My Eternal Sunshine

Celestia is studying me as I kneel at her bedside, the glasses that sit on her muzzle slowly slide off and hit the floor with a soft thud. I’ve never witnessed her as stonefaced as she is right now and that makes what I’m doing all the more nerve-wracking. I assumed it would be easy but, as my knee starts to ache, my heart begins to race as the silence grows.

I shouldn't be surprised, as what I'm proposing has serious implications.

“I-Is.” Celestia clears her throat, floating her glasses onto her nightstand. “Is that what I think it is?”

I nod as I continue to present the horn ring I bought for her a few weeks ago. We’ve been together for almost two years now. I’m ready to take the final step together and become man and mare.

“Yeah, let’s get married,” I say as calmly as I can, despite my insides going crazy.

She sets the paperwork she’d been working on alongside her glasses. “You’ve thought about this?”

“I think it’s time we tie the knot.”

“You realize this is far more serious than us dating, right?”

She’s accurate about that. This isn’t just a typical marriage. I’ll be elevated in status and become a king with all the accountability that comes with it. I’ve talked to Luna, Cadance, Shining and even Twilight about what I’ve been intending and each of them provided excellent insight into what lies ahead.

“I’m ready for whatever may come.” I smirk slightly. “To be fair, it wouldn’t change much, as far as paperwork is concerned.”

“If you are ready, then I will not object.” She cracks a smile too. “I would go into detail about what to expect, but I can tell you’ve already done your homework.”

“That I have.” I take the horn ring out, stand up and present it to her. She dips her head slightly so I can place it on her horn and I make sure it slides all the way down to the base. “How is it? Not too snug?”

“It’s just right,” she states before pulling me into a kiss.

In an instant, all my worries lift away. Though this is only the first part, as we have many things that need planning before a wedding can be held. We move away from each other with content smiles.

"I've chatted with some friends and managed to get us two days off for our wedding."

“Is that so?” Celestia raises an amused brow. “What can I expect out of these two days?”

“Well, the first is our wedding." I sit at the edge of the bed. "The second will be the honeymoon.”

There’s that coy smirk of hers. “I see, well, we’ve put that off for far too long. It’s fitting we would come together as one on such an auspicious day.”

“As much as I'd like to reflect on that, we should remain focused on the wedding first. There are plenty of invites and ponies to talk to before all of that can happen. ”

“True. So, who will be presiding over our union?”

“Luna. I felt it appropriate.”

“Is that so? Who will be the best mare?”

“For you?” She nods. “Twilight.”

“You know me too well.” She takes the paperwork she sat down on the table back into her hooves, along with her glasses, which she sets onto her muzzle. “It appears you have everything under control.”

I get up and walk back over to my side and sit down, taking my paperwork as well.

“Yeah. The princesses have been a great help. Cadance especially so, since she had her wedding here.”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t end up the same as hers,” Celestia playfully remarks.

“Hmm...” I take a finger and stroke Celestia’s side, causing her to giggle. “I’m not sure a Changeling would know as much as I know about you.”

“Keep that up, and we might need to start the honeymoon tonight.”

I remove my hand quickly. “Nope! I want our first time to be magical.”

“So, anything else I should keep in mind for the weeks ahead?”

“Yes, we have your dress fitting tomorrow around three or so. I’d like it if you teleported me to Ponyville so I can talk to a few ponies there before coming back so we can continue our schedule.”

“You know, before you came into my life, I never bothered myself with schedules. It was usually my sister who had to wake me up and get me going.”

I chuckle. “Don’t I know it. The first few weeks taking care of you were Tartarus.”

Celestia pouts. “If it was so difficult, why did you stick around?”

“Because I knew I loved you.” I lean over and kiss her on the cheek. “For now, let’s try and get as much of this stuff out of the way as we can. It’ll make things much easier on the girls once they’re in charge.”

“Very well. I await our wedding with baited breath.”

I write a giant denied on the paperwork in my hand before moving onto the next. I’ve got most of the day planned for the wedding, but there are still several things I have to work out to ensure it’s perfect.

“I’m so honored to be working on your dress for such a special day!” The earth pony mare declares with enthusiasm.

“Rarity recommended you,” I tell Coco Pommel. “So I anticipate great things.”

She looks nervous after I said that but relaxes as Celestia rests a hoof onto her withers.

“Whatever you produce will be fine,” she says to calm Coco.

“Y-You’re right! Don’t worry, Princess. I’ll make sure everypony around is envious of your dress!”

Coco hastily sets off to work as I walk to Celestia’s side. “I shouldn’t take too long.”

“Send me a note when you’re done.” Her horn starts to glow. “I’ll be waiting.”

I give her a swift peck on the cheek just as I disappear and land in the center of Ponyville. I clear my tux and make my way to the one pony that I want to be my best mare. Finding her home is quick and easy as I knock a few times and stand in wait patiently. Just like when I first came here, the door is answered by Dinky.

“Anon? What are you doing here?”

“I have some important business I’d like to discuss with your mother.”

“Alright, would you like to come in?” She motions for me to come inside.

“Yes, and thank you.” I step in as she closes the door behind me.

“Mom! Anon is here!”

“Waht?” Derpy sticks her head out from the kitchen, a muffin in her mouth. She blushes heavily before swallowing it. “O-Oh, Anon! I wasn't expecting you were coming to visit!”

“S-Sorry for my intrusion.” I fight to keep from laughing as she steps out and comes over, all the while brushing her chest clear of crumbs. “I have something quite serious I’d like to discuss with you.”

She tilts her head. “Really? Well, I have the free time. Please, sit.” I follow her as she leads the three of us into the living room and I take my seat across from her. “What do you want to talk about?”

“To be perfectly blunt, Derpy. I want you to be my best mare.”

It takes her a moment to realize what I’m suggesting as her eyes swell. “B-Best mare?! Are you, the princess?”

“Yeah, we’re going to get married in two weeks. If you aren’t busy, I’d like you to be my best mare.” I then look over to Dinky as she looks confused. “Dinky can be the flower filly.”

“Oh, wow... I never imagined I’d be a best mare in all my life. Are you certain you want me as your best mare? I might mess something up.”

I rest my hand on her hoof. "Derpy, I wouldn't consider getting married without you being my best mare. In many ways, you were the reason I had the chance to meet Celestia. So I want you and your daughter to be there on my special day."

There's a slight glossiness to her eye, but she keeps it together. “H-How could I possibly refuse?” She beams looking down at her daughter. “Do you hear that, Dinky? I’m going to be a best mare, and you’ll be a flower filly.”

“I guess but who's getting married?” She looks confused.

I can only chuckle as I get up from my seat and pat Derpy on the head a few times.

“Good luck explaining that.” I walk to the door. “I’ll send you more details tomorrow, along with a chariot to pick you up on the day. See you there!”

I show myself out and leave Derpy to explain to Dinky about everything that’s happening. Right now I have a few other ponies I need to talk to before returning to Celestia.

I enter into the confection store run by the pink mare that’s far more insane than anyone around cares to take a look at. She’s bouncing up and down in place behind the counter as I enter and stops mid-air before gradually falling to the ground. I sigh to myself; it’s just one of those days. I keep going despite a small part of myself wanting nothing more than to leave.

“Hello, Pinkamena Pie. I’m here to ask if you’ve received my order and made the test batch?”

She smiles in a way that tells me it’s far too large for her face but, as disturbing as that is, I brush it off as one of those things she does.

“I sure did! Here!” She sets a plate onto the counter with a slice of cake on it. “Also, call me Pinkie! All my friends do.”

“I’d rather not,” I reply taking the cake and sampling it. “A little less sugar. Other than that, it’s great.”

“Okey Dokey! Anything else you want? We have all types of cupcakes. Blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, boysenberry, blackberry–”

While she’s talking, I turn around and walk out of the store. Even as I stand outside the door, I can overhear her listing all the types of berry flavored cupcakes they have. That’ll keep her occupied for a while, I have two other elements I must speak to and one to avoid. For now, I make my way over to Rarity next.

“You’re finally here!” Rarity greets. “Thank you for allowing me to make your tuxedo! I must admit I’m rather taken by the idea of creating something special for someone as unique as you. So worry not. Ms. Rarity will guarantee you look fitting to stand beside the princess.”

“Thank you.” I pull out a small piece of paper. “Here are my measurements. I’ll leave the details up to you.”

She floats it over and looks over my note. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to have you visit sometime before the wedding to try out what I have. Will that be a problem?”

I shake my head. “Not at all.” I pull out my notepad and look over what time I have free. “How does the third sound to you?”

“Perfect. Morning is fine.” I nod as I scribble down a free slot in the morning. “Now I must retreat for now. I’ll see you on the third!”

“Goodbye, Ms. Rarity.”

She holds her head up as she closes the door to her boutique. That was fast; now the last pony is Applejack. I look at my watch to ensure I’m not late. Thankfully, I should be able to meet with Celestia before her time with Coco is done.

I teleport back into the store where I left Celestia. She’s smiling at Coco as they chat about something or other. The last time I saw Celestia this joyful over anything was when I took her out on our first date. I casually make my way towards the two and allow their conversation to die out.

“I have everything planned,” Coco says. “You’re going to look gorgeous.”

“Thank you. I hope you will have the time to stop by the wedding. I’d hate to think you wouldn’t be able to see your work at its finest.”

“R-Really? Would it be alright?”

“Of course.”

“How is everything going?” I ask once I’m close enough.

“As planned. You?” Celestia turns my way.

“On schedule.” I point to the notebook in my hand before looking down to Coco. “Sorry for the rude interruption but we have an arrangement coming up.”

“That’s fine, the princess and I finished up a few minutes ago.” Coco bows. “Good day to you two.”

“Good day,” I reply before ushering Celestia out and towards Fancy’s home. “How’s the dress look?”

Celestia smirks. “You’ll just have to wait.”

I laugh. “Very well. So, you want her at the wedding?”

“I see no harm in doing so.”

“As you wish.” I pull out my notebook and write down a reminder to add Coco to the guest list. “Now, let’s pick up the pace. We’re two minutes away from Fancy’s home, and you know how much he likes to entertain.”

“I know all too well. Back to the grindstone, as you say.”

“Are you ready?” Derpy asks poking her head into my dressing room.

“All done!” Rarity proclaims with a sigh as she walks around and looks me over one last time. “Oh! Almost forgot the tie!”

She pulls one from the closet and speedily ties it around my neck. I give myself a once-over in the mirror before turning to Derpy.

“How do I look?”

She steps into the room and closes the door. “You look great. I still can’t believe you’re marrying the princess.”

“Neither can I.” I adjust my tie slightly before looking down to Rarity. “Thanks for everything. You should hurry to your seat before I start to head out.”

“Of course.” Rarity packs all her things and teleports them away before leaving the room.

Now Derpy and I are alone as I look at myself in the mirror. My heart is racing in my chest; it hasn’t stopped since we arrived. Many ponies are waiting out there to see this event. Some of them are close friends and family; others are just here for this historic event. Celestia will be marrying me, someone who isn’t a pony or resident of this planet and that said alien will become Equestria’s first king.

A lot will be different after this day but knowing I have Celestia as my wife makes the challenge worth it.

“You’re going to do great,” Derpy says almost as if she knows what I’m thinking.

I chuckle softly. “I hope so because once Celestia and I are pronounced man and pony, well, you’ll be my little pony after that. Such an unusual circumstance to ponder.”

Derpy glances over to a nearby clock. “Let’s go. Wouldn’t want to keep your wife waiting.”

“You’re right about that.” I view myself once more before turning and leaving with Derpy.

The music is already playing as I stand behind the closed doors to the throne room. In a few moments, I will see my special somepony in her dress for the first time and walk down the aisle to swear my love to her. I never imagined my heart could race as quickly as it is right now. I look to my left to Derpy as she smiles at me one last time before pushing the door open for me.

She walks ahead of me and towards the podium and my eyes instantly dart up to find Celestia. Where my heart was hammering in my chest, as soon as I lay eyes on her, I believed I died on the spot. Everything slows, just like when we first laid eyes on one another all that time ago and as our eyes meet I feel that warmth I’ve come to know come rushing back.

She’s like an angel standing only a few feet away. A white dress drapes elegantly on her frame with a veil that slightly obscures her face, but I can see her eyes on me. An almost otherworldly glow emanates from her and appears to grow brighter as she looks my way. All of this happens in the span of a heartbeat, and with the next, I’ve already taken my first step.

My gaze drifts to our friends, family and the many other ponies that have come to see this momentous occasion. As brief as I’ve looked out of the corner of my eye, my attention returns to the ponies standing in wait. Twilight is trying her best to keep from crying, but tears are already rolling down her cheeks. The rest of the elements fill out the bride’s and groom’s maids, with the ones beside Twilight nervously smiling as they try and help her stop crying.

On my side, Derpy stands with Dinky, a look of pride on her muzzle as her eyes start to gloss. Cadance also waits on my side with the rings, pure joy strewn across her face, like a filly in a candy store. It makes sense, as love is her special talent and she undoubtedly can feel the love radiating from Celestia and me. Luna is waiting at the dais patiently as I make my last few steps and stand facing Celestia.

“You look beautiful,” I whisper to Celestia.

“And you handsome.” While obscured I can see her smile.

“Mares and Gentlecolts!” Luna shouts but thankfully not at her royal volume. “Today we come together for an extraordinary day, one that many would have never seen coming but one that was fated to happen one way or another. For this day we will unite these two creatures as one and with that bring a new age to Equestria itself.”

Celestia and I have talked about this moment and what it would all mean. There was something else she brought up on the night that I proposed to her, something that I wasn’t aware of but we nonetheless discussed for many hours. The shift in royal status is going to be a massive development, but there is one last thing I never expected but accept with open arms.

“Here stand two beings that are vastly different from one another. Anon, a creature that came from another world, lost and confused, tried to find his place in a world so different than what he knows. Celestia, my sister, always committed to her work and never allowing herself time to enjoy the many simple pleasures you all take for granted.”

Luna takes a moment to clear her throat. “There is no other way to explain their coming together other than fate itself. Like a divine being thrust our human into the arms of my sister, knowing that their love was true, but sadly they were born in different places. For that, I am grateful and take joy in knowing my sister is truly happy.” Luna looks to her sister. “Would you like to read your vows?”

“Of course.” Celestia turns my way and looks at me for a moment before starting. “I will always cherish the day we met.” She pauses. “Because I never expected to see a creature towering over all my ponies as I was escorted to my hotel room.” There are a few chuckles in the audience. “However, what I remember most was how hard worked you looked. Your clothes were closer to rags, and you were covered from head to toe in dirt. Despite that, when our eyes met, I felt something spark inside of me. A sense of calmness I’ve never felt before and a curiosity to know why I felt such a way.”

“Once we were alone to speak, I knew something about you was different and learning about your struggles made my heart ache. So when I offered you a bag of bits, something many wouldn’t think twice about keeping, you turned it away; asking for nothing more than a job.” She lifts a hoof and clears her eyes. “I was so moved, I knew I had to keep you close and ensure you were properly taken care of... So I made up the butler position on the spot.”

My eyes widen slightly. “That wasn’t a real job?”

“I was planning to look into other places for you to work, but with each passing day, I knew I couldn’t make due without you. Your dedication and love were always worn on your sleeves. I trusted you and gradually fell for you. Our first date, I don’t think words could ever express how delighted I was when you asked me out. Sure, I was admittedly shocked, but also thrilled that you took a step that I’m sure was very difficult, given my status. But that’s the thing. You never considered that. You are the only creature that has seen me as a mare, and with that, I saw you not as a stallion but a man.”

“I love you. I love you so much it hurts, and I regularly question why you would love someone as busy as me.” She chuckles. “Though I know you’d say something about how my being busy is no problem for you because you love me enough to deal with it. You’re just that caring and thoughtful. Always looking to resolve everything with kindness and understanding. I never have to fear telling you how I feel because I know you’ll always be there to listen and give advice.”

“No matter the obstacle, you’ll always be there, and that is why on this day I swear to do the same. Anon, I vow always to love you, to take care of you when you are sick and protect you from all harm. To promise that if a day comes where you break my heart, you will take half with you. Though I know, you never would. So here I vow, and together we’ll come as one.”

I can see Cadance’s and Twilight’s horns glow as Luna looks my way.

“Your vows?”

I take a breath to steady my nerves. It’s go time.

“Celestia, my love, my sunshine. With you in my life I always know that each decision I make is the right one and without you I would become as I once was. Since you came into my life, you’ve always been kind, giving me whatever little free time you had to fill in the blanks of your world that I was left questioning. Even when you were on the brink of collapse, you never hesitated to ease my worries over your exhaustion.”

A smile spreads across my face. “That is why I love you so much. It’s why I wish to dedicate my entire life to you and never leave you to the loneliness you once knew. Even though you snore pretty loudly.” A few chuckle, including Luna. “There is so much more to this world I’ve yet to experience, and I want nothing more from my future than to share those experiences with you. From the deepest depths of the Seapony kingdom or even the surface of your sister's moon. I want to see it all with you by my side.”

I pause as I cast a brief glance towards Derpy. “And perhaps, alongside a few little ones.” Celestia’s face looks taken back by this, but it soon relaxes as more tears build. “I know you doubt about the future and how well you can accomplish something, but I know you’d make a great mother. Though I’m sure, we’ll discuss this more in-depth at another time. For now, I stand before all these ponies to proclaim one thing that cannot be denied.”

I take a deep breath. “I love you, Tia. So here I vow, and together we’ll come as one.”

Silence takes the room for a moment before Luna speaks up. “Would anyone dare to speak out against this marriage?” Not a single creature speaks. “Very well... The rings?”

Cadance levitates the rings up for me as I grasp my own and Celestia grabs hers. I slide the ring down her horn as she slips hers onto my ring finger. With that all done, I notice Luna wait once more to let us get comfortable before speaking.

“By the power vested in me as the second ruler of Equestria, I, alongside the two other princesses will bring these two as one and usher in a new age.” Luna looks at me with a smile as her horn starts to glow. “You may kiss the bride.”

I lift Celestia’s veil and stare deep into her eyes. This was the moment we talked about for hours. The moment that would bring the next significant change in my life. I don’t hesitate as I move forward and lock lips with her. Even with my eyes closed, I can hear her horn start to chime as her magic begins to blend with the other princesses.

As it turns out, giving your vows to an alicorn has a lot of meaning in Equestria, other than the status change. Alicorns are known to be ageless and when they swear to a single partner in marriage, well, their partner becomes ageless too. Something Tia and I discussed in length as she didn’t want to force a long life on me if I didn’t want it.

Though standing here should be enough explanation on what I chose. If anything, being ageless has its perks. Not even death could make me leave Tia by herself. There’s no pain to this spell but a warmth I’ve become familiar with radiates inside of me. Where it once was dull, it now feels akin to a second heart. A bit strange but nothing too obtrusive.

We pull away from one another, and as our eyes lock to the other, I can see how happy she is.

“I now pronounce you man and pony!”

Everyone lets out a collective cheer as Celestia and I walk down the aisle; out the front door, followed by the bride’s and groom’s maids. We all head to a back room as Luna makes her final announcement and directs everyone to the dining hall where we will all enjoy the festivities. However, Celestia and I let out a sigh of relief alongside everyone else in the room.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been that nervous in my entire life,” I say to myself.

“Agreed.” Celestia leans in and kisses me. “How do you feel? Any aches or pains from the spell?”

I stretch a little and a few joints pop, other than that, I feel better than ever. “I’m good.”

“This is our second time performing the spell. So let me know if you experience any discomfort of any kind.”

Twilight pops up between us looking like a new filly. “That spell was amazing! I never felt such power in my horn before! It was strange in a way that I could almost sense the love between you two as I cast the spell.”

Cadance comes in, pulling Twilight slightly away to give us room. “It makes sense. If at some point any of us felt that the love was a farce, then we could’ve stopped it. Though I already knew how you two felt without the spell. Congratulations.”

“That was so cool!” Dinky says to her mother. “I felt all tingly when we stood up there.”

“Yeah, I couldn’t control the tremble in my hooves.” Derpy comes up to me next. “I hope we did alright.”

“You did great.” I kneel low and brush the side of Dinky’s cheek. “Thanks for being the flower filly.”

“My friends are going to be excited to hear what I was doing today!”

I chuckle before turning to Derpy. “It’s not over just yet. We have the reception, and from there we’ll hear your and Twilight’s speech. I hope you didn’t write anything too embarrassing about me.”

She smiles. “Well, I can’t promise anything, but I worked hard on it.”

“I can’t wait to hear it.”

The door to the backroom opens as Luna steps inside. “Alright, time to return to the dining hall.” She walks up to Celestia and me with a large smile before hugging us both. “Cheers to your union. To feel the love in you was truly something to experience.”

“Thank you, Lulu,” Celestia says, leaning her head against her sister.

“Glad to hear it.” I pat the back of her neck a few times.

She pulls away as the maids make their way to the dining hall. “We have festivities to partake! Hurry now, as we’ll have the mares speak their words and then enjoy some food.”

We join Luna as she leads us to the dining hall, once we enter everyone is already seated as we make our way to the main table that sits elevated over the others, there's light applause as we take our seats. Celestia to my right and Derpy to my left. Once we’re all seated the clapping stops as they wait in silence.

Luna steps in from the side. “Now we’ll have our best mares say their words. Twilight?”

Twilight quickly stands up and almost knocks her chair over, blushing heavily, she pulls out the parchment she wrote.

“Um, Hello everypony!” Twilight is starting to sweat, and her hocks shake. “I-I’m Princess Twilight.” I start to wonder if she’s going to pass out but she calms down as Celestia lays a wing on her withers. Twilight looks at her mentor for a moment before turning her gaze back to the crowd. “I’ve known Celestia since I was a young filly. For so many years she taught me many things about magic and how to control all of the power that dwells inside of me. Though she could be strict at times, she was always understanding and listened to whatever problems I was having.”

“In all the years I’ve known her, I’ve never seen her as happy as I have when she’s with Anon. I’m grateful he has come into her life, and I hope they’ll continue to lead happy lives for days to come.”

Luna turns to Derpy. “Derpy.”

Derpy stands up beside me and looks off to the crowd. “Two years ago was when I first found Anon. At the edge of the Everfree forest that connects to Manehattan. I had come to the city to deliver a package and was given some time to myself in wait for a package that was due back to Ponyville. So, I walked around the city but found myself lost and at the edge of the forest.”

“There I saw a creature run out. Something so bizarre and alien that I wasn’t sure what to do. I’m glad I spoke to him. Like a foal, he didn’t know where he was or what to do. So I took him in and tried my best to give him a fighting chance in our world.” She smirks a bit. “Though there were some strange differences, such as him trying to give me a bath or cuddle me at night.” I facepalm in embarrassment, and Celestia covers her mouth to chuckle. “I knew it all came from a good place in his heart. So when I saw him standing at my front door months later, looking fine, I felt relieved. I knew that he was alright and that things would be fine.”

“I don't know if fate brought them together, but I do know that without Anon being as determined as he is, we wouldn’t be here today and things would be a lot different for all of us. I wish you two luck, but I know you don’t need it.”

A round of applause fills the room for a moment as Derpy takes her seat. I rest my hand on her hoof as she smiles up at me.

Once everything dies down, Luna speaks up again. “Without further ado, let the festivities commence!”

Now that the party is moving, I lean towards Celestia as she does the same.

“Wanna ditch?” I ask.

She laughs. “Sorry but this is also part of the event. You should get used to it, King Anon.”

“That’s still weird,” I admit. “Alright, should we mingle before everyone settles down, my Queen?”

“It’s an idea.” She gets up and turns to her sister and Twilight. “Anon and I are going to talk to each table before returning.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to my parents,” Twilight says.

“Of course.” Celestia looks to the others at the table. “No need to stay here. Join your loved ones.”

Once everyone is off doing their own thing, I stop in front of Celestia and pull her into a kiss. I can feel her smile, even as we kiss but she pulls away earlier than I expect.

“Now, now, now... We’ll have plenty of time for that later.~”

“I can’t wait,” I say as she walks past and starts talking to a few nobles.

A few hours will be tough, but sacrifices must be made for the perfect night.

"Farewell and thank you for attending today's event," Celestia speaks to the last guest as they depart.

The doors close and with that everyone affords a sigh of exhaustion. That went on longer than I anticipated. Thankfully, most of the guests have returned home. However, there are a few that remain. Looking over I notice Derpy yawn as she holds her daughter who's fast asleep.

It's to be expected; I glance over to a clock and see it's already past midnight. I walk over to her as she looks up at me.

"You can spend the might here if you'd like or I can call a carriage to take you home." I offer.

"I'd like to head home if it's all the same." Derpy gives a faint smile.

"Very well." I turn to the other girls. "Anyone else heading back to Ponyville?"

AJ, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rainbow come walking over.

"I got to get back to the farm," AJ remarks.

"I told Angel I'd be back tonight," Fluttershy adds.

"There's plenty of clouds to kick. So I'm busy too." Rainbow lazily floats by.

"I want to get started on your anniversary cake!" Pinkie cheers.

"...Very well." I look over to Celestia as she chats with Twilight and Rarity. "I'll get the carriage. Can you set up a room for Rarity and Twilight?"

"Easily done."

I wave for the girls to follow. "Alright, let's get you home."

A yawn leaves me as the weight of this day comes crashing down on me. The mental exhaustion is on a level I've never felt before, but I continue to march my way to my room. As I make my approach, the guards open the door for me and give a salute as I pass them. It's strange, but I am their king now, so it makes sense.

"At ease," I order before walking in, the doors closing behind me.

A few candles dimly light the room. I peer around and find my lovely wife passed out on the bed. A tired smile spreads across my face as I walk to her side of the bed and nudge her gently. She's quick to stir awake, and recognition dawns on her as she understands what's to come next.

"S-Sorry," she says. "Guess I was exhausted."

"Sit up."

She's too tired to respond and does as she's told. I take this time to help get her dress off. It takes a few minutes but eventually everything she was wearing is off. She's sitting there, swaying slightly, looking only moments from passing out again and all of her fur messed up from getting the dress off.

She's adorable, but I'm in the same boat as her as fatigue continues to weight on me. I dress down to just my undershirt and boxers.

"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time," Celestia mumbles as her head starts to nod-off.

I walk over to my side of the bed and Celestia is following me the entire way, albeit lazily. I lay down and get comfortable, to which Celestia raises a brow at me.

"How about we save that for tomorrow?" I offer.

"Hmm? No, I'm fine." She shakes her head a few times. "Let's do it."

I can't stop the laugh that escapes at hearing her say that. "Yeah, I think that's a sign you need some sleep."

"No," she whines like a filly. "I wanna do it now!"

I pull her into a sleepy kiss. Even if she wasn't tired, there's no way I could muster up the strength to have sex.

"Let's gather our energy for tomorrow," I say, lying down with her on top of my chest.

"Ok."

That's all I get from her before the snoring starts. As I watch her sleep, I can still feel that rhythmic beat of the second heart in my chest. It's calming and does well to lull me to sleep.