1. Concubine

At least, Celestia told herself, it was not politics.

The evening was on the edge of the horizon and ready to usher in the end of the sunlit hours, multicolored gleams of light pouring across the clouds as obscured sun sank through the clouds to find its slumber. She would have to depart for the upper parapet and see the deed done before too long; a wave farewell to the star above, and a raising of the celestial body that routinely mocked her. As one who embodied the waking hours in all its glory, to bring about the casting of shadows in the form of her greatest failure was never a joyous task. But even that seemed better than this dreary deed.

“… And as of Tuesday the 23rd, a Miss Ambrose, scullery maid, was let go at the behest of Mr. Carson due to negligence in her duties,” Chamberlain reported, so close to the end of his excessively long scroll yet nowhere near close enough. Master of the royal household, these monthly reports held some importance for Celestia so as to better keep track of the comings and goings of her staff; with so much of her focus on things outside in her kingdom, it was easy to be left unawares of what occurred right under her nose. A monthly report was constructed, examined, and produced for her informative pleasure come the first Friday of the month. Important, yes- but so dreadfully dull! Perhaps being delivered to her at the end of a long day was what made the report so tiresome to endure, mental state drained and body exhausted an unpleasant combination in a listener.

Maybe it would be better to hear when I’m going to bed, Celestia thought, achieving a swift grin on her lips for the smallest moment. Humorous, but not fair to her staff; their lives and affairs were just as important as courtly matters and should be treated with respect. Heaven forbid she begin to disregard her people after all these years.

“On Wednesday the 24^th, a Master Eriskay was brought on as a new Page for Captain Draught of the Wall Guard,” Chamberlain continued. A thorough, excessively competent man, his role as manager of Celestia’s household had been a perfect fit for one so naturally meticulous. A good friend if she needed personal counsel, but his voice carried on in such a droning sound that all the sunlit royal could do was fight sleep whenever a piece of parchment fell into his hands. The man could put an owl to sleep by midnight.

“And from where does Master Eriskay hail from?” Celestia asked, for curiosity’s sake as well as breaking up the monotone. “How old is he?”

“A lad of eleven, Your Majesty,” Chamberlain answered, the interruption incapable of shattering his even voice. “He and his family come from a village some miles east of Vanhoover, a settlement known as Keremeos. His father is a logger who has been under the employ of Fell and Forage for the past fifteen years. His mother is an assistant to the village doctor, though currently unemployed due to raising an infant daughter.”

“See to it his pension is adequate for his family’s needs,” Celestia commanded.

“It shall be done, Your Majesty,” Chamberlain promptly replied, turning to scribble down a quick note on a nearby piece of parchment: Eriskay, Jasper- Increase monthly wages by 15%. “And a gift to be sent to his family, as well as train tickets?”

“For every major holiday.”

Without even looking away from the report in his hand, Chamberlain’s hand reached for his quill and added a few more scribbles: Aged brandy for father/Jams and honeys for mother. Transportation vouchers sent immediately.

“Anyone else added to our number?” Celestia inquired. Though there was likely more to be found on the staffing report, the wearisome princess could not help but be eager to see this routine brought to an end. One last great task awaited her- then that wondrous retreat into privacy that her bedchambers would offer! A warm bath, a fresh meal delivered, and a gentle breeze from the nearby balcony to caress her face. With no matters of court tomorrow, nor anything else of importance until next Monday, the weekend was her only opportunity to sleep and be merry.

“Hmm…” Chamberlain scrutinized the remnants of the lengthy scroll, his eyes racing across dried ink with the speed of a bird of prey. “Yes, as of the 28^th, Madame Connemara has seen fit to bring a new member to the Royal Harem. A young woman from-”

“A new hire? Even though I have not requested it?” Celestia interjected. Her personal attendants were a special matter, and not something to be altered without her personal approval; considering also that the existence of her Royal Harem was becoming more and more out of vogue, letting it naturally fall away had become her subconscious choice. Not once had she though increasing their numbers! “Does Madame Connemara offer an explanation of any kind as to her decision?”

Chamberlain felt the small edge to the Princess’ words and chose to ignore it; he was, after all, not the one she was upset with at the moment. “The good Madame states that the girl was from a heavily impoverished community that is nomadic in nature,” he answered. “When she arrived in Canterlot, the young girl fled from her family and came to beg for safety at the gates of the castle in the hopes of being employed within the palace for her well-being. With no positions currently available and the kitchen overstaffed, Madame Connemara saw fit to offer her a position of safety within the Harem so that she may be provided for.”

Celestia bit her lip. A choice against her wishes, but Connemara would not make such a decision if she was not sure it was in the young woman’s best interests; the situation had to have been dire or the girl was simply that insistent. To reverse the decision would likely be a harmful course of action. “Very well, then,” she sighed. The House of Commons would not be pleased if they heard about the decision, but she would at least have some ground to stand on. “The girl… what does Madame Connemara have to say of her?”

“In her own notes, the good Madame describes the girl as ‘extraordinarily beautiful,’” Chamberlain reported. A raised eyebrow as he examined the notes in more detail. “A ‘very genial personality’ and possessing ‘many admirable qualities, both emotional and physical.’ Bears the name Cadance… a virgin of nineteen years, standing five-foot-ten and weighing 126 pounds.”

A small surprise, all things considered. Celestia had expected someone taken in out of pity to have immediate struggles to rectify, matters of health to be corrected- if not simply allowed to dwell in the Harem in seclusion for the rest of her life. What Madame had enlisted into her service seemed to instead be a marvel, unless Connemara was being extremely generous with her verbiage. Try as she might to be otherwise, the solar royal found herself intrigued. “Is… her name again, please?”

“Cadance, Your Majesty-”

“Is Cadance available for presentation?”

“It would appear Madame Connemara approved her for presentation as of yesterday, according to the calendar added to the girl’s name,” Chamberlain reported. “Shall I see her sent for?”

She was tired; acting as arbiter between squabbling nobility was draining work, and matters of international politics did little to help the matter. Did she really wish to spend the night frolicking, adding further to her physical exhaustion? If this Cadance proved to be lovely enough, perhaps the idea would find itself more appealing; but if not, at least she would have doting company before her eyes fell shut. “Yes, see that she is sent for,” Celestia said at last. “I am to head to the Stellar Tower, have Cadance sent to my chambers and waiting for my return.”

“It shall be done, Your Majesty,” Chamberlain said. Quick as the turning of a page, the loathed scroll was rolled up and cinched tight as the efficient man was on his feet. “Have you any further orders for me?”

“None. Please enjoy your weekend, Chamberlain.” Eager to be away and atop the soft bed she craved, Celestia exited her study and was off like a shot to the last, dreaded task that still awaited her handiwork.

The matter of setting the sun and raising its stony twin was an easy task; a simple flick of the hand, fingers exuding power so that the stellar bodies might be carried along their course. Celestia had little issue with exertion whenever she saw it done. But seeing it made so was miserable; cold, pale stone rising up and letting the whole world know the full depths of her failure. The markings upon that miserable hunk of rock were more than just imagery or imagination, though none were left alive to know it save herself. Celestia looked out and took in the yellowish glare of the moon above and wondered if the day would ever come when she would see that blemish washed away. She had placed it there; to see it gone would be a salve for her soul that she so desperately needed. There were many things that needed to be redeemed; to see her beloved sister at last made right would mean she might at last find a way to be at peace.

She wandered through the hallways with no real effort at returning in any manner of swiftness; despite her instinctive desire for rest, the moon’s rising had done a number on her melancholy state. Would she be able to sleep tonight, knowing that one she loved still languished so high above? Food that had once seemed so appealing now had the appeal of dry ash. Mayhaps it would be better to just lie atop the bed and wait for slumber to eventually claim her rather than make any efforts to ensure this evening was a pleasant one. Heaven knew she didn’t-

Pushing the door open, Celestia forgot she had asked for company. Standing at the edge of the balcony and gazing out into the pillowy blackness was the silhouette of a woman dressed in a thin periwinkle robe, fixated on the vast cascade of lights above and all the splendor they could offer. When the sound of the bedroom door met her ears, the woman turned about and realized her awaited company had arrived; rushing to the center of the room, she came to a kneeling position and offered her hands high in supplication. “Princess Celestia!” She gasped, a slight tremble in her voice that suggested a mild trace of fear. “I offer myself to be at your service! May I be found worthy of doing so.”

The solar princess bit her lip; those initial sounds were too willing, automatic; authority was a terror for this young girl, that she could easily tell. Did this woman think that she was a tyrant of sorts? Gods, I hope not. I’m tired of being seeing as this almighty thing. Celestia realized she would have to break this mystique about her that this girl possessed sooner rather than later.

“Please, on your feet,” Celestia murmured. “I am glad to have your service, and you need not be afraid. I will not see you harmed.”

The young girl gave a nod and snapped to a standing position, hands held fast across her stomach as she awaited her next command. Eyes ahead, head fixed… she was used to being under someone else’s power. By instinct, Celestia’s heart hurt on her behalf.

“Tell me,” Celestia asked though she knew the answer, “what is your name?”

“C- Cadance, Your Majesty,” the young woman answered.

Of course she does. “Cadance, I am not feeling royal tonight,” Celestia said. A shake of her head and the tiara that lay upon her crown fell to a clatter upon the hardwood floor. “And in my chambers, I have no title. Please do not call me ‘Your Majesty’ ever again.”

Cadance nodded, but was still left perplexed by the answer. “Then what… umm- what do I call you- miss?”

“Just Celestia, please.” The answer was more insistent than she’d wished. Be nicer about it. “Are you well tonight, Cadance?”

“Y- yes, Miss Celestia!” Cadance promptly replied. “A- a- and thank you for taking me into your palace. I hope to have the chance to return this generosity.”

So fearful, on edge; it was obvious she was used to consistently being in the wrong. It would be quite a while before this habit was broken and the real person within was revealed. “You may begin,” Celestia said, “by letting me have a look at you.”

Cadance, she soon discovered, was actually just as lovely as Madame Connemara had stated. Vibrant colors poured across her face in the form of luscious locks, hair falling down to just beyond her shoulders. A tall, slender body that spoke to good breeding- and even a pair of well-endowed breasts across her chest. Her well-shaped face marked by deeply-colored eyes that sparkled like gemstones in the depths of a cavern… every which way she looked, Celestia found Cadance to be a remarkable beauty. Why, she seemed to have some magic to her loveliness that was difficult to name.

“I hope your initial stay with us has been pleasant,” Celestia remarked. “How have Madame Connemara and the other girls treated you?”

“Like… warmly,” Cadance answered, the first hint of a smile upon her full lips. “Madame Connemara has performed a service for which I’ll be forever grateful. Please ensure she knows that.”

Her heart hurt at that statement. This poor, beautiful girl must have suffered to be willing –no, desperate to be a concubine rather than free and in the house of her fathers. Celestia could only imagine what sort of nightmares would have crossed her path. “Miss Cadance,” she began, a tinge of laughter in her next words as she caught the surprise on the girl’s face. “Yes, that is your title now. Miss Cadance, and never may you forget it.”

“Oh… OK, I- I guess so.”

“Miss Cadance, would you be so kind as to help me draw up a bath?” Celestia asked. “It has been a long day.”

“Of course, Miss- Celestia!” Cadance replied, still a little starry-eyed and anxious. To think that she had only entered this place by sheer luck, yet now tended to the most powerful woman in the world!

The hot water brought about steam into the darkened room, tempting to her battered spirit. Celestia watched as Cadance added hints of jasmine oil to the froth, and lavender also; small candles were set about the fine bathtub to add to the aura, the soon-placid pool of water beckoning for its mistress to come and enjoy the heat.

Her fingers traced along the outline of the waters as Cadance said, “Please, Celestia, come and enjoy your bath.”

Undressing herself from the royal robes had always been a challenge for her, but this newest fashion was one she found unpleasant. Celestia struggled with fabric for a moment before simply giving a flick of her wrist and seeing it unwound by magic rather than her hand, naked form slipping into the depths of the water as its billowing heat melted away her tension. Oh, to feel like this always! Warm water upon her skin, saturating her soul and burning away the unhappiness she had borne for too long. If only life could be this good in every moment-

A hand upon her risen knee. Cadance took soapy water and began to pour it across what flesh that poked through the waters, a hand soon arriving to gently wash away the misery of grime and sweat. Soft, smooth, so exquisitely tender in her movements as she tended to her princess. “May I, Celestia?”

She asked. Fearful that it was the wrong move, desperate to do the right thing; how could her heart not reach out and feel for her? This beautiful, anxious girl was desperate for approval. “Only if you wish to,” Celestia whispered. “I will not ask you to make yourself unhappy on my account.”

Cadance pondered the thought. “I- I wish to,” she at last muttered, reaching back down into the depths of the clear pools so as to continue her task.

Celestia couldn’t remember a time she had been treated so tenderly. Cadance seemed to know every place she wished to be touched, hand stroking along flesh and seeing the grime pushed away without any measure of force. Allowed to enjoy the hot wetness, the stellar princess sighed and let fall her eyelids as this new member of her harem attended to her needs. Goodness, when was the last time someone had been so doting? So many of her other girls were chatty, constantly crowing and complaining and yelping about something; Cadance seemed to know how to perfectly attend to her melancholy mood.

“You look hungry, Celestia,” Cadance said after a time. “Might you like something to eat?”

Despite her initial reluctance when she had departed the tower, the gnawing sensation in her stomach had found its strength once more. “I… I would, actually,” Celestia answered. “Please, take a slip from the notepad on my table. Order us a bowl of chicken soup.”

“U- us, Your Majesty?” Cadance tremored.

“Just Celestia, dearest,” the wondrous royal teased gently, her smile removing the bite of the correction. “And yes, I mean ‘us’ quite truly. Enjoy a hot meal with me, and remain with me tonight. If that is something you would like.”

For the first time that night, Cadance’s face lit with the glow of a smile; royal company, a hot meal, and a warm bed? In all her young life, she had never known all three at once- now offered to her freely! “Yes, I will! Thank you so much!”

Celestia felt a tear in the corner of her eye at the sight of the young woman’s joy, and a deep rush of affection. Such a simple act, yet Cadance treated it like were the grandest prize in the world; oh, she really was coming to like this one.

“Your kitchens are amazing,” Cadance declared. Deep into her bowl of hearty soup, the lovely woman had seen fit to toss decorum aside and drain the contents as thoroughly as she could. “I’ve never tasted something so wonderful in my life! What makes it so good?”

“I would suggest you ask the cooks. I’m sure they would love to tell you,” Celestia replied, her smile difficult to restrain at this sight of his unblemished joy. Cadance was infectious, her happiness so radiant. She’s far too lovely. What sort of parents wouldn’t adore her?

“Would it be alright for me to ask? Is that allowed?”

“Of course! Ask for any meal you would like, I will make sure they see it brought to you.”

Cadance beamed, her radiant features so irrestistably lovely that the poor princess could only melt. “Thank you. Truly, this is wonderful. I never thought I would even ever meet you, now I’m eating dinner with you and I’m going-” her words promptly fell away as her face flushed, the young woman turning away from her meal and company to instead enjoy the balcony view.

Their meal passed by quickly, both of their appetites alive and kicking; hot, flavorful broth was consumed in only moments and barest remnants all that remained to tell the tale. Outside in the dark did the starlight grow thick and beautiful, bright light of the moon rising higher into the sky with each passing minute.

Celestia caught sight of the brilliant rock and found no joy in it; better to simply slumber and forget that misery for now. She would be able to see it away come morning, but its presence now was too oppressive. “I think I shall head to bed,” the stellar princess declared, stretching out her magnificent form. “Please join me.”

“Oh- y- yes, of course,” Cadance trembled, taking her ruler’s outstretched hand and heading for the comfort of the thick bedspread that lay before them. It was such a magnificent bed, well-crafted and clearly built with luxury in mind. so sturdy, so strong, and the mattress upon it hefty enough to take even the most exuberant of passengers.

Celestia tossed aside her nightrobe and let her underthings be all that covered her form, crashing down upon pillow and bedsheet with a sigh. What a long day it had been, without a moment’s reprieve right until the very end. To just slumber on and enjoy the rest of the weekend was going to be magnificent, only the barest of duties requiring her attention for two whole days-

Movement caught her attention. On her knees atop the bedspread, hands trembling as she did so, Cadance began to remove the tie of her robe and see it undone so that the majesty of her beauty might be seen in full and made ready to be fully ravished-

“Oh goodness!” Celestia cried. She raised her hand and saw to it that all action was halted, Cadance left terrified at what seemed to have been a mistake. “I am so sorry, Cadance, I misspoke. Please, sleep with me tonight. That is all I ask.”

This new order seemed to not help in the slightest. “I- but that is what I am doing,” she replied slowly.

You silly, try that again! “I mean for you to actually come to bed and sleep beside me,” Celestia explained; slithering beneath the bedsheets, the comfort of their warmth was a death blow to her spirited attempts at remaining awake. “Come, relax. I think we both need it.”

Cadance eyed both bed and princess with a fair measure of confusion. She was a concubine to the princess, sexual satisfaction was part of her duty- why was she not being used as such? To simply come up to the royal bedchambers and be nothing but company and a soul to talk to was not something she could fathom. Yet she could only comply, coming to lay her head atop the spare pillow that lay beside the glorious head of her princess. “This… this is all you wish for, Princ- Celestia?” Cadance asked; a tinge of fear in her eyes, a worry that she had done something wrong.

“I am too tired for anything else, dear Cadance,” Celestia said, soothing the fretful thoughts that hastened to form. “Tonight is for slumber, and that is for both of us. Rest with me.”

Cadance still didn’t fully understand; there was so much about this princess that seemed so beyond the stories and legends that had been part of her world long before her barest beginnings. Yet rather than might or majesty or control or satisfaction, this regal woman had only wanted company. Company, a warm meal, and a bed made a little less empty. Yet still she could not sway from her obligation entirely, despite what insistence was given by her ruler, and so she acted of her own behest; arms came about that fair form in an embrace, her head pressed against her chest in a deep nuzzle. “Goodnight, Celestia,” she whispered.

Celestia took her time falling to sleep; the comforting sound of the breeze beckoned for her, the coolness of the bedsheets enticed her- the warmth of Cadance’s fair form demanded it. Yet all she could do was gaze at this beautiful young woman in wonder, unable to fathom what forces of heaven and earth could come together and create someone so gentle and sweet.

And so, despite her initial misgivings, the affection she felt began to grow. And Celestia wondered if she might not be falling the tiniest bit in love.

To the Princess Celestia of the Stellar House, Keeper of the Solar Fire, Bearer of the Eternal Moon, Ruler of Equestria, we bring to thee these tidings,

We, the House of Lords, have done our duty in our consistent communication with our brethren of the House of Commons. In recent years, as Your Majesty is well aware, the existence of the Royal Harem has come under extreme scrutiny in light of the positive change in moral reception. As such, since such polyamorous activity has come under righteous fire, the enduring nature of the Royal Harem is seeing as detrimental to the welfare of Equestria, and a moral deficiency in the very core of the Stellar House. To ensure the well-being of Your Majesty and all that fall under the care of the crown, it is the will and insistence of this House that the Royal Harem be henceforth disbanded permanently, and all members be dispelled from the care of the Stellar House.

With utmost respect and deepest regards,

Lord Darager of Blue, Speaker for the House of Lords

Celestia tossed aside the scrap of thick parchment and let it fall to the cold wooden floor below her. The note had been delivered to her hand only a spare few hours ago when Day Court had begun to wind down and see its duties concluded. Now, with the sun long gone and she in her private quarters, the sunlit woman had found it necessary to see the contents of such an important missive re-read aloud for the benefit of current company that sat atop the bed alongside her.

Cadance’s eyes followed the thin leaf of wood as it fell down and came to a halt upon the ground, its words a killing stroke to her employment and all that sustained her. She had come to this palace in desperate need of an escape from her old life, for the sake of her very survival. Being accepted into the Royal Harem had been an entry into a life far better than anything she could have ever dreamed of, it was practically heaven! And now they were going to simply rob it of her? A bunch of repugnant old men who couldn’t fathom how much she’d suffered over the years? Her dream had become a nightmare with just a single proclamation.

“Surely you can do something,” Cadance said, turning back to her princess and starting to plead. “This- you don’t have to accept it, do you? You can argue against it. I’ve seen you do so before.”

“I could, if I wished to,” Celestia replied, receiving a cold look of horror in response. “The ladies of the harem are to be given every opportunity for work elsewhere, in any capacity they wish to possess. But their work is outdated, and even I agree on such things. It is time to see it fade.”

“But- Celestia, please! I’m begging you, I can’t go back to that life!” Cadance pleaded, the wondrous woman absolutely set to terrors as she watched her contented world fade away. Eight months in heaven had been more than what she ever could have asked, but she hadn’t expected it all to end so soon! “Please, let me do something- anything! Don’t send me away from you, I don’t want to go! I want to stay here with you, I really do, I- I don’t have anywhere to go!”

“The other girls have all been given suitable compensation along with their departure,” Celestia explained. “Enough to survive the rest of the year. That, along with guaranteed employment elsewhere, I am seeing to their contentment. Such a bargain is offered to you, if you wish it. As well as another…”

Cadance’s stricken expression froze, the girl’s panic put to a temporary halt as she was offered this one last tidbit. “And that offer is..?”

“That you remain here as my personal attendant. My… Lady-In-Waiting, as it were,” Celestia said. Her smile turned cheeky, the game revealing itself as something too good to resist. “You would be paid, given a position within the palace- and remain here with me, if you wish.”

“If- if I wish?”

“I am… truly hoping you do, dearest,” the solar princess murmured. Her words turned soft, her expression pleading in its own kind. “Perhaps it is much to say, but I have become accustomed to your presence. If I could make it permanent…”

The beautiful concubine became fixated on her beloved; to think that only moments ago her world had seemed ready to crumble around her. But now, she was about to be offered a glorious chance at the opportunity she’d craved ever since her first night beside this wondrous princess. “Celestia, you’re not-”

“The Royal Harem is outdated. But… I don’t think I like to be alone,” Celestia said. “I am not entirely isolated from the world, surprisingly. I have heard tell of this new manner of courting known as ‘dating’ and I find myself thinking that I might just give it a try. If I have the right woman beside me.”

“But-” It was too good to really be true. After all her years of suffering, surely it couldn’t be. “Me? You’re sure?”

“As if I could resist!” Celestia cried. “Please don’t leave me, Cadance. Not ever again. I- I need you by my side. To see you smile, to find reasons to make you happy. And to feel all that you could ever offer me.”

Cadance could only gawk. Stuck between the cool weather of reality that carried on the breeze out beyond the balcony and the dream that carried on within these royal bedchambers, neither seemed all that possible. Only a few moments ago, she had been faced with a horrendous end to her dreams. Now, all that she had ever wished for was being offered to her in the form of something entirely new… and somehow, all the better.

Why even bother to think about it?

Celestia felt the weight against her form before she’d even had a chance to process what had happened; Cadance crashed against her and saw them both flung against the pillows, her tears and laughter so deeply entertwined that neither could be distinguished from the other. Upon every inch of free flesh she could find did the joyful woman press her lips, kisses arriving like raindrops over and over again until sheer emotion at last overwhelmed her entirely.

“Ssh… ssh, it’s alright,” Celestia breathed, gently cradling her darling as Cadance came to lose control of herself. There was so much to feel, to endure; how difficult it was to contain! “I’m sorry for scaring you, truly. Please, it’s alright!”

“I thought it’d never happen!” Cadance cried. Rising from the grasp of her beloved princess, her face bearing a radiance akin only to the mightiest of stars. “I used to idolize you when I was girl, I wanted to be like you- to be you! And then I started crushing on you when I was a teenager, I thought I’d have to compete with all the other girls for you when I got here- but you’re sure? You want me to be your-”

“I could not find a better girlfriend anywhere,” Celestia assured her, gentle strokes of her fingers finding the stains of tears and seeing them wiped away. “Who else could be so perfect? Heaven knows how I managed this long without you.”

“You’re mean for teasing me,” Cadance hiccupped, “But you’re wonderful, too. Thank you- thank you! Just so much, Cellie- wait, can I call you Cellie, is that OK?”

“Call me whatever you wish, my sweet,” Celestia murmured. “Anything at all will be welcome from you.”

“Then- you’re Cellie, forever,” the lovely woman decided. “Cellie, my perfect sunbeam!” And as if to seal the words with a promise, she leaned down and placed a passionate kiss upon those lips without another word.

The union was a joy to feel, even if the pressure was something ferocious. How long had it been since she’d kissed someone just because of affection and not for foreplay? To feel someone pressed against her with no agenda behind felt lovely- and even more when she was the recipient! Celestia felt her own lips try to curve into a smile even as she returned her new girlfriend’s kisses; why not simply embrace this little moment for all it was worth? Held against the pillows, eyes becoming half-lidded as lips found lips for a little while longer.

But the intensity did not lessen, even as she continuously gave in to Cadance’s demands for further kisses. Lips that had been fierce from the beginning were not easing their amorous fury; the young woman’s hands were frisking across flesh, through hair, tracing along lined curves of body as though desperate to know it all. They had come together more than a few times before, felt each other in utmost intimacy, yet now Celestia’s body was found as something entirely new.

She knew where this was leading- and as much as she would have been on it continuing, Celestia had only taken a short break within her afternoon meal to deliver this personal missive. “Mmf- dearest, I- my day is not yet- mmm!- done,” she breathed, words only managing to pass through pressed lips by sheer luck. Oh heaven help me, she has cherry lip gloss on.

“And I think you owe me,” Cadance whispered, pausing in her assault for only a moment; face-to-face with her new beloved, she possessed an intensity that left her features radiant. “Scaring me like that. Can’t you do your girlfriend a favor and help me calm back down?”

“I don’t think this would- mmph!- calm us down,” Celestia protested, and the racing of her heart was proof of it. Cadance’s light, lovely body was perfectly atop her, all her most wondrous assets barely concealed beneath a thin layer of baby-blue satin that beckoned to be torn away. Remove the shroud, let the both of them be fully explored, and oh how much fun they would have!

“It’d make me feel better,” Cadance remarked, slowing her frenzy of lips and allowing each new kiss to bear a deeper weight; gentle, softer pecks that lingered and were meant to tempt. Seduction was a skill that took practice and time to hone; this remarkable woman had found a way to transform it into an art. “And you wouldn’t want to go back to work leaving me all stressed out and anxious, would you?”

It was not the most persuasive of arguments, but arousal in the brain had a way of its own. Celestia bit her lip and mumbled, “I- I suppose not.” Yes, she would likely have to quickly clean herself after, but it was possible.

“That’s more like it,” Cadance said, her latest gift a slow, deeply flavorful thing as she held Celestia’s lips captive. “See? You’re such a good girlfriend already.”

“Then I think I should let you indulge yourself,” the stellar woman said. “Have fun with me- however you want to.”

“In that case…” Cadance did not relinquish her position atop her beloved but instead settled in for a further haul. Breast atop breast, hand reaching out and finding its pair, her waist soon kept in a lock by Celestia’s legs; perfectly positioned for movement of a different kind. “Wanna make out like a couple of horny teenagers?”

Celestia’s answer came without a sound, simply allowing the minute gap between the two to close and be melted by an embrace. She had tasted of Cadance’s cherried lips once before and found it had ignited a hunger. How much more did she crave it now when it was given to her in fullness? Slow, passionate kisses came and sealed them both together, the sounds of coos and contented little sighs escaping from their muffled lips and into the ether. The fires had been lit, but no ferocity was to be found right now; better to simply enjoy one another in this cozy little happiness.

Cadance’s free hand came and caressed that beautiful face, lips pulling away just a bit so as to see loose strands of hair shook out of sight. One moment of emptiness, allowing eyes to lock and share sight; within both of their gazes was a longing becoming satisfied, a desperate need that had begged for far too long to be answered. To think they had found it in such strange, happy circumstances after all-

And then a resumption of their union, open mouths pressing together as the first of their ballets began. Small brushes of something slick and soft, almost syrupy in its wetness came to life; Cadance’s tongue slithered forth and gave its mate the slightest touch; barely enough to register, but more than enough to electrify. Just one little lick and Celestia felt something burst in her brain. She had known this sensation before, but never, ever like this~!

She couldn’t resist holding her just a little more tightly; the vicegrip about Cadance’s waist tightened, pulling her closer and letting the white robe about her own form start to loosen. If anyone were to come in and find her like this, they would be witness to the bare bottom of a suddenly indecent princess; pantyless, deeply entangled with a young woman and clearly about to begin the artistry of sapphic love. Yet the more entangled with Cadance she became, the more she felt those sweet puffs of air against her face, the more that mental image energized her. She had a girlfriend. She had a girlfriend!

Cadance gave a giggle and let her tongue plunge deeply this time, those first tentative touches now a true dance as the two sweet morsels began to frolic together. Thorough licks across the tongue, playful jousts, slow and tender massages as the two women fell further into their romance. Thirsting forms felt saliva flow from one to the other, tendrils forged and broken within the span of rapidly increasing heartbeats, each new sensation of feeling enough to incite them further. Each kiss was a delight, yet still instilling an aching hunger for another. There could simply not be enough kisses, not anywhere near enough!

She had to have a breath of fresh air. Even if just for the sake of allowing a moment’s reprieve, she had to have it! Celestia pulled herself away from the sweethearted woman’s lips and gasped, her pillowy chest rising and falling in heaves. “Cadance- oh my god…”

“Having fun?” The lustrous woman inquired lightly, eyelids painted with just the proper amount of magenta eyeshadow fluttering in their teasing rhythm.

“I need a moment, I think,” Celestia said; so forceful was her heart’s beat that she couldn’t remember a time she’d ever felt like this. Was she dying? Goodness, what a wonderful way to pass on! “And- I- I might just-”

“Nice try,” Cadance purred, and before Celestia could retreat even the furthest inch she was ensnared yet again. Lips fastened around her salivating tongue and began to suckle, Cadance pulling and worshipping upon that pink muscle with all her might.

And oh, how Celestia quivered beneath that touch! The delighted moan that escaped her throat likely came from the very depths of her soul, so magnificent was its sound. How could she not swoon in her girlfriend’s arms, become utterly captive in her love! Why even bother resisting? Mind blurred by the heat, the once-regal princess could only endure this tribulation of wondrous pleasure for as long as it lasted.

Cadance sucked, slurped, did everything she could to drain her beloved dry. Fierce and swift would she be one moment, then slow and luxurious in the other. Each pace able to steal away the solar woman’s breath and bring about an unconscious cry of happiness. As though she were intent on tasting every facet of this beautiful royal’s candied morsel and know the fullest depth of its flavor, so did she lavish her love. Even the pauses were not rests, but instead the opportunity for her own tongue to add a new lathering coat of spittle and restart the process.

It could have gone on forever. She wanted to never end, to forever last and be perfect- but the heat within her mind, within her struggling body, absolutely demanded she answer their call. Celestia’s free hand forcibly pushed away Cadance’s body and saw the gap between them grow wide, the heavy band of saliva spattering down upon her white robes and leaving a liquidized stain.

“Cadance- have sex with me. Right now,” she gasped, a ferocity on her face like the heat of summer. “Please, I am begging you, no more teasing.”

“You’re sure?” Cadance asked. “I thought you said you had to get back to work. You don’t want to go back to the throne room all dirty, do you?”

“I can clean up- for heaven’s sake, sweetheart, please!”

Utter and total surrender. “As you wish,” Cadance crowed, and she slid down from her place atop Celestia’s luscious figure and fell to her side. A hand plunged down and hiked up the hem of that white robe- only to pause as fingers fell upon a new sensation of fluid that had turned it damp. “Ooh, you are desperate.”

“Cadance-”

A trace of a giggle and that hand plunged down below and struck gold, the delicate flower of Celestia puffy and engorged on the fat of their foreplay. Never had she known her princess to be this worked up- why, it would hardly take more than a few fingerstrokes to see the deed done. She would have to take a little bit of time if she weren’t going to make this woman fall apart instantly. So what exploration she had begun curbed its enthusiasm; three fingers became one, its sole trot along the outer labia meant to only bring the barest of sensations.

Yet that was enough to turn Celestia rigid. Struggling against this new feeling, the stellar princess had to grit her teeth. “Ooh- mmph!”

Cadance had to gawk for a brief moment. She’d only just started! Surely I don’t feel that good, do I? She wondered. But back to her pluckings did she return, gently soothing the enflamed folds of Celestia as she ignited them further. She wanted to feel that slit gush, the delicate pearl of all joy beneath her fingertip- and quiver as its mistress tried to hold back for a little while longer. Celestia had given her the fright of her life? Then by all means, she would take her sweet time.

A second finger joined in the fray, sliding in and spreading themselves wide; pointer and index at opposite end, gently wriggling their way within and without the epicenter as they took their time strolling. A little movement this way, Cadance deemed- and then a little more that way. Small, tentative steps forward as they explored this newfound territory that would be theirs alone. Oh, this wet wall that stood in their way? Why, let’s trace its outline for a little while; see where it leads us.

Celestia had to bite her tongue, squeeze her eyes shut until she saw sparks. She had begged for an end to her girlfriend’s teasing and now found herself suffering beneath the worst of it. Hands clenched and unclenched in a broken pattern, desperate to put all effort and attentions elsewhere- anywhere but that glorious, wondrous pleasure that was between her legs! Cadance had never felt better, no one had ever felt better! She wanted nothing more than to enjoy the touch and caress of Cadance for the rest of her life-

A third finger entered the fray and sensed weakness. Too skilled in her craft, Cadance caught the wild, desperate look upon Celestia’s transported features and knew the time had come. She played with that pearl, toyed with it, tortured it until it could only burn alive with happiness! She wanted to feel that flower absolutely flow, break the dam and see the river released; there would be time for more thorough, delicate explorations later, but now was the moment when she would claim her territory. This princess, this magnificent, glorious angel that had rescued her from a pointless, unhappy existence was hers and hers alone.

And by heaven and hell, Celestia would know it!

When orgasm came crashing upon her senses, the weakened cry escaped her throat and echoed across the room. Physical form was transformed into a statue, all muscles made tense so that fullest focus would be placed upon the tidal wave below. How many times could she feel a wave of pleasure from one simple orgasm? Enough to blind her, incapacitate her, hold her so utterly captive that Celestia may as well have seen an entire lifeage of the Earth pass by her before it could end. Oh, never had she felt something like this. Not just sex, more than just mere attractions coming to sapphic conclusion. This had been something special, and never in her life had she known its equal.

When body at last released control from its subconscious self, Celestia fell back against the pillows in a heap. Her body heaved as though she’d just run a marathon, each new breath a rush and a struggle all at once. Why had this felt so different? Surely just a little genuine affection could not change so much. Yet still… the stellar royal felt as though she had taken a first step into a brand new world, so unfamiliar and full of potential. What would she discover along this road- and could it somehow even be better than this?

“That’s what you get for teasing me.” Cadance helped bring senses back down to earth, the gorgeous woman cuddling up next to her, cradling her beloved in her arms. “That’s what you’ll get next time- if not worse.”

“I don’t think I can,” Celestia said weakly, earning a laugh from her companion. “You are… are…”

“Good? Amazing?”

“Wonderful,” Celestia assured her, placing a kiss on those jeweled lips for good measure. “I love you.” An immediate biting of her tongue; she hadn’t meant to say it so soon. Emotion had demanded it of her, exhaustion had made the confession easy. But now that the genie was out of the bottle, what on earth was she supposed to do?

Rather than fear or worry, Cadance’s eyes shown all the more brightly. “I love you, too,” she whispered. “Maybe it’s a little small right now, but… that just means there’s room to grow. Right?”

“Indeed.” She could feel the slickness of her skin, viscous fluid down below demanding its immediate cleansing. “My time runs short, sweetheart.”

“I’ll grab a towel for you,” Cadance said. “Go on and get yourself in the shower.”

Celestia rose from her place atop the bed with what strength she could manage. Limbs shaking, body still trembling, absolutely ravished by this incredible woman’s mastery of lovemaking-

“Wait! Hold on just a second!” Cadance’s anxious cry brought an end to all movement.

“What is-”

“Here.” Upon her neck did Cadance leave a kiss, along with the slight hint of a nibble. “Just in case you thought you could get away scot-free,” she said. A quick retreat and she studied her freshly-made mark with a smug glow of pride. “You’re mine, now, and don’t you forget it.”

Celestia looked out upon the world through a happy, dreamy haze for the rest of the day. Until sun fell and she could return to her quarters and find that glorious woman awaiting her, life would feel as though a daydream. What words came next, whatever that would transpire before her eyes felt irrelevant and about as important as yesterday’s weather. For so long, she had felt dreary and unhappy, alone in a world with no equal; all it had taken was this sweet young woman to break that depressing spell.

And despite how obvious it was upon her exposed neck, Celestia wore that hickey with pride.

2. Lady

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There were many a day when Celestia wanted nothing more than to lie upon her bed and let the sound of the softened breeze pass across her balcony. Little more than the serenity of nature would be considered excessive, a nuisance in the form of noise. After an entire day of draining politicians and nobility that failed to see past their own nose, what more could she desire than the simplicity of natural quiet? Yes, her duties were important, and Twilight Velvet’s youngest probably did have some magical potential considering how stupendous her son was. But there was absolutely no desire to consider such things –any of it, really- after the whole of the day had passed her by. Whatever demands that had come to her feet were surely better suited for tomorrow than today. Now was the time for solitude. Serenity.

Sort of.

She held her eyes closed and took in the emptiness. Outside was still the tinge of color across the sky, shades of orange, pink, and yellow in faint rows that turned the sky into a tapestry of vivid life. Having seen so many of its like across her many years, Celestia found herself completely unintrigued by what nature could offer today. Her nephew had again decided to make a royal buffoon of himself and cleaning up that mess had been the majority of her day’s work, along with every other critical task that had demanded completion before the end of day court. All she wanted to do was rest- no, check that. All she wanted to do was sleep and forget the day ever happened!

But out on the balcony was part of her heart, and what now transpired over nature was too beautiful for such a happy young woman to pass up. She could hear the clacking of Cadance’s heels as she tap-tap-tapped against the hard stone of the railings, gazing out across city and landscape alike as the endless flow of warmth and colors enveloped it. She had seen it so many times before, yet somehow it possessed a uniqueness here in the world up so high. She wanted to soak it in, let its beauty become memory and tied to her soul. So Celestia waited.

“Shouldn’t you have lowered the sun by now?” Cadance inquired, a delicacy in her tone as she did so. Hardly was she one to suggest actions or course of command to one so powerful! “It’s past six- I thought you said it should be on the horizon by now.”

“Are you done watching it fall?” Celestia asked- and none too lightly, the weariness of her mood affecting her attitude. A small streak of guilt promptly erupted. Be nice, now.

“Wait… you were waiting for me?”

“So long as you continue to enjoy it, I will be glad to let it linger.” The warmth of her voice was forced even if the emotion behind it was genuine. Better to fake it for a time than to speak down against one so joyful.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to keep you waiting, especially when you seem so tired!” The scratching of footwear across stone and the princess knew her beloved had turned away from the sight. “Please, go ahead!”

It was the first laugh she’d given all day, short and small but enough to buoy her spirit. “Thank you, sweetheart,” Celestia murmured, and with a single snap of her fingers she saw the deed done. Swiftly did the great orb of fire fall from the edge of the sky, settling upon the edge of the horizon as its lunar twin came to show its face upon the opposing side; with a mood so dour, she dare not risk a glance to where her kindred now dwelled. None knew but her, and the gloom would make revealing the secret far too easy. Better not to say a thing.

Cadance considered the swift sinking of the sun and the fast-pace rise of celestial rock. “I… I thought you needed to go to the Tower to do that,” she murmured. “Why do you go up there if you can accomplish it just like that?”

“To clear my head,” Celestia said, though her words were partially a lie. “After a long day, I… I enjoy the solitude for a little while.”

The wondrous Lady considered that remark for a time; the clacking of heels against hardwood before they were cast aside, she coming to rest upon the bed just beside her splendid beloved and giving her a quizzical look. “I think that’s not really true,” Cadance murmured. “Do you want to talk about it?”

She so desperately wished to, but even now was not yet the time to reveal such secrets. The day was swiftly coming, but- not yet. “Would you feel offended if I said I wasn’t?”

“Of course not,” Cadance replied, her words becoming especially gentle as she caught wind of sorrow. There came the sensation of a soft touch, fingers gently stroking along the contours of Celestia’s cheek. “I hope you don’t think I was trying to pry or anything. I was only hoping I could help.”

“I know.” Because of course she was. Because that’s what Cadance did best, because the very core of her being was so bent on restoration and the care of others that she would happily allow her own self to be wounded if it meant another was made whole. She loved so wholeheartedly, so deeply; Celestia had only known this sweet woman for a spare few years, but she doubted there would ever be another soul of her like. Cadance was something extraordinary, and most definitely bearing a royalty of spirit that she could not match.

She deserves to be a princess more than I ever did, Celestia thought, her melancholy thoughts distant from the smile that saw she and her youthful paramour entwined. What sort of good could she do when put face-to-face with my people? Think of how many broken homes, broken families she could restore with just a simple word.

“I didn’t ruin your downtime, did I?” Cadance inquired; words brining Celestia back to reality. Back to the gentle, teasing expression of her lovely Lady. “Feel like getting a little excited?”

“Tonight, I am afraid, has me beaten,” Celestia admitted, the weight of her sister making the stream of morose feeling more difficult to bear than normal. “I think I would retire for the night.”

“May I recommend against it?” The lovely woman countered. “It is still early, and you haven’t even had dinner. Come, take a visit to the gardens, breathe the clean air. Perhaps it would do you good.”

She very much wanted not to; the comfort of her bed was terrible to resist and her desire for sleep was strong. But Cadance had been right about the solution to her troubles more times than not; why not heed this advice and follow her girlfriend’s guiding hand?

“A cup of tea might help us,” Celestia said. Rising to a sitting position and granting a kiss that left Cadance giggling, she forced herself to stretch and try to awaken. “And perhaps something light for the stomach.”

“There we go,” the beautiful woman said, smiling at seeing her princess come to life once again. “Your orders for the garden’s rejuvenation should be done by now. Are you curious about what came in from the tropics over the season?”

Not in the slightest; flowers had never been much of Celestia’s preference. But for Cadance? “I can hardly wait to see them,” she said. And so hand in hand they departed the gloomy bedchamber to seek the joys of greenery and life below, forgetting melancholy in the midst of love and restoration that so gladly saw fit to see them more tightly wound together.

If she were to be honest, Celestia had absolutely no love for formal occasions. She had spent dozens of lifetimes taking part in such frivolity, surrounded by the elite and nobility of her realm in an austere environment that was totally devoid of joy- or any real emotion, truthfully. Every once in a while there would be amusement to be found in the form of a drunken noble ranting and raving about something or other before being dragged away from the crowd and –she guessed politely- exorcised from the event. But by and large? Little more than ceremony and pomp she would rather avoid, clothing not of her choice nor preference, and what words that crossed her lips being mandatory sayings rather than anything from the heart. If her sister was here, perhaps it might be something more enjoyable; but an evening spent awake under her moon-

No, nothing about the Gala was all that pleasant; not its ceremony, not its people, not its activities, and certainly not the occasion that had marked its birth. So why did she have a smile on her face?

“We’re going to try a little of everything tonight,” Cadance declared, if not instructed her secret paramour as they strode down from the palace’s upper hallways to greet the awaiting crowd that now permeated the main floor. “I checked in with the kitchens a few days ago to see what they would be making, and guess what- I actually managed to convince them to switch a few things up and add some of your favorites! Some wonderful coq a vin with rosemary and thyme is supposed to be the main dish, and the chef actually seemed interested in trying out a chocolate candy recipe for one of the desserts.”

Celestia gave the younger woman a wide-eyed look. “Andrei has refused to deviate from his Gala menu for years now,” she murmured. “How on earth did you manage to convince him..?”

“I… may have asked a favor,” Cadance admitted, still smiling but a little shamefaced as she recalled the memory. “I came across him one day and he seemed upset, I asked him what was wrong, and- well, he said he was having trouble at home. With his wife, I mean. And I gave him a little advice that might help.”

“And it worked?”

Cadance nodded. “It took a little while. And he kept coming back for advice, but yes. So when I asked if he’d be willing to try something different, well…”

She was so kind. Not once did she find anyone beneath her aid, even one as tetchy and miserable as an aged chef. It was in this wondrous girl’s nature to simply help because they were there, seeking out restoration in the lives and relationships of others as though their pain wounded her own spirit also. She gave so much of herself away, making others shine brighter because of it; Celestia had thought Cadance as something remarkable for quite a while now. Perhaps the better word would be ‘extraordinary.’

And doesn’t she look it! Though Celestia’s royal tailor always managed to produce a quality garment, this year’s lilac ballgown no exception, what she had delivered for Cadance was truly royal. Held to one shoulder and the sleeve drawing down to her wrist, the beautiful sequin gown had her shining like gold beneath water, the dark-blue floral patterns across it occasionally interrupted by the seams of precious metallic color. A high slit allowed her slender leg to reveal itself, a sensuous edge to her formality that only managed to enhance her loveliness; complete with only the slightest touch of gold earrings and a splendidly colored bracelet, this glorious woman had somehow become more beautiful than anything the princess had ever seen. Surely all eyes would turn to her and fall in love, just as she had! Who could resist someone so loving and beautiful and wonderful as Cadance?

“What’s the matter?” The teasing note of her voice interrupted her admiration and roused the solar woman from her thoughts; they had paused just as the edge of the threshold that separated them from the main floors below, a staircase to go and then they would be amidst the crowd. Cadance’s eyes shone as she gazed up at her girlfriend, likely all too aware of what currently transpired within that mind.

“And you’re sure you want to be here tonight,” Celestia inquired; romantic feelings were set aside for a time so that she might ask in earnest. “It will not be as exciting as you think, you know. You remember last year.”

“I know. But I promise we’ll have fun this time, I’ll make sure of it!” Cadance insisted, her dazzling smile brought to life as she ensured good cheer within them both. “I’ve made so many friends around the palace lately, I know we’ll have such a good time! We’ll eat nice food, have something good to drink, we’ll dance together, and we’ll enjoy a walk in the garden if we need to be somewhere quiet for a moment! I made sure of it this time- you’re going to want to do everything!”

Celestia couldn’t say no to that shining face, not now and not ever. Cadance was her weakness, the one who she would relent to no matter what she wished otherwise. She may as well ask for all the gold and precious jewels in the world, and Celestia would do whatever it took to see the deed done; there wasn’t a thing this world could offer that she did not deserve. So what that her own spirit was unwilling to continue down those stairs and join the party? If Cadance wished for it to be a joyful night, then that would be all it took for the memories that came to be something she would treasure.

“Oh my… if only I could just show you off as mine to everyone,” Celestia whispered, leaning over and ensuring that Cadance’s plump lips were properly kissed. Perhaps a reckless act considering what adornment they had, but she could hardly be bothered to care? A little lipstick on her collar? Ooh, she’d love to be scandalous and break up the Gala’s monotony. “Curse my luck, being a Princess.”

“Only until you think up a role for me,” The sweet-faced beauty teased, words slipping through busied lips as she returned her beloved’s affection with kisses of her own; small and gentle presses that saw them bound together by the mouth, lightning bolts of pleasure coursing through them both. “I’ll keep waiting, you know. You’ll think of something.”

The rest of the night went exactly the way Cadance wanted it, and Celestia could not find it in herself to complain. Who cared if she had no interest in any of the night’s activities herself? To see that joy upon her beloved’s face was more important than any desire she had to be anywhere else. To be present in the midst of her happiness easily overruled whatever preferences were possessed. Cadance’s smile was as beautiful as a work of art, so brimming with life and a light of its own. To hold her hand as they danced together amidst a crowd that knew not their love was to put one’s hand in fire and not be burned- only the heat and incredible purity of flame could be found. Her delight set ablaze Celestia’s and ensured that she, too, radiated the magnificence of a gregarious soul. Though never would she know it, her countenance was a boon to those she met that night; the wearied and unhappy souls that so dominated the rich and mighty of the world came away from her comforted. The goddess of legend was there amongst them and somehow more wondrous than even ancient word could describe.

Though they wished for time to be spent only amongst one another, duty and discretion saw them entertain the fascinations of others as well. A young lieutenant with dark-blue hair was left starstruck after his waltz with Cadance, her unmatched cheer come the end of song seeing him left reeling even as he toddled away from the crowd. Celestia attended to her young nephew, bratty nature set aside so that he might enjoy a moment with his illustrious aunt. She had come to tire of him, be left strained by his consistently greedy nature; but tonight, of all nights, saw her own softness tickle his heart.

How long had she been out amongst the twirling crowd? Celestia found that even her own tireless body was becoming wobbly under the weight of numerous songs. Goodness, her dancing legs were not what they’d once been! Though others still had her name upon their card, the royal woman insisted she take a moment to recover- and well away from the sound of symphony. From behind her came the tireless stride of another, a warm farewell to a lovestruck soldier as Cadance made to follow her Princess.

“Are you alright?” The bright woman inquired; finding Celestia sagging against a wall was not part of either of their norms. “I hope you weren’t staying out there for my sake.”

“Not at all,” Celestia gasped, a smile on her face though her strained features suggested she might be on the verge of exhaustion. “I believe I found myself… a little carried away.”

“Shall I send for… anyone, or-”

“No, no, I am fine,” Celestia said; a snap of her fingers and a hardwood bench appeared beneath her, the luxurious princess crashing upon it so as to rest. “Oh, that’s better…”

Celestia’s eyes fell shut and left Cadance to bite her lip. Was- was she supposed to be concerned? Never before had she known her charge to be like this; the idea that the Daughter of the Sun could be worn out was unfathomable until now! If she called for aid, she might instead cause a panic. Perhaps, if only for now, it would be better to simply do nothing and let the moment pass. Their nights together had left them both gasping before, yet Celestia had always been willing for one round more. Maybe all she needed was a breather, and so Cadance settled down beside her princess and let the sound of music and good cheer beyond comfort her spirit.

For a time, sitting together was all they knew. A waiter passed them by with prime drink upon his tray and Cadance motioned for a pair of his finest, the two ladies soon laden by quality champagne that bubbled and tempted their palate. Though Celestia had no true interest in such fare –cheap as it were, she loved pub ales- she downed the flute glass in a heartbeat before finding herself thirsty. One more glass was needed to dry her throat, perhaps. If not several. Cadance tried not to encourage this clear attempt at drunkenness, but couldn’t help but be fascinated by it. Their few years together had given the young woman the illusion of knowing this princess; what transpired now was something of a different kind entirely.

A dozen flutes and a sip of wine later had turned the regal princess into a morose being. Words passed not by her lips, for surely her speech would be slurred and the secret would be out. She was drunk- drunk! Celestia, the Princess of Equestria was drunk as a skunk and hardly capable of rising to her feet. Yet she wanted to be away from this place. Wait, was it a place? The world seemed so dark, passing by her eyes in a blur was hardly much of anything. Yet she knew she insisted that she go away from the confines of this palace that she somehow still knew to be so. Was she speaking after all, too? Cadance was following after her and laughing, though at what Celestia couldn’t quite figure.

The gardens lay all about them, the lovely Lady trying to focus more on her charge rather than the enhanced natural beauty that lay all about her. The light of fairies in the bushes, the lush colors of green and growing things all about- the vibrancy of life in the form of flowers found all across the world! So magnificent was it all beneath this sheet of starlight, yet Cadance had only eyes for her beloved. Mostly out of love, yet also a good deal of concern. Celestia wasn’t exactly in her best mind, more focused on tottering towards her next destination whatever it may be. Forward, onwards to the next goal- and then a sudden halt! Cadance found it best that she keep Celestia by the arm and whoever may pass by to see the affection be damned; she would not let the woman she loved come to harm if she could prevent it.

“Celestia- darling, maybe it would be better if- you’ve said all your speeches and everything,” Cadance murmured. Keeping to her royal companion’s side was proving to be a challenge, the constant shuffle and change in pace difficult to predict. “Maybe we should just… retire! For the night, I mean. We go back to your chambers and watch the Gala from the balcony until you feel a little better.”

“But I… I feel line- fine,” Celestia hiccupped, instantly coming to a halt and nearly sending Cadance crashing to earth. Her eyes were fixated on the lights that gleamed from the hedgerows that had now become so wonderful; unable to take rip her gaze away, the twinkling lights of magic and contained power seemingly fascinating. “You know this is- this is the first Gala I’ve enjoyed in ages, did you know that? I can’t… can’t- can’t remember one I’ve actually had fun with.”

“Is that so?” Cadance remarked. “Well, I’m glad you did. But I think you’re not going to have any more fun if you keep wandering around like this. It’s very late, and I know you’re an early riser-”

“They always just suck, you know what I mean?” Celestia’s voice raised a few octaves, looking down at her beloved with an expression that possessed no qualities beyond bleary. “Like, why do I have to be the one in charge of everything? I hate… like, the speeches. And the grandstanding! And nobody even remembers I wanted it to be a day of mourning- I wanted it to be sad! But NOOO, they all wanted to party! It’s not like we hadn’t had to lose something to survive!”

Cadance felt the muscles in her grasp suddenly grow taut; Celestia was tensing, growing fierce as anger came from nowhere to overwhelm all other emotions like a flame turning dry leaves to ash. This powerful, magnificent princess had lost all manner of drunkenness in the face of whatever caused her emotions to rage, she turning her face to the weakened crescent of stone that shone above them and turning her visage to grief immeasurable. “Celestia, are you-”

“She’s still up there because of me,” Celestia cried. Tears flowed so quickly, instantaneous in their formation as she beheld the pale white-and-yellow that burned in the skies. “I wanted today to be a memorial to what we’d lost. How even the best of us can fail, but now look. They want to party for no reason more than because they can, and they look at me like I’m something good and wonderful to be. Like I’m an example! Well if they wanted an example of what sort of things I can do, maybe they ought to just look up at the moon and see what I’ve done!”

Cadance hadn’t made sense of a single word; enigma and strangeness of speech that she could barely understand through slippery tongue all that came to meet her ears. But the sight of utter grief on the face of the one she loved could not be mistaken, a depth of despair so painful that it would have been impossible to ignore. To look into those beautiful jewels and see that weighted pain of grief within them was like a knife to her heart, tearing and rending until she herself felt the bite of Celestia’s sorrow. The agony beckoned her to do something; she needed to make this right, find a way to fix this brokenhearted spirit, even if it killed her! If Celestia was left like this, how could she herself manage to endure it?

A small, mangled cry of pain and Celestia disappeared from her midst, leaving the dazzling Lady alone in the gardens and more confused than she’d ever been in all her life.

The unusual night beckoned for them to come together and speak about its origin. Cadance was desperate to know, but feared to insist; Celestia needed to speak, but was terrified of the shame that would come along with such a confession. It seemed like an age before the topic was ever to be discusdrd and neither was particularly happy that the moment ever came to pass.

“I was drunk. An unusual scenario, I know,” Celestia eventually confessed when the moment was brought up. In the midst of an empty hallway, her curt manner was found strange by the young girl who knew her so well. It was almost as if she was guarding something, whether it be memory or her image. “Please, do not let such a thing be held in your mind as a confession. Occasionally I can be strange, especially after so many years spent walking upon this earth.”

“And you’re sure?” Cadance insisted. She could see it be a query made at the cost of Celestia’s chagrin, but she had to know; her own heart was absolutely certain something was amiss. To see this beautiful princess –her rescuer, her heart of hearts- lie so swiftly meant that the truth was likely something difficult to extract. She would have to earn the right to its presence more likely than not. “I’m not trying to doubt you, it’s just- you seemed to be so genuine. I’d hate for you to carry something so hurtful and not be able to talk to me about it.”

“And what would I need to talk to you about? What would you rationalize for me that time could not reveal?” Celestia asked of her. It was almost a challenge, a demand that she answer.

Offered only partial truths and limited info, she dare not make assumptions that were based on legend; if she was not given the whole of Celestia’s heart to work with, then any sort of attempt at restoration would bring about more harm than help. “Anything you would wish for me to,” Cadance could only offer. “Please, I know that what you’re saying isn’t everything. I hate for you to hold all that hurt inside, don’t you think it would be better to just- please don’t make this a guessing game… I want to help you. In any way I can; doesn’t that mean something to you?”

“It means the world to me. But there are some things that no soul, no span of time can heal,” Celestia murmured. Unwilling to even look in her beloved’s direction, a small part of the façade had faded away so that her true self could be spoken aloud. “Please, do not concern yourself with my troubles. You could spend a lifetime trying to see them made right and you would come no closer to solving the hurt that is in the world. Better to focus upon what can be fixed rather than what cannot.”

“But-”

“Do you think I haven’t tried myself?” Celestia asked, the regal princess turning about and facing her Lady with such a sorrow in her eyes that Cadance could hardly stand its presence. “Please… don’t waste so much of yourself upon the problems I have caused. If I have yet to solve them, then I doubt there is any upon this earth who could manage them. I would hate to see you waste yourself upon such frivolous things.”

Cadance had no reason to think that her wondrous girlfriend’s problems were something trivial; could any of her issues be seen as such? But disbarred from the whole truth, she dare not make an attempt at anything. Rather than insist and cause real harm, she settled for only a shrug; better to wait for another day and see what came with it. Even if she couldn’t bear to endure that darkened gleam of pain in her love’s eye…

For too long, the days blurred together with little to distinguish them in her mind. Cadance found that the Gala had been a strange sort of severance between she and the princess she adored, as though a falling out had occurred to see them break up without either informing the other. Had she done something wrong? Was her presence in the midst of Celestia’s drunken breakdown a sin that had passed her by unnoticed? There were so many unanswered questions in regards to the regal woman’s behavior that answering any of her own felt impossible. Even if she tried to make sense of what little she’d gleaned, random guesses would do neither of them any good; for now, she would have to settle for simply being an attendant rather than a girlfriend.

But could she even manage? Cadance had spent only a spare few years within the Palace walls, yet she’d become used to Celestia being more vibrant in her comings and goings. This was more like the early days when she’d been little more than concubine, one of many warm bodies present for her Princess’ pleasure- no, this was far worse. At least then she had been able to reach out and provide comfort, give touch and affection without fear of a shrinking away. Celestia kept herself at arm’s reach, pouring fully into her tranquil regality so as to be utterly unapproachable.

Cadance could only find it discomforting, her heart wrenching at the sight of one so soft forcing herself to become so cold. There had been so many whispered moments deep in the night, when slumber was hard to find, that the stellar beauty had spoken of how she wished to be more connected with her people. She disliked the feeling of being a god amongst those she protected and led- that she wished to simply be their friend. Yet now here she was, achieving the exact opposite.

Try as she might to rationalize it otherwise, Cadance felt a cold stone sink in her stomach; whatever transgression she had made by bearing witness to Celestia’s sadness, it had been enough to ruin the blossoming of a deeper beauty.

“That is enough for Day Court today,” Celestia commanded, her even voice echoing across the empty throne room and signaling to her weary guards that their duties were nearing their climax. “Let all those that still await my presence be told to arrive tomorrow morning. Have we any urgent matters requiring my attention?”

“None have been made known to me, Your Grace,” Cadance replied. The remark gave life to conjured thought in her brain, alighting an idea in the furnace; if she were to try and provide aid to her girlfriend, empty space in the twilight might be her best opportunity yet. “The only reports that have been asked to be brought your attention are from the academy. It seems that young Twilight Sparkle is achieving a great deal in her studies, and that she wishes to speak to you regarding a few matters soon-”

“Another time, I think,” Celestia cut through. Waving her hand, she brought an end to that suggestion before it could even try and take root. “Lady Cadance, please inform the kitchens I wish for my meal to be brought to my private quarters tonight rather than to my dining hall. And if any bottles from the ‘sixty-five’ casks still remain, I would be pleased to have it alongside my meal-”

“Might I suggest a different approach for your evening, Your Majesty?” Cadance hadn’t meant to interrupt, at least not intentionally; she’d thought that Celestia’s words were to end sooner than that! But the moment she’d made her mistake, every eye that could be found within the magnificent throne room were upon her, wide-eyed and hardly able to believe themselves.

Celestia’s visage offered no clue. No emotion, no sign of anger or discontent, not a thing. Placid as a lake at sunrise, without a single flaw to be found upon it and leaving Cadance uncertain as what to do next. Had she been too bold, or not bold enough? It was almost as though she was being scrutinized.

“Guards, you may still depart, I do not believe Lady Cadance poses any threat,” Celestia commanded, motioning for her guards to remove themselves from the chamber. Perhaps knowing well enough, the well-armored men were hasty in their departure, eager to be away lest a proverbial storm begin to brew.

They were alone, which meant this was likely to be an honest conversation. Cadance bit her lip; should she even say anything else without further provocation? Celestia likely wasn’t going to make this easy, and unless she fully confessed as to her troubles then it could take quite a lot of digging. Heaven help me- help HER, she thought. Please, she’s in pain and I can’t bear it, don’t let her just be like this.

“You think a warm meal and a glass of wine would do me harm, Lady Cadance?” Celestia inquired. The formality involved was a warning: choose your words carefully.

So she was not to play the role of girlfriend just yet. “I do not believe either would be harmful to Your Majesty,” Cadance began, “but rather that the isolation and intentional solitude would be detrimental.”

“I have done such things before. Especially when tired, and I wish for privacy. Is that so terrible a thing for a Princess to ask for?”

“Hardly, Your Majesty. But you have kept yourself at arm’s length from anyone who might be willing to be your friend for some time now,” Cadance replied. Not just her, though the lovely woman counted herself primary amongst them; her highest-ranking officers and eldest counsellors had all come to take notice of this intentional seclusion. “There are many who are quite fond of you, and care deeply about your welfare. Would they not be glad to know you are well?”

“And do I look unwell, Lady Cadance?” She could hear the charge in her voice now- feel it, too.

“I…” Was now the time to break the façade and answer plainly? Each course of action seemed as risky as the other. “You seem unhappy, Your Majesty. And as your… attendant, I am uncomfortable allowing you to remain as such. Surely there is something I can do to help you?”

“Have I not reminded you that my trivial matters are not worthy of your concern?” Celestia said. “Offer my trouble no heed, let them pass you by. They stick to me by simple presence; it would do you no good to remain near.”

It was a near-fatal mistake and the both of them knew it. So Celestia was intentionally pushing her away, was she? Cadance had something to latch onto and shake until she got the answers she wanted. Even this solar royal knew she’d screwed up from the moment the words had slipped off her tongue. “Oh- you needn’t-”

“You’re pushing me away. I knew it!” Cadance whispered; before Celestia could rise from her throne and tarry away, there she was to block the path forward. “What is so wrong that you won’t tell me? I’m not asking to try and solve it, I just don’t want you to be like this!”

“What could you do to change anything? Would your comfort make it any better?” Celestia demanded. Blunt, cold, and so utterly bleak that facing such an unhappiness was like drinking deep of a poison; Cadance wanted to weep for her sake. “Perhaps I make this choice because I know it is the best course to take. You don’t think me so stupid as to not consider asking for your help?”

“What- no! No, of course not!” Cadance objected. “I think it’s something personal that you won’t tell me about and I want you to not just keep hurting! It’s like your heart is bleeding, like-”

“I am not in need of aid-”

“Wait- please, just wait! For one moment- like something’s gouged through you and you’re terrified to pull it out! But you’re just seeping blood, you keep letting the wound be dirtied!” Cadance pushed. “Keeping things the way they are isn’t what’s going to make it better, and- and I know I might not be able to help, but can’t you at least lean on me so you don’t have to hurt alone? I love you, that should-”

“That only twists the knife even further,” Celestia admitted, tears springing froth from her lustrous eyes as both fury and grief crashed within her gaze. “You are better kept away from me. If I had known that keeping you here at my side would bring you harm, I would have sent you away with the rest of the girls. I regret that choice- I regret my choice, selfish as it was. What is coming will be all the worse because of your being here, and it will be entirely my fault… And before you even ask, I wish not for your forgiveness.”

She was gone in a flash; blinding light made Cadance stagger back, waiting for the noise and putrid light to fall away from her senses. When she was able to right herself, the elegant lady found herself alone in the throne room and feeling rather sick. She’d tried to help in any way Celestia would allow, but none had offered even the slightest opportunity for further discussion. So Celestia was blaming herself about something and wanted to be punished for it? But- what on earth could such a wonderful woman do?

With little else to do and likely not allowed back into her Princess’ quarters tonight, the unhappy attendant traversed the darkened halls back to her own chambers that would be so darkened and cold. At least the full moon tonight would offer some comfort and make the empty black feel no quite so miserable-

A pause at the window’s edge and Cadance turned to gaze out into the depths of the silken-blue sky. A full moon; Celestia had always seemed relieved when she was able to raise the sun, had shuddered when it came time for moonrise. Something about that stellar rock always found a way to make her miserable. Just why did she despise the dark so deeply?

Wait a minute- what stories do I know about the moon?

It was so cold out tonight. Standing on the edge of her balcony and gazing out into the depths of the clouded, starless sky above, Celestia felt winter’s first bite within the wind that blew; across skin, through clothing and sinking into her very bones. She felt the need to shiver and tarry away from the cold, yet still she remained upon the ledge and waited on the hopes that the endless sea of grey might break and allow that pale-blue crescent shine down upon her.

In the early days of the punishment she had subjected them both to, the noise and chaotic fury of a rampaging spirit had raged in her mind even across the blackened void. When all there was to find was emptiness in between, there was little to block the way. But then in the end had come silence, an empty ringing that was more terrible than the curses and shouts of rage that had been almost incessant; the sudden stop to the background noise had been almost an acceptance of defeat, perhaps.

But I should have known better than to believe it, she told herself. Celestia saw a thinning of the clouds and the first tinges of lunar light try and pierce the shadowed veil. No, she had been foolish to believe it was truly over. It had taken far too long for her to see the signs, but they had come all the same. The analysis of every unnatural change in the starlight above had coincided perfectly with prophecy and there was nothing she could do to stop it.

She’d searched far and wide for a way to restore her bond with the Elements, but centuries of disconnect from the rest of the world had done more than enough to see that thread severed. Anything to undo the curse she’d rained upon she and her kin, to actually banish that parasitic demon into the depths of the endless dark forever- but nothing. For too long now she had tried to find a way to dispel disaster before it actually arrived, but every failure seemed to only accelerate the process. It wouldn’t be long now before judgment came. And so many people would have to suffer, all because of her.

The wind blew hard against her face, its unforgiving whistle piercing her ears and sending the clouds above to roiling. Loud and roaring was the cacophony of nature that she witnessed, yet not so total in its might as to block out the strange vibrations of flesh upon wood that came from somewhere behind her. Celestia turned about and soon found herself consumed by a rush of colors as her hair was blown across her eyes. For a moment she was blinded- then one step forward back into her quarters saw the maelstrom cease, and there at the door stood the most beautiful angel to ever step forth across the earth.

“I did not summon you,” Celestia remarked, a concoction of fear rising in her stomach alongside a good dose of irritation. She’d given orders not to be disturbed for the night…

Cadance showed no signs of backing down- or much of any emotion at all. There was a strange placidity to her lovely features, yet soft eyes holding the gaze of the unhappy royal without breaking. “I did not need to be summoned,” she said. “I am here because I know this is where I need to be.”

“And why do you feel such conviction about being in my presence?”

“Because you rescued me.” The graceful lady took a step forward, the sleeve of her gown falling down to the elbow as she revealed the colorful bracelet that hung about her wrist. “Do you not… remember that?”

So it was to be a turnabout; a reversal of roles. Cadance was determined, but possessed not the power to achieve such a feat. “Cadance, if I thought you could find a way to do something then I would ask for you-”

“Please don’t interrupt me.” The words were spoken with no ferocity yet were as strong as a brick wall; the soft, gentle woman was speaking with a backbone, intent on seeing her full speech delivered. “I know I’ve told you the story before, but sometimes I wonder if you’ve forgotten. Especially lately, since you keep trying to push me away.”

“I do so for the sake of your wellbeing,” Celestia tried to explain, “nothing I do is out of malice of ill intent-”

“I have always done my best to respect you, so please stop interrupting me,” Cadance insisted yet again, a few steps closer and beginning to force her princess into a corner. “You rescued me from a horrible life. I didn’t have a purpose, I was- I was raised to be a thief, a beggar, and a whore. Do you think I wanted that life? When you took me in, brought me under your care, it was… it was like being in heaven. You even treated me like I was something special, you wanted me to be yours. That’s more than I ever thought I’d have- I got to know you. And that means the world to me.”

Despite her intent to remain emotionless, Celestia could feel the hurt and the shame roiling inside her. Cadance wasn’t striking out from a place of anger, not fear or concern- all of it was born of love. It was as if she couldn’t feel the slightest tinge of anything else that could spoil the contents of her heart, and its strength was becoming difficult to witness. The stellar royal knew she needed to flee, but how could she do such a thing without this whole affair starting over again? Cadance was being absolutely insistent…

“I know you keep trying to push yourself away, and I know you think it’s the right thing to do,” Cadance continued; so close now, almost upon her beloved and allowing no place to hide. “But what you’re doing hurts anyway. You’re not keeping me from getting hurt and you have to know that. Do you think that your being in pain is something that doesn’t hurt me, too? Even if we were just friends I’d still be here, trying to help you in any way I could. But I’m more than that, and once upon a time you were happy to have me that way.” It was the first crack in her façade, a small catch of breath as the splendid beauty forced down her misery before it could sink its teeth in. “No matter what you ask of me next, I can’t let you be like this- not alone. Even if you never love me again, I am bound to you for the rest of my days. So please… just tell me what’s wrong. I don’t want you to bear this all by yourself.”

She wanted to break. Crash to her knees, let the tears erupt and turn into a pile of grieving mush that could possibly be molded into something better. But that was something she was not worthy of; a wound that had been seeping for centuries was beyond fixing, her curse to bear and one that she would have to carry forever. It was an unfixable, irredeemable failing. Perhaps now it was time to explain why.

“There is nothing you can do to help,” Celestia whispered through a choked throat.

“Then tell me why,” Cadance insisted. “You’ve been acting like you’re walking towards oblivion, surely you don’t-”

“Because I am.” The words came like a slap to the face, the first tinges of fear in that beautiful woman’s eyes. “Cadance, up there- long ago I had a sister.”

So she’d been right. The pieces of the puzzle had been before her this whole time and it had taken almost a total collapse for her to clue in.

“She’d admired me in everything. I was everything she wanted to be, and everything I was to her was hurtful,” Celestia explained; there was a hurt within her, heart aching and cheeks starting to sting. “She kept reaching out, kept trying to be my friend and- all she ever wanted was to spend time with me, but I was too much a fool to see beyond the end of my own nose. And I kept pushing her away, making her live in my shadow- over and over again until she was so bitter and unhappy that when the devil came to make a deal she took it without a second thought. I helped make my own sister a monster, and rather than trying to help her all I did was put her in a prison.”

“Then- that weird, face-looking thing on the moon-”

Celestia nodded, forcing herself to ignore the tears that burned. “It’s been her home. For almost a thousand years now. But she’s been kicking and bucking against the chains I put on her for so long now that they’re starting to break. She’s going to break free soon and my sister’s going to hurt and kill everyone because of me- and- and I don’t have a single way to stop her. If I could- I’d give her my life if it meant I could keep you safe, but it wouldn’t be enough. Everything I’ve tried to do to save her meant nothing, and now I can’t even save you.”

There were small streaks of salt across her beautiful face. The grief that had been held within for so long was a pain too palpable to not hurt them both, its unyielding flame blazing through flesh and into heart; Cadance was there with her now, arms slowly wrapping about a princess who was falling into the depths of despair that had been held back for so long. “It’s alright,” came her gentle whisper, “It’s alright.”

“It is not alright!” Celestia snarled, salt spraying away as she tried to push against the embrace. “I ruined my sister, what sort of person does that? She- and she’ll kill you, she’ll ruin you! And it’s all because of me, it’s all my fault-”

She kept trying to insist, over and over again even as her bitter mantra repeated itself continuously. She needed to be anywhere but in the presence of one who was so willing to forgive her; to the cold, to the empty world that was doomed because of her pitiful ego and vanity that had desired all glory and offered nothing. Away from this place, from this person she loved more than any that walked upon the earth who would not let her hurt alone. Celestia wept and wept, lips spattered with tears as she wailed aloud in release of the sorrow that had been bound within for time beyond time. She needed to feel pain, further the depths of her hurt that would crash upon her so that she might shatter and was left broken until the day the monster she had made came for her head at last.

Yet the tears were forced to disappear. Sorrow’s steel did not dull, but found its mettle made to match against something far softer, each wound made ready to be healed. Upon her face did Cadance leave a kiss; one, then another- each tear that fell was pressed away, gentle lips falling upon scored skin over and over. Arms that refused to relinquish their grasp offered warmth and comfort, holding fast even as she kicked and writhed within the gentleness she did not deserve. Small caresses, swift kisses to blot out the darkness, and the gentle sound of a shushing voice that broke the stream of sobs. No matter what came to defile her princess, the Lady was there to see it vanquished. Not even when the crashing wave began to fade away and recede back into the lifetime’s worth of pain did she allow it a chance to return, the soothing presence of body and heart there to keep away what misery that tried to remain. As Celestia’s cries faded, wet hiccups replacing them, so came the softly breathed song of a love ballad to overcome them.

Time became meaningless in her arms; how long she remained there, weeping and brokenhearted was a mystery never meant to be solved. Whenever she felt as though the worst was over, a fresh wave would crash upon the shores of her ravaged heart and see her brokenhearted again and simply rejuvenate the process, yet Cadance would always be there to meet it. Determined to outlast a storm that had been growing since long before she was born, the beautiful lady who was greater than any royalty refused to be beaten by any shadows, no matter how bleak. The warmth of her heart was there to push back against the damp dark, tender touch capable of burning away the cold fingers of misery. No matter what came, what tried to see the solar beauty utterly broken, Cadance would find a way to pick up the pieces and see them made right.

It was a miracle that she ever found the strength to speak. “Sorry for being so miserable,” Celestia spluttered, her wet words tinged by an insane sort of laughter. Goodness, why was it funny?

“Shush, you,” Cadance murmured. In her words was an indescribable softness, a gentleness so far beyond reckoning that Celestia wondered if this was the comfort a child felt in its mother’s womb. No matter what she did, this wonderful Lady was there to caress and tend to her wounds before they even had a chance to form. “Not a word bad about yourself tonight- not a one.”

“But they’re true. They’re all true!” Celestia tried to protest. She forced herself free of Cadance’s grasp and came face-to-face, looking into that dazzling gaze so as to find some measure of condemnation. “Everything that I did- what’s coming, it’s all my fault-”

“Shhh… What did I just say?” Cadance couldn’t resist the slightest teasing, her own wet gaze still supported by a smile. “Sometimes, I don’t think you listen to me. Won’t you try and listen to me now, just for a little bit?” Celestia, though uncertain, did offer her a nod, and received a dazzling glow in return. “You saved. You saved me. And I know that the same woman who loves me can save her sister, too. Even if she believes that she should be punished instead.”

“I lost her- I was never able to stop that- thing from taking her,” Celestia wailed. “Don’t act like I don’t deserve it, please.”

“I know you would have done anything to save her. But you chose to save everyone- and that you gave your sister a chance to be saved in the end. Maybe it could have all been prevented… but you still gave them all a chance to be free. To be happy. And someday soon, that’s going to include your sister, too. So start believing in it! Since when has there ever been a day where the sun didn’t rise and see the shadows fade?”

Celestia didn’t want to believe; she couldn’t believe just yet, so affixed in her misery that the centuries of time that had cemented her mindset would not yet be swayed by words spoken by another, even if they were wise and came from the lips of the one she loved. Perhaps there would be a time far beyond, but- not yet, not yet.

“Why do you believe I can make this right?” Celestia muttered. “I can’t save her. Everything I did, all those years ago- I can’t do it again. I’ve tried; I’m not going to be the hero this time. And before you ask, neither will you.”

“Then we find the one who will be,” Cadance insisted. “You’re Celestia- a whole world finds hope when they see you! You’ve dispelled darkness, you’ve given life to so many. For goodness’ sake, look at what you’ve given to me! If you believe it, who wouldn’t wish to follow? Despair should never be part of your world- so start believing again! Hope is the only thing that suits you.”

“It would take power. And a miracle,” Celestia replied. “I might never find the right person who could wield it- and even then, they’d have to be lucky. I don’t think I have the time.”

“You will find the right person. And they’re going to be everything you could ever dream of,” Cadance whispered. In her hands did she hold that sweet face, fingers gently stroking the lines of Celestia’s cheek in a smooth, rhythmic motion; she would not let go, not leave her place that saw her knelt before her love, not until the very last of this horrid black nightmare had been dispelled and sent back screaming into the abyss from whence it came. Though she could not understand fully the depths of her beloved’s agony, she would be there to give her strength and belief until the deed was done. Nothing in all the world, in all the principalities of all existence could see her to break faith now. “Now… no more despair.”

After far too long, Celestia felt her heart’s beat begin to slow. The streams that had run down her face from eye and nostril finally slowed and became stymied beneath the comforting weight of her dear one’s calming words. Though she could not yet believe herself, Cadance had found the strength to will them both through unto the end, whatever end it might be. Though the future seemed so bleak even still and the silence had become deafening, nothing that remained could hope to make this newly birthed princess stumble at all. Cadance’s faith was like a song to the spirit, and what she could bring when imbibed with true might would be like the sweetness of spring upon the wind. Though perhaps not tonight, the path forward in her destiny had come at last.

“And what would counsel would you give your princess?” Celestia asked. “Anything you say shall be done. Do not allow me to question it.”

“Firstly,” Cadance began, “You shall smile. Have hope. And then, you shall rejoin with the world again. I almost wonder if all you’re hoping for is right under your nose.”

3. Princess

View Online

Some Years later

It had been an awaited thing; dreaded, hardly dared to be believed in- but here. After so long, millennia of ancient torture and pain that had seen separation all but unbreakable.

She was here. In her arms, struggling to move forwards as a thousand years of exhaustion crashed upon tired bones and saw her made to stumble. Of course she did, how could she not? With so many years spent bearing an unforgiving weight, to move without it was to be like learning to walk all over again. It might take another eternity before she ever learned how to stand on her own two feet yet again. But she would not have to learn the process alone; hands would be there beside her, there would be a chance for her to learn the ways of a world she had never known. It would be hers to enjoy, to frolic within and be found at home; in time, and with a little patience, they would learn to love her.

It had been a secretive journey they had made, once they’d departed the celebration. Good, wonderful, absolutely glorious Twilight Sparkle had done it; the best bet anyone could ever make had undone the irreversible, seeing the most ancient of wrongs made right. To think that the day had begun with such darkness! Now all that Celestia could see before her was light, everything good and noble and pure in life suddenly radiating forth in the world. A page had been turned, and that sweet young girl did not even know it yet.

I am surrounded by destiny, my era passing me by, she thought, And I am so glad I can be here to see it.

“Sister… where are we going?” Of course Luna asked; hurried along through a palace that was hers yet she did not know it, kept out of sight for a time longer until the proper day came. Better not to reveal the horrors of imprisonment when so many eyes could still yet condemn. There would be another time, when the flower had blossomed yet again. “I am sorry, but…”

“Hush, you’ve nothing to be sorry for,” Celestia said gently. Luna could ask for the world right now, anything at all- she would gladly give it. Just to have her in her arms after so many years was more than any daydream could hope to match! “I’m bringing you to see a friend- your friend, though you’ve not met her yet.”

“Oh. Alright,” Luna muttered as she was hurried along. “Who… who is she?”

“She is royalty of her own making,” Celestia smiled. “A healer in the arts of old, far older than even you or I. And she has been anxiously waiting to meet you.”

“But… why wait for me?”

“Because she has heard so many stories of you, and wishes to meet the heroic princess of old,” Celestia explained as they turned the next corner; a little further now and then they would be within the safest of places.

“I- I’m not that girl anymore,” Luna mumbled.

“And she believes you are, even if you don’t see it yet.”

She was too wearied to believe anything just yet; so many years spent within the clutches of an enemy had done their work in seeing her made doubtful, pride ripped to tatters and made to hang low. Luna was just one step away from monstrousness, yet now was implored to seek out nobility that she had abandoned long ago. What sort of hero was she any longer? Certainly not one that would be there to stand as the iron defender between the darkness and her people. She was more shadow than shield; to think that there was a chance she could ever, ever go back…

Tired though she was, the splendor of the garden that surrounded her was enough to send her eyes flying wide. Luna looked about at the lush greenery that reveled in its place beneath the last shadows of sunlight; deep, verdant greens of tree and bush that were marked by the soft yet lurid colors of blooming flowers. How comfortable was this place! The warmth of the early evening on her skin, the smell of flowers within her nostrils; spring was here, in full force as though celebrating her return back to the land she’d loved. Perhaps did the most ancient of magic still linger on in this place? Though she dared not to believe in it –just yet- the once-brilliant royal could not resist the whispers of nature that beckoned her to joy. The full moon would bring warm nights soon. Maybe, just maybe, there would be souls eager to stay out and enjoy the starlight.

“Here we are…” Turning a corner, Luna was ferried towards the very heart of the garden and found herself surrounded by the most beautiful of flowers. A fountain poured out fresh streams of water, clear and cold liquid that would give life to any who caught its outpouring. And there, seated on a bench that lay filled with books, sat a being of incredible beauty. Upon her head lay a simple tiara of pale silver, within its very center a studded jewel of dazzling sapphire, shaped in the form of a radiant heart that so beautifully contrasted her lustrous locks of colorful hair. The gown she wore was of a simple design, faint pink in color and trailing down beyond her feet and pouring across the lush grass beneath. Her glowing eyes caught sight of this new arrival and they were soon crinkled into a smile, if not two. One for Celestia, for the sight of her brought this woman joy a kind that could not be mistaken- and yet soon came another for her! Luna found herself caught in this woman’s gaze, the happiness at this meeting an unexpected thing. Somehow, in some way, this woman had known they would meet.

“Sister. This,” Celestia breathed, “Is Cadance…. The Princess of Love. And she’s here to help us both.”

Another? In her absence? Enough of that old demon remained that the younger sibling wished to buck against her guide and descend into rage once more; yet the happiness of this young beauty was irresistible. She looked at the both of them and found joy to share, each of its own kind. Luna wanted to know why she was so happy, to discover what could make someone so akin to the very heartbeat of life itself. It seemed, despite so much of herself, there would be only one way to find out.

“Luna! Oh my goodness, it’s so wonderful to meet you,” Cadance declared, stretching out a hand so that the young royal might shake it. “Celestia’s spent so much time talking about you, I’m so glad you’re here! I hope we get to be the best of friends.”

“L- like…wise,” Luna stumbled. The words were foreign, not natural to her tongue, but so desperately did she wish to mean them. “You know my sister..?”

“I guess she told you that she made me a princess a few years ago,” Cadance explained. “And she’s my girlfriend! She’s been so much to me for so long now, I can’t wait for you to hear it all! Please, sit down and let’s talk for a while! Welcome home, Daughter of the Moon; there’s so much we have to talk about- take all the time you need!”

What I Truly Want

by KingdaKa

1. Concubine

2. Lady

3. Princess