Living with the Night

Chapter 16

The Gala

The next two weeks went by rapidly for Connor and the rest of the group. Everyday Twilight had to school them on how to act properly in front of the nobility, paying extra attention to the more disruptive members of their group. Meanwhile Rarity was hard at work making the group’s attire. She mostly kept the dresses she and the mares used years ago with some modifications so they wouldn’t be the same. The mare made the suits for the stallions match their dates’ attires.

Rarity was horrified that Azure would not be in attendance since she had planned on her accompanying Connor and planned their outfits to match. It also became clear that Rarity would not have Connor going alone.

“I don’t see what the big deal is Rarity. People go to parties alone all the time.” He said Rairty triple checked to make sure his outfit fit him perfectly.

“Yes, social outcasts and shut ins. Besides this is the biggest party of the season.” She chastised while she made a note on a pad. “Not to mention given your status as a knight, it would be considered extremely awkward if you didn’t have a pretty mare on your arm.”

“I don’t even know who I’d go with.” Soarin came out from the changing room wearing his Wonderbolt dress uniform Rarity had spruced up for him.

“I could call in a favor and hook you up with a Wonder bolt.” Connor groaned and shook his head.

“Don’t use your influence to convince one of the rookies into doing something they don’t want to do.”

“I was talking about Spitfire.” Connor raised a brow. “She has to go, she’s the leader of the Wonderbolts and always complains about getting hounded by ponies wanting to be a Wonderbolt or asking her out.” Connor could think of one rainbow haired mare in particular who fit into both categories. “You get a date, won’t look like a loser and Spits doesn’t have to spend the night complaining, everyone wins.”

Connor sighed and considered his options. He had met Spitfire once or twice and she seemed cool, intimidating and had the air of authority that went with commanding the respect of a military branch, but cool. He gave Soarin the go ahead and the dates were set.

He hadn’t had any contact with Luna since her last message swearing eternal vengeance upon him for making her play through that abomination of a game. While the threats to do things anatomically impossible to him was frightening, any word from her brought a sense of warmth to him.

He hated to admit it, but he was feeling lonely without having someone around to spend time with. Sure there was Nero, but he couldn’t really have a conversation with him and everyone else had their own affairs to handle. He considered getting another roommate, but he was hesitant to give away Luna’s space like that. Who knows, she might need to spend the night once or twice.

Soon the night of the Gala arrived and the group departed Ponyville. Soarin, Dash and Spitfire would meet them in front of the gala since the Wonderbolts had to put on an opening show. Rarity had pulled out all the stops for Connor’s suit.

The jacket and pants were a deep blue color with a silver tie and matching lapels. Silver cufflinks and black leather shoes to match the belt. You always match the belt and shoes. As far as he could tell he was the only human in attendance and was getting a lot of odd looks. Once they saw he was part of Twilight’s entourage their whispers and leers ceased. The guys split off from the group of to strategize their plan.

“When’s a good time to pop the question?” Comet asked as his gold jacket shimmered in the evening light.

“Better to rip the bandaid off? Quick and done.” Thunderlane commented making Pierce shake his head.

“No, I’d say wait till things are starting to wind down for the night. Better for ambiance.”

“You do have the ring right?” Connor watched as Commet reached into his breast pocket and pulled out the small box and showed the repaired ring before quickly putting it back in. “Good. All we need to do is lay low and mingle. When the time is right, we’ll distract the girls and you can get Twilight alone.” A familiar blue stallion in tight blue and yellow flying suit landed near the group.

“Hey guys,” Soarin said pushing the goggles up over his eyes. “Dash, Spit and I will be in soon. Just got to get changed.” They filled him in on the plan before he took the skies and headed off to where he stashed his clothing. The group waited, soon Soarin and Dash on his arm arrived.

Soarin was wearing his dress uniform and Dash in her modified rainbow dress. Connor studied Soarin’s outfit and felt relieved that Spitfire’s would probably be in the same neighborhood as his; Plain blue with a few adornments and he assumed instead of pants she’s have a military issued skirt. The group continued to wait and Soarin raised his hand and called out to his captain. Connor turned and felt his jaw hit the ground.

The bright yellow mare’s attire was a strapless, fiery red dress with a deep plunge down the front going to her naval showing a generous amount of cleavage. The dress went down to her ankles and had a slit nearly going up to her right hip showing off her athletic build. Her mane which was usually neatly tied back into a braid had been combed and fell down past her shoulders. Connor felt Soarin lean over while smirking. “You’re welcome.” He whispered as she walked up to the group.

“Hey Soarin, Dash.” She gave each of them a nod. Connor felt her amber eyes slide over to him and look him over. “Well, you certainly clean up nice Connor.”

“I could say the same for you.” He gestured to her outfit. “I didn’t know you liked dressing up.” Spitfire groaned and rolled her shoulders.

“Normally I don’t, but Soarin insisted I ‘pull out all the stops’ as it were.” Connor looked at the blue flyer who was innocently whistling a tune. A barrage of trumpets sounded and everyone turned to see the large doors to the castle opening and ponies starting to head inside the main hall. “Shall we?” The mare held her arm out and Connor looped his through.

“Lets.” The two stayed with the group as they made their way inside. Princess Celestia was there to greet them all but there was no sign of Princess Luna. The hallway opened up to the great hall that had been decorated in every kind of finery to imagine. Streamers and ribbons hung from crystal chandeliers, a band was playing soft music in the far corner of the room and waiters were carrying all manner of hors d’oeuvres on silver platters.

“Gotta say, the nobility know how to throw a party.” Spitfire commented absentmindedly. Rarity was absolutely beaming at the decorations and fancy clothes everyone was wearing. Connor continued to feel eyes on him, although he had a feeling they were more interested with his date. “Ugh, I always hate it when they leer at me.”

Spitfire moved her arms to pull Connor closer to her and he could feel his face blushing a bit more as he felt his arm press against her chest.

“I know the feeling. Granted it’s for a different reason.” He whispered back to her.

“Oh I don’t know, I can think of a few mares who like exotic things.” She said as she gently bumped her hip to his. The group sat down at their table and spoke of little things of importance. It was a miracle Pinky hadn’t puled out her party cannon and fired it off. No doubt Pierce had a talk with her about it.

Celestia soon joined the festivities and took a seat on her gold throne that had a burning sun at the headrest. Beside it was a stone of midnight blue and a while moon fixed above. Yet, Luna was not there. Blazing trumpets echoed through the halls and everyone turned towards the grand staircase. A post stallion in a suit and well groomed mustache cleared his throat.

“Introducing Princess Luna of Equestria.” Everyone stood as Princess Luna stepped into view. Connor had to clench his jaw to prevent it from dropping. Her hair was tied back in an elegant ponytail and flowing black dress that reminded Connor of the calm night sky. Glittering jewels were worked into the fabric that shined in the light. An elegant silver crown sat atop her head and kept her hair to the sides framing her face.

The only sound in the room were her feet clicking against the white marble floor. Only when she sat on her throne did everyone else return to their conversations. Thunderlane leaned into the group and whispered.

“Damn Princess Luna has it going on.”

“You can say that again.” Rainbow said with nodding. AJ reached over and gently nudged Connor’s shoulder.

“Hey Connor, get your eyes back in your head.” Connor shook his head and looked back at the group sheepishly.

“Can you really blame him Applejack?” Rarity leaned in. “The Princess looks divine, I must get a closer look at that dress, it’s simply fabulous.” The Gala was soon in full swing after that and everyone had split off to start mingling with the crowd. Only Connor seemed to be the one left to his devices and that how he liked it.

A few attendees talked to him but they seemed to only care about any juicy information they could gleam about Twilight and her friends. He wasn’t having it and ended the conversation abruptly. Needing some air, he dipped out onto one of the balconies and loosened his tie for a moment. He stopped as he saw Princess Luna leaning on the stone railing at the edge looking out at the city bellow.

The lights in the grand hall didn’t do her justice. The dress was resplendent in the light of the full moon and her crown sparkled. He didn’t have to see her face to know that she was just as fed up with the party as he was. Connor cleared his throat and the Princess turned.

“Mind if I join you, your highness?” A bright smile cut across Luna’s face, but quickly cleared her throat remembering her position and their situation.

“It would be my pleasure sir Rowe.” She tilted her head down and he took a spot beside her and looked out towards Canterlot. He could see the majesty and beauty of the city. The windows lit up across the city mirroring the stars above.

“Haven’t seen you around the hall too much Princess.”

“I arrived late and I have no need of any more small talk with the nobility.” Her tone was firm and colder than ice. A long silence stretched between the two that was more apparent than the music and chatter coming from inside the palace.

“Well, you look amazing.” He said attempting to lighten the mood. Luna felt her face flush a little at the compliment.

“You as well. Generosity is quite proficient in her craft.” She eyed the suit and noted how well it fit his figure. “Captain Spitfire also looks quite beautiful.” She said the last words with a little more edge to her voice than needed. No doubt she had seen the attire and wasn’t keen on having her pressed so close to the human.

“It was Soarin’s idea.” Connor admitted. “Rarity wouldn’t stop hounding me until I agreed to take someone with me.” He said with a roll of his eyes. “I hope your date won’t throw me from the ramparts for taking up your time.” Luna let out a bitter laugh and rolled her eyes.

“You are safe for the night.” He raised a brow at her words and she sighed. “I am here alone.” Connor couldn’t help but gawk at the words. Sure, he was one thing but a Princess alone at a gala was unheard of.

“No one would agree to escort me, not without ordering them to and I don’t want to force any guard under my command to do something as frivolous as that under duress.” Connor just shook his head in disbelief.

“But you’re THE Princess Luna, I’d figure anyone would be lucky to escort you here.” She smiled for a moment but Connor could sense the sadness behind it. Luna turned her gaze back towards the city and leaned her arms on the stone rail.

“We have been blessed with privileges, powers and responsibilities, and because of that everyone assumes I am too good to ever be anything more than just their ruler.” She gripped the railing and Connor swore he could hear the stone groaning from her grip. “It has become impossible for me to form any kind of personal relationship with others.” Connor watched as she turned to face him once more. “That was until I met you.”

Her features softened and a genuine smile graced her lips. “When we first met you didn’t see me a Princess of Equestria. You treated me just like anyone else.” The mare took a step closer so she was eye level with him. “You made fun of me, pulled pranks on me and even went as far as to berate me, anyone else would have cowered at the mere thought of it.”

Connor felt his face turning red at the proximity of her body and his. She turned and looked back at the party.“Thanks to you, I will have fond memories of friends that will last me hundreds of years.” She turned back at him with those misty blue eyes. “What I’m trying to say is that you’re the type of person I’d want to be here with. Someone who just saw me for me.”

There was a question between them now. One that could change everything they had built between them. Connor gulped and felt his hand reaching up to put a strand of her midnight blue hair behind her ear.

“I-“

“Connor we have an emergency!” The two quickly stepped away from one another and both turned towards the doorway to see a startled Caramel. “Am I interrupting something?” Luna made a sidelong glance at Connor who was glaring at the stallion like he was ready to commit a warcrime.

“Not at all, I was just leaving.” Luna walked past the stallion and back into the crowd as Caramel approached Connor.

“We have a problem.” The stallion lead him back inside and off towards a table where the other stallions were gathered around a flustered Comet. Connor had seen this happen to Comet only once before, when he was first debating asking Twilight out years ago. The stallion was muttering to himself and starting to rock back and forth.

“Great, he’s going catatonic.” Pierce said as he tried giving the panicking stallion a shoulder rub. Connor rubbed his temples as he thought of something anything to do to snap him out of this. An idea slowly formed in his mind. It wasn’t a good one, but it might just work.

“Okay, you all try to keep him calm I’ll be right back.”

“Where are ya going?” Mac called out.

“To find some trouble.” Connor made his way through the crowd as best he could looking for any sign of mischief or tomfoolery. His eyes just managed to make out some invisible force gently nudging a punch bowl closer to the edge of the table. A passing stallion leaned on it causing the bowl to fall and shatter splashing punch on a mare’s hooves. The commotion spread quickly and Connor made his way to the nearby hallway.

The hall was dark and near silent but could still make out the sounds of laughter. “Discord, get out here.” The nearby bust statue hopped and Discord the god of chaos appeared before him wearing a brown suit. He crossed his arms as he looked at Connor.

“Oh great, the party pooper has arrived rain on my parade.” Connor rolled his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I’m not here to ruin your fun. I’m here because I need your help.” Discord raised a single white brow at the request. “How would you like to make a scene so chaotic it will be talked about for decades to come and cause me so much shame I might never leave my house again?” Discord sidled up to Connor and put an arm around his shoulders and brought him closer like two thieves planning the heist of a lifetime.

“My boy, you had my curiosity, you now have my attention.” He snapped his fingers to summon a pen and pad out of thin air. “Now, give me the details.”

~~~

Damn that stallion and his inopportune timing. Luna grumbled to herself as she made her way through the crowd. The attendees parted the way for her like schools of fish avoiding a shark. Luna’s ear twitched as she could hear the sound of giggles and laughter behind her. She ignored it and continued to muddle over her thoughts.

The giggles slowly turned into some laughter and it wasn’t until she heard the boisterous laugh to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie did she turn to investigate the source. She whirled and felt her mind go blank as she beheld something she didn’t expect to see in her wildest imagination. Standing before her was the human she had been speaking with not ten minutes before, but this time in a dress very identical to her own.

“Sir Rowe?” She stated almost robotic like. Connor crossed his arms over his chest and groaned.

“Well I hope you’re happy Princess. I made a bet and I stick to it.” In the back of her mind, Luna fairly remembered the human making such a wager weeks ago. She didn’t think he’d actually go through with the bet, but she wasn’t complaining. Her mind started to recover from the shock of what she was seeing and could stop herself from laughing. A loud rich laugh that sounded like pure music to the human’s ears.

“Where did you even get that dress?” She wiped a tear away from her eye as her other hand went across her stomach that started to ache.

“Lets just say Discord has his uses.” He said holding his hand out to her. “Would her royal highness care for a dance?” Luna manage to contain her laughter and nodded before taking his hand. “However it’s embarrassing since we’re wearing the same outfit, so one of us will have to change.”

With another laugh Luna waved her hand and Connor was back in his suit. “I was talking about you, but this works.” He shot Pinky a look who nodded and the mare jetted over to the band and started playing something a bit more festive. Connor set his hand on Luna’s hip and started to waltz with her. Luna leaned her head in to whisper.

“Where did you learn how to dance?”

“My sister needed a dance partner who wouldn’t try to grab her ass.” The crowd only stood and watched the two dance to the music over the marble floor. Over her shoulder Connor looked towards the group of stallions and fixed Comet with a glare that could rival an irate Luna. The type of glare that said; ‘Go now or I’ll kill you.’ He got the message and managed to see Comet stating and pulling Twilight aside.

The two continued to dance through the music and started to see other couples beginning to join in. The sound came to crescendo and the dancing ceased. The hall was filled with the sound of applause and gossip. Connor pulled himself from Luna and bowed respectfully. “It was an honor to dance with you your highness.” Luna returned the bow with a curtsy.

“You are quite skilled yourself Sir Rowe.” The two turned and made their way back into opposite ends of the crowd. The crowd parted for both of them and Connor returned to the group. Soarin and Dash were still laughing.

“I know I said it would be a riot if you guys came, but I wasn’t expecting a show like that.” Connor only let out a sigh and rubbed his face.

“Yes dear you should have informed us.” Rarity said with a giggle. “I could have done your hair, pair it with some tasteful eyeshadow.” AJ went and patted Connor on the back sympathetically.

“You guys are never going to let me live this down are you?” Connor groaned out.

“Nope.” Mac said as he handed Conner a much needed and deserved drink. The mood slowly shifted back to normal and though the new jabbing and mockery Connor hoped things were going well. He got his answer as an ear splitting “YES!” Shot through the party like a cannon going off. Apparently Twilight had unknowingly tapped into the royal Canterlot Voice in her excitement. All heads turned towards the balcony where Twilight was kissing and ugly crying with a ring on her finger.

The mares all crowded around the giddy Princess as Comet went over to the guys who all nodded at him.

“Finally.” Thunderlane said as he patted the unicorn on his back. Connor and the rest raised their respective drinks to the stallion before chugging back what they had. Comet turned to Connor.

“I owe you big time for that.”

“Yeah, you do.” Connor chuckled. Word soon spread through the gala and it wasn’t long before Princess Celestia made her way over to congratulate her former apprentice. There was a sudden flash of pink light that filled the room. Connor had to blink several times for his vision to turn back to normal. When it did he saw Princess Cadence and a bewildered Shinning Armor by her side.

“Something is happening here.” The crystal Princess scanned the room and her eyes fell on Twilight. Cadence immediately shifted into giddy mode and joined the others in fawning over the ring. Shining looked from Twilight to Comet several times before joining his wife in congratulating his sister. Comet went over to join the group while the stallions all clinked glasses.

“Mission accomplised.” Pierce said with a smile. There was more conversation and talk of different wedding plans. There was a moment one rarity was pulled away for a moment by a servant and headed out into the hallway for several minutes before returning. Spitfire had made her way over to Connor and sat down beside him.

“Well you certainly know how to move.” She said before stretching her arms over her head.

“I do my best.” She scooted her chair closer to him and smirked.

“I think I’d like to see some other moves you have in private.” Connor could feel the smolder coming from Spitfire’s heated gaze and gulped.

“Spitfire, I need to be honest. As tempting as that offer is I don’t think I’d be able to handle you.” The Wonderbolt pursed her lips and nodded.

“Yeah, you probably couldn’t.” She said with a somewhat disappointed but understanding smile. “Oh well, maybe I’ll see what Soarin and Dash are doing later.” Connor raised his glass to his date.

“Good luck, you’ll need the stamina.” Spitfire turned and smirked at ht human.

“I’m the Captain for a reason Conner.” She turned on her hoof and sauntered off into the crowd. Connor sat back and enjoyed his drink and light conversation with the stallions. Rarity trotted over and tapped him on the shoulder before letting him know there was a mare who wanted to talk with him. He was about to protest until he saw a familiar light blue unicorn mare wearing a stunning blue dress. The dress Azure was wearing was strapless, had had a slightly less revealing plunge in the front than Spitfire’s, but only slightly along with a slit that ran up to the mare’s mid thigh.

“I heard you might be here.” Azure teased as she brushed a strand of curled hair out of her face. Her enchanted silver bracelet catching the light. Connor stood up and brushed himself off.

“You heard right.” Rarity quickly made herself scarce but shot Connor a wink as she walked towards Thunderlane. Luna smiled and sauntered up to the human with a sway in her hips that was only accentuated by the tight dress.

“So, where is Princess Luna?” She asked in a too innocent tone.

“Don’t know, maybe she called it a night after her dance.” Her eyes sparkled in the light and feigned surprise.

“How bold. Tell me, how good of a dancer is she?”

“She needs some hoof work. Nearly stepped on my toes a few times.” Azure narrowed her eyes slightly as he chuckled.

“Think you have one more dance in you?” She held her hand out for him to take. As he did she lead him out onto the dance floor. The music had shifted from a traditional waltz to something more energetic. The two moved together like thy were joined at the hips and there was barely enough room between them to draw their own breath.

Connor kept her hand in his and his other moving to her lower back and waist as they moved. Azure pressed herself into his front and moved her fingers across his back and neck for purchase. With their proximity, Connor could feel his and Princess’s heart matching beat for beat. Their song came to and end and Connor ended with a dip so low the princess’s scalp nearly touched the floor.

Connor had slid his hand up Azure’s leg all the way to the seam in the dress’s split and she had wrapped her leg around his was it as he pulled her up. Their display had left a few of the mare’s fanning themselves and several stallions felt hot under the collar. To be fair Connor was feeling the same way and not just from the dancing. “I think we need a break.” Connor nodded in agreement and walked off the dance floor, his hand still around her waist as they made its through the crowd.

“You certainly don’t disappoint Sir knight.”

“You certainly know your way around the dance floor as well.” Another silence surrounded the two as the party goers went on. Connor’s heart was thundering from the dance and more importantly who he had danced with. He could still feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins as he looked at Azure.

“About what we were talking about earlier before we got interrupted.” Azure looked over to him and Connor could see the eagerness and anxiety in her eyes. “I was going to say; I’d like to be that guy.” Luna blinked a few times before feeling her face flush with color. Connor could feel his own face flushing bright red as the words came out.

“Maybe I should get us a drink before one of us says something stupid and we can’t blame it on alcohol.” Luna nodded and did her beast to calm her nerves while Connor went across the room to the refreshment table. He had just finished pouring the glasses when rarity appeared with a smug grin across her lips.

“That was quite a display Connor. You continue to impress.” Connor chuckled to himself as he looked at the pale mare. She leaned against the table and sighed as she looked out at the crowd. “I can safely say this night has been so much better than-“ Connor saw Rarity’s expression shatter from satisfaction to one of disgust. He followed her icy sapphire glare towards the entrance to the hall and saw the source.

A pale white unicorn stallion with a well groomed blonde mane who was wearing a pristine white suit made his way into the hall. While having never met him Connor immediately recognized the newcomer as Prince Blueblood. “Why is he here now?” Conner assumed it was because everyone had seen Luna leave.

“Just ignore him Rarity. No need to worry about him.” Connor got the drinks in either hand and turned just in time to see the cocky Prince approach Azure. Even this far away he could see the annoyance on the mare’s face. He quickly excused himself as he made his way through the crowd carful not to spill the drinks.

As he reached the edge of the crowd he could make out the sound of Azure telling the Prince to get lost and Blueblood beginning to throw a fit. Connor stopped a few feet away from the two. “Is there a problem here?” Blueblood turned and sneered at Connor.

“No business of yours ape.” Connor could see Luna’s rage starting to boil and gave her a look to not cause a commotion. Azure pushed herself off the pillar to go stand beside Connor, but the Prince put a hand on her wrist. “We were just getting to know one another.” Luna ripped her arm free of his grip.

“I told you to leave me alone.” She hissed out and stood beside Connor.

“You heard the lady, get lost.” As Connor started to lift the drink to his lips and invisible force of magic pushed the glass and spilled the drink on Connor’s face. Azure gasped and was grinding her teeth at the stallion. “Azure,” Connor muttered to the mare.

“How dare you be so disrespectful to a knight of Equestria.” Blueblood rolled his eyes. By this point a group of ponies were taking notice of the altercation and had turned to watch.

“An overgrown monkey as a knight? By the stars this kingdom is going to the dogs.” Luna’s ears were burning in rage as the Prince started to laugh. Connor had wiped his face clean with a nearby napkin.

“He is twice the stallion have ever been or will ever be. No wonder your aunts keep you occupied with all the grunt work, because you are so insignificant to handle any of the real work needed to run this kingdom.” There were several murmurs and a few chuckles through the crowd.

“Who are you to talk to me like that you smug cunt?” As Luna was turning the Prince lashed out and slapped the mare across the face. Luna did not cry out or stagger back. She only looked stunned as the realization of what had just happened. She slowly turned her face back towards the Prince. Connor started to see a few cracks in Azure’s disguise starting to appear on her form and knew the bracelet couldn’t contain this level of rage induced magic. She might even level the castle if she erupted and while that would be a sight to see, he figured it would be better if the palace remained standing, for now.

Connor reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. Luna’s head jerked back to him and to his credit didn’t shiver at the death glare she had. Wordlessly he handed over the unspilt to the mare who took it without realizing it. He side stepped the Princess so he was between her and the Prince. He stared the Prince down for a moment and sucked on his tooth before letting out a sigh

“There’s an old saying among my people Prince.” He stated calmly as he made a show of of inspecting his own hands. “‘Manners maketh man.’ I think it’s time you learned that lesson.” He finished saying right right before slammed his fist up into into the Prince’s face.

If there was one thing Connor learned from his sister it was how to properly throw a punch and where to throw it. The force of the blow caused the Prince to spin twice before dropping to the marble floor, unmoving. Connor shook his hand as he let out a breath. “That’s no way to treat a lady.” He took the drink back from Luna who was just staring at the unconscious Prince and pressed the cool glass against his hand.

No one in the room made a noise for a long moment. The entire Gala had been stunned into silence right when the Prince hit the floor. The silence was broken as the sound of someone making their way to the scene. Connor felt someone tap him on the shoulder and turned to see Shining Armor looking sheepish.

“Um Sir Rowe, you just assaulted a member of the royal family.” Connor looked back at the Prince’s prone form and noticed his horse shoes had come off from the force of the punch. “I’m sorry to have to do this, but I need to place you under arrest.” That had snapped Luna out of her stunned stupor and started to protest but Conner held up a hand.

“Fair enough,” Connor groaned before downing the last of the drink. “just one last thing.” He gripped Azure by the arm and pulled her into a dip before pressing his lips to hers. Several attendees started making ‘whooping’ noises, Dash, Pinkie and the stallions included. Luna’s mind was exploding with overstimulation and felt herself melting into the man’s arms and lips.

Conner set the mare back upright and made sure she was okay to stand. “We’ll talk later yeah?” Azure nodded dumbly as Shinning summoned a pair of handcuffs and clipped them on the human and reluctantly brought him out of the hall. As they left he could have sword he heard Soarin yelling, “Best. Gala. Ever!”

Shining escorted Connor through the castle and into a section that reminded him of a holding cell. The stallion un-cuffed him and gently prodded him into the cell before closing the gate.“Don’t worry, this will all be over soon and you’ll be out by morning. I just need to know one thing,” The Stallion leaned in conspiratorially. “I’ve had to deal with Blueblood for over a decade, how did it feel to punch that smug son of a bitch right in his face?”

Connor pondered the question for a moment. “His face was very soft, but to the Prince’s credit that jawline was no joke.” Shinning nodded like it was confirming a suspicion.

“Makes sense. Also, did you know about Comet’s proposal plan?” Connor nodded.

“He tried a few times before, but he bungled the attempts.” Shinning pursed his lips and nodded before leaving. Connor looked at the cell and did his best to make himself comfortable in the corner of the stone cell. All things considering, the night had been a good one.