"How exactly do you plan on doing that?" Anon asked, cocking an eyebrow back.

Sunshine scooted her chair just a tad closer to Anon's, an effort which did not go unnoticed by the puzzled human.

"If you tell me what issues you have with marrying the princesses, I'll see if there's anything I can do to help fix it." Sunshine offered, a small smile on her muzzle.

"How exactly would you do that?" Anon inquired, taking another swig of his cider.

"Well... let's just say that I happen to have some pull with the princesses. I've known Celestia my whole life. I'm sure that I can persuade both of them to fix whatever issues are troubling you." Sunshine explained.

"I'm... not sure if I trust you enough to tell you that kind of information. I don't know anything about you. If I told you that, and you... I dunno, tried to use that against the princesses, they'd probably slit my throat or something." Anon shook his head.

Sunshine blanched, "W-what!? No! Nopony would do that to you!" She exclaimed, grabbing Anon's arm with her hoof.

Anon jumped slightly at the sudden touch, but quickly realized just how nice the contact felt. He awkwardly scratched his temple with his free hand as Sunshine continued to stare at him like he'd just told her his puppy died.

"I give you my word that anything you tell me, I'd only use to help. I want nothing but the best for Equestria."

"Well the problem there is that your definition of helping and mine are probably two different things." Anon sighed.

"Are you sure about that?" Sunshine asked.

"Look... I don't really know you, and I'm really not trying to-" Anon began.

"Is it that you and the princesses don't really love each other?" Sunshine interrupted.

Anon paused, furrowed his brow, and pursed his lips, "Was it that obvious?" He asked.

"Honestly... it seemed pretty obvious to me. I'm sure most of Equestria feels the same. You know how it is with the papers and such. They may say something but we all know that they're owned by the princesses so they just write whatever they have to to make them look good. I think pretty much everypony saw how upset Luna got." Sunshine replied, offering a sympathetic pat on Anon's shoulder.

Anon frowned as his eyes fell to the floor, "Guess it was pretty obvious, huh?"

"Even if it was obvious that they don't love you right now, that doesn't mean that by the wedding day, they still won't." Sunshine offered.

Anon laughed exactly once and shook his head, "I'm pretty sure Luna will have me executed by then if I'm being honest."

Sunshine's face immediately contorted into one of alarm, "What!? No! Luna would never do that!" She exclaimed.

Anon leaned back from her outburst, "Uh... it was just a joke." He said.

Sunshine immediately deflated, "Oh my goodness... I'm sorry, I just... I don't want you to think that anypony would ever do something like that to you."

Anon scratched the back of his neck, "Uh, sorry. Still getting used to you ponies' sense of humor. Mine's a lot darker." He offered, with a nervous chuckle.

"I understand, but please don't say things like that! I promise that nopony would ever hurt you like that." Sunshine pressed as she grabbed a hold of Anon's arm with her hooves once more.

"T-thanks. I'll try to not make jokes like that anymore. Just a hard habit to break." Anon replied.

Sunshine finally let go of Anon's arm and sat upright in her chair with that beautiful smile once more.

"Thank you. I'm glad to hear that. Now, please tell me what's bothering you. I'll do what I can to help." Sunshine said.

Anon sighed and looked down into his drink. He swirled the cider around a few times before taking another swig and putting the mug back down on the bar.

"Well... I guess it couldn't hurt to tell you. Not like most of Canterlot hasn't already figured it out." Anon admitted.

"What's that?" Sunshine pressed, clearly invested in the conversation.

"Well... Celestia just kinda picked me out of a room and said I was marrying her. It's not that I'm super opposed... maybe if she'd done that a year ago I would have been up in arms about it, but after a year of knowing that I'm never going home and that I'll never see another person of my species again..." Anon sighed heavily, "Well let's just say that I've grown pretty okay with the idea of being with one of you ponies for the rest of my life."

"You just wish it wasn't her." Sunshine finished for him, a slightly dejected look in her eyes.

"Not at all," Anon replied, making Sunshine do a double take, "Her and Luna are absolutely gorgeous. Just... stunningly beautiful. Also they're a bit closer to my size so I'd feel more like I was hugging an adult, not a child." Anon chuckled.

The ever so faint traces of a blush creeped onto Sunshine's cheeks before Anon continued.

"She's basically the mother of an entire nation, I mean... don't you ponies all look up to her like some kind of goddess? I bet she has some massive mommy milkers between those legs..." Anon trailed off.

"Sorry, what was that last part?" Sunshine inquired, an ear flicking in Anon's direction.

"Nothing, nothing. Sorry. Lost my train of thought for a moment there. Anyways... Yeah, Celestia is stunning, and when she picked me, I was shocked. I couldn't believe it... course, I was right not to. She doesn't really feel anything for me at all. Not even a tiny base level of attraction. She's just using me to get the thirsty stallions off her back." Anon dejectedly sighed.

Sunshine's ears splayed back as her gaze drifted to the bar, and then down to the floor. Anon took another gulp of his cider, draining the rest of the glass before giving Sunshine a sidelong glance.

"Course, the worst part is that Celestia is the nice one. Luna... Jesus." Anon shook his head.

Sunshine cringed ever so slightly, "W-what's so bad about Luna?" She asked.

"Luna plain straight hates me. From the moment I walked into the castle, she's been nothing but hostile... maybe she's just protective of her sister, or maybe she's just angry at the situation and decides to take it out on me... or hell, maybe she really does just hate me for no good reason. I don't know, take your pick. Either way, it doesn't matter. She's pretty much made it clear that she doesn't want anything to do with me." Anon recalled, staring into his empty glass.

Sunshine rubbed her foreleg with her hoof, "W-well... have you told either of them that?" She asked.

Anon laughed out loud, "Are you kidding? The second they don't need me they're gonna throw me out and leave me to rot. Besides, we already had our falling out last night. I'm sure they're working double overtime to find some pony to replace me right now. Regardless, the final straw was them telling me that I have to die alone if I'm with them. They don't love me, and no pony else can be in my life either."

"I didn't!" Sunshine started, before coughing and clearing her throat, "I mean, I didn't know they gave you parameters like that... are you certain that they absolutely forbid you from finding another mare?" She asked.

"Celestia was pretty clear. If I want to be with another mare, she has to be completely kept secret. No wedding, no honeymoon, no public affection, just everything behind closed doors. Chances of finding a mare willing to do that... zilch." Anon shook his head.

Sunshine pursed her lips, "You don't know that for sure." She asserted.

"I think I can make an educated assumption." Anon shrugged.

"But what if the sisters were willing to change?" Sunshine asked.

"Fat chance of that." Anon mirthlessly chuckled.

"What if I proved you wrong?" Sunshine declared.

Anon cocked an eyebrow back, "How would you even do that?" He asked.

"Head back to the castle and talk to the princesses whenever you're done here. I'll talk with them, and I think you might find that the princesses are more willing to change than you think." Sunshine offered.

"Well when you put it like that, it sounds like you're some kind of mafia boss that has the princesses under your control," Anon surmised, before shaking his head, "B-but forget it, it's not worth your time. I've already made up my mind. If I'm going back to the castle, it's to tell them that I'm done being used."

"What if you gave it one more day? Just hear me out. One more day to see if I'm right and the princesses are willing to change. I promise you that they either don't know, or just don't understand how much what they're doing is hurting you."

Anon pursed his lips as he considered Sunshine's offer. He briefly looked down into his empty mug before sighing quietly to himself and looking at the alabaster unicorn once more.

"I... suppose one more day couldn't hurt too much. I have to ask though... why do you care so much?" Anon asked, his brow furrowed in curiosity.

That gave Sunshine pause, and she fumbled over her words for just a moment before catching herself and clearing her throat.

"You seem like a genuinely good stallion. What's happened to you wasn't fair, and I want to help you because it's what I do. Just give me a day, and I think your problems with the royal sister's will be resolved." Sunshine assured, a winning smile adorning her face.

Anon chuckled, "If you say so. You ponies are always so eager to help complete strangers. Back on my world, that's how you ended up getting mugged, or worse."

Sunshine frowned.

"Sorry, sorry. Force of habit." Anon said, waving a hand dismissively.

Sunshine smiled once more, "Alright then... I think I have this Sunday off. Do you think you can meet me then so I can rub it in your face just how right I was?" She grinned.

Anon's eyes widened, "Y-you want to hang out with me again?" He asked, surprise clear in his voice.

"Well of course I do. I've got something to prove now." Sunshine teased.

Anon shook his head in disbelief, "Wow... uh, sure. Yeah, I think I can slip away on Sunday. W-who knows? If you're right, then maybe that does open some doors for me that I thought were closed." He replied, a trace of a blush forming on his features.

Sunshine beamed, "Glad to hear it. How's about we meet at the Grand Park up on the middle district?"

Anon nodded, "I think I can manage that. I'll, uh... I'll see you then, Sunshine." He smiled.

"Not if I see you first." Sunshine winked before drinking the rest of her cider in one gulp and hopping off her barstool.

Anon stared in awe as the lithe mare trotted over to the bartender and gave them more than enough bits to cover the two ciders a few times over and a tip. She headed to the doorway and waved goodbye before departing the bar entirely, and leaving Anon speechless.

Anon stared after her for a moment before a realization hit him, "W-wait! I was supposed to buy you a drink too!" He called after her, but the unicorn was gone before his words could reach her, leaving him stumped.

Anon simply stared after her for a few more moments before slowly turning around in his chair to face the bar once more, "Holy hell... I think I just fell in love." He whispered.

"I'd be disappointed if you didn't." Javelin replied, suddenly sitting on Sunshine's barstool next to Anon.

"Whatthefuckwhy?!" Anon exclaimed as he jumped off of his stool.

Javelin just chuckled as Anon almost fell over. The tall man quickly regained his balance and turned on the unicorn who now had two trays of food in his magical grasp.

"Where the hell did you go? Why didn't you say anything? Where did you get that food? Fuck I forgot I'm still hungry as shit." Anon rattled off, gesturing wildly with his hands.

"Well, to answer those in order, I saw that gorgeous mare giving you the look, so I gave you some space to work your magic and get some tail. Good job on that by the way, you handled it pretty well for being a stuttering mess," Javelin winked as Anon frowned, "-As for the second question, refer to my first answer. Thirdly, I ordered it in the restaurant section of the building. Figured while you were talking, I could at least get us some food." He answered, matter-of-factly.

Anon rubbed his temples, "Ugh... don't leave me hanging like that dude. I don't know what the hell to say to mares. Most of them end up just ignoring me or shutting me down pretty quick."

"Maybe, but did that happen this time?" Javelin asked, setting the trays down in front of both him and Anon.

"I mean... no. Sunshine was actually... really nice. Like, she wanted to talk to me and listen to what I had to say. She wanted to help with the whole situation with me and the princesses," Anon explained, looking down at the tray, "Is this what I think it is?"

"If you think they're mozzarella sticks, then yes. As for that mare, how much did you tell her, exactly?" Javelin inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"I didn't tell her anything more than what I'm sure is obvious to every pony in Canterlot. The princesses just picked me to dodge the law Celestia forgot existed. I didn't explain any further than that." Anon admitted, before looking down at the fried cheese sticks, his mouth watering.

Javelin sighed, "You need to be careful who you share that info with. While a lot of Canterlot can surely tell that the princesses don't love you, a lot of ponies can't. Not to mention, there are a ton of ponies that want info like that so they can use it against the princesses. Are you sure you could trust her with that kind of information?" He questioned, giving Anon a critical look.

It was Anon's turn to sigh, "I don't know, man... I just... I felt like I could trust her. She literally guessed that the sisters don't love me and told me that it was pretty obvious. Everything I told her she pretty much already knew." He admitted.

Javelin shrugged, "Alright then. If you're sure she could be trusted, then I'm not one to go around complaining about who you share your love life with. Just make sure to keep the more... illicit secrets as just that. Secret." He said, before biting into a mozzarella stick.

"I know, I know. I'll keep their dirty little secret." Anon acknowledged as he also dug into his food.

Later That Night

Sunshine teleported back onto her balcony, and quickly made her way to her vanity mirror. She recast the transformation spell once more, a white light of energy radiating from her horn and engulfing her form in the process. After a few moments, the shorter and more lithe unicorn mare named Sunshine grew and changed into the tall, regal Princess Celestia. As the light faded, the solar diarch eyed herself in the mirror, ensuring that none of the details from her alter ego lingered on her true form.

Once she was satisfied with herself, the princess trotted back over to her balcony and looked over to the slowly setting sun.

"Just need a little push over the edge, and then I can go speak with Luna." She whispered to herself.

Celestia's aura surrounded her horn as she gently guided the sun down its last dredges and down the horizon. As she worked, the alabaster alicorn looked over to the opposing tower to see her sister as she worked to raise the moon. Once their respective celestial bodies were in place, and their horns no longer lit, Celestia turned to face her sister.

"You've been away most of the day, sister. I assume everything with Anonymous is alright." Luna inquired, a stark amount of reserved yet somewhat fearful curiosity in her tone.

"I talked with Anonymous in my old form, from before I ascended." Celestia replied, nodding.

"Your old form? Celestia, I don't think anypony in Equestria remembers what you looked like twelve hundred years ago." Luna chuckled.

"Exactly. It worked as a perfect disguise. Anonymous didn't suspect it was me at all." Celestia smiled.

"That is good. What did you say to him? How is he?" Luna pressed.

"He... he isn't well, Luna. I'm afraid we've done a terrible job of communicating with the poor human. Worse, I fear that he's grown to resent and hate us based entirely off of a day spent with us at our worst." Celestia sighed.

Luna frowned, "I... hoped not to hear that. I imagine he's even less fond of me." She morosely murmured.

Celestia bit her lip, "He... well he joked... that you were more than likely to have him executed before we even reach our wedding day. I think... I think he fears you a fair amount." She admitted.

Luna winced, "There I go again... hurting the creatures around me... making them scared to be near me."

Celestia quickly teleported to her sister's side and draped a wing over her back, "Now, now sister. Fear not. I do bear good news as well."

Luna looked up to Celestia, her eyes misty, "What news is that?"

"I was able to convince Anonymous to give us a second chance." Celestia said.

Luna's expression lightened immediately, "Really?"

"Yes. Although, we do have many things to discuss in order to fulfill our part of the bargain." Celestia nodded.

"What things?" Luna questioned.

"Firstly, I believe that allowing him to date mares outside of us is vital to his mental health. If this arrangement is to continue, we must ensure Anonymous understands that he is allowed to be with any mare of his choosing that wants to be with him, not only us. We will simply need to work harder to ensure news doesn't break about his 'secret' relationships." Celestia explained.

"But sister... if Anonymous is caught with another mare, that could spell disaster for us. Stallions could demand that the marriage be annulled due to his adultery." Luna pressed.

"We could simply say that he's scouting potential mares to add to our herd." Celestia offered.

"And you think that the stallions of Canterlot would accept that without throwing a fit?" Luna raised an eyebrow.

Celestia shook her head, "I'm not saying it's perfect... but I do know that neither of us love Anonymous... and I don't want him to have to give up a chance at love just for our sake. If letting him date another mare while he's married to us keeps him happy, then I think it's a price I am willing to pay. Besides, the stallions of Canterlot can throw a fit all they like. As long as Anonymous isn't breaking any laws or marriage bonds, they can't do anything." She explained.

Luna contemplated her sister's words for a few moments as the moon slowly rose into the night sky. The last dredges of sunlight faded away, leaving a dotted sky of brilliant stars to paint the landscape that was the evening skyline.

"I... suppose that does make sense. If you are absolutely sure that we can keep the nobles from starting a riot, then I trust your judgment." Luna said.

"They won't be able to do anything about it, no matter how badly they might want to. Thank you, Luna. I think we've finally figured out a way to make this work where we are all happy." Celestia happily replied, gently nuzzling her sister's cheek.

Luna smiled from the affection before Celestia pulled away, "Are you sure that Anonymous will accept these terms, Tia? Last night he seemed to be completely finished with us... not that I blame him."

Celestia shook her head, "It took some convincing, but with some finesse, I managed to get him to talk to me and trust me. He'll give us a second chance."

"Should we be concerned that you did that in just a few short hours?" Luna cautiously asked, raising an eyebrow.

Celestia chuckled, "I wouldn't be too concerned. I simply probed with information I already knew the answer to. He was very tight-lipped. I think that given some formal training, he'd make an excellent prince."

"That is good to hear," Luna breathed a sigh of relief, "I was worried that he'd be all too eager to spill our secrets to the world."

"No, nothing like that. As far as I can tell... he genuinely does not wish to cause damage to our reputations or lives. He simply wants to be able to live his life on his terms. Something I can understand and respect." Celestia explained.

"I see." Luna nodded.

"That does actually bring me to my second point. You really must stop using the old Canterlotian around Anonymous. If he's to be our prince, you will have to become acquainted with him. That means treating him as your equal, regardless of how much more power you actually hold than him." Celestia continued.

Luna sighed, "I... I know. I am sorry. I've only been back for a year and some change, and adjusting to every new law and cultural shift is challenging for me. Maybe I'm stuck in my old ways in some regards, but I do not want to make Anonymous miserable. I know all too well what it's like being the only one of your kind in an unfamiliar place." She replied, her head hung low.

Celestia nuzzled her sister's neck once more. The smaller alicorn murmured softly from the affectionate gesture before Celestia pulled away.

"I know you've been trying, and I am so proud of you. You've managed to overcome immense hardship and still be the loving pony I knew all the way back a thousand years ago. You just have a few... hurdles to still overcome, but more than anything, you have my thanks for being willing to change." Celestia smiled.

Luna felt a blush creep onto her cheeks, and she bashfully hid behind her mane as Celestia giggled softly.

"Thank you sister. Was there anything else about Anonymous that I should know?" Luna asked, leaving the safety of her mane.

"Just one last thing. This does coincide with the second point as well. I understand if you wouldn't be comfortable doing it just yet, or ever, but I do think that there is much to be gained by learning more about Anonymous." Celestia replied.

Luna tilted her head to the side, "What are you saying, sister?"

"I was hoping that you would consider spending time with him, outside of our required duties, much like I did today. I think you'll find that the two of you have more in common than you'd think. Not to mention, it would help him to have more friends. I know that friendship is doing wonders for my student down in Ponyville." Celestia explained.

Luna's muzzle scrunched up in confusion, "Sister... are you asking me to woo Anonymous?"

Celestia blanched, "No! I mean... if you want to, then by all means, but I'm simply suggesting that we spend more time with him. If you're uncomfortable with doing it because of the last couple of days, then use a disguise like I did. Anonymous had no idea he was talking to me today, he just thought he was speaking with a mare named 'Sunshine'." She hastily corrected.

"So... I should use my old form just like you did?" Luna asked.

Celestia brought her hoof to her chin in thought, "Well... considering that nopony recognized me, and you're even harder to find references to in the history books, at least before your ascension, I think that would be a perfect disguise."

Luna thought over her sister's offer for a few moments before a knock on the door made them both pause. The lunar alicorn hastily cleared her throat and spoke.

"Yes? What is it?"

"Dinner, Princesses. The chefs are ready and awaiting your orders." A voice called back through the door.

Celestia nodded, "Very well. We shall be in the dining room momentarily."

"Of course, your highness." The voice replied.

"Will Anonymous be joining us?" Luna inquired as both she and Celestia ignited their horns.

"I believe so. Are you ready to speak with him?" Celestia replied.

"Of course."

The sisters disappeared with a *pop* and reappeared in the dining room. The guards stationed all around the room quickly snapped to attention and saluted as the alicorns found their seats. Once they were sitting, Luna glanced around the room curiously.

"I don't see Anonymous anywhere." She stated.

Celestia looked around the room as well and frowned before waving one of the guards over.

"Yes, Princess!" The guardsmare said upon trotting up to the solar alicorn.

"Lieutenant, did Anonymous return to his room?" Celestia inquired.

"He hasn't returned at all yet, Princess." The lieutenant responded.

Celestia frowned.

"That can't be good."

Author's Note

I've noticed in the comments that a lot of you are super peeved at Celestia and Luna. They're trying their best