[CH1] - Safe And Sound (Part 1)
Safe And Sound
It was almost midnight when Luna and her sister had finally returned from the battle which had seen her prised from her evil form of Nightmare Moon. A moment she would be forever indebted to Twilight Sparkle and the elements of harmony, but also as the day she was freed from her hatred and jealousy of the day and her sister’s popularity.
She had failed to see her importance, unaware that ponies relied upon her night to rest and recuperate as much as they worked and played during the day. Within the form of Nightmare Moon, Luna trapped herself into a never ending cycle of bitterness and anger, unable to breath as the pure weight of her alter-ego’s pure hatred for all things bright and beautiful ate away the good in her soul. It was now that she was free that she felt like she could actually think straight, take in oxygen and form a coherent thought.
Her first breath after the Element’s spell had stripped the evil from her was euphoric, almost erotic as she desperately filled her lungs with as much oxygen she could, savouring every moment that she was free. Luna believed that this feeling of relief could never be surpassed even if she tried, it was a special moment for her to finally be free after so long trapped in the isolation of her own mind.
It was at that time a pony she thought she’d never set eyes on again made her appearance. She was fearful at first of the white alicorn’s wrath, but she was quickly overjoyed at the sight of her sister, nuzzling her long lost sibling begging for forgiveness.
As time progressed, Celestia had decided against teleportation back to Canterlot, instructing her purple student and her colourful friends to rest up and enjoy each others company until they were to be called upon. The white alicorn proposed that the two took the more scenic route of flying back to the equestrian Capital citing that she had stories to tell and time to rekindle the love that siblings have for each other. Something that the two princesses hadn’t been able to do for more than an age.
Luna didn’t do very much flying, the thought of losing herself and her dear sister again almost caused a panic attack on its own. She never wanted to be alone again, a century of being trapped in one’s own thoughts is enough to drive some insane, to sate her need of love and attention she nestled herself into her older sister’s side trying desperately to fulfil a thousand years of loneliness.
Wrapped in Celestia’s golden aura, Luna felt like she was in a dream as the warm hue carrassed, tickled and soothed her aching soul allowing her to relish in feelings and senses that had been cut off from her for a millenium. Imprisoned upon the moon brings no comforts, an ever growing coldness that wears and tears a pony down to their very core. Even dreams are impossible to create upon that desolate rock, only hellish nightmares that make one wish they could remain wake never to sleep again.
To be alone for so long, to even see another living being was a thought that brightened her days. To hold them and to have them love her was incomprehensible, all Luna wanted to do was stay like that for the rest of her existence, to never lose those she held close and cared about ever again. Although, it was designed for that exact purpose, very few words were exchanged between the two. The reunited sister’s felt that there didn’t need to be, they had the rest of their lives to talk, they were content enough just being with each other again.
Luna didn’t keep track of how much time passed as the two soared through the sky, letting the peacefulness of her night soothe and nurture her tormented soul before drifting off into a peaceful sleep - something that she hadn’t experienced in a very long time. It was only when the two came into land at the Canterlot Palace that Celestia woke Luna, setting the Princess down carefully as the white alicorn landed gracefully beside her.
Luna had to do a double take on everything her eyes had seen. A thousand years is a long time and apparently Celestia had moved with the millennia, leaving the old fashioned castle they had lived in together. The alicorn had been wise to change with the times, prioritising Canterlot as the Capital of Equestria allowing it to blossom as ponies and other races came from near and far to trade and build the majestic city that stood before Luna today. It was the reason that they were both stood here now, standing upon the one of the castle’s tallest spires, their pointed roofs touching the heavens above the sleeping city below.
“It’s impressive isn’t it, the ingenuity and the determination of the common ponies below. It’s weird…” Celestia said slowly, noticing the awe-struck Luna moving to appear over the wall that surrounded the concrete balcony that they were standing upon.
Luna glanced at her sister as the taller equine moved beside her, a hint of confusion in her mind at what the alicorn meant as she trailed off. “What is weird, dear sister?”
“It’s weird that they look up to me and yet... I look up to them.” The large equine proclaimed, trying to hit home the idea that even though they were both alicorns, possessing traits of the three races, there was still much to learn about the world. “They live such short lives and yet they are so determined to make their mark on the world. To build majestic structures such as this, to pursue new forms of magic or to simply find a meaning to the life that they were given. It’s humbling.”
The dark-blue Princess only nodded at her sister’s words, unable to refute or even challenge her sister’s words. At the time she was imprisoned, the common pony lived in straw huts, fighting for their lives to feed themselves and their family. She had never even comprehended the idea that these same common ponies would live a lifestyle that only the privileged few could experience.
“It is truly amazing what you’ve built with their support…” Luna trailed off, feeling like a fool to have missed so much progress in the development of Equestria and the creatures who lived within it. She could feel her sister’s gaze fall upon her again, looking towards the ground as if she were unworthy to stand next to such a magnificent being.
However, she made note of when she felt her sister’s magical aura against the bottom of her muzzle, lifting her head up. Luna waited for her sister’s words of reassurance and promise, but none came. The night princess was somewhat thankful, she knew she had done wrong and she would pay for her mistakes, no words were needed and Celestia knew it.
“I have no room for you to sleep in for tonight, therefore you shall share with me.” Celestia spoke again, this time allowing a smile to form across her mizzle. “Any objections?”
The offer was something that Luna was never going to refuse, the simple gift of companionship was all that she craved for, she wanted to feel the warmth of a loved one beside her. “Thank you, sister. I would love that.”
“There is no need for thanks, just try and get some rest.” Celestia replied sweetly, nuzzling her sister tenderly, allowing the comfort deprived mare to cherish the moment before leading her to the door that lead into the interior of the tall spire. “Tomorrow will be a big day for both of us and you’re going to need sleep.”
Luna smiled warmly as Celestia showed her to the bed that they would be sharing, however said bed was in fact more like an open sided dog basket with a headrest on the one side. ‘Some things never change.’ The princess chuckled to herself remembering the one that Celestia used to have in their old castle, bright pink with white crescent moons plastered all over the fabric - it really was garish.
Thankfully, it appeared that the white alicorn had grown up a little bit as she knelt down upon the royal purple cushion, folding her limbs up neatly before lying upon her stomach. Luna’s invitation came in the form of an outstretched wing that beckoned her to seek refuge beneath the feathered limb. Sleep came easy for Luna, wrapped up tightly under her larger sister soft wings that warmed her body and soothed her into a rejuvenating and fulfilling sleep.
To be continued…
[CH2] - Safe And Sound (Part 2)
Safe And Sound (Part 2)
Luna awoke the following morning disorientated and alone, her bright blue eyes surveying her surroundings as her stomach revelled in the softness of the bed below her. The room was dark still, but the rays of light that pierced through the smallest of openings in the curtains that were drawn across the large spire windows conveyed that it was indeed the morning. As sigh filled her throat as she closed her eyes again, the mare felt like she could lay their for hours, to enjoy the lone company of her sister.
However, something was off though as she shifted in her position, hoping to feel Celestia sleeping beside her, but no matter how far she shifted nothing connected with her dark-blue fur. A quick change in position, moving to rest on her haunches confirmed her suspicions. She was alone.
Almost immediately, doubt had started to take hold of her mind, the alicorn’s fear rising at the prospect of being abandoned by her sister. To any normal pony, these thoughts would seem irrational, but to Luna they held both truth and weight. Luna was alone again, in her sister’s room yes, but within a foreign castle in a foreign time that she had yet to even experience properly let alone adjusting to.
It unnerved the alicorn at how quick ideas of abandonment filled her mind, but in her mind she could almost justify the ideas. Was this her punishment for what she had done all those years ago? Luna believed not, Celestia was the Princess of the Day, she was bound to have risen early to see to her royal duties.
It was good to see that she was so committed to her role, a role that she must have excelled in to keep her place as monarch for so long. However, Luna knew that she had handled this situation wrong. She might have sounded like a spoilt wench for thinking and saying it, but the alicorn was incredibly fragile currently, too soon brought back to the light and the side of reason to experience this new world on her own. This would be something she would bring up with Celestia… when she returned.
‘If she return-’.
‘Tmp, tmp, tmp.’ Sounded from the far side of the room, causing the scared alicorn to jump, pulling her out of her manic state.
Her initial reaction was to fear it. Luna was unfamiliar with the rooms layout, she hadn’t has chance to truly explore yet. Perhaps another oversite made by her dear sister. However, the equine new that she had to be more self-sufficient if she was going to adapt to the world straining her eyes to look in the direction of the sound, straight into a tall white-painted wooden door. Their was just one thing that plagued her mind, who was knocking on that door?
This was Celestia’s private bedchamber, so why would she knock? Luna made the quick assumption that it was someone new, someone she felt that couldn’t be trusted, someone who wouldn’t enter without the permission of the ruler of Equestria. That last thought helped to set her at ease a little bit, to her as long as she remained quiet then the pony outside would eventually give up, leave and then her sister would come to her.
‘Clack.’ Came from the white door as the golden doorknob began to turn shattering Luna’s expectations. The creature on the other side of the door was letting themself in without permission and the alicorn could only watch as the edges of the door slowly pulled away from the wooden frame, the old hinges creaking audibly.
The alicorn was speechless, her forehooves shaking slightly as the door slowly swung into the room unleashing blinding light from the realm outside the door. The only saving grace of the whole situation was that Luna was more than equipped to defend herself if the intruder intended to cause her harm, automatically channeling a small volume of magic to her horn. A dim light slowly emerged from the opening and only moments later was it confirmed that it was a magic aura - a healthy shade of rose - gripping the door handle from the other side.
“Hello?” A masculine voice sounded suddenly, the light that shone into the darkened room casting long thin shadows that gave a hint to the form that produced the sound. The voice was by no means regal or naturally powerful in nature, but it was calm and warm in tone, a voice that went a long way in reassuring the wary mare.
Yet it was still not enough to keep the mare from lashing out, quickly summoning her voice to command authority over the situation and the unicorn that was attempting to enter. Luna was going to be strong, deal with this problem quickly then seek out her sister. Only then would she feel safe. “S-state your business, stranger.”
It was by that point that the door finished its partial revolution around the metal hinge, revealing the pony that was causing her so much distress. He stood tall with a healthy posture and a well groomed coat, the coat in question only a few shades darker than her sisters’. The stallion’s aura glinted occasionally off the well polished metal armour he wore around his chest, flanks and back, choosing to extinguish his magical hold of the door handle recognising that he wasn’t needed to keep it open.
“Oh, err… Princess Celestia sent me to bring you to her.” The stallion confirmed, his response slow and subdued as he was surprised at how cold the alicorn had addresses him. “Ma’am.”
Luna’s ears pricked at his words, twitching once at the mention of her sister before twitching twice again at the pronoun he had used to address her with.To Luna may not have looked regal, or sounded powerful, but this pony knew how to command himself, especially in front of royalty. Perhaps Luna’s hopes had come true and this was Celestia summoning her. “Really? Where are we going to go?”
“To the royal banquet hall, Princess Celestia wishes to have breakfast with you.” The stallion stated respectfully, telling the princess what she wanted to hear, that to follow this stallion would ultimately lead to spending time with the only creature she trusted in this new world.
Luna was unsure at first if she wanted to trust the stallion stood in the doorway, he seemed trustworthy, but this could also have been a test put in place to test her vigilance against those who wished to harm her. It was a stretch even in Princess Luna’s mind and even if it was a ruse to harm her then she trusted in her own magic enough to fight back and come out on top. As far as the alicorn was concerned there was only one magical being superior to her in existence, that being her sister.
“What is your name?” The dark-blue mare asked as she rose to her hooves, arching her back slightly to stretch and make sure that her spine didn’t start to ache during their walk.
“Captain Shining Armour commander of the Royal Guards.” The stallion responded almost immediately, listing both his name and rank with pride as he watched the night princess approach. He seemed a little on edge, taking a step back from the door to allow the alicorn to emerge, Luna could only assume that he had been educated on her history as well as her period time as Nightmare Moon, being cautious to watch for any actions or statements that could be understood as an attempt to overthrow Celestia.
“This way, Princess Luna.” With that statement Shining Armour began his march down the corridor, checking over his shoulder once to make sure that the alicorn was behaving as expected.
“Things have changed…” Luna mumbled to herself, slowly comprehending the idea of such a… different type of pony being put in charge of the Royal guards. If Shining Armour had heard the comment, the stallion didn’t show it as he led his superior through the grand corridors of the palace.
Back during the time Celestia and Luna shared their castle in the Everfree forest, they had always made the choice to place members of the nobility into such positions, ponies who had ties to the monarchy. This is what surprised her about the Captain who placed his first hoof at the bottom of the staircase, he seemed common, someone placed in the position for his skill and ability to lead rather than the nepotistic method of old. “My sister must trust you then.”
“And I have faith in my princesses.” Shining Armour said matter-of-factly, his words full of pride as he stopped, waiting patiently, to allow the mare to close the distance that had built up between them.
Luna couldn’t say that she minded any of these changes, if anything it probably helped that ponies were able to use this new meritocracy to further themselves due to their personal skills rather than because they were of the right race, family or background. It was a lot similar to the values that Celestia had been trying to install before she had been banished, it made her happy that she had actually been able to implement it.
Besides taking time to complement the system that her sister had built, she was also awed by the pure scale of the castle that the two traversed, the palace was so huge that it was almost like a maze. The alicorn had sworn that they had passed the same stairway a few times and was sure that she would get lost a few times in the maze of corridors and staircases before she was comfortable travelling through her new home.
That’s not to say that it was a long walk, it had probably been only a minute or two before the stallion directed the duo down a final marble staircase, crossing one last passageway, before coming to a halt in front of an abnormally large set of double doors.
“This is where I shall leave you, Princess Luna.” Shining Amour said, taking his leave as he stood perpendicular to her his body facing parallel with the banquet halls entrance. “Princess Celestia will be waiting for you through these doors.”
“Thank you, Captain.” Luna responded sincerely, mentally noting the stallion’s aptitude, singing his praises inside her mind. “I shall remember your helpfulness.”
No words came from the stallion as he stood next to her, instead he raised his right hoof in a salute before leaving the princess to stand alone outside the abnormally large double doors, disappearing down the maze of corridors. Luna was more than thankful that the stallion had helped her to navigate the palace’s maze, she couldn’t begin to describe how lost she might be in that current moment if it wasn’t for Celestia’s consideration.
With Shining Armour gone, Luna steadied herself momentarily determined to show how strong and independent she could be in front of her fellow alicorn, to truly show that she was ready to retake the mantle as the Princess of the Night. With a flicker of light illuminating her horn, the door opened with ease, slowly moving inwards.
The door felt incredibly light in her magic as she pushed the door ajar revealing the one pony she wanted to see today, Celestia. The alicorn was sat in the middle of the large room, resting her flanks upon a dark-brown chair leaning forward with her face down as she read a piece of paper that was situated upon a similar coloured table.
The mare seemed to be in her element, fully focused upon perceiving and retaining the information that was being presented to her, it was only when the door hinges started to creak loudly did she noticed Luna stood in the gap of the door. At sight of her younger sister all other actions ceased, fully intent on making the dark-blue mare welcome in her new home.
“Good morning Luna!” Celestia beamed from where she sat at the far end of the long wooden table, offering her hand out and beckoning her to come and sit near her. “I hope Shining Armour was helpful.”
Luna could only agree, the stallion had been both thorough in professional in his directive to bring the two sisters together and had done his duty both respectfully and calmly. “He was certainly a good choice for the role of Captain.”
Celestia only smiled at her words, happy that Luna shared her convictions when it came to her Captain of the Royal Guards. Not intent with continuing this conversation from such a distance the majestic equine gestured towards her compadre. “Here, come sit with me, we have a lot of things to do tod-”
“Shining Armour is a ponce.” A dreary moan interrupted from behind Celestia, drawing one set of eyes and two sets of ears to acknowledge the third pony in the room. “The only reason he was made Captain was because of his relationship with Cadance.”
Luna could have jumped out of her skin, confused and angry that somepony had the audacity to both enter the banquet hall unannounced and interrupt their sovereign so casually. What peaked her curiosity was the fact that Celestia had remained seated, calm as ever, not even bothering to look in the direction of the stallion who was coming into view from a secondary exit at the far left of the room.
“That is not true at all, Vladimir.” Celestia half-heartedly scolded the blonde tailed unicorn, obviously familiar with the rude stallion. “Dear Luna, allow me to introduce you to someone - this is Prince Blueblood.”
Vladimir. Prince Blueblood. Those were the names she put to the stallion as his full form was exposed in the openness of the expansive hall. He was a similar shade of white than Shining Armour, taller, but by nowhere as toned as the Captain that had been so helpful to her. To Luna he certainly had the appearance of the prince, not a speck of dirt on his coat nor a hair out of place in his striking blonde mane and tail.
“Good morning, Auntie.” Prince Blueblood announced with a posh tone, his upper class accent thick and unwavering as he sauntered up to his sovereign. He had a swagger about him as though he were untouchable even in the presence of two alicorn princesses, closing the gap to Celestia’s chair to stand beside it to the mare’s right. “And this must be your long forgotten sister that I received the memo about?”
Luna didn’t know what to think of the equine before her, what she wanted was calm interactions with ponies who would allow her to be herself, secretly she would have swapped the Captain who had been good to her for the sly male in front of her now. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The alicorn’s words were pleasant, not wanting to cause a scene in front of her sister who had still retained her calm, composed demeanour even in the vicinity of Vladimir. It was surprising to Luna that Celestia would allow such insolence in her presence, especially from another family member.
“Quite.” The stallion said nonchalantly, almost as if he didn’t care that he was being introduced Luna.
“Luna, this is our nephew, Prince Blueblood.” Celestia introduced, showcasing the prince’s title. “You may see him wandering the palace from time to time, I hope you two get on well.”
“I hope so too.” Luna responded.
“Vladimir will you stay with us for breakfast.” Celestia enquired peering over at her junior.
“Unfortunately not Auntie Celestia, I have business matters to attend to. It could take all day.” With that the prince took the opportunity to leave, moving back towards the door that he had emerged from.
The rest of the day went by fairly smoothly, Celestia was with her for most of it showing her around the the palace and it’s grounds, often overawed at the majestic structure. It was unbelievable to think that technology had progressed past the dark cold rock that their old castle had been built from to the smooth polished stone that lined the walls of the palace around them. It was truly magnificent.
Luna met many new souls that day, the heads of the royal guards, her current security detail that would be on hoof whenever she needed it, butlers, her exclusive chambermaids and the royal chefs that would cook her all the delights of the new world. It was like a breath of fresh air to talk and be in the presence of so many happy and lively personalities so much so that for moments she thought that things had gone back to normal like she had never been gone in the first place.
That went on until nightfall where the two alicorns ate alone in the large banquet hall where the two were finally granted time to share just each others presence. Luna had enjoyed the day, it had tired her out and made her ready for sleep, but it had been a good experience that had improved her happiness greatly.
The chefs had done a wonderful job too as the dark-blue mare revelled in the delights that they had prepared for her, of course not everything was to her taste but that was to be expected. Either way Luna accepted that times were different and that a dish of carrots and raisins were no longer a delicacy and was more than prepared to try everything that was on offer to her.
They laughed, talked and enjoyed each others company so much that it had come time for Celestia to raise the moon, a job that Luna knew was meant for her, a job that she would undertake regardless of what her sister thought on the next day. It was also time for them to part company so Luna could get ample rest in before her next long day and possible long night too.
Celestia had made the offer almost immediately to stay with her sister, but Luna felt confident in herself, trusting herself to cope for a few hours on her own. It was what she needed, she couldn’t hide under Celestia’s feathered wings forever, the dark-blue alicorn was the Princess of the Night - well tomorrow she would be, tonight she would sleep and prepare for it - and she had to be strong.
Her sister had provided her a sizeable room quite near her own, generic colours and common patterned bed linens filled the room, something that Luna would be able to have changed in the future. For now, it was an unavoidable situation and she somewhat liked the room. It was spacious which allowed her to move around freely, their was a fireplace in the one wall and to top it off there was a proper queen sized bed.
The only problem was that sleep never materialised for the mare, she lay rigid underneath her sheets scared even to close her eyes for a continued period of time. Luan was having a minor panic attack, she had overestimated herself being alone something that ket bringing back bad memories of the time she was banished upon the moon. She needed somepony with her, somepony like Celestia who would sympathise with her problems and reassure her.
‘Alone…’
“I’ve made a mistake,” Luna whispered to herself as the her fear started to eat at her like it had during the morning. “I need Celestia.”
Exasperated, she pulled the soft sheets of her, stood up and made towards the door in search of Celestia. It may seem crazy to others but she needed people to assure her that she would be okay, she couldn’t bare to be alone for much longer. While in the corridor it didn’t take long for her to spot somepony walking around, however she wasn’t overjoyed with the pony in question.
It was Prince Blueblood.
The mare admitted to herself that the stallion was the last equine she wanted comforting her, but at this point in her scared and panicked mind Luna just wanted to have somepony, anypony, close to make her feel safe. However, the alicorn’s window of opportunity was closing rapidly, another few seconds and he might not be able to hear her, she needed to catch his attention.
“Prince Blueblood!” The alicorn called to the stud, hoping to get his reaction first time around and not risk waking up half the castle in pursuit of the white stallion. She probably wouldn’t have minded it, but she still had some idea about possible ill natured rumours intended to cast the mare as insane or mentally fragile. That’s the last thing she needed and the last thing Celestia needed to have her position undermined.
Thankfully the call reached Blueblood and at the sound of his name being called the stallion turned his head around for the unfamiliar voice. One moment, his facial expression was less than pleasant, a scowl etched upon his muzzle, but on realisation that it was the Princess of the night his frown almost flipped as a false smile tore through his muzzle.Stopping in his tracks, Blueblood opened his body up to the mare, doing his best to invite Equestria’s forgotten royalty into conversation.
However, no matter the facial expressions, a pony’s eyes can reveal everything and right now Luna could see the irritation radiating from his royal blue eyes. She paid it no heed mind, Luna knew few ponies in Canterlot, using her hooves to cut the distance to her nephew, one being the stallion who stood in front of her now. ‘Nephew’.
“Lu-Auntie Luna?” The prince inquired, his tail flicking in annoyance, he was missing out on perfectly good beauty sleep, but as a prince he was still obligated to concern himself over the mare’s wellbeing. “Whatever is the matter?”
It pained her chest knowing that she had missed so much during the milenia she was imprisoned, civilisations can rise and fall within that time span and she was at a loss for how many generations of her family had come and gone in that time. She couldn’t fathom how alone her sister must have been staying the same while the world around her grew old, died and faded from memory.
She stopped in her own tracks, her head falling to the floor as tears started to well inside her eyelids trying in vain to keep her emotions at bay, especially in front of her nephew. The stallion noticed the shift in Luna’s demeanour, closing the gap to the mare himself, unsure as to what could make somepony of Celestia’s ilk be this emotional so publically.
‘Now I’ve gone and done it’, the Princess of the night lambasted internally. She felt so weak and vulnerable, she was wrong to have sent her sister away to be. Luna wanted, no, needed someone to comfort her. “I-I…”
The mare’s lip trembled, unable to form a coherent sentence without drawing out cries and sobs of sheer anguish. Blueblood, who now stood looking down on the alicorn, had decided that he’d seen enough and although it meant putting the brakes on his plans, he felt a profound duty to protect the image of his family members. His gaze swept the candle lit corridor once, convinced that there were no prying eyes “Let’s not do this hear. Shall we go to your chambre and talk about it?”
Luna nodded faintly, as a warm droplet fell from her eye, staining the fur on her cheek as it slid down her muzzle. Just the sight of the sheer weight of emotional pain his aunt was exuding told the stallion that she was in no fit state to walk back to her chambre. Taking another step towards his senior, his foreleg brushed the mare’s soft coat before lighting the area around them in his own majestic baby blue aura.
In instant the powerful light source overtook the room, painting brilliant shades of azure across the white corridor walls and with a flash the two were no longer stood in the open. Instead, they were now stood in the dim light of the alicorn’s bedroom, ensuring that the two had full privacy whilst they partook in their conversation.
“Now that we are alone,” the stallion began in his naturally posh accent, curious at what could have caused the mare in front of him to break down like that. “would you like to tell me what is wrong?”
Luna hesitated, not wanting to look so weak and fragile in front of her peerage, especially a member of her family - one that she didn’t particularly like all that much. Although, deep down she knew she had to tell someone about how she felt, how she needed support while she adjusted to life in modern Equestria.
“I’m scared… I’ve tried…” the mare began, keeping her speech slow in an attempt to keep a deluge of tears streaming down her face. “B-but, I’m so scared…”
Prince Blueblood was no fool, he knew in that instance that his aunt was going through something rough, a form of trauma. Her teary eyes and trembling lip conveyed to the diplomatic stallion that what was wrong would take more than words to help fix. “Scared of what? You can tell me.”
The mare’s eyes flicked to his face once, studying the stallion carefully before allowing the blonde equine to know her fears. “O-of being alone, I spent so long alone - missed so much!”
Without warning, the alicorn launched herself at the stallion, knocking him back a step while she wrapped her forehooves around his barrel and burying her head into his chest. Blueblood felt disgusted, he hated ponies touching him and dirtying his coat, he could only imagine how his fur might look after an amalgamation of tears and mucus dried upon his coat.
On the flipside, he also felt awkward as the alicorn began to sob uncontrollably, her cries muffled somewhat by the fur on his chest. The stallion didn’t know what to do as he stood rigid with the mare clinging on for dear life, he was a pony pleaser, but he wasn’t a shoulder - or in this case it was his chest - to cry on.
“I-it’s o-kay.” The prince said rather woodenly, awkwardly raising his right forehoof to pat her back a bit too heavily. “There, there.”
“I know this may be too much to ask,” Luna began, raising her head to look her nephew in his eyes. “Would you mind staying with me tonight? I don’t want to be on my own - I can’t be on my own.”
The prince was wary of accepting the request as he looked into his aunt’s bloodshot eyes, he knew how he felt about sharing a bed with a family member and he was disgusted by it to say the least. If the general public ever found out the media would instantly paint them both as incestuous ruffians or degenerates - it would ruin his reputation!
He wanted nothing more than to say no, to tell his aunt to seek psychiatric help, but that would take time to set up, the alicorn needed support now. Princess Luna was family after all and he knew he couldn’t say no to somepony in such a fragile state. “I-err, suppose I could.”
“Oh, would you?” Luna’s voice cracked as it filled with happiness launching her body at her nephew, tightening her grip around the stallion’s barrel. “You’re such a sweet Stallion!”
For the first time in a milenia Luna felt safe, she was overjoyed that she had somepony there to comfort her. It was the opposite for Blueblood, who had to resist the urge to pull away from his aunt, dumbfounded as to why anyone would purposefully try to mess up there own pristine coat.
Tomorrow morning she was going to be stronger, tell Celestia that she needed to time and support to adjust and to accept her feelings, for now she was going to enjoy the company of another pony. It made her feel more secure within herself to know that she had the support of those around her, reassuring her as she moved back towards her bed, Blueblood in tow.
THE END
