Punishment and Reward

by ZOMG

Rating: mature
Tags: Sex, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Rarity
Length: 5333

With such a busy work schedule piling on stress and testing Twilight's patience, Rarity muses over how to take care of her beloved princess. Fortunately, Twilight's wicked tongue provides her with a couple of ideas.

With such a busy work schedule piling on stress and testing Twilight's patience, Rarity muses over how to take care of her beloved princess. Fortunately, Twilight's wicked tongue provides her with a couple of ideas. After all, the wicked should be punished thoroughly in accordance to their crimes.

Or, at very least, until they reach their release.

Preread by Fuzzyfurvert, Monochromatic, and Timaeus.
Artwork by Artcticwaters.

Published 2017-02-16 02:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2017-02-16 02:40:01 UTC

Left With No Alternative

“And there’s the ear flick,” Rarity muttered under her breath. “Next comes her feathers twitching and jaw tightening.”

Twilight Sparkle liked to think she had a good poker face. She would sit there and scoff when her friends asked if she needed anypony for moral support, usually right before she went into her long-practiced routine of assuring them she could deal with a particularly annoying delegate.

Unfortunately for her, Rarity knew each and every one of her tells. An ear flick was mild irritation, like when she caught Spike sneaking an extra scoop of ice cream or reading comics when he was supposed to be dusting the bookshelves. It was the prelude to her ire, like the rumble of a rogue thunderhead from over the Everfree Forest.

When those gorgeous feathers started twitching, though, everything was about to go sideways. Either Twilight would give the source of her ire a good piece of her mind and leave them a stammering mess, or she’d hold it all in and stew for a few hours. The former came when her jaw tightened.

Rarity stood in the doorway and listened to Prince Blueblood’s diatribe. Truth be told, it took every ounce of her self-control not to trot right up to him and beat him over the head with a book on class, but that wouldn’t solve anything. If anything, it would only make things worse for Twilight.

But it would make both feel a lot better in the meantime. Anything was better than listening to Blueblood drone on about … what was it again?

“Furthermore,” the stallion said, his voice like sandpaper rubbing against Rarity’s skull, “let us not pretend this quaint little town of yours holds any real significance to the nation at large, Princess Twilight.” His sneer made Rarity grind her teeth. “I see no reason to grant a few farmers a tax exemption because they so happen to be your friends. Handouts such as this are unacceptable.”

Oh, right. Twilight sent a new tax proposal to Celestia and Luna for consideration, with a tax break for farmers based on their production and maintenance expenses factored into the plan. They thought it acceptable and sent it off to the Equestrian National Assembly for ratification, more of a formality than anything when it came from the princesses’ desk. Twilight had been utterly ecstatic—she’d written her very first bill!

Rarity hugged and kissed her soundly that night, a fitting reward for such a wonderful girlfriend and princess.

Naturally, Blueblood came along with his merry band of sycophants nose deep in his hindquarters and managed to filibuster the vote on grounds that he felt nepotism was involved in her drafting. He then had the audacity to promise to confront her face to face and have the bill rewritten to benefit “more deserving” ponies—his business friends.

Twilight sat still for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Her nostrils flared, she closed her eyes and let out a breath. “Whether or not the Apple family are my friends,” she said slowly, as though explaining it to a dense foal, “is beside the point. And you’ll notice in my proposal that what you refer to is not, in fact, a tax exemption. It is a break offered as they provide a valuable service to the nation. I’m hardly offering a handout.”

“You’re offering a handout to your friends,” he pressed, “while placing additional burden onto hard working businessponies across the land.”

“Are you implying Equestria’s farmers don’t work hard?” Twilight shot back, her lips curved into a dangerously sweet smile—almost like she were waiting for him to step right into her trap.

Welcome to my parlor, Rarity mused, said the Princess to the dunce.

Blueblood looked like he’d been sucking on a lemon. His bleach white face took on a rather sickly grayish shade. “I-I beg your pardon?” he fumbled, his voice rose a few octaves.

“I didn’t stutter. It’s a simple question, really. Would you like me to repeat it?” Without waiting, she did just that. “Are you implying that Equestria’s farmers don’t work hard?”

The stallion blustered, an unintelligible garble spewed forth from his mouth as he struggled to form a response.

Rarity licked her lips. There was nothing more delightful than watching Twilight Sparkle turn some lout’s political garbage around and shove it right back in his face. But Blueblood? Oh, she could just walk right up and kiss that beautiful mare senseless!

It would be a nice way to help relieve a little bit of that tension, too, come to think of it. Rarity hummed to herself. How often had Twilight come back from a meeting with the Assembly representatives, fuming about how Blueblood was an impossible moron who couldn’t find his own backside if he had a map while Rarity held her close and massaged her shoulders in the bath?

Far too often. And now the utter pillock had the audacity to do it in her own castle.

Just as Rarity thought to check, she caught Twilight’s feathers rustling. The fuse had been lit, and Blueblood was about to see the end of her patience. Something would have to be done to allay her temper and stress once he left. But what?

Unfortunately, Blueblood managed to gather what passed as wits among his friends. “First of all, I’ll have you know that there’s nopony in this land with more respect for the working pony than I!” he snapped. With anger flashing in his eyes, he strode forward until he was almost nose to nose with Twilight. Rarity almost felt the urge to go over and slap him. If only she didn’t know what was coming next. “Secondly, it seems to me that you’ve neglected, either out of a sense of obligation to your own or a woeful display of ignorance in—”

Twilight’s horn flashed, a tendril of magic wrapped around Blueblood’s mouth and forced it shut, then jerked him so he was forced to look the angry princess in the eye.

Rarity purred and swished her curly tail. And there it is. Congratulations, Prince Blueblood, you’ve won the grand prize.

“You may have first and second of all,” Twilight said slowly, her voice thick with indignation, “but understand that the Crown Princess of Equestria you’ve been spitting on throughout your little diatribe will always have the last word. Are we clear?”

The way Blueblood squeaked and gave a jerky nod nearly had Rarity prancing in place. “Oh, slow it down, darling,” she whispered to herself. Her eyes were wide and shining with delight as she took in her girlfriend’s passion, her raw emotion. Stressed or not, seeing Twilight take charge was such a rare opportunity. “Let’s take this slow and savor the moment.”

Twilight, of course, hadn’t heard. Her attention was locked, and all her focus was on giving Blueblood the tongue-lashing he so rightfully deserved. She clenched her jaw and spoke through gritted teeth, her voice too low for Rarity to hear.

Chuckling to herself, Rarity turned and trotted out of the room as quietly as her hooves could carry her. Fun though it was to watch Twilight skewer some idiot who thought he could bully the youngest princess, she had tea on.

Besides, Twilight was going to need a little space once she finished. She always felt guilty when she lost her temper and finally pulled rank on a mouthy pony, and the Assembly members just so happened to make up the bulk of that demographic.

Rarity strode into the kitchen where a pot of tea awaited on the table along with a cup and saucer, cream, sugar, and a neatly folded newspaper. All of it was put in place by the young drake seated on the opposite side of the table with his nose in a comic book.

“Good morning, Spike,” she greeted warmly. “Did you get your chores done?”

Spike nodded without looking up. The Power Ponies must have been in the middle of a big scene against the nefarious Maneiac. “Yes, I even made sure to check Twilight’s library card registry twice to make sure there aren’t any overdue books.” He paused a beat, then looked up to add, “Speaking of, you might wanna remind Sweetie Belle her copy of Simple Spells for Simpletons is due back tomorrow or she’ll forget again.”

Wincing, Rarity took her seat across from him and began preparing her tea. “I’ll let her know. The last thing Twilight needs is more stress.”

He scoffed. “She hasn’t thrown Blueblood out by his tail yet?”

“Now, Spike,” Rarity scolded despite the smile tugging at her lips. “You know Twilight has better manners than that.”

“Doesn’t mean she shouldn’t.”

“I never said she shouldn’t, but we both know she won’t.”

“Sad, but true.” Spike blew out a breath through his nose and shook his head. “I hate watching her go through this horseapples.”

“Language,” Rarity scolded again as raised her cup to her lips and took a sip.

He fixed her with a flat stare. “I’m right, though.”

This time, Rarity did smile. “Yes. You are. And I hate seeing her worked up too.” She took another sip of her tea. An idea came to her: the perfect way to help Twilight relieve a little stress and enjoy herself. Not to mention, bring her back to the days when she didn’t have to put on an authoritative face.

Rarity licked her lips as though savoring her tea. Yes, that would do quite nicely. Her Twilight so loved it when she took charge. “I’ll take care of her,” she said aloud.

Spike blinked. “You sure? I can run her a bath and make her something to eat if you’ve got orders.”

“Oh, don’t fret about my orders, darling,” Rarity said, waving him off. “I’ve finished the designing stage and started on the actual dress. I can take an afternoon to care for my girlfriend.”

“If you say so,” he said with a shrug. “As long as she doesn’t spend the evening sulking, you know? One of us has to pull her out of it.”

“Of course. And I’m happy to offer my services.” Rarity would just pretend she wasn’t getting something out of it for now. Spike was far too young to know what his de facto sister and friend got up to in their spare time. Thinking on it a moment, she smiled. “Why don’t you take the afternoon off, dear? I can look after things for a few hours.”

That got his attention. Spike set his comic book down and raised an eyebrow. “Hang on, I’m supposed to—”

“Darling,” Rarity cut him off. “Please. Go get some ice cream with the foals and spend some time playing. In fact, here.” She floated a few bits out of the pouch resting on the counter and placed them in front of him in a neat stack. “That should be enough for one of Pinkie’s gemstone coated sundaes or a milkshake.” She winked and added, “In exchange, I promise I’ll have Twilight happier than Winona when it’s time to herd sheep when you return.”

His mouth shut with a click. Spike considered it for a moment, then shrugged again. “Well, you’re her girlfriend and you’re way better at making her smile after a morning like this than I am anyway.” He hopped off his seat and picked up the stack of bits. The little drake padded around the table toward the door, pausing just as he reached her. “One of these days, you’re going to have to tell me just how you do it.”

Rarity sent silent thanks to her father for teaching her how to hold a poker face. “Oh, perhaps when you’re older, dear.” She petted his headfin softly. “Maybe when you’ve got a nice dragon or pony hanging off your arm, hmm?”

“Heh, fair enough.” His smile returned. Spike caught her around the barrel with a quick hug, then headed out of the kitchen. “Betcha numbskull runs off in ten?”

“It’ll be five—and don’t call him that while he’s still here, dear!” His laughter floated back to her, drawing a roll of her sapphire eyes. “Such a goof,” she muttered, shaking her head. Rarity closed her eyes and drank her tea in silence, ruminating over just how to put her plan into action.

Slowly, a vulpine smile spread across her face. Her eyes gleamed with delight.

“Yes. Oh, I do think she’ll enjoy that quite thoroughly.”

If Twilight ever saw that poor excuse for a prince again, it would be too soon.

Buried deep beneath years of discipline and lessons on humility along with the snark she put aside so to avoid belittling her friends shortly after getting to know them properly, a small part of her felt a spark of happiness when she let Blueblood go. The way he scuttled from her presence with his platinum blond tail tucked firmly between his legs made her feel so very satisfied.

For about three seconds. Then the guilt set in.

With a sigh, she pushed open the doors to her bedroom and plodded inside. Twilight made her way over to the bed she shared with Rarity, sighed again, and flopped face first onto the soft, fluffy mattress. She covered her eyes with her hooves and took several deep breaths.

It was always the Assembly members. Always the ones from the older Houses who couldn’t imagine a world where they had to sacrifice or put in the time to make Equestria a better place. A nagging little voice that sounded an awful lot like Rarity in one of her snippy moods whispered that this was the very reason six mares had to save the world while the Houses cowered behind their walls.

Twilight couldn’t help but smile. Her imaginary Rarity—whom she had dubbed Imaginarity—wasn’t wrong. But neither was she right.

Princess Celestia would never be so blunt and forceful with an Assembly member. Then again, she was suited for this sort of political game. Twilight was better at writing and researching.

A cadence of hooves against the crystalline floor made her prick her ears. She knew that step—the familiar clip-clop, clip-clop of her lovely Rarity’s steady walk, the kind she used when she had important business to attend to. Twilight called out a muffled greeting without lifting her head.

“It’s noon, actually, darling,” Rarity replied, well-versed in Twilight’s agitated grumblings into their bed. “Would you care for some tea?”

No. As a matter of fact, Twilight could think of about a thousand and one other things she would prefer over tea. Among those at the top was the ability to toss off her crown, snatch up all her friends, and teleport to some getaway in the Prench mountainside where she could spend her days laughing with them, and her nights in Rarity’s hooves. Immediately after was Rarity in bed with her, and to Tartarus with the rest of her daily schedule, in fact.

She made sure to voice her opinion into the mattress.

Rarity tutted. “I see. Well, in that case, I have a proposition for you. One I think you’ll find quite enticing.”

Twilight made a show of twitching her ears. Silent prompting to go on.

She heard Rarity hum, then the telltale tinkling of magic filled the air. Their bedroom door shut with a click, then another as the deadbolt lock was turned.

Confused, Twilight uncovered her eyes and rolled over to face Rarity, a question right on the tip of her tongue. She was met with a coy smile and a smoldering gaze that made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end and her tail twitch. As the stunning unicorn slid onto the bed and sidled up to her, Twilight couldn’t help but tilt her head. “Rarity, what are you—”

Rarity pounced like a cat, pinning Twilight down on her stomach. Her beautiful blue eyes gleamed like sapphires in sunlight. Before Twilight could react, she darted forward and pressed her soft lips against herexposed neck, drawing a sharp gasp. Pearly white teeth nipped at her coat. Twilight squeaked and writhed, helpless to combat her girlfriend’s expert assault. A warm, wet tongue trailed along the side of her neck, teasing her jawline. “Ra-Ra-Rarit—eep!”

Chuckling, Rarity kissed and licked her way to Twilight’s ear, pausing only to nip at her cheek. “Hush, darling,” she crooned, her warm breath washing over Twilight’s ear tip and makingher eyes cross. Teeth nibbled the tip, and Twilight bucked her hips and thrashed in her lover’s grasp. “Oh, no, no, no! My beautiful, brilliant princess, you’re not getting away. Not after I watched you take all that lout had to give and give back tenfold.” Rarity’s voice dropped to a sultry purr. “But I think my princess deserves a little punishment, wouldn’t you agree? She was so very wicked today.”

Fire burned beneath her skin. Twilight let her tail lash back and forth as she ground her hips back against Rarity.

She felt Rarity lick along the edge of her ear. She let out a needy mewl that tapered off into a ragged gasp.

“I asked you a question,” Rarity scolded. Her teeth caught Twilight’s ear again. “Have you been wicked today, Your Highness?”

Twilight clenched her eyes shut. Her breath came in short, panting gasps. She tried to speak, but her throat tightened and her tongue felt numb. Words simply failed her, as they always did when Rarity worked her magic. All she could do was suck in her lips and whimper an affirmative.

Rarity tutted. “Now, now, Highness, you know better. That won’t do at all.” She gave a low, throaty chuckle and nuzzled into Twilight’s mane. “Use your words and answer the question. Have you been wicked today, Your Highness?”

It took all her effort, but Twilight managed to will her tongue to work. “Y-Yes!” she squeaked.

“Yes what?”

Whining, Twilight tried to roll herself over so she could get on top, but Rarity held her fast. She beat her forehooves against the mattress. “Rarity, stop teasing me—eep!”

Soft lips pressed against her ear. “That’s not the correct answer. Try again, Your Highness. I know you can follow directions.” Rarity paused a moment, humming as if in thought. “Though, perhaps I should give you a little incentive to answer, yes? Would my beautiful.” Another nip. “Brilliant.” Skilled hooves trailed down Twilight’s sides to play with her feathers as she nuzzled down until she could trail fluffy kisses along her cheek. “Wonderful princess like that?”

“Yes!” Twilight yelped. She bit her lips, trying to fight against the moan that threatened to tear from her throat. Her feathers fluffed and twitched and her heart hammered in her ears. “She would! She would!”

“Oh, lovely! Well, then~” Rarity stopped just short of the corner of her mouth. Twilight could feel Rarity’s lips curved into a wide, hungry smile as she nosed her cheek. “Perhaps you’d like it if I were to help you out of all this pesky regalia, Your Highness? I see no reason why you should endure your … tongue lashing in such dress.”

Twilight bobbed her head. “Yes. Yes! I’d like that!”

“Mmm, excellent.” Rarity kissed the corner of her mouth. Then she let up just enough to pat Twilight’s left flank. “Roll over,” she commanded.

Her lungs begged for air. Twilight nodded almost absentmindedly, rolling over and splaying her wings to bare herself to the beautiful mare who captured her heart. She made a clumsy beckoning motion and reached for her love as if to summon Rarity into her hooves.

Instead, Rarity took her hoof in hers and turned it over so she could plant a kiss on her wrist. “Not yet, darling,” she whispered. “This is punishment for your wickedness today, not a reward.” Cerulean light wreathed her horn, and a tendril of magic snaked out and wrapped around Twilight’s golden horseshoe. She made eye contact, her gaze seemed to pierce straight through her as she slowly slid the horseshoe free, kissed the purple gem, then floated it over to rest on the nightstand.

Rarity planted a fluffy kiss on her naked hoof, her tongue teasing and caressing Twilight’s frog. A throaty moan split the air. Twilight arched her back and pressed her belly against Rarity, giving an insistent grind of her hips.

But Rarity had no intention of letting her rush to the finish. The mare continued her ministrations until Twilight felt as if her hoof might never stop tingling. Then she began to kiss her way down her foreleg until she reached her shoulder, and attacked her chest and neck.

Perfectly placed kisses and licks stoked the fires burning beneath her skin. Wandering hooves clutched and pinned her shoulders so she couldn’t escape. Tiny moans coupled with hungry gasps for breath were all she could manage. She bucked her hips, trying to find some release as she whimpered pleas for Rarity to take her, take her now. Enough with this playing.

Each time she was met with that wicked grin and a nip that stole a squeal from the back of her throat.

“Patience, Your Highness,” Rarity teased throatily as she finally reached her destination and slid off the next horseshoe. “We haven’t even finished undressing you yet.”

With a whine, Twilight cracked open an eye. “Then just hurry—mmm!”

Another assault on her poor frogs left her humming and begging for more. She turned her head skyward as if to beg the heavens for the strength to endure her love’s whims. Aid she felt most necessary as Rarity reached her chest again and began a slow trek down her belly.

Rarity paused with her lips just above her belly button. “Are you thinking about how bad you were?” she crooned.

Twilight slapped her hooves down on the covers and grabbed them for purchase. A weak nod was all she could manage. Then she remembered the last time she failed to speak, and blurted out, “Yes! I’m d-deep in thought!”

“Oh, are you? Reflecting on your transgressions?” A slow lick encircled her belly button and her breath left her lungs. “Very good. I should hope so. This would almost seem like a reward otherwise, I’d wager.”

A reward? The notion was there and gone in the blink of an eye before Twilight could fully grasp it, chased away by the warm tongue lapping at her belly button. Her insides twisted and writhed with each motion. She twisted the covers in her hooves and bit her lip.

Rarity planted a soft kiss on her belly, then drew back and blew. The cold air nearly made Twilight jump straight off the mattress, though it did draw a yelp and another twist of the covers.

“I think,” Rarity whispered, “my princess is just about ready. What do you think, Highness?”

Just about? If she wasn’t so wound up and desperate on the verge of enjoying Rarity’s affections, Twilight would’ve happily shot a Stinging Spell at her backside for that comment alone. Then again, drawn out torment until she was begging was half the fun.

The rest was in how Rarity knew just how to play her, like how she manipulated needle, thread, and fabric with expert precision. The mare ruled her boutique and their bedroom with an expert hoof.

Expert, but not without mercy.

“Yes! I—She is!” Twilight gritted her teeth. By Celestia, what Rarity did to her had to be some sort of magic. Cadence’s end of the spectrum, no doubt. She licked her lips and forced her eyes open so she could meet Rarity’s gaze. Her heart did a backflip. “Please, Rarity. I need you.”

Rarity’s eyes danced with glee as she leveled her smoldering gaze over Twilight’s prone form. “As you wish, Your Highness. And just remember …” she paused, trailing off and letting her actions speak instead. Slowly, almost torturously so, she leveled kisses and the occasional nuzzle down Twilight’s belly, pausing her descent just long enough to tease each of those pert nipples poking out past the thin layer of fur.

Anticipation built. Twilight shuddered as Rarity came to her destination and hot breath washed over her most sensitive of areas.

“This isn’t a reward for your behavior, you wicked mare.” Rarity hummed in thought, then chuckled ominously. “On second thought, it is. One good tongue lashing for another.”

It started off slowly. Another playful kiss made Twilight whimper, her warm breath as she drew back just enough to open her mouth had the pinned princess writhing. A droplet of arousal ran down her thigh and onto the bed. Every fiber of her being sang for Rarity’s touch.

She didn’t have to wait long. With a lustful hum, Rarity ran her tongue along the outer lips of Twilight’s vulva. A slow, tender lick to each lip, then another kiss. Long and full, like the ones they shared in the heat of passion or when they stole away on evening walks to neck behind the trees.

Twilight’s hooves failed her. The covers slipped from her grasp as she pressed her shoulders into the mattress and arched her back, raising her rump just enough to give Rarity full access.

Only then did Rarity give her what she wished. With a purr that sent a tingle through Twilight’s core, Rarity slipped her tongue in and began to explore her depths. Teasing, prodding, and lapping with no real pattern, she locked her hooves around Twilight’s quivering thighs and coaxed her legs wider apart. Her sapphire eyes locked with Twilight’s for a few seconds. Love, affection, and lust shone together. Rarity let out a breath through her nose, then closed her eyes and gave a long, slow lap.

Twilight let out a strangled moan, fighting the urge to squeeze her thighs together. Her forehooves leapt to cradle Rarity’s head.

Her stomach squirmed. Twilight bit her bottom lip and tried to roll her hips in time. There was no rhythm, nothing but Rarity’s whim and dexterity as she did everything to render her to a quivering mess. A random probe or a prod coaxed a ragged gasp while a long lick sent shockwaves through her body as her vision blurred.

Words failed her. Pleas for more and loving exaltations died before they could reach her lips. All but one. One word that cut through the haze of lust and pleasure and dominated her mind, lips, and heart.

Twilight spread her legs wider and petted Rarity’s lovely mane with a shaking hoof. “R-Ra-Rarity,” she mewled. “Oh, Celestia, Rarity!”

Another deep hum. Rarity’s eyelids opened slowly and she fixed Twilight with a half-lidded, shouldering stare. Her hooves clutched and massaged Twilight’s thighs as if to stoke the fires beneath her skin like a train engine.

Just a bit longer, that look seemed to say. We’re almost to the top of the mountain, darling.

Her heart raced, pounding in her ears like the steady beat of a drum. Twilight clenched her eyes shut and laid back, surrendering herself for the ride ahead.

With one last squeeze, Rarity plunged her tongue deeper, lapping slowly as if savoring a treat. Her grip tightened as her curly purple tail thrashed from side to side. The scent of her own arousal wafted through the air and mixed with Twilight’s.

Another prod sent a bolt straight through Twilight’s core. Her mouth worked soundlessly and her feathers twitched. She kicked her right hind leg feebly in the open air, desperate for any outlet. The fire burned throughout her body had been fueled by the wonderful mare atop her, and burned until she felt fit to explode.

Her fur stood on end like she was caught in magic telekinesis. She surrendered to it, embraced it. There was no sense in holding out any further. She wanted release. She needed it like sustenance only her beloved Rarity could provide.

Twilight panted for breath, tiny moans coupled with each desperate drink of air. Almost there. Just as Rarity said, the train had ascended the mountain and was just about to reach the summit.

She released Rarity’s head, her hooves flopped back on the bed. Twilight let out a strangled cry as her body convulsed, her muscles clenching tight and heart beating like a pony at full sprint. A bolt of magic shot from her horn and shattered an innocent flower pot resting on the windowsill.

A high like no other came over her. Twilight lay limp on her bed, save for her legs still spread wide as Rarity took the time to lick her crotch clean. That sweet, musical voice sounded muddled through a deep fog. Her eyelids fluttered shut.

Everything was simply … Rarity. Everything was Rarity.

Perfect. That was the only word to describe the mare she laid upon, with her head resting upon her alabaster-coated chest. Absolutely, unequivocally perfect.

Twilight nuzzled against Rarity’s chest, delighting in the feeling of coat as soft as fluffy clouds against her snout. The scent of sex and sweat hung thick in the air and filled her senses. A smile tugged at her lips as the memory of their activities played through her mind.

She planted a kiss, then laid her head down again. “You,” she said breathily, “are the best girlfriend a mare could ask for.”

Rarity chuckled. “Well, thank you for saying so, darling,” she replied, running a gentle hoof through Twilight’s disheveled mane. “But I’m afraid I must disagree. The title belongs to you.”

Scoffing, Twilight cracked open her eyes and met Rarity’s gaze. She took a moment to appreciate just how beautiful her girlfriend could look, even with her coat mussed and main messy after a couple hours of sex. A natural beauty to be sure. “Oh, shut up. I’m right and that’s that.”

“Oh, is it now?”

“It is.” Twilight feigned a regal sniff and turned her nose skyward. “I am the princess in the room, after all. Therefore, my word is final. So, nyeh!” She stuck out her tongue.

“Nyeh, is it?” Rarity’s eyebrow cranked upward. A coy smile spread across her face. She hummed in thought, tossing her mane over her shoulder. “I seem to remember a princess submitting quite thoroughly when I rewarded—oh, I’m sorry—when I punished her for that wicked tongue she possesses. I’d be happy to remind you, if you need.”

Twilight ducked her head and tried to hide, pressing her face into Rarity’s alabaster coat. “Fine!” she squeaked. “You got me.”

“That I do.” Soft lips pressed against her forehead. “And I’m honored and delighted to call you mine.”

“Likewise.” Planting another kiss on Rarity’s chest, Twilight fluffed her wings and sighed. “Thank you. I needed something to take my mind off things and work out all the stress.” She sniffed. “Every time I see Blueblood, it reaffirms why you hate him so. That jerk brings out the worst in me.”

Rarity laughed and patted her mane. “On that, I most certainly agree. He brings out the worst in all of us.”

Giggling into her chest, Twilight wrapped her hooves around Rarity’s barrel and covered her with her wings. Her own little way of showing off that this was her girlfriend and nopony else could claim such. Rarity was her perfect, loving girlfriend.

She closed her eyes and let out a contented sigh. This was perfect. A castle with the mare she loved most, and a little dragon brother who—

Twilight’s eyes snapped open. “I didn’t put up the Cone of Silence,” she whispered.

There was a beat of silence, then Rarity asked, “Twilight, why would—oh, right.” She laughed again. “Don’t worry about Spike, darling. I sent him away for a couple hours and promised I’d have you smiling and peppy when he returned.”

“Oh, good.” She let out a sigh of relief and snuggled up to Rarity again. “Have I mentioned you’re the best girlfriend ever?”

Twilight could almost see the bright smile that surely spread across Rarity’s face. “You have, but I suppose you could stand to mention it more, my love.”