A kiss at twilight.

Twilight sighed, and tossed her luxurious purple mane impatiently, while she tried to focus on the substance of the rather long-winded story that Colonel Huffington-Trott was recounting to her. She was far too well-bred a pony to show even the merest flicker of boredom, but this interminable party seemed to have been going on for an Equestrian eternity. Even the politest of princesses needed a break from the hurly-burly of the crowd - to gather her thoughts, and refresh her charming smile. But the Colonel, at last, coming to the conclusion of his rambling saga - a conclusion which he, at least, never failed to find devastatingly witty. As his jovial "Phwa Phwa Phwa" echoed across the ballroom, turning heads, Twilight found it easy to join in with good natured giggles of her own. She was a kind hearted soul - a perfect princess in many ways - and had captured the hearts of Equestrians rich and poor alike since her coronation and transformation from humble unicorn, to mystical Alicorn Princess.However, it had been a long hard journey to get to where she was today.

"Pardon me Colonel," Twilight murmured, "I'm afraid it's getting a bit stuffy in her. Would you please excuse me?" She walked towards the balcony with a polite smile, before he could begin to recount another of his epic tales. Squeezing past the ample haunches of a bejewelled dowagers mare - twilight ducked behind the lacy curtains, as they billowed in the summer evening breeze, and out onto the deserted terrace. At last, she permitted herself a deep sigh of relief and relaxation, as she slumped against he stone balustrade, and contemplated the elegant lemon-slice moon, floating serenely in the star-sparkling gin-and-tonic sky. It had been a long time since she had felt so peacefully alone, though the life of a princess was, it seemed doomed to an endless round of meeting and greeting, wining, dining and diplomacy, which left her, whilst seldom on her own, yet always haunted by a lingering, melancholy loneliness. Gone were the long, luxurious days of study and contemplation, with Spike cheerfully fetching and carrying, and making her tasty snacks and reminding her to eat them when she got to immersed in her books. Gone were the evenings of mad Pinkie Pie parties, with all the friends - laughing so hard and long into the night - rolling home at dawn, with a pocket full of party favors, and a heart full of happy memories. Ponyville seemed a million miles away, and at times she was so homesick, longing for Applejack's salty wisdom, Fluttershy's gentle kindness, the super-sonic speed, flash and flair of Rainbow Dash, and Rarity's oh-so irreplaceable 'je ne sais quoi darling'..."Oh how I wish I could see you all again" she whispered to herself.

"Princess Twilight," A voice comes from inside the ballroom. Twilight tried to pull herself together as her body guard walked through the adorned, lace curtains. Twilight's radiant, violet coat glistened in the indigo light of the sky and her subtle mane flowed in the soft breeze. Lightning Shield stood in the archway, his golden armour gleaming in the moonlight. Overcome, Twilight tripped on her gown and fell. She braced herself for impact on the marble floor of the balcony but she landed on something soft. "Wow. Even when you fall you're graceful" Lightning Shield laughed. The princess opened her eyes to see what she had landed on. As she looked up to find herself in the velvety, amber stallion's strong arms she blushed. "Thank you for catching me." she cooed. They stared into each others eyes and smiled. The sweet chirping of the crickets filled the warm mid-summer air as the two smiled and continued to keep their eyes fixed on each-other. "I mean it," he said sincerely as he helped her up, "I've never met a more perfect princess." A beautiful song began to play in the ballroom beyond the sparkling curtains. "May I have this dance?" He asked as he held her hooves in a tight embrace. Twilight beamed and her shimmering, silk gown glided on the wind. "With pleasure," she replied with a curtsy. Together, they walked through the lace curtains.