“Shall we return to the castle?” she asked, almost reluctantly.
“We may as well, I wouldn’t want anypony to worry about you,” he relented. As much as he would have enjoyed spending more time in the skies, with the Princess, he knew it would have to come to an end.
Hopping off her wispy roost, Celestia glided back towards the palace. Drifting towards Canterlot, their all-too-speedy return was done in silence. Listing to the right, looking for the set of veiled entryways to the throne room, she spotted the window of her private chamber. Since she would have to get changed, stripping from her tack, she saw no reason not to make a small excursion.
As their course strayed towards the largest turret of the structure, Anon was left to guess where they were heading. Sure enough, as they approached a very particular window, his suspicion was confirmed. Soaring to the tall, open frame, the alicorn decelerated and beat her wings. Her landing, effortlessly transitioning from being airborne to leisurely trotting into her room, was seamless and incredibly smooth.
Trotting towards her bed, Celestia came to a halt on a large, ornamental rug. Folding her wings to her sides, allowing her passenger to depart, she grinned back at the man. “I hope you don’t mind the small detour,” she joked, feeling him start to shift.
Carefully dismounting, making sure not to hit her feathered appendages with his foot, Anon swung his leg over and hopped to the ground. The hard floor, in comparison to the sensation of riding atop the mare, was cold and uninviting. Walking up the length of her body, stopping as he reached her head, he bashfully smiled at her.
Reflexively reaching for her face, compelled to stroke her cheek, his open hand froze not but a few inches from the alicorn. In the split second before he could withdraw, she stepped forward and pressed her face against his palm, gracing him with the warmth of her velvety fur. Stunned, spying the barest hint of a demure grin, butterflies formed in his stomach.
Moving her head forward, bringing his hand towards the throat lash around her neck, Celestia stopped as his fingers brushed the buckle. Though she was perfectly capable of taking the contraption off, some part of her wished to draw the moment out. Closing her eyes, she pressed herself against his palm.
“Would you?” she hummed. Without looking, using her sorcerous might, she effortlessly removed the saddle and levitated it off to the side.
Without a word, Anon quietly set himself to task. Undoing the strap under her head, gingerly pulled the headstall over her delicate ears. As he loosened the nose-band, which would allow him to more comfortably remove the halter, he couldn’t help but imagine her sorcerously fiddling with the various clasps involved. With the bulk of the bindings removed, there was only one final component left.
“Alright, open up,” he amiably instructed, holding the sides of her bit.
Once asked, Celestia eased her mouth open for the man. Being cautious not to bang the bit against her teeth, he pulled the metal from her maw. As he freed the contraption, his fingers brushed against her lips. Soft and delectably supple against his digits, the sensation sent a shiver up his spine and left his mind to wander.
Before Anon could retreat, Celestia craned her neck, closed her mouth, and pushing her snout into his palm. The feeling of his touch against her muzzle, while fleeting, was curious and left her wanting more. Stepping closer, pressing his hand nearly against his chest, she found herself standing just before the man. It wasn’t like she’d intended to get that close to him, yet it had happened all the same. Rearing her head, standing to full height, she stood face to face with him.
There are moments which, for whatever reason, defy any sort of logic; for the man and mare, two creatures which had little if anything in common, this was one such moment. The former, a creature from a far flung world bereft of sorcery; the latter, a regal embodiment of unicorn, earth pony, and pegasus. From an outside perspective, they were as different as night and day; yet, in that instant, their differences meant nothing.
Raising her head and extending her neck, she brought her face to a hair’s breadth from the man’s countenance. She inhaled, filling her sinuses with his scent. His smell, much like the rest of him, was a bit odd but curiously captivating. Without budging, she slowly exhaled.
With the warmth against his face, Anon was reminded of something he’d read in a book. “I’m not sure if it’s true or not, but I’ve heard if a mare blows into your face, it’s a sign of affection,” he quietly remarked, his eyes unwavering from the alicorn’s.
“Oh?” she breathed, her voice no louder than a whisper on the breeze.
In a leap of faith, Anon acted on his impulses. Leaning in, he planted the smallest, most delicate kiss on the Princess’ nose. Her head shot back, rosy cheeks standing in stark contrast against her alabaster coat, and stared at him wide eyed. Offering a silent prayer to the heavens, hoping desperately that he hadn’t crossed her, he stood rigid.
Stunned, her thoughts going a mile a minute, Celestia locked up. She wasn’t put off or upset - far from it, in fact. No, if anything, the impromptu affection stoked the smoldering desire which had been growing within her. Like the last piece of a puzzle falling into place, in a startling moment of clarity, it all made sense.
The closeness she’d shared with him was unlike anything she’d ever allowed anycreature. As infuriating as her lack of explanation was, there was no denying it. She trusted and cherished Anon more with each passing day, so was it that outlandish to think she may have developed feelings for him? Impassioned curiosity drew her in, leaving her lips pressed against his.
Caught unawares by the kiss, it took Anon a second to reciprocate. Reaching up, running his fingers through her mane, he pulled her to himself. The differing size and structure of their mouths did little to dull their desires. In seconds, after what had started as a simple fond peck, the two were making out with one another.
“Mmmm,” Celestia hummed, feeling his tongue press into her muzzle.
The smooching, while pleasant enough, was accentuated by the man’s hands. Dexterous and delightful, his digits played over her in the most bewitching fashion. Drawn in, with her pulse quickening, her loins began to stir. A gentle warmth grew within her, as her body took note of the amorous attention. It was only as she flinched, acknowledging how worked up she was becoming, that she realized she wasn’t the only one getting turned on.
Glancing to his groin, she spotted a noticeable swell within the man’s pants. He wasn’t a stallion, granted, but his reaction could only indicate one thing. Shuffling backwards, looking back to his face, she grinned impishly. Though she certainly hadn’t planned on their afternoon moving in such a scandalous direction, she was compelled to see just where the excursion would lead them.
Anon went pale, as he noticed what had caught the Princess’ attention. Popping a boner from kissing a regal pony was bad, but having her notice his arousal was far, far worse. Fidgeting, he guiltily smiled and held up his hands. Before he could say a thing, the alicorn lazily wheeled around.
“There’s nothing to be ashamed of,” Celestia began, her calm voice hiding how anxious she was. As she concluded, nearly facing away from him, she swung her tail to the side.
She couldn’t recall the last time she’d presented herself to somepony in such a fashion, so she struggled to concoct an excuse. Telling herself it was to quell his unease, the truth was anything but. It was an extraordinarily rare event to be so exhilarated, so she couldn’t resist herself. The thrill of it all, being ridden by her alien companion and discovering he found her attractive, was too much to bear.
“As you can see,” she giggled, peering back at him, “you’re not the only one who’s a little excited…”
The sight of Celestia’s rear was, in a word, divine. The pastel hues of her tail framed her left haunch, giving him an unimpeded view of her backside. As her eyes drifted over her glutes, each of which looked wonderfully soft and plump, he finally spied her most intimate of intimate spots. Nestled between her thighs, just below the tight pucker of her backdoor, sat her marehood.
The dark flesh of the alicorn’s unfurred nethers complemented her snow white fur. Staring at her moist entrance, marveling at how strangely attractive it was, she winked. The lower lips of her meaty entrance parted, giving him a glimpse of her succulent, pink interior and clit. Though he’d heard about mares doing it, it was the first time he’d ever seen it happen in person.
Seeing the awed look on Anon’s face was too much for Celestia. Without knowing what the man was thinking, the slightest bit of apprehension began to gnaw at her excitement. For all she knew, he may be put off by how forward she was! With her blush darkening by the second, she averted her gaze. Just as she started moving her tail to cover herself, something rested against her rump.
As the Princess looked away, Anon took a faltering step closer. In all the time he’d known Celestia, he’d determined that she did not do anything without a purpose - sure, she may be playful and enjoy the occasional practical joke, but she was exceptionally calculating. If she’d shown herself to him in such a way, and hadn’t shied away from his touch, he had to presume she was being genuine.
Leaning in, bringing his face towards her tush, he drew a breath through his nose. The scent of her sex, while similar to a human woman’s, had a few subtle differences; slightly musky and floral, it called to him. Drifting nearer, feeling the warmth of her loins against his face, his manhood struggled against his trousers. If she smelled that good, he couldn’t help but wonder how she tasted.
Celestia gasped, as what could only be a tongue caressed her marehood. While ponies did engage in oral, it was a divisive subject for a great many stallions - that being said, she certainly wasn’t going to oppose his ministrations. Splaying her legs a hair, giving him ample access to her loins, she sighed contentedly.
Lapping at the Princess’ entrance, Anon set himself to task. The flavor, to his surprise, was reminiscent of grass and citrus - a curious combination but far from unpleasant. As she winked again, revealing her engorged clit, he gently lipped the delicate nub. Though he couldn’t see the alicorn’s reaction, he felt a tremor run through her legs.
Sparks of pleasure danced up Celestia’s spine, as the man’s carnal assault continued. Even if his tongue wasn’t as large as a pony’s, his skill was heavenly. Closing her eyes and enjoying herself, she subconsciously rocked back against him. Just as she was beginning to truly enjoy his impromptu servicing, something pinched her teat and added another layer to her enjoyment.
“Mmmmmm,” she throatily groaned, her heart fluttering.
The blissful sound was music to Anon’s ears. Using his free hand, he reached down, unbuckled his belt, and unzipped his fly. Fishing into his pants, as he lavished the Princess’ slavering marehood, he freed his tool. Idly cranking his shaft, silently praying she’d be willing to go all the way, he hummed into her.
As Celestia’s excitement mounted, her patience waned. Beyond being painfully aroused, with her sex practically aching to be filled, she was curious to see what sort of equipment the human had. She’d never seen a need to spy on him, nor had she broached the subject before, so she had no idea what it looked like. Clearing her throat and stepping forward, she forcedherself to move away from his talented tongue.
Turning around, seeing the man stand to his full height, her eyes locked onto the man’s crotch. She thought she’d heard him fiddling with his trousers, while he’d been servicing her, she hadn’t been sure what he’d been doing. Dipping her head, as she fully faced him, she ignited her horn and tugged his pants down to his ankles. She’d given him an unhindered look at her goods, so she considered the turnabout as fair play.
Anon’s equipment was different. Roughly comparable to a stallion’s in length and girth, its tip was rounded and spear-like. Thick and vascular, with a vein tracing along its upper side, it piqued her lascivious interest. Despite being more than lubricated enough to handle him, she saw no harm in…
The warmth of Celestia’s tongue, as she drew it up the side of his dick, caught Anon off guard. Without skipping a beat, as she reached the tip, she slipped it past her pouting lips and into her maw. A shuddered breath escaped him, as the warmth of her mouth tenderly embraced him. Before he knew it, her nose was pressed against his waist.
Bobbing her head slightly, Celestia coated his manhood in her saliva. Their respective heights and morphological differences actually made it easier for her to fellate him than a stallion. Working the underside with her tongue, she relished the sound of his heavy breaths from above. As the first drop of his salty pre-cum graced her palate, her marehood angrily seized upon itself; her body had grown impatient.
Pulling away, giving the head of Anon’s tool a parting kiss, she turned and trotted to the bed. Unfortunately, though oral wasn’t a difficult ordeal, the actual sex would require a bit logistical planning. Her hindquarters, while standing, was at the level of his abdomen, which meant she’d need to be a bit creative. Fortunately, eyeing her mattress, the solution would be relatively simple.
Stepping onto the low-sitting bed, hauling herself atop it, she faced away from the man and lowered her body to the cushioned surface. With her rump hanging off the side of the mattress, almost perfectly level with the man’s crotch, she smirked. She was comfortable, positively drenched, and practically champing at the bit to get to business.
“Anon,” Celestia cooed, peering back at him, “I’m ready…”
The Princess’ heavily lidded eyes, her seductive tone, and her slickened sex was quite possibly the hottest thing he’s ever seen and heard. Kicking his pants to the side, attempting to appear calm and collected, walked over to her. Grasping the base of his tool, running it up and down her winking entrance, he rubbed her thigh. Taking a deep breath, he slowly plunged into her.
As his length ground into her, Celestia shivered with delight. She’d been right, the shape of his appendage was far more refined than a stallion’s. Inch by inch, he sank into her until the delightfully rounded tip pressed against her womb; the sensation, accompanied by the feeling of his waist resting against her bottom, let her know he’d hilted. Pleased that she’d managed to fit him all, she clenched herself around his tool and spurred him to begin.
Resting his hands on her ample thighs, Anon gradually withdrew from the alicorn’s confines until nearly half of his shaft was freed. He would have thought that, as an equine, she wouldn’t be nearly as snug as she was, but he was woefully mistaken. Jamming his hips forward, he buried his shaft back inside of her. With that second plunge, he steadily started thrusting.
As the man’s cock pistoned in and out of her, Celestia was rocked by sublime bliss. Thick and with a wonderful texture, the human’s equipment felt absolutely amazing. The sensation of his balls slapping against her clit was divine, eliciting the occasional lustful huff from her flared nostrils. Clamping her sex around him, milking him on the backstrokes, she did what she could to reciprocate.
Closing his eyes, Anon savored the mare’s silken interior. It may have been his imagination, but he could swear that the Princess was warmer than any girl he’d ever been with. Little by little, caving to his subconscious primal urges, the speed and force of his movements increased. Over the sound of his paramour’s heavy breathing, a steady Plap Plap Plap filled the air.
Peering over her shoulder, Celestia snuck a glance of Anon’s face. The man had a look of resolute satisfaction, dancing a tightrope of enjoying himself and attempting to perform well; it was cute, to be sure, and it gave her an idea. There was a position which would allow her and her partner to easily look at one another, though it wasn’t that conventional.
“A...Anon,” she softly announced, prompting him to slow.
Hearing her words, Anon faltered. Drawing to a halt, he opened his eyes and gazed down at her. “Yeah?”
“Step back for a moment,” Celestia instructed.
While a part of her wanted to tell him what she was planning, she’d hate to ruin the salacious surprise. As asked, the man unsheathed himself and took two large steps backward. Folding her wings tightly to her frame, she rolled to the side, onto her back, and splayed her hind legs. The position was more than compromising, exposing her tender underbelly and leaving her virtually helpless.
“Now,” she purred, licking her lips, “come over here and rut your Princess.”
It was at that very moment, hearing the alicorn’s shameless request and seeing her presented in such a raunchy fashion, that Anon’s resolve crumbled. The view of her back and rump had been delightful, but seeing her on her back felt downright sinful. Stepping between her legs and hastily aligning his tool with her sopping entrance, he began pounding into her.
Not only was the man bucking Celestia harder than before, but the angle of his plunges caused his cock to directly stimulate her g-spot. Moaning aloud, continuing to rhythmically squeeze his length within her, her wings twitched on her back. Looking down her torso, she took a moment to admire her lover.
Using one of the alicorn’s upturned hind-legs as leverage, Anon smiled down at the Princess. Massaging her belly, his hand wandered down her abdomen and to the pair of dark teats above her groin; cupping one and giving it a gentle squeeze, he playfully brushed his fingers over her nipple. Her stifled whimper, while music to his ears, gave him an idea for something all the more intimate.
Though Celestia couldn’t see exactly what the man was doing, she felt his hand creeping lower and lower down her body. As his digits glided over her nethers, she inhaled sharply. The sudden realization of what he could do with his hands was all the warning she had. While Anon plowed her like a field in spring, his thumb energetically started kneading her clit.
Crying out in bliss, squirming atop the mattress, it was all she could do not to peak on the spot. Evoking her magic, in a desperate bid to compete with the carnal prowess of the man, she sorcerously augmented his bucking hips. If he was going to unleash his lascivious arsenal upon her - by the stars - she would do likewise.
As Anon was drawn in, literally pulled into screwing the alicorn, he knew he wasn’t going to be able to last long. The Princess, for all intents and purposes, was levying an assault on all of his senses; the sound of her lustful moans, her feminine scent, the heavenly sensations of her body, the lingering flavor of her sex, it was all simply perfect. Pulling out all the stops, in a final move of desperation, he fucked her with reckless abandon.
Celestia couldn’t hold back any longer. The exotic and captivating form of her lover, paired with a very protracted dry spell, left her body wanting. Pulling him as deeply as possible, realizing she could last no longer, she issued one final plea.
“Cum with me,” she mewled, sensing him throbbing within her.
Gritting his teeth, slamming his length into the Princess’ marehood, he came. Pressed to her cervix, a veritable geyser of spunk erupted from his pulsing shaft. Just as the first scalding shot of his essence crashed against her womb, her sex spasmed around him. Trembling from head to hoof, his climax pushed her over the edge.
Braying to the heavens, Celestia was beset by the nirvanic ecstasy of release. Feminine nectar gushed from her quivering entrance, squelching around Anon’s manhood and dousing the sheets. The phenomenal heat of his seed, while it painted her interior and seeped into her deepest depths, was beyond reproach. Shuddering, she rode out the tandem orgasm with her human lover.
As the post-coitus warmth and euphoria crept over Anon, he felt himself beginning to soften within the Princess. Taking step to the side, unsheathing himself in the process, he flopped onto the bed beside her. Panting, covered in sweat, and with a dreamy expression on her face, she was just as beautiful as she’d ever been. Gingerly brushing a length of her mane away from her eyes, he gave her a silly grin.
“N...not bad,” Celestia wheezed, turning to the side to face him.
It was, in fact, one of the best lays she’d ever had. Besides having more endurance than the average stallion, his hands and the shape of his equipment were insanely pleasurable; sure, a fraction of her admiration may be attributed to the wealth of experience she had, but he was clearly capable of satisfying a mare.
“Thanks. You weren’t too bad yourself,” he croaked, wriggling closer.
Spooning, basking in each other’s warmth, the two softly chuckled. Though neither had anticipated such an outrageous and raunchy turn of events, they’d both rounded out the day exceptionally satisfied. Wrapping one hoof over his back, the Princess rested her head over the man’s shoulder.
“Tell me, is there a word for those who so brazenly mount steeds?” she giggled.
“They used to call them knights, but that was a stately position used for warriors who served royalty,” he responded, stroking her back and side.
“Knight,” Celestia repeated, as if testing the word. “Well then, since I have no doubt that you’d leap to my defense, I may have to give you a new title, my little knight…”
Anon chuckled, unsure of how serious she was - regardless, he’d crossed a line from which there was no turning back. He had no way of knowing what the future held for him, but he desperately hoped he’d continue to grow closer to the Princess - his Princess. Content to lie with her, hoping to draw out the moment as long as possible, he closed his eyes and dreamt of what the future held for him.
“Surely, you jest…” Celestia balked, carefully studying the man from her throne.
“No, really, I’m totally serious. We ride them, race them, and we even used to use them for heavy labor, like pulling carts or plowing fields,” Anon stated, trying not to smile. Seated beside her, in a chair he’d purloined from the lobby, he innocently held up his hands.
“So, to be clear, you have horses on earth…” the alabaster alicorn flatly stated, awaiting affirmation from her bipedal associate.
“Yup!” he nodded.
“But they’re unintelligent and used as beasts of burden?” she quested, incredulously raising one eyebrow.
“Yeah, but it’s not like we mistreat them or anything,” Anon clarified. The last thing he wanted was for her to get the wrong impression about his kind.
Studying his face for a moment, Celestia shrewdly rubbed her chin. “I see…”
Having appeared outside of Canterlot several months ago, the human’s arrival presented a rather peculiar predicament. Swearing that he was from some far-flung land he called Earth, he insisted that he didn’t know how he’d arrived in Equestria. Being sapient and strikingly intelligent, the Princesses simply couldn’t leave him to wander the land without some sort of steward - as such, Celestia had volunteered to supervise and look after the wayward soul.
Realizing Anon would need income and housing, the eldest alicorn employed him as an assistant; honestly, she considered the move remarkably shrewd. Not only did the position grant him bits, and lodging within the palace, but her direct supervision allowed her to learn about her otherworldly guest and his homeland. As time passed, she grew increasingly fond of talking with the man.
Outside his somewhat strange appearance, Anon was startlingly charming. Nearly the same height as she, standing at roughly eye level, he was still one of the larger creatures she’d had the pleasure of meeting. Beyond his size, she found herself captivated by her guest’s wit and the stories of his home - mostly because it was so utterly alien.
The millennia of ruling over Equestria were entertaining enough, yet the centuries rarely delivered something as interesting as her visitor. Sure, there were the occasional bouts of excitement involving hostile forces or malign incursions, but the human’s presence was a breath of fresh air. Surprisingly amiable and fascinating to a fault, she spent more and more time simply chatting with him.
“You...don’t think we’re bad because of that, do you?” Anon asked, snapping Celestia from her reverie.
“If they’re simple creatures, as you attest, I don’t see any harm in it. You said they’re well cared for?” she inquired, attempting to disarm his unease.
“Totally! Like, yeah, we have horses on earth, and we do use them for work, leisure, or competition, although it’s not like we mistreat them or anything! Hell, most folks I know absolutely love their horses and treat them like beloved pets or even family members,” he asserted.
“Pets?” Celestia repeated. While she had a pet herself, a phoenix named Philomena, the notion of having a pony as a familiar was outlandish.
“Loving ones, for the most part, yes,” Anon explained, shifting in his chair. He figured it would only be a matter of time until the Princess questioned him on equines, yet he hadn’t exactly been looking forward to it.
Finding himself in a land of talking and oftentimes magical horses was strange enough, but the last thing he’d expected was to be taken in by one of the rulers of the land. Funnily enough, adapting to his new life had been super easy, barely an inconvenience - at least, after the initial shock of it all. The denizens of Equestria were all unbelievably friendly and good-natured, making him feel welcome wherever he went.
His job also apparently paid extremely well, by pony standards, and his room and board were covered by the position. The employment as the royal gofer was extraordinarily simple and laid back; even on his busy days, the most he had to worry about was making deliveries or jotting down notes at meetings. All told, his life was far better than it had been on earth.
His occupation and living conditions aside, the favorite part of Anon’s daily routine was being able to spend time with Celestia; demure and motherly, she was shockingly cheeky and candid for royalty. While it was true that he’d never spent time around nobility before, he would have never expected the Princess to be as fun-loving and amicable as she was.
“Tell me, did you ever have a horse of your own?” Celestia pressed, shaking the man from his thoughts.
“No, but I always kind of wanted to own one. They’re just so big and peaceful…” he trailed off, realizing what he’d just said. “I didn’t mean that in a bad way! Horses are gorgeous animals and I - dang it - I’m just going to stop talking now,” he bumbled, blushing slightly.
“No, please, continue…” Celestia insisted, concealing her amusement.
“W...well, they’re exquisitely graceful and peaceful. Be damned if I can explain it, but I’ve always been drawn to them,” he reluctantly admitted, sighing in defeat.
It was true, he’d had an interest in horses since he was a kid. Honestly, winding up in Equestria had been like hitting a cosmic jackpot. Unlike humans, the residents of the world in which he found himself were serene and pleasant to deal with. Yeah, the fact that they could talk took a bit of getting used to, yet they maintained a tranquil and diverse society.
“Well then, I’ll consider myself lucky that such a human stumbled into our lands,” Celestia hummed, steadily unseating herself and getting to her hooves. “Though you never owned a horse, did you ever ride one?”
“I…no,” he murmured, feeling even more foolish than before.
“I must confess, the concept is fascinating,” she thought aloud, turning to face him. “Given your size, I doubt many ponies would be able to accommodate you in such a fashion.”
“I didn’t ask for anypony to let me - “ Anon cut himself off, as the Princess held up a hoof.
“I presume a saddle is used for such activities?” Celestia inquired, as an idea began to coalesce.
“And a bridle, yes. If done properly, it’s about a partnership between the two - rider and steed. There’s a mutual trust and respect between them, as they rely on each other,” he answered, describing it as best he could.
“Saddle Arabian’s have been known to craft such adornments, yet they’re primarily ceremonial. Though a bridle…” she chuckled, taking a step closer to her guest. “You know, we do have those as well, but I’m left to assume they’re not typically used as you would think.”
Surprised by the revelation, Anon cocked his head in confusion. “How are they used then?”
“Well they’re usually used as an accoutrement in somewhat taboo bedroom affairs,” Celestia whispered, bringing her muzzle to his ear.
No sooner had she spoken then Anon went rigid. The look of abject shock on his face, while his jaw noiselessly worked and flapped, was absolutely priceless - still, as bemused and flustered as the man was, she was far from finished with him. Turning away and slowly trotting towards the exit, she stretched her wings.
“Since you have yet to mount a steed, and because I find the notion rather novel, I feel like some cultural enrichment is in order,” she casually asserted, stopping and looking back at her guest.
The thought of being ridden by someone was intriguing, even if she couldn’t explain why; perhaps it was because the concept was so wholly foreign and exotic. Regardless of the exact reason why it held her interest, she was compelled to explore the idea. If nothing else, getting to see Anon’s no doubt humorous reaction would be a pleasant distraction from the norm.
Glancing over her shoulder at the man, just as she reached the door, she extended a wing. “Wait right there, I’ll only be a moment…”
“Uh...alright,” was all Anon could manage. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he had a sinking feeling about her tone.
As he’d gotten to know Celestia, spending a great deal of his time around her, he’d discovered a few things about her personality. Though she was certainly a capable ruler, she was also a bit of a thrill-seeker and prankster. He couldn’t say what other ponies thought of her unstately proclivities, but he found them endearing - that being said, something told him that she had mischief on her mind.
Stepping out of the throne room, Celestia looked to the pair of guards flanking the entrance. “If you would be so kind, cancel any appointments for the afternoon,” she politely requested.
Snapping to attention, the duo of sentries nodded. “Yes Ma’am,” they obediently responded in unison, shooting her a crisp salute.
Smiling to them each in turn, she effortlessly teleported herself to her private chamber. In a flash of light and pop of displaced air, she instantaneously reached her room; trotting would have gotten the job done, but her growing excitement was getting the better of her. Looking to her left, towards her closet, she scampered over and threw the door open. She had just the thing to surprise her little human with…
Twiddling his thumbs, Anon did his best to wile away the time. One unfortunate thing about Equestria was the lack of modern technology. Pushing himself up, he fished into his pocket and retrieved a yo-yo; it wasn’t quite as good as watching internet videos on a smartphone, but he’d gotten pretty good with the toy. Lazily pacing before the throne, skillfully executing a number of tricks, he awaited his host-turned-employer’s return.
Seconds passed, then minutes, and he was left to wonder what the Princess was up to. Botching a brain twister, rapping knuckles in the process, he silently cursed to himself and began rewinding the bauble’s string - that was, until he heard the unmistakable sound of expended magical energy. Peering over, expecting to find the Princess waiting for him, his jaw damn near hit the floor.
Not only was Celestia adorned in the most resplendent saddle he’d ever seen, crafted from what looked like crimson dyed leather, but she was wearing a bridle as well. The straps and reins all matched the seat on the mare’s back, while the bit in her mouth were gold - genuine gold, if he had to wager. Without a doubt, the getup would have cost a small fortune; although, given it was owned by a Princess, he shouldn’t have been shocked. Besides the finery, the alicorn looked absolutely gorgeous.
Somehow, for some reason or another, the accessories of an earthly equine only served to heighten the Princess’ natural beauty. Awestruck, his eyes wandered over her frame. For all intents and purposes, according to the various ponies he’d spoken with, she was a paragon of refined elegance; it was only at that moment that he realized what they’d meant.
“I...ish it not to your liking?” Celestia asked, lisping ever so slightly, as the man’s stunned expression caught her off guard.
In truth, she had no way of knowing how he’d react - though his bewildered look wasn’t what she’d been expecting. The bit in her muzzle, while not uncomfortable, was a somewhat foreign sensation, only adding to the sudden awkwardness of the situation. Running her tongue over the smooth metal bar, casting her eyes to the floor, she fought to distract herself.
“No...N...not at all,” Anon stammered, taking a timid step closer towards the mare. “I t...think you look…”
“...Yes…?” the Princess meekly replied, meeting his eyes. “I must admit, after donning this gear, I feel a bit foolish…”
“Astonishing…” he breathlessly added. As she averted her gaze, he couldn’t help but notice the slightest blush grace her ivory cheeks. Encouraged, he inched nearer. “You’re absolutely beautiful…” he stopped himself, comprehending exactly what he’d said. “Th...that’s not saying you don’t normally look great!”
Smiling at the man’s fumbling attempt to recover from his spontaneous admission, Celestia slowly approached him. Unsure of how to redirect the conversation, she settled on the direct approach. “S...since I went to the trouble to get this on, I thought, well, maybe we could try something a bit different together…”
Anon could scarcely believe what he’d heard. There he was, in the throne room of the very diarchs of Equestria, having been asked if he’d like to ride atop one. Dismissing the notion outright, he shook his head and shied away. “I...I couldn’t. Princess, you’re a Princess! There’s no way I could -”
“Please…” Celestia muttered, quietly interrupting him. “I wouldn’t have bothered putting all this on if I didn’t intend to use it.”
With a resigned sigh, Anon’s shoulders wilted. He wasn’t opposed to indulging her request, in actuality, though he would hate for anypony to spot them, lest it create some sort of scandal. Raising one hand, he extended a digit and gave her a serious look. If they were going to do it, he had one condition.
“Only if we do it in private,” he intoned.
Noticing his stern expression and tone, Celestia examined the area. The throne room was fairly sizable, easily able to accommodate dozens of ponies comfortably, so it likely wouldn’t be an issue; it was, after all, a first time for the both of them. Fixing her brow, looking back at him, she nodded.
“Very well then,” she agreed. Masking her enthusiasm for the new experience, she beckoned him with a wing. “Since that’s settled, shall we?”
Walking over, Anon inspected the equipment about the mare’s frame. From what he could tell, everything was affixed and secured properly, likely with the aid of the Princess’ magic. Placing one foot within a stirrup, he hesitantly pushed down upon the bit of metal; it felt firm enough, so he assumed he’d be able to climb atop her without much trouble. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he slowly exhaled.
“You ready?” he asked, resting a hand on her neck.
Swallowing, shuffling anxiously, Celestia hummed an affirmation. Casting her head to the side, she watched the man bear down on the stirrup and swing one leg over her back. As he settled upon her, his rump came to rest just south of her shoulders. In a clever bit of forethought, the saddle - a custom piece she’d ordered for an observance several decades prior - had been designed so that a rider’s positioning wouldn’t interfere with the use of her wings.
Shifting slightly, she adjusted to the load. Much to her amazement, having the man atop her was remarkably comfortable. Feeling the reins glide over her neck, as he settled into place, she considered it as good a time as any to begin. Moving one hoof forward, followed by a second, she leisurely began to trot.
Keeping silent, Anon rocked back and forth with her movements. Her slow, methodical gate made it easy to acclimate in the finely made saddle. Slipping his free foot into the vacant stirrup, content to leave the reins wholly slack, he practically beamed. Stroking the back of her neck, his fingers glided through her ephemeral mane.
“Enjoying yourself up there?” Celestia giggled, making a gentle turn and peering back up at him.
“Yeah, this is really nice,” he cheerfully responded.
Seeing his enjoyment, the Princess was emboldened. Speeding up slightly, breaking into a canter, the man lightly bounced and swayed upon her. The sensation, while a bit odd, was strangely comforting. She could see how it wouldn’t be difficult for similarly built quadrupeds to warm to the feeling. With her golden clad hooves steadily clip-clop-ing across the polished marble floor, she circled the room.
“W...woah,” Anon blurted, unprepared for the change of pace. Absentmindedly neglecting the slack reins in his grip, he leaned forward and placed his hands on her shoulders to steady himself.
The abrupt shift above, feeling him gently holding her, ignited something within Celestia. As inexplicable as it was, everything about the situation felt extraordinarily natural - no, more than that; it felt organic. Whether or not the ancient ponies of Equestria permitted themselves to be used as steeds for allied races, she had no way to know; yet she was positively inspired. Subconsciously transitioning into a full gallop, as she approached the exit, she came to a screeching halt.
“Holy shit,” Anon exclaimed, having gotten the barest taste of what the Princess was capable of. He had little doubt that, given the proper space, she could move even faster. Lamentably, since they were relegated to the throne room, he’d have no way to be sure.
“Anon,” Celestia began, drawing the man’s attention to her face, “do you trust me?”
“I...what?” he confusedly countered, taken aback by the question.
“Do you trust me?” she repeated. Slowly but surely, with an uneasy look in his eye, the man nodded. The corners of her mouth turned up, as she wheeled around to face the far end of the room. Standing opposite the two thrones, she pawed at the floor.
The sound of her hoof impacting the marble was all the warning Anon got, as the Princess surged forward. Thrown off balance, jostling as she accelerated, he draped his torso over the alicorn’s neck. With precious little ground to cover, she’d have to slow down - unless…Forcing himself to look up, spying the pair of curtained doorways flanking the thrones, he shook his head.
“No, no, nononononono,” he rambled, his grip on the magnificent diarch tightening.
Just beyond the thin fabric covering the two archways was a perilously small platform, followed by nothing but open air. Canterlot had been constructed on the side of a mountain, with the castle hanging precariously over the edge of a chasmous valley. As she veered towards one of the pairs of exits, his fears were cemented.
“Hang on!” Celestia bellowed, her heart thundering in her chest.
Wrapping his arms around her, holding on for dear life, Anon’s eyes went wide with disbelief. As they flew through the curtains, with a mighty bound, the alicorn cast herself over the balcony. For a fleeting moment, the literal blink of an eye, a feeling of weightlessness greeted him, although it ended in a flash. Gravity swiftly took hold, sending his stomach into knots, as their bodies plummeted towards the earth so far below.
Anon had heard of people’s life flashing before their eyes, yet he’d never been unfortunate enough to experience it himself - at least, not until then. With the concept of his fragile mortality striking him a heavy blow, on the verge of screaming, his heart skipped a beat. The ground grew closer and closer, sure to bring them both to a swift end, until the wings of an angel unfurled at his sides.
Tucking her legs and extending her feathered appendages, Celestia issued one powerful flap of her pinions. The additional weight upon here was but a slight hindrance, at most possibly dulling her maximum velocity and maneuverability an iota. Tilting her head back, she altered her trajectory and took to the skies.
As the Princess changed course, soaring to the heavens, Anon found himself at a loss. Without releasing his grasp, he watched the landscape sail by beneath them. Seconds passed and his tattered nerves started to calm - if only slightly. Feeling the alicorn’s pulse against his fingers, being reminded of whom he was holding so tightly to, his grip eased slightly.
“You ok?” Celestia loudly inquired, her voice cutting through the rushing air.
She’d be remiss for not checking on him, given what she’d just subjected him to. Though the reality of it was, even if he had fallen from her, she could have effortlessly saved him with her sorcery, yet she knew it likely gave him an awful fright. As she leveled out, flapping periodically to keep her altitude steady, she turned her head to get a better look at him.
Gulping down a breath of fresh air, remembering to breathe, Anon found his voice. “I’m still alive,” he croaked, forcing a halfhearted smile.
“My apologies for how brusquely I took to the skies,” she chuckled sheepishly, “but you should have known better, mounting an alicorn.”
The Princess’ calm and lighthearted demeanor did wonders to assuage the anxiety which had been bubbling within Anon, putting his mind at ease. “Just warn me next time, alright?” he laughed, patting her shoulder.
“But of course,” she sighed, straightening her neck to reduce drag.
Languidly drifting from side to side, feeling the breeze through his hair, the man sighed. From their altitude, he could easily make out several structures of Canterlot looming behind them. As frightening as it was, being atop a magical flying pony, there was something remarkable about it all. He was, as far as he knew, the first and only human to have such an experience; the thought filled him with pride, slowly overriding the trepidation inside of him. Leaning back slightly, seeing the wings beating in his peripheral vision, he closed his eyes.
“This is incredible,” he muttered.
“What? You’ll have to speak up! Can’t hear!” Celestia hollered back, cocking an ear in his direction.
“I said this is incredible!” Anon yelled, smiling broadly.
“If you think this is something, you should see what it’s like when I pull out all the stops,” she shouted, suddenly stricken with the urge to take off.
“So how fast can you go?” he asked.
“With a passenger, I’m not sure; but there’s only one way to find out!” she remarked, prompting the man to brace himself.
Hunkering down, pressing himself to the Princess, Anon did what he could to reduce his profile. His grip on her, while snug, wasn’t nearly as white knuckled as it had been when they’d plunged off the side of the palace. Steady and controlled, their pace quickened as they sailed over the landscape below.
The wind whipped against his face, the sun blazed overhead, and for the first time in many, many years, he felt like a kid again. The wonderment and excitement of it all, riding atop a majestic and beautiful creature, was like something from the wildest dream. Gone was any trace of dread or anxiety, replaced by the warmth and reassuring comfort of the mare.
Even with all the innumerable flights Celestia had had in her life, this one was singular. The abject faith the man had put in her, trusting her with his very life, was beyond moving. How he rested on her, his weight affording some unfathomable form of contentment, just felt right. It was almost as if there was some union between them, some mystical bond that linked the two. Positively beaming, rocketing through the skies, she climbed higher and higher.
Punching through a cloud, untold hundreds of feet above the earth, they slowed incrementally. Though attaining impressive speeds was possible, it certainly wasn’t the easiest thing - especially since she’s never attempted anything of the like before with a rider. As the man rested on her, running his hand up and down her neck, she hummed to herself.
Petting the Princess like she was some common mare, Anon put his affectionate gesture to an abrupt end - that was, until he heard her clearing her throat. Looking to her face, seeing one brilliant magenta eye peering back at him, he gulped. “Sorry.”
“I’m guessing that’s a customary action for humans and their steeds?” Celestia questioned, landing atop a small cumulus.
Noticing that she didn’t seem upset, Anon shrugged. “I think so. Honestly, I’m just going with what feels - “
“Natural…” the Princess concluded the statement for him, as an infuriatingly familiar yet entirely alien feeling welled within her bosom.
“Y...yeah…” he murmured, unsure of what else to say. There was something there, something he couldn’t put to words, but it wasn’t a bad thing - not in the slightest.
Turning her head, Celestia peered down at the kingdom. Rivers, fields, and dense forests stretched nearly as far as the eye could see, with one glaring exception. Canterlot, nestled against the side of a mountain, shone like the crown jewel of all Equestria. With the sun just starting to set, casting a warm orange glow over the city, it was as resplendent as it ever had been.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” she sighed, remembering how small the capital had once been - what felt like eons ago.
“Yeah,” Anon breathed, though it wasn’t the settlement which held his attention.
Glancing back, hoping to catch her guest’s appreciation for her home, Celestia found something all the more fascinating. The man wasn’t gazing at the city, he was staring at her. His smile, warm and serene, was the perfect accoutrement to the enchanted expression he held. Their eyes met and something flashed between them, though they both quickly looked away.
