m just guessing you signed up to be some kind of creeper. I mean, you did, right?”

The question was so awkward that I couldn’t summon an answer. “Uh- well, um, no-”

The sound of footsteps nearby brought our conversation to a merciful halt, the both of us instantly honing in on our unknown onlooker. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a ghostly white figure moving across the nearby corridor and I motioned to Rock Jaw that we should follow. We did our best to follow, Rock Jaw moving further on ahead and peering down the hallway. He gave a quiet, distinct chuckle. “It’s your dreamgirl,” he whispered.

“What?”

“Take a look.”

I leaned out from my position and saw, to my immense dismay, the elegant, ever-lovely figure of Princess Celestia herself walking down the hallway, silent and discreet as the sunrise. Instantly I felt a wave of red-hot shame crash upon me like a wave. “She heard us,” I said lowly, sinking back against the wall. “She walked right past us, she had to have heard us.”

“So what? Not like you had a shot anyway. She’ll just think you’re another idiot like the rest of us morons,” Rock Jaw said nonchalantly. “Come on, let’s get moving. Sun’ll be up soon.”

The two of us returned to our route, I now unwilling to speak even a word. Less than a day after meeting her for the very first time, I had already managed to humiliate myself in front of the one woman I cared about. She’ll think you’re a total creep, I thought unhappily. I hope you’re ready to look for another job.

The rest of the shift came and went, and soon we were relieved and sent to bed, I throwing off my things and immediately settling in to rest, shame still boiling in my stomach. 





 



The week passed by in a haze of misery, with me completing my duties in as much silence as I could manage- I obviously didn’t have the self-control to prevent myself from acting the fool. No word ever reached my ears that what Rock Jaw and I had said had been reported, so thankfully I would be able to keep my position safe. However, more than once I felt like I was being watched, that I was under surveillance from someone I couldn’t see- but every time I turned around to look, I saw nothing. I couldn’t understand it.

One morning I was awoken by the smack of a pillow against my back, rousing me from a pleasant dream involving someone particular-

“Wake up, daydreamer, we got a meeting,” said Rock Jaw, coming over and giving my bed a shake. “Come on, rise and shine. Or are you still moping?”

“I’m up,” I groaned, taking a stretch and savoring my dream for a moment longer. It was a bittersweet thing to wake from.

Twenty minutes later, still feeling somewhat burdened by sleep, I and the others of the Outer Wall were surrounding our Commander, a miniscule yet mightily built man by the name of Thorn Rose.

“Alright, listen up, got big news for y’all,” he said, looking around at us all. “So here’s the rundown: Two guys in Princess Celestia’s personal guard stepped down this week. That means two openings for everyone else to get the job. And guess where those two soldiers are coming from?”

“The military police?” someone offered.

“Amazingly, no,” Commander Rose replied. “Both of them are coming right from us- The Outer Wall. You ready for me to read it off?” There was a hearty roar of assent and Commander Rose unfurled his scroll, clearing his throat before reading aloud. “First one to make it is Sergeant Coal, and-” he scrutinized the paper with a look of disbelief. “Well damn… our Rookie is going to the Royal Guard.”

One could have heard a pin drop in the room it was so quiet and I felt my heart skip a few beats along the way. Most looked at me in shock, some in envy. Sergeant Coal and I were given a few handshakes, congratulating us for our selection. But in my case, I knew better than to think it was coincidence. I had been overheard. And now I was to be right beside the most beautiful woman in the world, and who believed I was the Royal Stalker. This wasn’t a promotion; this was a setup.

I was so screwed.
> Sunset
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our first day saw us going through numerous inspections and offices, not a moment spent on actual duty like Sergeant Coal and I had expected. When we arrived at the Royal Guard’s headquarters, we immediately received orders to head to the company’s Quartermaster.

”Why wouldn’t we just use the armor and equipment we already have?” I asked as we made our way through the courtyard.

“Looks, I guess. The Princess’ Royal Guard has to at least seem better than everyone else.”

“Are they?”

Sergeant Coal shrugged. “Guess we’ll find out. Come on, let’s see what we’ve got.”

When I first became part of the Solar Guard, my company on the Outer Wall was known as a ragtag unit that often received the hand-me-downs from other units, and the Quartermasters’ domain had barely been larger than a broom closet. The complete opposite greeted us as we entered, greeted by a pristine, well-kept armory in a room similar to an old wine cellar. The weapons shone, sleek and sharp, ready to kill at a moment’s notice. The armor, devoid of the dull gold so often seen in the Solar Guard, was instead a bright shining crimson, with a pale gold sun across the chestplate.

“You two soldiers the newest members to the unit?” said a burly man, coming from behind a rack of gleaming axes. “I was told to expect you, welcome to the Royal Guard. Have you been fitted yet?”

“Uh, no, not yet,” Sergeant Coal said uncertainly. “Were we supposed to be?”

“Of course. Didn’t you both receive measurements when you became part of the Solar Guard?”

Sergeant Coal looked as bewildered as I was, both of us only familiar with the ways of the Outer Wall. If this was the norm, we had certainly never seen it.

The Quartermaster gave a dreary sigh. “Cutting corners everywhere we go,” he grumbled. “Stay here for a bit, I’m going to go get the seamstresses. They need to start getting you measured for your new uniforms.”

“New- new uniforms?” I asked.

“Oh sweet hell.”

In no time at all, Sergeant Coal and I found ourselves ushered into a room covered with mirrors, a trio of older women diligently measuring our every dimension. From waistline to arms to shoulders and things I wouldn’t have even thought to measure, they worked, occasionally making a remark to one another.

“This one’s shoulders are too broad, he’ll need extra dimensions.”

“This one’s sleeves are overlong. We’ll have to bring them back an inch or so.”

“Too baggy in the waist. Tell me, darling, did you lose weight?”

About twenty minutes later I, along with Sergeant Coal, found ourselves holding a bundle of temporary uniforms, finely crafted and light to the touch, along with a single sheet of paper that had our uniform orders written on them. “Simply give these to the Quartermaster,” we were told, “And your new uniforms and armor will be here in no time. Expect a wait of about three days.”

Sergeant Coal gave me a look of pure puzzlement, I not faring much better. It was such a drastic change that neither him nor I knew what to make of it.

“Is this normal?”

“Damn, I hope so,” he answered. “One hour into this job and it’s better than the past six years I spent on the Outer Wall.”

The next few days were spent in training. The time I had once spent on weapons training and strength training was suddenly filled with a number of studies: ceremony, decorum, how to present ourselves before the Princess, where we would sit and stand- and even how to sit and stand. It was a game of showmanship that we were being forced to learn, though we were promised that the additional training with weaponry would happen in due time.

“You are part of the most elite soldiers in the kingdom,” our Commander told us, a kingly sort of man with a shock of bright red hair named Hearth Fire. “The training to readily defend Her Majesty will come- but the need for such things is rare. Your primary responsibility is often to ensure the splendor and majesty of Princess Celestia remains a constant. You are a reflection of her people, her kingdom, and herself. How you are perceived by those around you is critical.”

“Great, so we’re glorified models in armor,” Sergeant Coal muttered. “Do we have any real responsibilities, or is our primary role to look pretty?”

“Your role is to defend the Princess no matter what cost it may bring you,” Hearth Fire said bluntly. “Our times of peace have relegated us to a less combative role, but make no mistake- your fellow Guardsmen are some of the most highly trained soldiers in the world. In time, you will count yourselves among them.”

The next morning, we were given orders to head to the Quartermaster once more, who officially presented us our new armor and uniforms, each piece crafted to fit our exact measurements and body style.

“Holy hell, it’s even got our names inscribed on the interior,” Sergeant Coal said, inspecting his helmet. “They don’t spare a bit on these things, do they?”

I slid my uniform top on, feeling a silken smoothness that was heavenly to the touch. “I’ve never worn anything so comfortable in my life,” I remarked. “This is unreal.”

“I’d hurry if I were you two,” the Quartermaster said. “Your presentation to the Princess should be in only an hour.”

“Presentation?” Sergeant Coal echoed.

“The Princess?” I said, feeling my heart skip a beat, my head swimming with the memories of her silken hair, her shining eyes, and that beautiful figure-

“It’s customary that the Princess personally meets every new Guard that enters into the unit. After all, your duties may require you accompanying her for hours or even days at a time. She needs to know she can trust your integrity and behavior to be up to the highest standard.

My mind flashed back to the night Rock Jaw and I had guard, the moment when I was certain we had been overheard. Was this part of her plan? To expose me in front of everyone and humiliate me before a crowd? I felt a cold sweat begin to form upon my brow at the thought.

Time flowed like a flooded river and I soon found myself standing in an anteroom adjacent to the Throne Room, trembling so greatly that I was surprised that my armor didn’t rattle.

“Holy hell, relax, you’re gonna have a stroke,” Sergeant Coal told me, noticing my failing composure. “What on earth has you so hot and bothered right now?”

I shot a glance in his direction and said nothing, knowing full well no answer would be suitable. I was about to be in the same room as the love of my life, the exact person who was likely about to expose me for my perversity for all the world to see. I didn’t know a way to mentally prepare for such a thing.

Commander Hearth Fire came and looked us over, giving a grin as he saw our newly fitted armor. “Feels good to wear, doesn’t it?” he said. “Welcome to the big leagues, soldiers. The Royal Guard is a good job if you can survive it. The last two sure didn’t.”

“What happened to them, sir?” I inquired.

“One had an accident and shattered his leg, the other got caught peeping at some of the female nobles,” Hearth Fire replied. “Princess Celestia got wind of it and sent him packing overnight. Integrity and decency are a big deal to her.”

I took a nervous gulp. I was gonna die.

There was a knock at the door and Hearth Fire gave us one last lookover. “This is it,” he said. “You two ready?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Alright, let’s do this,” Hearth Fire said, heading to the door and bellowing, “Her Majesty, the Princess Celestia!”

In walked a woman so perfect and flawless that I hardly could keep myself from gasping. Upon her head was a crown of pure gold studded with a single amethyst squarely in the center, wearing a robe of white so pure she would seem angelic. Her skin, sun-kissed and beautiful, seemed to radiate her exquisite beauty. Her eyes shone like diamonds, a warmth and gentleness present within them. Every step she took felt like a lifetime, a moment for me to gaze upon her loveliness even longer.

All too soon it came to an end, Hearth Fire introducing us to the Princess, giving details of our service and lives prior to being part of the Royal Guard.

As she glanced in my direction, her eyes seemed to gleam. “You certainly are a familiar face,” she said pleasantly, coming nearer to examine me. “Ah, yes, I remember now, one of the newest soldiers on the Outer Wall. It’s a delight to see you again.”

“Likewise, Your Majesty,” managing to string a few words together.

“I am glad to hear it. I hope your time here is well-spent. You certainly seem capable…” she looked my body up and down, giving the smallest of smirks. “In many ways.”

I had expected a remark about my past behavior. “Umm… I surely hope to be useful, Your Majesty,” I stammered.

“Oh, I have no doubt,” she said in a voice so low and inviting that I was quite sure I was the only one who heard her, the words leaving a pit in my stomach for my heart to fall through. “Well, it certainly is a pleasure to have both of you here. May you do your best, and I await eagerly our time together.”

I stifled a groan as best as I could manage. She gave a sly smile and turned to leave, her movements slow and graceful, hips swaying with each step she took. Right before she exited, she turned to look towards me and gave one swift wink- and then disappeared.

Hearth Fire looked upon the door where the Princess had departed with an air of confusion. “That was… different,” he remarked. “Have either of you dealt with Princess before?”

“Not really, sir,” Sergeant Coal answered, I still too catatonic at the sight of her hips to say much of anything. “We met her for the first time about a week ago when she inspected our old regiment.”

Hearth Fire shrugged. “Huh. Different speech from what she usually does. Oh well, I guess. You two ready to begin your duties?”

I followed Sergeant Coal as we were escorted to our duties, my mind still full of images of Celestia; beautiful, lovely, incomparably wonderful Princess Celestia. I hadn’t even known a woman’s hips could move like that until now…

There was no way I was going to survive this job.









The next few days were relatively uneventful, much of my time spent on learning the Royal Guard’s customs and protocols, as well as getting integrated with my newfound peers. The professionalism and standards they possessed were a stark contrast to the casual grunginess of the Outer Wall, and I found myself working to exhaustion just to keep up. Whether it was weapons training or hand-to-hand combat or the numerous other duties we were expected to perform, it was more active than I had expected. Still, despite my weariness, I felt a change in perception of my daily duties. The importance of our duties was constantly impressed upon us, and as Hearth Fire remarked to me as I polished a set of plates for some meeting Princess Celestia was to attend, “We are a reflection of our ruler. Wherever she goes, so do we. Every mistake we make is a reflection of the Princess, every success a testament to her majesty. Whether you are simply cleaning glasses or defending her very life, take pride in what you do. Keep a straight back, your head held high. You are the greatest defenders this kingdom could have.”

I scrubbed a little harder, the thought of her smile lighting fires inside my brain. Though I wasn’t certain of it, I had begun to believe that maybe Rock Jaw’s word with me had gone unheard. With that in mind, I found myself working with a greater sense of ease. I was too unimportant to be noticed, but I still could work hard and make her proud. If what I said and did reflected upon her, then she deserved the very best I could give. I felt content in that thought.

The contentment didn’t last.

After morning drill had been completed, I returned to the barracks along with the others, peering over at the duty roster to see the schedule for the day. The methodology behind it was simple: each duty was to be covered by a soldier and NCO team every day, whether it was cleaning duty or weapons care, or guard duty.

“You gonna be ready for today?” Sergeant Coal asked me, walking away from the schedule. I was still assigned as the teammate for Sergeant Coal, Commander Hearth Fire seeing that we possessed good rapport with one another.

“Ready for what?”

He jerked his head towards the schedule. “You and I are on Throne Guard today. All-day guard, you gonna be ready in time?”

My heart skipped a beat. It was the first time I had been assigned to be alongside the Princess since we had arrived. I was to be near those beautiful eyes, that flowing hair, to hear that voice that was as soft and lovely as the dawn…

“Hey! Wake up!” Sergeant Coal rapped me on the head, awakening me from my daydream. “Come on, we both stink so we’ll have to get clean first. No breakfast for us.”

As we bathed and then donned our armor, my nervousness only increased with each passing moment. My mind raced back to how she had acted when she had greeted us. That flirtatious, sensuous being whose behavior had thrown off the longtime Commander of the Royal Guard… I had struggled to keep my composure the last several times I had been around her, and now I was to be near her from sunrise to sunset. I was legitimately worried I wouldn’t last and that I’d humiliate both myself and Princess Celestia all in one blow. I wanted her to be proud of me.

We entered the throne room and found it empty, our positions easily noticeable back behind the throne itself. Twin statues made of bronze, depicting ancient warriors of old, were our marks, our representations and the standards to which we would be kept. I gulped and hoped I would make it through.

“Damn… this is for real,” Sergeant Coal said quietly, even he awed by the occasion. “I never thought this was gonna happen, did you?” I shook my head, finding myself wound too tightly for speech. Sergeant Coal scrutinized me, noticing I was unusually uptight. “You gonna be good?”

I didn’t get a chance to answer. The throne room doors were flung open and we were greeted by the words, “All hail, Princess Celestia!” By instinct I fell to my knees, head bowed in reverence for my ruler, my secret love.

“Please rise, both of you,” said that melodious voice, and I came to my feet and struggled to keep a gasp from escaping my lips. Though it was seemingly no different from her norm, Princess Celestia shone with an unhindered magnificence, radiating a quiet strength like that of a gentle fire. “It is a pleasure to see both of you again.”

“Likewise, Your Majesty,” we replied in unison.

She glanced over at Sergeant Coal and then at me, her gaze zeroing in on me as a smirk, small and subtle, formed upon her lips. “Well, it certainly should be an easy day. Let us, as they say, make the magic happen.”

As she took her seat and declared the beginning of the Day Court, I began to wonder why I hadn’t simply decided to be a sailor instead.

For a time, the day passed uneventfully, simply the comings and goings of Day Court as it had always been: matters of state, simple disputes among her people, politics and governmental affairs. Our job was quite simple, and that was simply to protect the Princess in the event of an attempted assassination. My spear, honed sharp from late-night dreariness, was certainly ready to do the job. But there we remained, as motionless as we could manage, quiet and as immobile as the stone that stood behind us. It would have been an easy task if it hadn’t been for the fact it was quite cold within the throne room, and I struggled to maintain my composure. About midway through Day Court, when a nobleman from the eastern provinces came to report to the Princess, that I began to wonder why it was so bitterly cold, despite it being early summer. Yes, stone wasn’t exactly conducive for heating, but it was just unnatural. Almost like… someone was manipulating it somehow…

“Your Majesty, I have come as you requested, to give testimony on the recent storms that afflicted my village,” the nobleman declared, descending to his knees in homage.

“Ah yes, Lord… Lord Southern Shoal, is it not?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” he answered, returning to his feet. “Southern Shoal of the village of… of…” Southern Shoal trailed off, staring at something before him with his eyes wide, his mouth still somewhat open. Maybe it was the cold that had gotten to him, maybe he had lost his train of thought, but his gaze suggested that he was quite transfixed by something-

She’s a magic user, you idiot, my brain screamed. Suddenly it all clicked; I knew exactly the source of the bitter cold and just what Southern Shoal was staring at.

“Lord Southern Shoal? Is something the matter?” Princess Celestia inquired.

Southern Shoal went bright red and looked upon the Princess’ face, giving himself a shake. “Nothing at all, Your Majesty,” he said briskly, though his gaze continued to flicker down as he spoke. Throughout his time before Princess Celestia Southern Shoal remained distracted until it was at last time for him to leave, which he did rather swiftly.

The cold only continued as the day passed by, until it was at last time for the day to come to an end, and the sun be set to herald in Princess Luna’s night.

“You two must be exhausted,” Princess Celestia said as she rose from her throne, taking a long deep stretch that seemed to accentuate every curve her body possessed. Though I tried my best, I couldn’t help but sneak a glance at such a wondrous figure. She turned around to face us, a weary smile on her face-

Oh heaven help me, she’s not wearing a bra, I panicked, my mind ensuring I would remember the image forever, my eyes darting to look up at the ceiling. You cannot look anywhere but up, nowhere but up, do not risk a second glance at those beautiful, magnificent-

“Thank you for your excellent work today,” Princess Celestia said, her voice jerking me out of my tirade. She gave a small bow of gratitude, Sergeant Coal and I bowing in return. Her eyes turned to me and I felt myself being bored right through, a sudden bout of shame engulfing me. She knew. Of course she knew.

Princess Celestia gave a sweet smile and departed, I rooted to the ground as the throne room doors slammed shut. Sergeant Coal and I gave a deep sigh, finally able to stretch out from our long day of motionlessness.

Sergeant Coal shuffled his feet. “Uh, look, I don’t know how to say this, but- but did you see-”

“Yes,” I rasped, trying my best not to replay the memory in my brain and failing spectacularly.

We left the room and descended down to the barracks courtyard. “She is…” Sergeant Coal began. “She’s…”

“Perfect,” I said miserably. Perfect and well on her way to driving me mad.





 



The next few days saw Sergeant Coal and me on our own once more, spending more time training on various battle skills and protocols we were expected to know, from diplomatic dinners to affairs of state, to even how to conduct ourselves at balls and galas. Even Sergeant Coal, who was a quick learner, was having trouble keeping up with the numerous tasks we had to master. The only thing we were able to understand quickly were the new battle drills, both of us taking to them with ease. For all the flaws the Outer Wall had, battle skill wasn’t one of them. We would crawl into bed, exhausted and worn down, but pleased with our performance. I began to believe I could hold my own here… if it weren’t for a particularly pressing problem that wouldn’t die.

I awoke early on Wednesday morning to find the duty roster had already been posted. As I crept forward and examined it, I discovered that Sergeant Coal and I were on Throne Guard once more, and what would be my latest encounter with Princess Celestia.

I gulped. What was she going to pull this time?

It began quite similarly as it had the last time; Princess Celestia came and greeted us and Day Court was begun, though I could tell there was something a bit off this time around. The Princess bore shadowed rings about her eyes, her smile more strained than it had been last time. She was tired.

We watched as the normal flow of people came and went, from dignitaries to common folk who wish to pay treat to their Princess. As always, Princess Celestia’s ever-patient demeanor never wavered in the slightest. None who visited her was more important than the other, no rank or status could curry her favor. I was rather impressed at just how unflappable she could be.

It was about midday when a young woman from Van Hoover came to visit, a solemn-looking girl bearing a large set of canvases upon her back. Her red face and heavy breathing suggested she had traveled for quite some time, or that the load she bore was heavier than she had anticipated.

“Welcome, Miss Sea Frost,” Princess Celestia greeted the young woman warmly. “I wish I could say otherwise, but I do not believe I was told the nature of your visit, only that you bore something you wished to present to me?”

The young woman took a deep, steadying breath to keep herself calm. “Thank you, Your Majesty,” she said faintly. “I’m sorry I didn’t say more about why I was coming, but… well, maybe it’ll just be easier if I explain it to you instead.” She set down her set of canvases, unwrapping them with unusual tenderness. “You see, Your Majesty, my father is- well, he- he could paint quite wonderful items. He spent much of his last few years on the shoreline, painting the seas or the sunrise. He said he started the hobby because he once saw your Summer Sun Celebration when he was a boy. My father called it one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen, and- well, these few, he c-considered to be his b-best works, and I- he wanted to bring them to you himself, but you see he’s- he’s not- he got sick and-” Sea Frost gave a shudder and bowed her head, shaking as tears began to overwhelm her self-control and break down her calm façade.

In an instant Princess Celestia was on her feet, waving for the guards at the door to dismiss themselves, a signal that Day Court was to come to an end. She immediately came and comforted the young woman, who had fallen to her knees in heart-wrenching sobs.

I felt ashamed to bear witness to such a thing, to intrude on such an intimate moment. Sea Frost buried herself in the Princess’ arms like a child seeking their mother’s comfort, the Princess simply letting the young woman weep until her sobs fell silent.

“Miss Sea Frost,” Princess Celestia said, “thank you for such a gift. It was a very kind thing to do. Your father’s work is beautiful. I would be very happy if you would tell me about him. Perhaps… a walk through the gardens would help ease your mind.”

Sea Frost, still struggling to maintain her composure, gave a teary-eyed smile and nodded, the two women heading towards the door.

“Do we go with her?” I whispered to Sergeant Coal.

“I mean… I guess. Someone’s gotta be with Her Majesty,” he said. Both of us still uncertain, we left our posts and quietly followed behind, out of earshot but not letting Princess Celestia out of sight.

As I watched, I could see Sea Frost’s demeanor change slowly over the course of their conversation. Though it never faded away, the burden of grief she carried lessened, her smile growing as she continued to speak to the Princess. Princess Celestia seemed to radiate at every word, a soft glow of comfort with every step she took. It wasn’t a false empathy like so many possessed, but a genuine compassion for the young woman who she had never known until today. It was such a pure-hearted thing to witness that I couldn’t help but sigh in admiration. Princess Celestia really was something truly special.

After a while their words came to an end and Sea Frost departed, looking far lighter and happier than she had when she had first arrived. Princess Celestia stood there for a time, gazing about until she caught sight of the two of us, keeping watch a short distance away. A smile grew on her face and she motioned for us to come closer.

“Your Majesty?” Sergeant Coal inquired.

“Thank you for your discretion,” Princess Celestia said to us, her voice strained and low. “You have done well today- both of you.”

We simply nodded. We had done our jobs and that was that.

Princess Celestia gave a sigh and looked up at the sky. “Back to my duties, I suppose. Shall we head back inside?”

We kept with her, unsure of our next move. Usually our duties ended when Day Court did, but today had been unusual. We simply decided to stay nearby, keeping guard at Princess Celestia’s office as she continued to work. When she had entered, a glance through the doors had revealed a large stack of paperwork on her desk, likely the cause of her sigh. It was, without a doubt, an uninviting sight to the Princess.

Day turned into dusk, dusk into night, and still we stood there. None of our fellows came to relieve us, leaving it to us to ensure her safety. It was well past midnight before we even saw a sign of life at all. The doors to her office creaked open once and Princess Celestia appeared yet again, looking more tired and woebegone than before.

“Have none come to relieve you?” she asked of us. “It is late, the roaming guard will certainly see something if something is amiss. Take your leave and get some rest, the both of you.”

Sergeant Coal bowed his head and departed, muttering something about finding a drink. I turned to follow but found myself hesitating. As I turned back, I could see the Princess watching me, granting me an encouraging smile that set my heart aflutter.

“I assure you, I will be safe until morning,” she said sweetly. “You may go.”

I saw her tired eyes, her drooping expression, her dulled senses. The day’s efforts had drained her, and the still incomplete pile of paperwork was likely not going to be finished anytime soon. What I wanted to do was stupid, but before I could think it over, the words slipped out.

“Would you like some company while you work, Your Majesty?” I said suddenly. I bit my tongue, wishing I hadn’t talked back so boldly.

The Princess gave a small start, regarding me with a look of surprise. After a moment’s hesitation she smiled again, nodding and leaving the door to her office still open. I entered into a spacious place, absolutely littered with pile of scrolls and papers that certainly would fill a small library. Upon her desk lay the rest of the day’s efforts, a still formidable pile that awaited her attentions. I simply found a corner in which to stand and kept watch as she worked. Try as I might, I couldn’t help but watch her every move, drink in the very sight of her. She was lovely to behold, more and more every time I saw it. Graceful and noble, and… and…

And wearing a very revealing dress, which, in the moonlight, seemed to reveal almost everything she had to flaunt. I felt sweat form on my brow and I clenched my fists in an effort to control myself. Maybe I shouldn’t have done this. I was a disgrace. She wasn’t even trying to do anything but still I was being driven crazy. I was pathetic.

“Is everything alright?” I heard her say, turning about to look at me in concern. I felt a jolt of fear run through me, my internal groaning apparently having surfaced to gain her attention. “You look unwell.”

“I’m fine, Your Majesty,” I said, trying to keep the strain from my voice.

Perhaps unconvinced, she came closer and put a hand on my forehead, her chest practically right in my face, and suddenly becoming a very, very powerful draw of my own attentions. Sweat ran down her chest and soaking her through, and I suddenly realized it was rather warm in her office. My heart was pounding madly and I knew I had overstayed my welcome.

She leaned back and took me in, that bright gleam in her eyes once more. “You’re soaking wet,” she remarked. “It has been a long day for both of us. Perhaps you and I should get some rest.”

“Your Majesty?” I think my heart almost stopped.

“Enough for tonight. Please, go get some rest. I will see myself to bed, worry not about me,” she said. “Thank you for your company tonight.”

I went to the door and paused, feeling wretched. The moment had passed and suddenly I saw myself exactly as I was: perverted. What if she wasn’t doing it on purpose and I was just looking for the opportunity to do something wrong? Maybe I just wasn’t as good as I thought I was? I wanted to turn back around and speak with her, open up and simply tell her how I felt, to apologize for what I had done, but I couldn’t rouse it.

“Good night, Your Majesty,” I said weakly, closing the door to her office behind me. My head hung as I walked back to the barracks, simply collapsing on the bed and desiring nothing more than to disappear into the darkness. I was horrendous.

I didn’t sleep that night. I simply stared at the ceiling, trying to push the memories out of my brain, and instead only finding them front and center of my consciousness. Finally giving up I went to my gear, took it outside and began to clean it, going through every piece, every item I had until the metal gleamed in the moonlight. I took a look at the chestplate, looking at the gleaming sun imbedded on the front. Her mark, which I wanted to bear proudly- I just didn’t think I could keep my desires in check for much longer. If this is what she was going to be, then I simply couldn’t handle it. I wasn’t capable of keeping my emotions in check.

I took my uniforms and began to clean them, doing everything I could to keep my mind distracted, to focus on anything but the unattainable, unreachable object of my passions. My thoughts of her had once been happy; a smile, the softness of her eyes, the glow of her skin. Now it was infested by guilt, her actions a direct result of my stupidity and carelessness. She knew who I was quite easily, and by my guess was waiting for me to simply say something; either reveal my vile nature or just confess.

I fell so deeply into my work that I didn’t realize that the shadows of night had begun to slither away, and the dim glow of the sunrise was bringing forth the light. I looked up at the castle parapets to see the beautiful form of the woman I loved, summoning forth the sun into the waking world. Her white dress flowed in the morning breeze, revealing the voluptuous figure beneath. Every curve she possessed, every detail of her body was resplendent and evident for all to see. I felt something boring into my soul and immediately I knew: she was watching me.

“I love you,” I whispered mournfully. “And because of that I don’t think I can protect you. I can’t serve you the way I am supposed to. I’m not strong enough.”

Shame made me its plaything and as the others made their way from the barracks, I had finally made up my mind. It was time to quit.
> Solstice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So you want… you want to leave the Royal Guard?” Hearth Fire’s expression suggested that he had never heard of such a thing before. “Can I ask you why?”

I shuffled in my seat, feeling uneasy. How was I going to rationally explain what I was feeling? Or better yet, how would I even begin to explain Princess Celestia’s behavior in regards to me? None of it was really her fault; I had unintentionally instigated this weeks ago by the words of my own mouth.

“I- I don’t think I can stand under the pressure here, sir,” I said slowly, choosing my words carefully. “I understand your standards for the unit and I think they’re correct. I just don’t think I can uphold them myself. I believe I’m going to slip and bring shame upon us all, and that’s the last thing I want. I’m proud to serve and I’m glad of it, but I’m just not good enough to be here.”

Instead of being satisfied, Commander Hearth Fire seemed at a loss for words. I wondered if I was the first to voluntarily step down from the Royal Guard. “I don’t think I understand your perspective, soldier,” he said, pulling out some paperwork and poring it over. “I’ve not been given any reason that suggests you don’t fit here. Granted, you and Sergeant Coal have only been here for a month, but I’ve seen nothing but dedication and excellence from you. Sergeant Coal speaks well of you, and your peers seem to think you’re dutiful. Also, nothing from your records out on the Outer Wall indicate any negative behavior. Some inexperience early on, but that’s all I can see.” He set down the folder and stared at me. “I understand it can be a stressful job, but I believe you have strong potential for a successful career here. Maybe it’s just the change of pace from your earlier months here?”

I bit my lip and glanced away. I wasn’t expecting to get serious resistance when I came here, which made explaining my reasoning all the more difficult. No matter what, I couldn’t reveal what had happened that night, or the Princess’ actions. It was unacceptable.

“Are you really dedicated to this idea?” Hearth Fire inquired.

Truthfully? No. I was getting better pay and a higher quality of life than I would find anywhere else, in any city. If it hadn’t been for my own stupidity this would be the cushiest job I’d ever had. I’d be in direct service of the woman I loved, and paid well for it.

Hearth Fire seemed to be aware of my indecision. “Tell you what, soldier,” he said patiently. “Why don’t we do this: you remain here for a few weeks and keep working, and after that you and I meet again and we’ll make our decision from there. Does that sound reasonable to you? I’d hate to see you throw away a god opportunity.”

I couldn’t push any further. To do so would rouse suspicion. Besides, now I had a deadline: three weeks and it would be over with. I nodded in assent and left Hearth Fire’s office, hoping I hadn’t made a mistake. Perhaps I would only encounter the Princess a spare few more times. Maybe I would be able to hold on after all. She was tormenting my very soul, yes, but I hoped I could push a little further.

Instead, one encounter was all it took.

It was late in the evening and the sun was casting its long shadows onto the city. Princess Celestia had performed the last of her duties for the day and by then, Princess Luna had assumed her mantle of the Night Watch. Normally that would mean the Solar Guard’s responsibilities would have ended, but being part of the Princess’ personal guard meant extra duties- and extra curses.

Even in peacetime, to leave a ruler unprotected at any given moment was the ultimate crime for a member of the Royal Guard- the lightest punishment one would receive was expulsion from the Solar Guard, if not far worse. So, just as there was during Day Court, there was a duty team who was assigned to guard the Princess as she slept. That day I’d been assigned to the overnight watch- all the way from sundown to sunup.

I was the runner for Sergeant Coal that night, stuck outside the Princess’ bedchambers on sentry. Granted, night watch is always an undesirable position unless you were a chronic night owl, but it had its benefits- no hourly check, no other required duties, and you always had the next day off.

I should have known that there would be no way I was going to have a peaceful night.

The hallways of the palace were darkened and the Night Watch had been placing fires in the grates along the more shadowed areas, giving the place an aura of relaxed comfort. It had been an easy shift so far, though admittedly only an hour in going by the nearby dial. The Princess had adjourned quietly to her chambers, and amazingly had said nothing to me.

My imagination, however, fueled by my overcharged desires, was filling in all the gaps. Very few had ever entered the Princess’ quarters as far as I knew… I wondered what it was like inside. What did she do in her spare time? We all knew of her constant communications with her former protégé, Princess Twilight, but it was just another aspect of her duties, just another friendship.

And then of course my mind drifted away from the Princess’ personal habits and onto more seedy things- such as the Princess herself, and what she looked like. I’d only seen her in her more royal attire, professional garb. Beautiful and majestic as always, but always maintaining her regal posture. As the night crept on, I started to wonder what she looked like beneath it all, despite my best attempts to block it out. Not one of my proudest moments, but I couldn’t seem to help it, she was just-

A knock on the door to my side caused the sappy smile to slide from my face almost instantaneously. Sergeant Coal and I stared, both at a bit of a loss what to do.

“Do- do we answer or something?” I asked him. I didn’t really expect him to have an answer –NCO’s don’t know everything- but hey, at least he’d have a better answer than me.

No such luck. “What? How would I know? It’s her damn door, why would I answer it?”

“Everything we own is technically hers!”

“Well we better think of something, we can’t just tell her to come on out-”

“That’s still a better idea than what I was gonna suggest, I was gonna ask who it was-”

“Damn you’re stupid-”

The situation quickly resolved itself when the doors opened, nearly smacking me in the face and revealing that utter paragon of perfection, the beautiful Princess Celestia herself.

“Whoa- Your Majesty!” Sergeant Coal spluttered, the two of us coming to attention- and my stomach becoming full of butterflies.

Don’t screw up, don’t screw up, I thought desperately, already feeling a cold sweat breaking out down my back. You’re just a guard, nobody important, so don’t do something stupid-

“Sst! She said at ease!” Sergeant Coal hissed, and I refocused.

I’d screwed up. I went to a more relaxed position, trying to ignore the extreme heat arising in my face- Solar Guard for sure.

Princess Celestia, to her credit, didn’t laugh, her composure unchanged. “I’m sorry to bother the two of you,” she said gently. “I don’t know if the two of you are busy…”

“Not at all, Your Majesty,” the two of us replied instantly. I felt my knees start to weaken as I let her melodious voice worm its way into my brain.

Her eyes gleamed and I felt something inside me roil- I’d seen that look before-

“That’s wonderful,” she said, turning to look straight at me. “For I was in minor need of assistance, I was hoping you would be willing.”

“Of course, Your Majesty!” Sergeant Coal said jauntily, looking at me with a mixture of envy and horror.

“If that’s well and sorted, then please- come in,” she said, sweeping back into her chambers, the door wide open- for me.

Keep in mind, the entire time I’d been in a constant stead of shock and dread. She was doing it again, and I was seriously afraid I was going to screw it up for real this time-

“The hell are you waiting for? Go!” Sergeant Coal said.

“Oh hell no!” I whispered. “I cannot do this!”

“You’d better, she was talking right to you!”

“She meant one of us, not me particularly!”

“She’s the Princess, you can’t disobey a direct order from her!”

“I can’t do this, no way in hell!” I breathed in a panic. “Why does it have to be me?”

“Come on, we both know we’ll screw up whatever it is and I am not about to lose my rank- I just got it!”

That was low. “You dick-”

“You’re taking too long!” he said angrily, grabbing me by the shoulders and practically shoving me in. “Heaven help you!”

I was more angry than anything else at that point, readjusting my equipment and trying to get my bearings-

“If you would be so kind, please close the door,” said that same melodious voice, rendering my attempts at self-control pointless. My hand trembling, I brought the door gently closed, feeling as if I was walking right into a dragon’s nest.

“Was there trouble outside? It sounded as if the two of you were having quite the conversation.”

“No, Your Majesty, no trouble at all,” I said shakily, my armor rattling along with my words.

She smiled sweetly, saying, “You can relax. I have no real need for decorum here. Please, take it all off.”

I blanked for a moment. “Pardon, Your- uh, ma’am, I didn’t quite catch that.”

“My apologies, I should have been more specific. I meant your armor- you can place your things in the corner.”

As I did so, I took in my surrounding as best I could, surprised by the simplicity of it all. A spacious, circular room, wooden floors, and an open ceiling marked by the rising and setting of the sun. A large bed near to the open balcony, and across the room was a small hallway that likely led to the bath. It was far less luxurious than I had expected, giving more of an air of relaxed comfort than regality. Still, it didn’t answer why I was even in here in the first place.

“All ready? You certainly look more comfortable,” she said pleasantly.

“Yes, ma’am,” I said quietly. “Just…what exactly did you need me for? To help with, I mean?”

“Oh, nothing much at all, really,” she said, that dangerous glimmer coming alive in her eyes yet again. “You see, I have a series of clasps on the back of my dress and I can’t quite reach them,” she explained, turning her back towards me. “Would you be so kind as to pull them apart for me? I’ve worn this thing all day and would love to be free from it.”

I felt my stomach rush to my throat, pulling a few alarms along the way. I was in a state beyond shock, I was more than numb. This wasn’t coincidence. I’d been thinking of something just like this literally a few minutes ago! Could she read my thoughts?

Oh jeez, that means she can hear me right now! I panicked. Uh, dammit, think of something really awful- old hag, really old hags-

“Are- are you well?” she asked hesitantly, yet again breaking me from her reverie. “It’s a bit of an unusual request, I know, but it would do me such a great favor.”

“Y-yes ma’am,” I said, I now trembling so greatly it could be mistaken for a seizure.

It was a series of simple silver clasps down the back of her dress, from the nape of her neck to her midriff- the simplest yet most torturous order I’d ever been given. It took me a bit to wrap my fingers around the first one, as I’d been reduced to a bundle of nerves.

Consummate professional, I warned myself. You’re just aiding in the undressing of a goddess, the most beautiful, wonderful, mesmerizing being to ever exist- oh hell, NO! CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONAL!”

As I reached the second clasp, my fingers accidentally brushed against her back, noticing the beginnings of a pattern on her skin. And then I unhooked the third, revealing –to my surprise- the Princes had a tattoo. A glimmering, shining sun the color of gold that seemed to make her beautiful skin shine like the very star itself. It was gorgeous, she was gorgeous, unbelievably so-

I can’t do this. You WILL NOT do this! I roared mutely, feeling absolutely consumed by a maddening desire. She is royalty, it is not your right to even TRY- you are sworn to protect her, not ravish her!

The last clasp came apart and the back of the dress fell down to her waist, held up only by the sleeves-

“All done, ma’am,” I said weakly, immediately backing away and turning to the corner. I couldn’t look, I couldn’t even see her or else I wouldn’t make it-

“Oh… thank you so much,” Princess Celestia said happily, giving a long, sensual sigh that absolutely set my body afire.

I felt a pulsing in my brain. I don’t need it, I thought flatly.

“Oh, you have no idea how good this feels,” she said softly, her voice almost angelic. “Ooh, even now that it’s off, I still feel the heat…”

I don’t need it.

“I heard something soft fall to the floor with a Plop! and she said, “Now that’s better…”

Oh jeez she’s naked- she’s naked and I’m in the room, she’d naked and- I don’t need it.

I heard something flutter –perhaps she was kicking the dress away? - and she talked yet again her voice cheery. “This is how I wish I could be all the time- to feel the wind and the air, not to be hampered down by all that weight.”

A blood vessel burst in my brain, I was certain. “I don’t need it-”

“I just feel so free this way-”

“I NEED IT!” I yelled, unable to take it any longer.

“What was that?”

If she had anything else to say I sure didn’t let her say it, leaping over and kissing her so fiercely that I quite literally swept her off her feet, taking her in my arms. She gave a small squeak of surprise in the moment that my lips met hers but said nothing, didn’t pull away, her arms wrapped around my neck in the heat of the moment- a moment I’d been dreaming of, longing for, imagining in the deepest corners of my mind because there was no way it would ever, could ever actually happen-

And that was when I realized I was screwed.

We broke apart slowly, her hands around my neck still, looking up at me with a small, playful smile.

“Well, that was certainly unexpected,” she said lightly. “I thought you would try something eventually, but that was a far more romantic act than I had imagined.”

I felt my eyes go wide as dinner plates as the full gravity of what I’d just done began to sink in. I’d gone beyond the realm of simple stupidity- I had, I had just kissed-

“Please don’t let me fall,” she said pleasantly. “I assure you the floor is far less comfortable than it looks. So if you would be so kind… gently.”

As carefully as I could, I set Princess Celestia to her feet, promptly backing away lest she smite me from the earth right then and there.

I’d just been sacked for sure- no, way worse. I was dead- dead, dead, dead-

“That was quite a rush,” she remarked, tossing her shining hair back and looking somewhat flushed herself. “Now that that’s all done and over with… what’s the matter?”

I went to the floor, prostrate and shaking, fear swallowing any words I could have said. Shame was too kind a term to describe my emotional state, I was a rat- lower than a rat, actually-

“What is the matter?” she asked again.

My mouth went dry. I had nothing to offer- “Your Majesty, I beg for your forgiveness,” I said feebly.

“Forgiveness… and whatever for?”

“I have brought shame upon you and my brothers!” I cried, words suddenly spilling out. “I have failed in my duties to safeguard and protect, and I- I have nothing to say in my defense, for I used my position for my own personal gain. All I ask is that you do not see my fellows in the same light. If I had my sword on me, I would offer it to you now…”

I heard nothing for a moment, but then I felt a gently hand on my shoulder. “Please, get up,” she said, her voice firm. “And I want you to look at me.” I expected anger but instead within her eyes was a firm, yet gentle compassion. “Tell me something- do you see a crown upon my head?”

“No, ma’am-”

“And is there rank upon you now?”

Well, my armor was set aside in the corner. “No…”

“Then I am not a princess, nor you a soldier,” she said. “You and I are merely two souls in a room- equals.”

“But- but I’m not-”

“Yes, you are,” she said firmly. “Please, take a seat.”

As the initial panic emptied from my mind, I finally returned to my senses. No, Princess Celestia was not naked, but wearing a soft white robe with gold trim along the hem lines, giving the majestic ruler a more relaxed, comfortable look. Conjuring a pair of cushioned seats as if from nowhere, she set them down and took a seat, motioning for me to join her.

“If you do not mind, I was hoping we could talk,” she said gently. “That is, if there is anything you would like to say.”

“I- I think there is,” I said faintly.

Princess Celestia smiled. “Then take your time, and start from the beginning.”

The awkwardness in the air was palpable- at least it was to me. Princess Celestia was no longer red but her usual serene, unflappable self as if nothing had happened. As she took the seat opposite me, it was clear that she was in complete control of the situation. I didn’t like thinking that my life was in her hands, but that’s exactly how it was. Then again, she hadn’t appeared to be angry yet…

“You can begin whenever you feel ready,” she said. “Take whatever time you need.”

I couldn’t even begin to think on how to start. I mean, I knew, but wasn’t eager to reveal that information.

“Is this that difficult for you?” she asked, the faintest laugh in her voice. Not derisive or cruel, but tender and warmhearted.

No good. I opened my mouth and closed it just as quickly, unable to summon the words. Great, not only was I a creep, I was a coward to boot. Why had I even signed up for this job?

“How about this? Why don’t you tell me when it began in the first place? A few weeks ago, if my guess is right?”

I visibly winced, knowing what I was going to have to confess. “Since… since I was a teenager,” I admitted lamely. It sounded even worse out loud than it did in my head. That was bad, that was really bad-

“Oh…” It was a small, quiet sound- as if I had caught her off guard. Had I said something unexpected?

“It was at the Summer Sun Celebration, you- you came to my hometown for the first time. My Dad had gotten us seats… it was the first time I had ever seen you with my own eyes. All I could think throughout it all was that you were the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.”

Princess Celestia shifted but said nothing, and I began to wonder if I truly had caught her by surprise. Out of all the things she had expected, maybe it hadn’t been this…

“It sounds weird, I know. Some teenage boy suddenly falling for a Princess, and I didn’t even know anything about you. I mean, I knew nothing could ever come from it. Who was I? just some kid from some nowhere part of the world, and you, you were –I mean ARE- a ruler, a princess, someone powerful, someone respected- I didn’t even deserve a chance to even talk to you, much less even try to woo you… I buried it deep down because I thought it was best,” I continued. “I grew up, I joined the Solar Guard- I knew I would never be able to love you, but I could keep you safe, protect you and let you live in peace. It was the next best thing. But then I let it slip out, and I just started- I knew you heard me that night, and I was so afraid that you would hate me for it, and I just wanted to do what was right, and instead I screwed it all up. I’m- I’m sorry. I’m sorry. You are amazing, and beautiful and kind, and you deserve so much more than this.”

“So when I overheard you that day, it wasn’t just a simple talk among friends, was it? He was feeding into something so much deeper.” she said, her voice tinged with- was it regret? “I never knew how deeply this all ran. And all of my frolics as of late… it was torment for you, wasn’t it?”

I shifted uncomfortably in my chair. “You shouldn’t have had to hear what I said that night,” I said. “You deserve better than that- I’m sorry. When you assigned me to your personal guard and acted- like you did, I thought you were angry at me. That it was punishment for how I’d talked about you, and- I’m sorry. For tonight, and… and everything else.”

I bowed my head, unable to face her any longer. I felt exhausted, each word drawn from me as if it were poison, leaving me wretched but strangely relieved. It was all in the open now- no more secrets. Sure, I’d have to start looking for another job after this, but at least it would all be over.

“Allow me,” she said, and I felt a light, warm softness against my cheeks as she took my face in her hands, bringing me close and resting her head against mine, the rhythm of her heart bringing mine to rest. I felt the tension leave my body, the unhappiness and misery that had kept my muscles taught for all these weeks begin to lessen. As she opened her violet eyes, she stared directly into mine, a deep sorrow dulling their exquisite shine.

“Thank you for telling me all this,” she said. “What you told me was extraordinarily brave. If you will let me, I wish to say something to you. Would you be so kind?”

In that moment, all I wanted was for the sorrow in her eyes to fade. I felt the pangs of sadness as I longed for her unhappiness to fly into the night. I nodded.

“Do not believe, even for a moment that what you think or feel has no value. There is a place and purpose for decorum and state, but that has no meaning in a person’s heart. Your feelings are not something to mock, the deepest most desperate desires of your heart are something precious and instead I have torn you down because of it. I am so, so sorry.”

I could hardly believe my ears. “But- sorry for what?” I asked. “I shouldn’t have said what I said- or, or done what I just did-”

“Perhaps not, she said, “but that does not justify my own actions. Your heart, your deepest feelings are not a plaything, and I treated them exactly as such. I thought your words spoke of juvenile crudeness, the words of a child. Instead they were born of your deepest passions.” She gave a half-hearted smile. “So please, take me down from the pedestal within your mind. Let the Princess you have known and desired for so long fade away. Look upon me as I truly am, and allow me to ask for your forgiveness. I am sorry for tearing at your heart.”

“No, Princess- you’ve done nothing wrong,” I said hastily. “I- I gave you no reason to believe otherwise.”

“Then please, if you do care for me, accept my apology,” Celestia said simply. “Because all I wish for now is to undo what I have done to you.”

I don’t know if I had ever seen something so beautiful in my life, before that night. To feel her against me, the pulse of her heartbeat in tandem with mine, the warmth of her body, her fingers caressing my face…

I nodded. “I forgive you,” I said faintly. “Thank you.”

Princess Celestia gave a smile and the sorrow fled her gaze, replaced by the dazzling glow that set my heart afire. The two of us got to our feet, and with a snap of her fingers the pair of cushioned seats disappeared as quickly as they had come.

“I- I promise, I won’t say a word of what happened here,” I said hoarsely. “I ask that you please offer me the same.”

“I wouldn’t think of doing otherwise,” she replied. “Now… what are you and I to do?”

I felt my heart shrivel as I knew what I’d have to do next. “I will take my things and depart from you, ma’am. Commander Hearth Fire will be notified of my request for dismissal in the morning.”

Princess Celestia looked at me, taking her time as she let her gaze dwell upon me. “That sounds… disappointing,” she remarked slowly. “Tell me, is that what you truly want?”

I stared at her as I never had before, watching as that playful smile unfolded on her features- but perhaps different, something new within it. “If you would take this lady’s hand,” she said, “I would like to show you something.”

I’m dreaming, I thought wildly. But no dream could create the warmth, the comfort of her hand on mine, she gently guiding me out onto the balcony overlooking the city.

“Wow,” I breathed. The mountainside capitol glowed at night, a thousand scattered stars of lamplight dotting the scenery. Far off in the distance on the plains below were more lights of far-reaching towns and villages. Homes and lives of thousands upon thousands lie before me.

“I have seen many things from this view,” Celestia said, letting her beautiful hair flow freely in the moonlit breeze, a symphony of colors against a dark blue sky. “Both good and ill, war and peace, rain and shine, both mourning and celebration. I have seen everything under the sun. Tell me, do you truly think you are the first to fall in love with a Princess?”

I felt myself begin to turn red, unable to keep a sheepish grin from my face, and she laughed once more. It was a wondrous thing to hear, a sound as free and clear as the open sea.

“Would you like to know something?” she asked. “In all my years upon this earth, I have spent it alone, save for the companionship of my sister. I sometimes wonder if my role as Princess alienated me from my people. Except you- whether or not it was willing, you broke that barrier, and for that I am grateful.”

I was still uncertain as to what she meant. “Ma’am, I’m not sure I follow…”

She grinned. “Well, I believe the first thing we should do is leave the formality behind us.”

“But Your Majesty-” I protested, instantly reverting back to the soldier.

“None of that!” she said teasingly. “After all, you have kissed me –and quite passionately too, I might add. We have certainly flung titles out the window.”

I shuffled, feeling more confused yet more hopeful than I had a few minutes ago. “Well, Princ… Celestia, I’ll do my best but it might take me a bit.”

She laughed again, shaking her head at me. “I truly did misjudge you,” she remarked. “Tell me, what did you imagine I thought of you that day?”

“Well,” I said, an embarrassed smile forming across my face, “I must’ve sounded like a right arse.”

“That is certainly one way to put it,” she replied mildly. “I thought of you as just another child- boorish, immature just like any other. So I had you quietly transferred to my command. You, if anything, sparked my curiosity. I wanted to see what you were beneath it all, or if your talk had been your true character.”

“So –how you acted- all of it was just to mess with me?” I asked, feeling incredulous.

“Soldiers can be crude, as I’m sure you know,” she said. “I actually hoped to catch you again so as to have grounds for your dismissal- I feared you had the heart of a scoundrel. Instead, I find you bear the heart of a champion- perhaps my champion?”

There was a good long moment where I was certain I had misheard. “You can’t- but- but why me?”

“And why not you?” she challenged playfully. “There are certainly things about you that are worth admiring.”

“I mean- I guess, but I’m just- I- come on, you’re the Princess and I’m just-”

“Just what?” she asked. “You are more than just anything, in the same way I am more than just a Princess. There is no reason to sell yourself short- I am human just as you are, and that includes all the flaws and complexities that come with it. And right now, a small part of me wishes to see you again- as equals, and perhaps something more.”

“I’m just a soldier,” I said plainly. “I don’t have anything to offer you.”

“Please don’t put me on a pedestal,” she cautioned. “If tonight has taught us anything, it is that we are both capable of mistakes. So please, from here on out, see beyond the crown and decorum, and see me- truly me. The one who is your friend and cares for you.”

“But-”

“No buts!” she declared. “Whatever flaws you have, I’m sure I’ll find them eventually- along with all the good decent things within you as well.”

She offered me her hand, reaching for mine and our fingers intertwined, a symphony of warmth and happiness radiating through me. It should have been a dream, a moment in time that would fade into the ether in an instant. Instead, I stood upon a balcony with the woman I had loved my whole life- and of all the souls in this world, she had chosen to give her heart to me.

Princess Celestia looked up into the night sky, her eyes settling on the moon above. “You and I have been here for some time now,” she remarked. “I suppose I should let you return to your post- wouldn’t want you to look so suspicious this early on, now would I?”

“I- I guess not,” I said, watching as she produced a small handkerchief, colored white and bearing the symbol of a golden sun… “Your colors…”

“Which I now present to you,” she said, draping them across my arm and wrapping it tight. “Wear them well, champion.”

I grabbed my things from the corner, readjusting my armor once more. “Thank you,” I said. “This is probably gonna be the best night of my life, and I know I should just shut up and go, but… well, there was one… one more thing.”

“Oh? And what was that?”

Even I couldn’t help but smile at the thought. “Well, I was wondering- I was hoping that I could have… another- hrmph…”

She laughed, wrapping her arms around me and pulling in for a kiss of her own, her lips as warm and blissful as a spring morning. “How is that for an answer?” she asked playfully.

“That works for me,” I said breathlessly.

“Good. Now hurry!” she said, pushing me to the door. “And make me proud.”

I let the door close quietly behind me, donning my helmet again as I took my position once more.

“Holy shit, you were in there for ages!” Sergeant Coal said. “What the hell did she want?”

“Well…” I would never be able breathe a word of what had gone down in there, not to anyone. “She just needed a hand with something. And we had a quick word.”

“A quick word that took two hours,” he remarked. “Any particular points of discussion?”

“Eh… this and that. Not much.”

“Wait a minute- did you screw something up?” he asked, looking suspicious.

“No, I know that for certain,” I said with a smile.

He peered at me. “You sure?”

“Yup.”

He fell silent, giving a shrug before looking away. I gave a sigh of relief- her secret was safe.

“Wait, what the hell’s on your arm?”