Of Platinum

"Tighter!" The Princess wheezed as the seamstress tightened her corset. "Tighter...ah. Perfect."

I had only entered the room. "What is the occasion, your highness?"

Platinum smiled. "I have a date."

I placed my hoof upon my chin. "Really?" I asked, delicately.

"Indeed, Clover."

"Who is the lucky stallion?"

"Smart Cookie, of the Earth ponies."

I must admit, I was a bit lost in thought when she spoke those words. "What?"

"Smart Cookie. Surely you must remember her."

"Er...yes, I do. But why her, your Majesty?"

Platinum pushed a snow white curl out of her face. "She is...a mare of honor. She is well known and brave...and not the worst looking Earth pony I've ever seen."

"Platinum...permission to say something...discourteous?"

The Princess let out a huff, and then nodded.

"Your Highness, I am positive that you are aware of the rumours."

She said nothing, so I continued. "Um...some ponies, of all races, think that..."

"We are lovers."

"Yes. To put it bluntly."

Platinum looked into my eyes. "What exactly are you trying to say, Clover?" Suddenly, she took hold off my cape with her magic and pulled me close, so we were muzzle to muzzle. "You do not like the idea of loving me?"

My ears grew hot. "No! No. Of course not. I only meant-"

"Oh Clover." Platinum laughed. The nobles often told me that they hated her laugh. It was loud, and sounded a bit...like a cackle mixed with a bird's screech. I disagree. I do not think it's that bad. "I'm only teasing."

She let me go. "I am not a racist. I am not a homophobe. I am aware that both stallions and mares are captivated by my beauty." She looked into her mirror atop her vanity. "Who is to say that...perhaps I am captivated by their's as well? I do not think that me going on one date with an Earth pony mare will cause these blizzards to get worse, or my father to die if he has not, and that is all I care about."

She looked back to me. "Clover, you can tell the newspapers whatever you want. But I want you to believe-to truly believe-what I have told you. Understand?"

"Yes, your Highness."

"Thank you, Clover."

Once again, I found myself lost in thought. There is no way that this will work, I told myself, over and over. What is she planning? A marriage alliance? Oh Faust...

The doors slammed open. I bowed. "Your Highness, you are back."

"Hello Clover."

"How did it go?" I asked, removing her coat.

"Not well. Or, as well as I had hoped. Smart Cookie and I were not compatible."

"Oh?"

"Complete opposites, truly."

"Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm sure...Earth ponies have-"

"Please, Clover. Smart is a good mare. I just...I don't want to talk about it."