It had been more than a month since Coin Counter had recovered from his ordeal. Though his heart was still heavy, he’d seemingly managed to move on and accept what happened. As he sat in his office looking over the various paperwork and financial reports, his eyes drifted to a framed photo of him and his wife on their honeymoon in Canterlot. Taking a sigh and cracking a smile, Coin brushed the frame with a hoof not occupied by paper.

“Winter Rose, I still miss you, but Cadance is right. I must move on for my own sake but I vow that I’ll never forget the times you’ve brightened my life. Thank you for all tha-” His train of thought was interrupted by the sound of hooves rapping on the door. “Come in!”

Through the door came Scale Stock, Coin Counter’s secretary and protege. He trotted in with a satchel of letters and calm expression.

“Morning Sir,” Scale greeted with a short salute. “How’ve things been for you so far today?”

“Busy like you wouldn’t believe, my friend.” Coin sighed as he added his signature to a scroll before sending it off with his messenger hawk. “Heh, when you take my place one day, you’ll have to get used to this sort of monotony.”

“Eh, I’ll be fine with it.” As Scale looked around the office, his eyes caught a quick glance at Coin Counter’s scar, barely visible and mostly hidden by his cloak. Wincing at the sight, he shook his head, getting the image out of his mind, not wanting to remind his boss of the ordeal.

“Anyways sir, I took the liberty of bringing you your mail.” Coin looked at the bundle of scrolls before turning his gaze back to his assistant.

“Thank you, Scale. I don’t believe I have anything else for you today, so you’re dismissed.” With a salute, Scale trotted out of the office, closing the door behind him. With his protege gone, Coin could now turn his attention to his mail as he began scanning through the scrolls. “Junk, Junk, Griffonstone Gov’t Report, Junk, Treaty Related, Junk, huh… what’s this?”

Coin picked up the one scroll that stood out, one that had a different seal on it, one that he recognized.

“Cadance’s Official Seal?” He said to himself. “This must be a personal message from her. Though what could she have wanted to tell me?” Opening the scroll, he began to read the contents within.

“Dear Coin Counter,

I hope you are doing well. It’s been about a month since your recovery and I’m very proud of the progress you made. Since today is Hearts and Hooves Day, I would like to extend an invitation for you to join me in a private dinner later on tonight. Be sure to dress your best for this occasion.

Your Princess:

Mi Amore Cadenza”

“She used her full name too?” Coin thought to himself as he looked out the window and towards the sunlit sky. He was caught off guard by Cadance’s invitation to join her for dinner, on Hearts and Hooves Day no less. Knowing that being invited to a private meeting with royalty is an honor that very few ponies could refuse, he’d already mentally accepted her offer, though he was still nervous. “I wonder what she has planned beyond just a mere dinner.” As he thought more and more about it, his mind reminded him of the task at hand: fulfilling his duties as Cadance’s financial advisor. “Well, I suppose it’ll be nice to visit a friend once in a while.”

“I certainly hope I’m not late.” Coin counter muttered to himself as he trotted down the moonlit halls of Cadance’s Castle, clad in his formal attire. His equine heart racing at the speed of sound as he paced himself and after two more minutes of wandering, found the door, made more obvious by the two guards at the entrance. Anypony knew that when guards are stationed at doors, royalty was surely on the other side. As he approached the door, one of the guards took notice of his presence.

“Excuse me, sir.” The guard spoke in a semi-gruff voice. “Are you Coin Counter?”

“Yes, that is my name.” Coin replied back, causing the guard to tap his spear against the double doors.

“Your highness, he’s here.”

“Wonderful! Let him in!” A familiar voice sang from the other side. The guards then opened the doors, gesturing Coin to enter. As soon as she galloped through, the doors closed and he looked up at a sight that made his jaw drop.

(Play BGM 06 - Shulk and Fiora)

“Hello there, Coin.” Cadance said in her sing-song voice. She was dressed in her complete royal regalia with her tri-colored mane tied in a bun with a few strands allowed to flow free. Coin Counter’s heart was racing at such a beautiful sight that only a few would be able to see in their lives.

“Princess Cadance.” It was all Coin Counter could utter as he was approached by Cadance. His heart rate skyrocketed as she drew near, giving a cute giggle at his flustered expression.

“I know, you’re nervous because of how beautiful I look.” Cadance said as she gave Coin a quick hug. “I saw that same look on Shining Armor’s face when we first started dating. He looked so cute when he was nervous.”

“Wha-?! A d-d-d A d-d-date?!” Coin stuttered as he tried to comprehend his Princess’s intentions. “Y-you want to date me, your highness?”

“I made my intentions clear from the message you got this morning. Being Hearts and Hooves Day, I thought today would be a perfect time for us to get acquainted on a more personal level.”

“Woah,” Coin gasped as he wiped a few beads of sweat from his forehead. “This is so sudden, your highness.”

“I know that something like this is happening so soon for you. But, I also feel that you’ve been without a special somepony for so long and I’m willing to help fill that void of yours. I’ve already told my daughter about this and she’s ecstatic about the thought of having a new father figure in her life.” As she gave Coin Counter a quick peck on the cheeks, she gave him a smile with half-lidded eyes, the sort of look one would give a lover. “Another thing, we’re alone here and pleasantries aren’t needed. Just call me Cadance.” Coming out of the shock of her kiss, Coin shook his head in agreement. “Would you like to join me at the table for dinner?”

“Um, I-I’d be h-honored… Princes- Er, I mean, Cadance.” He awkwardly replied as they both took their seats at opposite ends of the table. The table was splayed with a wide range of delicacies from both the Crystal Empire and Canterlot. Salads, Main Courses, Soups, and mouth-watering desserts all were laid out for the both of them to consume, all prepared by Cadance’s royal chefs.

“My word, this all looks so good.” Coin remarked as he took a whiff of the banquet’s aroma to his nose’s pleasure. “It even smells good too.”

“Well, I have to thank my chefs for their experience and skill.” Cadance remarked as she poured a glass of wine for herself before levitating the bottle to her guest. “Would you care for a glass?”

“Sure.” At his affirmation, Cadance filled half of his glass with the strong-smelling alcoholic beverage. Taking a sniff of his drink, he was caught off guard by how strong the aroma was.

“That’s wine from Canterlot.” Cadance said with a giggle. “It was a gift from Celestia, made from the finest grapes in her vineyard.. Go ahead, take a sip.” Coin obliged and the taste he would describe it as sweet, but not too sweet, not dry and had a pleasant aftertaste.

“Hey, this is pretty good.” Coin complemented as he took another sip.

“Why thank you, Coin. I’m glad you enjoyed it. To be honest, I thought it would’ve been too strong for your tastes.”

“I sure didn’t find it that strong. Actually, it was just right.” After Cadance took a sip, she rested her glass and locked her eyes with Coin’s.

“So, Coin,” Cadance started. “I know you were my financial advisor for years, but I’ve been curious, what motivated you to want to work for me specifically?” Clearing his throat for a second, Coin Counter prepared his answer.

“Well, my father was a banker from Canterlot who moved here with my mother when she was pregnant with me. Being able to work with one of the banks in the city, he was able to provide a great deal of comfortable living for my mother and me. When my dad saw that I was good with numbers, he trained me in his craft. As I grew, he remarked that my skills would be better used somewhere other than a mere bank. So, when the position for a financial advisor in your court opened, he encouraged me to take it.”

“I see. Was there anything else motivated that made you want to work in the castle?”

“Apart from being able to gander at the wonderful architecture and cozy living space, the thought of being close to work made me worry less about transportation which is quite stressful.” Cadance seemed satisfied with the answer and thought of another question, but was unsure about whether it would be right to ask him. However, her curiosity got the better of her and she decided to ask anyway.

“So, um, I’m honestly not sure if you feel comfortable with me asking this.”

“I’m honestly good with whatever you want to ask about me. So, go ahead.”

“Well, the sword you used to uhhhmmm… injure yourself with last month, why did you have it?” Cadance winced as she anticipated Coin Counter to begin panicking over a traumatic memory. To her surprise, he began to chuckle, confusing her.

“Well Cadance, It’s actually sort of a funny story in a way.”

“How so?”

“Well, remember yours and Shining Armor’s wedding in Canterlot, you know, when the Changelings swarmed the city?”

“Oh yes, I do fondly remember that day. What about it?”

“I was there to help calculate the expenses of the arrangements and made sure everything was in order. As I was about to help finalize the prep work, one of the guards burst into the room to warn us everypony present about the changelings swarming the city. As I was looking for a way out of the castle grounds, I found a sword that belonged to one of the guards that ran off just lying on the ground. Seeing a bunch of those bugs coming towards me with fangs and malice, I picked up the sword and ran until I was cornered. As they approached me, I used the sword to swat them away like they were a swarm of parasprites. Though nopony was around to witness, I knew I looked completely ridiculous doing it, huddled in a corner while shooing away bugs, swinging a sword with all the grace of a stick. I can’t help but laugh at it.”

“I’m sure you did your best to defend yourself. But, why did you keep it on you?”

“I actually returned it to the armory after the changelings were driven away but the pony in charge said I could keep it due to a surplus of swords they had. After I returned from your wedding, I decided to take classes in swordsmanship, but only for self-defense. Imagine me, a pony that works with mathematics and money for a living knows how to use a sword. Heh.”

“It’s certainly an understandable reason to have one around.”

“Yes, I just didn’t want to be caught off guard again.” As Coin Counter nodded, he realized they spent several minutes making conversation without eating a single bite of anything on the table. “Well, let’s go ahead and eat before any of this gets cold.”

Cadance and Coin Counter spent the next half hour eating the food that was laid out on the table, enjoying every morsel as well as each other’s company. By the end, almost everything had been eaten and both ponies were left almost too full to continue.

“Wow, that… was something good.” Coin moaned as he rubbed his belly. “Since the latest budgetary reports allow it, I would suggest that your chefs should get a raise.”

“I will take that into account at the next court meeting.” Cadance agreed as Coin Counter looked out the window towards the outside, smiling at the wonderful sight of the moon shining in the sky.

“Your aunt Luna certainly knows how to make the night look amazing. The moon is like a natural night lamp.” As Coin looked out the window, Cadance joined him in taking in the sight of the beautiful night. Cadance knew from her visit with Coin Counter last month that she couldn’t deny the fact she had feelings for him and she knew he felt the same way. Though she was ready to feel love again, Cadance had to break Coin’s last proverbial shell before he could completely start anew. Then, an idea dawned on her, one that would make their date complete.

“Hey Coin?” Cadance asked. “Would you like to go somewhere with me?”

“Where to?” Coin replied.

“It’s a surprise.” Cadance states as she got up from her seat and trotted to the door. “Come on, let’s go.” Agreeing to her request, Coin Counter wandered to her side and left the room with her. The two ponies wandered the crystalline halls of the castle, taking in the craftwork, the design of the interior and the varying paintings that were found along the walls. Eventually, they arrived at their destination, a doorway to a lively garden.

“Your private garden, Cadance?” Coin gasped in astonishment to which Cadance nodded. “I thought this was for you and you alone.”

“Yes, but I can share this place with whomever I wish and I wish for you to enjoy it as well.” Cadance replied, brushing a cheek against his face. “Now, follow me. There’s a spot in particular that I would like to share with you.”

Wandering through the lively garden behind his princess, Coin Counter was in awe over the beauty that was Cadance’s private garden, maintained by her own hooves and magic. Bushes of rare and exotic plant life, patches of the most beautiful and sweet smelling floral arrangements, it truly rivaled Celestia’s own garden. If it was during the day, butterflies, birds and a few other critters would make the place look lively like paradise made manifest.

“In all my years of being in your service, I never got to witness a place as beautiful as this.” Coin muttered to himself.

“I’m glad you liked it,” Cadance responded. “I’d like to think of this place as like a canvas to make art. I picked out all known plants and foliage that would make for a relaxing environment.”

“And a beautiful one as well.” As they made idle chit chat, Cadance stopped turned to face a gazebo surrounded by nicely trimmed hedges, bushes, and beautiful floral arrangements.

“We’re here.” Cadance said, pointing to the gazebo. She and Coin Counter walked into the structure made of marble and crystal. Patting a hoof on the couch inside, Coin sat near the princess, blushing only slightly from being close to her. The only light that was present was the one beaming from the moon on high.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Cadance softly says, gazing at the lunar light.

“Absolutely.” Coin agreed. “Celestia blesses us with amazing sunny days and Luna graces us with the most beautiful of nights.”

“I remember the last time I came here. It was on the anniversary of mine and Shining Armor’s wedding. We came to this exact spot to bask in the moonlight and spent the evening staring out towards the stars. For the rest of the night, we rested here and cuddled under a blanket. His warmth and strong heartbeat felt calm and relaxing.”

Cadance looked at the moon and the location, memories flooding back to her, adding a somber tone to the atmosphere. “I still remember the first time I met him. I used to foalsit his little sister Twilight Sparkle and even back then I knew he was special.” She chuckled for a moment at the memory. “Of course, Twilight was such a delight, like the sister I never had. It made the world to her and me when I became her sister-in-law, more than a mere friend. It really broke my heart to tell her that her brother had died.”

“Yeah, I miss my Winter Rose, too. It’s hard to believe that today is the anniversary of our first date. I remember taking her for a tour around the palace grounds and visiting some of the finer eateries around here. When she gave me a kiss as the date ended, I felt my heart sing for her, calling to her. I knew then and there when I looked into her beautiful eyes before we departed that she was the one. About several months later, we were wed with your blessing. I never felt so happy in my entire life until that point and I made a vow to her that day.”

“What vow would that be?”

“I would do anything to make her happy.” Coin declared as a tear rolled down his cheek. “When she became pregnant, it meant the world to her and it made me happy. Now that she’s dead, I honestly don’t know what else to do.”

Cadance felt a sense of empathy, knowing she, in some way, experienced the same pain as he felt. One of the abilities she has as the Princess of Love was empathy and the ability to see what a heart yearns for. She could sense that her advisor’s heart hungered for love, to feel complete once more. Yet, it was also filled with uncertainty and doubt, she knew if he was to be truly happy, she would need to convince him that his wife wished the same for him. Cadance placed a hoof on his right shoulder, making him blush.

“I know what your heart wants.” She said as she placed a hoof on Coin’s heart. The feeling of such intimate contact caused his heart to race faster once more. “I can feel it beating. It yearns for me but I also feel it is veiled by doubt.”

“I-I want to feel love again, Cadance.” Coin stuttered, paralyzed by uncertainty. “I’m still not sure if she truly wants this of me.”

“Of course she does, Coin.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“It is something my Shining wished for me before he died. I know that if you were in her place, you would wish the same for your wife.” Still sensing a bit of doubt lingering in his mind, Cadance pulled Coin Counter in with her hooves for an embrace. She looked into his eyes with hers half-lidded. “Here, allow me to help convince you.”

(Play BGM 07 - Theme of Love)

Cadance planted a kiss upon Coin’s lips, loving and passionate. It only lasted a minute before Cadance broke it, trailing a strand of saliva. Initially, Coin was confused by her gesture but something within him clicked. All his doubt, all his reservations, were washed away with the realization that she was right. His heart knew that Winter would’ve wanted him to be happy, even when she’s gone.

With his heart and mind at peace at last, Coin Counter dove in for another deep and passionate kiss. With love filling her heart, Cadance wrapped her forehooves and wings around her lover as she fell on her back to the couch with Coin laying on top of her. As they kissed, their chests came into contact with each other, allowing them to feel their heartbeats. It only served to fuel their passion further. After several moments making out, Coin broke the kiss when he felt a tightening in his crotch, a stirring of his loins.

“Hhhhnnnn.” Cadance moaned as her already wet folds made contact with Coin’s throbbing erection. “Oh, I can’t take this anymore.” With a flash of her horn, all of their garments were removed from their bodies, allowing Coin Counter’s body to breathe freely and the scent from Cadance’s arousal to hit his snout. Just the musky scent alone was enough to tempt him to penetrate her royal flower and let lust drive him. However, he didn’t want to do this on the first date, especially with royalty. He got off her and brought his face to her puffy labia, dripping with arousal.

“I thought you would’ve gone straight to rutting me!” Cadance lustfully moaned as Coin breathed a puff of hot air upon her sex. The sensation shook her spine to the marrow as she threw her head back with pleasure. Coin gave her vagina a short peck with his lips before he gazed at her with a lustful grin.

“Ladies first, my love.” My love. Cadance couldn’t believe what she heard Coin Counter call her. Her heart soared as if she flew high in the sky without a care in the world. Without another thought, Coin Counter began licking at her dripping wet pussy, lapping up those tangy juices. He couldn’t exactly describe what it tasted like, only that it was citrusy in nature. The taste of her juices and her ever-increasing moans made him lick her with increased vigor. As he licked, his tongue brushed against a small nub on her lips, causing Cadance to moan shudder. Briefly stopping his ministrations, Coin saw her winking clit. With a sly grin and a desire to please her, he began licking and biting her clit, sending her pleasure soaring.

“OH YES! OH YES!!!” Cadance yelped. “KEEP GOING!!! DON’T STOP!!!” Coin knew he had to try something to send her over the edge and a thought dawned on him. He inserted his tongue into her wet love tunnel, snaking it around the wet and pulsing walls. Overcome by sheer pleasure, Cadance’s hind legs wrapped around her lover’s head and pressed it into her crotch to further elevate her pleasure. Eventually, she was at her limit and couldn’t go any further as she screamed in orgasmic bliss as her climax exploded into Coin’s mouth, soaking him with her juices.

“Oh my,” Cadance moaned as her forehooves caressed her body. “It’s been too long since I’ve felt that good. I feel as though I should reward you.”

“No need for that.” Coin replied as he wiped her juices from his face. “The pleasure is all mine.”

“Oh no, I insist.” With her horn glowing, Cadance used her magic to switch places with Coin so he was sitting on the couch and she was on the ground between his hind legs, face to face with his cock. “And I just know how to make you feel good.”

She rubbed her hooves along the length of his shaft, returning the favor. She at first wanted to use her magic to stroke him while she played with his balls but decided that using her bare hooves would feel much better. With each stroke, Coin Counter began feeling overwhelmed with pleasure as his ruler stimulated him. For him, it felt great to have two years of tension to be swept away by carnal pleasure. He wanted more and wanted it from her. Coin shuddered when a hot and wet feeling engulfed his pride as Cadance took his entire member into her mouth. His eyes rolled to the back of his head as experiences the most sensual of blowjobs. However, his lack of sexual activity for the past two years did nothing for his stamina and his orgasm eventually exploded in her mouth.

“S-Sorry, Cadance.” Coin panted as he lay exhausted from his orgasm. “It’s been a while since I’ve had that sort of pleasure.”

“There’s no need to fret over such things,” Cadance said, wiping Coin’s excess seed from her lips. “I understand you’re a little rusty from not enjoying yourself for such a long time.” Cadance then looked at his shaft, limp from being spent. Her body craves his love, craves having his stallionhood in her nethers. “Allow me to rectify this.” Knowing what to do, she uses her magic to restore his stamina, making his cock stand at attention once again. Coin stared in surprise at the sight.

“Hmmm, no wonder why you’re called the Princess of Love.” Coin remarked in astonishment which was followed by another flash form Cadance’s horn. “What was that?”

“It’s a spell that ensures you’ll last as long as I do. So now, we’ll both cum at the same time.” Cadance then laid her upper body down on the couch, sticking her plot out and shook it seductively. “Now please, Coin… take me!”

Getting up from the couch, Coin Counter positioned himself behind Cadance, straddling her body. His throbbing erection came into contact with her nether lips, sending waves of excitement and lust throughout their bodies. Before he pushed the tip of his spear into her love canal, a thought dawned on him.

“I can hardly believe it! I’m about to have sex with a princess, THE Princess of Love!”

The excitement from that thought alone was enough to get him to push the entirety of his length into Cadance’s vagina, even getting his medial ring through. The sudden penetration of his entire cock in her moist sex was enough to make her howl to the moon with unbridled passion and lust. For her, she had entered the realm of pure bliss.

“OH YES!” Cadance screamed. “OOOHHH, HOW LONG HAVE I WAITED TO FEEL SUCH LOVE! DO IT! RUT ME!”

As she commanded, Coin thrust in and out of her slick, wet snatch. Each thrust made his balls tighten, little by little. He enjoyed it, enjoyed being inside a mare. It reminded him of the night he proposed to Winter Rose, a night fueled by lustful and romantic passion by a fireplace. Remembering that made him grow closer and closer to orgasm. Just as he was about to release, it never came. His loins remained in a state of near-release and the painful yet pleasurable sensation only grew.

“C-Cadance?!” Coin grunted.

“Y-Yes?!” Cadance asked back.

“Can you lay on your back, please?”

“Why?”

“I want to look at those beautiful purple eyes of yours as we cum.”

With her heart fluttering with love at Coin’s request, Cadance managed to concentrate enough of her magic to carefully maneuver Coin’s desired position on the couch without pulling him out of her pussy. When the position was set, Coin Counter looked deep into her beautiful purple eyes and at that moment, their hearts were connected.At that moment, to them, nothing else mattered but their desire for one another. Coin connected his lips with hers as he resumed thrusting. Cadance responded by wrapping all her hooves and wings around his body in a close and passionate embrace. There, they reached it, the pinnacle of love. Eventually, like all good things, it wasn’t to last as Coin felt her inner walls tighten around his member, signaling that her orgasm was nigh.

“Oh yes, Coin! I-I’m about t-to cum!” Cadance screamed as she tightened her embrace on Coin Counter. He too could feel his own orgasm nearly there as he gave his thrusts all the speed he could muster. With a few good last thrusts, Cadance’s inner walls clamped around his member as her orgasm exploded, soaking their crotches with her juices. As she came, so did Coin Counter as his cock flared and released a torrent of his hot seed into her womb. Their blissful orgasms lasted minutes before it all died down and they collapsed with exhaustion, drenched in sweat and sex. Coming to, Cadance used the last of her stamina to teleport both of them to her bed in her chambers.

“That… felt great.” Coin panted as he used his magic to pull the blankets over their bodies. “ I honestly never expected this day to end like this, in your hooves.”

“Being Hearts and Hooves Day,” Cadance yawned, pulling him closer against her. “I thought that we indulge in our heart’s desires. From when I lost my love, you’ve been my friend and I’ve always valued your friendship. When you went through your tragedy, I wanted to return the favor. But, as time grew, I wanted your love. I wanted you to love me as more than a friend.”

“I felt the same but my own doubt kept me back. When you reminded me of my vow to her, it all went away and my heart’s desire for you grew. I’m glad to have you as my special somepony.”

Before the two lovers drifted off to sleep, Cadance gave him a short peck on the lips and whispered the three words he’ll never forget.

“I love you.

“I love you too, Cadance.”

Author's Note

Well, who doesn't like to have a date with royalty, especially when it ended the way it did for Coin Counter.

Anyways, here's the third chapter. I hope you like it. Whether you do or not, comments and feedback is always welcome and important to me.

To those of you who are interested in an epilogue chapter, please let me know. I've already written most of one but I only have a bit to go on that.