Operation Blueblood

Chapters

A Rocky Start
Duty Calls
A Bright Idea
All Good Things...

A Rocky Start

Drill Sergeant Stonehoof walked slowly in front of the assembled initiates.

"You ponies have proven that you have the skill, determination, and intelligence for the crucial tasks that a guardsmen faces on a daily basis." The veterans listening from hidden vantage points suppressed laughter, as this was the very same speal as their initiation. They quieted down and perked up their ears once more.

"There is an assignment of great import that I can give to only one of you and only the best will do." Stonehoof caught the slight puffing of each initiate's chests, suppressing a smirk at the ease of provoking these little displays of pride.

"The selection process is a difficult one.That said, I have never been one to shirk my duty and you will know within a few days. Dismissed!"

The recruits filed out with the practiced synchronization that training had produced. He knew that they'd be babbling in excitement as soon as they were out of sight. He chuckled and headed down to the mess, where all the eavesdroppers waited. They were silent, for a while, until he said: "Well, what's the betting?" they all laughed and began yelling out their suggestions in one voice.
"Creampuff!" one shouted; Creampuff being the nickname they gave to the young,arrogant aristocrat in the group. "Beefy!" said another-that needs no explanation.

"Alright,alright! Settle down! " said Stonehoof , in his gravelly voice, immediately quelling the noise: "All of them are capable, but which is more likely to snap first?"

"I reckon 'Silence' would do." said the Quartermaster. His suggestion was met with resounding agreement and nods. 'Silence' had been the only recruit to immediately grasp the curt answering style that most struggled with.

"How will he survive Blueblood's chatter?" Said one, imitating Blueblood: "Oh,I just bought the finest fur coat,fitting,for a royal, such as myself to wear,no? " The assembled burst out into laughter.
"Ok, 'Silence' it is." said Stonehoof and the assembled broke out the kegs they'd bought for the occasion and toasted the poor unfortunate.

'Silence', whose actual name was Lavender Sentinel,a name he got teased for a lot, was just as excited as the other recruits. He listened to the wild speculation:
"Perhaps we'll guard Celestia herself! which would be fitting for a pony of my breeding." said 'Creampuff', modestly,putting a hoof to his chest and smirking as if he'd already got the job.
The others laughed, "Yes,we know the story already: Born to the finest Equestrian stock, bar the Royal family." 'Nails' rolled her eyes. 'Creampuff' laughed. It'd taken him almost all of the training to get a sense of humor. Although he still had his aristocratic air,he was getting better at talking with the others.

"Maybe we'll be sent on a secret mission into Changeling territory! " said 'Nails', puffing out her gray coloured chest. "They'll obviously pick me." "Yeah," said Porky "If we were spies and not guards." 'Nails' huffed: "Hey,we're the best there is, so it could be! "

"Oh, it's we now? Here I thought we'd just been initiated." 'Nails' was very easy to rile and she bridled. Before the argument started and Porky ran for his life, 'Creampuff' stepped in: "Look, it's probably just 'Guard the lower balcony.' I mean, what else would they trust new blood with?" They all slowly subsided and 'Nails' contented herself with a half hearted punch to Porky's shoulder.

A messenger came to let them know that there would be no drills in the morning and that they could have a longer rest. The news was greeted with grateful smiles.

It turns out that the messenger lied and they all tumbled about in a fit to reach the parade ground on time.

"Good morning, Buttercups! Enjoy your rest?" a grinning Stonehoof said. The recruits were wise enough not to reply and to keep their expressions neutral.

"Now," Stonehoof said, returning his face to neutral "I was able to make my choice earlier than expected. Know that each of you had many qualities that were taken into account, but I could only choose one of you. 'Silent' step forward. The others struggled not to let their feelings show as Lavender stepped forward.

Stonehoof looked him over briefly with a critical eye: "Report to my office this afternoon. Now, all of you! 100 laps! "

They performed the laps without complaint and Lavender headed to Stonehoof's office, trying his best to rub out the track dust from his coat. He knocked and waited. "Enter!"came the voice. He walked in and stood at attention. After the introductions, Stonehoof went straight to the point: "You are to be the personal guard of Prince Blueblood." Lavender was momentarily taken aback and was about to break into a series of heartfelt thank yous before his training kicked in and he subsided.

Stonehoof saw the brimming excitement and couldn't help but feel a stab of guilt. Although it was a harmless prank, he hated seeing the new recruits return to hand in their resignation. It did help them keep their emotions in check,however.

"Now, as Blueblood's guard you will have a live-in position at his manor in Canterlot."

Lavender's pupils dilated slightly in awe, he'd never imagined that he'd have that much luxury.

Stonehoof walked over. "Now son," He said, in a rare moment of tenderness, "the prince can be very demanding of his guards and you should be ready for that." He said, vaguely, not wanting to entirely discourage the youth.

"If it becomes too much to bare," he continued, "I can always re-assign you."

This piqued Lavender's curiosity, but he replied steadily: "Yes,sir! I won't let you down,sir! "
Stonehoof smiled and passed him directions to Blueblood's manor.

"Very well then Guardsmen Sentinel. Report to your station.

Lavender tried not to exit too fast, or let the glow of pride show as he made his way to the recruits' bunk. He told the others in as matter a fact way as possible, in an attempt to soften the blow. Although more than a little jealous, they patted his back and wished him well. 'Nails' joked: "If you get in good with the prince,let him know about me,eh?" Lavender laughed and promised he would.

"I'll come to visit if I can." He said as if he were moving miles away rather than across the city. In that moment he realised how attached he'd become to these ponies, they suffered the same hardship,ate together,and laughed together.

"Well, goodbye." He said, keeping his emotions in check.

He exited the palace, his belongings strapped to his back, and headed for the manor-excitement and nervousness battling within him . He headed through the streets, crowded with well to do ponies and tourists from exotic places. Soon he came to an area with very few ponies in the streets and he passed the gates of various high society mansions before coming to a stop at Blueblood's. He pulled on the rope to sound the doorbell. Soon enough, the door swung in by itself and gave way to a beautiful garden:all manner of richly coloured flowers lined the path to the house, concealing small alcoves that held statues of ancient ponies,fig leaves covered their modestly,albeit a little.

He soon remembered his job and headed into the house. He was greeted by an empty hallway with gleaming white marble steps at the end. Lavender passed various art pieces to reach the foot of the steps.
"Sir?" he called, "Guardsman Sentinel, reporting for duty,sir."

"Ah,yes! came a voice that can only be described as snooty.The cream figure of the prince emerged from one of the rooms,his mane tacked up in a perm. "Tea. Now. A little milk,a shaving of sugar, and a bun, with cream in the middle." He said,in the most nonchalant way.

"But,sir," Lavender said,taken aback, "that's not my duty."
The blue eyes bore into him and the prince's mouth upturned, smugly.
"Well, it is now."

Author's Note

Sorry if this was a little long and or boring; I wanted to flesh out the story a bit first before the action. :P I hope you've enjoyed it so far. If not,please tell me how to improve. ^^ There are likely a few errors,so please don't hesitate to point them out!

Duty Calls

By the end of the day Lavender was exhausted; considering that he'd spent many hours on the training ground, that was no small feat. He'd had to perform the most menial tasks: drying down the prince's mane ,softly so as not to cause him discomfort,bring him tea, get his measurements, and all manner of other activities that left him doing everything but his job. He didn't even get as much as a "Thank you" when he was dismissed as his charge was far more concerned with brushing his mane and admiring himself in the hoof mirror; quite how turning one's face to one side and pouting made any difference Lavender had no idea.

"At least the room is nice." He consoled himself. The room itself must've been half the size of the barracks, fit with all the lavish furnishings he could've imagined. Now he could rest .... "Lavender!" came the voice from upstairs, accompanied by the ding of a small bell.

Lavender groaned: "Where did he get a bell from?!" just managing to drag himself from the bed and make it upstairs.
"Yes,sir?" he said, neutrally as he stepped into Blueblood's garish suite. The prince was reclined on his bed,twirling one lock of hair in the mirror.
"I require warm milk before I sleep."
Lavender didn't let his annoyance show and said "At once,sir." trying hard not to let his words drip with acid. He turned about smartly and exited.
"Not too warm," Blueblood called, "you wouldn't want to scorch the Royal tongue, after all"

Lavender ignored this and reached the kitchen,grabbing the tabletop.

I've only been here a day and already I hate it! He exclaimed, mentally. He was shocked that Blueblood had got so under his skin in such a short time, It usually took weeks for his annoyance to boil over,but he could barely suppress it! "No, you can do this! Stonehoof believes in you! He forced a smile and grabbed Blueblood's milk.

The bell rang again: "Oh,Lavender...my milk" he called,accentuating the last word so it sounded more like: "Miiillkkk".

Lavender grimaced, "Coming,sir! " The heater was taking too long so he took the glass and touched his horn to it,turning the contents to a pleasing heat. He rushed back up the steps and handed it to the waiting prince.

Blueblood smiled and took it,taking one sip and handing it back to Lavender. "That will do."

"Sir? Don't you want the rest?" The prince's mouth upturned and he spoke as if to a foal: "I handed it back to you,didn't I? That means I'm done."

"Very good,sir." Lavender said stiffly and took the glass away,inwardly fuming. He got into bed and waited for more summons,mercifully, none came.
It continued very much like this for the next two days; on the fourth Blueblood was entertaining guests and Lavender stood guard in the corner,pretending not to hear a thing.
One of Blueblood's companions, a cyan pony with an upturned snout, began talking very loudly about him. "Oh,so you have a new bodyguard?"

"Oh,yes." Blueblood's voice carried, "The others all resigned for some reason. I guess the standards at the Royal Academy are slipping if they shirk their duty so easily."

Their simpering laughter grated at Lavender's usually mild temper: "I worked hoof and nail to get picked for the Academy! You know nothing!" he thought,imagining Blueblood's face if he said it aloud and smiled to himself.
Blueblood snapped: "Lavender!"
He jumped, "Yes,sir?"

"Come here so my friends can get a look at you." Lavender walked over and stood still as stone while the company looked him over as if he were a prized pet.

"I love the hazel coat, and those eyes!" said one.

"Is that a straw yellow tail and mane I spy?" said another.

Lavender tried hard to keep himself from flushing, If it was from anger, or embarrassment, he couldn't tell; he was a Royal Guardsman after all and not some plaything.

Soon enough the interest faded and he was bade to fetch them drinks. When he returned it seemed they were still talking about him.

"You must do something about his armour,my prince. It's clunky and not at all in fashion." said 'Upturn' .

"That's because it protects me from dying, It isn't there just for show. Lavender retorted, in his head.

"I've seen a few chaps with this dashing purple armour and crest." chimed another.

Blueblood looked at him: "Is that so,Lavender?"

He was surprised to be asked his opinion: "Well,yes,sir. But that's reserved for officers."

Blueblood tutted "Now,that won't do. You are my personal guard after all. I can't have you walking around in..." he wrinkled his nose in distaste ,"that." he waved his hoof and Lavender took this as his queue to leave,biting back his outrage.

Late into the night the party continued to chatter and Lavender tactfully tuned out, unless his name was spoken,which it was, regularly and loudly. Lavender gave Blueblood his nightly sip of milk and went to bed. Although, tonight was different. The bell rang every 15 minutes, in quick succession, for ridiculous reasons: "Does my mane look good?", "I think I saw a spider!" , "Tuck me in?" When the ringing started again the dam broke. Lavender marched up the stairs to find Blueblood lying on his belly and whinging.

Clop starts here. TL;DR: Sex. Lavender sleeps with Blueblood.

Without thinking, Lavender walked up and spanked the royal rear, earning a yelp from Blueblood and a slight quiver in the creamy ass.
They were both silent,in shock.

Blueblood broke the silence first: "Y-you struck me!" The Prince's eyes were wide.

"I did,sir." Lavender managed to say.
Blueblood's head reared back, like a snake about to strike. Suddenly, he stopped and a slow smile crossed his features.

"Kiss it better." he said,presenting his ass to the confused guardsmen.
"Sir?"
"You heard me, It's only right. "

Lavender thought over his choices while staring at the pert ass. He leaned forward and prepared his lips. At the last moment Blueblood shifted so the kiss landed on his tight hole.
"Clumsy me!" he said, with mirth.

Lavender could imagine the smirk from here. He blushed wildly, but found the move oddly arousing. He might not have liked the prince as a person, but the royal was one of the most sought after stallions in the realm.

Blueblood smiled and tickled the thinking guardsman's nose with his tail. "See? that wasn't so hard." He motioned with his eyes, "but I can't say the same for you."

Sure enough,Lavender's dark colured member was standing at attention. To quiet Blueblood Lavender stuck his tongue to the prince's hole, moving in slow circles, before pushing against the entrance teasingly. Blueblood squeaked and gasped as the tongue entered, warm, wet, and probing.
The guardsmen found the taste pleasing,not too bitter.

As he probed deeper he provoked more noise from the prince and he found himself wanting it more. Eventually Blueblood pushed him back and sat up, looking over the guardsmen with his dazzling blue eyes, but no longer in a piercing, critical way.

"Why don't you take that armour off?" he said, in a low and silky voice,trailing his hoof on the bedsheets.

Lavender obediently stripped down, grateful for the release on his crotch.

Once he was done,Blueblood motioned: "Come here."

Lavender climbed onto the bed,his head a mess of confusion and hormones. Blueblood's smile,where once it had been infuriating,was now inviting.
"Ah,ah ,ah." said the Prince, with a wave of his hoof,"lie across my lap." Lavender obeyed and Blueblood began teasing his tail,making it rise and fall as he stroked.
"You're a bad boy,aren't you? " He said, in a musical way. Lavender didn't respond and was rewarded with a spank that made him gasp aloud.

"Revenge." Blueblood said, before giving him a few extra smacks that reverberated in the space,the guardsmen's ass clenching and relaxing with the rise and fall of his hoof.
While there was some pain in Blueblood's actions,it was also highly arousing. The guardsman panted,looking into his prince's eyes.

"I haven't heard an answer." The prince smiled and brought his hoof down.

"I'm bad." mumbled Lavender.

"What was that?" The prince asked, innocently,bringing his hoof down hard.

"I'm a bad boy! "

The prince smirked: "Yes,you are."

Lavender blushed after he registered what he'd said. Blueblood pushed him back, gently,presenting a fully erect,gray coloured shaft.
"You know what to do?" He asked, kindly, all arrogance gone from his expression. Lavender went a deeper shade of crimson as he examined the shaft: a flared head,thick body ,and large balls at the base.

Lavender breathed a bit harder as he got closer and placed his tongue at the base, before sending it upward, in a slow stroke,stopping at the head and moving this tongue in a circle around it before planting a kiss on the urethra.

Blueblood watched his motions with interest. "Seems to me like you've done this before."

Lavender blushed "No,sir." he went back to licking around Blueblood's thickness.

"Cute and a virgin! This is per-fect! The last half of the word came out in a moan as the blushing Lavender took the prince's shaft into his mouth and began to suck,his eyes closed from embarrassment at the prince's words.

The head tasted faintly salty and he found himself enjoying the sensation. Blueblood's legs bucked and his moans more frequent.
Lavender prepared himself and pushed his mouth further down the thick length,struggling not to gag as the head hit the back of his throat

The prince moaned louder still and Lavender tasted a small sliver of salty semen on his tongue,bringing his head back again and diving back down.

Blueblood's shaft twitched. Moments later a thick jet of the thick, salty fluid hit the back of Lavender's throat and he pulled back to receive a warm load over his face before the flow stopped.

"Wow..." said Lavender, in awe.

Blueblood laughed: "Wow,indeed."

They stared at each other and Lavender looked away: "Will that be all,sir?

Blueblood pressed a hoof to the guardsman's muzzle: "Shhh,no sir now. Turn around for me?"
Lavender did so,marveling at the softness of his touch.

Blueblood lifted the guardsman's tail and planted a kiss on his tightly shut hole,doing as Lavender had done at the start: slowly circling the puckered hole and sending his tongue to probe the inner walls,earning soft gasps from his companion.

Blueblood smirked and darted his tongue inside,probing first in one place, then another, while moans of bliss reached his ears.

After a while Blueblood stopped and moved back, a thin trail of saliva linking tongue and hole. "Are you ready for more?" He asked,already knowing the answer.
"Yes!" The guardsman was in the thrall of passion now.

The prince smiled and flared his horn,wreathing his newly hardened shaft in protective magic before probing the guardsman's welcoming entrance.

It was just as tight as he expected from a virgin. He struggled to find a beachhead as Lavender's inner muscles fought his efforts; speaking of which,the pony was lying belly down,raising his ass higher to assist, while moaning, unashamedly.

Despite the fierce resistance, Blueblood carefully pressed on as the inner muscles relented slightly. The grip on his shaft was like a vice, making it all the more pleasurable as he pulled back and pushed back in, mounting the other and pressing down on his shoulders.

Blueblood's magic was not only protective as Lavender soon realised: a tingling sensation accompanied each thrust, making vibrations course through him, teasing every spot as they past. He felt himself leaking and completely surrendered as the shaft pulled back so that only the head remained inside and slammed back in.
With a loud moan that could've been heard in the Academy, Lavender came on the sheets, while his partner did the same inside him; he whimpered at the sensation of being filled as his back legs gave out .

He heard a sucking sound as Blueblood's cock was released.

The panting prince noticed the stain and said, tiredly, "Now...look.... what... you.. did." being unable to summon his stern voice. He brought the exhausted Lavender into his hooves and smiled before pulling the sheets over them.

Author's Note

My first attempt at a clop scene-hope it's not too bad!

A Bright Idea

Lavender's internal clock woke him at the usual time, his eyes fluttered and he surveyed his surroundings.
"Hey," He said sleepily, "This isn't my room." He looked to his right and saw the prince lying prone next to him. His eyes widened as the sleep induced amnesia faded.

"Oh buck..." he said,having to stop himself from falling.

He quietly got out of bed,freezing as the prince rolled over and mumbled something, golden mane in disarray. Lavender couldn't help but smile before he exited and headed down the stairs to run himself a hot bath. He exhaled blissfully as his body met the water, caressing his aches away. Inevitably he began to think about what had occurred last night. He didn't really understand why it'd happened; he'd gone to the prince's chamber to tell him to stick his orders up his...nevermind. Yet, they'd ended up sharing a bed.

Lavender dwelt on this for some time, perhaps there was some latent attraction that had been suppressed by annoyance? Or perhaps the heat of the moment got to him? In any case, the deed was done.

A nasty thought rose to the surface: "What if my superiors found out?" He'd been charged to protect the prince and if word got out, then there'd be an uproar. Not because of their shared gender as ponies don't care for such things, but rather that it would be seen as him taking advantage of his position.
He suppressed his growing fear: "Nobody needs to know and it's not like anyone does,but he and I." It would work out: Blueblood would order him about some more and he'd fulfill his role as the grudging servant.

His thoughts were interrupted by the light tapping of the prince's hooves, which grew steadily closer. Sure enough,Blueblood entered the room and Lavender tried his best to imitate a frog,his body motionless and head poked up out of the water,watching his charge.

Blueblood didn't fall for the clever ruse and simply said "Hi." his face giving nothing away,but his tone suggested that they'd been thinking the same thing.

"Hi." replied Lavender. An awkward silence followed.

"I see you took the liberty of having a bath before me." the prince said,attempting to reassert his princely authority ,but he seemed to stumble over his words.

"Could you perhaps run one for me after you're done?"

Lavender was surprised,the prince never phrased his orders that politely. Something must've shown on his face as the prince recoiled
"and change my sheets! They're too messy now." With that, Blueblood stomped out,he didn't have a heavy tread so it sounded more dainty than intimidating.

Lavender got out shortly and performed the tasks. He shampooed the prince's mane, as usual,but there remained a strained silence between them. Usually he would be chided,or have to listen to Blueblood's many tall tales,or about that one time he and his friends had gotten lost and had to stay in a village inn for the night. After he was done,Blueblood simply motioned to the door with a flick of his head and Lavender left. Seems that things wouldn't return to normal quite so easily after all.

A week or two passed before Blueblood broke the silence, while he sat at a bench in one of the alcoves. "I did enjoy it, you know." he said, simply. The noise of water spouting from a nearby fountain filled the silence. "I did,too." Lavender admitted.

It might've been the light,but the guardsman thought he saw a flicker of a smile cross the other's lips.
"Of course" Blueblood continued "It might not be wise to do as we did again. I think it'd spell more trouble for you than myself."

"Perhaps you're right, sir." Inwardly he was pleased as this was the closest Blueblood had gotten to expressing care for him.

Blueblood sighed, "You know,most ponies think me a pampered little princeling living on Auntie Celly's good will, but all you see here I bought myself." Lavender's ears pricked up,but he said nothing.

"Aunt Celly gave me some money,yes. But I invested most of it in boutiques and other businesses and before I knew it,boom!" He said,knocking the cover of his book for emphasis: "money fit for a royal." He trailed off and Lavender realised that he'd made the same assumptions, which the prince's personality hadn't really helped dispel.

All Blueblood's anxieties seemed to bubble up to the surface in that moment: "I don't think Aunt Celly likes me very much, now. I get invited to the Gala and other events,but those seem to be the only times I ever see her and Auntie Luna. She never visits,or writes. All I'm left with is my money and friends."

Blueblood sighed,returning to his book,expecting no answer.

"Why don't you invite her over for tea,sir?"Lavender asked, after a while.

The prince looked up,studying the guardsman's face,searching for some mockery. "Invite Aunt Celly here?" he asked, as if the idea had never occurred to him before.

Lavender shrugged. "It can't hurt,sir. "

Blueblood set his book down. "We'll need to go into town and get some things."

"Very good,sir." Lavender said,feeling pleased.

When Lavender returned to his room he found a new kit bag on the bed, with an attached note.

"Lavender,
you might need this to look like a bodyguard fit for a prince.
-BB "

Lavender opened the bag and found shiny new purple armor within.

Although he was pleased,he felt a little spoiled, because it was only the bravest of the brave that wore this kit after many years of faithful service and sacrifice. As he pulled it all out he realised that the armor was markedly different from officer's garb: A larger face-plate, huge horsehair crest, thicker epaulets and a velvet cape,trimmed with ermine, that clasped to two small catches. He thought this highly impractical,but realised that the cape came off with a sharp tug so there was no danger.

It was beautiful work,but it felt wrong to wear. Last, but not least, he came to the sword,sheathed in a shining black leather, with gold inlay at the edges. He drew it and immediately felt the perfect balance. The blade sang as he twirled it before sheathing it again, reverently.

"Blueblood did say he was getting this for me before we ... did it." He looked it over,knowing how much it had all cost,sighed and started to strap it on. He would return the armor and sword should he be reassigned. He fastened on the breastplate,bracers,and other protective pieces before standing at the mirror, with the helmet under one hoof . He couldn't deny,it looked incredible.

Blueblood came in shortly: "It looked as good as I imagined." Picking up the cape and fastening it to the clasps, while Lavender tied on the sword.

"Sir,I'm..." Lavender started, "overwhelmed,but to have gone to such an expense..."

"Oh,pshaw," Blueblood replied,waving his hoof, "I was having it made anyway." He noticed Lavender's discomfort: "Don't think that it's because we shared a bed-,even if we hadn't, I still would've asked you to wear it."

"Thank you,sir." Lavender managed with feeling.

"Yes,yes." Blueblood said, "You're deeply honored and so on. Let's get going before the sun goes down." the prince led the way out of the manor, up until the gates, where Lavender took the lead.

The guardsman parted the crowds easily enough with his trained voice and slight prodding at the slow ones;although, most parted at the sight of his new armor and the prince.

They found a china seller not too far from the main hub. The poor mare at the counter looked as if she was about to keel over before coming out and kneeling. "Ma Prince" she said, with a voice that some of the higher ups would call "Common".

Blueblood bade her rise. She appeared nervous to be in the presence of royalty: "How may I help you?"
"We're looking for a new afternoon tea set." he said, in his usual voice before adding: "please." His mouth seemed unaccustomed to uttering the word.

"You don't want this stuff,ma prince." she said,motioning at the sets on display, "I'll get ma best." She ran out into the back and Blueblood smirked at Lavender. "Somebody knows how to treat royalty."

"As you say,sir." Lavender replied, evenly,glad that the face-plate hid his rolled eyes.

The mare hadn't lied when she said it was the best: The polished porcelain positively gleamed as it was unveiled. To her credit, she even gave the prince a good price,wrapping each piece with care before strapping the bag to Lavender's back. Blueblood put a gold bit on the counter. "For your service." The pair took their leave.

After getting fine tea and those cakes Celestia was known to love Blueblood was in high spirits: "Alright,home we go then!"
They were home shortly and all the pieces were laid out on the mahogany table.

"Oh,dear." said Blueblood, "I almost forgot to send the invitation!" He laughed and passed the letter to Lavender "Deliver this to Auntie Celly." he commanded,then remembered to add: "please."

Lavender headed out again,going straight for the palace. As he passed through the outer gate he felt very out of place when he saw the other guards, in their standard kit,seeing himself as a preening peacock among hardened and loyal dogs. He was bade to wait by Celestia's chamberlain and he relaxed,looking around.

"Lavender?" Came a familiar voice from one side passage, "Is that you?" The familiar figure of 'Nails' emerged from the gloom.

"Yeah,it's me." he said,taking off his helmet and smiling.

'Nails' looked him up and down and raised an eyebrow in obvious question.
"The prince wanted me to wear it." he said, defensively

'Nails' leaned against the door-frame of her post "Sure. So,what's it like being Prissy's bodyguard?" she asked.

"It was tough at first,but I've gotten used to it."

"Slicing cake must be real tough." she said,then relented, "Sorry. I've heard the word around that nobody's lasted longer than a week before. The vets are worried because they'll lose the money they wagered."
"Bets?"

"Oh,yeah. I guess they didn't tell you. They made bets on how long you'd last under Blueblood."
Lavender frowned and felt an urge to come to the prince's defense: "He's not all bad." he managed, lamely.

Before 'Nails could reply the chamberlain ushered him through to Celestia's study. He didn't dawdle,but managed to cast a cursory glance around the room before coming face to face with the monarch.

Celestia's face broke into a soft smile: "My chamberlain says you came from my nephew."

"Yes,majesty." Lavander replied,trying not to let his awe show. He stood for a moment then remembered the message and passed it along.

"Thank you. " she said. The small courtesy somehow made Lavender feel proud of himself. He didn't know why,he supposed it was part of her charm.

Celestia scanned the letter and broke into a wide smile "Oh,how wonderful!" she said, with enthusiasm before grabbing her own quill and scribbling a reply.
"Tell the prince I will be there." She passed the note back and Lavender took it. He bowed ,"Thank you,Majesty." He left the room,the glow of pride in his chest at the brief conversation.

He returned to Blueblood,who was tapping his hoof: "What did she say?" he asked, anxiously.

Lavender passed him the new letter. "She would be glad to attend,sir."

Blueblood's face broke into a broad grin,becoming as excited as a foal on Heart's Warming eve. "Wonderful!" he said,grabbing Lavender's hoof, "come help me prepare."

"But sir,she's not coming for two days." Blueblood's enthusiasm was infectious and he found himself smiling.
Blueblood had already taken off at a canter "We'll be ready early then!"

On the day of Celestia's visit Blueblood became jittery and nervous,wanting everything to be absolutely perfect. He even had the maids,who came in for a few hours every so often, work overtime, with double pay, to ensure success.

The doorbell rang and Blueblood panicked a little. "Calm down,sir." Lavender said, gently, "everything's perfect."
The prince appreciated that and the pair went out to meet his guest. There was a slight blow to the wind and locks of Celestia's rainbow-coloured mane covered her eyes. She laughed and blew on them and they seemed to knit back into place.

Blueblood grinned from ear to ear. "Auntie Celly!" he called and headed up at a trot,they embraced. "Dear nephew!" the monarch replied, warmly. Lavander couldn't help but smile at the sight. Blueblood ushered her in and Celestia expressed her delight at the decoration. "Really,nephew, you shouldn't have." her face lighting up,making both stallions glow with pride.

The tea itself went well. the prince and his aunt laughed together,speaking about all manner of things.

Eventually Celestia asked: "Well,nephew? Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend? " Lavender froze as he caught a hint of emphasis.
"Of course,auntie. Lavender? Auntie Celly would like to meet you."

Lavender strode over as Celestia's magenta eyes studied him,intently,she had some secret smile as if she knew everything there was to know about him.

"A pleasure to meet you properly,Guardsman Sentinel" she said, formally, "or do you prefer Lavender?"

Lavender swallowed,finding his mouth dry, "Lavender,your grace."

"Oh,nephew? Could you grab me some more of those cakes I adore so much?" Blueblood hastily obeyed and they were left alone.

"My nephew has never retained a bodyguard for so long. I wonder why that is?" she said,with an amused twinkle to her eye.

Lavender found himself compelled to say everything and had to force himself not to reveal all.

"It was difficult to begin with,your grace. The prince is very..." he searched for the right words.

"Hard to please?" Celestia supplied.
Lavender nodded and the princess laughed, musically. Although he didn't understand the joke,Lavender joined in .

"My nephew is a good colt at heart. It might be hard to see sometimes,but it's the truth. I'm glad he's made a friend in you"

Blueblood returned and handed her a bag of cakes. "Here you are,Auntie!"

Lavender had to admit,seeing Blueblood act this way was surprising,but also endearing,a hidden sweetness, under a hard shell.

"Thank you,nephew." she said,taking the bag with her magic and embracing the prince. "I must be off now. The realm doesn't run itself after all! The tea was excellent."

Blueblood guided her out,a little disappointed, even though Celestia had been there for at least three hours.

Celestia placed one hoof on Lavender's shoulder. "Take care,Lavender. " she said as she walked towards the gate. Blueblood turned away and as he did,the guardsman could've sworn the monarch winked at him, secretively.

He walked back inside to an excited Blueblood. "What a bright idea you had,Lavender!" he exclaimed, " it went so well!"

Lavender beamed back and Blueblood's ears flickered "Thank you." he said, with genuine feeling.

"My pleasure." Lavender replied, with equal feeling.
No words passed between them at this point. Blueblood stepped forward and kissed the guardsman.

The kiss had been a long time coming and it was lengthy,the pair moving their lips and faces,prolonging the motion as they let their affection for each other be known, uncaring and unaware if anyone saw.

Here there be clop!

As expected,the pair quickly headed for the prince's bedroom. Lavender walking back, while the prince moved forward,their lips locking and releasing at regular intervals, with audible sound . Through some miracle,Lavender found the bed and Blueblood quickly followed him, teasing the blushing guardsman's tongue with his own as he used his magic to undo the straps of the other's armor.

"You are fun." Blueblood said,affection evident in his tone and action.

"So are you,my prince"

Lavender's breastplate fell with a clang,and the rest soon followed. Blueblood moved his kiss to the guardsman's neck, who gave a slight gasp, moving his neck to give the prince better access.

"You are a sweet colt." Blueblood said, by Lavender's ear, kissing in a trail down the guardsman's chest,coming to a stop at the staff down below. The guardsman's eyes met his pleadingly and the prince moved his skillful tongue over the dark balls and up the base,offering a wink as he reached the tip.

Lavender shuddered, "It feels so good! " he almost yelled, aloud.

This thought multiplied a thousandfold as Blueblood locked his lips around the bucking member,taking his time,creeping from the head to the beginning of the length and back again, while his partner writhed and gasped.

Blueblood prolonged the pleasure by increasing the amount he took in,sucking powerfully on Lavender's member.

It didn't take long before Lavender shuddered and came,no warning whatsoever,but Blueblood didn't mind. He took all the seed he could in his mouth,pulled back,making sure to make eye contact and swallowed, noisily.

Lavender uttered a small sound in his throat and the prince came forward and kissed him. Lavender put his front hooves around the prince's back.
He stared into Blueblood's eyes,blue mirroring hazel and said: "I love you."

Blueblood was speechless for the first time in his life,emotions flickered over his face before his expression softened, eyes crinkling at the broadness of his grin.

"I love you, too." he replied and the pair kissed heatedly before Blueblood changed the position,spooning with the guardsman. He rubbed the other's hole with his hoof,placing his shaft just below it.

The pair continued to kiss and Lavender gave a small nod in signal. Blueblood pushed in, enjoying the vice like grip on his member. They moaned into each other's mouths,hot breath mixing with the rising room temperature.

After some time, short thrusts and pushes, bore fruit as the guardsman's ass gave way and the prince was able to slide in and out, with ease. Lavender had his face to the bed sheets,eyes glazed and tongue lolling,cute moans sounding with each labored thrust.

Several minutes of hard thrusting ensued. As before, Lavender came first, with such ferocity that a splodge hit the nearby wall. Blueblood soon followed, filling him to the brim.

This time,however ,the pair remained alert, trading kisses,pokes,tickles and other such things as they nestled next to each other.

"I'm so happy." said Lavender, cheeks glowing and eyes bright.

"Me too,sweet one." replied the equally enamored prince, "me too."

Author's Note

My,this turned out longer than I thought it would! There are likely to be more errors in this one, as I'm travelling tomorrow and I wanted to get this part done. Enjoy! ^^

All Good Things...

In their walled haven the prince and his guard continued their scandalous romance. Although very discreet in public and when they had company,in private, the depths of their passions were laid bare. Truly,it was as if their coming together was the plot of a Romance. They were "Love's own pair"*, entirely bound to its whims,all logic and reason thrown to the wind as the call of their hearts drowned out the voice in their heads which had one been so loud.

The months went by like a passing breeze.

To be drunk on love is a sweet thing and an intoxicating one: carelessness is bound to follow as all over things pale when compared to Love's sweet fruit.

The pair walked together in the gardens,they were silent, but there was no need for words, all that needed to be said had already passed between them. They walked along the stretch closest to the wall as Blueblood was determined that his lover should sample the blackberries that grew at the base of it. As they walked,Blueblood's eyes fell upon a collection of flowers he had never seen before: the stem was completely devoid of thorns and the flower itself looked as if it contained a shimmering flame that flickered as the wind played upon the petals.

He stooped and plucked one, sniffed, and immediately he was met with a sweet perfume that seemed to dance along the length of his nostrils,giving him a light kiss in farewell as it faded.

He turned to Lavender,presenting the flower, "To you, the one who has ignited this flame within me, I give my heart"

Lavender took the flower,turning a similar shade of crimson to the leaves,quite unsure what to say.

Eventually,he spoke: "I didn't realize you were such a romantic." He said,quite confused at the sudden,poetic, turn of phrase.

Blueblood smiled,leaned forward,and with infinite tenderness,kissed his love.

As they shared the kiss,there was a faint click as if a butterfly- Oh, wait,that was a camera.

They looked up and a figure dropped into the alley below.
Lavender needed no prompting,dashing out into the street,his brain saying, "What did I tell ya?" He silenced his brain and managed to catch up with the fleeing figure. Now,you might ask,how did he catch up? Well, the intruder was quite out of shape and had stopped a few yards away to catch his breath,waving a hoof.
"The picture." Lavender said,icily.
The lad took it and ran off,I just propped him up.

Lavender looked through the sweating stallion's camera to make sure before interrogating him. The stallion was more than happy to oblige,but his answers were interrupted every few words with a noisy inhalation:

" We were... walking by...when...we heard...your chatter and...decided..to..take..a look." he finished before adding "He's long gone by now. Besides,what's the harm in ponies know-" He looked at Lavenders armor "oh..."

Lavender wanted to say something about private property,but the words died in his throat and he headed back into the manor,his face pale. Blueblood saw this immediately and hugged the stallion. Lavender buried his face into Blueblood's shoulder.

"What happens now?" He asked,in a small voice

"I don't know," said Blueblood,his hoof trailing along Lavender's back, "I really don't."

The news struck Canterlot like a wildfire. Headlines like: "Blueblood's Guard Lover: The Inside Story" were abound,and the news was on everypony's lips. Reporters camped outside the gates in the hopes of catching a glance at them.

Blueblood and Lavender stayed inside, they could hear the clamor at the gates and it was more than a little frightening.

They sat at the manor steps one morning,heads in hooves. Lavender's ears perked up as he heard a familiar, booming voice: "OUT OF THE WAY, GUARDSMAN COMING THROUGH!" It was the Drill Sergeant. the guardsman was glad,but terrified at the same time. The gates opened slightly to allow Stonehoof through and the reporters attempted to rush in ,too,but Stonehoof kept them back,slamming the gate before walking up the drive.
"Parasites." he said,dusting off his armor.

He caught site of Lavender and the prince and his face softened. "Lad." he said to Lavender, "Y'grace." to Blueblood.
The pair gave him sickly smiles.

Stonehoof nodded and produced a paper. The others scanned over it with dread. All sorts of outrageous claims were made: that Blueblood showered his lover in jewelry and gifts. While the rest was false,the one fact they had was the price of Lavender's armor and sword-it was hinted that funds were taken from the treasury. The pair called out the lies and denied it at some length before Stonehoof held up one of the famed limbs for silence.
"It's not for me to judge the truth. I mean,I believe you,but it's out of my hooves. I'm afraid you'll both have to come with me."

The pair went very pale and barely managed to nod.
Stonehoof took the lead,making a path for them as innumerable camera flashes half blinded the poor lovebirds.
They made it through to the palace,and the guards at the gate crossed their spears to prevent the press entering.

The pair were brought to a sparse waiting room before an oak door and were bade to wait.

Lavender felt as if he were about to throw up,and the prince didn't look much better.

A grim looking official walked out "Lavender Sentinel? " he said, In here,if you please.

Blueblood hugged the terrified stallion and kissed his forehead. "It'll be ok,I swear."

Lavender's terror was abated a little and he said "I love you" before following the official.

The room was very bare, save for a seat in the center and three ponies in Guard regalia stood on a platform,looking very serious.

There were no criminal charges,but the tribunal concerned whether he should be dismissed from the Guard for "Inappropriate" relations with his charge that could have put them both at risk.

Lavender was very truthful throughout the questioning,never hesitating. He told the truth about the armor and denied the other allegations. Once or twice he caught his judges nodding as if his story coincided with their knowledge.

At the end,the wizened mare in the middle of the trio said "It is the opinion of this council that you might retain your position in the Guard at a new posting....however," she said, flint eyes staring into Lavender's "for the benefit of the Guard and the Royal Family...your relations with the prince must end."

Lavender was pained: his entire life he'd dreamed of joining The Royal Guard. He'd worked countless hours in school,distinguished himself in the Royal Army and now he was issued with this ultimatum: See that work crumble to dust,or choose love.

Lavender's voice cracked with emotion as he replied: "Then I am no longer a guardsman." The three heads nodded. "So let it be."

The guardsman exited,tears streaming down his face. Now he was free. If he had not done as he did the stories would follow them both for the rest of their lives,there would be no chance for advancement,and he would be miserable.
He sat at the bench outside,hooves in hands. Blueblood cast him a look of pity before going in.

Lavender was held in seclusion till all the facts were gathered and a statement issued.

Blueblood exited shortly,having proven his innocence in the alleged embezzlement of Crown fund. On his way to the steps he was confronted by an overweight pony, dripping with brocade. "Sir? Charming Starburst." He introduced himself, "Manager of Royal Public Relations." He said "It might be,er...prudent to issue your own statement via the palace radio."

Blueblood followed Starbust to the studio,sitting alone as the other worked at the controls behind a large glass panel. "I've taken the liberty of preparing your statement for you." he said. Before the Prince could respond, the countdown began and the Prince read from the cards:

"To all the citizens of Equestria, I reach out to you now in the hopes that I might put to rest the rumors and half- truths spread about me and Guardsman Sentinel"
Blueblood scanned the auto-queue and it read that he should deny that any relations existed! Blueblood frowned and Starburst moved his hoof in a circle,telling him to continue.

Blueblood faltered... "The relationship between Lavender and I..." he said, using his lover's first name. "the relationship between Lavender and I..." he repeated before making up his mind: "is entirely real." he paused while Starburst looked a little troubled "Neither of us are false. I have not used Crown money for my own pleasure and never will do. Lavender has never asked a thing of me beyond the love that I freely give. My people, what i feel is as true to me as any fact. I will not deny that our relationship may have been inappropriate,but I do not believe that warrants such character assassination in the news . I appreciate your support in the coming days." Starburst stopped the broadcast and Blueblood exited,determined to find Lavender.

The now ex-guardsman was released from isolation into the courtyard. He hadn't heard the broadcast and his head was hanging low. The gaggle of reporters outside yelled as they caught sight of him.

"Hey there,sweetheart." came a melodious voice from his side, "miss me?" Lavender's face burst into a grin of joy as the Prince's hoof seized his own,gently.

A puffing Herald rushed out,and boomed "Let it be known that Lavender Sentinel has willingly resigned his position in the Guard. No charges shall be brought against himself or the prince. I repeat, Lavender Sentinel and the prince are innocent on all counts!"

The assembled reporters seemed to roar as the pair came out into the open,hoof in hoof,questions bursting from their lips. The pair ignored them,seeing only each other.
They walked through the city and entered the manor,their home.

Author's Note

* Reference to Thomas Hardy's poem, 'At an Inn'