A knock at her chamber door woke Luna from her sleep. Stretching and yawning, she called out to answer, “Who is it?”

“It’s us, darling: Rarity and Twilight. The prince’s guard Vindex is here as well. We came to help you get ready for the banquet.”

Luna thought for a moment. She couldn’t recall being informed about a banquet. Then again, she did recall being quite tired the day they had arrived. “Come in.”

The three mares gently pushed the door open, entering. Rarity carried with her three gowns; Vindex had already dressed in hers. Luna blinked. “Whenever did you have time to make these?”

“Oh, darling, I have had these made for awhile. I had a hunch we might need them, so I packed them.” Rarity smiled. “A proper mare is always prepared.”

Luna admired the mare for her studious attention to detail. Standing, she walked in to the bathroom to freshen up. She could hear the mares on the other side of the door talking about makeup and hairstyles. It had been awhile since she last attended a formal event, and she inwardly danced with joy. An idea danced in her head, and she wondered if it was right to voice it to the mares. Walking out of the bathroom, she cleared her throat to ask, “Ladies, would it be wrong of me to ask Luminous to meet me in the garden prior to the banquet?”

“Well, I could get him to the garden; just know that Sir Phoenix and the other guards would have to be there, as to not make it obvious that you two are… well, you get my point,” Vindex said, speaking up.

“Would you do that for me? I really just want to see the garden for a bit.”

“Of course, I understand,” Vindex replied. She winked at her before dipping her head and leaving.

Rarity squealed in delight. “Ooh, so you two have made amends, I take it?”

“Well, not entirely, but I did voice my feelings,” Luna said, blushing.

“So what does this mean, then?” Twilight asked.

Luna had to think of how to properly respond. She recalled the night prior and what Luminous had said: ~Allow me to give some thought to the matter? I have many things to ponder.~ The words echoed in her mind. “I think I would have to say that he is open to the idea of courting me but hasn’t decided. I get the feeling something is holding him back.”

“Well, that's a start, darling, but you should still be careful. Don’t let it get out of hoof.”

“Ah, the ever-wise Rarity, of course. I would never let that happen.”

Rarity smiled back. “Now, darling, it's time to get you dressed.”

***

Luna stood in front of a full-length mirror. She wore a form-fitting black gown that was adorned with a large moonstone in front. Along the sides and back of the dress, it sparkled, representing the night sky. She turned and looked at her train, which sported a large full moon made of white fabric that glittered in the lights of her room. Turning again to look at the mirror, she noticed her mane was pinned back with a string of polished moonstones. Closing an eye, she saw that Rarity had applied glittering light blue eyeshadow to accent her beautiful coat. Atop her head was a variation of her normal regalia: it still had the onyx coloration, but it now sported a full-moon-shaped moonstone. Turning to them, she said, “Thank you, Rarity, for the lovely dress; out of all the ones you have made for me in the past, this is by far my favorite.”

“You’re welcome, princess. I’m glad you like it. Since we are also done getting ready, we will see you at the banquet.”

“Yes, of course,” Luna said, exiting after the two mares. She watched them as they took the main hall to the banquet. She turned the opposite way and headed for the garden.

“How Father wears this kind of armor all the time is beyond me,” Luminous said, looking to Sir Phoenix.

“Well, it looks fetching on you; when was the last time you wore this armor? It took me some time to polish it.”

Luminous stood dressed in platinum armor. His breastplate had the same waves engraved on it that his father’s did. Bright diamonds were inlaid along the the waves, and at the center was a large diamond that was clouded and dim. On his shoulder guards were crescent moons.

“Come now, surely I’ve worn it a few times in the past thousand years.” He tried to recall when he had actually last worn it. “Okay, I get the point; it's been a long time.”

“I’m sure your father will be glad to see you in it, as well as your grandmother.” He gave a smile. “I bet this has to do with a certain alicorn princess.”

Luminous blushed and cleared his throat. “While I know you would assume that, and that could very well be true, this is the first time we have had foreign dignitaries visit the empire, and it’s only proper that I dress the part.”

“Sure, we’ll go with that.” Phoenix shook his head.

“Excuse me, Your Highness. I bear a message from Princess Luna,” Vindex said after appearing from an open window.

“Luna? What did she say?” Luminous asked eagerly.

The thestral mare smiled. “She asks that you meet her in the garden instead of her room.”

“Then I should not keep her; I am to be her escort, after all. Though, do me a favor?”

“Aye, what can I do for you?” she replied.

Addressing all of them instead of just her he said, “I know it’s proper to have you four escort us to the banquet, but I would like you to keep your distance in the garden.”

“Of course, my lord,” they all replied in unison.

“Thank you,” he said, departing his room for the garden.

***

Entering the garden, he noticed Luna, who was standing by the moonflowers. She was as beautiful as her night sky. She put her bright moon above to shame. He strolled up to her and did a half bow. “Good evening, my lady. May I say, you look lovely tonight.” He looked again. “Though you seem to be missing one tiny detail.” He picked a particularly rare form of moon flowers and placed it in her mane.

Luna jumped, startled for a second. Putting a hoof to her mane, she felt the flower next to her ear. She turned to face him. “Thank you, good sir, you impress me with your armor. Though I never recall your heartstone being so dingy.”

He looked to the diamond on his chest. “It’s nothing; it has just lost it shine with age.” Luminous forced a smile.

“Now I know that to be a lie! Your father's stone is bright and bold, yet he is quite old,” she said, eyeing him. “Pray tell, what is the real reason?”

He covered the diamond with his hoof and sighed, suddenly downcast. “I lost my voice when I lost you. So after that day, it slowly grew dim. ” He looked to the moon flowers. “In fact, I have kept it hidden; this is the first time ponies will see my heart in a thousand years.”

“So now that I’m back, why don’t you have your voice anymore?” she asked, touching the hoof that covered his heart.

He looked into her beautiful teal eyes. “Just that the wound is still healing, is all.” He knew he could not speak the whole truth of what he knew.

“How can I help it heal?” she asked, touching her hoof to his cheek.

He smiled, putting a hoof on her neck and leaning in and whispered, “Like this.” He kissed her deeply.

Luna’s eyes went wide briefly before she fell into his embrace and enjoyed the touch of his lips to hers.

Luminous pulled away from her. He looked into her eyes again. He felt her love and looked to his heart. Slowly the radiance returned, but it was still far from its former brilliance. “Hope that wasn’t too brash.”

Luna shook her head, eyes dazed. “Uh, no, I..” Her legs crumpled beneath her, and she fell into him.

“Easy now. Can’t have you fainting on us,” he said, looking at her with a forlorn fondness.

Luna stayed silent for a moment, just relishing his hooves around her, then a thought struck her. “Does this mean you're now open to the prospect of courting?” She stood on shaky legs, looking in his eyes.

He stood there for sometime, looking into her eyes, his heart and mind at war over how to reply. “Never was I not open to it, just that I have something that I will need to tell you soon if we formally announced it to the world.”

“You would openly announce your feelings for me? I expected the prospect of courting, but I thought you felt reserved about coming out with our relationship.” She paused, thinking. “I thought you were worried about being separated if we ever went to war.”

He gave a weak smile and stared sorrowfully into her eyes before turning to face the lit windows of the palace. “We should be going before ponies start to wonder where we are,” he said, slightly forlorn. “Just think of the scandal,” he joked, starting to walk away.

Luna used her magic to hold him in place. “Tell me what are you hiding,” she said with a darkening tone.

His eyes went wide as he felt himself being dragged back magically. “You… you would hate me if I told you the truth,” he replied. His heart and mind warred with each other.

“You would only garner my hate if you told me that this whole time you have been playing my heart; anything else I can look past.” She moved him closer to her, making him face her with her magic.

He glanced down. “You know that I would never do anything like that to you, as my heart would be black if that was the case. So please stop the act--I know you will not hurt me.”

She pondered his words, softening but not quite releasing him. “Tell me then, please.” she pleaded with him.

His loyalty fought him as he spoke. “M-my f-father…” Every word was heavy, and tears welled at his eyes. “H-he plans…” He stopped, unable to speak.

“He plans what? I could never hate you, so please just tell me,” she said, touching a hoof to his cheek.

He forced the words from his mouth. “Come spring, our armies will invade Equestria, and if Celestia fights him, he will make an an example of both of you.” He paused, unable to continue as the image of Luna being killed crossed his mind.

Luna let go of him and hugged him. “Lumi, I love you! Even if we went to war, I know that what happened last time won’t happen again.” She paused. “How would he make an example of us?” she asked carefully.

“Be… beheaded and placed at the gates of Canterlot for all to see. To show that not even alicorns can stand against us.” He cried into her shoulder.

“Oh, Lumi, I think I understand now, you needn’t be afraid of that. While your fears are relevant, it's a long way off. There's still time before that happens; a solution will arise.” She paused, trying to find the right words. She pulled her experience with dream walking to continue. “Love is powerful, and at times it can drive ponies to do stupid things, but it can also heal.”

His heart told him that she spoke true, yet he had seen how powerful his father was. then he thought back to his mother, who was encased in crystal, and realization hit him. “Don’t confront my father; give me time to speak with him. I need to gain my grandmother’s support before I try.”

She held him away from her. “Does this mean you accept me?” she said with a spark of hope in her eyes.

He nodded. “Aye, just keep it a secret for now…” He paused, as thought hit him. “Twilight knows, doesn’t she?”

Luna looked away. “Yes, and Rarity…”

He looked to where his knights were standing then said to Luna. “You mustn't tell them about what could happen, as I fear that it could provoke my father to act sooner.”

Luna looked back to him. “Of course. I trust you to do what you feel is needed.” She nuzzled him, then leaned in to kiss him again, joy on her features.

A bright glow filled the space around them; when they broke apart to watch, the diamond on his chest was as radiant as the day they had first met. He felt his song return to him. “Seems my heart won in the end.” He weakly smiled. “We should get to the banquet before it seems suspicious.”

Luna nuzzled him again, kissing him lightly.

Twilight stood outside the door to the banquet hall with Rarity. “Where are they? She should have been here by now.”

“Settle down, darling; they are probably just catching up. They will be along soon,” Rarity reassured her.

“Yes, you’re right.” Something caught her eye, and she saw them turn the corner. “Oh, and look! There they are.”

“Twilight, good evening! I'm sorry to keep you waiting.” Luna looked down at her purple friend. She nudged Luminous.

He looked to the pair and shook his head. “Aye, good evening. I trust you both have been enjoying your stay.”

“Yes, we have, thank you,” Twilight said.

“Indeed, but I have the feeling Princess Luna has enjoyed hers more,” Rarity said, eyeing the pair and noticing how close they were.

Luna blushed and rubbed a hoof along her forehoof, stepping away from Luminous slightly. “Yes, Lumi has made my stay quite enjoyable.” She cupped a hoof over her mouth when she realised what she said.

“Lumi? You mean Prince lover siren over there,” Rarity teased her, smiling.

“Oh, yes, you should have seen them in the garden. It was quite the spectacle,” the other mare guard, Poppy, chimed in.

Luna’s head whipped around to stare at the guard before turning back and waving it off. “He just accepted my offer to court. Nothing more.”

Luminous glared at Poppy, then turned to address the mares. “Um, wait, you can’t tell anypony, we need some time to...” He paused, trying to find the right words. “Come out with our relationship.”

Twilight eyed the pair. “I’m happy for you. However, if you’re trying to keep it a secret, it's not a good idea to be around each other in the banquet hall.”

The prince looked in thought for a moment. “Princess Twilight has a point; it may be best if we split up,” he said.

“Good idea. We don’t need any drama tonight,” Luna said, thinking back to the earlier events.

“Alright then, should we enter?” Twilight asked.

“That we should,” Luminous replied.

***

Entering first were Luminous and Luna; behind them were Vindex and Titan, who acted as their guards. They were followed by Twilight and Rarity, with Sir Phoenix and Poppy bringing up the rear. “Introducing His Highness Crowned Prince Luminous Sovereign, Heir to the Atlantean Throne, escorting Her Highness Princess Luna, Lunar Diarch of Equestria.” They bowed to each other, then the pair parted ways as they entered.

“Introducing Her Highness Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria, Princess of Friendship, accompanied by the Bearer of the Element of Generosity, Miss Rarity.”

Twilight and Rarity entered together. She noticed Luna standing off to the side waiting for her. “Luna, were you waiting for me?” Twilight asked her as she came down the stairs into the lavish hall, while Rarity went her separate way to mingle.

“You could say that. I figured it would be best if I was with you so that I didn’t find myself going to luminous. Call it...” She paused. “...call it my way of keeping myself under control.”

“I understand--can’t have you making it too obvious, with his father seated right over there.” She point across the room to the far wall. “I had a talk with him earlier today.”

“Oh, what did you two talk about?” Luna asked.

“Oh, he just wanted to know about Nightmare Moon. Did you know there are other nightmares?” Twilight replied.

Hmm, that's odd. But yes, I knew there were others. They now live in the dreams of ponies,” Luna said, interested.

Twilight thought more on the talk from earlier. “Also, I learned about the siren’s heart. Did you know that if their heart is broken, they can no longer sing?”

“Yes, I was aware, but why would he tell you that?” Luna asked, worried.

Twilight took note of the worry in her voice. “Well he asked how we... defeated you. He only knew of one way to cleanse nightmares from a host, so I told him...” Her eye widened as she fully understood. “...about the Elements of Harmony. And how they work.”

Luna’s face hardened. She dragged the purple mare out of the room to a side hall. “You did what?!.”

Twilight shrunk back at Luna’s tone. “He asked about the Elements. I only told them that my friends and i can use them.”

“You foal, he was fishing for information. You should have kept your mouth shut; now he knows that we have a powerful relic,” Luna growled.

“But I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong, it not like he wouldn’t have learned about it sooner or later.” Twilight repealed.

“No, he wouldn’t have. What do you suppose could happen if he decides he wants that power for himself?” Luna asked the quivering mare.

Twilight looked fearfully at Luna. “But I thought...”

“You thought wrong. He would take you and your friends into custody to use you for his wishes. You need to learn to be more careful. It's not as bad as you think, but what I'm saying has some ring of truth to it. The next time you are around him keep your secrets more guarded.” She paused to breathe, visibly calming down. “Did you tell him anything else?”

“No, but I thought we were here to ensure an alliance. I mean, you and Luminous seem to be close, so why would his father seek to make war?” she replied.

“It's not that. Politics are complicated: even if that is our goal, you can not assume that it will work out. We don’t tell the griffins about our military secrets, so why would we tell the empire? Do you understand what i'm getting at?”

“I understand. I’m sorry.” She nodded.

Luna reached over and hugged the purple mare. “Twilight, I commend your effort to make friends, but please have some restraint. This isn’t Equestria, so you have to be careful.”

Twilight nuzzled her.

Luna released her, happy for the young mare’s affection. “So, how do you feel about fish? I find it quite delicious.”

The banquet had been going well. Luminous’ father was watching the merriment, and Twilight had his grandmother’s ear. His siblings were chatting with one another. Luna had shot more than a few glares toward his father.

Luminous glaced toward the main floor and to the ponies happily dancing. He smiled. ~Well, may as well have a dance with Luna. If nothing else, we could keep it formal to show diplomacy.~ He got up and moved over to Luna. “Would you honor me with a dance, Princess Luna?” he asked, winking at her as he bowed.

Luna smiled. “Of course, it would be my pleasure, Prince Luminous,” she said, curtsying.

The pair went to the center of the room; more than a few nobles took note. Luminous knew this was a strange sight for many, as he had never done anything like this before. He stood and bowed to her, and she did the same. Listening to the music, they began dancing. “How is your night going, my lady?” he asked, noting that their conversation was being overheard.

“It’s going wonderfully, and yours?”

“Quite well indeed. It seems you’re enjoying your stay here. Princess Twilight seems to be enjoying a rather deep conversation with my grandmother,” he said as he took a quick glance over to his grandmother.

“My stay has been wonderful and pleasant. Your city is lively during the festival.” She looked toward the dowager queen, earning a polite nod. “I agree, Princess Twilight is definitely enjoying herself. They must be having a conversation on history. I have never seen Twilight as happy as she is now.”

“Very much so. I did note how Princess Twilight seemed to find our customs of eating fish strange. Tell me, do the ponies of Equestria not eat fish?” he asked. He wished he could dance closer to her, but he knew many eyes were upon them and that his father was no doubt watching.

“Only the pegasi and thestrals, who need the protein. We alicorns don’t use our wings as much, so it's not too common for us to eat it,” Luna replied.

“So how about yourself? You seemed to enjoy the meal,” he asked

“I dine with my thestral guards on occasion, and I have found I quite like the flavor. It’s quite good cooked with dragon fire as well.”

He smiled. “I could understand that. Should we return to our seats?” he asked.

“While I am enjoying the sudden company of Your Highness, I do believe you may be right.” She wished she could voice how she really felt to him.

“Aye, the night is still young,” he replied. It was then he took note of his sister shooting daggers at him. Bowing to her, he left her to walk over and greet his sister.

“Something the matter, sister? You seem tense,” he asked calmly.

“I’m fine, though I would like a word with you in the courtyard.”

***

Lemuria led him to the courtyard. Luminous felt a tinge of fear: had his sister seen him and Luna? “What is it you need to talk about?”

“You’re a fool,” she said, turning to glare at him. “Did you honestly think you could get away with courting that mare? You know of father’s plans.”
Luminous glanced around to ensure they were alone. “But maybe there’s an alternative. I’m sure if we…”

“If we what, brother? Do you honestly think Father can be swayed? Does that mare even love you? She left you a thousand years ago; who's to say she won’t do it again?”

“Enough! Father will listen, this war can be avoided, and aye, she loves me!” He looked his sister in the eyes.

Taken aback, Lemuria replied, “She loves you? How would you know? She could just being playing you like she did then.”

Luminous pointed at his heart. “Do you see this? Do you know how long it was dim, why I haven’t sung for over a thousand years? No, she loves me as dearly as I love her.” He raised his voice a bit. “Also, there was more at play to that event that broke us apart.”

“You mean to say she took your voice? Why didn’t you tell me?” She paused. “What more was at play?”

“We both recall very different letters: when we planned to run away the night the city sunk, we planned to leave that blasted war behind!” He paused. “So don’t you dare try to tell me she’s using me.”

Lemuria stepped back; she had never seen her brother act like this. “You really love her, don’t you.”

“As much as Father loves Mother.” He looked her dead in the eyes. “So what are you going to do?”

She thought for a minute. “What are your future plans with her?” She paused. “Answer me that first.”

Luminous had no doubts as he answered, “I will marry her if she will have me, have foals with her and have her ruling by my side one day.”

Lemuria looked at her brother. Her eyes widened, then softened. “If that is how you feel, then I will stand with you; however, should I see her hurt you, I will not hesitate to take her out.”

“You will not harm one hair on her body! I do not care if she cuts my heart out, you will do her no harm. Is that clear?” he commanded.

“I understand, but that won’t stop me from having a very lengthy talk with her,” she replied.

“Fine, have your talk, but if I find out you harmed her in any way...” He paused. “I will not think twice about taking her side.”

“I understand, so then I must ask. If you can not change Father’s mind, where will you stand: with her, or with us?”

“I-I...” He looked away. “I pray that it will not come to that.”

She squinted her eyes at him. “I pray your idea works,” she said, walking away.

He looked up at his lover’s moon. ~I’m going to need to speak to Mother.~

The banquet was at an end. All but the Thestral nobles had retired for the night. Luna glanced around for Luminous and spotted him talking with his grandmother. From their faces, she could see they were having a delightful conversation. Then looking around for Twilight, she spotted her walking out of the hall.

“Twilight!” she called out. Twilight turned around. “What are your plans now?” Twilight yawned.

“I was thinking of bedding down for the night; we leave tomorrow. You can come hang out with me for a little bit, though I think Rarity and I are going to sit and chat as well.”

“I see. I must decline. I would like to go and change, and I thought about dreamwalking tonight,” Luna replied. ~I'm lying, of course, but I’m sure she knows that. I just don’t want the nobles to overhear my plans in the garden.~

“Alright then, have a good night,” Twilight said, smiling before walking away.

***

The walk to her room seemed a bit longer with nopony to talk to. As she neared, she took note that the door was open. ~I don’t recall leaving my door open. I’d best be on my guard.~
Walking up slowly and pushing the door, Luna found that a purple-tinted grey siren with accents of magenta scales sat on her bed looking right at her.

“Good evening, Princess Luna. I had hoped you would come back here first. I wish to have a word with you.”

If Luna found the encounter unsettling, she did not let it be seen. “I understand, Princess Lemuria. What is it you wish to talk about?”

Lemuria simply eyed her. “I had a most interesting conversation with my brother. So I must wonder, what game are you playing?”

“I would assume you know, then.” Luna eyed her. “I am playing no game. If it is a question of love, I don’t doubt mine. My love for him is endless.”

“Oh, is that so. Then tell me what secrets he has told you, as I know a few.”

“I know we are to go to war in the spring, but that will not stop me like it did a thousand years ago. This war can be avoided.”

A bit of anger in Lemuria’s eyes told Luna a great deal. “Then surely you wouldn’t mind telling me your plans for the future, then?”

Luna answered without hesitation, a determined look in her eye. “If he would ask me, I’d give him my hoof in a heartbeat. I want to have his foals and rule by his side. I love him.”
Lemuria softened a bit, seeming lost in thought. “When his plan fails to convince our father, what will you do then?”

“I would stand with him, no matter the cost. Love can change the hearts of many. Ponies do stupid things for love, and I am no exception.”

With a sigh, Lemuria spoke. “Does that mean you would also stand as a daughter of the empire?”

Luna thought carefully. “I love Luminous; I am loyal to my heart. I pray it never comes to that.” She paused. “Are you going to tell your father I know of your invasion plans?”

“My brother made it clear that I will do you no harm, and thus telling my father would be doing that.” Lemuria shook her head. “I do have one thing to ask of you. Please, if you truly do love him, don’t make him choose between you and the empire. Simply join us, and I’m sure Father will spare your sister and fewer will die.”

Luna pondered her words. “While I see the point behind your words, I would also ask you the same: don’t force your brother to choose his country over his love.” She paused. “I would never ask him to, as I would hope he would never ask me.”

Lemuria looked away as she got up. “He already has chosen.”

Luna’s eyes widened, but she quickly stifled her recognition. “Please have a good night, princess.”

“Just be sure he doesn't get his fool head knocked off.”

“I assure you, I would be a foalish mare to allow him that.”

Lemuria nodded. “Just be careful. The walls have many ears, and there’s always a snake around somewhere.”

Luna nodded, seeing the princess out. Luna closed the door, then looked at herself in the mirror. “A shame to take it off, but I want to be comfortable.” She slipped out of her dress and took off her jewelry. She opted to wear a sheer wrap and walked out of her room, heading down to the garden.

***

Luna strolled into the garden and walked directly to the hidden spot that contained the moon flowers. When she rounded the corner, she saw Luminous sitting with his back turned. She could see that he had changed out of his armor and into a simple cotton tunic. “Hello, Lumi. I had hoped to find you here.”

“Did my sister have her talk with you?” he asked, not turning.

“Yes. I did have a few things to ask you,” she said.

“Go on, ask. I have no secrets from you.” He turned to face her.

She blushed, opting to sit down, and asked, “Well, for starters, she asked me my future plans with you. I told her that I would want to start a life with you. Did she ask you the same question?”

“Aye, she did,” he replied.

“May I know your view?” she asked, worry creeping in her voice.

He smiled a bit, taking a small cloth from his pocket and giving it to her. “Here, the answer.”

Luna took it in her magic. Unwrapping it, she found a blue iridescent scale. She looked to him, wide-eyed. “You mean…” She trailed off.

He nodded and smiled at her.

Luna unfolded a wing and plucked a feather. She reached over and said with happy tears, “Here, to replace the old one.”

He took the feather and held it close before looking sorrowfully toward the palace. “Go ahead, ask your next question, for I fear I know what it is.”

Luna breathed. She was so happy, but the question that she was to ask would really test her heart. “I would never make you choose, so please answer true: if you can not change your father’s mind, what are you going to do?”

“I… I would tell my mother farewell and hope she could reach him, as I could never make you choose as I have. I love my empire and my family, but I can’t trade my love for you to make them happy.”
Luna moved closer, snuggled up to him, and said, “I’m sorry. I know this is hard for you. I only hope it would never come to that. I don’t want you to give up your home just for me.”

He looked lovingly into her eyes even as tears fell from his, “My home is with you, wherever you may go. I know I will have to face my father soon. I just pray that he will hear me, otherwise I’m going to have to face him on the battlefield.”

Luna turned to him. “Are you sure this is how you feel?”

He leaned in and kissed her gently. “Was that response clear enough for you?”

She snuggled him closely, her shawl slipping from her shoulders. She laid her head on his hooves.

He laid his head on hers. “You know, you’re still soft,” he whispered.

Luna giggled. “I know, just don’t smoosh my face again.” She smiled and closed her eyes. For the first time, she felt able to sleep at night.

Author's Note

I hope everyone been enjoying the story so far.