Dreams of Submission

"Have you asked to court her yet?"

Moondancer nearly dropped the cup she was holding. "What?"

"The mare you desire." Luna took a small sip of tea from her own cup, hiding her expression from Moondancer. "Or perhaps it is a stallion? Regardless, have you asked to partake in a date with them yet?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Moondancer hoped that the princess didn't notice how nervous she suddenly was. "Did you see something in my dreams?" She wouldn't be so vague if she had, right?

"You rarely have nightmares, and none powerful enough to require my intervention," Luna said, "but Love was once my domain, and I still remember how to recognize a mare smitten with its affliction."

"I'm just really content with my life right now," Moondancer said truthfully. "I don't need love to be happy." Also the truth. "I have my dream job working for you, and great friends to hang out with. Like Twilight and the girls. And you."

Luna smiled. "I am gladdened that you count me amongst your friends. Still, is there nopony you desire?"

"It's not important," Moondancer said simply. "If it happens, it happens." Not that it would, except in her dreams. "If not, then that's fine too. Being the first Lunar Archivist in a thousand years is already enough fulfilment for me."

"I must remember to thank Twilight once again for recommending you to the post. You have done a marvellous job at repopulating the shelves of the Lunar Wing."

"Thanks." Moondancer accepted the praise without argument; she was the best mare for the job, after all. "You can thank Twilight for reintroducing the idea of friendship to me too," she said with a soft smile. "Or else I probably wouldn't be here having breakfast with you. Well, breakfast for me. I guess it's dinner for you."

Luna nodded, picking up a banana and peeling it slowly. "Did you know that the word 'dinner' originates from the Old Ponish word disner, which literally meant to break fast? It originally referred to the evening meal I would eat upon awakening, but in my absence it seems the original meaning has been lost to history."

"The evolution of language is a fascinating phenomenon," Moondancer said. "I've been cataloguing some of the treatises on linguistic diaspora we have and it's really amazing how some words can mean completely different things after a few centuries."

"Indeed. Do you have any works to recommend on the subject?"

"Sky Chomp's seminal books are a good start. I can grab them from the archives for you to read tonight."

"That would be most wonderful!" Luna clapped her hooves together. "I look forward to reading it tonight."

"I'll make sure it's there for you." Moondancer glanced at the clock on the wall. "Oh! I'm almost late for work!"

"Fear not," Luna said with a twinkle in her eye. "I believe your employer will understand your tardiness."

"Well, even if you won't fire me for this, I still have a job to do," Moondancer replied, standing up from her seat. "It was nice having breakfast with you."

Luna bowed her head. "I look forward to our next meeting. I shall take my repose for the day, and I hope to see you again soon. Fare thee well, fair Moondancer."

"Fare thee well, Luna." The two of them left the Royal Dining Hall through different doors, Luna headed towards her private chambers and Moondancer towards the Royal Library.

Today, her goal was to finish going through the General Forbidden Archives and marking down which items needed to be moved into their Lunar counterpart. It was relatively easy work, though somewhat disturbing since Moondancer had to peruse some of the... edge cases. The secret knowledge she had now been granted access to sent chills down her spine, and not for the first time she marvelled at how much trust Twilight and the other princesses had granted her by giving her this position.

As the sun began to set, Moondancer finished up the last of her notes and set them aside for tomorrow when she would make her final decisions. She made a quick trip to the palace's cafeteria to grab dinner before returning to the Library. One of the benefits of working in the Royal Library was the ability to sign out books herself without anyone else having to know.

Moondancer intended to use that privilege to great effect this evening.

Glancing around the main foyer to make sure there wasn't anypony who might recognize her, she surreptitiously sidled over towards a locked door at the back of the main area. She fumbled around her keyring until she found the correct key to unlock the door and stepped into the dark void that awaited her.

Once inside, she lit her horn to trigger the illumination crystals in the room, bathing the shelves that stood before her in a gentle glow. Closing and locking the door behind her, Moondancer stepped deeper into the least-visited public archives in the entire Library.

After all, few ponies were brave enough to enter the Royal Library just to peruse its collection of erotic literature.

Moondancer started out in Nonfiction, picking out several books on bondage techniques and a few treatises written by the Sad Marquis. Not that she ever planned to use this information, but more knowledge was always a good thing, and she liked her fantasies... detailed.

Next, she moved on to the fiction section, flipping through the catalogue which had a convenient fetish-based listing as a result of the efforts of some very enthusiastic archivist. She strolled through the dusty shelves, grabbing the books she was interested in. Once she had a sizable stack of blank covered volumes floating in her magical grasp, she trotted over to one of the desks at the side and laid them out in front of her.

Her heart fluttered in excitement as she flipped open the first book, a steamy tale about a beautiful unicorn princess being kidnapped by a dragon and made to serve him as his concubine. She suppressed a delicious shiver as she skimmed through all the perverse acts the poor mare was forced to perform before closing the book. There would be time enough for pleasure reading when she was safe in the privacy of her own home.

Slipping that book into her "keep" pile, she opened up the next one, which promised to be a sensually charged tale of a mare being introduced to the dark world of BDSM by a powerful billionaire. She quickly tossed the book into her "return" pile, unable to stomach the terrible writing.

She went through the next dozen books in this fashion, only choosing to keep a few of them. The whole time, she could feel herself growing warmer, a pleasant ache building up between her back legs as a slight wetness stirred within her pussy. Moondancer grabbed the last book, eager to return home to sate her desires.

The final story was about a mare who had discovered a secret BDSM society in her town and was exploring its vast compound. Moondancer found herself unexpectedly engrossed in the narrative as the story wove a series of descriptions so vivid it felt like she was playing the part of the protagonist herself. Unbidden, one hoof slid downwards, pressing lightly against her marehood to ease the nearly unbearable pressure.

She rubbed herself gently as she read, letting out a soft gasp her hoof brushed against her sensitive nub while, in the story, the protagonist watched as a mare was brought to orgasm over and over again while bound in a deviously complex contraption.

Maybe she didn't have to wait until she got back to her house to relieve herself a little. After all, she was alone, and nopony came in here anyways...

As the mare in the story continued her journey of sexual discovery, Moondancer intensified the rubbing of her hoof between her thighs, letting out a soft moan as she flipped the page to the next chapter, where the mare came upon a couple dominating a chained pony. She pressed deeper into herself, feeling the tension coil up within her core, waiting to snap at any moment…

"I see this room is occupied. Perhaps I should return at a more opportune time."

Moondancer jerked her hoof violently away from between her legs as she slammed the book shut with enough force that she would have berated anypony else for doing the same. "P-Princess Luna!" she stammered, her entire face turning red from mortification as her arousal was drenched with an icy chill of dread.

"I believe I told you to dispense with my titles when we were in private. And this certainly counts as a private moment, I should think." The princess of the night wore an amused smirk on her face, which only made Moondancer wish that a gate to Tartarus would open up beneath her chair and swallow her whole.

"I'm so sorry," she babbled, the words rushing out in an unstoppable torrent. "I didn't know you were here please don't fire me or banish me or –"

"Peace, fair Moondancer." Luna held up a hoof against her mouth as she chuckled softly. "I am not wroth with you. Be at ease – I only wished to tease you a little."

Face still red but no longer in danger of having a panic attack, Moondancer tried to school her features back into some semblance of calm and collected. "Sorry, Luna. I didn't hear you come into the room."

"I phased in," Luna said. "I did not wish to ask the receptionist for the key and had assumed that nopony would be present. My apologies for disturbing you."

"Oh, no, it's nothing," Moondancer quickly said. "I just wasn't expecting anyone either."

"Verily, it is a shame how ponies fear to tread in this room. To the best of my knowledge it truly is the largest collection of the erotic in written form that exists in all the realm."

"It is," Moondancer confirmed. "The second largest is the Baltimare Collection of Adult Literature, which only has around sixty-three percent of the volumes that we do, as of last year. Though they do have access to certain works that we lack, including a first-edition copy of The One-Hundred-And-Twenty-Days of Clydesdale."

"You've certainly done your research," Luna said, walking over towards Moondancer. "Not that I would expect anything less of a scholar such as you." She stopped in front of Moondancer's desk, leaning over to peer at her pile of books to take home.

Moondancer held her breath as Luna read through the titles on the covers, unsure of how Luna would react to seeing her… unusual predilections. She'd never shared her tastes in such things before, and having the Princess of the Night judging what she was into was definitely not how she wanted her secret to slip out.

Finally, after an endless silence, Luna spoke. "A fine collection," she announced with no trace of judgement or mockery in her tone. "I see your tastes run… sharper than most."

"Umm… yeah." Moondancer wasn't really sure what else to say to Princess Luna commenting on her sexual preferences.

Luna carefully floated out the book on the bottom of the pile, flipping it open with her magic. "Ah, I recall writing this one. One of my earlier works, and quite unpolished, but I still take some pride in it."

"Wait, you're Night Dreamer?" Moondancer looked up at Luna with wide eyes. "Literary scholars have been trying to figure out who she was for centuries."

"My sister and I always used various pen names when we published so as to not give ourselves any advantage." Luna smiled as she closed the book. "I have fond memories of writing this. Though much fonder are the memories of the events that inspired the story."

"You mean the princess in the story was… you?" Moondancer found it very hard to reconcile the demure creature in the story with the mighty Princess of the Night. There was also the fact that she had been planning to pleasure herself to a story about her employer and friend, but that was a whole other therapy session.

"Yes, though many liberties were taken with the events which truly transpired. Instead of being kidnapped, I was visiting the Dragon Lands for diplomatic purposes, as a new Dragon Lord had newly risen up. Torch was ever the perfect gentledrake in our negotiations, and our little tryst was desired by both parties."

Luna's eyes flashed with something that made the whole room feel warmer. "Once he led me into his bedchamber, however… I couldn't help but share my tale in anonymity, in the hopes that others might experience a sliver of the pleasures I was graced with."

"So everything in the bedchamber scenes…?"

"Yes."

"Even the thing with the weather vane?"

"Especially the thing with the weather vane." Both of them paused to shiver, Luna from her memories and Moondancer from her imagination. "But yes, it was a most enjoyable summit, and Torch allowed me to explore my submissive side, an experience I am grateful for even if I found myself drawn to dominance in the end."

"So are the other stories by Night Dreamer also semi-autobiographical, or just this one?" The urge to pull out her quill and notebook was strong, but Moondancer resisted.

"Yes, though some had more liberties taken than others," Luna replied. "I've lived a long life with many varied experiences, and as Princess of the Night, the arts of lust have always been considered a part of my domain. I can provide the names of some identities I have published under if you are curious."

"I'd love that." Moondancer raised a hoof to her mouth as she realized that she had just told the princess she planned on reading all about her sexual escapades.

Luna's smile never wavered. "There is no need to be embarrassed. I am the Mistress of Dreams, and I am intimately familiar with the desires of ponies. Still, that is enough about my own exploits. How about you, fair Moondancer? What paths have you taken in life that have led you to this room with these excellent books?"

Well, that was one way to make her feel self-conscious. "It's definitely not as exciting as yours," she said. "Turns out being a shut-in isn't conducive to having an active love-life. Hence the books." That wasn't embarrassing at all, Moondancer thought to herself as she struggled not to hide her face in her sweater.

"So you have never had the opportunity to experience any of the acts described in these books?" Luna swept a hoof over the pile of fetishistic stories.

"Umm… no." Maybe it was time to figure out an excuse for why she had to leave, before things got even more awkward.

"Would you like to?"

That brought Moondancer's brain to a screeching halt. "What?"

"I have much experience in the proclivities which you seem to find alluring." Luna took a step back, making her motions large and deliberate. "I would offer to you an outlet for your desires, with no other strings attached. If you refuse at any time, it will be as if this offer was never made; I would not for the world make you believe I would hold your refusal against you."

"Of course. I'd never think that of you." The reserved way Luna was standing, obviously trying to give Moondancer as much space as possible, warmed her heart and put her mind at ease. "You're my friend, and beloved by the ponies for a reason."

"Thank you." Luna inched closer to Moondancer. "So what say you to my offer?"

"I appreciate it, really," Moondancer replied, "but I'm not really the type to enjoy pity sex, even if it's really kinky pity sex with a princess."

"I must confess that my grasp of modern Equuish is fleeting at times. What is 'pity sex'?"

Moondancer paused. "It's… hmm… I guess it's a concept that's been around for a while, but nopony came up with a term for it until recently. It's basically what it sounds like – sex given to someone out of pity."

"And why would I pity you?" Luna's head tilted in confusion as she spoke.

Moondancer gave a light snort, falling back into her comfortable familiarity with the princess. "Oh please, look at me." She pointed a hoof at herself. "I get that you're trying to be a good friend to me, but I'm fine with the way my life is."

Luna's confused expression didn't fade. "You still have me at a disadvantage, fair Moondancer."

"Please stop calling me that." Moondancer ran a hoof through her hair in frustration. "We both know I'm not attractive and that you could do so much better."

Luna flinched. "I see. You believe yourself to be undesirable."

Moondancer rolled her eyes. "Look, I'm okay with it. I don't have any weird hang-ups about my body. I've just accepted that if I ever attract someone, it'll be because of my brains and not my looks, and that's perfectly fine. But that doesn't mean I want you rubbing it in."

"You are sorely mistaken, fa–" the blasted word was cut off as Moondancer glared at Luna. "–Moondancer, in more ways than one. I do not use that epithet lightly."

"You don't need to try and make me feel better–"

"Enough!" A gasp escaped from between Moondancer's lips as Luna suddenly rushed forward and cupped her chin with her hoof. "I will no longer listen to you slander yourself so. You possess a rare beauty, one you sadly hide away within that dreary sweater of yours and behind those glasses. You are fair of face and body, and I would love nothing more than to gaze upon you in delight."

"Y-You really think so?" It was getting hard to breathe, and Moondancer couldn't help but be enraptured by Luna's piercingly blue eyes.

Luna raised an eyebrow. "You dare accuse your princess of speaking falsehoods?"

"Of course not!" Moondancer hastily responded.

"Then know this to be the truth: thou art as glorious to my night as is a winged messenger of heaven unto the white-upturned wondering eyes of mortals that fall back to gaze on her when she bestrides the lazy-pacing clouds and sails upon the bosom of the air." Luna held Moondancer's gaze with her own as she spoke, and the smaller mare could feel every ounce of sincerity in her fanciful words.

Moondancer gulped. "Well, I guess I can't argue against both a princess and the great Spear Shaker himself."

"So we are in agreement that you are most fetching and that I truly wish to delight in pleasuring you?"

A shiver raced down Moondancer's spine, and she was keenly away of the feel of Luna's hoof not-quite-caressing her. "Yeah, I guess."

"Wonderful. Then what say you to my offer?" Luna pulled back, releasing Moondancer from her gaze and giving her space once again. "Unless another already holds your heart?"

"Y–" Moondancer nearly bit down on her tongue to stop her response. "I mean, no, there's nopony else in my life, like I said before."

Luna held her gaze for a moment, but didn't press further. "Very well, my offer still stands, then. And once again, if you do not wish this, then I shall understand."

This time, Moondancer actually took some time to think about it. On the one hand, she still wasn't convinced that Luna wasn't just trying to be a good friend to her. On the other hoof… "A chance to share a night of passion with the Princess of the Night and a good friend? I'd be an idiot to turn that down, if that's what you want too."

"I would not have made the offer if it was not also my desire. Is that so hard to comprehend?"

Moondancer pointed a hoof at Luna. "I mean, you're Princess Luna!" she said, not quite shouting. "Poets have written for centuries about your beauty, and none of them could even come close to describing it. And I've read enough of Sapphic Sapphire's poems to know that your lovers were smoking hot too."

A small smile graced Luna's features. "Ah yes, Sleeping Shepherd was simply marvellous in the bedchamber. And elsewhere."

"If half of what you've written about as Night Dreamer actually happened, then there's no way I want to miss out on that." Moondancer smiled for the first time that evening.

"So is that a yes?" Luna asked.

"It is," Moondancer replied. There was an awkward silence. "So, uhh, what happens next? I don't really have any experience in spontaneous trysts."

"I believe a conversation to establish expectations is customary." Luna floated over a few books towards her. "From these books, I assume you have an interest in what they now call BDSM?"

Moondancer nodded. "I do, yes." Her heart began racing once again as it dawned on her that she really would be having sex with Princess Luna.

"What is it about these stories that captivate you? Do you desire to hold the reins, to have another at your beck and call to bring pleasure or pain on a whim? Or do you wish to place yourself at the mercy of another, trusting in them to unlock within you true ecstasy in submission?"

"The second one," Moondancer replied. "I've always wanted to try being a submissive."

"I see. And are there any specific limits I should know of?"

"Nothing too extreme, I guess." Moondancer placed a hoof on Luna's book. "Basically, nothing beyond what the characters in Night Dreamer's books went through."

"That is not a problem." Luna returned the books to the pile. "Are you still yet a maiden?"

"No, I've had a couple coltfriends before. Nothing too serious, but we did fool around a little before we broke up."

"That is good. It would not do to introduce a maiden to something too close to that keen edge of dominance." Luna tapped her chin. "Hmm, I believe I have the perfect idea for a session."

"Really?" Moondancer felt herself moistening again in anticipation.

"Aye." Luna trotted over to Moondancer and gently stroked her cheek with her hoof. "I shall see you later tonight, fair Moondancer."

"Err, tonight?" Her throat felt dry as everything seemed to be rushing at her too quickly.

"Unless you are otherwise occupied?"

"No, I'm free," Moondancer replied. "So, my place or yours? I assume we want to do this discreetly to avoid any rumors."

"That would be for the best," Luna agreed. "And as for location, we shall hold this session in my domain. The land of dreams."

"Oh." Moondancer couldn't quite keep the disappointment from her voice.

"Do not think that your experience will be any less for it being beyond this reality," Luna said. "The magic of dreams is strong, and I am its true Mistress. What I weave outside the waking world shall be no different in sensation to that of this realm. I would advise that you exchange your bedsheets with something that you are prepared to wash afterwards."

Moondancer gulped. "Okay. I'll see you in a bit, then?"

"One last thing." The world held still as Luna leaned forward towards Moondancer, pressing their lips together. The kiss was firm and demanding, yet controlled and restrained. When Luna pulled away all too soon, Moondancer was panting lightly. "A taste of what is to come," she said before dematerializing into a cloud of arcane energy and flying out of the room.

Moondancer sat staring blankly ahead for several minutes afterwards, unable to quite believe what had just happened. Surely Princess Luna herself had not caught her clopping in the Royal Library and then proceeded to not only tell her that she was beautiful, but also offer her a night of living out her erotic fantasies. Even if she was the princess' friend, that kind of thing just didn't happen to a mare like her.

Either way, it was time for her to go home. Moondancer returned the books she wasn't checking out back to their appropriate places, then filled out the paperwork for the books she had decided to keep, plus a few more of Night Dreamer's books. She trudged through the streets of Canterlot with her filled saddlebags until she reached her house at the edge of town. Unlocking the door to her house, she walked inside and made sure to neatly set her new acquisitions on her desk for further reading.

Adrenaline still flooded her system from her encounter with Luna, which probably did happen and probably wasn't a fever-dream, so Moondancer went out for a quick run to burn off her excess energy. When she returned an hour later, the moon had risen high in the sky and Moondancer felt pleasantly exhausted. After a quick shower and a bit of chaste light reading, Moondancer climbed into bed, noting that she really needed to wash the sheets soon anyways so there wasn't any need to change them. Closing her eyes, she let herself drift off to sleep, anticipation welling up inside of her.