Author's Note

In celebration of reaching the Feature Box for the 10th time, I've decided to publish Ch 3 early! Expect Chapter 4 on Satruday, and then every other day updates until completion

Ch 3 - Facing The Music

~~~~~Two days later~~~~~

There was still a thin layer of dew and mist settled over the ground when Sunset received an encouraging kiss from Mistress. She returned it eagerly, but it was over far too quickly for Sunset’s taste. The door closed with a quiet click, and she took her first steps in the direction of Rarity’s shop. She would trust Mistress. She would try to mend a completely shattered friendship. Ugh, the thought was arduous all on it’s own. So, having had adequate sleep, a good breakfast, and plenty of reassuring words, Sunset determinedly walked the morning streets.

At least some things never changed, like Mistress dressing her up. Of course, as the situation was already delicate enough, Mistress had chosen something that Sunset couldn’t really shake her hips in, but it was sexy enough in its own way. Very short skirt, but professional blouse, stockings, and half heels. If anything, Sunset felt she ought to have a pair of glasses to complement it all. She shook her head. The clothes belonged to Mistress just like Sunset herself, and maybe Rarity would figure that much out right off the bat and this whole process would be much less painful. She had to shove away her pessimistic doubt as to the contrary.

Still, she at least was out walking at a time when everypony else would just be waking up. No awkward waves and hellos to deal with without Mistress this morning. She arrived at the door to Rarity’s boutique in a rather decent time, considering her hoof wear, and like Mistress had said, the lights inside were already shining brightly. Sunset sucked in a deep breath, concentrated on removing the scowl from her brow, and tapped at the door with the tip of her half heel.

She didn’t hear anything like scrambling, but there was a definite wait before the knob turned and… Sunset was forced to look down at Sweetie Belle having opened the door. “Morning Sunset!” she said brightly. “Sis said you were coming over to help her move back in! That’s real nice of you!”

“Heh, thanks, it’s nothing,” Sunset managed with a weak smile. Sweetie was unexpected, but at least she was easier for Sunset to talk to at the moment. She’d always marveled at how uncannily like their human-world counterparts the Cutie Mark Crusaders were. It was actually a bit scary. “Mist - Princess Twilight had the idea first though, so you’d be better off thanking her.”

“But you’re the one here,” Sweetie pointed out. “So get inside! I’m sure Rarity has tons you can help with.” Sunset followed Sweetie’s foalish bounce of excitement into the… disaster. She really couldn’t find a better way to describe the show floor of the boutique. It was as if everything that once been in it had been hauled back in hundreds of boxes, and said boxes been dumped unceremoniously all over everything. Stuff was everywhere, and Sunset’s inner organizer made her eye twitch.

In the middle of it all, Rarity was calmly resetting her shop one small detail at a time. She was wearing a sharp business suit again, which was… odd, actually. Rarity rarely ever wore the same style two days in a row. And she wasn’t sporting the bruise from their little altercation either.

“Um… good morning, Rarity,” Sunset managed. It was stiff, but she didn’t stutter, so that was a plus. She thought. “What do you have in mind for me to help with?” This she was at least good it. She had conversations with Mistress like this all the time.

“Oh!” Rarity’s hoof came up to elegantly cover her mouth, reacting with a bit of a jump. “Oh, good morning, Sunset.” She smiled, all business and professionalism. Well, that might make this easier. “Thank you for coming, I am afraid I am a touch scatterbrained this morning. So much to put back into shape.” She waved her hoof vaguely at the boxes, looking a little distant. “Um. Would you be so kind as to get started with the kitchen? Twilight tells me you know your way about the place, and I’m still trying to recall where I want to put all these tools…”

“It’s just fine,” Sunset said briefly. “The boxes with kitchen things in them are actually in the kitchen right?”

Rarity arched a rather elegant eyebrow at her. “Of course. I’m hardly that scatterbrained.” She half chuckled, lifting a hoof to rub at her forehead gently. “Though one could be forgiven for thinking so. Sweetie is trying to help as best she can, so do be kind to her if she gets underhoof, would you?”

“I’ll be okay,” Sunset replied, surprising herself with the note genuity that had crept into it. “I deal with Spike everyday, so I’m sure Sweetie can’t be all that bad.” She stood there for a moment, wondering if Rarity had anything else to say (there was an odd feeling in the air like she did), but when Sweetie moved off to begin rummaging through one of the mercifully unopened boxes, Sunset took her hooves to the kitchen. She removed her heels at it’s entrance and began work levitating this there and that over here. It was fairly simple work, and far easier than shelving books by several measurements.

One thing that quickly became apparent was that the boxes had been packed and possibly repacked in the most singularly haphazard fashion in the history of packing. About the only sensible job was with the dishes, all of which were high-quality and carefully wrapped in newspapers. The rest of it, though… the box of glasses smelled like they’d been living inside a tavern for the last few months. And Sunset couldn’t help but cough and hack when she undid the flaps holding Rarity’s collection of shot glasses. She hoped she hadn’t made too much noise trying to recover from the reeking smell, but as it would happen, Rarity poked her head around the corner.

Sunset shoved the cough down into her throat and offered a small smile. Rarity glanced around the kitchen a few times until her eyes settled on Sunset, and just when Sunset thought she was about to ask if anything was the matter, offered a single blink of her eyes and a nervous smile before disappearing. For Sunset’s part, she blinked several times. That had been just plain awkward. She hadn’t wanted ‘attention’ from Rarity per say, but wasn’t it normal to ask if somepony was alright if you had to check on them? Well, Sunset supposed they could be shouting at each other as the alternative. She shrugged and went back to work.

~~~~~~

Sunset had repeatedly told herself as the morning and afternoon dragged on that she was not the type of pony to avoid work merely on account of being lazy. And there were very few tasks she could remember that she had disliked because of the task itself. Settling Rarity back into her boutique had to be the worst of these moments, and Sunset idly wondered how in Equestria simply repeating her work ethic in her head kept her sane.

The work was easy. Move this box, reshelve this item, adjust that piece of furniture. Rarity knew where she wanted things, Sunset remembered where some it actually went, and despite being something of a klutz when it came to levitation, Sweetie Belle was a good help many times. If anything it might’ve been Sweetie Belle of all ponies keeping her from losing her temper entirely.

All day long, Rarity had said around three things to her. She was brisk, but always polite. Awkward as Luna in a carnival, but cheery. Sunset couldn’t stand it much longer. Here she was, trying to atone for clubbing her in the side of the head, among other things, and Rarity seemed to have withdrawn into a hole. She let out a semi-verbal snarl at the thought. What was worst though, were her periodic checkups on Sunset. It seemed like every couple of minutes Rarity would pop in, stare around for a few seconds, and then leave. At first, Sunset had looked at her, expecting her to say something, but she never did. And Sunset decided it was a waste of mental energy trying to understand it.

It was around lunch time now, and Sunset was contemplating going back to Mistress for lunch or just stepping out quickly for something from a street vendor. She wasn’t wearing anything scandalous. Appealing, true, but everypony in town by now knew who she belonged to. But then, maybe she’d be able to vent a little to Mistress if she went home. Get out some of her frustration. Mistress had taught her a lot of helpful things about managing her temper, and from that, she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that if she didn’t vent to somepony soon, she’d start brooding, which would only make it all worse.

She sat in a huff and blew at the strand of mane falling into her face. Oh what to do. She wasn’t staying here for lunch, that was for sure. Silence during meals bothered her anyway for some strange reason. She considered asking Sweetie Belle if she wanted to come along to get some food. Mistress liked it whenever young ponies came over during hours she could teach them.

Almost predictably then, Rarity’s head popped in with that smile she’d been wearing all day. “Can I interest you in a bite, Sunset? I’ve got fresh mustard greens and half the grocery store worth of things to go with them.” Her smile changed just a bit then… dimpling into something more warm, more genuine. “I can assure you that Sweetie Belle has not been responsible for any food preparation.”

Sunset was sure her face went through a wide assortment of faces, and she couldn’t exactly nail down all of them. All she did know was how they ended. A soft scowl formed in her brows as she said, “Why do you think you need to placate me with my favorite food? Couldn’t you, oh, I dunno, actually have talked at all this morning?” She didn’t mean it to come out as scathing as she thought it sounded. She winced inside. She had to get control of herself double time.

Fortunately, Rarity seemed to just… skim past it. “Well, in spite of my failings I am still thankful for your assistance today.” She actually half chuckled, some of the professional smile falling away to show a weariness there. “It’s the least I can do to provide a good lunch after all your hard work.” Then the smile was back up, and she tossed her mane artfully. “I am sorry if I’ve been a bit… off-kilter today. The offer for luncheon stands if you’d like to join us.” Then with a wink and another smile, she vanished out the door.

Sunset stared after Rarity for as long as she could remain still, but as much as she knew it was childish, she eventually gave in and made retching motions. Ugh! She was soooo sincere. So apologetic. The perfect example of harmony and forgiveness. Sunset felt a bad taste in her mouth and let her tongue hang out. She just had to show her up. And without even trying to boot. Couldn’t she just make it easier on everypony and be the fat fake Sunset knew she loved to be at times. It’d be easier on everypony for it. She didn’t bother hiding her growl as the half formed, angry thoughts swirled in her brain.

But instead of letting them get her into a spot with Mistress again, Sunset tramped downstairs, staring straight ahead. She didn’t say a word to Sweetie or Rarity as she passed both of them, she set her face firm, and when she was out the door, she slammed it shut as hard as she could with magic without breaking the damn thing.

Her nebulous vortex of anger blinded any conscious purpose in her walk, and she trudged through Ponyville until she found herself back home. It was for the best to come here, she realized, and with just the three taps on the door, she felt a good chunk of her negativity slide off her back.

The door swung open, and Mistress was standing inside… wearing an absolutely lovely black ensemble. Unlike Rarity’s prim business suit, this was much more loosely tailored and looked more like what a private school teacher might wear. Mistress hadn’t been one for clothes before they’d gotten together, but she had recently come to enjoy having something snappy to wear around the library during work hours. And with a jolt, Sunset’s eyes darted to the small sign in the window that said whether the library was open or closed.

“Yes, that’s right, Dearest,” Mistress nearly purred. “We’re closed for lunch. Lunch just for two.” She turned and smiled prettily, and Sunset quickly darted through the door. “We won’t be able to dilly-dally too much, but Spike’s going to make sure the princess doesn’t walk in on us.” She giggled faintly, shutting the door and throwing the bolt. Closing up for lunch wasn’t uncommon, and anypony who needed to come in for an emergency would have a key.

The entire library smelled like sesame oil and garlic, and Sunset idly wondered what Mistress had been doing all morning. Was this supposed to be some kind of make-up for yesterday’s issues, or was she playing a deeper game here? “I’m very proud you stuck out the morning, Love.” Mistress’s voice was thick with pride. “Though this is just the first day, I thought a little encouragement could help you keep it up.” Sunset eyed Mistress’s beautiful body, and quite suddenly, felt inappropriately attired. Evening it was not, but that didn’t usually mean anything to Mistress. Sunset suppressed a smile as all her stress from Rarity’s drained out.

“Do you require me to change Mistress?” she asked, already knowing the answer.

Mistress smiled, and shook her head. “Oh no. We’re going to be having company soon, so you’d best stay in something appropriate…” Her eyes sparkled as she swayed into the kitchen, flicking her tail back and forth. “Besides, I think you look cute like that.” There was a gentle heat to her words… and Sunset could feel a little rush at the naughty suggestion. “Now get your flank in here!” Her voice snapped out from the dining room, and Sunset felt her hooves scrambling against the wood floor to obey.

The table had been prepared modestly, but with all the care Mistress always had with her projects. Some nice little fresh pretzels, a block of cheddar cheese, and two steaming bowls of Neighpon-style noodles awaited them. She unconsciously licked her chops but remained at the edge of her seat until Mistress told her to sit. “Well go ahead you silly girl,” Mistress giggled, gesturing at the chair. Sunset took it with her own small tremor of giggling.

When she got into her chair though, she noted only one set of utensils were present… Mistress’. “Go ahead and get started,” Mistress cooed, smiling slyly. She herself lifted up a little bundle of noodles with her chopsticks and did not… quite slurp them, but she came close. Canterlot born and raised or not, she still couldn’t eat with the grace of the nobility. Not that Sunset minded much - she thought it was cute.

And it was pretty clear what she was intending here too… which Sunset definitely didn’t mind. So she took a share of cheese slices and a pretzel and began her lunch. It was far better than mustard greens or anything on the street, she was sure, and a little ‘Aah’ of happiness escaped her lips. Mistress just smiled and shook her head, levitating her chopsticks across the table and bundling Sunset’s noodles expertly around them before lifting the whole up to her lips. Sunset dutifully opened her mouth, accepting the culinary treat as the flavors of soy and ginger and sesame all flowed over her tongue. It was beautifully balanced, and Sunset suspected that Mistress had been taking some lessons.

“There you go,” she whispered, giving Sunset a chance to swallow before offering more. “Look at my cute little Sunny eating like that…” Sunset accepted her second bite of noodles and felt herself slipping into that wonderful trance of being controlled.

It was a soothing feeling to let all of the stress of the day, all of her worries and self doubts just fade away into the background. They functioned like a single pony, Mistress the mind, herself the body, and there was something kind of meditative about it. They took bites of the noodles in turn, Mistress directing her to take breaks with the sharp cheese and a glass of wine. All concept of time slowly slipped away from her, and she reveled in the quiet intimacy. Mistress’s gentle, caressing words all she cared about and revelled in.

Soon enough, the noodles were a savory memory that left behind only the scent of its spice in the air. Mistress polished off her own glass of wine with a little ‘ah’ of satisfaction, and set her chopsticks down in her bowl. Sunset could feel her body subtly tense, as though it already knew what was going to come next. “Go fetch your leash and collar, Sunny,” Mistress cooed in a gentle command, and that was all the excuse Sunset needed to bolt out of the room at speed.

She took off up the stairs and contemplated throwing off all but the undergarments of her clothes. But she retained just enough self-control in her anticipation to remind herself that Mistress had not ordered her to do anything of the sort. She reached the door to their bedroom, unlatched it, and didn’t even bother going all the way in. She knew where Mistress kept their ‘tools’, and she knew the feel of her collar and leash in her magic better than any of the other fun things in the chest. Again, she fought excitement to put it on herself and raced back downstairs, carrying her first sign of bondage to Mistress not in her magic, but in her mouth.

Mistress had already cleared away the dishes, but had not pushed away from the table. Instead she had leaned back in her chair and… Sunset gulped just a little at the sight of the thing hanging between Mistress’ legs. She had come a long way from that first spell, and now the shaft that throbbed between her legs was as close to flesh as magic could ever produce. Mistress giggled at the sight of her, and she gestured silently for Sunset to approach.

Sunset carefully tread over to the chair, where Mistress gently retrieved her collar from her mouth and slowly buckled the device on. She took her time, making sure to brush the thick hide against her neck before tightening it just enough to be impossible to ignore. Then she took hold of the leash and gave it a little tug. “Come on now, kitten,” she cooed, choosing one of her favorite terms to tease Sunset with. “Come get your creamy dessert.”

She could only gaze at Mistress’s size for a moment, wondering firstly why Mistress had never done this before, and secondly… whether she could fit it all in her mouth… But she stood still for a touch too long, and Mistress tugged her muzzle straight against the cock. Mistress’s member twitched at the contact of Sunset’s cool nose, and she felt a quiver of her own in the back of her legs. “I’ve got dessert all ready and waiting for you,” Mistress said, grinning with an edge in her voice. “Don’t be ungrateful and not take it.”

“Yes… yes, Mistress,” Sunset breathed out, taking in the intoxicating scent of their arousal. It flooded her, and she couldn’t entirely stop herself as she sniffed and nuzzled her way up to the head of Mistress’s shaft. She brought her tongue out and brushed it against the head. There was a jolt of exhilarating magic from the touch, and Sunset began swirling her tongue around the edges, drinking in the mounting pleasure and the growing wetness between her legs.

Sunset quietly looked up into Mistress’s eyes. Mistress breathed heavily, her eyes half lidding. “That’s a good kitten.” Her lips were pressed together, and it was clear she was enjoying the sensations. “K-keep up with that…” Her voice was surprisingly intense as she said that, and Sunset eagerly returned to her ministrations. She rolled her tongue at the edge of the stallionhood several more times, and finally dragged it’s length in her mouth. She wrapped it in her tongue as she went, but there was still some left outside her lips when she felt it at the back of her throat. She began pulling her head back up again, but - “Ah ah…” Mistress’ voice cooed, a firm hoof placed at the back of her head. “I want to see you get all of it, little kitten… I’ve seen you gobble that big favorite toy of yours before…” Sunset felt her cheeks instantly light up at that knowledge. Mistress had been watching her? Of course she had.

She hadn’t even pulled all the way off for a first time, but at Mistress’s order, she lowered her head again, feeling the cock, and forcing herself past that point. She jerked a little as she suppressed her gag reflex, Mistress’s stallionhood being quite a bit removed from a toy, but she managed. And oh, she was glad she did. She stayed there for a moment, feeling the cock pulsing in eager anticipation inside her tight throat. Sunset gradually pulled her mouth back up the shaft, leaving it glistening with her saliva, and dove back in again. Her bobbing head soon set to the rhythm of Mistress’s grunting half moans, and before they reached a new level of intensity, Sunset pulled off the the cock, slipping the head through her lips.

Mistress’ breathing was growing more intense. It was hard to keep track of what she looked like down here, but the quivering of her body was telling the story. “Celestia, that’s good,” she spoke in a strangled voice, the words having to fight their way out past the moans. “You’re such a good little cocksucker, I wish I’d have done this sooner…” The dirty words hurt in the best way Sunset knew, and if the past were any indication, Mistress had much more in mind. “Get down on that shaft, kittenslut… Show me how much you need my spunk filling you up, like a good little cum addict.”

Mistress’s words sang like heartless music to Sunset. “I need it all the time, Mistress,” she whined before diving back on the cock, bobbing her head in full thrusts faster than before. Her drool began to drip from Mistress’s member and join Sunset’s own leaking slit on the floor. Her moans began to murmur from around the stallionhood, and her own need for Mistress to rut her was growing with each furious licking fest she performed on the dick’s tip. “Oh… Mistress!” she couldn’t help but call out, pulling off with a small pop and reaching back with one of her hooves to rub her clit.

Sunset felt the jerk of her collar , and let out an involuntary ‘meep’ sound. “Did I say you could clop off, kitten?” Mistress asked, though it was pretty clearly not a question. Sunset bit at her lip in embarrassment, as Mistress kept speaking. “You know you’re supposed to ask for permission, little pet. Tsk Tsk.” She shook her hoof back and forth, and a slow smile spread across her face. “Well, there’s no stopping you now… so I suppose I’ll just have to make you work extra hard for it.”

Sunset tried to imagine for a moment what that might mean, when she felt a combination of magic and Mistress’s hooves wrap around her mane and press into the back of her head. She was so surprised, she opened her mouth just long enough for the tip of the cock to push in past it…”Mmph!” was all she could say around the sudden intrusion, as Mistress forcibly pushed her throbbing cock down into her throat for a moment before just as suddenly pulling it back out again. Then she did it again, and again… and began settling into a hard thrusting pattern while she moaned happily. And Sunset couldn’t do a thing. She just melted to Mistress’s desires, pushing her hoof in and around her pussy until she was groaning and sighing in joined cadence with Mistress. She closed her eyes, relishing in the sensation of Mistress’s stallionhood being rammed in and out of her mouth and her own marehood lighting up with heat.

She spasmed in smaller orgasms multiple times, but Mistress never stopped pushing and pulling her mouth over her dick. She rode out her little, glorious highs still pleasuring Mistress, and that made them all the more intense. “GAH!” Mistress interrupted her steady lilts and moans. “So… so… so good!” And just as Sunset reached her biggest, shaking climax with a cry of ecstasy, Mistress pulled her off and let her fall to the floor just as she came. Sunset collapsed on her back, and Mistress’s cum sprayed all over her, warm, sticky, and wet.

Mistress was panting heavily, splayed across her chair, cock quivering, and the sound of their breathing mingled together. It was a wonderful feeling of just… belonging. Of course, Mistress had to get in the last word… “Now…” she began, licking the sweat off her lips and smiling faintly as the spell of her tool began to dissipate. “Dont you dare waste one drop of that.” Sunset stared for a moment, as her brain tried to process that statement… and blushed again when she realized what she meant, a hoof coming up to gently lift the sticky substance off her coat.

It tasted like salty mint.

~~~~~~~~~

Knock Knock Knock Knock.

Twilight looked up at the door. Stared at it, actually. Sunset was still mopping up the kitchen floor with a clean towel, and Spike wasn’t due back for another… Her eyes dashed to the clock, and she nearly swore on the spot. Spike wasn’t due for another thirty minutes, which meant whoever it was either had a problem or… Or the princess came straight here. Either thought was panic-inducing, but she would not panic. She felt too good to panic right now, even as the last bits of her carefully refined sexual spell flittered away.

Sunset gulped and Twilight sighed. She’d wanted to enjoy watching Sunset lick herself clean, but that wasn’t happening now. “Fast cleaning plan number three, Sunset!” She’d anticipated this, to some extent. When one lived a life of unabashed perversity, one prepared for the inevitable time when life would intrude upon it. Unfortunately, they were still going to be a little frazzled… but hopefully whoever it was wouldn’t notice.

So Sunset rushed over into the kitchen, her magic going ahead of her to throw the hot water onto full. Twilight summoned up her will and focused the spell through her horn. She didn’t like using this enchantment, but it was the only way to get the place clean enough to pass scrutiny. The Maid Spell rushed out of her horn in a storm of violet sparkles and swept across every surface of the library. Spike was going to kill her later, when he started getting scale itch from the magic contamination, but whatever.

Unfortunately, the Maid Spell had one flaw: it couldn’t do anything about the subtle smells in the air. The sound of Sunset vigorously scrubbing herself was aesthetically pleasing, but it wouldn’t do a complete job. Twilight bit her lip as the knock came again… Knock Knock! Much firmer, much more commanding. It had to be somepony important. She’d have to just wing it, as usual. So she lit a half dozen peach-and-strawberry candles and tried to position them subtly before checking herself in a mirror.

Her mane was too frizzed out not to be noticed, but Sunny was right there with a soaking wet comb and a bucket. “Hold still, Miss!” she quickly blurted out, attacking Twilight’s mane with the comb until it gave in to something resembling sense, the soapy water keeping any real snags from forming. It wasn’t perfect, but nothing was going to be. Sunset dumped the bucket, comb, and her cleaning rags into the sink and slammed the door shut. “Okay, we’re clear!” Twilight nodded and cantered over to the door, pulling it open to reveal…

A white coated unicorn with a bright, bubblegum pink mane and tail, and deep violet eyes. “Good afternoon. Is this the Golden Oaks Library?” She sounded quite chipper and vibrant, and in spite of being interrupted, Twilight instantly buried her annoyance at that fact.

“Yes it is,” Twilight began, eyeballing the sign and sighing silently. She’d love to say they were closed for lunch still, but they’d already cleaned up… She adjusted her suit-jacket and put on her professional smile. “Come right in. I’m the librarian, Twilight Sparkle. How can I help you today?”

The white mare trotted in cheerfully, doing a quick turn in place as she took in the library’s room, and Twilight shifted the sign around to ‘Open’. “Oh, I’ve just arrived from Canterlot,” the mare began as she trotted eagerly to the middle of the room. “I was wondering if you had ‘The Secret Sun: Disguises of the Princesses of Equestria’?”

Twilight blinked. “Uh… Yes, I think we do still have a copy…” She strained her brain for a moment, as she actually had to work to recall where she’d shelved that ridiculous thing. “It’s a complete fabrication, you know. The stallion who wrote it had an unhealthy fascination with Princess Celestia and Princess Cadence…. Um… Sunset! Do you remember where I put that drivel?”

“I can go get it directly if you need it immediately, Ma’am,” Sunset said, and Twilight couldn’t help notice her voice was still a little tremulous from their intimacy. “I…” she took in a steadying breath. “I shelved it just yesterday.”

Twilight turned to speak again, when a familiar and smooth voice utterly derailed her thoughts. “Actually, Twilight, the author was a good friend of mine. It was simply his way of teasing me a little after he got married, and we couldn’t enjoy one another’s company any longer.”

A rush of air and magic blew out from the center of the room. The smell of wildflowers rushed past her nose with notes of sweet honeysuckle and sun-baked earth. It was a smell that accompanied one, and only one, pony in the entire world. Twilight whipped around in surprise… having completely forgotten the line from her mentor’s letter the previous evening. Her smile was gentle and loving, and her eyes sparkled with pleasure. “And a good afternoon to you, Twilight.” Princess Celestia strode in past the door without another word and instantly dominated the entire library with her presence. Which naturally meant Sunset did everything short of crouch behind Twilight like a filly. “And to you as well, Sunset Shimmer,” the princess continued with a little giggle of delight. “It is good to see you both again.”

But, rather than stay neatly scrunched up and out of sight like Twilight expected for the first hour or so, Sunset peaked out and stepped up to the princess. Her look was nothing short of curiously scrutinizing. “Couldn’t enjoy…” Sunset murmured, more to herself than Princess Celestia, and she began looking her up and down. “Wait… wha?” When she did address the princess directly, Twilight nearly hid herself behind the reading sofa. “You seriously banged with normal ponies?” she asked, bluntly as a butter knife and completely disbelieving.

Twilight facehoofed. Celestia… laughed. Happily, easily, as though she was relieved to finally let out some humor that didn’t have to be graceful or special. “What? You think a grown mare can go a thousand years without a little relief?” Celestia cocked her head and gave Sunset a challenging smile. “Would you like to find out for yourself what sort of things I could get up to?” Her voice descended into a husky purr, and just that was enough to send shockwaves up Twilight’s spine that were not dissimilar to what she’d just been doing.

Sunset’s jaw nearly hit the floor, and the silence went on just long enough for Twilight to entertain some rather interesting thoughts before Celestia’s giggles broke the tension. “Oh, Mother preserve me, the looks on your faces!” Celestia nearly bent over double, her laughter utterly infectious. “Goodness. Given the smell in here, I would say the pair of you are already doing a little finding out of your own.” Her tail swished teasingly, and she settled out of her laughter with a gentle smile. “Which isn’t to say I never entertained the idea, mind you. But since you two are quite obviously smitten with one another…” Her eyes softened, and her voice went quieter. “It warms my heart, truth be told.”

Twilight took a moment to decide how to handle that statement. She decided, to preserve her sanity, that she would pretend it didn’t happen. Else she might end up waking up… Stop it Twilight and focus. “Thank you for coming, Prin-” She cut herself off instantly. Celestia had come here and had gone to the trouble to purposefully make the mood more casual. The last thing Twilight needed to do now was ruin that hard work. “Celestia. I know it must’ve been short notice for you.”

Celestia waved off that apology, still smiling with ease. “Luna has been chomping at the bit to exercise some of her rightful authority, and I look forward to hearing the tales of how she’s scandalized the Solar Court.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and she settled down in place to regard them both. “Completely aside from that, this is an important thing to deal with.” She focused her gaze on Sunset, and spoke in a rather.. direct sort of way. “Sunset, I have to admit how surprised I was…”

Sunset gulped visibly and Twilight steeled herself… Celestia kept speaking. “How much of a partisan you seem to have found in Rarity. She was quite dismissive of the incident the other evening and insisted I not hold you particularly accountable.” She paused, Twilight turned to look at Sunset with relief and found her little love looking more consternated than ever before. Celestia ploughed on, keeping her voice even. “Nevertheless-”

“Why does she keep trying to coddle my image?!” Sunset peeled off, directly interjecting over the princess and stiffening Twilight’s muscles for that. “Not hold me accountable my plot! I think all she knows how to do is apologize. She thinks she can just do that and get away with anything!” Twilight was deliberately avoiding Celestia’s eyes at the moment, following Sunset instead as she walked beside and behind Twilight and plopped down with a distinguished huff of irritation.

But Celestia hadn’t so much as expressed a frown. She glanced from Twilight to Sunset carefully, and something else went into her eyes. Twilight had always had a high opinion of her mentor, and it was one that had only grown over the years from all the wisdom she’d managed to impart. But it had not been until recently - until events had conspired to force her to actually wield royal power - that she had come to realize what other talents must lay beneath the surface.

Who had said it best? Applejack, funnily enough. You don’t rule like she has fer’ a thousand years an’ not learn a thing or two about how ponies think. Celestia blew out a held in breath and spoke in a gently serious tone. “It seems I have a great deal of work to do here after all.”

And if those weren’t ominous words, Twilight didn’t know what would be.